Midland Express Tuesday 21 February 2023

Next stop nationals

From page 1.

"I'll be racing against some of the best 15-year-old girls in Australia. I'm ranked 11th for the 100m breaststroke so I'm hoping to maybe get afinal but it will be tough competition."

Last weekend she competed at the Victorian Open and just two weeks before she qualified for the 100m breaststroke with atime of 1:19.23. She earlier secured her place for the 50m breaststroke at 36.14.

"If you had told me ayearago that I'd be at nationals Iwouldn't have believed you," India said.

"I one day hoped to get to nationals but Ithought it would be afew years down the line –not as soon as it has happened."

India returned to the pool with alaser focus after abreak in 2018 to pursue other sports and interests.

During the long days of the COVID-19 pandemic she found herself longing for the water and joined Gisborne Thunder Swimming Club at the end of 2021.

While India's profile has seen arapid rise it has all come with dedication to training, coupled with along-held passion and natural ability.

India trains five times aweekinthe pool totalling more than eight hours split between Gisborne (three days) and Bendigo. She also fits in at least one gym session aweek.

Now in year 10 at Braemar College, India takes the same attitude to her school work. She dreams of studying biomedicine at Melbourne University, with aparticular interest in cell biology and cancer research.

Gisborne Thunder club president Kelly Skehan said India was "a surprise package".

In the club's history, India is one of asmall number of swimmers that have qualified for this event.

"She gets along really well with everyone, as well as being really focused and determined," Kelly said.

"But the biggest thing that stands out is India's humility. She can go to many big competitions and has everyone cheering her on but she is very humble about her success."

India has been working with Gisborne coach Wayne Wilson and Bendigo East head coach John Jordan whohave been preparingher for the bigevent.

John will travel to Queensland to support India and swimmers from the Bendigo club. India's family will also be there to cheer her on.

Gisborne Thunder will be livestreaming the event on abig screen for club members.

Urgent call for mental health funds

Youth Live4Life CEO Bernard Galbally is calling on the Victorian Government to fund preventative and evidence-based mental health and suicide prevention models that have proven impact.

The call follows the release of data from the Coroners Court of Victoria and NSW Health, confirming death by suicide rates have increased in both states in 2022.

The Live4Life model has been acknowledged in the Royal Commission into Victoria’s mental health system as acommunitybased initiative that is having real impact. Mr Galbally said the program needed funding support to reach even more young people.

“We are calling on the Victorian Government to work with us, and rural and regional communities across Victoria, to support the

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award-winning, evidencebased, youth mental health and suicide prevention initiative, Life4Life –and deliver on many of the preventative recommendations outlined in the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System,” Mr Galbally said.

“The government has stepped up to the plate with trying to fix the mental health system, and we congratulate them on these initiatives, but at the same time we need to be investing more in evidence-based, preventative models.

“Live4Life is currently in nine rural communities in Victoria and we have awaitlist of another 20. Ongoing Victorian Government funding will help ensure aprevention initiative with proven outcomes is available to more rural and regional communities.”

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Small projects grants open

Round eight of the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Program is now open, and McEwen MP Rob Mitchell is encouraging eligible community groups to apply.

Funding of $22.7 million is available to support organisations and councils to deliver much-needed local projects.

The Stronger Communities Program provides grants of between $2500 and $20,000 for not-for-profit community organisations and local governments to deliver small capital projects that deliver social benefits and boost local community participation.

These projects can include smallscale infrastructure upgrades, fit-outs and equipment purchases.

Each federal electorate will receive a capped amount of $150,000 to fund up to 20 local projects.

Expressions of Interest are now open and community groups are encouraged to request an EOI form from Mr Mitchell's office at rob.mitchell.mp@aph.gov.au or call 5716 3000.

EOIs must be returned by Friday, March 10, 2023.

Further information including grant guidelines, eligibility requirements and the application process are available at business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/stronger-communities-programme-round-8

“The Stronger Communities Program is agreat opportunity for not-for-profit groups in McEwen who have struggled since the pandemic to fund small capital projects that can encourage greater social interaction and boost participation in the community,” Mr Mitchell said.

“These grants are arealopportunity for clubs and groups to finance those projects they need to grow their organisations.”

Eight years of flooded roadways and lagging action to remedy poor drainage has taken atollfor Martin Eden.

The owner of Kyneton's Eden Lodge equine stabling and swimming complex has had to pause operations many times over the years following heavy rainfall.

His property is located at the corner of Beauchamp Street and Campaspe Place where underground drainage pipes are inadequate for significant rainfall events.

He said, despite reporting the problem numerous times, he is yet to see improvements.

"It's dangerous and someone is going to get killed or seriously injured," Mr Eden told the Express

"I have had trouble with this for eight years and I continue to report it but nothing gets done."

During the most recent flooding in the shire, Mr Eden said he had sewerage on his property due to the poor drainage.

He was forced to stop business operations for at least one month.

In September 2021, Macedon Ranges Shire Council informed Mr Eden that works were proposed to upgrade the culvert to improve drainage. He is still waiting for works to begin.

MRSC director of assets and operations, Shane Walden, told the Express the council had completed the design of the new drain and culvert as part of drainage improvements to address flooding at the site.

He said the design was currently under review by various authorities.

"Council regularly cleans these drains. In this instance, the underground pipes areinadequate to address the flows resulting from significant rainfall events," he said.

"Council is seeking approvals from various external agencies and cannot confirm atimeframe for construction at this stage.

"This design is for an upsized culvert and intends to resolve flooding issues associated with amajor weather event. Any overflow will cross the road in asignificant stormwater event and make its way to the nearby Campaspe River. This outcome is in line with industry best-practice guidelines."

Council news

Have your say on local law reform

•Thursday23February,12.00pm to 1.00pm

Castlemaine Library,212 Barker Street (enter via Mechanics Lane)

•Monday27February,5.00pmto6.00pm

RayBradfieldRoom, Victory Park, Castlemaine

Youcan also have your sayonline.Completeashort survey before Friday3 Marchatshape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

Employment opportunities

Senior Human ResourcesAdvisor –full time

Applications close at 9.00am on Monday27February

Team Leader –Botanical and Urban Horticulture –full time Learning and Development Officer –part time

Applications close at 9.00am on Monday6March

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

Upcoming Council meeting

ThenextCouncil meeting is at 6.30pm on Tuesday21February

Watchthe livestream at youtube.com/c/MountAlexanderShireCouncil.

Commemorativeoverflow

Mount Macedon Uniting Church was overflowing for the Ash Wednesday fires' 40th anniversary commemorative service last Thursday evening.

Rev Dr D’Arcy Wood led a moving service that remembered the events and outcomes of that day, the outpouring of help and support from far and wide, and the resilience of the community in recovering and rebuilding and continuing to grow.

Several people impacted on the day participated by briefly summarising their instant experiences when the inferno hit the Macedon/Mount Macedon area.

Abrief history of the Mount Macedon Uniting Church was outlined; completely destroyed on Ash Wednesday, the church was rebuilt, and opened just 14 months after being destroyed, reflecting the strength and resilience of the whole community.

The church was shared with the Anglican congregation for six years until the Church of the Resurrection was completed at the eastern end of Honour Avenue.

Presbytery Minister Rev Deacon Jeanne Beale delivered the address.

More than 80 people attended, including Rev Graham Hall, the minister at the time 40 years ago and the driving force behind the recovery of the congregation and rebuild-

Car impounded in Kyneton

ing of the church. Understandably, agreat many wanted to talk to Rev Hall.

Macedon Ranges mayor

Annette Death and other councillors, the captains of both Macedon and Mount Macedon fire brigades, and other CFA

Police have made an arrest in relation to erratic driving in and around Kyneton last Wednesday.

Acar was intercepted in Baynton Street and was impounded for amonth with ahefty recovery fee.

The driver will face court and has had their licence suspended.

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members, as well as people from Bendigo, Romsey, the suburbs, Gisborne and locally attended.

Donations totalling $661 to support the two local CFA brigades were received.

“We were privileged to have been able to provide

Vacancies

With the three-year-term of the Lancefield Park Recreation Reserves Inc committee of management having expired on February 7, apublic meeting will take place at 7pm next Monday, February 27, to nominate interested persons to serve on the volunteer committee for the next three years.

The public meeting will be held in the Laurie Green Pavilion in Lancefield Park.

this opportunity to so many to remember and reflect on that day 40 years ago.

“We hope it brought comfort to anyone who still suffers as aresult of their experiences,” stated Neil Tweddle, chairman of Mount Macedon Uniting Church.

(from left) –Rev Deacon Jeanne Beale,Rev D’Arcy Wood,Rev Graham Hall.

Kyneton MCH on the move

Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Kyneton Maternal and Child Health service is relocating to Central Highlands Rural Health’s Kyneton campus.

Kyneton MCH will move into Kyneton Health’s Ambulatory Care Centre building this month, with the council resolving to hand back the existing leased site of the former Lady Brooks Kindergarten to the Victorian Government.

The decision follows extensive analysis of the land and current condition of buildings which, following the relocation of Kyneton Kindergarten to Edgecombe Street in February 2022, were found to need either significant restoration or be completely demolished to be fit for purpose.

Mayor Annette Death said the relocation was apositive outcomethat would enable better connections with other allied health services.

“Council will support asmooth transition of the MCH service with minimal disruption to families who rely on it,” she said.

“We’ll continue to work with the Victorian government and others on the future use of the former Lady Brooks Kindergarten site.”

The council is working closely with existing building tenants, Kyneton Toy Library, to find them asuitable alternative location, while also investigating options to relocate the restored baker’s cart on the former Lady Brooks Kindergarten site.

Permanent settlementwelcomed

The federal government’s decision to allow 19,000 refugees to settle permanently in Australia has been welcomed by local refugee support group, Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees.

The group’s chairperson, Jean Ker Walsh, expressed relief and satisfaction with the decision and noted that it honoured an election promise made by Labor.

"These people, acknowledged by government as legitimate refugees, were yet forced to exist in our country in astate of uncertainty –some for as long as adecade," Jean said.

"They were unable to move on with their lives and make plans for their futures and those of their children.

"The anxiety and stress endured by them can hardly be imagined.

"These are people who have fled persecution and, in many instances, the threat of death.

"Their lives have been marginalised. They have been denied all the fulfilling experiences that we Australians take for granted.

"But, at last it seems we have agovernment willing to live up to the Australian ethos of 'a fair go'."

The previous government’s treatment of the well-known Biloela family, Jean said, was instrumental in bringing the plight of refugees to the attention of decent, fair-minded people.

"Everyday Australians could see what was right and what was wrong," she said.

"The war in Ukraine, too, has been aconstant reminder that people, through no fault of their own, can be driven from their homes by war and civil unrest."

Jean has been atireless campaigner for the rights of refugees, both as amember and now chair of MRRAR and also as co-chair of Grandmothers for Refugees.

She has always believed in the decency of her fellow Australians and with the government’s latest announcement, she sees renewed cause for optimism.

But, she stresses, the job is not yet complete, with another 12,000 asylum-seekers remaining excluded from the resettlement process.

"There is still much to be done for all those traumatised men, women, and children," Jean said.

"So, we will continue to advocate vigorously within our Macedon Ranges communities for permanent protection for all refugees. No one should be left behind."

Anyone who would like to show support for refugees or learn more about the activities of the group, can contact Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees by email: mrrar.refugees@gmail.com

Refugee Ali fled to Australiainfear of the Taliban. Since his release from detention, he has lived and worked in regional Victoria. Nowhecan applyfor permanent residence in Australia.

Duck deathtoll climbs

The mass bird casualty situation at the Bells Swamp Conservation Reserve near Maldon continues to worsen with 640 dead birds pulled from the wetlands as of Friday afternoon.

AParks Victoria spokesperson told the Express they were still awaiting test results at the time of going to press. However, it is strongly suspected the birds died as aresult of avian botulism.

Parks Victoria has appointed an incident controller to manage response to the incident, with 25 personnel on site Tuesday including staff, vets and volunteers from Parks Victoria, Wildlife Victoria, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and other groups.

Parks Victoria district manager Suzanne Hughes said they appreciated the support and concern of community members, but no further volunteers were required and people were asked to stay away from the reserve until further notice.

"It is important that disturbance to the birds is limited, and all activities are managed to ensure animal welfare and responder safety. Do not enter the water, do not handle sick or dead birds without authorisation, and take care that pets are kept away from the area,” she said.

The toll continued to mount late last week as Parks Victoria team members visited the wetlands daily to collect sick and injured birds.

Wildlife Victoria has raised concerns over the ongoing wildlife deaths at the site.

Over the past week Wildlife Victoria has provided veterinary, management and volunteer support services at Bells Swamp.

While testing is ongoing, Wildlife Victoria understands that avian botulism is the most likely cause.

The group says avian botulism presents

as paralysis with infected birds showing lethargy, an inability to walk or fly, or to hold their head up. Impacted birds often drown when they can no longer hold their heads above water.

As flying species, ducks and waterbirds have the potential to spread the toxin to other waterways and regions.

Wildlife Victoria is aware of two other reports of waterbirds displaying similar symptoms outside of Bells Swamp suggesting this may become awider issue.

Wildlife Victoria said the incident at Bells Swamp highlighted the ongoing pressures on waterbirds ahead of an upcoming announcement from the government about the future of Victoria’s increasingly unpopular duck hunting season.

The wildlife agency maintains that ducking hunting is an unnecessary and unsustainable practice that causes significant distress, fear, pain and suffering to innocent wildlife.

As additional environmental impacts such as fires, flood and disease continue to place undue stress on native wildlife populations, Wildlife Victoria renews calls on the government to make decisions that protect already at-risk species.

Minimise impact of rate rises

Peter Machell

The finance people Ispeak to at the banks seem to be expecting at least two more interest rate rises this half-year.

It’s good news if you have savings –retirees, for example, will be pleased after years of receiving next to nothing in interest on their money.

But it’s not such good news if you have a home loan.

If you are in this category, though, you can take action to stop rate rises from biting so hard.

Right now, there’s quite alot of room for renegotiation with the banks.

There are lots of variables, but as the property market slows down the banks become more open to negotiation, especially some of the non-major banks.

Two of our banks actually reduced their

variable interest rates two weeks ago. And one bank didn’t pass on at least one of the recent rate increases. So options exist if you are seeking abetter rate.

As the property market slows down further, we expect banks will be even more willing to offer better rates to those who are remortgaging.

Some people are fixing their rate for 12 months, too, if they can get close to their current variable rate. By locking in their rate, they give themselves abuffer against further rises and the ability to see what will happen.

They have greater certainty about their money. They know what their repayments will be for the next year and can plan for them.

Signs of buyers returning At Mortgage Choice Macedon Ranges, we deal with people about three months

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before they buy. That means we can get an early idea about what effect the latest rate rises will have on the property market from the number of enquiries we receive.

And after aquieter period, the number of people seeking home loans appears to be picking up again.

Many of these are first home buyers and investors. They’ve seen property prices drop back and think they can buy well.

It takes six to 12 months to get any momentum, but the signs are there that this is starting to happen.

Property prices probably still have away to go in adjusting downwards, but people buying investment properties and first home buyers will change that.

Peter Machell has been amortgage broker for 20 years. He runs Mortgage Choice Macedon Ranges. Contact him on 5427 4262.

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WildlifeVictoria team memberstreat asick duckatBells Swamp last week.

Photo: WildlifeVictoria

Royaland C-Doctocelebrate IWD

To celebrate International Women's Day on Wednesday March 8, the Theatre Royal Castlemaine and Castlemaine Documentary Festival will be joining forces to present two sensational films.

The films to feature will include All The Beauty and The Bloodshed at 5pm followed by Miúcha, The Voice of Bossa Nova at 8pm.

With film introductions and aspecial mystery performance (you'll have to come to find out!), this is a perfect way to celebrate International Women's Day.

Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Laura Poitras, All The Beauty and The Blood Shed is an epic, emotional and interconnected story about

internationally renowned artist and activist, Nan Goldin, told through her slideshows, intimate interviews, groundbreaking photography, and rare footage of her personal fight to hold the Sackler family accountable for the opioid crisis.

Atour de force, Miúcha, The Voice of Bossa Nova tells the story of the renowned Brazilian singer through her personal letters, audio diaries, home movies, and expressive watercolor drawingsanimated for the film.

Muicha is the anti-muse who surges and ruptures the male narrative and tells the untold story of Bossa Nova. The male musicians in Miúcha’s life could have overshadowed her.

But Miúcha’s vibrant spirit wouldn’t be held back, even as she struggled to find her own voice in aman’s world.

C-Doc director Claire Jager said women were very much at the helm of the Castlemaine Documentary Festival, being themajority of theboardand event team.

"The celebration of International Women's Day through thescreening of films that celebrate the strength, determination, resilience and talent of women hasbecome something of an annual tradition. We love this opportunity to inspire and get inspired!" Jager said.

For tickets to this very special event visit cdocff.com. au/2022-festival/rebellion-2

AllThe Beauty and The Bloodshed isanepic, emotional and interconnected storyabout internationallyrenowned artist and activist Nan Goldin.

Miúcha, The Voice of Bossa Nova details the experiences of the renowned Brazilian singer.

Culture and colour at HoliFestival

Afun and colourful festival next month will highlight the strength and vibrancy of Bendigo’s growing multicultural community.

In acollaboration betweenthe Indian Association of Bendigo and the Golden Square Pool, the Holi Festival of Colour will be held on Saturday March 4.

Holi festivals are aHindu tradition, famous around the world for the use of coloured powders and water to celebrate love and new life.

“This festival of colours will celebrate and showcase Bendigo's cultural diversity, unite the community and celebrate differences by reaching out to the new and emerging communities,” IAB president Abhishek

Awasthi said.

“Holi demonstrates that Greater Bendigo is aplace where multicultural communities can safely connect with their cultural and religious identity.

“It will build the collective understanding of all community members.”

Golden Square Pool Inc. president Sam Kane said this year’s event would build on the success of the 2022 festival.

“This event, which is the biggest of its type in regional Victoria, is simply great, inclusive fun,” he said.

“You can be of any age, gender or cultural background and enjoy yourself –the whole family is invited!

“Golden Square Pool's 100volunteers are proud to be hosting this event in partnership with IAB to celebrate ourcommunity, cultures, andwhat we can achieve together.”

The festival is free, but those attending will need to book aticket at www.iab.net.au/holi

It isanalcohol and smoke-free event, with alive DJ, food, drinks and activities alongside all the colour.

The gates will open at the Golden Square Pool at 10.30am. This event will be held in accordance with Golden Square Pool's Watch Around Water policies.

Festivalgoers areencouraged to dress in white and go home colourful!

Holifestivals areaHindu tradition, famous around the worldfor the use of coloured powdersand waterto celebrate loveand newlife.

RDAseeksvolunteers RDA seeks volunteer

Riding for the Disabled Oaklands is seeking new volunteers to continue its program.

The organisation works with children and adults with varying disabilities helping them gain skills, independence and therapeutic benefits from horse riding.

For 43 years, the team has welcomed and assisted people of all ages with awide range of support needs including students from Sunbury Macedon Ranges Specialist School.

Session are supervised by nationally qualified coaches and assisted by specially trained volunteers and horses. Delivering the best possible experience in reaching participants goals.

"We have provided them with life-changing opportunities through our structured equestrian programs," RDA Oakland president Fiona Orr said.

"It’s more than just an experience. Participants develop a mutual trust and shared responsibility with the horse, all while enjoying freedom, movement, sensory feedback and skill development that they may not experience.

"We have awonderful team of every dedicated passionate, volunteers and we need more."

Kyneton volunteer Pat Warren, who has been working with the organisation for 14 years, said the experience was rewarding.

"To work with our beautiful special children is so rewarding," she said.

"To see the smiles on their faces when they are greeted from the bus, the excitement when they are seated on their horses, and most of all the tears flowing down the faces of our volunteers when anon verbal child speaktheir first word, or a child sitting straight in the saddle without assistance for the first time, this is worth every minute of the time Ispend with them.

"Of course we cannot forget our beautiful patient, gentle, forgiving horses and ponies. They know instinctively when they have these children on board. They give and they receive, heaps of tender loving care."

The ideal volunteer is someone wholoves horses, loves people and has some time to spare.

RDA Oaklands operates Monday, Tuesday and Saturday mornings during school terms and is located at 60 StJohns Road Oaklands Junction.

There is avarietyof work available and no experience is necessary. The team provides full training and support.

If you think you fit the role, contact RDA Oaklands via social media, or contact Fiona Orr on 0418 594 188.

NEED US, BUTNOT THE SIRENS

Theforest maker

Tony Rinaudo, widely known as the ‘forest maker’, is an Australian agronomist who has lived and worked in Africa for several decades.

During the great famine of 1984, at the age of only 26, Rinaudo was placed in charge of delivering emergency food aid to tens of thousands of families.

He discovered and put into practice a solution to the extreme deforestation and desertification of the Sahel region where he lived. Using asimple set of management practices, farmers there have been able to restore tree cover, which has helped to improve the livelihoods and food security of millions.

Rinaudo pioneered atechnique that involves growing up trees from existing root systems, which are often still intact and which he refers to as the “underground forest”.

By identifying the right plants and pruning and protecting them, farmers can help them grow into trees.

Changing attitudes has been key to

Rinaudo’s successful work. He realised that if people had reduced the forest to a barren landscape, it would require people to restore it.

Known as farmer-managed natural regeneration, this approach has now restored five million hectares with more than 200 million trees in Niger alone.

This technique has the potential to restore vast areas of degraded drylands in an area the size of India.

What Rinaudo has created is much more than an agricultural technique, he has inspired afarmer-led movement that is regreening land in the Sahel region and beyond.

Rinaudo was recently appointed a Member of the Order of Australia and is sharing his story from growing up in Myrtleford, to moving to Africa in his early 20s and pioneering amovement that is literally changing the world.

He will speak at the Kyneton Baptist Church at 10am on Sunday February 26. All welcome.

Tony Rinaudo, widelyknown as the ‘forest maker’, will speak in Kyneton this Sunday.

The celebration of the That's So Gay Queer Art Prize on Sunday at The Old Auction House in Kyneton was full of laughter, great music and friends.

It was aclose call but the judges managed to decide the winner of the inaugural queer art prize as Christos Linou for AStich in Queer Time.The judges were impressed with both the skill in the creation of the piece but also the clarity of the message and its relevance to the theme.

Congratulations also goes to runnerup Yianni Giovanoglou with Fight Like aGirl,and People's Choice winner Sam Lucas with Flag and Natives

Michael Rigg, Alex Dale and Luca Royal all also received highly commended. These works will continue to be displayed around the shire for the next month.

The That's So Gay Art Prize and Celebration has been organised Macedon Ranges Accessible Arts Inc and supported through Victoria’s Pride, apartnership between the Victorian Government and Midsumma and sponsored by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health's Country LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Program, Macedon Ranges Shire Council and The Old Auction House.

Wetter and warmer than average overall

The Bureau of Meteorology has released its official record of Australia's climate and notable weather events for 2022, reporting on awarm wet year for most of Australia.

Australia's national mean temperature was 0.50 °C warmer than the 1961–1990 average, making 2022 the 22nd-warmest year on record (equal to 2006) since national temperature records began in 1910.

Annual maximum temperatures were above average for most of northern Australia, Tasmania and parts of the west coast but below average for NewSouth Wales, southern Queensland and parts of South Australia.

Annual minimum temperatures were above or very much above average for most of Australia.

National rainfall was 26 per cent above the 1961–1990 annual average making 2022 the ninth-wettest year on record since 1900.

Victoria overall had 873.1 mm rainfall in 2022, as an area average across the state, which is 32 per cent above average. It was the fifth-wettest year on record and the state's highest rainfall since 1974.

Rainfall was very much above average for the south-eastern quarter of the mainland, where persistent rain saw significant flooding affecting large areas, multiple times

during the year.

Spring in 2022 was the second-wettest on record for Australia, and the wettest on record for the Murray–Darling Basin, for New South Wales and for Victoria.

Rainfall was below average for western Tasmania, much of the north of the Northern Territory, and southwest of Western Australia.

Water storage levels have been high across much of Australia during2022, although some storages were still low for parts of central coast Queensland, western Tasmania, southeast NewSouth Wales and western Victoria.

The high rainfall experienced across much of eastern Australia was consistent with awet phase of natural climate variability for our region –namely aLaNiña, a negative Indian Ocean Dipole in winter and spring, and apersistently positive phase of the Southern Annular Mode from midautumn.

The 2022–23 La Niña has been the third in arow. It is only the fourth time that three La Niña events in arow have been observed in the Bureau record since 1900 (others were 1954–57, 1973–76 and 1998–2001). Information about the impact of long-term climate trends is available inthe State of the Climate 2022 available at: www.bom.gov.au

Grants level playing field

Grants have opened to encourage more women and girls in the Macedon Ranges and beyond to get involved in community sport and recreation

Applications for theVictorian Government's 2022-23 Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program opened lastweek.

Thegrants help localsport clubs and eligible organisations run initiatives thatpromote participation by women and girls, and help build capability, equity and leadership at grassroots level.

For more information on the grants program, visit the website: changeourgame.vic.gov.au

World of Worrld d of fungi

“Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” wrote Keats, and as autumn approaches, so does the emergence of hundreds of different fungi.

Newham and District Landcare Group has invited world fungi authority and photographer, Alison Pouliot, to give a free talk and display at Newham Hall on Friday, March 3from 6pm.

Alison’s new book, Underground Lovers,presents compelling questions and insights about fungi but is also an intimate celebration of their astonishing beauty and complexity.

Alison will give atalk around adelight-

Great results forRepair Cafe

Since its beginning in 2017, the Castlemaine and surrounds Repair Cafe has kept 1842 kilos of waste out of landfill. People have brought 1147 items for repair into the Cafe and 715 have been successfully repaired.

The next Repair Cafe is on Sunday February 26. You can bring along broken household appliances, sewing repairs and mobile phones for advice on technical issues on parts, settings etc. or with flat batteries to have information wiped from the phone.

There's also basic bicycle maintenance and the Mending Circle where people can sew, knit, darn, crochet swap tips and maybe learn together.

The Cafe is at Castlemaine Community House (old Further Ed building) 30 Templeton Street from 10am to 1pm. Enter from the car park through the garden to the back door. If the Cafe is very busy the last item is at 12.30. It's first in, first served, so try to come early or wait in the queue. One item at atime. Enquiries to Chris on 5470 5508.

ful display of fungi, and answer questions about all aspects of the extraordinary world of fungi, telling of her travels and adventures from Iceland’s glaciers to Australian deserts in search of new and rare species.

Newham and District Landcare members are pleased to present this free event as part of their aim to encourage locals to appreciate our wonderful environment and engage in conservation activities.

Alison is happy to sign copies of her books and refreshments will be provided, as well as local wine available by the glass. No RSVP required. All welcome.

the kitchen shop

It’s an easy thing to put off, but if recent events have taught us anything, it’s that no one can be sureofwhatthe futureholds.

Robertson Hyetts can help youprotect the things that matter most, and make sure your wishes areclearly communicated.

–Will preparation and complex estate planning

Cortinarius sp.

Birds nest fungi.

Playerspresent comedyclassic Players preessent comedy classssi

Step back in time with an adaptation of acomedy classic.

Last year marked the 100th anniversary of radio broadcasting. In November 1922 the BBC (then called 2LO) made its first broadcast. Australia followed in 1923.

Within just acouple of years listeners were enjoying a‘theatrical experience’ without leaving their own homes as radio plays took to the air, providing awealthof inexpensive entertainment as well as worthy competition to the new talking movies (‘talkies’) sweeping the world.

Actors wearing tuxedos and Brylcreemed hair, actresses in long gowns ‘dressed to the nines’ would gather round amicrophone, often in front of alive audience, while sound effects people created the appropriate noises to convince their audience that the characters really were on amountain top, atrain or abattlefield, and present atheatrical performance just on acanvas of sound.

The production format remains much as it has been for the last century. Asmall group of actors playing multiple parts around amicrophone, aided and abetted by one or two sound effects people producing sounds in amost creative and often unexpected way.

Crumpling vegetables, punching cabbages, splashing in tubs of water, usually accompanied by technical staff with an extensive library of recorded sounds.

The Mount Players' first production for 2023 is aBBC radio parody play based on the 1935 Hitchcock thriller, The 39 Steps Director John Rowland, who brought audiences Too Many Crooks in 2021, prom-

ises to take you, as the live audience in aBBC radio studio, on athrilling, riotous and hilarious journey.

The play contains every legendary scene from the award-winning movie including the chase on the Flying Scotsman, the escape on the Forth Bridge, the

bi-plane crash and the sensational deathdefying finale in the London Palladium.

The play runs from Friday February 24 –Sunday March 12.

Fifty per cent of takings from the Thursday night performance will be donated to Gisborne Foodbank. The Mount

Players will also be accepting cash and food donations in the foyer at each performance so please consider this when attending.

For full details on the plays and to book tickets go to www.themountplayers.com or call 5426 1892 for assistance.

Big band sound at botanic gardens

Kyneton Municipal Brass Band and Daylesford Brass Band will come together for a concert at Kyneton Botanic Gardens this weekend.

The program will include avariety of styles of music ranging from the classics, movie themes, pop songs, to atraditional brass band march.

This collaboration follows the success of the 2022 concert with members of the Kyneton Municipal Brass Band and Daylesford Brass Band at the Anglican Christ Church in Daylesford. The Kyneton Botanic Gardens concert will take place near the play space at the gardens on Sunday February 26 at 2pm.

Bring aseat, arug and nibbles, and sit back and be entertained by your two local bands.

L-R: Chris Davis, Vishka Davina Haydock, Peter Bevin and AndrewWilliams rehearse forThe 39 Steps radio play.

Bigyear ahead at RedShed

This year will be abig one for the newly launched RedShed Arts Workshop at Newstead as it develops its teaching and workshop program.

Since its unveiling in October, Bob Clutterbuck and team have been busily setting up the workshop and have found anumber of highly skilled and enthusiastic teachers who will be working with RedShed in 2023.

Bob said the launch of the venue in the former Railway Goods Shed had been nine years in the making and none of these achievements would be possible without the generous support of the Maldon and District Bendigo Community Bank, Mount Alexander Shire Council, the Newstead RTC and VicTrack.

To kick off proceedings, there will be a self-directed Life Drawing Class facilitated by Newstead artist Mary Caspar on Sunday March 19.

The session will run from 1-4pm. Register now to explore your untapped artistic talent with Mary.

Fellow Newstead local David Golightly, who may well be familiar to many from his participation in the Newstead Open Studios, will be hosting aworkshop on creative drawing every Tuesday from 10am-1pm for six weeks from March 21- April 25.

David will be teaching with an emphasis on not only basic drawing skills but on breaking rules, risk taking and experiment.

"David is avery experienced teacher. He holds aMasters degree in Visual Arts, Dip Art and Design majoring in ceramics and printmaking," Bob said.

Marcus Hotblack, also from Newstead and recently featured in ashow at the neighbouring Newstead Arts Hub, will also be holding workshops over six weeks on Wednesdays 10am-1pm from March 22- April 26.

Marcus is an artist with an impressive CV.

"He has worked variously as an industrial designer, an illustrator and ateacher and is proficient in oils, acrylic and watercolour. For this first series of classes with RedShed he will be teaching watercolour," Bob said.

Castlemaine resident Eleni Rivers will also be taking aone-day workshop in Experimental Acrylic Painting on Sunday April 16, which will explore the use of this very versatile medium.

"Eleni isanextremely experienced teacher with anumberofdegrees infine art from both renowned Australian institutions as well as an MFA from JFK University, Berkeley, California. Later in the year, she will be

Amenity key in refusal

ALancefield earthmoving business has been refused apermit to extend movement hours for its heavy vehicles and machinery.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has refused the application with amenity impacts key in its decision.

The existing permit for 238 Grahams Road allows the use and development of astorage area for equipment with arestriction on machinery and vehicle movement.

Applicant Michael Phipps sought to either remove the condition on when vehicles/machines may traverse the accessway or amend it to change the 7am start time to 6am.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council refused to grant the permit based on the incompatibility with the adjoining and nearby land uses, amenity impacts, and inconsistency with Environmental Protection Act.

conducting aseriesofclasses on creatingan artjournal," Bob said.

In the second round of classes later this year, locals will also be able to receive instruction from accomplished Castlemaine printmaker and painter, Clayton Tremlett, and skilled screen printer, Libby Noblet.

For more information on upcoming workshops, pricing and enrolments email info@ redshed.art or follow the RedShed Arts Workshop Newstead Facebook page for updates.

The new venue is accessed via Church Street just over the tracks from the Newstead Arts Hub.

VCAT ruled that both removal of the condition and change to a6am start would be unacceptable.

"While the proposal will support the operation of Phipps’s earthmoving business, it will do so at the expense of the amenity of nearby dwellings," the VCAT member said.

"The proposal does not include any measures to manage or minimise the noise impacts from vehicle movements in the period between 6am and 7am.

"I cannot be satisfied that the noise impacts on nearby dwellings resulting from vehicles and machinery traversing the accessway will be acceptable."

‘Still lifewith fabric’ by David Golightly.

ASKTHE E p t

Q: HowdoIknowwhenmycar needsawheelalignment?

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

Callustoday.

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

Q: Howcanwegetallthesheep manureoutfromunderour shed?

A: Sludgebustersnowoffersanewservice. Wehavejustpurchasedabrandnew truckspecificallydesignedtovacuum outsheepmanurefromundershearing sheds.Allthemanurecanberemoved anddisposedofonfarm.Thisisamuch easier,quickerandmoreefficientwayof cleaningunderyourshed.

Callustoday: GregButler-Sludgebusters Phone54723555 www.sludgebusters.com.au

QDoesSprings Medical have an Exercise Physiologist?

How can an Exercise Physiologist help me?

AHi I’mJake, an Exercise Physiologist (EP)at Springs Medical. As partofthe Allied Health team, I specialise in clinical exercise prescription for management of chronic disease and injury, including weight bearing exercises for osteoporosis, weight loss for overweight/obesity post hospitalization following acardiovascular event, musculoskeletalinjuries.

At an initialassessment we talk about your medical history, goalsand do some physical tests; from that Ican create atailored exercise programfor you, which canbeperformed even at home.I will show youhow to do all exercises correctly so your feel confident to exercise and work towardsyour goals.

Dr James Smith

Call us today: Kyneton

Q: WhoshouldIappointasmy executorwhenmakingmy Will?

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

ContactVesnaPocucatoday:

Phone54721588or157BarkerSt.Castlemaine

Formoreinformationrobertsonhyetts.com.au

Q: Ihhaveapersonallloan,twocredit cards.WillthisbeanissuewhenI applyforaloantobuymyhome?

A: Anydebtswillreducehowmuchyoucan borrowtobuyyourhome.

Asanexample,ifyourcreditcardlimits total$20,000thenyourborrowingwouldbe reducedby$85,000forahomeloanthanif yourcreditcardlimitswere$5,000. Andifyouhadapersonalloanwitha repaymentof$600/month,thenyour borrowingforahomeloanwouldreduce by$90,000.Theansweristoplanwhenyou aregoingtobuy,andbeforethenreduceor payoutasmuchexistingdebtaspossible.

Callustoday: PeterMachell-MortgageChoiceWoodend 87HighStreetWoodend Phone54274262

www.mortgagechoicewoodend/ peter.f.machell.com.au

Q: C CanIcllaiimassiisttancewith householdtasksaspartofa WorkCoverclaim?

A: Yes.Youmayclaimthereasonablecosts ofhouseholdhelpserviceswhenthey arerequiredasaresultofawork-related injuryorillness.Todoso,youshould obtainawrittenrequestfromyourGP, physiotherapist,chiropractororosteopath andsubmitittoyourClaimsAgenttomake adetermination.Ifyou’renothappywith itsresponse,orneedhelpmakingaclaim, contactGraingerLegalon(03)54070161.

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

Wellbeing

Mentalhealth peer support

People dealing with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks and stress will receive extra support through anew group, Tools 4 Living Well, starting up in Kyneton. The group will be facilitated by acounsellor but the sessions will tap into the lived experience of the members of the group as they share their stories and their strategies on how they are managing their mental health.

This group-led process is an alternative to traditional counselling and mental health supports but where appropriate, people can also be referred to one-onone and more formal therapy if it is felt this would be beneficial.

“

Tools 4Living Well allows people to connect with others whoare goingthrough similar life experiences,” says Gina Alvarez from Sunbury and

Horses are naturally inclusive

“One of the things that Ilove most about horses is that they accept us completely as we are, and at the same time respond to us with complete honesty,” says Elizabeth Hannah of Black Horse Therapies.

“They don’t have the ability to cover up their true feelings. They give us signals with their body language about how they are feeling with us and during sessions at Black Horse Therapies participants learn to read these signals.”

Elizabeth explains that horses accept us without reservation, regardless of our race, gender, age, sexuality, whether we are neurodiverse or neurotypical, whether or not we have disabilities.

“This means they can be very helpful to children and adults who are struggling with their identity and who feel that they don’t fit in –at school, at work, in society in general,” she says.

“In my practice Ifind that participants usually experience increased confidence and improved self-worth. Ibelieve that this is largely due to the acceptance and positive feedback they receive when interacting with one of the horses.”

Elizabeth says the work with the horses also assists with emotional and behavioural regulation and offers hope to those who struggle with anger issues and violent behaviours.

The sessions offer benefit to those who are on the autism spectrum, have ADHD, gender dysphoria, PTSD, anxiety, depression, stress, and those who are experiencing grief and loss or who are approaching the end of their life. See advert for contact details.

Cobaw Community Health, which is running the group. “We will provide awarm, supportive and reflective space where people will have the opportunity tolearn from each other, and develop the skills to improve their wellbeing.

Beginning March 7, the group will meet every Tuesday between 9.30am and 11.30am at Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s building at 1 Caroline Chisholm Drive Kyneton. Light refreshments will be available and asupervised space for children with activities will be provided for those who need to bring their pre-school youngsters.

To register your interest, contact Gina Alvarez on 5421 1617oremail gina.alvarez@scchc.org.au.

This activity is supported by funding from Murray PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.

Breastfeeding support

Penny Chote is the founder and CEO of Innate Nurturing, abreastfeeding support and education business in the Macedon Ranges. She works with pregnant and breastfeeding women to empower them to have apain-free breastfeeding experience through arange of private and group sessions available face to face and online. As acertified Thompson Method breastfeeding practitioner and registered Critical Care nurse with over 14 years’ experience in healthcare, she brings agentle guiding hand to support women throughout their birth and breastfeeding experience.

All the help youneed

At Illuminate Support Services, they love to help in any way they can. Whether it be assisting you to complete your daily household or personal care tasks, accompanying you to doctors’ appointments or supermarkets, driving you to social events, or simply being an emotional or motivational support, they are here for you. This Macedon Ranges disability support group aims to:

*Help voice the voiceless

*Help develop awareness

*Help facilitate change

*Bring thecommunity together Illuminate’s services include:

*In-home support

*Personal care assistance

*Domestic task assistance and home maintenance

*Community access and participation

BLACKHORSE THERAPIES

EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY &ACUPUNCTURE

Elizabeth Hannah

NDIS registered

Helping adults and children with anxiety, stress &depression

(ASD, behavioural &emotional regulation, trauma)

Located in abeautiful setting near Kyneton

Qualified psychotherapist

(GradDip Counselling &Psychotherapy)

Experienced horsewoman trained in Natural Horsemanship

Registered Acupuncturist with 30 yearsexperience

Phone 0403 753 221

Email blackhorsetherapies@westnet.com.au

Web blackhorsetherapies.ntpages.com.au

“This is aservice that is greatly needed in our area,” Penny says.

“As amum of two boys (both of whom Ihad during COVID), Iknow first hand how hard it is to get support with breastfeeding. Ialsoempower and educate pregnant women to prepare for their breastfeeding journey. Knowledge is the key to reducing fear and anxiety around labour, giving birth and breastfeeding as well as postnatal support and nurturing as the mums travel through each new stage of establishing and maintaining breastfeeding.”

See advert for contact details.

Qi of LifeAcupuncture

Michele Downes

RegisteredPractitioner of AHPRAand AACMA Ph 0493 537100

Bookings: Online or by phone

–Fertility

–Menopause

–Chronic Pain

–Mental Health

–General Health concerns

29 High Street, Kyneton, VIC, 3444 www.qioflife.com.au

Little WindowEast Asian Medicine

LucyJames

RegisteredPractitioner of AHPRA andAACMA Ph 0459 678684

Bookings: Online or by phone

–Women’sHealth

–Paediatrics

–Respiratory diseases

-Mental Health - General Health Concerns

29 High Street, Kyneton, VIC, 3444 www.littlewindow.me

Wellbeing

Enhancing patient care

Lee Mason has reopened her dietetic private practice in Castlemaine and Kyneton and is now part of the dynamic Castlemaine Physiotherapy, Goldfields Medical Group, and the Campaspe Family Practice health teams. Lee is available Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

“I am excited to be working collaboratively with such experienced health teams. Having adietitian will enhance comprehensive patient care,” Lee says.

“I have worked as adietitian for 30 years, in community health, public health nutrition, hospital-based health and as alecturer in tertiary education. Iwould like to support my clients towards abetter understanding of nutrition, their food choices and its impact on their health.”

Lee says it seems that some people think a dietitian only works with people for weight issues, diabetes and heart health, but their role and scope is so much broader.

“We assist with general and medical nutritional issues across the life stages and ages. This can include child and adolescent, and pre and post pregnancy nutrition, chronic health conditions, and nutrition-related mental health states.”

Since COVID in 2020, Lee says, many people have contacted adietitian because they have developed gut-related conditions.

The gut microbiome and health is a burgeoning research area.

“We have asymbiotic relationship with our

Healthplan not working?

Having trouble sticking to your plan to lose weight or quite smoking?

Practitioner Marianne Pattinson of Kyneton Hypnotherapies says hypnosis makes long-term weight loss and stopping smoking possible.

“Hypnotherapy can make the difference as hypnosis goes to the heart of the problem –your subconscious mind,” Marianne says.

‘gut flora’, thatisthe bacteria, fungi, yeasts and viruses in our bowel. The gut flora help us and we help them, by providing energy from the food we eat.

The foods we consume impact the types and diversity of the gut flora, and this in turn can effect our health. Certain microbes have adetrimental impact on our health. If present in large enough numbers they influence our immune system, and our inflammatory response. There are now identified links to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity and arthritis.

“Eating adiet containing plenty of plant foods can help. Be aware plant foods include not only vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, and nuts and seeds, but tea, coffee and cacao.

“Including plenty of high-fibre foods, and probiotics such as yoghurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha can also improve your gut health.”

Lee works with the general practitioners via the Enhanced Primary Care program, private GP referrals and with patients that would like to self-refer.

She is also involved in the LIFE program through Castlemaine Physiotherapy. If you have ahealth matter or ongoing chronic condition that may be helped by a nutritional review, speak with your general practitioner or refer yourself for adietetic assessment.

•Personalcareassistance

•Domestictaskassistanceandhomemaintenance

•Communityaccessandparticipation

AtIlluminateSupportServices,webelievethatevery personhastherighttolivetheirmostfulfillinglife. Ourclientsoverseetheirowndestiny,andoursupport workersassistthemtoachievetheirgoals. P:

“Your conscious mind works logically, does research and comes to conclusions about what is good, or not, for you.

“You try to implement those decisions, but if the rigid ‘programs’ in your subconscious disagree with those decisions, then it will eventually override your logical decisions and have you reaching out for that which you had decided not to indulge in.

“Scientific research into the effects of

hypnotherapy on losing weight and quitting smoking has found that hypnosis can make your weight-loss efforts 30 times more effective and, on average, hypnosis was more than three times as effective as nicotine patches or nicotine replacement methods and 15 times more effective as trying to quit alone,” Marianne says. See advert for contact details.

Wellbeing

Complementary healthcare in Kyneton

Local practitioners Lucy James and Michele Downes have joined forces to provide complementary healthcare in Kyneton, offering acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and shiatsu therapy to locals.

Chinese medicine is atried and tested complete system of healthcare that works on the fundamental basis of balancing disharmonies within the body. As practitioners, Lucy and Michele try to understand the context in which your disharmony has arisen, as well as target the root cause. This helps them to work with amyriad of different strategies that may assist restoration of your body’s health and vitality, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, shiatsu and point percussion therapy, diet and lifestyle advice. They say they often find that people come in for one issue but note that other concerns they have begin to dissipate following treatment. Lucy and Michele care for people seeking support for arange of issues including, but not limited to

*Musculoskeletal injuries and pain disorders

*Digestive issues

*Sleep disorders

*IVF and fertility support

*Sexual health

*Gynaecology, including menarche and menopause

*Allergies

*Respiratory conditions

*Autoimmune disease

*Chronic illness

*Paediatric care

Lucy holds aBcHS (Chinese medicine), with postgraduate training in Chinese medicine paediatrics and continuing studies under a traditional apprenticeship. She has aparticular interest in women’s health, respiratory conditions and paediatrics.

Michele holds aBcHS (Chinese medicine), with extensive training in Dr Tan, Master Tung and neoclassical acupuncture and scalp acupuncture. She has a particular interest in pain disorders, IVF, stress, fertility concerns and menopause.

Michele and Lucy are AHPRAregistered practitioners, operating out of 29 High Street, Kyneton and welcome new and existing patients of all genders, religions and persuasions at any stage of life. 29 is aLGBTQI+ safe space. See advert for contact details.

Intereach is proud to support aged-care services across the Macedon Ranges.

When it comes to wellbeing and living independently in your own home, talk to the local Intereach team who are committed to providing the best care to support your lifestyle.

Intereach team members live and work in the Macedon Ranges. They are based in the Gisborne office and understand local people and their needs. Intereach will be expanding its services under the Commonwealth Home Support Program from July 1and looks forward to supporting many clients across the region.

High-quality care

They is aleader in providing awide range of ser-

vices to older people. They have the expertise and experience to deliver tailored, high-quality care that truly makes adifference in a person’s day-to-day life.

Specific needs

They understand that everyone is unique and their needs are specific to them. Their care coordinators take aperson-centred approach, working closely with older people and their families.

Local staff Services are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they are meeting your needs and are in line with latest industry standards. Importantly, the staff live in the communities they serve. You can trust that you will receive expert, personalised care from aprovider with adeepunderstanding of your community.

Whether it is aged care or accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme, youcan be confident in the assistance provided by Intereach. You’ll love working with people who love looking after you.

So, talk to the friendly staff at the Intereach Gisborne office to learn more about how they can help you. Visit the team on level one, Nexus Centre Gisborne or phone 1300 488 226. Intereach has 17 offices across southern NSW, north/central Victoria and the Mallee, with atotal staff of more than 450. It supports children and families, older people, people living with disability, mental health and carers. If you, or someone you know, needs support you can contact the team at Intereach on the toll free number 1300 488 226, or go to www.intereach.com.au

Local knowledge (1 point)

1. The ‘Fingers and Toes Festival’ will be part of which annual event in Macedon Ranges?

2. In which month will this year’s Taradale Mineral Springs Festival be held?

3. Who is the Member for Bendigo West?

4. The year 2023 marks how many years since the Ash Wednesday bushfires?

(3 points)

5. Who is now head brewer at Shedshaker Brewing?

General knowledge (1 point)

6. Where were the 2000 Olympic Games held?

7. In which Australian state or territory is Mount Archer?

8. In which country can the UNESCO world heritage listed Terracotta Army be seen?

9. Which planet in our solar system has the most moons? (3 points)

10. How many elements are on the periodic table?

Fuel prices over thetop

RodAndrews,Kyneton

Iagree 110 per cent with RDailey, Metcalfe ('Fuel rip-off', Opinions,February14). At the three service stations within Kyneton –Shell, Ampol and BP –diesel prices are over the top big time.

Ifeel they have acaptive audience and charge what they want. So much for community spirit.

Consultation and service appreciation

RobynEnglish, Castlemaine

Anote of thanks to Mount Alexander Shire Council for arranging multiple times, locations and formats for residents to provide input to the proposed changes to aged care services.

Changes to government funding models are highly complex and anyone who has tried to navigate the bureaucratic, technological nightmare that is the Commonwealth Aged Care package application process will tell you that the whole process is demoralising and dangerous to mental health.

Those at the consultation forum that I attended would undoubtedly be the very tip of the iceberg of those affected by possible service changes and yet our ageing population is in desperate need of support that maintains dignity and provides independence in their own familiar environments. The voices were overwhelmingly complimentary of the services provided by the council –excellent, caring local staff and volunteers, with responsive, personable administrative support.

Our residents are quick to criticise much of the work of council but in this case, recognition for ahigh-quality service needs to be publicised.

Discussion about how council resources can best support this work in order to acknowledge and support the people who have contributed to our community for many, many years, is vital.

Descended to farce

Hans Paas,Castlemaine

The Calder Freeway roadworks debacle has now descended to farce.

While long stretches of the freeway have lane closures because of flood damage incurred nearly five months ago, road users are being ambushed by resealing works on sections of the road that are perfectly serviceable.

It seems there is no money for emergency repairs but road authorities are able to lavish millions of taxpayer dollars on roads that in some cases were resealed less than one year ago.

Meanwhile delivery schedules and appointments are being thrown into chaos with up to 15-minute waits for which no alternative routes have beenprovided. It is difficult to think of amore effective way of sabotaging the Calder Freeway if that was intended.

It is rumoured that roadworks priorities are now being set by accountants rather than engineers. Looking at the current situation, that would certainly explain this chaos.

Let’s get it done

Noel Harvey,Kyneton

Irefer to Paul White’s letter (‘Reasonable questions’, Opinions,February 14)

Before making the claims about how the voice is to operate, Isometimes wonder if people have read the Constitution. The Constitution has very little detail about how ANY area of government works. So why do people demand to know the detail about this particularissue?

The Constitution doesn’t mention prime ministers, political parties, oppositions, department structures, debates, question time, committees etc. so why do we need

the detail on this one?

Ialso challenge his claim that today’s Australia is “based on the proposition that we are all equal”. Ifthat’s the case, why do our First Nations people have the highest mortality rates, lowest education levels, highest unemployment, poorest health outcomes, highest levels of homelessness, highest incarceration rates?

Doesn’t seem like the 'equality' is working verywell.

The purpose of ‘The Voice’ is clear, the function of the voice is clear. It’s in the documentation already provided, which has been available for along time. Sadly, few people have read it.

Dr White says we should listen toIndigenous Australians on matters that affect them, that is exactly what ‘The Voice’ is about!

Let’s just get it done.

Isolated patches

BarryMurphy, PipersCreek

The Midland Express ran an excellent article by Amy Hume regarding the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross and the planned removal of 'rare' snow gums ('Cross plan questioned', January 31).

The Victorian National Parks Association and the Macedon Ranges Ratepayers Association are quoted in the article, stressing the importance of retaining these "remnants of the last ice age"and the need for the protection of endangered species.

The reality is that there are isolated patches of ancient snow gums to the north of Mount Macedon, on south-facing, volcanic slopes down to about 530 metres above sea level (the cross is about 980 metres above sea level). These remnant patches are surviving temperatures at least four degrees warmer than is experienced at the top of the mount.

These are the trees that should be given priority, to preserve the gene pool, whereas the trees to be removed at the cross site are likely to be seedlings from a limited number of closely related trees.

Arequirement of the planning permit, when granted, is offset planting. Rather than the MacedonRanges Shire planners wasting resources attempting to modify the proposed plan to reduce the height of vegetation around the Memorial Cross, they should require the applicant to collect seed from these isolated, ancient snow gums to establish new populations.

A'hat full' ofseedling snow gums should not compromise the vision of William Cameron tobuild thislandmark memorial for the benefit ofall Victorians.

Vision for the cross

Ruth Murphy, Pipers Creek

Onthe 40th anniversary ofthe Ash Wednesday fires we visited the Mount MacedonMemorial Cross.

Itissome years since we have been there and the walk tothe cross is peaceful, and the area is well maintained.

Hydrangeas in full bloom made apicturesque scene as youapproach the cross, which is imposing and impressive as ever.

We read in the Midland Express ofthe controversial plan to cut down some young snow gums that are now blocking the view toward the city of Melbourne.

While being keen conservationists and treelovers, we think that Mr Cameron's vision for the cross will belost if this regrowth is allowed to block out the vista to the city, as heenvisaged, and the, important view from Melbourne and the Calder Highway to the cross.

Iremember, asa child, looking for the lights of the cross, shining in the darkness, aswetravelled the highway.

Even though it was ahot afternoon there were at least 15 visitors to the cross, in the short time we were there.

The significance and symbolism ofthe Memorial Cross and its dedication tothose men and womenwho gave their lives in protecting our country is not tobeenclosed

and cut off from the outside world.

The trees in question are recent regrowth, ofnogreatheritage value.

If removed or frequently coppiced, it will again give the cross its presence and be areminder to us all, ofits history, why it is there, and why it should not beforgotten and hidden from sight.

Finesthealth professionals

SuzanneIngleton,Castlemaine

Iwish to drawattention to one of thefinest rehabhospitals in Victoria!

I've spent nearly three weeks atCastlemaine Health in recoveryinthe presence of the finest group of health professionals one could ever wish for. Thanks for all the lovin’ care, food, cups of tea,and cheering up when Iwas down. Bless you all.

No rightsorwrong

RobertGreen,

Lancefield

With the signing of DPO24 in Lancefield, I, like others, lost the right to use and improve or develop my landautonomously –a right the rest of town not impacted by the development plan overlay enjoys.

Some of us are now stymied or face unjustifiable financial hardship.

In anew development, Ican no longer communicate directly with myelected representatives –verbalor written –onthis subject. Instead, Ihave it controlled by staff who Ibelieve have no planning experience.

My councillors have only had four messages this year. Funny how this coincides with the agenda coming to council this month.

Another right gone or plain wrong?

Roadsare the canary

John

Herron,Riddells Creek

Having worked in most continents, I always take timetoconsider countries’ roads. They tell alot abouta society, like amoral compass and the system of government.

Most interesting are the one-party, post-colonial states. Ruled by autocrats, they were initially voted into power on often athird ofthe vote orless but the party jigged the system in their favour. They fill institutions with relatives and the party faithful. They rule by fear. Apocalyptic.

They fear negative public opinion and unrest, so they muzzle the media, primarily as an information source as to deteriorating public utilities. The health, education, justice and transport systems rapidly decay and collapse. Cronies run the show on huge salaries with no experience.

Their narrative is there is no problem and the regime only reports blue skies. People begin to flee.

But roads are the canary and can’t be hidden. They were once solid and functional. Soon rural roads deteriorate, then highways lay abandoned with large craters.

Feeble attempts are made to repair visible spots but most roads continue to deteriorate. Many are unpassable. The few new roads fall apart at inclement weather, which the regime blames on climate change or external forces.

As the regime itself can’t run abath, maintenance is done by regime aligned contractors. Some freeways seem perpetually under construction. Regime leaders chopper into rich friends' holiday houses.

Luckily we live in Victoria.

Writersare asked to keep letters to a maximum of 300 words. Longer letters may only be published at the editor's discretion. Names, addresses and contact phone numbers must be included for verification purposes. Email letters to: acrawford@midnews.com.au

Quiz:

Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival.

March. 3. Maree Edwards. 4. Forty. 5. Andrew Cronin. 6. Sydney. 7. Queensland. 8. China. 9. Saturn. 10. 118.

Midland

PR OP ER TY &L IV ING

Property: Youmakethe choices with this fully licensed premises

Address: 38 Main Street,Bealiba

Price: $695,000

Agent: Property Plus Real Estate

Contact: Lois De Jong 54474088

Venturebehindthe facade of the Evans Hotel Bealiba (circa 1857) and you will find aunique complex of substantial solid brick buildings constructed around asecluded internal courtyard. Although still afully licensed hotel, food and accommodation venue, the hotel hasn’t been open to the public for the past six years. Most recently the property has been converted to aprivate hotel and residence with acapacity to cater for small events and accommodation. Within these solid brick walls, you will find six double bedrooms, three bathrooms and three separate lounge areas. The accredited kitchen features the original double

oven LUX cast iron range, gas cooking, extraction hood and adjoining walk-in pantry. Afridge scullery and office are also in this area. Secure carpark gardens with capacity for 10-plus vehicles in addition to the undercover parking for three cars in the stable complex that also features alockup workshop, open bay woodshed and lockup garden shed (overall approx. 5x25m). There’s town water connected, septic system, solid fuel heaters in all the lounge/living areas and ducted evaporative cooling through the same. Ceiling fans and electric heating are in all accommodation rooms. The property is securely fully fenced.

Water frontage farm

An amazing lifestyle property presents itself -101 acres with spectacular views over Cairn Curran and across to Mount Franklin. The property has an outstanding homesite with power pole nearby to build your dream home. Very fertile farmland with pockets of sheltered timber feature as well as an old dairy and hayshed. Do not miss out on this very rare opportunity to purchase water frontage in this location. It is situated off all busy roads. Absolute privacy and serenity. Just afive-minute drive to Maldon and Newstead, plus 20 minutes to Castlemaine CBD. Please contact Keogh Real Estate on 5472 1248 to arrange aprivate inspection.

Property: Outstanding Views Over Cairn Curran –water frontage –101acres

Address: Lots 2& 3Leathbridge Road, Welshmans Reef

Price: Reduced $945,000 -$1,010,000

FOREST VIEWS

WirildaAvenue(OffCaptainDay Road), Campbells Creek

Stage1 -LandRelease NowSelling

Nestled in apeacefulpocket with scenic viewsand expansivebushlandnearby, this fabulouslytranquillocationiswithinwalking distance to thelocal hotel, café,post office, Schools,Child Care,sportingfacilities, riding andwalking tracks With a9-minutedrive to Castlemaine, theRailway Stationgives adirectcommute to Melbourne, or 25 minutestoDaylesford this lifestyle developmentoffers everything you need to build your dreamhome.

64 Ireland Street, McKenzie Hill

FamilyHomeOnOne Acre -GorgeousViews

Agent: Keogh Real Estate Contact: 54721248 www.keoghrealestate.comsales@keoghrealestate.com

Awonderful family home locatedonly5minutes to theCastlemaine CBD with a beautiful outlookovernativebushland. Situated on approximately1 acre with 180 degree viewsoverCastlemaine andsurrounds.Comprisingoffourbedrooms, open plan living/dining, second lounge,formaldining, family rumpus,two bathrooms and alaundry. Features include9'ceilings, split-system air-conditioningand averyprivate setting. Outsidefinds apatio perfectfor entertainingand largecolorbond sheds.

Price $1,395,000

03 5472 1248

31/1849 Mount Macedon Road Woodend

Recently votedthe most populartree change destination,downsizeto charming Woodendwhere Gemlife encourages anactive, social lifestyle for over 50’s allwithinclose proximity to wineries,eateries,golfcoursesand town

2 a 2 b 2 c

PrivateSale Inspect By appointmentonly

Price $720,000

Leanne Pearman 0400 947799

JennyStewart 0408 389071

63 PalmerCrescent Newham

Locatedin thetightly held hamletof Newham,withsweeping views over neighbouring farmland, this light-filled newly renovated home on just under an acre of establishedprivate garden offers asuperblifestyle opportunity

4 a 2 b 6 c

PrivateSale Inspect As advertised or by appointment

Price $1,500,000 Land 3,690 sqmapprox LeannePearman 0400 947799

111GingellStreetCastlemaine

Setwithindelightfulgardens,thissolidly built1960seracreambrickhomeboastsa traditionalfloorplanandgenerousinterior Highlightsincludeunderhousestorage ductedgasheating,splitsystemairconditioningand1.5kwsolarsystem.

2 a 1 b 2 c

PrivateSale Inspect As advertised or by appointment

Price $740,000 Land 706sqm approx

Leah Panos 0466 878214

61aBeauchamp Street Kyneton

Simplymoveinandenjoythisstylish secureandlowmaintenancehomewitha stellaraddress.Featuresincludeaflexible floorplan,stylishkitchen,reversecycleairconditioner,separatestudioandaprivate yardwithmanicuredlawns

3 a

2 b 2 c

PrivateSale Inspect As advertised or by appointment

Price $795,000 Land 547sqm approx Carole Lenander 0401 472346

Modern spacious living

If alow-maintenance lifestyle is your dream, then we may just have the solution! Set in aprivate enclave of modern quality homes, this near-new residence is situated in an idyllic location, just moments from Castlemaine and all it has to offer!

Behind the modern façade, this home features four generously sized bedrooms with robes, including amaster suite with walk-in robe, double vanity and separate toilet.

There are 2living areas -including a front sitting room with north light outlook, and aopenplan living-dining that adjoins the kitchen with Caesarstone benches, walk-in pantry, 900mm oven and adishwasher. There is afamily bathroom, separate toilet and laundry. The level grounds and gardens feature adouble garage with remote door and direct access to the home. There is aside parking space with room for a caravan, plus acovered alfresco area and private fenced gardens.

Perfectly positioned close to bush-land walks and public transport as well as only being ashort commute to quality schools-day care-aged care, and all the very best of Castlemaine.

Property: Near-newresidenceinanoutstanding locale

Address: 26 Jarrod Drive, McKenzie Hill

Price: $740,000

Agent: Waller Realty

Contact: 5470 5811

Kyneton South

497 CentralRoad

(Executors Realisation Sale)

“ElShiranna Park”52.4Ha(129 Acres)

An ideal smallacreage farming property in prime location only 4kmtoKyneton township,12kmtoWoodend,and with greatimprovementpotential

Thecirca 1980’ssolid brick homestead style residenceisapproached via a400m long driveway bordered by an avenue of trees which passes by averypicturesque

1.78 acrelake,and is very privately sited in ahilltop position within averynice garden setting thatincludes alarge varietyofornamental trees complimented by maturenativetrees attracting greatbirdlife.

Accomodation comprises large lounge room,kitchen, living/dining room area, 3 bedrooms,study,averylarge multipurpose room,2bathrooms and laundry. Thegentle undulating land is suitable foravarietyoffarming purposes and has 530m sealed road frontage to CentralRoad with secondaryaccess available from Kyneton-Trentham Road,7paddocks,706m frontage to theLittle Coliban River and thereisaseasonalcreek thatruns through the property

Farming infrastructureincludes asmall machineryshed, hayshedand workshop Arareand very valuable featureofthe property is atownwater supply,and it is possible abuyer mightdemolish the existing comfortable residenceand replace with their new designresidencesited to maximise the viewsand the benefits and beautyofthe existing garden.

AuctionThursday 9March at 2.30pm (Ifnot sold prior)

Reserve Price$2m

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

John Keating 0419 880 444

175 Pipers Creek Road, Kyneton

2.43 Ha (6 Acres) approx of Central, usable,fertileland

This finehomefurnished anddecorated fortoday' seasy-care lifestyle withnorth-facinglivingareas openingtoextensive coveredterrace forentertaininginagrand fashion.Offering four excellentbedroomstwo bathrooms, familylivingareas, theatreroom, andsomuchmore.

Forthe hobbyist thereissoooo much more to exploreand discover.Separateworkshopwithmanyextras. Four bay garagingcomplex plus additional sheddingfor storageetc

Step into aqualitylifestyle package. caine.com.au

Inspect: Contact agent

Agent: Kaylene Disher 0431 039 512

Asavvy investment

On averygenerous block of 1000m2 (approx.) in one of the best streets in Gisborne, comes an opportunity too good to miss. This property is ideal for those wanting to watch their dream home come to life in ablue-chip location. With the last sale of this property dating back to 1984, this is your opportunity to secure ahome in most of its original glory save for the addition of a few new mod cons for comfort and convenience. Much loved and only owner occupied in that time, this property is ahomewithsomuch promise for the home handyman or someone wanting aproject. You can choose to do what you want with the property straight away or settle in and work things out as you go along -timeisyour friend here.

Property features include four bedrooms and three bathrooms, spacious living zones and akitchen/meals area and alaundry with external access

Outside presents with alarge yard that is your canvas to create. There’s adouble garage and double carport. With an abundance of space for pets and kids to enjoy as it is, there is scope for aswimming pool, veggie garden, perhaps ahome orchard or maybe you’ll incorporate afire pit and seating

The options are endless!

This well-loved home is ready and waiting for anew lease of life. Need inspiration? There are many examples of what can be done with this property in this very street. Just peek at some of the work that has been done in the surrounding area from small development projects to gorgeous renovations and new builds. This is truly an opportunity you want to grab with both hands. Location is everything and there is so much to enjoy from this address. Take advantage of living in one of the best streets in “old Gisborne township” and be within walking distance of the shops, restaurants and cafes, schools, childcare, parks, sporting ovals, public transport and everything else Gisborne township has to offer.

This is ahuge opportunity for asavvy purchaser to secure ahome with unlimited potential in this property hotspot.

Property: Four bedroom, three bathroom home on 1000m2

Address: 12 Tauranga Road,Gisborne

Price: $800,000 -$850,000

Agent: Raine &Horne

Contact: KenGrech 0418 509 710

OPPORTUNITY AWAITS

•True country feeling wtimber throughout, polished floorboards and cathedral ceilings

•Open plan lounge wfreestand wood heater

•3237sqm with approx50’ x20’ shedding

•75,000L water tanks, 8solar panels &bore

Inspect: Contact agent

Agent: Kaylene Disher 0431 039 512

RARE OPPORTUNITY

•Well-positioned and spacious unit in the friendly Rosedale Residential Village

•Large open plan lounge/dining that adjoins the kitchen. Split system heating/cooling

•Bedroomshave ceiling fans &built-in robes

•Under-cover parking, securely fenced, lowmaint backyard with large garden shed

OPEN FOR INSPECTION: SATURDAY10:30AM -11:00AM

Castlemaine 4/14 Wimble Street

WONDERFUL BRICK TOWNHOUSE IN NORTH CASTLEMAINE

$485,000

Spacious and private, this two bedroom unit offers agreat opportunity to live-in or invest. Located at the back of aset of 4units, extra privacy is awarded to the rear unit. Thereare two sizable bedrooms both with built in robes, spacious bathroom and lounge with air conditioning. The kitchen has agenerous benchtop, gas cooker,large pantry and incorporates the dining area. Undercover parking is provided by the roomy carport and adetachedlaundry/utlity room completes the package. The rear yardfeatures alow maintenance private courtyardwith maturetrees and easy caregarden bed. Fabulously positioned, only ashort stroll to the Botanical gardens, Mt Alexander golf course, primary schools and central Castlemaine.

Harcourt 129 Harmony Way

CEDAR HILL –ANABSOLUTE PARADISE ON 3,438m2 (0.85 Acre) OVERLOOKING HARCOURTVILLAGE AND MT ALEXANDER

$1,245,000

Set with rural views and leafy gardens, this renovated 1940s Art deco farmhouse offers awarmlystyledand almost never-ending interior with generous living zones and 4 double bedrooms. Immersed in treed gardens that include an Ornamental Cherry tree avenue, the character home has averanda entry,polished timber floors, main and ensuite bathrooms, alarge central kitchen with meals area. Thereisacosy office-library room with gas fireplace, adjoining lounge-dining with wood fireplace and French doors to alarge decked entertaining area, separate multi-purpose family room with doors to acovered alfresco zone, and alaundry with good built-in storage. Outdoors thereis adouble carport, substantial parking space, storage sheds, lush-leafy gardens and a separate Studio with bathroom and large decked veranda –used forAir BnB.

Metcalfe

8Metcalfe-Kyneton Road

$780,000 -$810,000

COLIBAN RIVER VIEWS FROM THIS METCALFE HAMLET

Just over one acreat4654m2 this imposing property oozes lifestyle and relaxation. With sealed road access and mains power plus 4.5Kw of solar roof panels, the vista is rolling hills overlooking the redgum lined Coliban River.Thereisacontemporary architect styled residence that features ahigh ecostar rating with north facing aspect, double glazed and hinged windows and doors, extra efficient R7 batts to the ceiling and wall cavities, solar hot water,under floor insulation, wide eaves, high ceilings, quality roll down blinds, ceiling fans, wood heating and large windows to take in the exceptional views. The central double access bathroom enjoys amodern finish with walk in shower, bath, vanity and WC. Thereisafront covered and decked portico, squareset cornicing, exceptional native black butt solid timber flooring, electric cooking, book shelving, down lighting and external cladding of on trend dark colorbond with earth coloured rendered board. The vendors have acurrent planning permit in place to extend the dwelling.

STAGE2-NOWSELLING

LOTS 22-38 IRELAND STREET, MCKENZIE HILL

Maldon

1003 Castlemaine-Maldon Road

CREATIVE COTTAGE LIVING WITH STUDIO & WORKSHOP ON 5ACRES OF BUSHLAND SERENITY

$760,000

With origins dating back to the 1920s, this fantastic country cottage has been improved in every way and is immersed in acountry garden that includes fenced bush-land paddocks, town, tank and borewater,a fruit tree orchardand raised vegetable beds, plus alarge American barn style 2room workshop –perfect for cars or creating. The cottage features amodern design metal cladding, asunny north facing balcony, ashady west facing patio-verandah shaded by gardens and an interconnecting Studio room with verandah and half-bathroom. Large bedroom with robes and air conditioning, modern country kitchen with gas cooking, dining room with large glass-bay window, and acosy living room with wood ?replace and door to adeck, plus astudy-of?ceand alarge,upgraded bathroom-laundry.Thereisalarge carport, 5KW of grid-connected solar,trees,bird-life and much country atmosphere.

Birthday Club

Covering the Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires

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

ELLIOTT MIDLAND NEWSPAPERS

OBITUARY

‘Pommy Irishbastard’

Graeme M‘Crafty’ Newnham 1945-2023

Monday February 13, 2023, saw the funeral of aman generous of spirit, time, effort and a community man of renown. Graeme was central to the community of Redesdale for most of his adult life. A true country boy, born in Romsey and shifting to Spring Hill early in life, he had to commute by horse (at least part of the way) to Kyneton Tech. for the formal side of his education. That finished for him at age 14, and he was then able to concentrate on the learnings of life; lessons he learned well. He had good teachers –his father Merv was down-to-earth old stock –groundedin the attributes of hard work, community involvement and willingness to learn. His mother Bonnie supplied the guidance of respect, tolerance and good manners.

Graeme was known as Crafty from his early life, and daughter Linda outlined his life journey, one of many different jobs including working on the cane fields up north, and many around this district involving sheep and hay.

Crafty’s ‘Hurdy-Gurdy' hay bale elevator was well known. One of his great loves was trips away with the boys. Huntin’, shootin’, fishin’ and not alittle drinkin’. They were well-planned odysseys to remote parts full of adventure.

His service to the community of Redesdale, and the Redesdale Fire Brigade in particular, will be hard to match.

Like his father before him, he was captain of the brigade for many years, and his departure from the funeral parlour accompanied by two Redesdale fire trucks was afitting acknowledgement

of that service. Crafty was always ‘front and centre’ of all the working bees in Redesdale –a marvellous contributor to charitable events like the ‘Redesdale Roundup’ and other social interaction occasions. His contributions to the Redesdale Hall extensions in time and labour were generous and unstinting.

As Linda pointed out, Crafty was known far and wide for his ‘short stories’ (which brought many alaugh from the attendees) that would take many atwist, turn and diversion before eventually getting back to the point, and almost always containing his well-known epithet (and cry of frustration) of ‘Pommy Irish bastard’.

There would hardly be aperson of his acquaintance who has not heard the phrase, one that must be unique to the man; his trademark.

Thank you Graeme. Rest in peace, you’ve earned it.

–JohnBarker

Kyneton local Tim Sullivan gives an interactive presentation to the local men’sshed.

Virtual reality tour

Kyneton Men's Shed had the chance to step into the world of virtual reality earlier this month. Kyneton local Tim Sullivan from Sullivan Studios gave an interactive presentation and delved into the changing face of technology.

Shed members experienced atrip to Venice, shooting, fishing and flying using a Meta Quest 2headset from the comfort of the shed.

PLUMBING

PROPERTY CLEAN UP

Macedon Ranges Glass is the region's largest and longest established (since1970) glass and glazing company, specialising in fast glass replacements, retrofit double glazing, showerscreens, splashbacks, mirrors and pet doors.

Our qualified team of glaziers work with home and business owners, builders, architects, designers, real estateagents and schools throughout Melbourne and the Macedon Ranges, to Daylesford, Castlemaine and beyond.

Come visit our friendly staffatone of our conveniently located showrooms situated at 89E Piper St Kyneton or 14 Ladd Rd NewGisborne, Monday-Fridaytodiscuss all of your glassand glazing needs. Alwayslook forthe Australian Glass and WindowAssociation accreditation label when engaging the services of your local glazier.

Deaths

Mel passedawayat Wattle Rise Nursing Home in Maryboroughon11thFebruary2023 aged 73 years

Dearlyloved husband of Jenny and lovedfather of Reagan&Phenie and Anthony. PopofJett, Chloe andHudson. In keepingwith Mel’swishes, aprivate cremation has been held.

Deaths/Funerals

Molly(Kim) Brownless

Died peacefully on 13th February2023, aged102 years.

Much lovedmother of Eileen andJenny, mother-in-lawofIan andAndrew.

Loving Grandmother of Rhys,Tegan, Stephen, Lachlanand Paul, and Great Grandmother of BodhiRu.

Cherished Aunt of Richard, Geoffreyand Christine

Aservicetocelebrate her extraordinarylifewillbeheld in the Chapel of Mount Alexander Funerals, 12 Campbell Street, Castlemaine on Thursday23rdFebruaryat11am.

People attending areinvited to bring arosetoplace on her coffin at the conclusion of the celebration.

The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.

Fordetails visitMolly’stribute page on the website of Mount Alexander Funerals

KN269935/L

MARSHALL

Dwayne (Jockey)

Aservicetocelebrate thelifeof Mrs Betty Kellett will be held in the Chapel of Mount AlexanderFunerals, 12 Campbell Street, Castlemaine on Thursday2nd March commencing at 11.00am. The service will be livestreamed forthose unable to attend Fordetails visit Betty’stribute page on the website of Mount Alexander Funerals

NOTICE TO ALL ADVERTISERS

Section29ofthe Fair Trading Act 1999 requires the inclusion of afullname and address (not PO BoxNumber)–inall advertisements for the supplyofgoods and services.

ELLIOTT MIDLAND NEWSPAPERS advises all display service advertisements must comply with the aboverequirement to avoid prosecution, or provide those detailsto us to pass to the Dept. of Justice if requested.

KN265460

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 one of theabove characteristics,unless covered by an exception or granted an exemption under the Act. As we could be legally liable if we print an unlawful advertisement, we will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. Formore information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

KN265461

Carpentry

Apprentice Required

Arare opportunity to come on board with ahigh achieving local builder operating in the Macedon Ranges Own car and pre-app preferred. Email resumes to admin@ flemingconstructions com.au

Kyneton IGA Plus Liquor Employment opportunities forthe following Store Manager Deli Manager Full and Part Time positions available Experience request. Resume to be emailed to kynetoniga@ hotmail.com

HAIRDRESSER VACANCIES

We offer the following positions in Gisborne

• fullyqualified hairdresser

• 2nd year apprentice

• Salon assistant

Excellent workingenvironment and friendly staff

Above awardwages for the right candidates

Contact George 0411 161563

HC TRUCK DRIVER/ PLANT OPERATOR

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

Material is transported in liquid semi tankers to and from various sites andrequires heavy combination and tanker skills

KN269781/L

Training available to suitable person, mechanical knowledge and advantage.Good administration skills required forrecord keeping.

Youwill also help with machineryoperation and to record plant operations

•Full time

•Salary- negotiable

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

Melvin Victor Edwards

Betty Valma Kellett

INVITATION TO A COMMUNITY DROP-IN INFORMATION SESSION

TELSTRA MOBILE NETWORK UPGRADES IN KYNETON COMMUNITY

TO BE HELD FROM 2.00PM TO 6.00PM ON THE 22ND FEBRUARY2023

AT THE KYNETON FOOTBALL CLUB ROOMS, KYNETON SHOW GROUNDS, 184-194 MOLLISONSTREET,KYNETON 3444

1. To furtherimprove themobile experience for Kyneton, Telstra are proposing a combination of solutions whichwill provide the township with vastimprovement to mobile connectivity,including 5G technologies. We encourage local interested residents to drop by and talk to our Telstra experts and see what we are proposing, the locations and expected service improvements.

2. Telstra’smobile coverage solutions for Kyneton are to include:

lightpoleswap outatthe Kyneton Showgrounds; and Provision of anumber of new “small cell” installations on power poles in selected locations to service West Kyneton. Service Stream Ltd A.B.N. 46072369870 Telstra Ltd A.C.N. 051 775556

Member vacancies -Victorian Class Bcemetery trusts

The following Class Bcemetery trusts areseeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified members of the community who areinterested in becoming honorary trust members. Women and those from adiverse background areactively encouraged to seek appointment:

THE FRYERSTOWN CEMETERYTRUST

THE KYNETON CEMETERYTRUST

THE RIDDELL’S CREEK CEMETERYTRUST

THE SPRING HILL CEMETERYTRUST

Cemetery trust members areappointed by the Governor in Council fora term of up to fiveyears on the recommendation of the Minister for Health. Cemetery trusts areresponsible for the proper and efficient management of the public cemeteries under their control, including planning for future cemeteries services and the preservation of local history

Being appointed to acemetery trust provides successful applicants with aunique opportunity to develop their competencies as aboard member

The DepartmentofHealth provides free governance training to all trust members.

Current members whose termsofoffice aredue to expiremay apply for reappointment as part of acompetitive selection process.

Moreinformation about the role of cemetery trust members is available at: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/cemeteries-and-crematoria/class-bcemetery-trust-appointments

To register your interest please refer to the trust contact details below and provide yourexpression of interest to the applicable trust within two weeks of the date of this advertisement:

Victorian Class Bcemetery trust

Contact details

The Fryerstown Cemetery Trust 0418 171 886

The Kyneton Cemetery Trust 0417 715 037

The Riddell's Creek Cemetery Trust 0429 097 400

The Spring Hill Cemetery Trust gill@evergreenam.com.au

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that governmentboards and committeesreflect the rich diversity of theVictorian community. We encourage applications from people of all ages, Aboriginal people,people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and fromlesbian gay,bisexual, trans, gender diverse, intersex and queer people. The trust will provide adjustments to therecruitment process uponrequest. F3

World Day of Prayer 2023

Taiwan Ihave heard about your faith

Kyneton Uniting Church

DORSET DOWN and CORRIEDALE 'Heritage Breed', rams. Accredited brucelosis free, OJD vacc. Young rams and some older rams available. Ph 0417 052 383.

MEGA GARAGE SALE

Saturday25

February 2023, 8.30am -4.00pm.

DEMOLITION reclaimed building materials, old red pavers, corrugated iron, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical, timber, Oregon hardwood, huge amount. Ph Karl 0422 564 878.

54 Ebden Street

Friday, March 3

10.30am

All welcome

SHEARER available. Alpacas and sheep. Phone Shane 0448 291 074. KN269898/L

Enquiries: Andrea Strack 5422 6647 www.worlddayofprayeraustralia.org

Tenders

Tenders

M1700-2023 –Construction of All Gender Change Facilities –BillWoodfull Recreation Reserve,Maldon Closing Date: 2.00pm, Tuesday21March 2023

Submissions are invited forthe above contract.

Documentation can be downloaded by visiting Council's website under ‘Tenders and Quotations’.

Please direct enquiries to TraceyWorsfield, Procurement Officer,on(03) 5471 1880.

Darren Fuzzard, Chief ExecutiveOfficer

SAVE ON STORAGE

•Allsizes•Bestrates

•Securefencing

•Driveupaccess

Lots of household items.Furniture,toys, clothes,books,lamps, bikes,bric-a-brac. Gardeninggear,tools, etc. PLUS the kids are runninga cheap sausage sizzle!

136 Lauriston Reservoir Road, Kyneton.

KN269836/L

Wanted To Sell

163

HAY, Rye/Lucerne mix, $85, per roll, Lucerne, 350 kg rolls, $115 ea. Silage, $90 per roll. Min. 2xrolls plus GST. Redesdale. Ph 0419 542 537.

LOUNGE SUITE

1x3-4 seater sofa, 2x2seater sofas Elegant style,high curvedbackwith rolled arms,loosefill cushions.VGC

$990.00

COFFEE TABLE Japanese style, darkwood. 4x 2way drawers 4x side cupboards metal drop handles and corner studs 1200 x600 x410. $95.00

Phone: 0417 324 600

KN269782/L

Bull bar and towbar

$55,000 PH: 0429 026 786

2004 FORD FAIRMONT SEDAN Auto,low kms 121,000, RWC, just serviced, newBridgestonetyres &windscreen, A/C

Coonawarra tournament

Last weekend the Coonawarra Petanque Club in South Australia, finally after seven years, decided to hold their Coonawarra Classic pétanque tournament.

On the Friday, 48 teams from around the country, mainly Victoria and South Australia, converged on the town of Penola, for their accommodation in the caravan park and in various hotels and motels in the area. Then on the Saturday morning players converged into the vines of the Coonawarra to play six games of competitive pétanque, with New South Wales and Victorian teams playing South Australian teams.

Agreat competitive day was had by all. Some winners and some losers, but hey, that’s the way it goes in pétanque! Next morning it was the social day. The top 16 teams were in the Principale and Complementare and the rest in the Sociale.

Another competitive day.

The Woodend Hanging Rock teams all played well and had afabulous weekend of competition, fun and enjoyment of all that the region had to offer.

Come and join in the fun and socialising, the club travels all around our state. Avoca, Nagambie, Ballarat and Apollo Bay are trips coming up, they are just afew of the destinations where the club gets to play this wonderful game.

The Woodend Hanging Rock Pétanque Club meet at 2pm each Monday at the old racecourse in Woodend and Thursday afternoons at 4pm at the beautiful Hanging Rock.

Anyone interested in taking part in the sport of pétanque is welcome to go along!

KBAresults

The Latest weekly results from Kyneton Basketball Association programs are brought to you by major sponsor Macedon Ranges Machinery Ag.

Domestic Monday night

U10s Mixed

Nets 13 def Lakers 12 (A. Brown 5, H. Gleeson 4)

Warriors 11 def Suns 7(M. Jeffrey 8, H. Collard 2)

U12s Mixed

Mavericks 18 def Celtics 16 (B. Jeffrey 16, N. White 7)

Clippers 25 def Suns 20 (M. Kome 10, C. Liebelt 11)

Nets 29 def Heat 23 (P. Snelling 15, H. Liebelt 15)

Domestic Wednesday Night

U14 Boys

Warriors 50 def U14G VJBL 12 (T. Saunders 16, K. Mearney 4)

Lakers 56 def Suns 22 (H. Strang 28, R. Swinden 6)

Bendigo Domestic

U16 Boys Div 2

Tigers 70 def General Ballers 46 (A. Cook 32, A Tsolov 16)

U18 Boys Div 3

Tigers Gold 33 def General Thunder 30 (B Ryan 10, A. Mills 8)

VJBL Friday Nights

U12 Boys

Tigers 29 lost to Keilor 39 (B.Jeffrey 8, N. White 8)

U14 Boys

Tigers 29 def Craigieburn 25 (J. Bartlett 10, H. Strang 6)

U14 Girls

Tigers 19 lost to Whittlesea 34 (L. Bradley 4, J. Cross 4)

U16 Boys

Tigers 59 def Geelong 50 (K. Smillie 19, M. Liebelt 15)

U16 Girls

Tigers 39 def Diamond Valley 31 (L.Siu 14, M. Wood 9)

U18 Boys

Tigers 51 def Keilor 20 (B. Grech 14, J. Carradice 10)

U18 Girls

Tigers 23 lost to Broadmeadows 38 (A. Powell 5, M. Hayter 5)

U20 Boys

Tigers 34 lost to Sandringham 60 (L. Peavey 12, B. Dowell 10).

Thanks to all KBA sponsors:

Macedon Ranges Ag Machinery

Hendersons the Gas People

The Milko Evetrans

Young Engineer

Charity golfday success

More than $1600 was raised for cancer research through a Relay For Life charity golf day on Sunday.

Romsey Golf Club hosted the day, and the team ‘Class

Above’ lived up to its name.

Comprising Andrew Clement, Dean Kohler, John Boyce and Pat Chisholm, the team took out the ambrose event with a score of 39-5.38-33.63.

Second place went to Wright Stuff –DanielWright, John O’Rourke, Mick Squire and Shannon Wright –with 39-3.75-

35.25, and Motley Cru –Mal Mottram, Luke Lyons, Steve Wilkins and Zac Mottram –was third on 41-5.5-35.5. Motley Cru volunteered to head out early before the 10am shot gun start to repair three greens which had been savaged by corellas overnight.

Good scoring was anticipated, but arun of birdies was at times interrupted by an unwanted bogey.

Romsey Golf Club president Tony Lakey thanked Romsey Mitre 10 for sponsoring the event for the seventh year in arow

Newclub champs

Chris Plowman and Anthony Mathison acquitted themselves well during the club championships and came out on top.

They will now compete in the Champion of Champions against all other region teams this Sunday (February 26).

Chris and Anthony will be playing at Kyneton Golf Bowling Club from at 10am and supporters are encouraged to cheer them on.

There are other teams from across the region competing at Kyneton Bowling Club and at Ballarat.

Both Chris and Anthony have had outstanding seasons being chosen, along with Denise Knight, in the region representative teams.

The ladies came home with one shield and Anthony’s team was anarrowsecond in the Provincial Shield at Horsham.

Grab the rods and head to Welshies

Following the success of the Welshman’s Reef Water Sports Club’s inaugural 2022 Fishing Competition, it’s back for asecond year on the weekend of March 4-5, 2023.

There will be prizes for Biggest Native Fish, Biggest Redfin and other categories and raffle tickets up for grabs for every carp caught.

The WRWSC is anot-for-profit club that was formed in 2014 to lease and manage the operation of the Welshman’s Reef Caravan Park on the shores of Lake Cairn Curran.

Club members love to support local businesses by buying local and attending local community events. It’s afamilyorientated club, so grab the kids, grab some bait and fishing gear and get behind this fun event at 'Welshies'.

The redfin have been biting and a great weekend is assured for fishing enthusiasts or all ages with some fantastic prizes to be won thanks to the event sponsors.

If you are alocal business and would like to sponsor or provide prize donations for this competition, please contact the WRWSC Social Club at welshmansreefsocialclub@gmail.com or call 0420 491 037.

Entry is just $15. Children Under 14 Free. To find out more about the competition and to register visit the www.welshmansreefwsc.com.au

Funds raised will be used for beautification works at the park.

Welshies is a popular spot for fishing

The ‘Class Above’ team lived up to its name: Dean Kohler,AndrewClement,John Boyce and PatChisholm.

Mount Macedonontop

Mount Macedon Golf Club is elated to have won Golf Australia’s Visionary of the Year award for 2022. The award celebrates and rewards those doing terrific work to achieve gender equality in golf, and inspires others to follow.

“This award is fantastic recognition for asmall regionalbased club and shows what can be achieved through members’ commitment to simply focus on the outcomes of engagement and fun,” club president Matt Willis said.

Legendary golfer Karrie Webb, arecord winner of majors, personally delivered the ‘You’ve won’ news to club secretary Marcus Ward and ‘Women Get Into Golf’ coordinator Bruce Fraser via aZoom link-up from Golf Australia last Thursday.

To say Ward and Fraser were excited is an understatement. They initially found it hard to believe Mount Macedon had won against two other much larger clubs from

Melbourne and Geelong, with the on line voting period having been from February 6to12.

Mount Macedon’s whole club approach to get women into golf resulted it being selected as amonthly winner early last year.

“Increasing your women’s membership from one to over 30 and being totally volunteer based is an amazing achievement,” Dalhousie District Golf Association stated.

Dalhousie president Mary Campbell and secretary Elaine Scanlon were among the first to extend congratulations.

Last Thursday it was good news for Mount Macedon Golf Club. It was exactly 40 years ago the small club was entirely wiped out in the devastating Ash Wednesday bushfires.

President of Woodend Golf Club, Barney Hearnden, said the elation of Mount Macedon winning the award contrasted against the despair 40 years ago.

“Woodend Golf Club has always been proud to support

Town &District

GOLF results

CASTLEMAINE

Marty Beck (handicap 9) was adecisive overall winner in Saturday’s stableford, including two birdies on his way to 41 points.

Harald Domanski (14) won B-grade on acountback from Tony Strong (15), both 38 points.

Vaughan Harding (34) led in the C-graders with 36, two clear of Malcolm McKellar.

KYNETON

At Kyneton the orange course is supposed to be shorter and easier, and scores from the ladies reflected that last Tuesday.

Lorraine Ryan (14) won A-grade with 39 stableford points, from Robyn MacRae (16) with 36. B-grade went to Judy Aldred (27) with 37 points, one ahead from Moira Greenwood (35).

Marian Orr (25) won over nine holes with 15 points, with NTPs going to Aldred, Judy Quick and Karen O’Sullivan.

Wednesday stableford: Neil Watts (23) 40 points, from Glen Harris (24) with 39. Ladies –Robyn MacRae (22) with 38, from Marg Scoble (25) on 36.

Kyneton Toyota sponsored Saturday’s stableford, with Peter Walsh (15) the winner with 39 points on acountback from Barry Murphy (14).

Denise Murphy (17) with 36 points, and NTPs went to David Pilcher, Tien Ho, Robyn MacRae, David Moore, Mat Hodgkiss, and Barry Murphy (also super pin).

LANCEFIELD

New member Nick Smith excelled on Saturday with 90-22-68, three shots clear

of Barry Flentjar 92-21-72, with David Mannix 94-22-72 third.

Wednesday twilight (10 holes): Trevor Lambert’s 25 points extended his overall lead over Barry Flentjar.

Legends’ stableford: Denis Davenport (5) 35 points.

Hotly contested battles gave the ladies plenty to talk about after the second round of the Dorothy Hayes matchplay stableford.

Jenni Vennell beat Wendy Nicholas on the 20th, Sheena Flentjar finished 1upon relative newcomer Sandra Matthews, Florence Meyer eliminated Di Brennan, and Anne Robinson beat Bev Beaumont.

Nine holes: Janine Notman was the winner.

MOUNT MACEDON

On behalf of the Mount Macedon Golf Club members and friends, thank you to the Midland Express team for support that helped get us over the line to be named Golf Australia's Visionary of the Year 2022. It was an exciting morning as Karrie Webb joined our Zoom link up to make the announcement.

Thanks also to readers of the Express who recognised and voted for our 'Ladies Get Into Golf@MMGC' program.

On Saturday, the Ash Wednesday 40th Anniversary Commemorative three-person ambrose saw an amazing field of 54 attend! Abig thankyou and welcome to our visitors from Trentham, Gisborne, Portarlington, Goonawarra, Nambucca Heads and Seymour.

Mount Macedon now and back then when you needed to share aclubhouse. Congratulations again,” he said.

$10,000 WORTH OF EQUIPMENT

Visionary of the Year also means the local club obtains Callaway specialised women’s golf equipment valued at $10,000, as well as abig lift in profile.

Such is the popularity of the club’s ‘Get Into Golf’ clinics the March sessions are already booked out.

Mount Macedon is expected to be to the forefront when Golf Australia further promotes the opportunities for women to enjoy golf, both playing the sport and enjoying the social side. The Express ran afeature article headed ‘Splendid vision on the Mount’ on January 31, outlining the background to this remarkable success story in enticing so many women to come forward and take up golf.

Ward thanked editor Angela Crawford, sports writer Bill West, and the Midland Express team for the support that “helped get us over the line to be named Golf Australia’s Visionary of the Year”.

Handicap winners were Brayden Beattie (Gisborne), Paul Conversano (Gisborne) and Alex Fraser-nett 51, two ahead of runners-up Nathan Fairley, Wayne Christie and Carolyn Doyle.

Gross winners were Luke Rogan (Seymour), Brent Dryden (Gisborne) and Jarrod Plowman with 57.

Singles matchplay finalists have been decided with past winners in Marcus Ward and Mark Shepherd to play off.

Wednesday’s gentlemen’s stableford: Mike Hoiles (15) was the A-grade winner with 39 points from Tony Littman (14) on 38, while overall and B-grade winner was Peter Watson (23) with 42 points, on a countback from Brian Collins (21).

ROMSEY

Summer Cup rounds are continuing at Romsey, and competitors welcomed ideal conditions on Saturday.

Scoring fluctuated considerably across the two nines, and in atight finish Keith Hocking (31) carded 38 stableford points to finish one clear Mick Nicholls Snr (26) and Mal Mottram (9) both 39.

Luke Lyons and Bob McLennan were NTPs.

Round 3A of the Summer Cup on Wednesday produced afour-way countback to determine the outcome.

Afine back nine enabled Shirley Shelton (25) to win the countback with 37 points, from Luke Lyons (13), Rod Golding (27) and Elaine Scanlon (34).

Chris Manktelow’s birdie on the sixth

yielded five points, and deadly accurate Mal Mottram won both NTPs.

TRENTHAM

Fast fairways and receptive greens were conducive to good scores in Saturday’s stableford.

Wantina GC visitor Kevin O’Sullivan (22) had the day’s best tally of 42 points. Respective Aand B-gradewinners Tony Donovan (12) and John Hudson (17) each returned 40 points. Cate Thomas had a nett 68 to lead in the ladies.

Lorna Beaumont took out B-grade with nett 70 on acountback from Irene Kozicz.

WOODEND

Plenty of Woodend players are keen to play pennant this coming season, with the club fielding four teams after coming up with three Dalhousie pennant last season.

Sam Barker 77-13-64 holds athreestroke lead over Ron Jackson and Alan McInnes after the first round of Woodend’s midweek championship last week.

Golfers, both local and visiting, are now finding ‘Heartbreak Hill’ on the 16th just a little bit easier to climb.

The long-time rope pulley system has been upgradedthrough concerted efforts by the WGC work gang.

Earthworks, some repairs and aclean out of the wheel and pulley system and a new rope installation makes life easier.

The path was rebuilt with crushed rock and plastic grit to prevent further washouts. This path is only for foot traffic (including dogs) but definitely not for carts.

Bill West

Bumper weekend of action

It was abumper weekend in Castlemaine &District Cricket Association cricket with all grades hitting the ground in local competition and the final of the Maldon &District Community Bank 20/20 final battled out Sunday evening. Barkers Creek emerged victorious to claim the prize.

The highlights of the round were Harcourt AReserve batsman Lachlan Mika's 109 not out effort to help his side to awin over Maiden Gully Marist and Harcourt BGrade bowler Luke Farrington's 5-16. Results were as follows: AGrade

Round 12

Guildford 5-145(cc) (N Webster 54, JGlenister 36 not out; SSmith 2-26, BHenderson 2-30) lost to Barkers Creek

2-146 (M McKern 71, DA Semmens 45).

Hepburn 8-151(cc) (N Robinson 69, BRobinson 34; B Walter 3-34, CGardner 2-12, NEbery 2-20)lost to Newstead 3-154 (T Reece 53 not out, KWalter 50, CHepburn 30; WShiell2-39).

Maiden Gully Marist 8-126(cc) (R Brown 34; JChaffey

3-23, ABrasher 2-6) lost to Castlemaine United 8-198(cc) (A Brasher 76 not out, DGeorge 62; NFrancis 4-34, R Brown 2-14).

Muckleford had the bye.

AReserve Round 12

Newstead 8-152(cc) (T Chapman 36; HLawrence3-29, TWilliams 2-25) dGuildford 129 (T Williams 70; ERighetti

3-3, AMurphy 2-27).

Castlemaine United 9-148 (B McMurtrie 82 not out; D Maerz 2-23, AYoung 2-23,SLearmonth 2-31) dTaradale 7-146(cc) (A Young 86 not out; WM Penrose 3-31, B

McMurtrie 2-17, GMcMurtrie 2-35).

Maiden Gully Marist 8-145(cc) (B Hogan 39; DChamberlain 3-16, SThompson 2-21, HBrereton 2-31) lost to Harcourt 2-208(cc) (L Mika 109 not out, HBrereton 47).

North Castlemaine 95 (J Allan 41; DEnvall 3-12, MSharples 3-21, HCoombes 2-18) lost to Muckleford 9-126(cc) (M Sharples 32; BHolden 3-17, AFerres 3-23).

Barkers Creek had the bye.

BGrade Round 9

Muckleford Gold 9-132(cc) (AJ Butcher 3-16, BMcGuire 2-23, RTingay 2-47) lost to Muckleford Maroon 7-137 (I Bracken 44; JMcLeod3-38)

Harcourt 145 (M Simmins 60; BMarchesani 3-8, MRog-

Highlands midweek

Romsey could make alast-minute entry into the Highlands midweek bowls division one finals with awin against Woodend today (Tuesday).

Presently fifth on the ladder, Romsey will be chasing maximum points knowing that the third and fourth sides –Macedon and Kilmore –play each other.

Second-placed Kyneton is at home to unbeaten ladder-leader Gisborne in what may well be agrand final prelude.

Last Tuesday: Macedon 50 lost to Kyneton 75 –S.Doran (s)22d Allan Matheson 17, I. Guymer 17 lost to Anthony Matheson 22, G. Hobbs 11 lost to N.Jamieson 36; Kyneton Golf 93 dWoodend 46 –P.Cameron 30 dT Sturt 11, J. Trounce 24 dR.Smithies 20, G. Williamson 39 dM.Dornau15.

Ladder: Gisborne 184 points, Kyneton 161, Macedon 111, Kilmore 110, Romsey 97, Kyneton Golf 65, Broadford 54, Woodend 30.

Division 2sees abattle royal between Gisborne and Trentham for the double chance.

Ladder: Diggers Rest 174, Gisborne 105, Trentham 105, Kilmore 91, Kyneton 56, Lancefield 48, Macedon 45.

Last Tuesday: Macedon 49 lost to Kyneton 64 –A.Grant 16 dL.Wels 15, M. Cameron 15 lost to R. Ackroyd 25, L. Gent 18 lost to M. Plowman 24; Gisborne 74 dKilmore 50 –I.Ball 19 dK.Campbell 16, V. Foxford 32 dG

Cramp 19, A. Brockmuller 23 dW Gunn 15; Diggers Rest 74 dLancefield 50 –D.Odgers 25 dG.Stewart 22, S.Browne 28 dJ.Smith 15, S. Crimmins 21 dH.Matthews 15.

Division 3: The final ladder is Gisborne 125, Gisborne 96, Woodend 81, Romsey 34.

ers 3-22, AFoy 2-25) lost to Maiden Gully Marist 8-154(cc) (C Green 44; LFarrington 5-16.

Castlemaine United Gold 4-165(cc) (D Brasher 83 not out) dCastlemaine United Blue 6-163(cc) (L Bester 63, B Perry 41).

Newstead 102 (J Moore 3-13, JBoykett 3-25) lost to Guildford 129 (J Moore 50; GChapman 3-22, WGarsed

3-30, RCook 2-6, KGardner 2-22).

CGrade Junior/U16

Round 9

Castlemaine United Blue 9-236(cc) (D Brasher 50 not out, SBrasher 40; EPenny 2-34, MChamberlain 2-38) dHarcourt 6-182 (F McAinch 60, JArcher 54; PBrasher

3-15, DBrasher 2-30).

North Castlemaine/Guildford 7-193(cc) (Z Hinck 57, M Matheson 51; RO'Sullivan 3-9) dCastlemaine United Gold

42 (K Soraghan 3-5, ZHinck 2-8, MMatheson 2-9). Muckleford 2-83 dNewstead 6-77 (C Butcher 2-1).

Women's

Round 6

Castlemaine United Blue 77 (M York 3-5, BBlackmore 2-2, JFinning 2-3, DThomas 2-7, MMcMullin 2-13) tied Guildford 6-152. Newstead 3-177(cc) (S Brasher 2-8) d Castlemaine United Gold 68(cc). Harcourt vHepburn -no result provided. Maiden Gully Marist drew Barkers Creekabandoned).

Maldon &District Community Bank T20 Cup Grand Final

Barkers Creek 8-140(cc) (L Stabler 44 not out, BHenderson 34; KThompson 2-23) dMaidenGully Marist 91(cc) (K Thompson 36; BLeech 2-11, GTemby 2-16, MNoonan 2-28).

All in with achance

Bill West

Highlands division one pennant bowls semi-finals take place on Saturday, and the four contestants will all be thinking they are right in the hunt for apremiership.

Mathematically the two teams with the double chance –Romsey and Lancefield –have plenty in their favour. The winner of their clash will go straight into the grand final, and the loser stays ‘alive’.

Romsey has never won atop division flag, but this could be the Redbacks’ big chance, with only one loss all season. Four of the club’s five teams will play finals –a good effort.

Lancefield is chasing three flags in a row, and the return of quality players Aaron Young and Aaron Andrews from aseason in metro ranks means the Tigers have astronger combination when they won against the odds from fourth place last season.

In the sudden-death first semi-final, Gisborne (third) play Kyneton Golf (fourth), with Golf likely to be more comfortable on agrass surface than their opponents.

Take no notice of Golf’s struggling twoshot win at Broadford last Saturday –Broadford beat Gisborne there ashort time ago and also pushed Romsey and Lancefield all the way.

Romsey club president Andrew Laing is talking with an air of confidence.

“The players have all stepped up and there’s nothing holding us back. We can win this,” Laing declared last week.

Romsey’s three skippers Matt Brundell, Cam Austin and Darren Ely may well hold the key to the Redbacks’ premiership push.

Selectors from clubs with teams in the finals will be hoping the choices they make

live up to expectations.

The final first division ladder positions after 14 rounds are:

Romsey 191, Lancefield 13, Gisborne 129, Kynton Golf 125, Kyneton 91, Trentham 79, Broadford 68, Kilmore 60.

Last Saturday, avociferous Romsey lineup prevailed with an all-fours-up victory by 30 shots at Trentham,with Brundell’s four leading the way.

Harry Plias had averyclose tussle with Austin, the margin being two shots.

Lancefield went to Kilmore and won by 29 shots, with Bev Holmes bouncing back from the previous Saturday to win by 16 shots.

At Kyneton, Gisborne managed to win by six shots overall, with all rinks close; agood workout for the semi-final.

A20-shot margin by Barry Godbolt saved the day for Golf at Broadford.

ROUND TO GO IN DIVISION TWO

The last home and away round in division two remains to be played, and last Saturday’s results virtually wrapped up the top four.

Fifth-placed Kyneton Golf suffered a 10-shot defeat at the hands of Kilmore, and cannot make the finals.

Positions are: Diggers Rest 178,Romsey 150,Macedon 144, Gisborne 140, Kyneton Golf 134, Woodend 109,Kilmore 94, Broadford 72, Kyneton 67.

In division three, atenacious Woodend toppled Kilmore by four shots to leap into fourth place, and Trentham slipped from top to third as visitors Lancefield continued to produce their late season revival.

Final ladder: Macedon 148, Diggers Rest 143, Trentham 140, Woodend 118,Kilmore 113, Gisborne 98, Lancefield 93, Romsey 43.

ALLTHE SCORES

DIVISION 1: Kyneton 54 lost to Gisborne 60 –N Jamieson 18 dA.Higgins 17, M. Smoljo lost to P. Williams 25, Ant. Matheson 17 lost to D. Wesney 18; Kilmore 48 lost to Lancefield 77 –P.Newell 15 lost to J. Holmes 23, K. Mayberry 21 lost to A. Young 26, J. Reimann 12 lost to B. Holmes 28; Trentham 36 lost to Romsey 66 –H.Plias 16 lost to C. Austin 18, C. McKeone 13 lost to D. Ely 25, B. Mahar 7lost to M. Brundell 23; Broadford 61 lost to Kyneton Golf 63 –D.Ellis 12 lost to B. Godbolt 32, R. Chapman 21 dA.Plowman 18; D. Kelly 28 dP.Linehan 13.

DIVISION 2: Kyneton 45 lost to Macedon 62 –R.Ackroyd 15 lost to B. Halpin 16, M. Bermingham 15 lost to S. Graham 21, C. Bermingham 15 lost to G. Dickenson 25; Kilmore 78 dRomsey 49 –L.Hodgson 36 dJ.Fryer 13, C. Hodgson 18 lost to G. Cuthbert 22, K. Campbell 24 dA.Laing 14; Diggers Rest 85 dWoodend 48 –R.Treweek 35 dM.Dornau8,M.Clohesy 19 lost to S. Pickles 20, B. Reidy 31 dN.Bickerdyke 20; Broadford 55 dKyneton Golf 45 –W Fisher 24 dJ.Trounce 13, B. Radford 17 d C. Scott 13,A.Prime 14 lost to P. Williams 19; Gisborne abye.

DIVISION 3: Woodend 55 dKilmore 51 –A.Lennie 26 dW.Gunn15, A. Jewell 14 lost to W. Cattanach 20, T. Sturt 15 lost to A. Jowett 16; Macedon 74 dGisborne 45 –M Cameron 26 dF.Roche 16, L. Gent 22 d R. Formica 17, A. Grant 26 dT.Woodlock 12; Romsey 58 lost to Diggers Rest 68 –J Boyce 17 lost to A. Icely 21, C. Dean 22 lost to P. Robinson 24, M. Toy 19 lost to P. Marinier 23; Trentham 57 lost to Lancefield 69 –I.Bruton15lost to K. Webb 24, T. White 9lost to G. Stewart 28, P. Healy 33 d J. Smith 17.

A Wesley Hill player dives for a potential catch as his Muckleford A Reserve opponent watches on last Saturday Photo: Max Lesser

Closefinishesintop games

Bill West

Certain McIntyre Cup finals participants were involved in crackerjack finishes in the second last home and away round of matches on Saturday.

Unbeaten Gisborne’s multi-talented skipper Jarryd Vernon hit amagnificent 118 (four sixes, 15 fours) at Gardiner Reserve as his side scrambled home against Bacchus Marsh.

And Romsey’s bowlers and fieldsmen did agreat job to defend 180, defeating Sunbury United by five runs in athriller. Woodend, with 208 on the board, managed to hold off Sunbury Kangaroos by five runs.

The current ladder has the top six as Gisborne 93.52, United 80.68, Diggers Rest/Bulla 75.62, Romsey 74.34, Bacchus Marsh 70.95 and Rupertswood57.66.

In the final home and away round over the next two Saturdays, the Sunbury United vGisborneand Bacchus Marsh v Diggers Rest/Bulla are good lead-ups to the qualifying finals.

Romsey should be able to account for a battling East Sunbury and enter the finals with plenty of confidence.

Chasing Bacchus Marsh’s 9/218 c.c., Gisborne was heartened as Jarryd Vernon took control, but after he departed the match became acontest as the Marsh’s Trevor Wardell was heroic with 7-34 from 15 overs. Gisborne scored the required runs with two wickets in hand.

Romsey kept United’s batters in check for much of the afternoon, as visiting captain Upul Fernando contributed 54.

Alaterun outwas vital, and Taylor Stevenson captured the final wicket for Romsey; Jamie Taylor’s 3-40 was another big effort.

Woodend captain Tom Robson took bowling honours with 4-35 and Chris Large claimed 3-37 as the Woodsmen managed to dismiss Kangaroos for 203 –a welcome victory for the largely young side.

With 286 on the board, Diggers Rest/ Bulla bowled Rupertswood out for 105 (G. Welikalage 6-30) in apercentage booster, and Wallan’s 254 was too big an obstacle

Malmsburycricketwrap

One of the highlights of Malmsbury’s outright win in Jensen Cup at Blackwood was the performance of pace bowler Quentin Kebble (pictured).

Kebble collected five wickets on the first day and afurther three when Blackwood was dismissed for 93 in the second innings.

The standout in Malmsbury’s massive 9/329 declared was Matt Cox’s century from just 59 balls.

The Berries play their final game of the season at home on Saturday.

In division 2, Romsey was far too strong in their two-day encounter reaching 3/256, with C. Knott the best of the bowlers.

The only Malmsbury side with achance of playing finals is in Club Grade North, where the Berries must beat Gisborne.

Dismissed for 98 (S. Taukas 23) by

Woodend, the Berries struggled as the Woodsmen secured victory with just two wickets down (J. Black 73 not out –S Sharp 2-12).

for East Sunbury –out for 144 (N. Dent 41 –H.Lehner 4-11).

In Johnstone Shield, Macedon compiled 228 (Gary De Rosayro 92, C. Ingleton 62 –B.Dawson 5-35) to defeat Kilmore by 90 runs. The Cats are now on the fringe of the top four.

Kyneton's 223 proved difficult for Riddell, bowled out for 116 (D. Rakau 3-13, L. Thompson 3-37) and then compiling 5/73 in the second innings.

Romsey defended 215 easily by dismissing Sunbury United for 131 (Jake East 4-44, and ladder-leader Bacchus Marsh bundled cellar-dweller Gisborne out for 136.

Ladder: Bacchus Marsh 88.15, Aintree 63.95, Romsey 68.49, Kilmore 66.51, Macedon 66.14, Riddell 56.56, United 55.41, Eynesbury 53.76, Kyneton 52.00, Gisborne 31.35.

In Jensen Shield Malmsbury defeated Blackwood outright, with Matt Cox scoring an unbeaten 100 and David Nolte 77 in 9/329 declared.

Ladder-leader Hanging Rock gained maximum points against Sunbury Kanga-

roos, and Lancefield’s last chance of staying in finals contention disappeared with the Tigers bowled out for 205 (Alan Sinclair 53, D. Mallia-Hogan 42 n.o. in pursuit of Wallan’s 211.

Division 1produced an exciting finish, as aninth-wicket partnership enabled Kilmore to overhaul Macedon’s 296 to win by four runs.

Trentham’s Harley Forgo scored 121 in afutile pursuit of Gisborne’s 7/576, with Archie Shore capturing 5-27 to add to his century on the first day of this match at Bullengarook.

Division 2ladder-leader Romsey scored 3/256 (R. Pitts 87, A. Chew 81 n.o.) in pursuit of Malmsbury’s 8/198 c.c. and Macedon’s 8/298 c.c. proved proved 142 runs too much for Diggers Rst/Bulla.

Only one Kyneton batter reached double figures with the Tigers bowled out for 79 by Riddell, and then reached 3/126 in the second innings.

Hanging Rock’s division 3side scored 8/140 (Zac Watkins 58 n.o, M. Fisher 40) chasing Kilmore’s 182.

Women’sfooty at Macedon

Macedon is the latest club looking to field awomen’s team in the Riddell League’s senior football (18 years and upwards) competition this season.

The Cats are selling the message for potential players is to “grab your friends and join in the fun –noexperience necessary”.

Recruits can expected to join like-minded women who are keen to participate in the social aspect of team sport, while increasing fitness and developing skills in footy.

Tamara Collins, well-known in Macedon and district sporting circles, is the one to contact if at all interested. Email tamaracollins8@bigpond.com

The Cattery is renowned for its netball and football prowess, and the big news in netball is that three of the club’s long-term netball stars will be taking to the courts again this season.

Ace goal shooter Chloe Williams, who missed the finals last season and recently gave birth to ason, Atlas, will lead the Cats’ scoring again.

Talented defender Katie Clarke and versatile Janelle Tate have also signed up again.

Ciara Stewart is again senior netball coach at Macedon, and expects the club to again make an impact across the grades.

The Cats are presently looking for additional netball players to join the Under 19s.

Jarryd Vernon – a brilliant 118 on Saturday, plus other fine performances with bat and ball, makes him a logical Kevin Sullivan Medal favourite this season

A

4 B 2 C 5

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

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

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

•Large capacityshedding ideal for everyone

A 4 B 2 C 4

View Saturday 25th February 12:00 -12:30pm

ForSale $1,195,000 Web rh.com.au/woodend

4HoburdDrive, Woodend

AMarvellous FeelingofFreedom -3acres

•Set in asought after location

•Picturesque rural aspect and family friendlyenvironment

•Great outdoor entertaining area, ideal for family gatherings

•Onlyashort drivetoWoodend towncentre, railway station, primary school and sporting facilities

•Features picturesque dam and town water

KenGrech 0418509 710 ken.grech@gisborne.rh.com.au

A

B

View Saturday 25th February 10:45 -11:15am

ForSale $750,000 -$825,000 Web rh.com.au/kyneton

24

WheatleyStreet, Kyneton

Farmers Come To Town

•For afamilythat enjoys space, privacy & aHUGE shed in aquiet location

•Large lounge with art deco ceilings

•Big master bedroom with his &hers wardrobes

•Large country kitchen with an abundance of cupboards

•A family home from abygoneera that has everything and more

Judith Stevens 0438 683484

judith.stevens@kyneton.rh.com.au

Kyneton 5422 2678

13 High St, Kyneton rh.com.au/kyneton

A

View Saturday 25th February 2:30 -3:00pm

Private $850,000 -$935,000 Web rh.com.au/kyneton

2Metcalfe-TaradaleRoad, Taradale

Histroic Homestead in Iconic Location

•Wrappedinlushpastures

•Iconic bluestone Taradale Viaductasyour backdrop

•Four bedrooms (original cedarwindows)

•Woodfireheater and split AC keepthe home comfortable year-round

•Weeping cherries, cherry blossoms, and a grand oak tree planted by original owners around 150 years ago

Judith Stevens 0438 683484 judith.stevens@kyneton.rh.com.au

3

1 C 2 F 1012m2

4 B 1 F 4888sqm