Midland Express Tuesday 24 January 2023

Flags Fllags

Now in its 47th year, the Castlemaine State Festival is launching its 2023 season with apreview event at Castlemaine Goods Shed this Saturday January 28.

The free public launch of Australia’s flagship regional arts event kicks off at 11am at the Kennedy Street venue with festival director Glyn Roberts presenting this year’s generous program.

The 2023 program includes avast range of free and ticketed events and the establishment of anew Festival Precinct that will bring Castlemaine alive with contemporary and classical music, performance, dialogues, cabaret, circus, comedy and DJs to entertain while audiences enjoy the best food and beverage options the region has to offer.

Ashowcase performance by award-winning Castlemaine musician Eliza Hull will also feature at Saturday's program launch celebration.

Recently awarded the Music Victoria ‘Amplify’ award, the APRA mentorship for women in music, aNational Leadership Award from the Australia Council and Arts Access Australia and The Women In Music Award, Eliza is making change in the music industry. She is a huge part of the movement to promote greater representation of differently abled musicians.

The muso, who has aneurological condition, 'Charcot Marie Tooth', which affects her nervous system, recently wrapped recording on anew album while juggling parenthood, live performances, panel appearances as part of her advocacy work, and consultancy work with local and national entertainment venues.

Eliza told the Express she looked forward to sharing some songs from her new album with Saturday's audience.

Continued page 4.

Award-winning Castlemaine musician Eliza Hull will feature at Saturday’s Festival launch.

Established in 1969, Tylden Equipment Sales is a Kyneton-based manufacturer employing people from our local community. We manufacture equipment for the mining, concrete, cement, water treatment industries and many more.

The company is positioned ideally to serve both Australian and international markets. All manufacturing takes place in our 2300m2 factory.

The company can see aclient’s needs through concept and detail design, engineering, drafting, fabrication, project management, installation, commissioning, servicing and repairs.

Silos

Tylden Equipment Sales is well-known for their manufacture of fixed, transportable and mobile silos for storage of dry powders. Tylden offers one of the largest ranges of silos in Australia. They are designed and built to Australian standards and are suitable for installation and use throughout the continent.

Concrete batching plants

Tylden offer awiderange of batching plants from the traditional high production equipment to fully mobile single trailer mounted units.

Engineering and drafting

Tylden’s experienced team is willing and able to provide arange of engineering services and drafting services to assist in developing client’s projects.

Typically these include

*Concept designs and drawings

*Structural design and detailing

*CAD drawings

Binbanditput on notice

Castlemaine Police are seeking information from the public following aseries of incidents where rubbish and recycle bins were mowed down by avehicle across the township.

Leading Senior Constable Wayne Cairnes said Mount Alexander Shire Council contacted them regarding the incidents, which took place sometime overnight on Tuesday evening/ Wednesday morning on January 10-11 and on Tuesday evening/Wednesday morning on January 17-18.

Bins in Elizabeth Street, Johnstone Street and Gaffney Street were targeted resulting in thousands of dollars worth of damage and leaving rubbish strewn over footpaths, nature strips and gardens resulting in an extensive clean up.

“Ratepayers pay afee forrubbish collection and bin maintenance and this service has now been disrupted and residents face the inconvenience of lodging arequest with council to have their bins replaced,” LSC Cairnes said.

“Not to mention the clean up for contractors Veolia and local residents all because of someone’s stupidity and reckless driving.

“This person doesn’t deserve adriver’s licence.”

Police are aware some incidents may not have been reported.

“We encourage any other victims to report the matter to police or Mount Alexander Shire Council,” LSC Cairnes said.

“This requires acommunity approach, be vigilant. If you know this car report it, if you see this car report it.

“By working together we can identify the driver and achieve aresult.

“To the driver, consider yourself on notice,” the officer said.

Witnesses describe the offending vehicle as awhite F250 with alight bar on the top of the cabin.

“It has abullbar andithas atoy bulldog or animal in the centre of the bonnet,” LSC Cairnes said.

“The alleged offender could face criminal damage charges in relation to the bins, traffic offences and potential charges under hoon legislation.

“They could be facing vehicle impoundment, drivers licence suspension and associated court costs.

“That will be avery expensive day in court for some random acts of stupidity,” he said.

Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Leading Senior Constable Wayne Cairnes at the Castlemaine Police Station on 5470 4100.

Rubbish dumped

Local residents discovered ahot tub and agenerator among items dumped on land at the intersection of Kyneton-Springhill Road and Sebastopol Road last Friday.

The residents regularly check the site and said the rubbish must have been dumped overnight on Thursday or early Friday morning.

Anyone with information is asked to contact council by calling 5422 0333 or emailing mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au.

Bins in Elizabeth Street were rammed outside ablockofunits leaving rubbish strewn across the nature strip and footpath.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is investigating the dumping of hard rubbish in Kyneton last week.

Sparks fly over fireworks

Demand for greater restrictions on fireworks in the Macedon Ranges has sparked apetition that’s garnered more than 4500 signatures.

Springfield Equestrian Park’s Emily Bannister launched the petition in December in abid to ban noisy fireworks on private properties in rural areas.

Ms Bannister said the Macedon Ranges and Mitchell Shire areas were known for high equine activity, and fireworks could cause arange of problems for horses.

“It is well documented that horses suffer extreme stress from the noise during fireworks and take flight at any incident that frightens them,” she said.

“A fright could see ahorse go through afence and out onto this major road, causing injury to the horse and potentially acatastrophic car accident.”

Animal Welfare Victoria suggests keeping horses away from fireworks that can be seen or heard but Ms Bannister said this was “completely impractical”.

“It is ahuge undertaking to ask all horse owners to remove their horses at any time of the day or night, for asix to eight-minute display of fireworks. Often owners don’t have their own means of transport to remove the horses,” she said.

Ms Bannister said she would like to see noisy fireworks banned and replaced with ‘silent fireworks’ to better protect livestock.

Advertising of afireworks display to be held in Springfield last weekend reignited discussion on social media platforms last week.

While some residents questioned its suitability for the shire, somefeltthe fun displays should not be overpoliced as there was sufficient notification.

Only licensed pyrotechnicians or people under their direct supervision have permission to use fireworks in Victoria and must notify WorkSafe at least seven days before the display.

If fireworks arescheduled during the Fire Danger Period or on Total Fire Ban days apermit from the Country Fire Authority is required.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council does not approve or issue permits for fireworks, however, restrictions could be introduced under alocal law.

“Council could consider the regulation of fireworks as part of the next review of the Local Law, which is due later this year,” said Rebecca Stockfeld, MRSC’s director of planning and environment.

The council will be consulting with the community during the review and invites residents to check for updates on its website.

The ‘Ban Fireworks on Private Properties in Rural Areas’ can can be found online at Change.org

Flagship festival to launch

From page 1

"I'm thrilled to be involved with the festival again this year, having been part of several opening night performances. Iwillalsobedoing ashow'Into the Space Between the Notes' with Liz Martin during the festival.

"We presented the same show at the Sydney Opera House in June 2022 and Ilook forward to performing it right here in front of alocal audience," she said.

This year is set to be abig onefor Eliza with her fifth album launching in March.

"I am looking forward to doing atour of the United Kingdom in May," she said.

Eliza will also be continuing her consultancy work with The ARIAS in 2023 and other organisations such as Music Victoria, APRA, Arena Theatre Company, Bakehouse Studios and live music venues Theatre Royal Castlemaine, Bridge Hotel, Trash Cult Bendigo and Palais Hepburn to strive to make live music accessible for all.

"I am always thinking of the next generation of musicians and ensuring they know that there is aplace for them and they can access the industry. It's also important we make our venues accessible. Everyone deserves to enjoy live music," she said.

"It's something the Castlemaine State Festival does really well and Iamproud to be part of it."

The Castlemaine State Festival is unique in its scope and diversity; the popular biennial event will again draw thousands of visitors from across Australia and overseas to the regional centre to experience afamily-friendly, fun and accessible 17-day event.

Tickets for the festival will go live Saturday to coincide with the launch. Look out for your free copy of the 2023 Castlemaine State Festival program in the Midland Express next Tuesday January 31. Visit www.castlemainefestival.com.au or follow the festival on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

Castlemaine State Festival runs from March 24 to April 9, 2023.

Advertising of afireworks displaytobeheld in Springfield last weekend reignited discussion on social media platforms last week.

Biglineupfor Town Folk Festival Big lineup for Feesstival

Lisa Dennis

The countdown is on until Castlemaine's highly anticipated second annual Town Folk Festival on Saturday February 11.

Bringing together 16 of the best contemporary artists from across Victoria and beyond, Town Folk Festival celebrates diverse, compelling and exciting music, which all fits vaguely or specifically under the ever-widening umbrella of folk.

The one-day festival will take place on Dja Dja Wurrung Country across four stages in three venues, The Bridge Hotel, Shedshaker Brewing and Boomtown Winery, all ashort walkingdistance from each other and packed with an afternoon-intoevening of musical greatness, food, drinks and company.

Town Folk Festival founder, Bridge Hotel owner and Applejack Music promoter, Jeremy Furze, said Town Folk Festival began as an idea to get some of his favourite contemporary folk bands and musicians together in one place and celebrate music of aslower, softer persuasion.

"This kind of music is often overlooked by mainstream media and events but there’s awonderful community around it," Jeremy said.

"The festival is held across The Bridge, Shedshaker Taproom and Boomtown Winery, and has been made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors like Don Smallgoods, The Mill, Mount Alexander Shire Council, Print Together and Klua Sathorn who will be cooking delicious Thai food for our dinner!" he said.

Those to feature will include local acts such as Big Scary, Felicity Cripps and The Maes and visiting artists Phoebe Go, Folk Bitch Trio, Jade Imagine, Maple Glider, The Rechords, Workhorse and many more.

Castlemaine's

"I went along to the first one in 2022 as apunter and Ilook forward to performing this time around on the outdoor stage alongside the Bridge Hotel with my Melbourne bandmate Tom Iansek," Jo said.

The pair have been producing their own blend of alternative pop music for

Come and tryfooty

Kyneton senior women’s footballers have organised an important ‘Come and Try’ training session for Wednesday, February 1. The aim is to recruit more players and volunteers for the 2023 season. Existing players, past players or anyone who wants to try AFLW for the first time are welcome to go along and join in light training, followed by abarbecue and light refreshments. Players can be aged from 16 years upwards, women, or gender diverse. Junior players are also invited to join in if they would like more experience training with the senior club. The informal training session runs from 6.30pm to 8pm at the second oval at the Kyneton Showgrounds. Bring runners, comfortable clothes and awater bottle. Friends and family also welcome.

15 plus years, and in recent years also started their own record label together in order to support and foster the work of other artists.

Drummer Syme and guitarist/pianist Iansek have had abusycouple of years also bringing out new albums of their own Daisy in 2021 and Me &You in 2022 and look forward to sharing amix of new music and old faves with Syme's home crowd.

"We had asuccessful tour of six shows along Australia's East and South coast in 2022 including Castlemaine's Theatre Royal. This will be our first time playing the Town Folk Festival," Syme said.

"It was afantastic vibe last year and will be lovely to have friends and family there to support us."

For the full lineup and tickets visit www. townfolkfestival.com

Jo Syme from Big Scary looks forward to being part of the 2023 event.

Jo Syme from Big Scary is looking forward to being part of the Town Folk Festival 2023 line up

Canada’sgain –Australia’sloss

Written messages of love and support were the featured backdrop when friends gathered in Woodend recently to bid farewell to afamilyofIranian refugees voluntarily leaving Australia for resettlement in Canada.

The Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees has provided friendship and support to the family since hosting them at afamilypicnicinWoodend in December 2017.

The Ahwazi family fled persecution in Iran in 2013 and came by boat seeking safety in Australia. They were held on Christmas Island and then Nauru before serious illness forced their transfer to Melbourne’s immigration detention centre.

Eventually placed in community detention, the three children were allowed to go to school, but the parents have been denied rights to work or study for the past seven years.

For 10 years Australia has denied people who come by boat seeking asylum to apply for permanent protection and settlement here.

“Detention with no end date is torture because it robs already vulnerable people of hope and the internationally recognised right of refugees to protection,” said Jean Ker Walsh, chair of MRRAR.

“Their case was examined and they were found to be genuine refugees, but it made no difference to a government determined to send amessage to people smugglers.”

Two years ago, with no alternative available, the parents asked for help to get them to Canada where refugees are welcomed under acommunity sponsorship scheme.

Acoregroup from MRRAR sought help from family and friends to raise the $40,000 needed to support the family through their first year of settlement in Ottawa where a willing group of sponsors was found.

Finally, just before Christmas, the family was told they had been fully approved and were advised to prepare for departure.

They voluntarily departed Melbourne and on arrival in Canada were immediately granted permanent residency.

For the family’s Macedon Ranges supporters and friends, the final stage in the process was acelebration on the afternoon of Sunday January 8. Jean thanked all those who, without any assistance from government, had helped this family of five to make their own way to freedom.

As their chief supporter, Jean admits to feeling conflicted. She is delighted for them, though sad for herself because she has formed such aclose bond as de facto mother and grandmother.

“In these mixed emotions is one of shame, for the appalling and heartless manner in which this wonderful family has been treated by successive Australian governments,” she said.

Of the many comments written on the whiteboard to mark the family’s farewell, one in particular seemed to capture the essence of the occasion: ‘Canada’s gain –Australia’s loss’.

SupportersofafamilyofIranian refugees gather in Woodend to wish them farewell.

Authorised by the Victorian Government,1Treasury Place,Melbourne

TwilightMarket ahit

Primary

Held last Friday on awarm summer's evening, the historic town came alive with music performed by local band 'The Martini Set', performances by the exotic Bellydance Goddess troupe, roving performances by Terry Circus, and aspectacular lantern walk by the children at Maldon

Maldon racing stalwartdies

AMaldonman collapsed and died at the site of amajor race location in South Australia. Greg Telford was astalwart of Australia's dry lakes racing community.

He collapsed while doing safety checks at Lake Gairdner on Saturday January 14.

Acompanion with Mr Telford performed CPR, but he could not be revived.

Lake Gairdner is the site of the Dry Lakes Racers Association's upcoming March 'Speed Week' event.

Working to complement the popular Twilight Dinner event, organiser Pamela told the Express they ran the whole event with a$1000 budget!

"Now we're able to demonstrate what a real success the event was we will be able to apply for more funding in the future," Pam said.

"A big shout out to all the volunteers, it wouldn't work without them. The town

is becoming awell-oiled machine when it comes to running events."

The 16th annual Twilight Dinner, held the following evening, saw afull house with 800 guests at rows of tables among the historic shopfronts.

With abackdrop of avivid pink sunset, visitors and locals got into the 80s spirit with crimped hair, bright colours and bangles, rocking the night away to 'Forever 80s' while enjoying delicious local produce.

The inaugural Maldon Twilight Market was ahugesuccess with more than 1000 attendees and 32 market stalls, showcasing fabulous food, regional produce, and artisan makers.

School featuring their hand-crafted lanterns.

Children from Maldon PrimarySchool walked the main street of Maldon with their handmade lanterns.

Cobaw clean-up continues

Forest Fire Management Victoria is continuing works to remove roadside debris from the Cobaw State Forest caused by storms across the state in June and October 2021.

This work will reduce bushfire risk caused by fallen and hazardous trees from the storms and enable safe and rapid response to future bushfires in the forest.

Due to the scale of the operation, forest contractors, including VicForests, have been engaged to assist FFMVic in the recovery efforts.

Works are expected to start around Ridge Road, Rileys Road and Crozier Track from midJanuary.

Loddon Mallee deputy chief fire officer Scott Falconer said assessments showed it was safe to start works in the forest.

Heavy vehicles and machinery will be active in the area over the coming months as debris is removed from roads, tracks and road reserves within the forest.

“While works are taking place, buffer zones will be implemented to prevent debris from going into forest streams,” Mr Falconer said.

“Smaller debris and existing ground cover will be kept where possible to provide protection from erosion and to limit impacts to forest values.

“As fallen trees can also provide valuable habitat for wildlife, some will be left in place where appropriate. For all other debris, the best end use will be considered –this may include using it for domestic firewood collection, commercial firewood and timber products.”

Public Safety Zones and road closures will be in place where debris removal works are being undertaken.

Dexter monitorscourt

Dexter doesn’t wear acape but he is now an unlikely hero of his quiet Woodend cul-de-sac.

The eight-year-old jack russell’s insistent barking raised the alarm to the cries of an elderly neighbour injured in afall.

Owner Philip MacCana said Dexter was adamant something was wrong.

“I was at the back of the house and heard him barking from the front window. He just kept it up and wouldn’t stop,” Philip said.

“When Iventured outside I heard the faint call of ‘help’.”

Philip found his neighbour had fallen in her front yard, suffering facial injuries and couldn’t get up.

He immediately sprung into action, calling Triple Zero for help. With an ambulance on the way and advice not to lift his neighbour, he shielded her from the sun with an umbrella until they arrived.

Now, about two weeks since the incident, Philip said his neighbour was recovering well at home.

Philip said Dexter played an important role in getting help to the scene.

“Dexter is very sociable. He especially loves babies and children,” Philip said.

“He doesn’t like to hear people upset or hurt and will often respond to any cries of people on television.”

Dexter continues to monitor the court from his favourite viewing window.

Dexter alerted his owner Philip MacCana to the cries of an injured neighbour

Some exciting developments have recently occurred at the Old Telegraph Station in Barker Street, Castlemaine. In December, the building was connected to the NBN bringing the historic station into the 21st century.

In January 1857, the building had been connected to the Sandhurst telegraph line.

The introduction of the electric telegraph in Castlemaine, and other areas of Australia, had ahuge social impact by reducing the country’s geographic isolation from the rest of the world.

Telegraph equipment transmitted electrical signals over awire laid between stations using the dots and dashes of Morse code with other offices in Sandhurst, Kyneton and Gisborne. Before the telegraph was introduced in Australia, it took roughly three months for amessage to reach England, but this was reduced to seven hours.

Telegraph stations became hubs of activity, with people placing orders and exchanging marketing and banking information.

In 1875, the telegraph equipment was moved next door to the newly built post office. In 1891 the Castlemaine Pioneers and Old Residents Association, founded in March 1880, leased and in 1893 obtained aCrown Grant for the land and property. They demolished the northern timber part of the station and built Faulder Watson Hall in 1895.

Castlemaine Pioneers and Old Residents Association Inc secretary, Wilson Bunton, said the association’s initial aims included loan assistance to members, the promotion and advancement of native-born

Victorians and the promulgation of facts concerning the district’s early history.

“While the association was not formed as aformalheritage-collecting organisation, it gathered information concerning the district’s early history and acquired historical items through its members over time,” Mr Wilson said.

Local curator and conservator, Kirsten McKay, has recently completed amajor significance assessment of the collection.

Mr Bunton said the association was pleased to draw upon Kirsten’s substantial knowledge of local history obtained while curator at the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum for more than 16 years.

Ms McKay said she had found the collection had strong links to the diversity of people and cultures that came to the early goldfields and developed Castlemaine and the district.

In the report, she concludes that the collection provides tangible evidence that Castlemaine played avital part in not only Victoria’s but Australia’s development.

The association will use the assessment to apply for state and federal funding to further its curatorial and digitisation programs.

Now that it is connected to the NBNthe association will be able to source online information on collection management and promote its collection nationally and internationally.

Community members can pay avisit to the Old Telegraph Station on Wednesdays between 10am and 3pm. Further information on the association and its collection can be found on their website castlemainepioneers.org or obtained from Wilson Bunton at castlemainepioneers@gmail.com.

Local projects given boost

MacedonRangesMusic Festival and Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House’s Little Book of Resilient Riddell are among the projects to benefit from GreaterWestern Water’sThrivingCommunities grants and sponsorshipprogram.

GWW received 90 applications for funding last October,with 11 groups receiving sponsorship of up to $5000 andfive groups awardedgrantsofupto $20,000

MacedonRanges Music Festival’s Jimmy O’Hare said the $5000 funding the festivalreceived would help secure highcalibre performers for the 2023event, which benefits the whole community.

“Attendees will experience an uplifting community-focusedday,where friends and family come together to celebratelive music,” he said.

“Local business ownerswill benefitfrom increased patronage and localgroupswill thriveas they unitetodeliver the region’s biggest community music event.”

GWW general manager strategy and partnerships, Kessia Thomson, said it was fantastic to see locally ledprojectscreating opportunities to increase participationin community life.

Castlemaine Pioneersand Old Residents Association

secretaryWilsonBunton is pictured with local curator and conservator Kirsten McKay. Photo: Lorena Carrington

We prepare forpower outages in extreme weather.You can too.

Make aplan and know what to do in apower outage this summer.

We’ve all seen the damage extreme weather can cause –whether it’s rising flood waters inundating homes to strong winds bringing down massive trees and powerlines.

It’swhy electricity distributor Powercor is reminding households, business owners and visitors to Kyneton and the Macedon Ranges to know what to do if extreme weather affects power supplies this summer

“While extreme events can happen at any time of the year,it’smore likely in summer when storms, lightning, high winds and heat can lead to power outages,”Powercor’s Head of Customer Experience, Adam Nason, said.

“Power outages affect everyone differently.Cars being trapped in garages with an electric door is acommon one we hear.Phones running out of charge and frustrations with trying to keep the kids entertained without amobile device is another.Either way we know it can be incredibly inconvenient.

We encourage everyone to make preparing for power outages part of any emergency plan.”

Powercor works year-round inspecting and maintaining the electricity network to keep it reliable. This includes inspecting more than 171,000 power poles and using acombination of helicopter and ground-based LiDAR inspections to monitor vegetation.

So far this year,the average duration of power outages affecting Powercor customers has been 82 minutes whichislower than the average for 2021 of 90 minutes.

“Weprepare for major weather events so we can respond quickly and minimise the time customersare without supply.Inparticular,wehave

extra resources and strike teams on call during the busy Christmas, New Year and Australia Day period,”Adam said.

Over the past 12 months, Powercor has also upgraded the local network, conducting extensive patrols along powerlines in the Macedon Ranges impacted by storms over the past year,and installing new bushfire safety devices to improve both safety and reliability outcomes for customers.

“Our safety devices are operated on more sensitive settings during summer and on Total Fire Ban Days to minimise fire starts and keep communities safer,” Adam said.

“Outages on these days may take longer to restore, as our crews are required to patrol the lines aftereachfault.”

Simple steps customers cantake to preparefor power outages include:

Look after your health–particularly if yourely on lifesupport equipment and need aback-up plan

Stay connected –byhaving mobile phones and laptop computers charged to stay connected with family and friends

Have back-up energy ready– like batteries, lampsand barbeques andhaveyour eskies ready

Stay up to date –visit our website to choose yourpreferences for getting notifications from Powercor about power supplies

Castlemaine is leading the way in acknowledging that for many, Australia Day is known as aday of survival, with adualnamed Australia/Survival Day Celebration –the only one of its kind in the region.

In 2018, under the leadership of Dja Dja Wurrung Elders, Mount Alexander Shire Council decided to formally dual name events held on January 26 as Australia/ Survival Day, to recognise how celebrations on this day impact the First Nations community.

This decision was made to create an event where all community members are represented, included, and celebrated –as well as to create aplatformfor education and healing through truth-telling.

“Council and the Dja Dja Wurrung community have along history of working together towards reconciliation,” Uncle Rick Nelson said.

"That partnership started 10 years ago with my dad and the raising of the Aboriginal flag. Now we have the reconciliation stone in the town centre and the Australia Day/Survival Day event has grown leaps and bounds since the first event.

"I want to focus on reconciliation and how we can work together to survive," he said.

"It's no good going on about the hatred and sadness –better to focus on the positives."

Mount Alexander Shire Council mayor Cr Rosie Annear said

she was proud of her council for leading the way and dual naming the community event.

“It honours our partnership and collaborative history with our Dja Dja Wurrung Elders, and the First Nations community,” Cr Annear said.

“We all live here together, so let’s celebrate together. Not only Australia Day, but that Aboriginal nations have survived.”

This Thursday January 26 the shire will celebrate Australia Day/ Survival Day with afree, familyfriendly event at Castlemaine's Victory Park from 10am to 2pm. The

event will include aSurvivalDay concert programmed and emceed by Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson beginning at noon.

The concert has ahuge and diverse lineup of incredible artists including performances by Aboriginal Reggae pioneer Bart Willoughby, afounding member of No Fixed Address in the early 80s and Mixed Relations in the '90s alongside Selwyn Burns, the lead guitarist of No Fixed Address and Coloured Stone and his son Tjimba Possum Burns from Yung Warrior.

Other performances include

Castlemaine locals, The Rattlers, who use harmonies and gypsystyle folk to tell stories of rural Australia, the Nalderun Women Dancers, D'Arcy Spiller, Jason Kerr and Young Jason, plus Hip Hop performances from Yung Warriors with Tjimba Possum Burns.

The event will also include free ice cream from Ice Cream Social and afree barbecue run by Castlemaine Rotary/Lions Clubs and SES, aWelcome to Country, citizenship ceremony, and the presentation of the Mount Alexander Shire Australia Day Awards.

Australia Dayinthe Ranges

Various community events to celebrate Australia Day will take places across the Macedon Ranges on January 26.

Kyneton

The Kyneton Australia Day Breakfast is back.

Hosted by the Lions, Rotary and Zonta Clubs, together with the Kyneton RSL, and supported by Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Hardwicks Meats, Stockers Dairy, Bakers Delight and Monsieur Pierre, the free community breakfast will be held in the Kyneton Mechanics Reserve from 8am to 10am.

Head down to the reserve to enjoy sausages, bacon and eggs, and tea and coffee, and join in the celebration.

Woodend

The Rotary Club of Woodend, with support from the National Australia Day Council, is hosting acommunity gathering at the RSL Club from noon to 4pm.

Pipers Creek

Pipers Creek will celebrate Australia Day with acommunity gatheringand barbecue at the Pipers Creek School, 745 Pipers Creek Road.

Highlights of the evening include the running of Pipers Creek Gift over seven and 3/4 yards and the Mintie hunt.

There will be abarbecue facility provided. Bring your own food and arrive about 6pm.

Bart Willoughby, Selwyn Burns and Tjimba Possum Burns. Photo courtesy of Leo Dale

Folk-rrocker gives back

Tim Rogers and The Twin Seet will perform a CFA fundraiser gig at the Malmsbury Hotel on Februuary 2, with all proceeds going to the Malmsbury and Taradale fire e brigades

“Until Ilearn their skills Iwantted to show that even D-List old folk-rockers appreciate their skillls and time and compassion,” Rogers told the Express “And Iwilllearn when Ifinally get put out to pasture,” the now local muso said.

The gig also kicks off the band’s ‘Tines Of Stars Unfurled Album Tour’, with the new album m released in February Tines of Stars Unfurled is abookend to Rogers’ classic solo debut of ‘99, What Rhymes With Cars and Girls,marking the e welcome return of his fiddle-and-squeezebbox country-blues compadres The Twin Set, and the (slightly more temperatee) barstool yarn-spinner’s perspective that made the You Am Ifrontman ARRIA’s Best Male Artist 23 years ago.

That’s long enough to bring new poetry, wit and wisdom to thhe rock’n’roll philosopher’s kitbag as 11 new songs hold hands with thheir precursors across the chasm of innocence and experience.

Kids grow up, adults split up, parents pass on, some nights look better in than out and somehow, , the songs keep getting better.

Like the first single says, Been S So Good, Been So Far.“GuessI’m doing okay. How about you?”

The gig at The Malmsbury is from 7.30pm to 10pm on Thursday, February 2. Tickets at the door or via tim-rogers.com.au

Prestigious award for music artist

Gisborne-based country music artist, Craig Lloyd, has won aprestigious award for his country ballad Take The Wheel at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in New South Wales.

The John and Judy Martin Commemorative Award is presented for the best Country Ballad of the Year by the Tamworth Songwriters Association.

This national honour was awarded to Lloyd, and co-writers Merelyn and David Carter (Carter and Carter), at the awards ceremony in Tamworth last week.

The Tamworth Songwriters Association Awards are held during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the largest music festival in Australia, and one of the top 10 largest music festivals in the world.

Lloyd said he was incredibly grateful to the TSA for this award.

“Receiving such recognition is humbling, and to have been presented the award in the presence of some of the best songwriters in Australia was both memorable and wonderful recognition for our song,” he said.

“To have had the opportunity to collaborate on the writing of Take The Wheel with country music legends Carter and Carter is one of the highlights of my music journey.”

Lloyd is aresident of Gisborne and is a graduate of the Country Music Association of Australia Academy.

Take The Wheel reached number three on the Australian Country Radio Chart, and number three on the European Country Music Chart in late 2022.

The single is available to listen to at www.craiglloyd.com.au or on any of the major music streaming services.

Are you the next Idyll?

Registration for Castlemaine Idyll 2023 is now open!

Castlemaine Idyll is Castlemaine’s ultimate annual talent contest, andhas been running for more than 12 years.

Featuring hot local talent, ahugelytalented professional band, celebrity judges and acommunity uniting joyously in support, the theme for Idyll 2023 is ‘Shine’.

Registrations close this Friday January 27 –somake haste! Head to the Castlemaine Idyll Facebook page or the Lot 19 website for more information.

First and foremost aridiculous amount of fun, Castlemaine Idyll is also the annual fundraiser for Lot 19 artspace. Castlemaine Idyll will take place at Lot 19 artspace in Langslow Street on Saturday March 18.

Tim Rogers and The Twin Set will perform a CFA fundraiser gig at the Malmsbury Hotel on February 2

Shaping the future of Pride

Do you have any ideas on how the Castlemaine Pride Festival should look like in the future?

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Mount Alexander Shire are being asked to share their thoughts.

With the support of funding from Pride Events and Festivals Fund, Castlemaine Pride Festival organisers have hired research expert Kate Phillips to facilitate the input.

“We’ll be using arange of different methods for people to engage and share their voice and views, like asurvey, apostcard you can send back to us, group discussions and having one-to-one coffee chats,” Kate said.

“We want people to feel comfortable to contribute in whatever way works for them. We’ll be popping up across Mount Alexander Shire, too, to make it easy for people in different towns and areas to join in. I’m pleased to say we’ll also be paying people for their time and expertise.”

Castlemaine Pride Festival founder, Sherene Clow, said the opportunity to have input was phenomenally exciting.

“Castlemaine Pride has always been community-led, but now we have the chance to make sure it’s truly meeting the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community right across Mount Alexander,” Sherene said.

“We want this festival to be something the community feels astrong sense of ownership over. After all, the purpose of Pride is to bring us all together.”

Kate said the Castlemaine Pride Festival Committee had identified certain sections of the community it was particularly keen to hear from so it could work to make the festival as safe, inclusive and accessible as possible.

These include trans and gender-diverse people, intersex and asexual people as well as those who identify as one or more of the minority identities.

“You can share your voice and views by completing the online survey —it’s short and sweet, we promise,” Sherene said.

Participants will also go into the draw to win a$100gift card.

The survey is available on the Castlemaine Community House website or at www.surveymonkey.com/r/CastlemainePrideFestival. For those who prefer to put pen to paper, survey postcards can be collected from and dropped off at both the Castlemaine Library and Castlemaine Community House from now until the Castlemaine Pride Festival in April.

Anyone interested in participating in (or helping set up) agroup discussion or having an informal chat over coffee is invited to contact Kate Phillips at diversity@cch.org.au

Castlemaine Pride 2022. Photo: Craig Gaston

Popupgarlic farmersprogram

With its aim to give Australians hands-on experience and to grow anew generation of Australian farmers, Farmer Incubator has announced the return of its sought-after Pop Up Garlic Farmers program.

Kicking off in February, people have the unique opportunity to participate in aprogram that teaches you how to plant and nurture amarket garden-scale garlic crop from seed to harvest and to market.

The program is offered at established farms and market gardens including Wildwood Organics in the Macedon Ranges.

All participants are taught and provided hands-on support by renowned farmers and scientists, many of whom started out through Farmer Incubator.

Many graduates of the program go on to work in farm internships, jobs or start their own food enterprises.

Willow participated in the program in 2021 and is now running asmall-scale organic farm for North Melbourne Mauritian restaurant, Manzé, in aunique landsharing arrangement with Tanaka Farm Project in Clarkefield.

This connection came about after Willow approached the restaurant to purchase garlic grown in the program.

“PUGF was acomplete game-changer for me. Iwas always curious about growing food on alarger scale but had no opportunity to seriously try it for myself," Willow said.

"Taking the pop-up garlic farmers course taught me alot, but more importantly it connected me to other people

growing food and wanting to grow food around the city.

"I met local food system advocates, experienced gardeners, and chefs looking for fresher local produce. Such ajoy!”

Consisting of eight weekend workshops, the program runs from February to November 2023, and includes sessions on topics such as Soil Preparation, Pest and Disease Management and Product Marketing.

Participants are given seed to grow approximately 500 plants and tour established small-scale farms to get adeep understanding of the environment, build skills, and collaborate with like-minded farmers.

By the end of the program, participants leave with knowledge, support networks and confidence to grow an organic garlic crop.

Farmer Incubator’s co-farming initiative has booked out year on year.

As the program is outdoors and weekend based, it has proven popular with Victorians looking to reconnect with community and the environment while learning lifelong skills.

Limited spaces are available for the 2023 program. Participants who want an exciting new challenge in 2023, seek skills from the best in the urban agriculture space and learn to grow food regeneratively, are encouraged to apply for the Pop-Up Garlic Farmers Program.

Registrations are now open. For more info or to book aplace (this does sell out every year so get in quick!) go to: www. farmerincubator.org/pugf

Register damage

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

For the past 25 years, the CMA has been working alongside farmers and community groups to improve the condition of rivers such asthe Campaspe and Loddon, as wellaswetlandsofinternational significance.

Major waterway erosion, river breakaways and scouring are the highest priority after the floods.

NCCMA is keen to hear from landholders who have noticed significant erosion or damage to waterway fencing and revegetation.

The CMA has established aregister to help identify priority locations for repair.

To register damage, go to www.bit.ly/ cmarepair or call 5448 7124.

By theend of the program, participants leave with knowledge, supportnetworks and confidence to grow an organic garlic crop.

Q:

ASKTHE

p t

HowdoIknowwhenmycar needsawheelalignment?

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

Q: WhoshouldIappointasmy executorwhenmakingmy Will?

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

Q: Canyoucopy/restoreourold FamilyPhotos?

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

Callustoday. PJsTyres-271BarkerStreet,Castlemaine Phone(03)54722088 www.pjstyres.com.au KN269319

ContactVesnaPocucatoday: Phone54721588or157BarkerSt.Castlemaine Formoreinformationrobertsonhyetts.com.au KN269318

Callustoday: Chapman’sofCastlemaine Phone54705302 77MostynSt.Castlemaine KN269186

A: Thatisverygoodofyourparentstoofferto helpyou.Eitheroptionisacceptedbybanks. Therearethingstoconsiderforgiftsofmoney thoughthisisfairlystraightforward BeingaGuarantorismoredifficultandinvolves areviewofyourparentsfinancialpositionand perhapslegaladviceforyourparents Callusandwecanchataboutthenextsteps.

Callustoday: PeterMachell-MortgageChoiceWoodend 87HighStreetWoodend Phone54274262 www.mortgagechoicewoodend/ peter.f.machell.com.au KN269172

Is your clinic taking new patients?

Yes, our Kyneton clinic welcomenew patients. Youcan book online viaour website:www springsmedical.com.au or,you can phoneour reception team on 54221298 and theywill book your appointmenttime.

We also offerTelehealth, Bulk Billed appointments for concession cardholders and children under 16 plusRapid Bulk Billing Clinicsfor allpatients- theseare simple consultssuch as medical certificatesor repeatsingle prescriptions.

Remember,it’simportant to have any health concernsaddressed by amedical practitioner as soon as possible.

Dr James Smith

Q: WhatisaTACclaim?

A: ATACclaimisaninsuranceclaimyou makeifyouareinjuredinatransport accident.TheschemeisownedbytheVic Government.YoucanmakeaTACclaim, eveniftheaccidentwasyourfault.Oncea claimisaccepted,paymentscanbemade formedicalexpenses,incomepayments andlumpsumcompensation. Contact GraingerLegaltodaytoarrangeafree appointmentwithalawyertodiscuss makingaTACclaim.

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

Something new on offerfor repair

Something new will be offered at this month's Castlemaine and surrounds Repair Cafe on January 29.

Repairers will be resetting/wiping mobile phones with adead battery, broken screen or no charging cable. So bring along those supposedly obsolete mobile phones.

The Cafe runs from 10am to 1pm at the Castlemaine Community House, 30 Templeton Street, behind the Town Hall. Enter through the back door from the car park. If it's very busy the last item accepted is at 12.30.

The Repair Cafe really needs someone to make tea and coffee for the repairers and helpers and maybe the odd sandwich, some extra people for the front reception table roster and new repairers would really be most welcome.

At the Cafe, it's first in, first served, so be early if you'd rather not wait. Gold coin donation appreciated. Enquiries to Chris on 5470 5508 and if leaving amessage please leave number and name clearly.

Repairersand attendees at the October 2022 Cafe.

Wellbeing

Newevening yogaclass

Formore than three decades yoga and meditation teacher Iris has practised the all-inclusive ancient art and science of healthy living –yoga. Herdaily practice helps her to maintain her mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Yoga offers apowerful combination of physical postures combined with the conscious flow of the breath, as well as the stilling aspects of meditation and mindfulness.

“This inclusive practice helps to maintain physical health, building strength, increasing flexibility and balance,” Iris says.

“Yoga has also been shown to lower stress hormones in our body, promoting the increase of ‘feel-good’ chemicals instead. Thishelps to decrease anxiety and improve our mood.

“With the use of subtle, powerful yoga practices, we move our complete being towards a state of wellbeing and balance, including our nervous system.”

Yoga can reduce the fight /flight /freeze responses and instead stimulate the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system that helps to produce acalmand relaxed feeling in our body and mind, rest /digest, Iris explains.

Supporting our nervous system to be balanced and healthy will allow us to be more adaptable, flexible and resilient.

“Just what we need in this fast ever-changing world we live in,” Iris says.

“When we are in balance, we feel grounded, calm, healthy, resourceful, hopeful, affective and in alignment.

“We can live joyfully and with more ease.

“Making yoga apart of your life allows you to actively support your wellbeing.”

Iris offers yoga classes in Castlemaine beginning February 1. You have the choice of in

person or online group classes, or one-on-one sessions. Depending on your experience, you have the choice of different levels, gentle and progressive.

This term you also can join the new progressive in-person evening class on Thursdays at 6pm.

“This dynamic class is an invitation to deepen your experience of yoga in asupportive and nurturing atmosphere. Here we explore more advanced practices,” Iris says.

All in-person classes are held at the Over the Moon yoga studio in Templeton Street in the centre of Castlemaine. Booking is essential as there are only limited spaces available.

To find out more or book in, go to www.amalinyoga.com

If you have any questions, get in contact with Iris on 0419 110 125 or via email on iris@amalinyoga.com

Breastfeeding support Make the hypno change

Penny

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 a gentle guiding hand to support women throughout their birth and breastfeeding experience.

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

“As amum of two boys (both of whom I had during COVID), Iknow firsthand how hard it is to get support with breastfeeding.

“I also empower and educate pregnant women to prepare for their breastfeeding journey.”

The Thompson Method is the breastfeeding method Penny teaches and is agentle, evidence-based method that has amazing results.

Dr Robyn Thompson developed this method of breastfeeding through her PhD research into why so many women had nipple trauma.

Penny says that in Australia although

most women intend to breastfeed, but only about 15.4 per cent are breastfeeding at five months, less than the World Health Organisation recommended six months.

“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,” Penny says.

See advertisement for contact details.

Themost popular New Year resolutions are also the most commonly broken resolutions –toloseweightor quite smoking!

The most effective and easiest way to lose weight or quit smoking is with hypnotherapy, says Marianne Pattinson of Kyneton Hypno Therapies.

“It works because it deals with the main reasons people are overweight, or smoke,” she says.

“These reasons are deep in your subconscious mind. Hypnotherapy helps by reprogramming what is in your subconscious to what your conscious mind wants to do now, but has struggled to achieve.

“Hypnotherapy works for weight-loss better than all other methods because it does not rely on will power and it reprograms your mind to get rid of old, unhelpful ‘programs’ that keep you from making changes.

“The quit smokingprogram works by identifying the various triggers to smoke and by changing your responses to those triggers. It also gives you various new, effective ways to relax.”

Book before January 31 to take up the New Year special offering $100 off hypnotherapy programs. See advert for contact details.

All kinds of support

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:

*Helpvoice the voiceless

*Helpdevelop awareness

*Helpfacilitate change

*Bring thecommunity together Illuminate’s services include:

*In-home support

*Personal care assistance

*Domestic task assistance and home maintenance

*Community access and participation

Chote is the founder and CEO of Innate Nurturing, abreastfeeding support and education business in the Macedon Ranges.

commemorates which anniversary of the Ash Wednesday fires?

Where is the Kyneton Australia Day breakfast held each year?

For how many days did this year’s Newstead Live event run? (3 points)

Where is Over the Moon Yoga and Dance Studio located?

General knowledge (1 point)

On what continent is Haiti?

What was the title of Adele’s 2021 album?

What was the last team to join to join the AFL?

Who directed the 1975 film Jaws? (3 points) 10. What year was Flinders Street Station completed of the following: 1925, 1921, 1901, 1909 or 1918?

Bureaucratic nonsense

PatrickFrancis, Romsey

Your article 'Family forced to put funeral on hold' is aperfect example of how policy can degenerate into farce on ethical and ecological grounds.

How can any government, local, state or federal, ethically justify causing afamily additional stress and upset by preventing it from burying aloved one in adeclared cemetery because the grave site might disturb native vegetation, namely grasses and forbs?

The decision makers who allowed this situation to happen have failed in their obligations to the family as public servants. As for acemetery having an environmental overlay protecting native grasses and forbs, this is bureaucratic nonsense.

Pasture agronomists and ecologists know that cemeteries were established by our first settlers as protected sites for burials.

Most were fenced off and their management ensured the enclosed grave area was not disturbed by livestock grazing or ploughing, so the original native vegetation has been preserved.

They are therefore important sites for identifying native vegetation present in a district prior to settlement. But they are cemeteries whose existence and appropriate management ensures native grasses and forbs have survived.

It should be expected when digging a grave in alocal cemetery like at Carlsruhe that native grasses will be disturbed. If native vegetation is not disturbed digging agrave in arural cemetery then questions should be asked about its past management, particularly in regard to mowing frequency (too frequent prevents annual seed set) and feral and native animal grazing (uncontrolled grazing may kill native plants especially during droughts).

The environmental overlay protecting native grasses in cemeteries should be removed or amended if it means graves cannot be dug. If this bureaucratic nonsense continues, historic local cemeteries will no longer be used as the final resting place for residents. Wherewill they be buried then?

Appallingsituation

Janice Fleming, Carlsruhe

Ihave read the article in the Midland Express about Garry Birrell ('Family forced to put funeral on hold', January 17) and know first hand about the appalling situation the family had toendure before getting permission to bury him.

We bought aplotat the cemetery about four years ago and have not been contacted by the trust by phone, mail or email to say what is going on.

We hope the issues are resolved before we need to use the plot as we bought it so as tomake it easier for the family later on.

Council mustact to save lives

Rohan Wightman,McKenzie Hill

Last Tuesday morning at 7.40am I was riding my pushbike down McKenzie Hill. Iwas wearing ahigh vis vest and had avery bright flashing front light on aslightly overcast morning. As Igot to Bulkeleys Road, awhite traffic control ute came out of Bulkeleys Road forcing me to take high-speed evasive action and Imissed the ute by millimetres. Iwas hit by acar while riding my bike in almost the same spot three years ago.

With the ever-expanding housing developments sprawling from McKenzie Hill to Campbells Creek and consequently bringing asignificant number of cars onto the Pyrenees Highway from Diamond Gully Road, it’s only amatter of time before acyclist is killed. In few years that area will be dotted with little white bikes and flowers commemorating dead cyclists.

The council has recently passed the development contributions policy, which states that the cost of infrastructure to support housing developments should be borne by council AND DEVELOPERS.

There are no foot or cycle paths from the housing developments into town and avery poor public bus service. This lack of foresight around infrastructure for McKenzie Hill housing developments necessitates people driving their cars to town to shop rather than riding or walking, thus increasing the probability of fatalities occurring by cars entering the Pyrenees Highway from Diamond Gully Road.

Abike lane, with concrete barriers, on the Pyrenees Highway from The Steiner School to town iscriticaltoprevent serious injury and/or death and nowthe council has the means to make this happen.

The council needs to act nowunless they thinklittle white bikesdotting the highway will make agood tourist drawcard.

Continuedsupport

Maria Weiss, directorofcommunity, Macedon RangesShire Council

In response to Chris Clark (‘No justice for Riddells Creek Men’s Shed’, Opinions, January 17), theRiddells Creek Neighbourhood House has alease in place with council for use of thelanduntil2028.

Over thepasttwo years, since the cessation by theRCNHofthe Men’s Shed auspice agreement, council has worked hard to support an outcome between the RCNH and the Men's Shed, including facilitating conversations, seeking legal advice and coordinating external mediation.

Council highly values the positive impact both groups have, andtheirservice and contributions to the community cannot be understated. On apositive note, the two groups have developed amediation agreement with key actions to support the reopening of the Men’s Shed program.

Council is keen to see this agreement between the parties fulfilled and will continue to offer support towards achieving this.

Thebestcouncil can do?

John Power, Cherokee

Thank you for last week’s excellent article highlighting legal ‘rally driving’ speeds of up to 100km/h through anetwork of mostly gravel roads east to Mount Macedon (where thereare currently no signed speed limits), and the consequent threat to wildlife.

As you reported, council resolved to review speed limits on local back roads almost three years ago, following apetition (770 signatures) to address roadkill as amatterofurgency.

Three years later, the best council can do is to include wildlife preservation in a strategy to “go to community consultation”.

Over the past three years, hundreds ofkangaroos, wallabies, wombats and other native animals have been killed along these roads, yet council recognises neither the obviousness of the hazard (high speeds) nor the urgency ofcreating asolution(signed speeds limits).

What will community consultation achieve? Does anyone truly expect any public submissions in support of 100km/h speeds along these slippery, dirt roads through known wildlife habitats and past residential properties? Could anyone argue for the ongoing absence of signed speed limits, which leaves out-of-towners, in particular, having to guess asafe speed? NB: locals know that 50km/h is aresponsible speed limit that accommodates most wildlife encounters.

Ifinditincrediblethat ‘bureaucracy for the sake of bureaucracy’ is able to overwhelm all other considerations, including urgent, common-sensical, safety measures affecting humans and wildlife.

Poorlydesignedand unnecessaryinfrastructure

Lauren Williams, Maldon

Iwas horrified to read, in the latest Tarrengower Times,about the 83-year-old woman who tripped on the raised edge of one of the many new footbridges the Mount Alexander Shire Council has installed in Maldon’s Main Street.

Her injuries were serious and her life has been changed for the worse. These pieces of poorly designed and unnecessary infrastructure have also worsened the parking situation, as they protrude further into the actual road than the original footbridges did, and those raised wooden edges are already fraying as cars drive over them. It’s amatter of time before vehicles collide trying to squeeze through the ridiculous kerb outstands on Bank Corner.

When Ibegan sending emails of complaint about the Maldon Streetscape project to council back in 2020, their response was to block my emails. Acomplaint to the Ombudsman, and my access was reinstated. That is the kind of council we are suffering under. Fortress Castlemaine just rules and be damned. ‘Consultation’ is an empty charade performed to tick the required box.

It’s one thing to warn council about the poor design of their streetscape alterations increasing the likelihood of pedestrian injury; it is another thing entirely when injuries start to occur. It is on the heads of the prodevelopment cronies in council. Shame!

Act immediately to remove the entire mess you’ve cluttered our streetscape with, or continue to demonstrate that stupidity and hubris can wreck towns and lives. I guess we all know you’ll be taking the latter path, and complaints will have to reach further than council.

What else can we do? Oh, that’s right. Secede.

Unable to read?

BryanYoung,Castlemaine

The major reason senior members of the Opposition give (that would be Peter Dutton and Julian Leeser, the shadow minister for Indigenous Australians) for not supporting the referendum to support a Voice is that there is "no detail''.

As Prof Marcia Langton and Prof Tom Calma have jointly produced a272 page report on that matter.

Furthermore Leeser and Senator Patrick Dodson pulished a264 page report on constitutional recognition with regard to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Does this mean that some senior opposition members are unable to read or just too lazy?

Forthe sakeofaview

Ann O’Neill, Gisborne

So much for state government protection for the Macedon Ranges.

The authority responsible for our beautiful Macedon Regional Park has lodged an application for aplanning permit to remove asignificant number of trees, including beautiful snow gums, alpine ash and other local species, so that visitors to the cross can view the city. Maybe aviewing platform in an appropriate area would have been a better option.

Visitors come to the Macedon Ranges to escape from the city and be in nature among our beautiful trees. Iwould no longer visit aregion that was prepared to damage its landscape for the sake of a view.

The Memorial Cross in about paying respects to those lost in times of War, not about viewing aconcrete jungle. It is atragedy that a‘view’ is deemed more important than our significant vegetation, especially in these challenging times for the environment.

It will be interesting to see which of our councillors vote in favour of our natural environment and reject this planning application.

Midland

PR OP ER TY &L IV ING

Privately situated in the foothills of the picturesque Macedon Ranges, this stunning six-bedroom, four bathroom, light filled manor offers aflexible floorplan with dual occupancy potential, spanning over an opulent 4.2 hectares with stunning panoramic views of Mount Macedon, the city skyline and Port Phillip Bay. Only 45 minutes to Melbourne’s CBD, 25 minutes to Tullamarine airport and easy access to the Calder Freeway with rail services near-by. Within close proximity to the heart of Gisborne township, primary and secondary schooling, medical facilities, sporting grounds and an array of cafes/restaurants.

All quality and class presents aspacious two-story home offering open plan kitchen with quality fixtures and fittings, meals and dining, multiple sitting rooms, functional laundry and a grand master bedroom complete with ensuite/ spa bath/double vanity and double shower.

Upstairs provides aseparatekitchen, sunlit living room, and balcony with expansive views to the north and west. Agenerous pool room and timber deck provide additional living, perfect for the growing family. The accommodation offers four large bedrooms (two with balconys), asecond ensuite, and a

central bathroom with spa.

Outdoor living at its best, with alarge, fully enclosed alfresco area and garden house, infinity dam, lawns, and manicured gardens.

The 10-acre private oasis is asight to behold, with an orchard offering avariety of fruit trees and acreek line that runs through the property.

Additional features include; polished timber floors, raised ceilings, wood fire coonara x2, reverse cycle air-conditioning, split system, under floor heating in both en-suites, remotecontrolled/ voice-activated blinds, electric gates upon entry, monitored alarm system, machinery shed, glasshouse/shade house, two 45,000 litre water tanks, plus bore water.

This is what dreams are made of -contact

"Springview" on PipersCreek 130DickinsLane,Barfold

Settledinthe early1900s, this significantrural holding waspartofthe original Barfold Estate.Covering approximately 207 acres, theproperty boasts volcanic soil enabling excellent carrying capacity,generous infrastructure, andnumerous watersources. Enjoying aone-kilometre frontage on picturesquePipersCreek andallows formanybreathtaking residentialsitestobuildyourdreamhome,thisisarareopportunitytolive in arural settingand pursue alucrative farmingenterpriseinasereneand highly desirable location

Infrastructureincludesand notlimitedto; eight25-acre paddocks including alucerne crop paddock,pasture improvements, high volume potablebore, twospring-fed dams,extensiveshedding,and astudio.The opportunity to purchase aneighbouring 158acres (approx)alsoexists.

Just a15-minute drivefromKyneton.

Private Sale

Inspect

By appointment

Land 837 ha (approx)

Price $1,800,000 -$1,980,000

TomMay 0413 996 185

Carole Lenander 0401 472 346 Woodend 5427 2800

13 Mill Street,Kyneton

Hereisarareopportunitytopurchasevacantlandwithdirectriver frontage anda peaceful outlookacross neighbouring farmland This 1,062 sqmallotment is in an establishedand highlysoughtafterareaofKyneton.Thelandcomeswithaplanningpermitand endorsed drawingsfor twohigh-quality,sustainable Wolveridge Architects designed homes

Ideally locatedalong theCampaspe RiverWalklinking historical PiperStreetand onwardstothe BotanicalGardens,justminutes away from allthatwonderfulKynetonhas on offer;the gastronomic delights of PiperStreet, thriving community spirit historic streetscapes,V/Line station foreasycommuting to Melbourne andBendigo. This is an excellent opportunity to take advantageofcompletingawell-establishedvisionorcreatingyour own. Thechoiceisyours.

Private Sale

Inspect

Land

By appointment

1,062sqm (approx)

Price $750,000 -$820,000

TomMay 0413 996 185

JennyStewart 0408 389 071 Woodend 5427 2800

Midland

PROP ER TY &L IVING

Classic Art Deco

Preserved for decades and ready for your imagination, this classic red Brick Art deco home occupies a768m2 garden allotment, gently elevated on the west side of Gingell Street. Enjoy an inner city locale where you can have both aleafy outlook, yet all Castlemaine’s amenities at your doorstep.

The long held home features three double bedrooms, afront porch, entry hallway and open lounge-dining room on the north side of the home with original brick fireplace. Original dine-in kitchen has overhead cupboards, plus there is an original bathroom, wash house and toilet. The home has picture railing, double hung windows, tall ceilings and timber floors. The grounds are well fenced and include an original sandstone retaining wall. Surrounded by many large and lovely period homes, you are among good company and with its walkeverywhere position, arenovation of your choice beckons and would be rewarded.

Property: Arewarding project awaits you Address: 73BGingell Street,Castlemaine Auction: January 28 at 11am Agent: Waller Realty Contact: 5470 5811

Castlemaine

73B Gingell Street Auction -28th January 2023 at 11:00am

CLASSIC ARTDECOONGINGELL STREET

Preserved for decades and ready for your imagination, this classic redBrick Art deco home occupies a768m2 garden allotment, gently elevated on the west side of Gingell Street. Enjoy an inner city locale whereyou can have both aleafy outlook, yet all Castlemaine’samenities at your doorstep. The long held home features 3double bedrooms, afront porch, entry hallway and open lounge-dining room on the north side of the home with original brick fireplace. Original dine-in kitchen with overhead cupboards, original bathroom, wash house and toilet. The home has picturerailing, double hung windows, tall ceilings and timber floors. The grounds arewell fenced and include an original sandstone retaining wall. Surrounded by many large and lovely period homes, your areamongst good company and with its walk-everywhereposition -a renovation of your choice beckons and would be rewarded.

atranquil court, moments from Castlemaine’sBotanical Gardens, is this wellappointed, sprawling family retreat on a2-acreblock. Positioned behind apicket fence in anative bushland setting, the property consists of four bedrooms, multiple living spaces, an open fireplace, afenceddam in woodlands and extensive shedding. With recent updates, the redbrick residence is well maintained and designed for relaxed, easy family living and entertaining. Soak up the quiet surroundings from the wraparound slate tiled verandah, wander the 2-acreproperty past the fenced dam, discover local flora and fauna and enjoy hosting family and friends utilising the paved patio with built-in umbrella. Enter the property via one of the two driveways, and head to the residence up the paved brick circular drive. There’sparking for multiple vehicles, trailers, caravan and more, with adoublegarage under the home’sroofline.

OPEN FOR INSPECTION: SATURDAY12:00PM -12:30PM

WONDERFUL BRICK TOWNHOUSE IN NORTH CASTLEMAINE

facing

local sandstone walled gardens and adrive-through

with offstreet parking for afurther 2-3 cars. The home has agarden and verandah entry,hallway-foyer with leadlight, a suite sized main bedroom with walk-in robe, air conditioning and ensuite bathroom. Thereare afurther 2doublebedrooms with robes and ceiling fans, 2living areas –one with awood?reand featurestone hearth, the other with abuilt-in media-work space; open dining area with air conditioning that opens onto alarge sun-deck, plus a spacious kitchen with much storage, oven, dishwasher and matching laundry-mud room. Outdoors is well fenced, has garden shedding, shade trees, water tank and lots of space to garden. The local Primary School is just ahop-skip and jump away,asisthe Café, Pub and local, sports and bush-lands. Move in and enjoy the style and convenience.

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 adetached laundry/utlity room completes the package. The rear yardfeatures alow maintenance private courtyardwith maturetrees andeasy caregarden bed. Fabulously positioned, only ashort stroll to the Botanical gardens, Mt Alexander golf course, primary schools and central Castlemaine.

PROP ER TY &L IVING

Adistrict gem

Undoubtedly one of the Macedon Ranges landmark properties, the solid beauty of the bluestone residence merges arich history with the 21st century making for asupremely comfortable and functional family home.

Amagnificent garden, extensive outbuildings and the ability for farming pursuits combine to deliver asignificant rural holding. The substantial home is entered via the ‘living’ wing, where period grandeur and detail seamlessly blend with modern convenience. Family living and entertaining are adelight in the expansive lounge/ dining room with avaulted timber ceiling and french doors that spill out to the patio and gardens. The adjoining sitting room and recently renovated country kitchen allow for more intimate living spaces. The atrium is the pathway through the home; double glazing and underfloor heating create abright and warm space for children to play. The ‘bedroom’ wing is the epitome of historic charm and grace, with stained-glass windowpanes, polished floorboards, open fireplaces and averandah to enjoy the northerly aspect.

The garden has evolved over the lifetime of the property with aplethoraofplantings from impressive to productive; wonderfully mature European trees, formal hedging, vast drifts of daffodils, an orchard and aveggie patch. There are low maintenance and functional outbuildings; asummer house, barn, cottage and shearing shed. Along with extensive infrastructure, including ample water and quality post and rail fencing to clearly delineate the homestead and surrounding garden from the farm. The land is ideal for horses, cattle, sheep or hay. Working from home has never been easier with options to create the ideal home office from various rooms or outbuildings on the property and excellent connectivity via wireless NBN.

The cottage allows for friends and family to stay or can continue to be run as a successful BandB as the current owners do. New Park is amuch-loved property. The substantial floorplan of the residence, the outbuildings and the acreage allow for amultitude of options that are only restricted by your imagination. Land size: 10.46 hectares.

Happy

TUESDAY, JANUARY24

Amelie Egan

THURSDAY, JANUARY26

FRIDAY, JANUARY

SATURDAY, JANUARY28

Maycee Rinaldi

Mia Purvis

SUNDAY, JANUARY29

MONDAY, JANUARY 30

Spencer Raymond-Edwards .turns

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 KYNETON

3Market

Lastchancefor tertiaryscholarships

Studentsstarting university, college or TAFE this year have until Friday January 27 to apply for a2023 Community Bank Gisborne and District Tertiary Scholarship.

Bursaries of $5000 will be available for students who live in postcodes 3431, 3437, 3438, 3440 and 3441, completed secondary school in 2022 or 2021, and have been offered aplace in an Australian bachelor’s degree, diploma or TAFE course starting in 2023. This includes apprenticeship study.

In past years, scholarships of one-year (total $5000) and three-year (total $15,000) duration have been awarded, to students commencing awide range of courses including teaching, science, arts, social work, outdoor education, physiotherapy, law and commerce.

Scholarship details, eligibility criteria and applications are online via https://bit.ly/Tertiary2023. Search ‘Gisborne’ on the application portal to apply for abranch scholarship.

Students may also be eligible for other scholarships of the Bendigo Bank network on the portal, many of which also close January 27.

Community Bank Gisborne and District has helped 25 students start tertiary studies with success with its scholarship program.

Dig alittle deeper

Anew EPA program is uncovering the gritty mysteries in your garden.

GardenSafe is asoilscreening service that analyses your dirt and tells you what might be in among your vegetation.

By sending EPA asoil sample from your home garden you can have the data you need at the tip of your green thumb.

It’s part of aglobal initiative that helps you investigate soil health and potential contaminants in your garden so you can work out the best use for your patch of paradise.

EPA’s chief environmental scientist, Professor Mark Patrick Taylor, said GardenSafe was agreat waytodig alittle deeper into your soil.

“If you are growing fruit and vegetables at home, you should use GardenSafe to check what is under the surface of your seedlings. The only cost to you is the postage,” Prof Taylor said.

“Our scientists assess each sample they get for trace elements and general soil quality indicators, including soil texture, composition, nutrients and organic carbon.

“As ascience-based regulator we need this data.

“The findings from GardenSafe help us to build an understanding of potential contamination levels in residential gardens across Victoria.

“This information will help gardeners better understand what’s in their soil. Itwill also help to reduce potential risk and exposure if soil contamination is present.”

GardenSafe data will not be used for EPA compliance or enforcement activities.

“As apartnership between EPA Victoria and members of the community, GardenSafe is agreat example of how we can work together, after all, the environment is everyone’s business,” Prof Taylor said.

Victorians can send the GardenSafe team three soil samples from their gardens. They must be from aresidential property.

EPA scientists will analyse the samples and provide ashort report detailing the results and how tointerpret them. Participants can also access information on growing fruit and vegetables safely in their gardens.

Find out more about GardenSafe on the EPA website epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/ get-involved/citizen-science-program/gardensafe

Gisborne Bendigo Bank managerSarah Barton (right) with Ayva Darrington, one of six students to receive aCommunity Bank Gisborne and District scholarship last year

KN269304/L

SEAMONS -Brian 9.10.1933 -17.1.2023

Passed away peacefully at Gandarra Ballarat. Lovedson of Les and Kathleen Seamons Lovedbrother of Kathleen and Florence (both dec), Margaret, Irene,Doreen, Josie Clare,Leonie and John. Lovedbrother of Josie,brother in lawof Russell. Uncle to Christine,Barry and Xavier.Uncle to Matthewand Lisa, Jude and Lola. We will miss you greatly

SHEPPARD (Thiele) Kathleen ‘Margaret’ 24.06.1942 -19.01.2023

Passed away peacefully surrounded by lovedones at Fairview, Warragul.

Dearly lovedand loving wifeof Robert(Bob) for 59 wonderful years.

Much lovedmother and mother-in-lawof Robertand Michaela, Vicki and Peter, Shane and Bobbie Adored Grandma and Nana of James, Trent, Travis,Cameron, Tayla, Shelby(dec.) and their partners

Loving daughter of the late Alf and Kath Thiele Lovedsister of Graham (dec), Joyce and families

Loving memories will alwayskeep her near

KN269321/L

David Oppermann

Passed away peacefully at Bendigo Hospital on 17th January2023 aged 88.

Dearly lovedhusband of Valda (dec), loving father of Chris,much loved grandpa of Angus, Brianna and Hannah, and great pa of Kayleigh.

Please join us to celebrate David’slife in the Salvation Army Church, Kennedy Street, Castlemaine on Friday 27th Januaryat2.30pm. Aburial at the Chewton Cemeterywill follow.

KN269384/L

SHEPPARD

AService to celebrate the lifeofMrs Margaret Sheppard will be held at the Nielsen Funeral Chapel, Korumburra Rd, Warragul on MONDAY (January30) at 11 a.m. The Service will also be live-streamed. To viewMargaret’s Service please visit: www.nielsenfunerals com.au

At the conclusion of the Service the cortege will leave for the Gulwarra Heights Memorial Park, 378 Burke St, Warragul.

Warragul 5623 2771 KN269367/L

LovedwifeofHarold (dec). Mother of Lucinda and Rodney. Grandmother of William, Maree,Ricky andStacey, friend of Kirsty,Steve and Jai. Great Grandmother of Tyrone, Mason and Sophia. Reunited with Dad.

Daughter of the late Tomand Vera Brown. Sister to Jean Pollard (dec) and Ron Brown.

Nan, Alwayssoloving, thoughtful and kind, what beautiful memories youleave behind. Youmay have left this world behind, butyou will neverleave our hearts and mind.

William and Maree xx

Family and friends are invited to attend Valma’sfuneral service, in the chapel of Mount Alexander Funerals, 12 Campbell Street, Castlemaine TOMORROW (Wednesday) at 10.00am. Aprivate burial will followthis service

MOLONEY -Denis (Dinny). 26-1-1996

Awonderful father gone to rest, For all of us he did his best, His love was great, his heart waskind, Abetterfather no-one could find. Thanks for watching over the boys -Love, Denise, Darryl, Mitchell, Taylor and Morgan.

Castlemaine IGA Plus Liquor

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

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

PART TIME JOB KYNETON

Suit semi retired person. Requires mechanical skills and ability to talk with people Phone and Car available to the right person. Some on call and weekend work required.

KN269265/L

PayNegotiable Enquires/applications by email only please Please send CV’s or questions to: Part.time.job kyneton@gmail.com

KN269324/J

Apprentice Greenkeeper

KN269192/L

GILBERT

Hazel Florence 29.10.1922 -11.1.2023

Loving mother of Lyn and son-in-lawBrian.

Lovedgrandmother of Darren and Hayden and their families We will miss you greatly

Tributes... when it’s difficult to put into words

Contact

•

ANN MAURIE SALON

•

Garage Sales

GISBORNE, 2A Howey St, Sat., Jan. 28, 8am-2 pm. Everything must go. Come &make an offer.

HARCOURT, 20 Station St. Thur. 26 Jan. and Sat. 28 Jan. 9.00am to 2.00pm. General household items,women's clothing, etc.

BRICKS,

COMMERCIAL shed, curved roof, 8mts x10 mts, dismantled, $800. Ph Karl 0422 564 878.

CORRUGATED iron, reclaimed, mixed lengths and types, 1500 sheets avail. Ph Karl 0422 564 878.

DOORS, large selection, styles, all reclaimed.Ph Karl 0422 564 878.

HARDWOOD, all sizes, reclaimed. Ph Karl 0422 564 878.

HAY, pasture, 4' 6" rolls, $60 per bale. East Ashbourne. Ph 0429 090 033.

OREGON, reclaimed beams, mixed sizes and lengths. Ph Karl 0422 564 878.

TRUSSES, timber, circa 1930's,

WINDOWS, aluminium and timber, all reclaimed, 900 to choose from. Ph Karl 0422 564 878.

HAY

Small squares: Clean pasture $10, produce lucerne $16, lowsugar native grass$12.Straw from $6. Rounds: Pasture $80 GST inc. Can deliver Leigh and Jan Williamson, near Maldon. Ph 0419 585 603 or find us on facebook -centralvichay.

KN268906/L

FOUND ADVERTS ARE PUBLISHED

Public Notices

SP

Kirton Shieldmatches battled out

guson 27, TMani3-6, RLister 2-11, JParkinson 2-21).

In round one last Monday, Gisborne Green 190 (O Watt 85, RKnight 36, JBaker 3-18,MMcMahon 2-14, HEvans 2-26) defeated The Grampians9-94, Castlemaine 151 (T Smith 67, ZHinck28, JLovel 3-18, H Kurzke 2-24) defeated Maryborough 7-146 (J Lovel 50, SThomson 25,K Simmons3-22) and Ballarat 145 (D Irvin 32, KJans27, XStute 3-25,LSheahan 2-13, W Bobetic 2-22) accounted for Gisborne White 114 (E Fer-

Round two on Tuesday saw Gisborne Green190 (M Barake 45, DA O'Donovan 34, KSavage 29, DMoloney3-14, ZHealy 2-23, EHolloway 2-24) go down to Ballarat 10-232, the Grampians 9-108 prove too strong for Maryborough 10-63, and Gisborne White 3-149 (X Stute 37, EFerguson 36 not out,J McKibbin 35) defeat Castlemaine 8-145 (T Smith 52, ZHinck 26 notout, E Ferguson 3-9, IKosmac3-26, WBobetic 2-20).

On Thursday, Castlemaine 10-124 (B Robinson 47, RNolan 3-11, CHymes 2-11, DA O'Donovan

2-20)

5-31, LSheahan 2-12).

Ballarat and Gisborne White will now meet in the grand final this Sunday, January 29 at avenue to be decided.

Australia’s wastechallenges can’tbesolved in just one day. So,ifyou can’tpull together a Clean Up crew,you canStepUpwith asmall donation to help us continue to CleanUp Australia, everyday.

Teams from across the Central Highlands region contested the Kirton Shield Under 17 representative competition last week.

hosted Gisborne Green 214 (O Watt 141, DA O'Donovan 27, CJ Warren 3-26, KSimmons 3-40, C De Bono 2-8, AGoddard 2-19) at the Camp Reserve. Ballarat 3-100 accounted for the Grampians 99 and Gisborne White 7-178 (H Pender 47, TRutledge 33, E Ferguson 25, JLovel3-23) defeated Maryborough 147 (J Lovel 59, LBursill 40, EFerguson

Despite losing their first batsman for1-0 in the second over,Gisborne Green recovered and steadied the ship to take the win on Thursday.

Photo: Max Lesser

The Castlemaine bowlersstruckearly,claiming their first wicket 1-0 at the Camp Reserve

Photo: Max Lesser

It’s Cup Dayatthe Rock

The Australia Day races at the iconic Hanging Rock are one of the major drawcard attractions in the district on Thursday.

Kyneton and Hanging Rock Racing Club is looking forward to the program, highlighted by the running of the 2023 Hanging Rock Cup.

The meeting is afollow-up to the club’s New Year’s Day meeting at ‘The Rock’, with many patrons having booked in advance to attend Thursday’s meeting.

It’s an opportunity to celebrate Australia Day at avenue that has proved popular across the generations for both visitors and locals alike, with thousands flocking there for the two

race meetings each year.

There’s live music, and plenty of entertainment provided for the younger generation by Kelly Sports.

Shuttle buses will run to convey racegoers from Woodend Railway Station to ‘The Rock’ and return.

Given favourable weather conditions the Australia Day meeting should again prove adrawcard to both visitors alike.

The New Year’s Day meeting was highlighted by jockey Arron Lynch riding arecord five winners –three trained by his brother Garret at Murray Bridge in South Australia.

Fields for the Australia Day meeting were yet to be declared when the Express went to press.

Girlsjustwant to have fun

Victoria University research has found when it comes to playing community sport, it seems girls just want to have fun.

The research team tracked more than 5000 females who participated either in community club gymnastics or football (soccer) around Australia from 2019 to 2021. About half the survey respondents had stopped participating, and the other half were still involved with their sport.

Nearly two thirds of those who left reported their main reason for stopping –especially for teenagers –was because they were not having fun. Other major reasons included losing interest, having an unfriendly coach or official, injuries, or feeling too old.

Researcher Professor Rochelle Eime said at a time when community sport clubs were desperate to attract members and keep them, the findings revealed many retention issues, but ones that were easy to fix.

“Clubs need to ensure what they offer aligns to the reasons girls and women get involved in the first place,” she said.

“Most members are there to enjoy themselves –not to win or get the top award.”

The sports of gymnastics and football were chosen for the study, to capture participant views in both atraditionally female sport, and atraditionally male one. However, the findings could be applied to any sports, she said.

The main factor for younger girls aged under 12 dropping out was cost –a decision that would likely be made by parents, said Prof Eime. For women aged over 18, the main reason was COVID-19. However, not having fun was also amajor reason to leave in both cohorts –similar to the teenager group.

Prof Eime said COVID’s devastating impact on community sport memberships in recent years provided real opportunities for amajor overhaul of the ways clubs attracted and kept members.

“Clubs can focus too much on pennants and medals, yet the research shows players mainly want to have fun, especially at the crucialadolescent stage when we lose so many young women and girls.”

The report found community sport clubs could improve membership retention by: –developing strategies and programs that focus on fun and enjoyment in the sport –ensure training and competitions allow all players to improve their skills, not just elite members –assist with costs by re-purposing equipment or uniforms, or offering discounts to volunteers.

Two

CASTLEMAINE

The overall and A-grade winner was Jason Thompson (7), and Jen Dyer (23) took out B-grade.

Both finished plus 3, three ahead of acluster of five players.

KYNETON

Michelle Werner (27 handicap) was the form player in Kyneton golf events last week, beginning with 40 points in Tuesday’s stableford, three clear of Teaote Davies.

Nine holes: Terry Morley 22 points, from Judy Aldred 18.

Werner won the women’s stableford on Wednesday with 37 points, from Marg Scoble (25) with 36.

Men –Peter Kewniuk (24) with 38, from John Chandler (22) on 36. NTPs went to Werner, Bob Bennett and Ross Martin.

Friday: Terry Morley won the nine-holes for T-Birdies. The second round of the seniors’ championship took place on Saturday.

Terry Gamble (9) led the way in A-grade with 41 points, from Tim Kirk (9) on 37; Louis Thompson (17) topped Bgrade with 40 points, one better than David Pitcher (13), and Col O’Sullivan (21) had 40 in C-grade, one better than David Austin.

Robyn MacRae (25) was the women’s winner with 39, from Denise Murphy (18) on 38; NTPs went to Murphy (2), Glenn Cook, Rob Waters, Bob Bennett, Julie Harris, Terry Gamble and Adam Parsonage.

Australia Day (Thursday) sees atwo-person Ambrose (9am for 9.30am start). Find apartner, or phone captain

Todd

Peter McGill was third with 80-10-70.

Legends: Steve Draper (26) with 36 points.

Twilight: Marcus Zihlman with 20 points.

MOUNT MACEDON

There were no surprises in perfect conditions when a quarter of the field achieved or bettered their handicaps on Saturday.

The best stableford score came from A-grade winner Sean Smyth (11) with 41 stableford points, with Peter Sinclair (7) on 40.

In B-grade Ian Flannery (16) prevailed with 39, from Mike Hoiles (16) one in arrears, while C-grade went to James Semmens (25) on acountback from Jeremy Clare (22).

Intermittent mist and showers did not seem to impact scoring markedly in the midweek men’s stableford.

Six players from afield of 28 achieved or bettered their handicaps.

Great to welcome Terry Penney back for his first game in the new year; he had been missed by all.

Joel Scanlon (14) took out A-grade with 39 points with Brian Walsh and Mike Gorman both on 37.

The best round of the day was 42 points from B-grader Brian Collins (23), with next best in this grade being Graham Bonsack (20) with 35.

ROMSEY

Some challenging pin placements tested the good num-

ber of players in Romsey’s 4BBB stableford on Saturday.

Winners were Keith Hocking (31) and Mick Nicholls Snr (25) with 45 points.

Runners-up on 43 points were Tony Lakey (22) and Rob Rea (19), on acountback from Mick Nicholls Jnr (14) and Mitch Atlas (9).

NTPs went to Scott Williams, Nicholls Jnr and Mick Squire.

Amixture of blustery wind, downpours of rain and stillness greeted the field in Wednesday’s stableford.

Steve Wilkins (15) was the winner with 36 points on a countback from Jenny Hartley (23), with Luke Lyons (10) next on 35. NTP to Davey Kenney (2).

TRENTHAM

Aclose finish occurred in the American foursomes event at Trentham on Saturday.

The Liam Murray –Peter McBride combination were the winners with 63.125, from John Kerr –Marc Merigan 63.875.

Anthea Leary and Ruth Duffy were the women’s winners with 66.25 nett.

Numbers are building for the chicken run each Friday, with Rosie Hill shining last week with 27 points for 10 holes, one better than Leanne Brown.

WOODEND

Chris Holliday shot around to remember at Woodend last Tuesday.

Holliday (15) blitzed the course to chalk up 43 stableford points.

Runner-up was Maurie Rintala (22) with 40 –another top round.

players excelled in Castlemaine’s medley par event on Saturday.

David 0438 865 586 and he will organise one for you.

LANCEFIELD

Lambert took out the stroke event on Saturday with 75-7-68, on acountback from Graham Mau.

The Australia Dayraces at the iconic Hanging Rockare one of the major drawcardattractions in the district on Thursday.

Pickles newchamp

New member Stephen Pickles has certainly made an impact at Woodend Bowling Club this season, taking out the singles championship.

He defeated reigning champ Norm Bickerdyke who was attempting to win his fifth successive title.

The final on the club’s grass green was played in sunny conditions last week.

The earlier semi-finals had resulted in 25-17 margins, with Pickles defeating Jarrod Behan and Bickerdyke accounting for Mike Dornau.

In the final Bickerdyke won the first three ends and Pickles fought back.

At end 16 it was anyone’s match with a12-12 scoreline.

Pickles took control to lead 23-14 by the 24th end, and went on to clinch the championship 25-16.

Woodend president Mike Dornau was marker-umpire, and he said both players were on the jack every end.

“Stephen proved more consistent, and Norm had abit of bad luck,” he said.

“It was great to see the depth building at the club in both the men’s and ladies’ competitions,” the president said.

Pickles and new Woodend ladies’ champ Anne Dornau will now represent the club in the Champ of Champ rounds.

Highdrama in bowls

West

Highlands pennant bowls resumed after the Christmas –New Year break on Saturday, and there were two absolute spine-tingling finishes in division one.

Kyneton Golf finished up with a64-64 tie against Kilmore, and ladder-leader Romsey staged a significant second-half comeback to win by one shot against secondplaced Lancefield.

Kyneton, now fifth after being on the bottom of the ladder at one stage earlier in the season, survived by three shots against Broadford, and Gisborne consolidated with an all-fours-up victory against Trentham.

There are four home and away rounds remaining before the semifinals, and Romsey’s dramatic victory seemingly sews up the double chance for the Redbacks.

Kyneton Golf’s involvement in close finishes this season continued with Peter Linehan’s rink the lone winner against sixth-placed Kilmore.

At Lancefield, the home side held ahandy lead at the halfway point, and Romsey coach Gary Templar would have been pleased with his side’s revival in the second half.

Cam Austin’s rink fought back against Aaron Young, and Templar’s four all contributed to stretch their lead to 21-8 against Bev Holmes with an end to play.

Holmes killed the end, and in the replay alengthy measure resulted in five shots to the home side.

With tworinks up, Lancefield remains in second place six points ahead of Gisborne. Romsey’s buffer of 28 points at the top of the ladder is more than the club could have hoped for at the beginning of the season.

Ladder: Romsey 129,Lancefield 105, Gisborne 95, Kyneton Golf 83, Kyneton 69, Kilmore 58, Trentham 58, Broadford 47.

RUNAWAY WINS

Second division was entirely different to the top division with big winning margins in all matches.

Howmany? The measure was out

While Diggers Rest and Gisborne are tied for ladder-leadership positions, third and fourth place is still wide open.

Gisborne’s 10-shot win over Diggers Rest improved finals prospects in division three, where Woodend pushed ladder-leader Trentham to atight finish.

Correction: Last week’s bowls report had an incorrect listing for the number of club championships won over the years by Lancefield’s Doreen Linehan. The correct figure is 19, unlikely ever to be matched.

ALL THE SCORES

DIVISION 1: Kyneton Golf 64 tied with Kilmore 64 –P.Linehan 23 dJ.Reimann 17, A. Plowman 20 lost to P. Newell 24, B. Godbolt 21 lost to M. McMaster 23.

Romsey 54 dLancefield 53 –C. Austin 18 lost to A. Young 23, G. Templar 21 dB.Holmes 13, D. Ely 15 lost to J. Holmes 17; Trentham 46 lost to Gisborne 63 –H.Plias 14 lost to G. Candy 19, C. McKeone 14 lost to P. Williams 24, B. Mahar 18 lost to D. Beardmore 20; Broadford 56 lost to Kyneton 59 –D.Ellis 16 lost to A. Mathison 23, R. Chapman 21 d N. Jamieson 16, D. Kelly 19 lost to M. Smoljo 21.

DIVISION 2: Kyneton Golf 81 dMacedon 48 –C.Scott 20 d G. Dickinson 16, P. Williams 39

dI.Guymer17, J. Trounce 22 d B. Halpin 15; Kyneton 43 lost to Gisborne 83 –J.Epps 18 lost to R. Newton 24; M. Plowman 11 lost to K. Jarred 38, M. Bermingham 14 lost to B. Whylie 21; Woodend 78 dKilmore 49 –S.Pickles 28 d C. Hodgson 14, G. Symons 18 lost to W. Cattanach 23, N. Bickerdyke 38 dS.Hawkness 12; Diggers Rest 83 dBroadford 38; Romsey abye.

Ladder: Diggers Rest 136, Gisborne 136, Kyneton Golf 116, Romsey 102, Macedon 96, Woodend 89, Kilmore 76, Broadford 42, Kyneton 39.

DIVISION 3: Trentham 56 d Woodend 52—P. Healy 20 dI Davies 16, I. Bruton 21 dT.Sturt 16, D. Walsh 15 lost to A. Lennie 20; Kilmore 61 dRomsey 57 –S McNamara 27 dC.Dean 18, W. Gunn 15 lost to M. Toy 19, A. Jowett 19 lost to J. Boyce 20; Gisborne 67 dDiggers Rest 57 –T. Woodlock 22 dW.Debble 20, R. Formica 21 dA.Iceley 12, P. Wellington 16 lost to P. Robertson 25; Lancefield 54 lost to Macedon 59 –P.Shannon 18 lost to L. Gent 19, D. Hollywood 20 dA.Grant 15, K. Johnson 16 lost to M. Cameron 25.

Ladder: Trentham 110, Macedon 103, Diggers Rest 97, Gisborne 85, Kilmore 85, Woodend 74, Lancefield 46, Romsey 40.

Croquet milestone ahead

Pavilion newlook

The Trentham Sports Ground Reserve has anew look, with the major pavilion redevelopment project approaching completion.

The project is being funded by a$2.062 million allocation from Sport &Recreation Victoria, and $413,000 from Hepburn Shire Council.

Ballarat company 4Front Constructions has been working

on the project since late in 2021.

The new/upgraded pavilion is designed to accommodate sports club use and broader community functions and events.

Trentham Football Netball Club is looking forward to using the new facility for the 2023 season. The site handover was originally scheduled to take place next month.

Join the cubs

Kyneton Basketball Association is presenting anew development pathway for young athletes entering basketball for the first time.

Kyneton Cubs is held on Thursday afternoons with eight sessions, starting February 9, from 4pm to 5pm with high-quality coaches. The cubs is open to those aged five to 10 years old.

For details, or to register, visit: playhq.com or contact Ivonne on 0402 330 916 or Gaby 0408 133 630.

Kyneton Croquet Club is looking ahead to 2026, which will mark 150 years since the club was first established.

Members are hoping to have abig celebration to mark the occasion and there are anumber of improvements the club would like to make to its facilities before then.

To get them started, long-time member Gweneth Byrne gave adonation to the club to get amuch-needed new path put in from Donnithorne Street entrance to the clubhouse.

This year will mark 50 years since Mrs Byrne joined the club and she is now aLife Member. She is still averyactive member capable of beating alot of the younger players. Over the years she has won anumber of club competitions.

Kyneton Croquet Club is avery active club with social play held on four days during the week, while some of the more serious players go off and compete in tournaments aroundthe state. New players are always welcome. Enquiries toGraham Smith on 0411 707 358.

The finalists: Woodend’snew champion Stephen Pickes (at right) with runner-up Norm Bickerdyke

Bill

on the last end of the Lancefield versus Romseymatch, with the Tigers gaining five shots, to fall shortoverall by one.

GwenethByrne cuts the ribbon.

Ginnivan shows cricket prowess

Castlemaine District Cricket Association’s

Highlights of the round were Barkers Creek AReserve cricketer Jack Ginnivan’s 118 not out and North Castlemaine AReserve bowler Nicholas Ryan’s 5-20 with the ball. Results were as follows:

AGrade

Round 8

Castlemaine United 74 (S Smith 4-9, LStabler 2-14, B Henderson 1-12, DA Semmens 1-13, MNoonan 1-22) lost to Barkers Creek 6-75 (CR Aldridge 3-20, DGeorge 2-14, JP Brasher 1-26).

Hepburn 8-149(cc) (C Pedley 49, NRobinson 41; M Skinner 3-13, JPollock 2-25, SShovan 1-25, OThomas 1-25) lost to Guildford 3-153 (N Webster 46*; NRobinson 1-12, CPedley 1-25, CShiell 1-30).

Muckleford 6-166(cc) (H Bassett 55, JR Watson 44; J Morgan 2-31, NFrancis 2-33, LGill 2-43) dMaiden Gully Marist 8-163(cc) (D Trew 57; DPeckham 3-28, JZ Priest 2-35, TGeddes 1-17, JLong1-20). Newstead had the bye.

AReserve Round 8

Barkers Creek 2-209 (J Ginnivan 118*, ASheahan 33; CJ Warren 2-56) dCastlemaine United 7-207(cc) (J Nuttall 40; ASheahen 2-14, BMartin 2-50, BBrown-Kerr 1-11, J Aanderson 1-20, KMartin 1-30).

Guildford 9-165 (N Ryan 5-20, AWelch 2-25, DHinck 2-30) dNorth Castlemaine 164 (J Daff 35, GJames 31; JByrne 2-18, TWilliams 2-18, KGellatly 2-24, JBoykett

1-26, 1-29, 1-33).

Maiden Gully Marist 7-147(cc) (S Burleigh 58, SHaw 33; AYoung 2-22, LCamerson 2-22, TRogers 1-23) d Taradale 131 (A Young 40; ABlake 3-19, ZJustice 3-31, CGarlick 2-11, LBunton 1-20, AFOY 1-27).

Muckleford 4-170(cc) (M Sharples 66, DZ Slingo 37, R White 36 not out; HBrereton 2-35, BJury 1-20, DChamberlain 1-23) lost to Harcourt 5-176 (H Brereton 55, TCox

35; ellick-Cooper 2-34, 1-20, 1-25, SJ Maroudas 1-41). Newsteadhad the bye.

Semi Finals

In other CDCA news the Maldon &DistrictCommunity Bank T20 semi final matches will be played this evening, Tuesday January 24, with Barkers Creek to host Muckleford at 5.30pm and Newstead to face Maiden Gully Marist at Newstead Recreation Reserve at 5.30pm.

Ball dominates at Romsey

Bill West

The McIntyre Cup clash between unbeaten Gisborne and finals aspirant Romsey produced aSaturday afternoon where bowlers were dominant. Altogether 92 overs were sent down, 13 wickets fell, and only 167 runs were scored.

The Dragons’ attack never allowed the Redbacks off the hook, and Gisborne now needs 102 runs with seven wickets in hand when the two-day contest resumes.

It was inexplicable to see Romsey batters so tied down, but the quartet of Leigh Brennan, Riley and Jarryd Vernon, and Mick Allen, were miserly with the ball.

Master batsmen Ben Way (Romsey) and Jarryd Vernon (Gisborne) were coming off scores of 134 not out and 178 respectively, and this time both failed.

Way opened, and was trapped leg before wicket by Brennan for five, while late in the day Vernon came to the wicket, faced 12 balls and hit two fours and alusty pull shot six, which dented aspectators’ car before being caught for 17.

Romsey’s inability to break the shackles was apparent when opener Taylor Stevenson faced 94 balls for just nine runs before being run out; Tim Dale made 29 in the middle order and Chris Burkett 27, while Brennan’s 3-24 included the prize wickets of Way and Dale in adisappointing score of 134 from 76 overs.

Aweekearlier Romsey scored 6/268 in aone-day match on the same ground against Wallan!

Allen collected 3-45 and along with Brennan and Riley Vernon, awaits astint at the crease with Gisborne to resume at 3/33 from 16 overs.

Romsey did well to claim three wickets before stumps, with the bowled dismissal of Harry Luxmoore triggering plenty of dissension. Alive-streaming film was enough to continue the talking point.

Chris Marienfield claimed 2-7 from three overs.

Fourth-placed Romsey will need aHoudini-like performance to stave off defeat.

CENTURIES PLENTIFUL

There were anumber of centuries across the grades, with three occurring in McIntyre Cup.

Talented Woodend teenager Xavier Tadd scored 110 (13 fours) and shared afourthwicket stand of 188 against second-placed Sunbury United with aresolute Warren Else who made 80.

The rescue mission came after Woodend lost three early wickets, and big disappointment was that the last seven wickets tumbled for the addition of just 16 runs!

United’s S. Perera collected 5-56 and the run chase resumes at 1/15.

Diggers Rest/Bulla skipper Rasika Batepola made 103 in his side’s mammoth 353

against Sunbury Kangaroos, and Bacchus Marsh opener Brenton Payne scored exactly 100 in his side’s 8/266 against Wallan.

In Johnstone Shield, Kyneton all-rounder Hayden Ingleton missed out on acentury by four runs early in the season at Gisborne, but finished with avaluable 109 not out against his former club Macedon at Tony Clarke Reserve. This game hangs in the balance.

Eynesbury opener Tristan Francis hit 29 fours against Gisborne at Gardiner Reserve, and compiled 171, while adding 265 with Brandon Shearson 128 n.o. against Gisborne.

Hanging Rock captain Brandon Nicholls scored avery quick 135 and Oliver Watt 70 before declaring at 6/293 and reducing Blackwood to 6/92 by stumps. An outright on the cards for the Jensen Shield ladder leaders.

LADDERS

Gisborne, Bacchus Marsh and Hanging Rock are the current ladders leadersinthe Gisborne District Cricket Association’s top three grades.

McIntyre Cup: Gisborne 62.19, Sunbury United 56.29, Bacchus Marsh 53.18, Romsey 50, Diggers Rest 42.58, Sunbury Kangaroos 34.01, Rupertswood 33.35, Wallan 25.15, East Sunbury 24.91, Woodend 24.15.

Johnstone Shield: Bacchus Marsh 57.12, Kilmore 50.56, Kyneton 45.24, Aintree 44.41, Macedon 42.29, Romsey 41.88, Sunbury United 40.32, Riddell 35.48, Eynesbury 31.88, Gisborne 21.23.

Jensen Shield: Hanging Rock 55, Rupertswood 51, Diggers Rest 45, Bacchus Marsh 39, Malmsbury 21, Wallan 21, St Anthonys 21, Sunbury Kangaroos 12, Blackwood 12.

Braszell stars forBerries

Talented young allrounder Jock Braszell (pictured) finished with career best bowling figures for Malmsbury on Saturday.

In the two-day Jensen Cup match at Bacchus Marsh, the Berries sent the home side in to bat, and tight bowling restricted them to 2/92 at tea.

Braszell resumed where he left off with fine line and length bowling to finished with 5-31 from 19 overs.

Malmsbury will resume at 0/8 on Saturday with high hopes of victory against the fourth-placed opposition.

Hosting top-four division 2side Macedon, the division 2Berries faced a‘must win’ match with finals not far away.

Fine bowling from Sundblom 4-21 and Orr 3-24 helped dismiss Macedon for 104.

With an eye on outright points, Malmsbury raced to 1/106 by stumps, with quick runs needed on resumption this Saturday.

FLOOD RELIEF FUNDRAISER

Importantly, don’t forget the Malmsbury Flood Relief fundraiser event backed by the Gisborne District Cricket Association tomorrow (Wednesday evening).

All 10 McIntyre Cup teams will go head to head in a12-ball Big Bash, which will surely light up the crowd at Gardiner Reserve in Gisborne.

Gates open from 6pm, with food and drink available, raffles, auctions and DJ entertainer Darcy Nolan playing live.

To resume: Gisborne’sMattBarake and Sam Mackay leaving the field at Romseywith their side poised at 3/33 against Romsey. Barake batted for16oversfor five runs.

AGrade andAReserve sides contested round eight matches last Saturday.

In alow scoring affair at the Camp Reserve Castlemaine United lost to BarkersCreek.

Photo: Max Lesser