Midland Express Tuesday 30 June 2026

Alittle teddybear magic in Maldon

Grade fiveand six students from Maldon Primary School arepreparing forthe GreatMaldon Teddy Bear AdventureonJuly 11.The students arejudging the teddybear windowdisplaycompetition. Full story,page11.

Restrictions remain forLancefield

AmyHume

Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil'sbid to remove planning controls that have stymied Lancefield development has been rejected by the state government.

Earlier this month, the council soughttoremove the restrictiveDPO24thatappliesacross about 150 acres of township land in threeresidential zones, impacting about 22 landowners.

Theplanning tool intended to create coordinateddevelopmentbut has instead acted as abarrier due to thecomplexities and burdens placed on ordinary property owners.

MRSC'splanning director Rebecca Stockfeld said the developmentplan waslimiting landowners' ability to progress even modest developmentoutcomes

"The overlayrequiresacoordinateddevelopmentplan across multiple propertiesbeforeany developmentcan occur,which has created asignificantplanning constraint,"she said.

"Advicefromthe executivedirector,State Planning Services and Heritageindicatesthatcouncil cannot remove DPO24 without an alternativeinplace.

"Asa result, council must either amend theexisting overlayorreplaceitwith adifferent planning controlto

ensureappropriate coordination of futureplanning and developmentinthe area."

SinceMRSCintroduced DPO24 in 2020, nota single home or developmenthas taken placeinthe impacted areas. Property ownerswho have tried to makechanges to their land have facedsignificantcosts and redtape.

Planning Minister SonyaKilkennyrefused MRSC’s request forremovalofDPO24 back in 2023, afterthe council recognised it had “become abarrier” to development.

Continued page11.

Supporting our community

Funding support for local food banks and Neighbourhood Houses, strengthening support for those needing it most

Continued investmentinthe Thriving Villages program, supporting local businesses and vibrant town centres

Apragmatic approach to fees andcharges, including measures to ease pressureonhouseholds and small businesses

Investment in digital improvements, making it easier and moreefficient for the community to access Council services

West ward

Woodend Clocktower Building Renewal Structural roof works/ Flagpole replacement

Woodend Community Hub Heating, ventilation and air conditioning renewal

Kyneton Showgrounds Grandstand Grandstand roof renewal

Kyneton Mechanics Institute Works that include the renewal of accessible toilet facilities

Woodend Footbridge Bridge Renewal

Reconstruction of the Romsey Road, Woodend footbridge

Woodend Children's Park Footpath renewal

Kyneton Simpson Street Footpath renewal

East ward

South ward

Tony Clarke Stadium

Reconfigurethe existing Tony Clarke Reserve oval change room amenities to include new compliant unisex home and away team showers and toilet facilities

Dixon Fields Upgrade pitch lighting for soccer pitch #1 from halogen to Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting

New Gisborne, Hamilton and Barringo Roads Workstoupgrade the intersection including Pierce Road

Howey Street Drainage Renewal

Installation of kerb and channel plus drainage between Prince Street and Stephen Street

Free green waste disposal options

Following strong community feedback, Council has expanded our free green waste options by introducing six additional ‘free weeks’ of green waste disposal at our resource recovery facilities. This is in addition to the two free green waste vouchers already provided through our ShireLife publications.

These initiatives will support residents to clean up their properties in preparation for the FireDanger Period.

Kerbside waste fees have increased in line with contract costs to provide the service, and an increase of the EPALevy (a state government levy).

How your rates support our community

Thievestarget Thieves t taarge botanic gardens garden

AmyHume

Thieveshavestolenabout 40 plants valued up to $2000 from the KynetonBotanic Gardens overan18-month period.

Plants have been taken from three differentareas of the gardens in severalrepeatincidents thathaveleftlocal volunteersdevastated.

Friends of KynetonBotanic Gardens secretary HelenFrost said memberswere"extremely disappointedand disheartened" by the incidents.

"Weare committedtoupgrading and improving the gardens and contributeour voluntary labour,and we struggle to understand why anybody thinks it'sokaytosteal plants from apublic garden —orany garden,"she said.

"The gardens arefor everyone to enjoyand should be respected as acommunityasset."

Thieveshaveprimarily targetedareas near the ClowesStreet entranceand from garden beds behind the Gardener’sCottagenear the ClowesStreetand Ebden Street intersection.

Friends group memberssaid the stolen plants were lifted soon afterplanting and the planting holes were left without anyattemptto disguise the theft.

Plants stolen include 'copper glow' teatrees, sacred bamboo, correas, Indian hawthorn hedging plants, liriopes, groundcovers, grasses, bulbs and nativeplants. Many plants have been replaced only to be stolen asecond time.

Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil is rampingupsecurity at the gardens with the installation of security cameras and other measures.

DomTestoni, council'sdirector of assets and operations, said the council wastaking a"balanced approach to detertheft while maintaining thegardens as an open and welcoming space"

"Measures include improvedincidentrecording and mapping, temporary low-visibilityfencing around vulnerable plantings, clearer signage, increased staff and volunteer monitoring, and improvedsightlines,"hesaid

"Council is also exploring appropriatelygoverned surveillance at knownhotspotsand maintaining recordsofuncommon or highvalue plantings.

"Reported incidents aredocumentedand referred to Victoria Policewhereappropriate."

Thecouncil is working with local policeand encourages community memberstoreport anysuspicious activity

Friends of KynetonBotanic Gardens members MelvaRyan, Margot McDonaldand Helen Frost areamong thevolunteers contributing to the garden’s upkeep.

Funding missfor Macedonreserve miss for Macedon reserrvve

yH

Tony ClarkeReservehas missed out on funding for changeroom upgrades in the Victorian Government's 2026-27 Country Football and NetballProgram.

TheMacedon project is valued at $650,000 and would upgrade existing changerooms to meetcurrent AFL community standards, ensuring theyare inclusive and fit-for-purpose forall user groups.

Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil applied to theprogram in February,seeking $250,000 to support the upgrade but wasadvised last week it wasunsuccessful.

Macedon Football NetballClub presidentRon Rutledgesaidplayers were "grossly disappointed" the funding wasrejected.

Mr Rutledge told the Express last month thatthe reserve'sfacilities had "reached crisis point"and women had no dedicatedchangeroom facilities, despitea surge in female players

Dominic Testoni, council'sdirector of assets and

Council news

oper ions, nding disap pointing" the council would continue to pursue external funding forthe upgrade.

"Council remains fully committedtodelivering the project and has already allocated$380,000 in its adopted2026–27 Budget to help progress the upgrade," he said.

"Council will submit anew application through the Victorian Government’sLocal Sports InfrastructureProgram, which is currently open (until July 28).

"Inaddition, council will continue to monitor and assess other state andfederal funding opportunities that maybecome available."

Mr Testoni said the council wasalsoinvesting in the futureplanning of the reserve, with funding included in the 2026–27 Budget forthe developmentofa newTony ClarkeReserveMaster Plan

"This work will help establish ashared long-term vision forthe reserveand strengthen council’sability to attract further investmenttosupport futureupgrades

Meet our BushfireRecovery Team

We’veestablished adedicatedBushfireRecovery Team to help residents and businesses navigate available assistance, connect with services, and plan local events and workshops. Meet the team:

•Phil Harrison –Senior Recovery Coordinator

•Michelle O’Donoghue –Recovery Coordinator

•Freya MacRae –Administration Support Officer

•Rebecca Primmer –BusinessSupport Officer

To getintouch with the team, email bushfirerecoverygroup@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

We also have an online hub whereyou’ll find news updates, upcoming events, resources, and an online forum–shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/bushfire-recovery-hub

TheBushfireRecovery Team wasestablished thanks to funding from the Stateand Federal Government.

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

impr ts,

Council officers will be meeting with tenantclubs to plan next steps, including identifyingpriorityimprovements across thereserveand considering staged delivery options if required.

As part of these discussions, contingency options will also be explored should further funding applications not be successful.

This includesconsidering temporary solutions, such as portable changerooms, to ensureusershaveaccess to suitable facilities in theinterim whilelonger-term upgrades arepursued.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the Country Football NetballProgram wasa popular and highly competitiveprogram.

"Council is encouraged to seekfeedback from Sport and Recreation Victoria to strengthen their application forfuture funding rounds,"she said.

Ms Thomas said she wouldcontinueher strong advocacy forlocal sports clubs in Macedon.

Can’t getnosatisfaction

Hepburn ShireCouncil'sperformancehas declined in this year’sVictorian Community Satisfaction Survey results.

Thecouncil’sperformancereceived an overall scoreof41out of 100, adecline in fivepoints from last year’sresults.

TheCSS is an independentannualsurvey thatasks the views of local peopleabout the placetheylive, work and play.

Hepburn mayor, Cr Tony Clark, said the council was"nothiding from theresults"

“Council’sCSS results for2026 areunderwhelming, but we expected thatgiven the number of major changes council has implementedinthe last 12-18 months to ensure financial sustainability," he said

"Weknowthe communityisnot satisfied with our performancebecause that’swhat they’vebeen tellingusoverthe last year or so.

“With asmall team and financial limitations, we have been working hardtofocus

our efforts on our lowest performing areas from 2025 and committed to continued transparency,maintaining sealed roadsand refining processes in the planning and building department. Andthis year,wesaw an increase in satisfaction with sealed local roads, wastemanagementand customer service.” Planning and building permits remain council’slowest performing serviceareabut perception of serviceremained steady in 2025, following afour-year period of decline.

“Despitea poor rating in the planning category,wehaveseen a30per cent reduction in the number of activepermit applications in the last six months, aresult madepossibleby the rollout of severalnew initiatives and our fully resourcedplanning team,”CrClark said.

On amorepositivenote, perceptions of the council have improvedwhen it comes to wastemanagementand council is also seen to perform well relatively well in itscustomer service.

Mid-year health checks

As we reach the middle of the year, it's agreat opportunity to prioritise your health. Whether it is managing achronic condition, discussing lifestyle goals or simply making sureeverythingison track. Our GP’s areheretohelp, so invest in ahealthier YOU !

Littlemouse carries bigstory of hope

Asmall mouse with abig heart is helping sharea powerful story of courage, connection and recovery following theJanuary bushfires in Harcourt and District Harcourt ValleyMouse,a locallywritten and illustrated children’s picturebook, will be officially launched as partofa special eventatthe Victorian MiniatureRailway in Harcourtthis SundayJuly 5.

Createdbylocal residentRachel Vanstone, the book wasinspired by her experiences volunteering at theHarcourt Bushfire Donation Centre

Through the eyes of Violet, asmall mouse navigating fear,change, hope and belonging, the story gently explores resilience, recovery and the importanceofcommunity

“This story celebratesthe bravery,kindness and careshown by the community,and I hope it cansupportother bushfire-affected communities in the futuretoo,”Rachel said.

Thebook honoursHarcourt District’s people, placesand wildlife, featuring local landscapes, nativeanimals and the Victorian Miniature Railway —aplacethatprovided connection, support and community spirit throughout the fire response and recovery journey.

Thecommunity-led project wasdeveloped withinput from local educators,community members, authorsand artists, with feedback from Harcourt ValleyPrimarySchool and Harcourt Preschool. It wasprinted locally by Greengraphics Castlemaine.

Agenerous local donor fully funded the firstprintrun of 500 copies, allowing about 170 copies to be gifted to local families, including kindergarten and primary school families, families who lost homes, community organisations and theCastlemaine Library

Importantly,proceeds from remaining book sales will support the Harcourt and District Lions Club and contribute to community initiatives, with afocus on supporting local children. Such is thepositiveresponse to thenew book thata second printrun has already been ordered, and the Lions Club will printfurther copies if needed.

Thelaunch eventitself also aims to raise funds forthe VMR.

"VMRplayeda vital role before,during and afterthe bushfires. Their work slashing and preparing the siteand their braveefforts to fightthe blazeusing twooftheir watertankers, and allowing theCFA to tap into the dams on site, has been credited with helping to save muchofcentral Harcourt township,"Rachel said.

"VMRalso opened its doorsinthe wake of the disaster to be abase forthe initial relief effort, providing aspacefor locals to gather as acommunity and access essentials such as food, water and internetservices,"she said.

Funds raised from $5 train rides anddonations at Sunday'sevent will help support the VMR’songoing development, including the construction of acommunity barbecue pavilion thatwill allowlocal organisations to hold fundraising activities and communityevents throughout the year

"The Lions and VMR have managed to complete StageOne of the works and had hoped to securea Tiny Towns grantfor Stage2 but were unsuccessful. Come along and help us makethis importantproject areality.The barbecuefacility willbeusedtoraise funds by a wide array of community groupsfromthe Lions to theHarcourt Football NetballClub and the pre-school to theVIEW Club (The Smith Family),"Rachel said.

Thelaunch eventgetsunder wayat11am Sundayand will include the first public read-

Rider killed in Calder crash

Policeare investigating afatal crash in Keilor North last Thursday.

It’s believedamotorcyclerider wastravelling outbound on the Calder Freewaywhen the incidentoccurredjustbefore9am.Passers-byperformed CPRonthe man buthe died at the scene. Police believe the rider came offhis motorbikeand no other vehicles were involved.

Anyone with information or dashcam/CCTV footageisurged to contact Crime Stopperson1800 333 000 or submit aconfidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic. com.au

Churchyouthleader jailed

Former EncourageChurch Romsey youth leader Josh Emonsonhas been jailed for12 months aftersexually assaulting a13-year-old girl in his carinFebruary last year

The24-year-old, whose father waspreviously apastor at thechurch, avoided alonger prison term aftera judgefound "exceptional circumstances" and described theoffending as impulsiverather than predatory.The court heardEmonson could have faced up to two yearsand eightmonths' jail if the matter hadproceeded to trial.

Emonson worked at the church-run KidZone childcarecentreatthe time of the offence. Afterhis release, he must complete 200 hoursofcommunitywork and will remain on the sexoffenders' register for15years.

ing of the book, author meet-and-greet, book signings, food and miniature railway rides. Community membersare invited to celebratea project thathonoursthe strength, kindness and connection shown throughout Harcourtand District’s recovery journeywhile helping support the futureofa much-lovedlocal communitytourism asset.

Local author Carmel Bird describes the book as “a warm and charming tale”thatencourages people “to persevere in hope, even in the face of greatdisaster”

Following thelaunch, copies will be available for$17 at the Little RedApple, Harcourt Produceand General Store, Harcourt Valley Community House, and Victorian Miniature Railway.Adigital version will also be available forfreedownload from the Harcourt Valley website.

TheHarcourt Valley Mouse (aka Loretta Rice), Harcourt Recovery Thinking Group forHADCRA (Harcourt &District Community Recovery Association)member Leigh Canet, Harcourt and District Lions Club treasurer DesDooley, and VMR presidentAndrew Mierischare pictured with author Rachel Vanstone and the newbook. Thelaunch eventaimstoraise fundstocomplete the community barbecue shelter,picturedatthe rear.Photo:Lisa Dennis

Forthe past 10 years, Nikki Medwell has spenther days (and oftennights)caring for sick and injured wildlifeatthe RedBox WildlifeShelter –her rehabilitation sanctuary in Elphinstone.

While the 60-acrebush block, located near Leanganook (MountAlexander), was spared by the January bushfires, the impacts on the shelter were profound.

Terrified kangaroos thathad fled the fire were broughttothe shelter forrefuge. DespiteNikki'sbest efforts to calm them, with smokehanging heavy over theproperty,the large native animals destroyed manyofthe enclosuresand fences.

"The kangaroos fled down thesouth side

Afrontline servicefor animals

of the mountain –the stories Iheardfrom rescuersweresodistressing –I still struggle to talk about it," Nikki said.

"The Humane Society International were here, and we spentnearly aweek,eating, sleeping and showering at theclinic."

Oneofthe survivors, ajoeycalled Logan whose mother died of respiratory failure from the smoke, is still residing at RedBox

"Wewereable to save Logan, and he is doing really well," she said.

"Heisstill quitesmall, so he needs to grow abit morebeforehecan be released, but he has made lots of friends here."

Last weekend, Animal JusticeParty MP Georgie Purcell visited the shelter to announcetheir success in receiving $65,000 in state funding to purchase vital equipment

forthe on-siteclinic.

“Red BoxWildlifeShelter,led amazing Nikki, does incredible work –day in, dayout –for our wildlifeand operated as a frontline servicefor animals in need during the recent Harcourt bushfires,"MsPurcell said.

recovery huts

"The clinic, which started as a basic treatmentroom, is going from strength to strength,"Nikki said.

“Ontop of providing ahomefor injured and displaced animals, RedBox is home to the RB Veterinary and WildlifeCentre, which has provided free vettreatmentsince 2020.

“Nikki’swork also allows other wildlife rescuerstooperatebyoffering afreedropin servicetocollect much-needed supplies."

Themoneywill enable theclinic to purchase vital equipment, including an orthopaedic kit and amicroscope, and also provide powertothe threeICU and three

"It'snow afully established, functioning clinic. We operatesolely on donations, so it can be hardtotry to save moneyfor equipment. These types of grants makeitpossible to expand the clinic and carefor the welfare of the animals."

Staffedbyveterinary surgeon Dr Mark Sayerand, morerecently,veterinary student TomLaw,the clinic operates one daya month. "I would love to be able to open the clinic moreoften, so if thereare anyveterinarians or students keen to gain experience, who would liketovolunteer,thatwould be fantastic!" Nikki said.

Jade Jungwirth

MP Georgie Purcell (front) with Dr Mark Sayer, Tom Law, Nikki Medwell and shelter volunteers

Mountain bikers take outthe trash

AngelaCrawford

Frustrated by alack of action from governmentagencies, twoMacedon Ranges mountain bikeridershavebegun cleaning up illegally dumped rubbish in the Wombat StateForest themselves.

Long-time local residents, Matthew Connor and CraigJones, spentpart of their weekend removing wastefromseveral dumping sites afterbecoming increasingly concerned about the amountofrubbish being left in the forest. Mr Connor said repeatedattempts by community membersto report dumping had resulted in responsibility being shifted between agencies.

“Neither council, Parks Victoria nor DEECA want to take responsibility, so we decided to makea start cleaning up,” he said.

“Ifyou want the bush clean, just do it yourself,and they’ll still be theretwo years from nowwondering whattodo.”

Thepair cleared rubbish from three sites in asingle day, including whatMrConnor described as an entirebathroom thathad been dumped on GerrysTrack and left there formonths.

They also documentedseveral sites near Carrolls Lane at Bullengarook whereasbestos-containing material had been dumped.

“Boththese sites have been marked by authorities as containing asbestos and left foratleast six months,”MrConnor said.

“Inone case it is in acar park and is being driven over,yet it still hasn't been removed.

“Wehavespokentoseveral people who have reported the asbestos and cannotbelieve it has notbeen cleaned up.”

Mr Connor said thereweremultiple dumpsofhousehold and building waste along the same stretchofforest.

Theissue has been further compounded by industrial action involving Parks Victoria staff,with signs erected at somelocations advising thatpotentialrubbish collection and clean-up works will be delayedwhile the disputecontinues.

Photos of the dumping sites and the clean-upeffort shared on social media have attractedwidespread support from residents, with manypraising the pair fortaking action.

Mr Connor and Mr Jones saytheyintend to continueremoving rubbish from the forest in thehope of restoring affected areas and drawing attention to theongoing problem of illegal dumping.

(Above) Craig Jones loads rubbish at the bottomof Distillery Track. (Right) Parks Victoria stafferected signs at some locations advising thatpotentialrubbish collection and cleanup works would be delayed while their industrial action continued.

Alittle teddybear magicinMaldon

Thefirst enchanting teddy bear windowdisplays have begun appearing throughout the historic villageofMaldon, transforming shopfronts into storybook scenes ahead of the highly anticipatedGreat Maldon Teddy Bear AdventureonSaturday, July 11.

Thegrowing collection of displays is part of avillage-wide celebration leading up to the GreatMaldon Teddy Bear Adventure, afamily-friendly eventthatpromisesa dayofteddy bear themed fun, entertainmentand communityspirit.

Among the first windows revealed is adazzlingfloral wonderland whereteddy bears nestle among cascading blossoms and secret garden treasures, while another display sees adventurous bearstaking flightinaglowing hotair balloon high above Maldon and another has avery clever bear playing ababygrand piano. Elsewhere, curious bearsare already peeking outfromunexpected places, inviting visitorstobegin their ownteddy bear discovery trail.

Eventorganiserssaid the early windowreveals were designed to build excitementand encouragevisitorstoexploreMaldon's unique shopping villageinthe weeks leading up to the event.

"The teddy bearshavebegun arriving in Maldon and they'rebringing alittle bit of magic with them. Every window tells its ownstory and together they'recreating adelightfulvillage-wide adventurethatwill continuetogrowoverthe coming weeks."

"Wehope families will wander through Maldon, discoverthe displays,takephotographs and enjoythe sense of wonder thatteddy bearsinspireinpeople of all ages."

TheGreat Maldon Teddy Bear Adventurewill takeplacefrom10am to 4pm on Saturday, July 11, featuring FREEteddy bear themed activities, livemusic, art workshops, Teddy Bear parade, storytelling, family experiencesincluding the Teddy Bear WindowTrail withprizes, afreemovie screening of Paddington 2and the much-lovedMaldon Teddy Bear Express, whereteddy bearstravel free.

Businesses throughout Maldon arecontinuing to reveal newdisplays in the lead up to the eventcreating acharming teddy bear trail thatvisitorscan enjoythroughout the village.

Whether you'reeightoreighty,the invitation is simple: follow the bears, discover the stories and experience alittle teddy bear magic in Maldon this winter.

Forevent information, visit www.maldonnc.org.au/event-details/the-great-maldonteddy-bear-adventure

Forbookings on the Maldon Teddy Bear Express, visit www.vgr.com.au/maldon-teddy-bear-express

Restrictions remain forLancefield

From page1

At the time, Ms Kilkennysaid complete removalmightgiverise to risk of uncoordinateddevelopment, however, if the council remained of the viewthatDPO24 wasnot feasible she wasopentoconsidering aplanning scheme amendmentto address those concerns. Twoyearson, it seems removing DPO24 is still nota supported option.

Responding forthe Planning Minister last week, StatePlanning Services and Heritageexecutivedirector,AlisonMcFarlane, said DPO24 was"alocal planning matter thatisappropriate forthe council to address"

"I encouragecouncil to seek authorisation fora planning scheme amendment to either revise the existing provisions of DPO24, or to replacethe overlay with alternativeprovisions to coordinate the preferred planning and developmentoutcomes forthis area,"she said

Last week Liberal MP forNorthern VictoriaWendy Lovell slammed theVictorian Government forcausing "planning chaos in Macedon Ranges Shire"

TheMPsaid the Minister forPlanning wasavoiding responsibility forresolving Lancefield’splanning stalemate

Ms Lovell spokeduring the last sitting of parliamenttocallonthe Minister for

Planning to interveneand remove DPO24

"DPO24ispreventinghousesfrom being built in areas of Lancefield thatare already zoned residential and within the town's settlement boundary," Ms Lovell said.

"The Minister forPlanning must useher powers to remove the overlay,instead of passing the buck to council and forcing them to spend hundreds of thousands of dollarspreparing newplanning scheme amendments."

Shesaid the Minister forPlanning had also still notauthorised theGisborne and Romseyplanning amendments thatthe councilsubmitted morethan twoyears ago, delaying long-term growth.

Ms Stockfeldsaidthe council was seeking an urgentmeeting with the Department of Transport and Planning to clarify the scope and expectations for anyamended or replacementplanning control.

"While council is advocating forchange, allplanning scheme amendmentsrequire approvalfromthe Ministerfor Planning, who is the final decision-maker," she said.

"Council remainscommittedtoworking with the DepartmentofTransport and Planningtoprogressasuitable outcome thatprovides greater clarity and certainty forthe community."

Campaspe Family Practice is nowoffering fully bulk-billed IUD insertion procedures

Women’s health General Practitioners:

•DrEmma Haugh

•DrDina Afreem

•DrSadia Asad

•DrLayaSattartabar

Our experienced women’s health doctorsprovidesafe, comfortable and supportivecarewithshortwait times and afocus on your wellbeing.

Valid Medicarecardrequired forbulk billed consultations

Best Teddy Bear WindowFirst Prizegoesto ‘Teddy Time’No54Main Street,Maldon, by Rachel Devine and SteveCox

Community Bank Maldonand District’steddy balloon window.

Proposed changes to waste services

Mount Alexander ShireCouncil is considering updates to reducelandfill, improve recyclingand support amore sustainable wastesystem.

In addition to ourmixed recycling and generalwaste services, theproposal includes introducingtwo newservices:

•A Food Organicsand Garden Organics (FOGO) kerbsidecollection.

•A separate glass drop-offnetwork acrossthe shire.

These changesaim to reducethe amount of wastegoingtolandfill, improve recyclingand makebetter use of valuablematerials.

What is being proposed?

Under the proposed system:

•FOGOwould be collectedweekly from households

•General wastewould move from a weekly to afortnightly collection.

•Glasswould be recycled through local drop-off points.

•Mixed recycling would be collected fortnightly

Thedrop-off network would include eight sites acrossthe shire, plus both Castlemaine and Maldon transfer stations, making it easyfor residents to recycle glasswhen it suits them.

Whyare thesechanges being considered?

These changes arepartofa statewide move to afour-stream wastesystem.

Victorian Government lawrequires all councils to provide separateservices forgeneral waste, recycling, glassand food/garden organics.

Councilisconsidering introducing both FOGO andglassservicestogether in 2027.Doing this at the same timehelps reducecosts, keepschangessimple and supports residents to build newhabits moreeasily

What is FOGO?

FOGO stands forFood Organics and Garden Organics. It allowsyou to recycle:

•Food scraps (including meat, bones and leftovers).

•Garden waste(grass, leavesand branches).

•Other compostable materials.

These materials would be processed locally and turned into high-quality compost, which can be reused in parks, gardens, community projects and potentially local agriculture.

Compostmay also be madeavailable to residents.

Each household would receiveaFOGO bin and asmall kitchen caddy to help separatefood scraps at home

What arethe benefits?

•Asmuchas900 tonnes of organic wastediverted from landfill annually

•A reductioningreenhouse gas emissions (1,035tonnes annually).

•Reuse of valuable materials, compost returned to local soils.

•A cleaner,moreefficientwaste system.

Manyresidents arealready supporting these practices. Almosthalfof respondents to the WasteManagement Strategy surveysaid theywant help managing organic waste, and morethan 1,900 households already useprivate services to processgarden waste.

What about home and community composting?

Councilwill continue to support home and community compostingprograms likeYes in My Backyard (YIMBY).

Residents whomanage their own organic wastewillbeable request to opt out of theFOGO service.

Have your questions answered

Councilissharing thisinformation so residentsunderstand whatisbeing considered.

Youare invited to learn moreand ask questions at an information session:

Date: Wednesday8July

Time: 5.30pm

Location: Castlemaine Town Hall

This session willprovide an overview of the proposal andachancetoask questions.

Youcan also submit questions in advanceatmountalexander.vic.gov.au/ proposed-waste-changes.

What happensnext?

Councilhas notyet made afinal decision. If approved, further planning, communityeducation and service rollout would follow, withaproposed start in July 2027

Stay informed at mountalexander vic.gov.au/proposed-waste-changes and help us work towardsa more sustainable futurefor our shire

Newlifetaking shape at old hospital

Construction is advancing on amajor aged caredevelopmentatthe former KynetonHospital site, which will also see the heritage-listed hospital building restored.

Work on the 126-bed Embracia Kyneton aged carehome began in December,with contractor Infinity Constructions completing earthworks and sitepreparation in recent months.

Thedevelopmentisexpected to provide much-needed aged careaccommodation for the Macedon Ranges while creating local employmentopportunities during construction.

Embracia Victoria director SarahMacKenzie said it wasexciting to seethe longplanned project finally taking shape.

"Our aim is to create awarm, safe and trulycomfortable homefor older people in our region,"MsMacKenzie said.

"Largerbedrooms, beautiful shared spaces, acafé, activity roomsand physiotherapyservices have allbeen designed with residents' wellbeing in mind."

Akey featureofthe developmentwill be the co-location of an aged carehome and childcarecentre, with an Embracia Childcareand Kindergarten planned alongside the residential facility

Ms MacKenziesaidthe intergenerational model would create opportunities forchildren and older residents to connect through shared activities and programs.

"Weknowhow much joythese interactions bring, and we'reproud to be creating a placewheredifferentgenerations can learn from and support one another," she said.

Theproject team has also worked with the Taungurung Land and Waters Council throughout the planning process, undertaking cultural heritageassessments and consultation to ensurethe redevelopment respects thesite's culturalsignificance.

While construction continues on the aged carefacility,attention is also turning to the futureofthe original hospital building.

Embracia plans to restorethe heritagelisted structure andadaptitfor arangeof community and commercial uses.

Currentproposals include commercial offices on the ground floor andfunction, entertainmentand eventspacesonthe upper level, taking advantageofviews across the Campaspe River.

Specialist conservation companyAbode Restorations has completedextensive investigations into the building'scondition, identifyinga rangeofrestoration works required.

Theassessmentfound damagecaused by wateringress, deteriorated bluestone walls and mortar,failing verandah structures, unstable chimneys andwindows requiring restoration. Significantwork will also be needed on the building'smainstaircase and former commercial kitchen.

Despitethese challenges, investigators reported the 19th-century building remains fundamentally sound and retains manyexamples of original craftsmanship, including stone arches and historic masonry concealed by lateralterations.

Therestoration project aims to reinstate original architecturalfeatures while adapting the building forcontemporary use.

Formanylocal residents, the former hospital holds strong personal and family connections, having served the community forgenerations before its closure.

Developerssay the broader vision is to create amixed-use precinct combining aged care, childcare, hospitality, business and community spaces, breathing newlife into oneofKyneton'smostrecognisable landmarks.

Drillhallheritagebid

Retaining heritageatKynetonDrill Hall is expectedtobeatthe forefrontofMacedon Ranges ShireCouncil'ssubmission to the DepartmentofDefence as the state governmentlooks to divest thesite.

At council'sJune meeting, councillors resolved to makea submission supporting retention of the historic building as part of the department'sconsultation into the site'sfutureuse.

Council also notedthe site’scurrent heritageprotections under the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme, as well as its absencefrom the Commonwealth HeritageList

Thecouncil'ssubmission is expected to be shared publicly and provided to key stakeholders, including federal and state representatives, the RSLand theNational Trust

Healthcensusdetects lowerlifesatisfaction

Loddon Campasperesidents aremoving moreand smoking less than Victorian benchmarks, butmanyare also reporting food insecurity,poorer health, lowerlifesatisfaction, and risky drinking.

Thedatawas collected through the 2025 ActiveLiving Census thatsurveyedmore than 8000 residents between May26and July 6, which collected data on matterssuch as physical activity, access to nutritious food,publicopen spaceuse and risky behaviours.

Conducted by the City of GreaterBendigoaspart of the Victorian Government-funded HealthyLoddon Campaspeinitiative, the census helpstounderstand health and wellbeing across the six local governmentareas in the region, including Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander shires.

Compared with Victorian and national benchmarks, the Census found lowerrates of smoking, vaping, gambling and daily sugar-sweetened drink consumption, and stronger results forphysical activityand muscle-strengthening exercise among adults across the region.

However, it also found 31 per cent experiencedsomelevel of food insecurity,25per cent rated their health as fair or poor,34per cent recorded lowtomoderatelifesatisfaction, 66.5 per cent were overweightorobese, 58 per cent reported risky single-occasion alcohol consumption, and only 10 per cent metvegetable intakerecommendations.

Theresults will be used to guide local planning, including investmentinpublic spaces and recreation facilities, health promotion work, and will support local organisations seek resourcesfor services and projects that respond to communityneeds.

Fungusattack

WombatHill BotanicGardens at Daylesfordhas had some areas taped offfollowing confirmation Australian honeyfungus (Armillaria luteobub)ispresent.

Theshirecouncil has advised thatwhile thereisnodirect risk to humans, the aim is to see the gardens receivethe best treatmentpossible.

Council is working on both short and long-term actions through amanagementplan.

Have your say

Help shape the future of health care

Dhelkaya Health is developing anew Strategic Plan to guide our health service through to 2031, and we want to hear from our community.

The plan will set the direction for our services over the next 5years, helping ensure we continue to meet the changing needs of people across Mount Alexander Shire and beyond.

As acommunity-based health service, we believe the best decisions are informed by the people who use, support and rely on our services.

Tell us what is working well, what could be improved, and what opportunities should be considered to support the health and wellbeing of our region into the future.

Complete our community survey today by scanning the QR code. The survey will remain open until Sunday 12 July 2026

Current vacancies

Get involved

Calling for Meal Mates volunteers We are seeking caring volunteers to support our aged care residents during mealtimes through conversation, companionship and practical assistance.

Volunteers help create apositive and dignified dining experience, particularly for residents who may not have regular visitors.

Volunteers must be friendly, reliable and able to communicate effectively with residents, staff and the Wellbeing Team.

Duties include supporting residents before and during meals by assisting with tasks such as cutting food or pouring drinks.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and commit to one 2-hour shift per week for at least 6months.

Please note: Volunteers do not provide feeding, medication administration, personal or clinical care. Call 5471 3565 for more information, or email ecoller@castlemainehealth.org.au

•Associate Nurse Unit Manager -Thompson House - Ongoing/part-time

•Instrument Technician CSSD - Ongoing/part-time

•Nurse Unit Manager -Connolly Unit - Ongoing/full-time

•Grade 1Exercise Physiologist - Fixed term/full-time

•Grade 2Speech Pathologist - Ongoing/full-time

•Endorsed Enrolled Nurse -Thompson House - Ongoing/part-time

•Theatre Technician - Ongoing/full-time

Healthier Together

dhelkayahealth.org.au |(03) 54713555

Thescaffolding around the hospital forthe repairsofthe roof,fascias, chimneys and roof lantern and bluestone walls and pointing.

Grandmother gobsmacked by Tatts win

AKyneton grandmother is in awonderful whirlwind afterdiscovering her TattsLotto ticket in last weekend’s draw had scored alife-changing $1.8 million prize.

TheMacedon Ranges residentheldone of the 11 division one winning entries nationally on Saturday, and looks forwardtoatotal prizeof$1,818,181.82.

When an official from TheLottreached out to confirm her newfound millionairestatus, the long-time player could barely find thewords to describe themoment.

“Woo! That’s so exciting!” shecheered.

“I’m herewith my son who has driven overanhourto come help me!

“I missed afew callsfromThe Lott earlier this morning and couldn’t work out why, so Iwenttothe newsagency whereI boughtmyticket

“Theychecked it forme, told me to hold on to it tight, and said Ineeded to call TheLott.

“Mybrain isn’t working! I’m very stunned. It’s totally unexpected.I’vebeen playing since1972 –a very long time coming!”

While the enormityofher winwas still sinking in, the grandmother said one thing wascertain: she couldn’t wait to share thejoy withher nearest and dearest.

“I’vegot abig family,soI’ll be sharing it,” she exclaimed.

“Thank youvery much!”

Hermarked12-gamewinning entry waspurchased at Collins Authorised News andLotto in Kyneton.

Storeowner KevinChen said he wasthrilled to have sold adivision one winning entry to alocal customer

“It’sbeen fiveyears sincewelast sold adivision one winning entry so I’m very thrilled and honestly abit shocked. It’s an amazing momentfor our whole team,” he shared.

“We’ll be sharing some treats withour team to celebratethismomentous occasion. Therewill also be posters proudly displayedall over our store.

“We’re such atight-knit community so our locals will be absolutely thrilled forusand the customer.Wehave such aloyal customer base, and everyone lovesseeing a big win in Kyneton!

“Wewish the winner all the absolutebest and hope theyenjoyevery single moment of this amazing, lifechanging experience!”

Managementinquestion

AmyHume

Future managementofLancefield Park is under consideration as the current volunteer committee of managementfaces ongoing challenges.

Viability of the currentmodel is in doubt with concerns over maintenanceand asset renewalpressures, increasing compliance obligations, safety and risk management, and ability to deliver aspirations in the master plan.

Lancefield is one of the only recreational reserves in the shirenot managed by Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil.

Lancefield Park is Crownland owned by the stategovernmentand managed by the volunteer Lancefield Park Recreation ReserveCommittee of Management. That group is nowseeking either council's takeover or increased support.

Councillor Daniel Young flaggedthe need fora council report exploring options earlier this year,which wasbroughtbefore councillorsattheir June meeting.

"It'sappropriatethatsomething likethis ismanaged in acareful waybecause there area lotofmoving parts and thereare a significantrangeofrisks thatweneed to consider," he said

"There'sgoing to need to be some commitmentfromthe stategovernmentthere to bring the placeuptoscratch."

Managementresponsibilities of the committeeinclude three Crownland parcels: Lancefield Park, the reserveareaassociatedwiththe Men’sShed and Lancefield kindergarten, and the reservearealocated behind Lancefield Primary School.

Lancefield Park is the primary recreation and sporting precinct within Lancefield and supportsabroad rangeofsporting, recreation and community activities.

Council currently provides limited direct operational support compared to reserves under direct council managementbut includes annual maintenancecontributions and other support.

While councillorsgenerally supported

exploring potential governanceand managementoptions of Lancefield Park in a futurereport, othersexpressed awillingness to progress mattersfaster

MayorKateKendall said the motion felt "felt morelikeprocrastination dressed up as hope forthe community"and felt she hadenough information to take action.

"I don't believe thatweshould delay action and create theimpression that progress is being made, when there'sno real clear commitmentattached to it,"she said.

"I don't need to further interrogate land parcels to knowthatsupporting a well-used community recreational reserve will deliver apositiveoutcome forlocal residents. I'dmuch rather see thatfunding go to practical projects thatfund things on the ground."

However, councillorswarned the matter wascomplexand required further investigation to determine therightapproach.

Cr Jennifer Andersonsaiditwas worth understanding the differentlandparcels involved and whymoney wasnot flowing from the state governmentinsupport.

"Therehavebeenmorequestions than answers,"she said.

"Tosay thatwesupport the Lancefield Park CommitteeonManagementtoday is greatbut do we support them as the ongoing committeeordowesupport that we should be the land manager,orshould therebeadifferentmodel altogether?"

Preliminary high-levelestimatesindicate thatannualoperational and maintenance costs associated with the reservemay be in the order of about $340,500, should council assume alevel of servicegenerally consistentwith other council-managed reserves.

Anyfuturetransferwould require negotiation and agreementwith the current committee of managementand state government.

Council officerswill preparea further report exploring potential governanceand managementoptions of Lancefield Park.

Collins Authorised News and Lotto owner KevinChen is thrilled to have soldadivision one winning entry to alocal customer

Mental health support serviceopens

People in Castlemaine can nowaccess free, face-to-face mental health support at the newMountAlexander Mental Health and Wellbeing Local.

Locatedat141 Cornish Street,Castlemaine, the newsite is one of the MountAlexander Mental Health and Wellbeing Local’ssatellitelocations. Other locations in Kynetonand Maryborough areset to open soon, expanding access to support across the region.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals support Victorians aged 26 yearsand over to access mental health and wellbeing careand support closer to home.

Allsupportsare free, voluntary and easytoaccess, with no referral required.

TheMental Health and Wellbeing Local in MountAlexander is delivered by Mind in partnership with Bendigo Health and Thorne Harbour Health. Together,theyprovide psychosocial support and clinical support thathelps people in distress to managedaily activities, rebuild and maintain

connections, engagewith education and employment, and participate fully in the community.

Supports areavailable by phone and telehealth, through outreach services, and in-person by appointment.

Mind executivedirector of operations in Victoria, Belinda McCullough, said the servicehad already made astrong impactthrough telephone and telehealth supports, which had been available sinceFebruary 2026.

“Weknowhow importantitisfor rural and regional communities to have access to mental health and wellbeing support closer to home. Equally importantisensuringthese services arestaffed by people from the communities they support –people who understand local experiencesand challenges,”MsMcCullough said.

“Sincethis servicecommenced earlier this year,we’ve supported people experiencing anxiety and stress relatedto cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability,employment pressures and natural disasterssuchasbushfires and floods.

We’realso seeing people seek support fordepression, loneliness and social isolation.”

Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals have a‘howcan we help’approach, making it easier formorepeople to access support in ways thatwork forthem –particularly those who maypreviously have facedbarrierstofinding therightcare.

At the Castlemaine Mental Health and Wellbeing Local, community memberscan access amulti-disciplinary team that includes alived experience team leader,peer practitioners, community mental health practitioners, social workers, clinicians and specialist LGBTIQA+ staff from Thorne Harbour Health

Peer practitionersare speciallytrained to draw on their ownexperiences of distress and mental healthchallenges to support others.

People canaccess telehealth/phone support,ororganise outreach and in-person appointments by calling (03) 4442 9100, Monday to Friday(9am-5pm).

TheMount Alexander Mental Health and Wellbeing Local wasofficially opened by BendigoWest MP MareeEdwardslast Friday.

Grave site theft heartbreaking

Thieves have stolen an angel from the graveof an 11-year-old girl buried at Castlemaine Cemetery

Thestolen angel had been cemented securely in placeasa loving tribute the child but wascompletely removed.

TheCastlemaine Cemetery Trustsaid the theft was "truly heartbreaking"

"Imagine the trauma her mother experienced when she visited todayand discoveredthatsomeone had chipped away the cement, stolen her daughter'sangel, and left nothing but ahole whereitoncestood," avolunteer said.

BuyLocal campaign grows

"Stealing amemorial from anygraveis deeply upsetting, but stealing from achild's graveisespecially cruel.

"The items placed on graves aretherefor areason. They arechosenwith love,remembrance, and care. They hold precious memories and representanenduring connectionto someone who is gone."

TheCastlemaine Cemetery Trustisasking anyone who has anyinformation on the theft, no matter howsmall, to contact them.

Business MountAlexander'sBuy Local –Spend Smartercampaign is continuing to gain momentum, with morethan 30 local businesses now participating and morejoining each week.

Thecampaign encourages residents to shop locally,helping keep moneycirculating within the shireand supporting local businesses,local jobs and thriving local economy.

Participating businesses nowinclude: Beehave Fashion, Body and Soul Solutions, Castlemaine CentralWine Store, Castlemaine Property Group, the Castlemaine Mail and Midland Express, Drawing South Homes, Fred Farquhar Photography, Five Flags Merchants, Green Goes theGrocer, Healing Well Chinese Medicine, Maine Mind Counselling, Midland Pet Supplies, Mulberry's Deli,Musk Architecture,Overthe Moon Studio, Shedshaker Brewing, Smith and BrownDesign, Storyland Creative, The Departure(end of life planning), ONI Street Wear,Woollykins at the Mill, Woop Woop Mini Golf and Sculpture Gardens, Legion OfficeWorks and Influence Global consultancy.

Maldon businesses include; Cafe Maldon, Maldon Getaways,the Gold ExchangeCafe, Maldon LollyShop, Maldon Butchers, Maldon Bakery and the Laine and Colfashion store.

BMA chair Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns said the campaign wasabout strengthening thelocal economythrough everydaypurchasingdecisions.

"Every dollar spentlocally helps support local businesses, local employmentand the services that make our communityunique,"she said.

"The response from both businesses and residents has been really encouraging, and we'd love to see even morepeople getinvolved."

Brenna Jensen from Woollykins at TheMill Castlemaine is excitedto be one of the participating businesses.

"Woollykins is awool centric online storewith ahugerange of cosy goodsmade from all naturalfibres. We recently started making aline of knitwear righthereinCastlemaine forlocals wanting to wear locally made all-wool clothing,"Brennasaid.

As part of the BuyLocal campaign, Woollykins is offering 10 percent offtheir UMIFORM Made in Castlemaine knitwear rangeuntil the end of winter.Call into theWoollykins showroom or check out their range online.

Community memberscan pickupa free BuyLocal card from any participating business or from the MountAlexander ShireCustomer Service Centre.Byregistering their cardonthe Business MountAlexander website, participants also go into thedrawtowin dinner fortwo at the Taproomat Shedshaker Brewing.

Thelatest list of participating businesses and currentofferscan be found on the Business MountAlexander websiteat businessmountalexander.org.au/buy-local-current-offers.

Apicture of the angel before it wasremovedfromthe grave site.

Brenna Jensen from Woollykins at TheMillCastlemaine is excited to be one of the participating businesses in BMA’s BuyLocal campaign.

Scam warning as tax time hits

As Australians preparefor EOFY sales and tax time, NGM Group –the customer-owned bank behind GreaterBank and Newcastle Permanent–isurging people to stay alert as scammersramp up activityduring one of the busiest financial periods of the year

From fake taxrefund texts and impersonation phone callstoscam shopping websites and phishing emails, fraudstersare increasingly targeting Australians who arespending moretimeonline and moretime managing their finances.

Jason Veltruski, fraud operations manager at NGM Group,said EOFY createdthe perfect environmentfor scams because people were expectingmessages from banks, governmentagencies, retailersand delivery companies.

“Atthis timeofyear, Australians are actively looking forsales, lodging tax returns, checking invoices and responding to more emails and text messages than usual,”Mr Veltruski said.

“Thatcreates an opportunity forscammers to blend in. Afakemessageabout atax refund, suspicious bank activity or aparceldelivery can easily look legitimate whenyou’re already expectingsimilar communications.”

Mr Veltruskisaid scammers were becoming increasingly sophisticatedinhow they impersonatedtrusted organisations, often replicating logos, branding and even phone numbers.

“We’re seeing scam messages and phone calls thatlookincredibly convincing,”hesaid.

“Insomecases, peoplereceivea text that appearsinthe same messagethread as genuine messages from their bank. Others receive phone calls wherethe caller claims to be from atrusted organisation and pressures them to act immediately

“One of the biggest redflags is urgency Scammerswantpeople to panic, click quickly or hand over information before they’ve had time to stop andthink.”

Commonscams Australiansshouldwatch for this EOFYFake ATOscams

Texts, emails or phone calls claiming you’re owedatax refund or need to urgently pay adebt. Some scamsthreatenlegal action if paymentisn’t madeimmediately

Bank impersonation scams

Messages claiming therehas been suspicious activityonyouraccountand asking you to click alink, transfer moneyorverify your banking details.

Fake EOFY sales websites

Online stores and social media ads advertising heavily discountedproductsthateither neverarriveorare used to stealcarddetails.

Parcel delivery scams

Texts claiming thereisanissue with a delivery or asmall feerequired before a parcelcan be released.

Invoiceand paymentscams

Fraudstersposing as suppliers, tradies or serviceproviders and sending updated bank details forpayments.

Mr Veltruskisaid Australians should avoid interacting directly with unexpected messages or phone calls, even if they appeared genuine.

“Ifyou receivea text or email claiming to be from your bank, the ATOoranother trusted organisation, don’t click the link,” he said.

“Instead, go directly to theorganisation’s official websiteorapp yourself.Ifyou receivea phone call and something doesn’t feel right, hang up and call theofficial phone number listed on the organisation’s website.

“Thatextrastepcan preventpeople from unknowingly handing overpasswords, banking details or security codes to scammers.”

NGMGroup’s practical tips to stay safe

•Never click links in unexpected text

messages or emails claiming to be from your bank, the ATOordelivery companies.

•Ifyou receivea suspiciousphone call, hang up and contact theorganisation directly using the official phone number from its website.

•Never sharepasswords, PINsorinternetbanking securitycodes withanyone.

•Becautiousofsales or offers that seem unusually cheap or create pressureto act immediately

•Check websiteURLscarefully and look forlegitimate contact details and reviews before purchasing online.

•Monitor your bank accounts regularly and report suspicious activity immediately If yoususpect you’vebeentargetedby ascam,report it promptly to theACCCvia the Scamwatch website. Additionally,if you’vemade payments to suspicious entities or shared your bank details, contact your bank rightaway.

“Scammers rely on people being distracted, rushed or caughtoff-guard,”Mr Veltruski said.

“The best defenceisslowing down, independently verifying communications and trusting your instinctsifsomething doesn’t feel right.”

From fake taxrefund texts and impersonation phone calls to scam shopping websites

Ross Smith, Lachlan Maltby, Brett Cole,BrookeWilliams

Fun, free family entertainment

Goldfields Libraries is sharing cultural school holidayexperiences with local families forfree, this July

From avisiting FirstNations rapper to apowerhouse kids entertainer,the lineup combines stories, music and craft, witha special focus on NAIDOCWeek.

Programs coordinatorTammy Higgssaid the holidayeventswerealwayspopular, and rising cost-of-living pressures were

Dance at Trentham

Trentham residents areinvited to a danceatthe NewMechanics in High Street on SundayJuly 12 from 1pm –4.30pm (winterschedule).

Music by RodMcKenzie. Entry: $10 (includes door prize).Raffle tickets$1 each.

Afternoon tea(bring aplate of food to share).Novelties and prizes. BYOwater bottle.

Enquiries to Dianna 0418 173 920 or Noellene 0428 464 664.

Trentham DanceWorking Group is auspiced by Trentham Neighbourhood Centre

Indoor market

RM Begg Auxiliary willbecontinuing their monthly craftmarketsinJuly and August inside the RM Begg Residencein Epping Street

It will notonlybealovelywarm venue foryou to peruse all the greatthings they have forsale, therewill also be fresh scones withjam, cream and coffee available in their café at the entrance.

Thenexttwo market datesare SaturdayJuly 4and SaturdayAugust 1. This is aperfect opportunity to stock up on beautiful handmade jumpers, scarves, beanies forbothchildren and adults to seeyou through winter, andof course all the usual greatthings thatwill be available, including, books, preserves, jams, cakes and more.

making them even moreso.

“Weknowschoolholidays can hit the family budget hard,” Tammysaid.

“We’re ensuring children don’t miss out on memorable experiencesthatare sometimes educational, but alwaysfun."

“Our programisfor everyone, it’shigh qualityand it’sfree, from creativein-house activities to largerprofessional performances.”

Thelibraries also have aRoadhouse Community Screening licence, so will be showing recent family-friendly releases on the big screens in the Bendigo, Castlemaine, Gisborne and Romsey branches.

“Eventhe traditional holidaytriptothe movies can happen withus, without the cost of aticket,” Tammysaid.

“Everyone is welcome, we just need to knowyou’recoming.”

Damo Rock n' Read Show will be held on Friday, July 3, performing at Romsey Library at 10am, Castlemaine Library at 1pmand BendigoLibrary at 3.30pm Majeda Beatty: MurriIsland Girl will be held on Friday, July 9, performing at BendigoLibrary at 3.30pm.

To book into sessions or find out more, visit ncgrl.vic.gov.au/school-holiday-program

Bringing 80ssynth-pop backtoCastlemaine

Celebrating the music of 80s SynthPop, NewWave and NewRomantic era, the Blitz Kids will perform at the TheatreRoyal in Castlemaine on Friday, July 10. Before thecharts... before the world caughton...therewas TheBlitz ClubinLondon—the birthplaceofa movement. A scene of style, rebellion, and sound thatignited the New Romantic era. From that underground pulse came thefuture: synths, fashion, attitude... and asoundtrack that defined ageneration. Now, TheBlitz Kidsbring it all backtolife.

Featuring: ScottCarne –Kids In TheKitchen, PierrePierre–Pseudo Echo, TimRosewarne –Big Pig, Thom Mann –Electro percussion with aspecial appearance from Zan– I’m Talking. Take ajourneythrough the music of the era... Depeche Mode –The Human League –Ultravox –Kids In TheKitchen –Simple Minds –Japan –Pseudo Echo –Aha –Tears ForFears –Yazoo –Real Life– Soft Cell –BigPig –New Order –Pet Shop Boys –Visage– DuranDuran –RoxyMusic –I’m Talking –Spandau Ballet –Frankie Goes To Hollywood and more! Forticketsvisit: theatreroyal castlemaine.com.au/music

80s synth-pop supergroup TheBlitz Kids areheading to Castlemaine!

Damo, of the Damo Rock n’ Read Show

Sydney-based First Nationssinger, actress and dancer, Majeda Beatty.

Scales, feathers,fur andfacts Scca a alles, featthhers, f fuur a annd faacctts

This winter, Jubilee Hall in Macedon will come alivewith scales, feathers, furand fascinating factsasTVZoologist Chris Humfreyand the Wild Action team presenttheir unforgettable Winter School HolidayWildlife Workshops.

Children and adults alikeare invited to Take aWalkon the Wildside and come face-to-facewith an extraordinary lineup of Australian wildlifeinafun, ethical and deeply educational 90-minuteexperience.

These hands-on workshops aredesigned to sparkcuriosity,build respect fornatureand help families understand whyprotecting biodiversity in the Macedon Ranges matters morethan ever

“Wild Action is bringing an unbelievable selection of wildlifetoJubilee Hall,” Chris says

“These animals arenot just amazing to look at —they areambassadorsfor their wild cousins. When people meet them up close, they care. Andwhen theycare, theyprotect.”

Guests will learn whythe humble wombatisone of the only animals in the world to producecube-shaped poo,and howthatunusual talent helpsitmarkits territory.They’ll discoverwhatbrush-tailed bettongs do forthe environment —these tinymarsupial 'ecosystemengineers' dig through the soil, spreading fungi, seeds and nutrients thathelp keep bushland healthy

Therewill be loads of fun facts, unforgettable animal interactions and fabulous photo opportunities. Families will learn about classification, adaptations, habitats, threats and ecological niches, while also discovering simple ways we can all help wildlife— from keeping cats contained, avoiding rodenticides, driving carefully at dusk and dawn, planting habitat, supporting rescue groupsand protecting the preciousbushland around theMacedon Ranges.

This is wildlifeeducation with heart. Every animal is presentedwith respect, careand astrong conservation message. Wild Action’s goal issimple: to makelearning about wildlifeexciting, memorable and meaningful.

Best of all, 10 per cent of proceeds will go to wildliferescueorganisations, supporting thededicatedlocal volunteers

who rescue, rehabilitate andprotect injured and orphaned wildlife.

With twoworkshops daily at 11am and 2pm, spaces are limited and early booking is recommended.

“Weguarantee this will be thebest wildlifeimmersion

Zoologist Chris Humfreywill host unforgettable wildlife workshops these school holidays

youhaveeverexperienced —fun,ethical, educational and absolutely unforgettable,”Chris says So rug up, bring thefamily and getready to meetsome of Australia’s most incredible creaturesthese school holidays at Jubilee Hall,Macedon.

Artiststoshowcase diverseworks

LisaDennis

Adiverse collection of paintings and drawings by membersofthe Agitation Hill Artists will go on displayatthe Grist Bakery throughoutJuly

Themonth-long exhibition opens tomorrow,July 1, and features works by the group's talentedmix of emerging and experiencedartists, showcasing everything from landscapes and portraits to intricate pen-and-ink pieces and coloured pencil studies.

TheAgitation Hill Artists meetonthe thirdThursday of each month from 1pmto4pm at the Anglican Church Hall, wherememberswork side by side in arelaxed and supportiveenvironment. Artists shareskills across arange

of mediumsincluding oils, acrylics, watercolours, pastels, pen and ink, and graphic drawing, withregular guest workshops helping members expand their techniques.

CoordinatorChris Moule, who runs the group with partner and fellow artist Vivien Pells, will exhibit aseries of newlandscapesdepicting Harcourt before andafter the fires. Mr Moule will also presenta largersolo exhibition at the Harcourt General and Produce StoreinAugust.

Newmember Irma Zimmerman will showcase oil paintings inspired by Melbourne's café culture

"I love capturing the detail, colour andshade, everyday features and capturing the essenceofeach space,"Ms Zimmerman said.

Suki Leewill exhibit detailed coloured pencil studies of

local birdlife, while RichardHollis is contributing aselection of acrylic paintings.

Other exhibitorsinclude Catherine, whose latest landscape features thestriking blue tree near Daylesford, alocal symbolofhopeand resiliencefor people affected by mental healthchallenges. Mandywill displayintricate pen-and-ink works createdonvintagewallpaper,Gary will exhibit watercoloursand Juliewill presentimaginativeacrylic paintings. Young interstate artists Hadaassah and Isaiah, who regularly join the group while visiting their grandmother,will also have works on display.

Theexhibition is open daily from 7am to 5pm throughout July.Visitorscan enjoythe bakery'scoffeeand pastries while viewing theartwork.

Nursing diplomaonoffer

Castlemaine's BendigoTAFELearning Hubhas recently introduced the Diploma of Nursing.

In partnership with Dhelkaya Health, the programallows students to complete their training and clinical placements locally,while making it easier forpeople to begin their nursing career without needing to relocate

ForClaire Tredinnick the attraction of a regional lifestyle wasamotivator

“One word about Castlemaine… peaceful," Clairesaid

Claireisone of the first students enrolled in the BendigoTAFEcourse, currently commuting from Brunswick, with plans to move to Castlemaine laterthis year

“I’mplanning to relocate to thecountry sometime this year,but it’s still possible for me to commuteonthe V/Line fornow,” she said.

“I appreciate the sense of community here… and an escapefromthe hustle and bustle of citylife.”

-Subdivisions or consolidation of land

-Registering, changing or removing an easement

-Adverse

and

Afternearly 15 yearsworking in music, Clairesaidthe move into nursing reflected along-held goal to work in amorepeoplefocused field.

“I just feel likeI have always wanted to do something whereI can giveback to people," she said.

Nowjust weeks into the course, Claire said the learning experience and support from teachershas reinforced her decision.

“I’malready really excited by everything thatwe’re learning,”she said.

“Wehaveareally good supportnetwork… it’sfeeling likea really greatplacetolearn.”

Clairehas plans to become an enrolled nurse, while also exploring pathways to become aregistered nurse.

Thenew diplomaoption in Castlemaine is opening up local pathways into healthcare –and in some cases, influencing wherestudents choose to liveand build their future.

ClaireTredinnick has enrolled in the Diplomaof Nursingcourse.

Agitation Hill ArtistsmembersJulie, Irma, Mandy, Chris, Suki, Gary and Catherineprepare fortheir July exhibition.

Publichighschool bid

Attempts to obtain apublicsecondary school in Kilmorecontinue to gain momentum.Would it be easier forsome students from Macedon Ranges to travel to such a school, rather than go to Kyneton, Gisborne, or Wallan forschooling has been raised in a question posed forparents.

CoreyWalker, who has been involved with apublic committeepushing fora new school in Kilmore, would liketohear what Macedon Ranges parents think.

Parliamentary representativeAnnabelle Cleeland (Member forEuroa)has been pressing hardfor anew public high school in Kilmore.

In response to aquery from aLancefield resident, aspokesperson forMsCleeland

said the Nationals and Liberals were not supportiveofthe state government'sdivisiveschool zoning systemthatwas currently in place.

"Students should have the freedom to go to aschool thattheychoose that aligns with their needs.

"Ifa high school wastobebuilt in Kilmore, students from Lancefield should have the ability to attend this newschoolifitis the preferred location forthe students,"the spokesperson wrote.

Ms Cleeland said the communityhad made it very clear thata public secondary school wasneeded in Kilmore.

Last year Education Minister BenCarroll responded to acommunity petition calling

fora newpublic high school in Kilmore.

"Based on the currentrateofpopulation growth and the capacity of surrounding schools to accommodate anticipatedenrolments, thereare no plans to open Kilmore Proposed 7-12.

"Nevertheless, thedepartmentwill continue to viewthe information and the need forthe school annually,aspart of its statewide planning forschools,"Minister Carroll stated.

In the past, Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil has made representations on forward planning fornew schools, but theresponse has been generally along the lines thatprojected numbersofstudents in the area were insufficenttojustify anew school.

of Lights Train. which will takeyou on aheritagesteam train ride to Maldon, whereyou’ll step into atowntransformed by glowing displays,vibrant coloursand winter festivities.

Steam, starsand thousands of lights

Looking forsomething alittle differentthis winter?

Maldon's Winter Festival will shine brightthis year,asit celebrates 60 yearssincethe town became Australia's firstnotable town.

As part of the festival, July 10 will see the return of the Maldon Festival of Lights Train. As youstepaboardaheritagesteam train, youcan watch the countryside disappear into the night, while enjoying theatmosphereofclassics train travel. Departingfrom

Castlemaine, theride will takeroughly 50 minutes to Maldon, whereyou'll step into atowntransformed by glowing displays, vibrantcoloursand winter festivities, celebrating both the town's rich heritageand vibrantcommunity

From the glowofthe festival, to thecharm of heritagerail travel, this is awinterexperiencethe whole family will remember To find outmoreorbooktickets, visit vgr.com.au/maldonfestival-of-lights-train

Foster carersurgently needed

Akey report from the Victorian Auditor General'sOfficerevealed thatnearly 10,000 children need 'out of home care' across the state

TheVAGOreport –Out-of-Home CareServices, recently presentedatparliament, notedtherewere9353 children in out-ofhome careonJune 30 last year

Nationals MP forNorthern Victoria, Gaelle Broad, spokeatparliamentregarding the focus of the state governmentonkinship care.

"[Kinship care] is important, but foster carersprovide the flexibility in the systemthatissoimportant, and it is very concerning to see the number of foster carersinVictoria declining,”MsBroad told parliament.

“Victoria lags behind other stateswith thefoster careallowance. Therecentstate budget sawanincrease to thefoster careallowance, but that simply covers inflation. When we speak to foster carers, theyflaga number of concerns with the costs continuing to

rise,"MsBroad said.

"Itcan be very difficult to afford the extracarethatisneeded, and some children have complexneeds.”

Ms Broad said some children were being placed in residential care, but this wasnot ideal.

“Weneed to getmorefoster carersinthe system.

“Moreneeds to be done to support foster carers, to listen to the concerns thattheyare raising and to review thatallowanceand increase it, because thereisa real need to retain them in oursystem to provide an environmentofcarefor these children.”

Thereport made fiverecommendations forthe department, including: strengthening home-based careand improving foster carer recruitmentand retention; monitoring the statusoffoster carersand ensuring sufficientplacements. Read thereport at:www.audit.vic. gov.au/report/out-home-care-services?section=

July 10 will seethe return of the MaldonFestival

Joytakes centre stageatLot 19

Avibrantnew exhibition celebrating creativity and optimism opened at Castlemaine's Lot19onSaturday, bringing together the work of six localartists and astriking light installation designed to brighten the winter months.

Curated by Suzanne Donisthorpe, JOY features works by RozAvent,Bill Sampson,Leslie Thornton, Tracey Naughton, Paloma Whiteand Jody Galvin, alongside alightinstallation by Melbourne artist Reuben Cumming.

Ms Donisthorpesaid the exhibition wasconceived as "an antidotetothe endless horror of this sick, sad world" and a

celebration of the good fortune of living in Castlemaine.

"While things arenot so good in the big world, herein Castlemaine we aretruly living inparadise,"she said.

"Sotoremind us of that, and to celebrate all things joyful, we have the vibrant works of six artists, filled with colour,beauty and, well,joy."

Ms Donisthorpesaid the exhibition showcased both established and evolving practices, highlighting Bill Sampson's newlarge-scale work Just aMoment,Roz Avent'srecent move into vibrant colour,Paloma White'sstill-lifepaintings

and Jody Galvin's intricate wiresculptures.

Ms Donisthorpe said Tracey Naughton's work celebrated community spirit, while Leslie Thornton's whimsical pieces reflected Castlemaine's distinctivearchitecture and sense of humour. Shealsothanked Reuben Cumming,whose lighting installation transforms the gallery space.

Theexhibition continues on July 4and 5.

Visitorscan meetthe artists during an artist talk on Sunday, July 5, at 2pm. Theexhibition is at Lot19, 19 McShanag Street,Castlemaine, and allare welcome.

Prospecting forgold gains popularity

Thereare over115,000 activeminers’ rights in Victoria, and the rush to getinvolvedcontinues with 7700 purchased so far in 2026.

Aminer’srightcan be purchased for$28.60 from Services Victoria.

With moreVictorians searching forgold and gems, it is importantthat recreational prospectorsremain safe after recent wetweather and do the rightthing to protect the environment.

waytolook forgems or minerals using metal detectors, picks, shovels, sieves, and pans. Caution should be exercised after heavy rain when rocks can be dislodged, and land near riversmay be unstable. It is crucial to keep up to date on weather forecastsand be awareoflocal road conditions.

Over the pastsix months, ResourcesVictoria has been conducting patrols throughout the statetohelp prospectorsbetter understand the activities permitted at their location.

Inspectors also regularly check miners’ rights arevalid,thatpanning is occurring whereallowedand thatenvironmental safeguards arebeing observed.

Twoprospectorswererecently fined $1000 aftertheywerefound to be using mechanical equipmentwhen searching for gold in ariver in the state’s north. They had previously been cautionedbyResources Victoria.

Recreational prospecting is alow-impact

Recreational prospecting is permitted in state forests and in designatedareas of some national, state,historic and heritage parks. Theuse of mechanical equipmentor explosives is notpermitted, and vegetation and Aboriginal heritageand artefacts’ must notberemovedordamaged.

Public land rules must be obeyed, including only driving on designatedtracks or roads, taking all rubbish home,and restoring areas disturbed by recreational prospecting through backfilling and replacing removed material, including soils and leaflitter

Prospectors must possess aminer'sright, allowing them to keep anygold they find.

More information on whereyou can and cannotfossickisavailable from resources.vic.gov.au

Bill Sampson is pictured with his striking work.Photo:Myla Cormack

Newpresident takeshelm

TheRotary Club of Castlemaine has welcomed Marina Scottasits newpresidentfollowing the club's annual changeoverluncheon on June 21.

Membersand community leadersgathered to celebrate the club's achievements over the past year and thank outgoing presidentTrevorBrayfor his leadership during abusyperiod thatincluded supporting bushfirereliefefforts.

Special guest and former Rotary district governor Michael Lapina spokeabout Rotary's evolving role andits global impact, encouraging members to "beapart of building the society thatyou want".

Reflecting on his year as president, Mr Bray said the role had been both rewarding and educational.

"I'm so pleased Iput my hand up forthis role.Itwas a privilegetolead aclubthatis so valued by the community," he said.

"Rotary has so manyprograms in placeand thereisso much energy around youth. We must neverunderestimatethe value of what we do."

Before handing over the chain of office, Mr Bray acknowledged the contribution of the club's directors, paying particular tribute to Jane Anderson, Michael Johnson, John Clue and Robert Airton, who arestepping down from the board.

Ms Scottwas inducted in the

presenceofher family and outlined plans to build on the club's strong communityservicerecord while attracting ayounger generation of members.

ShesaidRotary waslooking to launch breakfast networking sessions to appeal to young professionals, busyparents and otherswanting to become involved in community projects.

"Weare incredibly proud of our club's rich legacy of service, but to ensurewecontinue making ameaningfulimpact, we are actively looking to evolve and grow," she said.

"Rotary todayisflexible, dynamic and focused on handson local actionthatfits into modern, busylives."

Ms Scottalsointroduced the

club's newboard, which has equal maleand female representation.

In addition to its major fundraising events,Rotary Castlemaine supports local youth and community organisations and meets eachWednesdayevening forfellowship and guest speakers. Newmembersand visitors arewelcome.

Respite House improves efficiency

TheMountAlexander ShireAccommodation and RespiteGroup has installed twonew heatpumps to replacethe existing gas forsupply of hotwater at its MelissaCourt RespiteHouse in McKenzie Hill.

Theworks to improvethe efficiency and environmental footprint of the local facility have been made possible thanks to generous grants from the Castlemaine Lions Cluband the CommunityBank Maldon and District

This followsthe recent installation of solar panels, with the projects all aimed at keeping costs lowerfor participants and to ensuregreater energy efficiencyfor the property

Both the Lions Cluband the Community Bank have been long-time supportersofMASARG, investing in the initial fundraising forconstruction of the RespiteHouse over10 yearsago.Theyare valued community based and owned, notfor profit organisations, thatreinvest fundraising or in the case of the Community Bank allthe profits from their Maldon and Dunolly branches, into localprojects.

MASARGwould also liketogivea shout out to thesupportand expert advicefromEnviroshop in Newstead to ensurethe smooth changeoverto the heatpumps

This is areal example of alocal business and not-for-profits working together to achieve worthwhile outcomes.

BUSINESS SBooming

Rotary Castlemaine presidentTrevor Bray and past district governor of District 9800 Michael Lapina welcome incoming presidentMarina Scott

It’s

@ YourOPINIONS

about time

Huntly Barton, Greenhill

Nine yearshavepassed and we still wait on a decision on the OldKynetonPrimary School.

CreativeVictoria have spent$12m on renovating the bluestone section, an entrancefoyerattached to the unrenovated80s build and landscaping. Yet the school is fenced offwaiting forthe StateGovernmenttodecide on who manages the site.

Ourelected member Mary-Anne Thomas and the Minister forCreativeIndustries have statedpublicly thatthis precinct is forcommunity.Yet the space thatbyfar suitscommunity is the old brick building and it remains unrenovated. Without funding for this building, communityinvolvementislimited.

TheKynetonand District Town SquareCoOperativewas formed out of areferencegroup that savedthe old school from being sold. We have now been involved in twoexpressions of interest rounds and shortlisted to submit amanagementstrategy We were told that adecision would be made two months ago, yetstill we wait.

CreativeVictoria must be speaking to someone, itcertainly notus. It’s about timetheyshowedsome creativity.

Full disclosure

Janine Waters, Kyneton

Asking whether aperson intending to runas acouncillor should disclose, in their bio spiel to the ratepayer, which waytheyleaninregardto their political belief. Iask fora good reason. Is a position as councillor asteppingstone to stateor federal politics or aretheyhonestly going into local governmentfor the good of the community? Local governmentshould notbeapolitical tool forany political party.Unfortunately this doesn't seem to be the case.

SUPER QUIZ?

Localknowledge (1 point) 1. Gisborne gymnast SophieStrano has qualified forwhich team?

WhereisWild Action Zoolocated?

3. Which Macedon Ranges town is author Yoko Nakazawa from? 4. Whoisthe Labor candidatefor Macedon forthe upcoming stateelection? (3 points)

5. Which twocommunitygroups will unitefor Rock fora Reason fundraiser? General knowledge (1 point)

6. Wheredid the automotivebrand Toyota originate?

7. An ornithologist specialises in the study of what?

8. In whatdecade wasthe ‘I love Aeroplane Jelly’ jingle released?

9. American baseball team the WhiteSox arebased in which city? (3 points)

You're dreaming

CharlesLakey,Mount Macedon

Re.One Nation.Anyonewho thinks thata party substantially funded by the wealthiest person in Australia is focused on the needs of the working class is a greatcandidate fora bridgeI have forsale in Sydney. Also, with respecttoimmigration, unless youare FirstNations youare an immigrant. Twoor200 years does notmakea difference.

H5N1 and our response

KerrieAllen andTim Robinson, MountAlexanderWildlifeWatch inc.

Thedeadly H5N1 avian influenza virus, which has devastatedwildlifepopulations around theworld, has reachedAustralia. It poses an existential risk to agricultural industries and our unique nativebirds and mammals, many of which arealready threatened.

At thetime of writing, cases were confirmed in Western Australia and South Australia. If the virus is notalready in Victoria it maysimply be amatterof time.

It would appear governments have alegal and moral responsibility to do everything possible to reducethe risk of catastrophe.

Oneeasyprecaution would have been to suspend 'recreational' nativequail hunting –set to end in Victoria on June 30. Thefirst case of H5N1 was confirmed in WA on June 20. ButasatJune 26, the governmenthad still madenomove to curb the highrisk activity

AgricultureVictoria identifies quail as highly susceptible to H5N1. Thelittle birds lack geneticresistanceand areknown to experiencemortalityrates approaching 100 per cent,often dying within 24–48 hours, showing no visible signs of illness prior

Because quail can appear healthywhile shedding large quantities of virus, hunterswould have no prac-

tical wayofidentifying infected birds in the field.

Hunters’ vehicles,boots and dogs could easily inadvertently spread the virus across agricultural landscapes and backintodomestic homes.

Wildlife(and human?) catastrophe

Theoverseas impactofH5N1 has been devastating. Thevirus has shattered morethan560 birdspecies and morethan100 mammal species worldwide.

Approximately13,000 babyseals—about 75 percentofthe population have recently died on Australia's ownHeardIsland.

Yahoo News recently quotedProfessor Eddie Holmes, Professor of Virology at theUniversity of Sydney, warning that H5N1 couldbe"potentially catastrophicfor wildlifeinthis country".

Thereisconcern about theunknown impactonAustralia's unique marsupials. In America, theimpact of H5N1 on opossums wassevere.

While therehave'only' been 1000 casessofar of human infection, the mortality rate is asobering 50 per cent andexperts areconcerned.

Yahoo News also recently quotedDrJenna Guthmiller (University of Colorado Medical Campus.) Shewarned the likelihood of humans becoming moreregular hostsofthe virus maybeincreasing.

Victoria suspended gamebirdhunting during outbreaks of the less severe H7 avian influenza strains last year.But H5N1 is significantly more pathogenic, transmissible and environmentally consequential. Thereisa compelling case foracting fast before widespread transmission occurs.

Section 86 of the WildlifeAct 1975 allows theMinister forEnvironment to prohibit hunting wherewildlifeprotection requires immediate action.

Similarly,the Biosecurity Act2019 enables theMinister forAgriculture to issue emergency controlorders.

TheFlora and FaunaGuaranteeAct requires decision-makerstoapply theprecautionary principle: a“lack of complete scientific certaintyshould notdelay measures to preventserious environmental harm”. Waitinguntil mass wildlifedeaths occurbeforeacting is inconsistentwith that principle. By thetimedead birds begin appearing acrossVictoria, it is likely the virus mayalready be well established.

If you encountersick or dead wild birds, do nothandle them.Report them immediately to 1800 675 888.

No bike path connection

Max GarnerGore, BarkersCreek

It hasbeen nearly half ayearsincethe fires thatimpacted Harcourt. Despitethe beautiful greenery thatisappearing through thecharcoal, the devastating consequences of thatevent will takeyears to address.

Among the affected areas were the La Larr Ba Gauwamountain-biking trails. Giventhatthis area has significantpotential as atourism drawcard, it has long mystifiedmethatthereisnobikepaththatconnects the train station of Castlemaine with this cycling hub. Harcourt finds itself in aperiod of rebuilding.

Would this notbethe ideal momenttobegin the designing of apath thatwould connect Castlemaine and Harcourt by asafebicycle corridor? Thecurrent method of cycling to Harcourt from Castlemaine is extremely dangerous. Onewondersifitwill takea fatalityalong thatsection of the Midland Highwaytopromptaction.

Is it time?

RobynYeoward,North Harcourt

On ThursdayJune11was having alatelunchbeside thelakeinMalmsbury when Inoticed aflock of geesetryingtocross the road. Last Sunday June 21,I wasback in Malmsbury forthe Kristina Olsen concert on at Malmsbury Hotelacrossthe road from wherethe geese had gathered and noticed alot of geesehad gone, then heardthe geese had been struck by a motorist driving overthe limit and struck the flock. Iwas shocked but not surprised because when Iphotographed them theywerehesitating to cross and waddled further up the hill.

Ihavekeptgeesefor 25 yearsnow andincreasingly foundithardtobuy ones to breed from as Ilikethem forpets. Is it timefor that section of the road to be signed 'Geese Crossing' and should thespeed in that town from start to finishbeloweredto40km?

If thosegeese who were killed were humans therewould be outrage andinternational news.It'stime we took thevalue of the lives of animals including birds alot more respectfully and sloweddowntoavoid hitting them!

Placing road bumpsand a'Slow down geesecrossing' sign mayalso be effectivetostopspeed driving.

Photographersexplorenew techniques

TheMountAlexander Photographic Society'sJune9 cameraclubmeeting wasa gem!

As part of MAPS Winter Masterclass Series, theywelcomed photographerPam Connell fora fascinating workshop on double exposure andICM (intentional cameramovement), which waswell worth going out on awinter’snightfor MAPS members finished thenightwith Patrick Kavanagh sharing his valuable techniques with both double exposure andICM.

Pamand Patshared twooftheir favouritephotographersthatinspirethem: Laura Zim-

Architecture, books, and personalities

As part of the Maldon in Winter festival, the Maldon Athenaeum Library will be hosting an exhibition of beautiful photographsthatcapture the character of the library,its book collection and itsvisitorstitled Around the Margin of Books

Thephotographs arethe result of an ongoing project by well-known artist, Darron Davies.

Davies poetically explores the beautiful atmosphereofthis famous Maldon landmark, including itsarchitecture, books and personalities.

Based in Castlemaine, Davies has worked primarily in photographyand has produced awide variety of projects, ranging from the classical style portraitureofrodders, to quietand reflectivemacro-photography, landscape photography and alternative darkroom methods. He has received anumber of prizefinalist nominations forhis photographyincluding being a finalist fivetimes forthe prestigious BlakeArt Prize, as well as arecent finalist in theMullins Conceptual PhotographyPrize. Youcan enjoy some of his work at www.instagram.com/darrondavies

The‘Around the Margin of Books’HeritagePhoto Exhibition will takeplace at the Maldon Athenaeum Library on July 11 and 12. Photo:Darron Davies.

Davies sees every project as an artistic exploration, as well as adeep diveintoa cultureand its history,all the while deepening his knowledgeand sense of photographic practice.

HisMaldon Athenaeum Library project, Around theMargin of Books,isanextension of his Book Physical Project photographically exploring old books, which has been exhibited in Melbourne and Bendigo. Over the past fewmonths Davies has spentmanydaysinthe library,working carefully to best capture its physical features as well as talking withlibrary membersand

volunteerstoimmerse himself in the community and culture. Hisamazing images will be available forpurchaseduring the exhibition.

During the course of the exhibition, Davies will be available to discuss his exhibition and answer anyquestions youmay have about his art of photography.

Entry to theexhibition is free.However, asmall donation to help support the library would be welcomed.

Youcan viewthe Around theMargin of Books heritagephoto exhibition at the Maldon Athenaeum Library,97High Street Maldon on the weekend of July 11-12 from 10am-2pm.

merman who can be found aInstagram @Laurazim and Stephanie Johnson (YouTube).

Theworkshop also inspired memberstotry these techniques forthemselves.

MAPS presidentHarleyParker said severalmembersdownloaded Pam’srecommended apps fortheir phones to do some double exposures, as some traditional cameras doesn’t accommodate these.

"The results were really impressive!" he said.

Theclubthanks Pamand Patrick foraninformativeand exciting evening.

An imagecaptured using ICM. Photo:Pam Connell An imagecaptured at Castlemaine Botanical Gardensfeaturing multipleexposures. Photo:Patrick Kavanagh

An example of double exposurecaptured near Castlemaine Post Office.Photo:Harley Parker

Covering the Macedon Ranges and MountAlexander Shires

Circulatedthroughout: Kyneton, Castlemaine, Gisborne, Malmsbury,Trentham, Woodend, Redesdale, Lancefield, Romsey,Macedon, Mt. Macedon, Metcalfe, Chewton, Harcourt, Newstead, Maldon, Taradale, Elphinstone, Campbells Creek, Guildford, Barkers

Sutton Grange, Baringhup, Muckleford, Yapeen.

3Market St., PO Box153, Kyneton, 3444

Phone: 54221488

Email: classifieds@midnews.com.au

Officehours: Monday- Friday8.30am -5pm

HargravesSt., PO Box227, Castlemaine, 3450 Phone: 54721788

Email: sales@midnews.com.au

Officehours: Mon, Wed& Thurs10am -3pm Tue&Fri 9am -5pm

EDITORIAL

MondaytoFriday8.30am-5pm

Kyneton: acrawford@midnews.com.au

Castlemaine: ldennis@midnews.com.au

Midland Express (Fridayby5pm)

Published weekly on aTuesday

Castlemaine Mail (Wednesdayby5pm)

Published weekly on aFriday

Email: classifieds@midnews.com.au

Midland Express:Booking and Copy

Noon Thursdayprior

Castlemaine Mail: Booking and Copy

4.30pm Tuesdayprior

Email: lbrew@midnews.com.au

General

Happy HappyBirthday Birthday Birthday Club

TUESDAY,JUNE 30

Livinia Dimopoulos turns 12

WEDNESDAY,JULY1 Remi Fry. .turns 11

VIEWClubturns 30

TheCastlemaine Evening VIEW Club has celebrated 30 yearsoffriendship, fundraising and community servicewitha luncheon at Castlemaine Golf Club

About 85 guestsattended Saturday's celebration, including membersfrom Bendigo, Shepparton, Kyneton, Keilor, Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges, along with BendigoWest MP MareeEdwards, MountAlexander Shiremayor Toby Heydon andVIEW national councillor Lorraine Batrouney.

Theclubwas established in June 1996 with just fivemembersand had grownto 26 by the end of its first year.Three decades on, membership has reached 80.

VIEW,which stands forthe Voice, Interestsand Education of Women, was founded by TheSmith Family in 1960 and supports the charity's Learning forLifeprogram, helping young Australians experiencing disadvantagecomplete their education. TheCastlemaine club currently sponsors 20 students.

Guests also heard, via video, from former Learning forLifestudentBec, who shared howsupport from TheSmith Family enabled her and her twosisterstocomplete higher education and build successfulcareers. Shesaid the experiencealso inspired their mother to return to study afterraisingher family

Thecelebration included abirthdaycake baked by club presidentJennifer Howe, fundraising activities and atrading stall. Member Victoria Gibson wasalso recognised forraising morethan$4600 through TheSmith Family'sDream Runfundraiser afterwalking 210 kilometres with her cat, Rumpole GingerCat

Former Australian dancer,model and Las Vegas showgirl Elana McKinleyentertained guests withstories from hercareer across Australia, Paris, Las Vegas and Broadway, before inviting Cr Toby Heydon, his daughter Melody and severalmemberstomodel elaborateheaddresses from her showbusiness collection.

Club Birthday

AGE LIMIT 13 YEARS OLD (Register once only)

NAME (PRINT)

ADDRESS.............

DATE OF BIRTH

PARENT/GUARDIAN

SIGNATURE

Founding members BettyJohnson and Heather Shill reflected on the club's early years, while Ms Batrouneypresented30year serviceawardstoHeather Shill and DeeSansom. Making aDifferenceAwards were also presentedtoTerriRobertson and Pauline Callanan by immediate past presidentCarmen Johnson.

TheCastlemaine Evening VIEW Club meets on the thirdTuesdayofeach month at Castlemaine Golf Club and welcomes newmembersinterested in friendship, community serviceand supporting young Australians through education.

Formoreimagesfromthe event see last Friday'sCastlemaine Mail.

Debutnovel explores colours of love

Local author Krysteen Dvoracek'sdebut novel explores the manycoloursof love,second chances and what happens when we start living our truth.

Love andParrots tellsthe story of twomiddle aged women and their families, and whathappens when newchallenges and emotions awaken.

Krysteen writes emotionally rich stories of love,connection, transformation and new beginnings forreaderswho love heartfelt novels withhope at their core

Thebook'sprime market is women 35-plus, especially motherswith teens. It shines alightonissues such as teens coming out transgender/ LGBTQI+, coercivecontrol and domestic violence, online bullying and more– but is also an uplifting story,designed to spark conversations and connection, on thepremise "there is morethatunites us, than separates us"

Love andParrots is available to purchase locally in KynetonatAesop's Attic, Squishy Minnie and Charlie Store, and at Stoneman'sBookroom in Castlemaine. Youcan also find it online at amazon.com.au/dp/ B0H26C5LKN

Past councillors Kath Chapman, Judith McPherson, Sunnie Watts, Elaine Smart and Beverley Orgill arepictured at the 30th birthdaycelebrations

Krysteen Dvoracek has released her debut novel.

MIDLAND Property &Living

Thehistory is the architecture

Some buildings hold their history lightly.Thisone wearsitwith authority.The former FryerstownCourthouse, built in solid brickinthe 1880s, has been thoughtfully converted into athree-bedroom home thatkeeps faith with itsorigins: bluestone foundations, slate roof, high ceilings, arch doorways, and the original courtroom at its heart.

Thefront porch opens to that former courtroom, nowa living room of exceptional scale and character.The walls aretriple brick; solid, quiet and cool in summer.The ceiling is the room's defining feature: an exposedtimber king post truss structurepitching to aridge, lined in warm-toned boards and punctuatedbya round clerestory windowatthe apex and paired arched windows in the gable. It is the kind of ceiling thatstops people at the threshold. Timber floorboards run the full length of the space. An arched double door frames the entry from the porch. Asolid-wood heatersits insetinaperiod fireplacesurround, and a split system ensures year-round comfort.The proportions arethose of apublic building; generous, unhurried, built to last

Atimber addition to therear extends the footprint without competing withwhatcame before.Ithousesthe kitchen and athirdbedroom,bringing awarmer,moreeveryday character thatsitscomfortably alongside the civic scale of the original building. Thekitchen is the kind of room youwanttocook in; unhurried and well-considered, with stone and timber benchtops, an induction cooktopand undermountoven, dishwasher,and an old-style woodstoveset into aperiodsurround thatmakes it feel as though it has alwaysbeen there. Alightwell keeps the spacebright.Asplit system takescareofthe seasons.

Theremaining twobedroomsoccupythe original brick structure:high ceilings, period open fireplaces with original surrounds, large windows,and carpet underfoot. Thethirdbedroom, in the addition, has apressed metal rakedceiling and period-style windows;itworks

equally well as asecond living room or home office.The bathroom is composed around a freestanding claw-foot bath, shower, vanity and toilet. External laundry.Shedding. Solar panels on the roof

Outside, the property isfully fenced across approximately 991sqm. Flagstonepaving, brick pathways,established hedging and planting givethe garden asettled,considered character

Thesaleincludes twoadditional parcels. Asmall rectangular lotofapproximately 355sqm is held under possessory rights (not owned in the conventional sense, but those rights transfertothe newowner). Adjacenttoit, agrazing licencecovers theunused road reserveofapproximately 864sqm. Neither parcelcan be built on, and both sit approximately 100 metres from the mainresidence. Refertothe site plan, aerial photo forthe location and section 32 foradditional information.

Fryerstown sits in theheart of goldfields country,a short drivefromCastlemaine. This is apropertywherethe history is the architecture,and the architectureisthe home.

Property: TheOld Fryerstown Courthouse circa1880s

Address: 90 Castlemaine Street,Fryerstown

Price: $895,000

Agent: Cantwell Property

Contact: Nick Haslam0422 848 662

MIDLAND Property &Living

Arareoffering of quality, classand timeless beauty

Set on apicturesque one-acreallotment, StLeonards is an exceptional family residencethatbeautifully capturesthe grandeur and eleganceof abygone era.

Widely regarded as one of the finest reproduction Victorian homes, this remarkable property showcases exquisitecraftsmanship, timeless architecturaldetail, and an unmistakable sense of quality throughout

Offering nine generously proportioned principal rooms, the thoughtfully designed floorplan flows effortlessly from one inviting spacetothe next. Formal living and dining rooms at the frontof the homeprovide an elegantsetting for entertaining, highlightedby astunning marble fireplacesurround. At

$950,000 -$990,000

PENRHOS PARK -SECLUDED 16 ACRE LIFESTYLERETREAT

•Tucked away in thepicturesque HarcourtValley near Faraday, “PenrhosPark”offers aprivate lifestyle on approx.16acres with pastures,seasonal creek,established gardens and small lake,all within easy reach of Castlemaine,Kyneton and Bendigo

•Granitefamily home featuring three bedrooms,central bathroom with ensuiteaccess,widehallway,country-style kitchenwith electric cooking,adjoining dining area, northfacing lounge with baywindowand additional sitting room.

•Wraparound verandah, separate self-contained onebedroom guest studio,plus3-bay machineryshedwith poweredstudio, excellentwater supply,fencing,dam, established tree plantings and unique lifestyle features throughout

the heart of the home, the chef'skitchen seamlessly connects withthe meals and family area, while alight-filled conservatory overlooks the beautifully landscaped rear gardens.

Accommodation comprises four spacious double bedrooms, including aluxuriousmainsuite with ensuite, while all bedrooms featureextensiverobe storage.

Outside, the meticulously maintained formal gardens create atruly enchanting setting, featuring bluestone walls, atranquil fish pond, fountain, and an impressivecollection of established trees and plantings. Impeccably presentedand connected to all townservices, this is arareopportunity tosecurea distinguished lifestyle property of exceptional character and charm.

11 Roberts Street,

MALDON

PERFECTLYPLACED FOR COUNTRYLIFE

•Well-kept timber home on quiet countrylane with wrap-around verandas,maturegardens and peaceful rural views.

•Flexible floorplan with formal lounge and dining,central kitchen, light-filled rear living area and east-facing deck; 4bedrooms across twolevels with well-maintained bathroom and laundryfacilities

•Wide wrap-around verandas and an east-facing deck provide inviting outdoor living spaces to enjoythe established gardens and peaceful rural surrounds

•Serviced by mains power, townwater and sewerage; close to walking tracks and bushland; minutes to Maldon and approx.20minstoCastlemaine

Property: ‘StLeonards’, atimeless Victorian

Address: 26 Tattersall Drive,Kyneton

Price: $1,950,000 -$2,150,000

Agent: Raineand Horne Kyneton

Contact: Judith Stevens 0438 683484

14

SarahCourt, ELPHINSTONE

STUNNING VIEWS FROM LIFESTYLE FARMLET

•Approx.4ha (10-acre) lifestyle property with adesirable northfacing aspect, panoramic viewstoMtAlexander,two road frontages and established horse facilities including paddocks,arena, stables dayyards,shelters,qualitypastures,shade trees and alarge dam.

•Comfortable three-bedroom brick home privately positioned midway on the property,featuring large picturewindows,master bedroom with walk-in robe and directaccess to the centralbathroom, wellappointedkitchen overlooking the meals and family area, separate lounge and generous rumpus room.

•Well-equipped forrural living with twosheds,established infrastructureand excellentaccess to the Calder Freeway, just 10 minutes to Castlemaine, 30 minutes to Bendigo and approximately 60 minutes to Melbourne,offering an exceptional lifestyle opportunityonthe edge of Elphinstone Village

Architectural Intention and Country Soul

69A Lyons Street, Newstead

Positioned on the fringe of Newstead, this is a home that rewards those who look closely.Built by respected local building company Russell Parsons, this impeccably presented residence sits within an expansive, fully fenced garden, lush, lowmaintenance lawn stretching to the boundaries, the ancient gums of the surrounding landscape.

$995,000

Contact

Haslam 0422 848 662

Generous Living at the Edge of Town

27 North Street, Castlemaine

Set on 841 sqm (approx.), this four-bedroom period home has been substantially extended and updated over time, delivering alayout that works well for families or anyone seeking genuine separation between living and sleeping zones. Beyond the house, adouble carport leads through to a substantial double garage (5.8 x5.7m).

soughtafter streets, surrounded by established gums and well removed from the noise of daily life, this architect-designedthree-bedroom home was built to Passive Haus principles and oriented due north. On approx 4718sqm, this property offers the kind of quiet that is increasingly hardtofind.

$835,000

TomRobertson 0473 642 644

Space, Scale and aBlank Canvas

18 Penhallurick Street, Campbells Creek

Set back from the street on an elevated 1785sqm (approx) allotment, this four-bedroom brick home offers generous proportions, awell-considered layout and ablank-canvas garden five minutes (approx drive) from Castlemaine. The 1785sqm (approx) allotment rises to the rear,wherean elevated outlook reaches towardMount Franklin.

$795,000

View

Saturday 4th July 10:00am-10:20am Contact

Bottomley 0433 772 033

and redbrick facade give this home an immediately distinctive presence, the kind of house that reads as aplace, not just aproperty.Set on approximately 1995 sqm with subdivision potential STCA, and the double remote garage (7.5 x8.0m) includes a workshop (7.5

Beautifully restored 1860s miner’scottage MIDLAND Property &Living

Set privately on 3191sqm in the tightly held Pond precinct and backing directly onto CrownLand, this beautifully restored 1860s miner'scottageoffersa rare combination of history,space and lifestyle, just an easywalk from Maldon's town centre

Full of character and thoughtfully renovated, the home retains its classic gabled roofline, wide verandahs and original timber features, nowcomplementedbya warm and sophisticatedinterior.Inside, the light-filled living and dining area is both inviting and functional, complete with custom cabinetry, while the updatedkitchen features a900mm cooker and qualityfinishes, making it well suited to both everydayliving and entertaining.

Thehome includes twobedrooms, highlightedbya stylish main bedroom, along with acleverly combined bathroom and laundry thathas been designed to makeexcellentuse of the space. Adding to theflexibility of the property is aseparatesecond dwelling with its ownensuite, ideal forguest accommodation, extended family,a studio, or potential rental use.

Outside, the established gardens create apeaceful and privatesetting,with multiple alfrescoareas to sit, entertain or simply enjoythe surroundings. Thereare several garden sheds providing excellentstorage and workspace, and the property is connected to town services and has solar panels, offering conveniencealongside its historic charm and natural surrounds.

With CrownLand at the rear,walking tracks nearby, andMaldon's shops, cafésand historic streetscapejusta shortstroll away, this is aunique opportunity to secureabeautifully restored period homeonasubstantial township allotmentinone of Maldon's most sought-after locations.

Property: 1860s miner’scottage Address: 11 Baxter Street,Maldon Price: $869,000

Agent: BelleProperty Contact: BlasiMulholland 0417 311 733

RobWaller 0418 571 130

Belle Property Castlemaineand Maldon.

229Colles Road,Castlemaine

•Hand-built ecohomebeside theforest

•Flexible three-bedroom layout with quality finishes anddualkitchens.

•Studio, sauna andestablishedgardens on a peaceful bush-edgeblock.

RobWaller |0418 571130

BlasiMulholland | 0417 311 733

Belle PropertyCastlemaine |5470 5811

167 Barker Street,Castlemaine

Belle PropertyMaldon |5475 1055

30A Main Street,Maldon

119Rabbages Road, Yapeen.

3 a 2 b 4 v 52 w

•MopokeHill– an architect-designed, off-grid homeon52acres with stunning valleyviews

•Light-filled living, premiumfinishes, guest cottage, landscaped grounds and outdoorentertaining.

•Historic mine wine cellar and 12 kilometres from Castlemaine

ForSale

$1,695,000

View

Inspect by appointment

Blasi Mulholland |0417 311 733

RobWaller |0418 571 130

13 Gurri Drive, Muckleford.

3 a 2 b 3 v 715 r

•Quality-builtmodernhome by Paul Gray featuringlight-filledopenplan living, stylish kitchen and coveredalfresco.

•Flexible floorplan with second lounge,three generous bedrooms with walk-in robes, andaprivatemain suitewithensuite.

•Double garageand low-maintenancelandscaped yard

ForSale

$745,000

View

Saturday5th July: 11:30am -12:00pm

Blasi Mulholland |0417 311 733

RobWaller |0418 571 130

3 a 2 b 2 v

10 Adams Street,Castlemaine

•Charmingtwo-bedroomcottageina leafy garden.

•Character-filledinteriorswith modernupdates, solar,and indoor-outdoor living

•Separatestudio, productive gardensand sheds offer flexibility and lifestyleappeal

Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733

Rob Waller | 0418 571 130

Scan to viewour currentlistings

2 a 1 b 1 v

MIDLAND Property &Living

Superb BushlandOasis on 21 acresapprox.

Awinding driveway leads youthrough an enchanting ancient forest whose majestic trees and dappled lightsoon giveway to reveal 'MossyHollow' –anelevated, architect-designed, generously-proportioned, superbly-insulated, double-glazed, timber home withdelightful private garden views

Thespecial micro-climatesupports mountain ash, messmates, nativeFrangipani, blackwoods, ferns and mosses; in addition, the headwatersofthe Bolinda Creek run through the landscapeand help to provide overall,a captivating, peaceful and serene ambience throughoutthe whole property

Internal features of the home include amassivemain bedroom with ensuite(spa bath, shower, toilet), walk-in robe, asplit system air conditioner and its very ownprivatedeck. Asecond large bedroom has afamily bathroom (semi-ensuite)with showerand toilet, another split systemair conditioner and access to the delightful private covereddeck.

Theliving/dining room ishugeand welcoming with an extensive north-facing covereddeckasanappealing adjunct. Awood combustion fireand asplit systemair conditioner provide all-yearround comfort.The kitchen is aculinary delightwithbutler’spantry and practical granitebenchtops. At the western end of the house aretwo further rooms, oneadedicatedbedroom with built-in robe; the other asmall study/bedroom with restful external views.A powder room,a laundry with loads of cupboardspace and amud room (for coats, boots etc) complete the picture. Under-house storageisextraordinary,allowing formachinery,a furtherworkshop and ease of access to all under-house services (e.g.new heatpump HWS).

Nearbyisa well-organised 7x7 metrestudio/workshop (power and concrete floor) withanadjoining two-car carport and wood shed –the whole providing an opportunity fora productivehobby or amulti-purpose studio in an overall environmentsecond to none.

Numerous veggie garden beds, aglass house, asecurechicken run, agarden shed and afully coveredorchardform part of abroader garden repletewith singular species (rhododendrons, banksias, waratahs etc) –the birdlifeisamazing. Excellentwater storageis available via four tanks (45,000 litres).

Unique is an over-used word,solet’s just saythis property istruly special.

Property: Architecturally designed wooden home

Address: 183 Tunnel Creek Road, Kerrie

Price: $1,125,000

Agent: Keating’sReal Estate

Contact: RayCashmore 0419 851 334 John Keating 0419 880 444

ABaringo Village Charmer !

Step inside to asuperbly maintained,double-glazed,light-filled, 2bedroom villa with an “as-new”feel.

Situatedinthe Baringo Village,you areclose to the Baringo Hotel complex, V-Line station, New Gisborne sports complex, primaryschools and freeway to Melbourne or Bendigo

Beautifully-built,attractiveand set within adelightful village milieu,this home is atrue rarity.Come andinspect.

Price$725,000 Contact RayCashmore0419 851 334orJohn Keating 0419 880 444

Transform Your Home with Evolve Windows and Macedon Ranges Timber Windows and Doors.

Looking to upgrade your home with stylish, energy-efficient windows anddoors? We specialise in supplying high-quality aluminium and timber double glazed windows and doors,built to perform and designed to impress.

Proudly serving the Macedon Ranges and surrounds for nearly 10 years,we’ve built astrong reputation forcraftsmanship,reliability,and personalised service. Whether you’reafter asleek modern look or aclassic timber finish, we offer tailored solutions to suit everystyle and budget.

Our expert team provides a complete window and door replacement service, including professional advice, removalofold units, and full installation. Thinking of improving comfort and energy efficiency? We canupgrade your home to high-performance double glazing,helping reducenoise andcut energy costs year-round.

Visit our award-winning showroom in Woodend to see our range firsthand and speak with our knowledgeable team. Whether you’rebuilding, renovating, or just exploring options, we’reheretohelpyou makethe right choice.

Evolve Windows Woodend –Local expertise, quality craftsmanship, and windows that stand the test of time.

ROOF RESTORATION

Devoted wife to Reg(dec). Loving mother to Pauline,Veneta, Stephen andTerri. Proud Nana to Leah, Emily,Macey, Jason and Henry. Alwaysinour hearts. Lynette’sfuneral servicewas held in Brunswick West yesterday (Monday). To watch arecordingofthe service, please visit hertributepage on thewebsite of MountAlexander Funerals

Agathering to honour Neil’slife will be held inThe Goods Shed, 21 KennedyStreet, Castlemaine on Friday 3rd July commencing at 2.00pm.

To join with us via livestream, please visit Neil’stribute page on the website of MountAlexander Funerals.

street, Kyneton on Friday 3rdJuly at 11am

NOTICE TO ALL ADVERTISERS

Section 29 of the FairTrading Act 1999 requires the inclusion of afullnameand address (not PO BoxNumber) –inall advertisements for the supply of goods and services.

ELLIOTT MIDLAND NEWSPAPERS advises all displayservice advertisements must comply with the above requirement to avoidprosecution, or provide those details to us to pass to the Dept. of Justice if requested.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

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

4-WHEELED "Gopher", V.G. Condition. Ph 0429 935 037. Wanted To

Any condition repairs okay

Phone Steve 0418 374 842

•BullbarsandSidesteps •WinchesandRecovery Gear •SuspensionandSnorkels •CanopiesandAwnings •RoofRacks&Drawers •BigBoreExhausts •RearProtectionBars

205MollisonStKyneton PH54222211

HEDGES

Large or small Cut and/or reshaped. Phone ChrisO'Toole 5422 3573

Calling former Chewtonfootballers!

Former membersofthe Chewton Football Club will be holding aPremiership Reunion at the Campbells Creek Recreation ReserveonSaturdayJuly11.

Theclubisinviting lifemembers, past committee members, players andsupportersalong to thecelebrations, which will kick offat12.30pm.

Theclubdisbanded afterthe 1990 season but has continued to hold premiership reunions every 10 years, following their 1986 Senior and Reserves premiership wins in the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football League.

This reunion will include the following premiership wins:

–40th anniversary,1986 Senior and Reserves Premiership.

–50th anniversary,Under 19 Reserves Premiership.

–51st anniversary,1975 Senior Premiersand Champion team.

Reunion attendees will be watching Campbells Creek takeonHarcourt in aMCDFNLmatch at Campbells Creek.

An entryfee is to be paid at themain gate,and drinks will be available forpurchase in the clubrooms. Finger food will be available throughout the afternoon.

AdisplayofChewton Football Club memorabilia, including trophies, flags and photosalong with ashort history of football at Chewton from 1884 to 1990 will be given during theafternoon.

Following the senior game, guests will adjourn to the FiveFlags HotelatCampbells Creek fortea at participants' owncost.

Black Hoodieswith theclub name and tiger logo are available for$65 from local companyThrill Therapywith the tiger logo taken from Jack Finning's1977 LifeMembership certificate.

They can be purchased online at thrilltherapy.com.au/ collections/chewton-f-c

To receivea hoodie prior to thereunion, order by COB today, TuesdayJune 30.

If youare interested in attending the reunion, book with the following by WednesdayJuly 8– Wayne Walsh 0421 845 434, Gary Holden 0406 642 906 or Russell Chapman 0418 507 767.

Vernonto coachDragons

Bill West

"Tonow have the opportunity to lead this club is incredibly special,"RileyVernon commentedafter his appointmentasGisborne Cricket Club's newsenior coach last week.

He succeeds his older brother Jarrydinthe keyrole, and will have apowerhouse team at his disposal.

An extremely talentedall-round cricketer, the 25-yearold home grownproduct has served agreat apprenticeship forthe senior coaching role

Announcing Riley'sappointment, the clubsaid Riley broughtanexceptional cricketing resume, adeep understanding of the modern game, and an unwavering passion forhelping players develop and reachtheir potential.

With an extraordinary playing record,the club said his energy,standards, leadership and commitmenttodeveloping othersmadeRileythe ideal person to lead the club into its next chapter.

DEEP FAMILY CONNECTION

Rileysaid his appointmentassenior coachwith GCC wasdeeply personal.

"This club has been part of my family'sstory for generations. My grandfather Robbie Rymer waspart of Gisborne's 1971-72 FirstXIpremiership said,while my dad and uncle both proudly wore thered and white.

"Gisborne Cricket Club means so much to my family and I'm incredibly grateful forthe opportunity to help shape the next chapterofour great club.

"I'm excited aboutthe futureand committedtohelping our players andteams continue striving forsuccess both on and offthe field."

Riley'scricket journeyhas seen him spend time with Victorian Premier Cricket clubs Richmond and Essendon andplayprofessionally in the United Kingdom across three seasons.

Hisdevelopmenthas also included twotoursofIndia, wherehetrained within the Chennai Super Kings Academysystem, and gained valuable experience in high-performancecricket environments.

Riley'sachievements on the field speak forthemselves.

They include being afour-time Gisborne FirstXIpremiership player, two-time clubchampion, GDCA Kevin

RileyVernon has been appointedGisborne Cricket Club’s new senior coach.

Sullivan Medallist, multiple batting and bowling award winner,numerous GDCATeam of the Year representative (including team captain), Victorian Country vice-captain, and holder of the GDCArecordfor most runs in the season withanincredible 1150 runs.

KDSC players recognised at representativeawardsnight

KynetonDistrict SoccerClubplayers have been recognised fortheir outstanding achievements following the 2026 Football Victoria Greater Bendigo representativeseason, which concluded with an awards nightonMondayJune 22.

Twenty-three KDSC players representedGreater Bendigoatthe Country Championships in Geelong overthe King’sBirthdaylongweekend. Thetournamentbrings together the best regional representative teams from across Victoria and is the culmination of six months of training and competition.

SeveralGreater Bendigoteams enjoyedstrong results, including the Under 12 Girls, who were crowned Country Champions, while the Under 15 Girls finished runners-up aftera thrilling grand final decided by penalties.

KDSC players were prominentamong theaward recipients at the season-ending presentation night, withseven players recognised fortheir performances and contributions throughout the representative campaign.

Awardwinnerswere:

●Ernie Rogers –Under 11 Boys Players’ Player

●Abbie McPhee –Under 12 Girls CoachesAward

●Henrietta Mettler– Under 14 Girls

Players’ Player

●Calista Smith –Under 15 Girls Players’ Player

●RileyAdams –Under 15 Girls Player of the Tournament

●Lilly Symons –Under 16 Girls CoachesAward

●Zali Scott–Under 16 Girls Player of the Tournament

KDSC wasalsorepresentedinthe programby coaches BecCole and Isha Kuyateh, while DarcyJusticeofficiatedasa refereethroughout the representativeseason.

Adding to asuccessful campaign, Football Victoria GreaterBendigo wasawarded the prestigious Corrie Koppen Awardfor Fair Play, recognising the region thatbest demonstrated fairness, respect and integrity throughout the tournament.

KDSC congratulatesall players,coaches, officials and families involved in the 2026 representative program. Their commitmentand dedication throughout the season have been afantastic reflection of the club both on and offthe pitch.

Kyneton’sZali Scott wasnamedUnder 16 GirlsPlayerofthe Tournamentrepresenting GreaterBendigoatthe recent Country Championships. RileyAdamswas named Under 15 GirlsPlayerofthe Tournament.

GOALS: Gisborne: PMcKenna 10 SClough 2D Johnstone 2 JLong ZDenahyABrancatisano BEST: Gisborne: BBernacki PMcKenna DJohnstone ZVescoviLEvans SClough

GOALS: Castlemaine: MHartley 4ZDerksen 3BMcConachy 2HSheahan 2C HolmanLButcher KHuntly JWatsonB Henderson. BEST: Castlemaine: CMcConachyJ Coleman Z Derksen MHartley RJenkins BMcConachy.

GOALS: Gisborne: ZPaterson 2OMessaoudiD Baynon J Vernon JBullenL Thiner BEST: Gisborne: HOlive LThiner D Baynon OMessaoudi ZPaterson AWeaver

Castlemaine: ADouglas

BEST: Castlemaine: CMarkDSlingo THickey AStaples C McLennan CMcLennan

GOALS: Woodend-Hesket: OLockens 2ARae 2BButler. BEST: Woodend-Hesket: DTomanMPanagiotopoulos C Wilson FBanfield OLockens JRoberts

GOALS: Gisborne Giants: BMangan4MQuigley 4OOlalekan

2N Lacy2AGrigg 2LMousley ECruickshank MBongiovanni.

Lancefield: JAnstee JMorgan CMathieson. BEST: Gisborne

Giants: MQuigley MBongiovanni BManganT Doyle O

Schnoor ZPloog.Lancefield: LRistevskiT FattoreJAnstee C

Mathieson MBowden ROmeara

GOALS: Riddell: JApps DLockens MDarby JChahine J Grabham. BEST: Riddell: NHrovat EBrethertonJ Hammerling

JChahine BWilliamson HRoss

GOALS: Macedon: MRutledge 7LBrennan 4L Koliba 2B

Watson 2H GovanSIndian TWilsonNHynes BEST: Macedon:

BWatson CRossetti MRutledge JGovan LKoliba JRistevski.

Romsey:MCarroll HWarburton.

Romsey:Z GirvanH Rogers JMartinM Carroll EWood JHartney

GOALS: Woodend-Hesket: HBucki 2RBertolini SGardner BEST: Woodend-Hesket: GMatthewsL Bourke HMcDonald JBartrop LSkiba HBucki

Seniors

GOALS: Castlemaine: JArcher 9HKneebone 2LBruceC Waters BLalit RSkinner AWelch FMcAinch OGiddingsB Jardine MBartlett. BEST: Castlemaine: JArcher BJardine B Shafik-Eid JTull FMcAinch CWaters

AHunterC MckendryB Richardson JSmith WMoran

GOALS: Trentham:JKeogh 5J Regan 2J Greenwood 2J

CowanMStrickland EFanningMJensen CWebber-Mirkin

JDovaston SEvans BEST: Trentham:JKeogh JCowan R

Henchie JDovaston JGreenwood HKnight.

GOALS: Campbells Creek:B Sutherland 4DStevens 2J Presser 2DKlimeck JHaber BEST: Campbells Creek:JHaber

JMartinovic JPresser TWilliams DStevens DKlimeck

HARCOURT

GOALS: Harcourt: JRodda 5BLeech 2C Anderson2 J Threlfall 2B Vaz2 MMcKnight2 BGurdT McKnightJ

HoggT Walters.Maldon: DWustH Tulloch NThompson. BEST: Harcourt: BQuirkJHogg JRodda BVaz TMcKnight

KMcbride.Maldon: CBuchanan CBennett NThompson D Wust TCananzi MGray

GOALS: Gisborne Giants: JEvans 2A

BGauci N Lamplugh CMaiuolo CHanlon RBarker JFreakeJClough. Lancefield: APacers ARichardtNJohnson LLyons BEST: Gisborne Giants: JEvans SScarlettABurnell JClough JFreake NLamplugh. Lancefield: APacers SReidy BBryantE Elkin N Johnson DRay

GOALS: Riddell: MVelthuis CHagan DMcgrath. BEST: Riddell: JTaylorSBriscoe MVosperBDonnelly CHagan GCilauro

GOALS: Macedon: LRead 3J Torrance 2DLoweACollins J Plowman JLord. BEST: Macedon: JEveritt AHortonA Collins CCurnuck JTorranceJLilley

GOALS: Romsey:J Wiegerink 2AJedwab 2MDeCarli2 D Tucker NBudde BEST: Romsey:T SharpNDeCarolis A Jedwab JDixon MDeCarliJPertzel

GOALS: Gisborne Giants: ASchnoor 7LMcNair 2E Waters

JMartinLDixon XWatson JMagris JHatfield WWatson

Lancefield: TOgdenW Choate BEST: Gisborne Giants: JMartinN Pierce EWaters ASchnoorWWatson BBish.

Lancefield: FO’MearaA Boukouras NWeberHBourke TCiacia JAzzopardi

GOALS: Macedon: MTrakosas3J Nolan FMarsden I Miszewski. BEST: Macedon: TAndrew FMarsden MTrakosas JAlabaster IMiszewskiA Maher

GOALS: Riddell: GBretherton3JMcGovern. BEST: Riddell: ZCorcoranGBrethertonM Murden JTinworthJ HaxbyR Coughlan

GOALS: Riddell: TMcNair 2SPhelan-Smith 2M

GOALS: Trentham: XKeighran 5LKennedy 5ARintala2J Wicker 2HSundblom 2ESpiteriR Petrascu JMcHutchison. BEST: Trentham: JWicker HSundblomJ Steen XKeighranR Petrascu DHolden

GOALS: Maldon: APeace2 NKelly 2DRoss 2DKitchingman ADaviesBBrackley KHarris. Harcourt: DMaerzKSimmons A Mack BEST: Maldon: BBrackley CBakerJPritchardA Peace

IMason DKitchingman.Harcourt:P Polychronopoulos D MckayT Martin SKennedyR Davies LJongebloed

GOALS: Newstead: ZAshbyCDeBono HCox SDaldy BEST:

Newstead: MVan De Duim SDaldy GNyokJCumberland H

CoxN Cox

GOALS: Campbells Creek:D Dole RTingay. BEST: Campbells

Trentham: HEdmondston 4DSutton3ZSmitten 2T James 2JBunn 2H Thompson EWalsh WAstutoA RyrieF Walsh. BEST: Trentham:DSuttonEHay ARyrie H Edmondston TJames HThompson.

GOALS: Maldon:JSmith 5LKroschel

Turner

Rowbottom 2JMcLeod THamilton. Harcourt: SMcLean 2 KSimmons2JDorian FGuzzoHGeorge BEST: Maldon:T Rowbottom ATurner JNorrisLMason THamilton TCananzi. Harcourt: JMuscatKSimmons AFitzgerald JDorian LBish FMcAinch

Under 15s

GOALS: Newstead: JElliott 4JButler

Bunting B Bright. BEST: Newstead: JElliott MSturgess JButler BBright PBlake PWilliams

CREEK

GOALS: Campbells Creek:M Anderson2 JVan DER Horst

ECiantar RRoberts BEST: Campbells Creek:AJones M Anderson RRoberts NJones JVan DERHorst ECiantar

GOALS: Trentham:JReid 2OHolmes DThompsonE Hamilton Grey JJohnson. BEST: Trentham: MCourtney B Holden CHenderson JReid LStringer WHopper

GOALS: Harcourt: JBrasher 4A Hopkins 2A Phillips 2C Lyne SLawrence. Maldon: OMerlo BEST: Harcourt: BFowlerC Lyne BMannix HVance AHopkins.Maldon: JFarley LAndrea LCattanach MBaker NKroschel ZTurner

GOALS: Harcourt: CDavis 4M Vidler2L Farr CBurns F O’TooleR Rudinica.Maldon: N/A. BEST: Harcourt:M VidlerF O’TooleCDavis IMorelliALewis CBurns.Maldon:L

RegalGenteasily ....

Kyneton-trained galloper Regal Gent scored an easyall-the-way win at theEchucameeting earlier this month. Ridden by Jett Stanley, the three-year-old gelding washaving his tenthracestart

Aftera string of minor placings, it wasnosurprise to see Regal Gent start avery shortpriced favourite. He wasallowedtobowlalong

in the lead in the1400m Rich RiverPartyHireSpecial Ballot Maiden.

Regal Gent finished with three lengths to sparefromSakerFalcon in the $32,000 event.

Thelarge group of patient ownersand stable supporters arehoping he gains confidence from this run and cangoonto better things.

Macedon and Riddell scorebig wins

Macedon and Riddell women's football teams scored big wins against respectiveopponents Lancefield and MountAlexander Falcons on Saturday UnbeatenMacedon had to work hardinthe first half at Tony ClarkeReserveand led 2.6 to nil at half-time. Stepping up the tempo, the Cats won7.10 (52) to 0.3 (3).

Captain Ruby Wattsscoredthree goals, andCharlotteNoonan 2. Best players forMacedon were ShakiraParker,

Watts, Taya Konias, and Sian Andrews, while Emily O'Brien, LauraLonegan,Molly Libardi and Em Condron were the Tigers'best.

Riddell waspleased to win 7.13 (55) to 0.2 (2), with scores close until half-time.

Jessica Sproule, Emma Croft, Ruby Ayersand Tessa McNair were listed as best forthe Bombers; no 'best' supplied forthe Falcons.

Matches this Saturday:Falcons vLancefield at Harcourt at 3pm; Riddell vMacedon at 5pm at Riddell.

CASTLEMAINE

Afield of 38 players contested Saturday'sstableford competition with some excellentscoresreturned despitecool winterconditions.

Nicolas Andreatta(19) compiled an impressive38pointstoclaim both overall and B-grade honoursfromBrock Cooper (24) on 36.

Brad Sturgess (11) led the wayinAgrade with asolid 36-pointround to win by twopoints from Ross Stevens(13) on 34 points, on acountback from Frank Byrne.

Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick and Mark Brackleyearned NTP honours.

Theearly nine-hole competitorson Saturdayteed offinnear-freezing temperatures, brushing heavy dewfromthe greens in transit.

BobFranze(15) handled the challenging conditions superbly with 20 points, four clear of IanFraser (5).

In Thursday'sstableford B-graders produced the best scoring of the day, with Leon Thomas (15) victorious aftera countback from Wayne Toohey(18), both 37 points.

A-grade also required acountback, with Kerin Lourey (14) edging out Norm Bellis (9) aftereach returned 34 points. Liam O'Brien and Bill Burgess went home with the NTP prizes.

GISBORNE

Gisborne golferswerepartying late on Fridaynight, turning up to the course extremely foggyonSaturdaymorning.

BenRoberts left his mate Smithyat home and took out the A-grade stableford with 40 points, thebest of the day.

Letti’sfather and Chicken Banana man, Mark Sacco wonB-gradewith 38 points and Sean Dillion topped C-grade with37 points. Local Elder,Jo-Anne McPhee, won the women’s competition with 33 points.

In Thursday'sextremely damp conditions, Michael Freakeplayedlikehis surname and shot66off the stick, winning A-grade with ascore of 40 points.

If anyone says the conditions aretough and the course is damp, please go and speak to theFreake.

RichardMcKibbin, nowknown by his first name (James is nowknown as Richard’sson)won B-grade with 39 points. SilenceofLambs, Shane Aitken, wonCgrade with 38 points.

TheWednesdaywomen’s competition saw24women in six teams playing in the GentsomesFoursomes stableford competition, afun eventwherecaptains selects the best driveeach hole and all players play their next shotfromthatball position.

Suzanne Velk, Karyn Sanders, Bronwyn Bishop, and KathyRichards wonthe day with afantastic scoreof86points. Joycelyn Moreland wonthe nine-hole competition.

KYNETON

TheMunroShowhad twoactsinthe KynetonToyota Saturday stableford,with teacher Kylie Munrogiving her adult son Connor alessoninhow to finish offa dominantperformance.

Kylie (9) had “one of those days”where she hit fairways, greens and seemingly every putt inside 15 feet to card apersonal best five-over76for 40 points and victory by seven, with abirdie on seventhe

Town &District

GOLF results

highlight.

Connor is a17-marker but the best ball striker in the club, so youget plenty of entertainmentfor your dollar.Hescored on every hole for38points but scattered three double bogeys fora gross 85 and victory in B-grade by six from Brad Duncan (18).

TomMay (8)made ashaky start, six over aftersix, then playedthe last 12 in one overwith abirdie on the last for37points to takeA-grade by four from Norm Bellis (10).

NTPswereKylie, David Moore, Pete Walsh (two and the super pin)and Kash Karunasena.

Karasena and Regan Williams played starring rolesfor differentteams in the first round of the CC Fisher doubles matchplay, agold-letter event. Seventh-seeded Karunasena and Simon Rosenbergtook down second seeds Jason McClure and Nick Williamson 3&2.

Thematch endedonthe 16th withan unlikely chip-in by Karunasena from the back of the green. With formalities concluded, he then grabbed NTP and abirdie from inside twofeetonthe 17th.

Another upsetcame on thelast hole, withsixth seeds Cam Hendy and Mick McQualter taking down thirdseeds Terry Gamble and Paul Tobin. Theunderdogs led by twowithfour to play, andpar on the 18th wasenough to securevictory

Top-seeded Thomas Beacheyand Braeden Cottingham romped to a5&4 victory over eighth seeds and defending champions Tien Ho and David Austin.

Cottingham, who had the highest handicap in the group but has considerable skill, went on atear from the10th, with two parsand abirdie blowing the matchwide open forhim to seal victory with another par on the 14th

Fourth seeds Williams and Jason Coley had atightbattlewith fifth seeds Adam Smith and Neville Yates, taking the lead for good with abirdie on the 14thand sealing a2&1 win with Coley’sup-and-down par on the 17th

In the AllThings Trees and Dirt Wednesdaystableford,Walsh (18) wasthe star, withabirdie on the 7th his highlightina tally of 37 forvictory by twofromRoss Martin (12).

Denise Murphy wasbest of the women withNTPsgoing to Murphy (2), Hudgson (2), LesTurner and TerryKot

Afield of 17 women and four men playedastrokeround on Tuesday. Forthe women it wasthe second round of their weather-interruptedMin Ferris series.

Lorraine Ryan had 95-20-75 to win Agrade and the silver spoon, withrunner-up Murphyon76totakethe 36-hole lead.

Grace Parkinson (28) wonB-grade with 78 from Judy Quick(28) on 81.

Yates(9) claimed the men’s honours witha birdie on the 14th for71, twoahead of Daniel Dubens (17). Werner,Judy Aldred, Joan Gibbs and Dubens took NTPs.

Dubens gothis revengeonThursday, winning thefront-nine shootout by three despitewiping the first.

Thewomen’s doubles knockout was playedthe same day, with Aldred and Dot Greenwayprevailing 2&1 over RobMacRaeand Rachael McAndrew

Thechampions were 3-up aftersix, squareatthe turn, 3-upafter 15 and completedatense victory with ahalf on the 17th.

In sad news,Adrian O’Brien, who gathered holes-in-one and gold-letter titles overa 40-year membership, has passed away aged 92. He is survived by his wifeof 66 years, Nola,and daughterElizabeth. A privatefuneral servicehas been held.

LANCEFIELD

Super weather over thepast week, and the sand-based course drained exceptionally well to be back to normal by last Monday. Theone real highlightwas provided by presidentChris Enright, who took up golf just three yearsago and is nowplaying off ahandicap of 17.

Chris can nowclaim aplace on the holein-one honourboardwithan'ace' on the fifth hole on Thursday. Well done, Chris! Good to seethe higher handicapper ladies getting in the placingsthese past few weeks. They'resteadily improving regardless of the weather conditions.

Of note:another relatedStrano in the news.The women's section reviver Jennytook out thewomen's stableford on Wednesday, andgrandson Samuel Colson wononSaturday.

Legends: James Whitford(10) 38 points, from Greg Janky (33) and Denis Davenport (7) 32.

Wednesdaywomen: Samantha Strano (41) 34 points, from HazelLaycock (54) 32 and RosJensen(52) 29.

ThursdayFix: Dean Budde (10) 36, Chris Enright(17) 31, Mark Cruise (19) 28.

Saturdaystableford:Samuel Colson (36) 39 points, GavinWinwood (16) 38, Mark Cruise (19) 37.

MOUNTMACEDON

Saturday'sOne 4Building Services June Monthly Medal wasplayedinextremely contrasting conditions

While the morning players rugged up looking morelikethe Michelin Man than golfersastheybattled through a pea souper fogfor their entireround, the afternoon players applied sunscreen and

donned sunglasses! DarcyDoyle's 70 was the best gross score.

TheBgrade winner and overall medallist wasSean Smyth 78-13-65 from Walrus (15) astrokefurther back.

BruceFraser 76-9-67 wasthe Agrade winner and Cgrade went to Sean Bassett 90-22-68

withNTPsTrev'Titanium knees' Toholka, Tony Carter,MattWillis and Darcy Doyle.

Perfect winterconditions forthe mid week 4person Ambrose team event.

Welcome (back) to returning member Mark Weston.

Winnerswithanexcellent63off the stick with multiple birdies and an eagle fornett52and 7/8 were lowhandicapper Mark 'Suffragette'Burrage(or the Purple Wiggle), BrettHolburt,Chris Martin and PeterCarey

Distantrunners-up were Mike Hoiles, JimAlsop, JennySvendsen and RobDevereux nett 58.

ROMSEY

Agood field contested the men's monthly medal on Saturday, with everyone finding it difficult to beattheir handicap. Mitch Atlas, one of the club favourites, had asolid round of 82-10-72 to take home the medal. Well done, Mitch. Dean Kohler wasrunner-upwith 80-674, on acountbackfromGregHill 97-2374.

JennyHartleyclinched the women's monthly medal on Wednesdaywith10325-78.

Theday's winner wasDavid Jones 9013-77, one stroke ahead of Hartley, with Hugh Williams in thirdplace on 99-20-79. Preferred lies were theorder of the week,with greens quitereceptivetogood shots.

Golf cartsweredriveninthe roughto protect thefairways

TRENTHAM

Greatscorestocelebratewith64 competing in Thursday'smixed par event.

Thehighlightwas BrentLeheny's second hole-in-one. This time he aced the 15th.

We'reall waiting forthe trifecta!

A-grade —JasonKing (11) +4, from Jock McLeod (12) +2; B-grade —ClairePerston (14) +2, from JamesCoyle (15) -2.

Wednesdaywomen: On the longer blue course, Veronica Maher topped A-grade with33 points, from Alison Borchers31. In-formJoedy Wallis wonB-grade with38, from Peninsula Kingswoodvisitor Claire Douglas 37.

WOODEND

Saturday's sunnyconditions attracted a field of 47 fora pluspar event.

Best scoreofthe daywas +4 by Bgrader Nick Lethbridge, with JimAnderson runner-upon+2. BenThompson won A-grade with +3, on acountback from consistentKobeVeitch.

Thewomen's matchplayknockout and the men's George Daviesknockout are down to the quarter-finals. Good luck to all. Tuesdaystableford:Ultra-consistent Andrew Davies(1) wasthe winner with 35 points, with Eric 'The Viking' Vosbergen (11) and Mick Keating (8) both 34 next best.

MountMacedon’s Saturdaymorning players battled through apea souper fog.

Lionsand Redbacksbattle fortop spot

Harcourt playedhost to Maldon in round 11 of the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football NetballLeague last Saturday.

TheLions came into the matchoff the back of a28-pointwin overthe Maryborough Giants, while Maldon wasfresh from the bye and keen to post awin afterpushing the Giants the previous week.

TheLions burst outofthe blocks with a seven-goal haul in the opening term and held the Dons to just twopoints to setupastrong 44-pointleadatquarter-time.

Maldon dusted themselves offand kicked three goalsinthe second term, butatthe other end of the ground Harcourt piled on six goalsand had extended their lead to 65 points at half-time.

TheLions upped thepressureinthe third term kicking another four goals, while keeping Maldon scoreless.

Themargin had blown out to 92 points at the final change.

TheDons worked hardtolock down the Lions forwards in the final term restricting them to just 2.2 but could only managetwo points of their owntogodownby104 points.

Best forHarcourt were Billy Quirk, Joshua Hogg,Braydon Vaz, Taylar McKnight, Kaleb McBride and JedRodda who baggedfive goals.

Best forMaldon were Callum Buchanan, Coby Bennett,Noah Thompson, Damian Wust, Tadgh Cananzi and MatthewGray. Harcourt remains in second spot, with Maldon 10th.

Newstead faceda tough battle against Talbot.

TheSteadersstarted brightly kicking four goals to theHawks' three in the opening term to lead by sevenpoints at quarter-time.

Talbotwon the second term kicking three

goals the Newstead'stwo to hold aslender one pointleadatthe long break.

Talbotmadethe most of their opportunities in thethird term and had snuckout to a nine-pointleadatthe final change.

Newstead held the Hawkstojust1.4 in thefinal term, but couldn't catcha break only scoring twopoints of their ownand eventually lost by 17 points.

Best forthe Roos were Michael Dalrymple, Adam Hunter,Cordie McKendry,Bradley Richardson, Joel Smith, and William Moran who kickedtwo goals.

Theside has nowslipped to fifth spot, while Talbotnabbed fourth spot

Trentham hosted Lexton and gota jump on the Tigesinthe first term kicking four goalsto twotolead by 14 points at the first break.

TheSaints progressively built on thatin subsequentquarterstoeventually run out winnersby68points.

Best forTrentham were Jake Keogh with fivegoals, Joel Cowan, RyderHenchie, Joel Dovaston, JacobGreenwood and Harrison Knight.

Campbells Creektook the matchrightup to the Maryborough Giants.

TheGiants bootedfivegoals to Creek's twointhe opening term to lead by 15 points at quarter-time.

Buttotheir credit the Magpies bounced back in the second kicking four goals to the Giants' twotoonly trail by three points at half-time.

TheGiants had all the answersinthe second half and despiteCreek'sbest efforts they eventually went down by 43 points.

Best forthe Magpies were James Haber, James Martinovic, Jesse Presser,Tyson Williams, Dylan Stevensand Daniel Klimeck. In othermatches, Carisbrook defeated

TemplarcoachatTigerland

Bill West

Garry Templar has avery competitiveoutlook and along-time sporting involvement.

Forthe past six seasons he's been adedicatedsenior coachatRomsey Bowling Club, culminating in the club's first-ever topgrade premiership in an unforgettable tensionpackedextra-ends Highlands grand final against Kynetonin2025-2026.

Templar'snow ahead coach onceagain this coming season —at Lancefield Bowling Club.

"I'dlet Romsey knowafter last season's successful grand final I wouldn't be coaching them again forquitesomeyears I'velived in Lancefield notfar from the bowling club and recently decided to play there.

"After the formal part of Lancefield'sannual meeting on June 14 thereweresome discussions with the club'sleadership, and I had no hesitation in taking the coaching job when it wasoffered."

"We're really pleased Garry has taken on the role of senior coach. He's avery experienced bowler with strong coaching credentials, and we know our players will benefit with Garry at the helm," club presidentJeffSmith said.

Lancefield is in arebuilding phase after uncharacteristically finishing on the bottom of theHighlands A-grade ladder last season.

There'salready some inexperienced bowlersinthe club,and regular coaching is seen as helping them reach their full potential as well as enjoying the sport.

Theclubanticipatesseveral newcomers mayjoin up as well.

"Overall,the aim is to be morecompetitivethis season,"Smith said.

"There'sa good,friendlyatmosphereat the club and newcomersand experienced bowlersalike will be welcomed,"headded.

TheTigersintend to field three pennant teams, twoonSaturdayand one midweek. Painting the interior of the clubhouse

Avoca by 143 points to enable the Redbacks to shoreuptop spotonpercentageand NatteBealiba recorded a52-pointwin over Dunolly.Navarrehad the bye Netball

On the netball court in AGrade matches, Harcourt 52 defeated Maldon 24. Topscorer forthe Lions wasJordan Bagleywith 30 goals. Topscorerfor Maldon wasTheresa Buchanan 13. Newstead 25 lost to Talbot53. Topscorerfor the Steaders wasBrianna Jury with 18 goals. Trentham 51 lost anailbiter to Lexton 52. Topscorerfor the Saints was

Georgia

This weekend In round 12 matches this weekend, Navarrehosts top-of-the-table Carisbrook, Maldon welcomes Campbells Creek, Avoca takes on Trentham,Maryborough Giants face Talbot, Lexton battles NatteBealiba and Dunolly plays Newstead. Harcourt has the bye

Magpies winsecond in arow

TheCastlemaine Magpies playedhost to Kangaroo Flat at the Camp Reservein round 11 of the BendigoFootball Netball League on Saturday.

TheMagpies were keen to secure their second wininarow aftera 10-pointvictory win over Golden Squarethe previous week, while Kangaroo Flat wasdetermined to get their second win on the board.

Castlemaine madeastrong start with goals to Harrison Sheahan, Michael Hartley and Lloyd Butcher,beforeFlatpeggedone back via TyranFarmer

Chaz Holman replied forthe Magpies before Farmer grabbed his second.

Flat rounded out the term with another goal to Nick Keogh,but the Magpies held an eight-pointleadatquarter-time.

TheReserves had achallenging dayon the park going down to arampaging Roos line-up by 35 points.

Best were Cooper Mark, Declan Slingo, Tyson Hickey,AlecStaples, Curtis McLennan and Campbell McLennan.

TheUnder 18s had aflyer running over the Roos by 100 points.

TheMagpies setupthe win kicking fivegoals to one in the opening term. But really lifted to awhole newlevel in the last term kicking sevengoals to one to post a percentage-boosting win.

Best forthe Magpies were Jack Archer withnine goals, Benjamin Jardine, Brian Shafik-Eid, Joshua Tull,Fraser McAinch and Charlie Waters

and other improvements areplanned or underway

TOPFOUR THE AIM

Templar said his aim as coachwas to try to see the club makethe topfour in division one this season.

Quitesomeyearsago quality bowler Barry Atkins came to liveinLancefield and wasthe club's firstcoach.

He ledbyexample and made theclub moresuccessful in pennant competition.

Templar grew up in Romsey and played football and cricket there, before going to Melbourne and pursuing business interests.

He also coachedRomseyfootballand cricketteams, and admitsbowls wasn't a naturaltransition.

"A mate invited me along to bowls at Essendon, and Igot hooked."

He quickly adaptedtothe sportand has playedfor over 25 years, mainly as skipper, and in various tournaments.

Templar movedtoliveatLancefield some yearsago and had abriefstint with the bowling club, before coaching and playing at GladstonePark and then Glenroy bowling clubs. Note:Anyone interested in bowls at Lancefield can gain further information from Jeff Smith on 0447 322 282.

Coach BaileyHenderson extended the lead forthe Magpies early in the second, Flat then slotted through twomore. But the Magpies kicked twoatthe other end via Zackary Derksen and Hartleytoextend their lead to 17 points at half-time.

Derkensen kicked his second early in the thirdterm, but Keoghsnatched another for Flat to keep the side in touch.

Theteams then traded points, but the Magpies were eventually rewarded with three moregoals from Sheahan, BenMcConachyand Hartley.

At the final change,the Magpies led by a commanding 35 points.

Despitea revupfromtheir coach, the Roos couldn't find theanswersinthe final term managing only three points, while the Magpies slammed on fivemorevia John Watson, Hartley, Dereksen, BenMcConachyand KalanHuntly to put the result beyond doubtand seethe Magpies secure their fifth win by 66 points.

Best forCastlemaine were Callum McConachy, Jaise Coleman, Zackary Derksen, Michael Hartleywho baggedfour goals, Rhys Jenkins and BenMcConachy.

TheMagpies arecurrently sitting in sixth spot.

Theside is nowinfourth spot Women's Football

TheMagpie Senior Women'sand Under 18 Girls footballerswon theirscheduled matches against the Marong sides by forfeit.

Netball

It wasa challenging dayonthe netball court forthe Magpie sidesbut they put together some greatpassages of play,and continue to showimprovement.

AGrade lost 28-105 to astrong Flat outfit. TheMagpies incentiveaward winner wasAbbeyKlemm, AReservelost26-47. Best wasMadelineSpringate.B Grade lost 31-55. Incentiveaward winnerwas Jess Williams. BReservelost31-53. Best was Mika Szakal. The17 & Under side lost 3572. Incentiveaward winnerwas AnnaElliot. 15 &Under lost 19-43 despiteadetermined effort.Best wasTamzyn Roser

This weekend

This weekend the Magpie football and netball sides have aweek'srest before they head up to the HarryTrott Oval on July 11 to tackle SouthBendigo. TheMagpie Senior Women's and Under 18 Girls football sides will also have aweek'srestbeforetheyhost Golden SquareatCamp Reserve on Sunday July 12.

Fearn 31. Campbells Creek49also lost aclose bout to the Maryborough Giants 53. Topscorerfor Creekwas Heni Moeke 33. Carisbrook 45 lost to Avoca 64. Natte Bealiba 56 defeated Dunolly 24. Navarrehad the bye

Welcome aboard:Lancefield BowlingClub president

JeffSmith congratulatesnew coach, Garry Templar, in companywith secretary BevHolmes and vice-president, JeffHolmes.

Maldon were valiantagainstadetermined Harcourt.Photo:Max Lesser

Bulldogs lead throughout

With their classyplayers leading by example, Gisborne senior footballersdemolished SouthBendigoby54points on Saturday.

The17.11 (113) to 8.11 (59) victory at Gardiner Reserve made amends forGisborne's earlyseason loss by twopoints to the sameopposition at theQueen Elizabeth Oval

Therewas neverany doubtaboutSaturday'soutcome the further the match progressed, the further Gisborne went ahead.

Acheck of Gisborne's outstanding players identifies what the toplinerscan achieve

Brad Bernacki knocks up winning and using the ball, and mesmerises mostopponents.

He wasclose to his brilliantbest on Saturday.

10 AGAIN FORMcKENNA

Spearhead PatMcKenna kicked 10 goalsthe previous Saturdayand achievedthe feat again in an almost flawless display.

McKenna nowleads theRon Best Medal goalkicking countbya healthymargin with 51 goalstohis credit.

In this vintageform he could easily givethe century-mark ashake

Dylan Johnstone also stood out afterhis short stintat VFL level, and captain ZacVescovi, Lachlan Evansand Shane Clough were also good contributors.

Themargin was20points at half-time, and four goalsto twointhe thirdterm effectively wrapped up the match

Strathfieldsaye,Gisborne and Sandhurst have nowpulled clear of other contenders on the BendigoLeague ladder

Gisborne's next match is on Saturday, July 11, at Strathfieldsaye.

Thewinner maywell takeovertop position on the ladder

In the earlier matches on Saturday, South Bendigo18.10 (118) defeated Gisborne Under 18s 2.2 (14), and Gisborne Reserves went down 9.8 (62) to 7.3 (45).

NETBALL CONTESTS

Gisborne comfortably wonits A-grade netball encounter to remain in thirdplaceonthe ladder behind unbeatenKangaroo Flat and Sandhurst.

Thehome side prevailed 43-33.

In A-Reserve, South Bendigowon 55-52, and Gisborne scored aclear cut 60-28 victory in B-grade.

SouthBendigowon the 17 and Under encounter52-44.

Eagles overcome Thunder in Indigenous Round

TheWedge-Tailed Eagles celebrated a significantmilestone on Sunday, securing a strong win in the club's first-ever Indigenous Round matchagainst BendigoThunder Uncle Mick Harding conducted aWelcome to Country and Smoking Ceremonyfor both teams and supportersbeforethe match, generously sharing his cultureand knowledge. Uncle Mick also designed the Eagles' inaugural Indigenous guernsey, which proudly features Bunjil, the Wedge-Tailed Eagle, bringing together culture,communityand the club's identity.The day also provided an opportunity to giveback, withthe Eagles raising $500 forKynetonHigh School'sFirst Nations studentgroup to support thefantasticwork theyare doing within their school community On the field, the Eagles took alittle while to settle as BendigoThunder broughtstrong pressureand contested football throughout the first half.After the main break, however, the Eagles found another gear,producing an impressivesecond-half performancetopull away

First-year playerKasey Button enjoyed one of her best games in Eagles colours, finishing withfivegoals in astandout display. Skye Sinclair wasalso dangerous in attack, adding four majors, while the club's 100game celebrant,JorjaBennett,marked the milestone in style by kicking three goalsof her own. In the midfield, Henderson, Nicholson and Hateleywereinstrumental, winning plenty of the football and helping drivethe Eagles forwardwith clean ball movement, while the ruck combination gave the midfieldersfirst use throughout the second half It wasanoutstanding team performance and afitting waytocelebratethe club's first Indigenous Round. TheEagles nowenjoya week offfor interleague, turning their attention to WhiteHills in afortnight, wherethey will be looking to build on this performance. Wedge-Tailed Eagles 17-14-116 defBendigoThunder0-1-1.

Jorja Bennettkicked three goalsinher 100th gamefor the Wedge-Tailed Eagles.

Photo: Ties Urie Photography

Uncle Mick Harding designedthe Eagles’ inaugural Indigenous guernsey, which proudly features Bunjil, the Wedge-Tailed Eagle. Photo:TiesUrie Photography

Gisborne’s DomSullivan evades his South Bendigoopponent.

Magpies shootdownBombers

Bill West

Theeagerly awaited clash between reigning football premiers Riddell and unbeatenladder leader Wallan wasexpected to be close on Saturday. it wasanything but, with thejubilantMagpies winning by 62 points.

Andthis match wasatBomberland, with39-year-old ruckmanforwardChris Stewart amatch winner forthe visitors.

Stewart, who wonthe 2024 BowenMedal, kicked eightgoals and posed aconstantthreatasthe Magpies led throughout.

Theoutcome mayhavebeenashock forRiddell playing coach Matt Darbyand theclub's loyalsupporters,but it is worth pointing out theBomberswerewithout evergreen defender BenSonogan and their leading goalkicker ZacSaad.

Nevertheless, Wallan impressed, and some of their followers are talking about the prospect of another premiership (the last one was in 2021).

TheMagpies' depth wasillustrated by their 17.11 (113) to 3.4 (22) victory in the Reserves.

Former Collingwood champion HeathShaw, with 325 AFL games behind him, has just been signed up by the Magpies forthe remainder of the season.

At half-timeWallanled 7.7 to 2.6, and the hoped-for comeback by the Bombersfailed to eventuate.

Hungry forthe ball, the Magpies rammed home 5.4 to agoal in the last term to illustratetheir superiority

Final scores were 15.12 (102) to 5.10 (40).

Vice-captain Patrick Mahoneyand Stewartwerestand-outs for the visitors, and Riddell wasbest served by the consistentNathan Hrovat,Elijah Bretherton and speedster Jack Hammerley.

CATS' BIG REVIVAL

Astrange afternoon at Macedon's Tony ClarkeReserve, where the home side struggled in the first half and Melton Centrals led by a pointatthe long break.

Whatever unflappable Cats' coachAlMeldrum and other team leadersdecided on at half-time certainly worked.

Therevitalised Cats playedmuch better generally and went into the last quarter with aleadof10points in the 'must win'match

Centrals stopped to awalk, and the Cats slammed on 10 goalsto no scoretoend up witha19.23 (137) to 9.5 (59) victory and moved to thirdonthe ladder

An astonishing turnaround, with BlakeWatsoncontinuing his fine form, big ruckman Charlie Rossetti dominating, and Michael Rutledgecoming up withseven goalsinone of his topperformances.

POWERHOUSEDISPLAY

Thepowerful DiggersRest combination came to Gilbert Gordon Oval intent on securing aconfidence-boosting win.

While the Hawks tried hard, with irrepressible captain DanToman again shining, the visitorsreigned supreme

Finalscoreswere25.16 (166) to 5.5 (35).

Star forwardCallum Moorekicked nine majorstoextend his lead in the league's goalkicking.

DiggersRest look almost certain to earn adouble chance, withthe Burras having the confidencetogiveWallan arun forpremiership honours.

Gisborne Giants gained their second win forthe season, defeating Lancefield 17.16 (118) to 3.6 (24).

TheGiants kept theTigersto1.5 across the first three quarters, with Matt Quigley, Mitchell Bongiovanni and captain BrettMangan in their topthree.

Lancefield'sbest were LeroyRistevski, Tully Fattoreand John Anstee.

In the remaining match,Melton Centrals slammedonnine goalsin the first quarter to stun Romsey.

TheRedbacks tried hardbut could only manage1.7 in the second half

Final scores were 17.17 (119) to 4.13 (37) as Centrals gained their fourth win of the season.

Romseywas best served by consistentball winner CoreyPertzel, Sam Wilson and MatthewMilburn.

Netball thrillersinthe topgrade

Bill West

Round 11 A-grade netball produced severalsurprises, with the shockbeing triple premiersWoodend-Hesket being defeated by ninth-placed DiggersRest.

Theshockwavesaround this result reverberated around theRiddell League on Saturdaynight.

Woodend-Hesket lost to Macedon in the previous round, and it wasthe Hawks' lack of scoring powerathome thatled to the4135 defeat by DiggersRest, which had only

wonone previous matchthis season.

Jessica Martin, HayleyRogersand Natalie McDonald (28 goals) were the Hawks' best, and theyare in thirdplaceinatrafficjam for afinals berth.

Theclosest matchinround 11 sawa tenaciousGisborne Giants defeat secondplaced Lancefield by agoal (47-46).

Malia Seumanutafa topscoredwith35 goals, with the home side thrilled to take the points to move into thirdspotonthe ladder, behind the Tigers on percentage.

Ladder leader Wallan pulled outall stops

to edge out finals prospect Riddell 48-45 in another thriller

TheMagpies remain unbeaten, and the Bombersare in sixth place, ahead of Kynetononpercentage. Kynetonhad the bye.

HayleyBrown, HollyPoyser and Madison Brownwerethe topthree forthe home side.

Buoyed by beating Woodend-Hesket in the previous round, fifth-placed Macedon gave Melton Centrals alesson witha 70-45 margin.

Experienced campaignersClaireOakley 41 and Chloe Williams 29 were the Cats'

topscorers Romseymadeittwo in arow withaconvincing 69-41 margin against wooden spoon favouriteMelton South.

Elizabeth Crump,Savanah Forbes and Emma Grech all got among thegoals forthe Redbacks.

Currentladder: Wallan 40 pts, Lancefield 32 (141.48%), Woodend-Hesket 32 (125.19), Gisborne Giants 32, Macedon 28 (133.87), Riddell 28 (117.58), Kyneton 115.28), Melton Centrals 20, DiggersRest 12, Romsey 12, Melton South4

Macedon brothers Michael and Tom Rutledgechase downa loose ball.

2024 BowenMedal winner Chris Stewart kicked eightgoalsagainstRiddell.

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