Midland Express Tuesday April 2 2024

Scorethe Edgy Veg dishes!

Fook Shing in Kyneton is entering avegan mapo tofu dish in this year’sEdgy VegAwards. It sits alongside 20 other entries including acaramelised eggplant dish at Holgates in Woodend, awild mushroom dish at Social Foundry and plant-based chick’n satay skewers at Lancefield’sLost Watering Hole to name afew

This will be the third year running for the Edgy Veg Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, showcase the best plant-based dishes on offer from participating cafes, restaurants and pubs in the Macedon Ranges.

These awards are unique, there is nothing like them in Australia. They are agreat way to get community support-

ing their favourite eateries, and promoting the Macedon Ranges to awider audience. Melburnians come from the city to vote on dishes featured in the Edgy VegTrail and see the beautiful spectacle of the autumnal trees.

By promoting delicious plant-based dishes, more people are encouraged to try something new; simultaneously they’re choosing ameal that is using less of the earth’s resources, and getting more veg into their day

So get down and score these Edgy Vegdishes between April 5– 28 to support local business, and for your chance to win a$100 voucher at Mort &Pestle or an Eat More Vegworkshop at Big Bowl of Happy.Visit the website to see the other participating venues at edgyvegawards.com.au

STATE FEST IN STRIFE

The Castlemaine State Festival has been placed intovoluntary administration.

The local arts community wasinshock late last week when thefestival board announcedthe move to community members andsupporters.

The newscomes in the wake of the cancellation of numerous music festivalsand events across Australia. With rising overheads, contractions of funding, changed audience behavioursand spending capacity in light of thecost-of-living squeeze, theindustry more broadly is facing significantcrisis.

The Castlemaine State Festival electeda new board in December 2023, which includedsix new board members who broughtawealth of professional experience andfreshenthusiasm to therole. The board indicated it wasready to take chargeand work withstakeholderstobringback the famous biennial festival to itsbest for its25th edition in 2025 and 50th year in 2026

The board confirmed it hadmet allits financial commitments for the 2023 festival butdespitecourageous programming theeventsaw fewer visitors, lower ticketsales anddiminished audience satisfaction.

Significant effortswere made to returnthe festival to profitability afterthose heavylosses, howeverthe board has now madethe necessarydecision to enter intovoluntary administration."Weunderstandthat thiswill be upsetting forthe many people whohave supported,enjoyed and championed our festival over many years, as it is for the board andstaff," theysaid.

GlenKanevsky and Robert Woods of Deloitte FinancialAdvisory were appointed administrators of Castlemaine State FestivalLtd after closeofbusinessonMarch 26, 2024, andhavetaken operational control. The board said it valuedtheirexpertiseand support through this challenging process.

Continued page2

Robert Mariotti, owner of Fook Shing, with his vegan mapo tofu. Photo: Tiffany Warner

Onemillioncontainersand counting

Jade Jungwirth

In the past six months, the staff at the Chewton Service Station have sorted more than onemillion containers as part of the state government’s Container Deposit Scheme, which equates to more than $100,000 back to the community and ahuge reduction in waste going to landfill.

To celebrate, the owners of the local service station have given away $2600 worth of vouchers to Nicole Hare, who deposited the millionth container, and another $2600 worth of vouchers to Chewton Primary School and the Mount Alexander Falcons.

Nicole, an assistant coach for the Mount Alexander Falcons and the mother of achild at Chewton Primary School, has been collecting containers and donating the proceeds to the two local organisations since the scheme began in November last year

“I’ve collected around 4000 cans for the Falcons, which equals about $400,” Nicole said.

“It might not seem like alot, but it all adds up. We’re asmall club and we couldn’t do what we do without sponsorship.

“Julie is the most generous woman, giving away those vouchers, and with everything she does for the community,” she said.

“She’salready sponsored one of our players and now we can use the vouchers for petrol to use in the team bus we take to away games.”

Julie Leach, owner of the local service station, said reaching the 1,000,000 mark was ahuge milestone that they could never have anticipated

reaching so soon.

“Wewere all so glad Nicole was the recipient ofthe vouchers. She comes to the service station acouple of times aweek donating her containers to various local organisations andseeing firsthand, the work she puts in to raise money selflessly for community organisations is inspiring,” Julie said.

“Weare blown away with the community support we have received since launching the Container Deposit Scheme on November 1last year

“Weare loving interacting with so many more members of our community and thosefromfurther afield,” she said.

Julie noted the most rewarding moments came from the way the service station had assisted in raising money for charities and community organisations, and the stories coming in of how the funds hadsupported them.

“Fundraising is hard and we will help in any way we can to assist our community in this way,” she said.

“Children learning the value of working hard for reward and saving for specific things is also ahighlight.

“Another bonus for the community is that as we earn commission on this additional part of our business, we have committed to reducing our profit margin on fuel, thereby allowing us to consistently offer lower fuel prices,” Julie said.

“Our team has worked really hard in making this initiative asuccess, ensuring its ongoing viability, and they deserve this recognition with the extra hours andwork it has involved. I cannot thank them enough for supporting me in ensuring the success of the Container Deposit Scheme at Chewton Servo.”

Childcare centre approved

Plans for anew childcare centre will progress at Gisborne’sFisher and Calthorpe Streets intersection.

Councillors voted to approve the application that would see acentre built with capacity for 152 children with four outdoor play areas and 36 car parking spaces.

The application attracted three objections relating to increased noise and traffic, insufficient on-site parking and that the plans do not reflect surrounding vegetation.

Councillors felt the alterations to conditions including increased setback and landscaping had improved the outcome. Reports back to council addressed noise concern.

STATEFESTINSTRIFE

From page 1.

The administrators will spend 28 days investigating the events and circumstances leading up to their appointment and will work closely with all stakeholders to assess the options available to restructure the operations, preserve the legacy of the festival and determine its future.

Board members will be working hard behind the scenes over the coming weekstoprovide the administrators with all the information they need and are hopeful that with the expert advice of the administrators they can put steps in place to work towards aviable future.

The assessment will take into consideration funding and grant commitments made to the festival, which included $6 million from the state government to complete the fit out of the festival'shome at The Goods Shed.

"Weare grateful for the longstanding support of the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, Mount Alexander Shire and our patrons and donors, and we value the extraordinary community at the heart of this festival,"the board said.

"It’stoo early to know where this process will take us but wehope to be in aposition to involve our community more fully in our recovery efforts at the appropriate time."

The board understands the community wants to know what has occurred and plans to keep the community informed as they move through the process.

Last Monday, Nicole deposited the one millionth container at the Chewton Service Station Container Deposit Scheme, winning 52 x$50 vouchers touse at the local servo

Healthy Good Fridaytally

Communities around Victoria have dug deep for The Royal Children’sHospital Good Friday Appeal with an overall final tally of $23,368,724. The tally for regional and rural Victoria reached $5,261,913 with significant contributions from Mount Alexander, Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shires.

Macedon Ranges and Hepburn fringes recorded the following

totals: Gisborne $56,131, Kyneton $31,793, Woodend/Newham $28,628, Romsey $16,079, Trentham $9247, Riddells Creek $9146, Macedon $8806, Lancefield $6845, and Tylden $1309.

In Mount Alexander the following totals were collected: Castlemaine $13,998,

Have your say on Stanley Park

Feedback has opened on Macedon Ranges Shire Council’sdraft Infrastructure Master Plan for Stanley Park in Mount Macedon.

The six-hectare forest, grassland and passive recreation park has been used by residents and visitors for walking, picnicking and nature study for more than 100 years. This is the second stage of consultation following work on the Environmental Management Plan (endorsed in December). Key features of the draft IMP include updated interpretive signs and provision to update or maintain existing infrastructure such as footbridges, stone steps, toilet facilities, the car park and fencing near

waterfall vegetation. Along-term vision for the park includes consolidating all infrastructure to focus passive recreation in the north-east corner of the site. This involves the staged removal of existing infrastructure in the north-west section as it reaches its end of life, and rehabilitation of the former playground, picnic area and car park.

The draft IMP proposes the new northeast passive recreation zone, including anature play area and other recreation infrastructure that celebrates the site’s natural values.

Feedback is invited until April 19. Visit the council’swebsite for more information.

Romsey scouts joined the Romsey Fire Brigade in Good Friday Appeal collections last week.

Push to count wildlife in data

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is calling on the Australian Government to include wildlifetrauma and fatalities metrics in federal road safety funding models.

Moving the motion last week, Cr Jennifer Anderson said the idea had emergedfromaroad safety forum with council and WildlifeRescueVictoria earlier this year

“In the Macedon Ranges we have one of the highest fatalities of wildlife,”she said.

“Wildlifesafety also affects human safety because carsmay swerve to tryto avoid wildlifeortheymay stop to tryand attend to sickwildlifeand getinjured in trying to look after wildlife.”

The motion gained majority support and councillorsconsidered its potential wider impact.

Cr Geoff Neil supported the motion butquestioned the spread of alreadythin funds.

“Will this include increased funding or will it reduced the funding pool in that areas that desperatelyneed it?” he asked.

“In Victoria, we have ahigh road death toll. Are we further spreading the money that would normallybedirected to assist motorists in their vehicles?”

Cr Anderson assured actions were alreadybeing taken to seek increases to this federal government funding.

Councillorsvoted to submit the motion to the National General Assembly to be held in Canberra this July

The council will also write to politicians to highlight the wildliferoad trauma and fatalities on local roads, and seek road that safety funding models incorporate this data when prioritising funding.

Meet the climate changemakers

ALittle Eaglehas landed!

Arare visitor has landed in the Macedon Ranges.

Riddells Creek photographer Brett Holburt captured this striking image after his daughters spotted this Little Eagle on their property

Macedon wildlife expert Chris Humfrey,when asked by The

He

In

Express to tell us about the bird, said it was arare sight indeed.

“A Little Eagle! That’sthe name not awedge-tailed eagle. Not often seen,” Chris said.

“Obviously capitalising on the explosion ofrabbits in the Macedon Ranges.”

Vandals targetsigns in pokiesfight

Signswith the message to ‘Keep Romsey pokies free’ in the Romsey township were targeted with spray paint last week.

Sometime overnight last Wednesday and Thursday at least four of the signs were spray-painted with opposite messaging: ‘Give Romsey pokies $$ 4our town’.

Anti-pokies group Keep Romsey Pokies Free had posted about eight signs as part of its campaign against an application for electronic gaming machines in the town.

Romsey Football Netball Club Inc applied for 50 EGMs and a$10 million pub renovation last year.The decision now rests with the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission.

“We’re in abit of shock,” one Keep Romsey Pokies Free member told the Express “It’sworrying. What sort of town are we turning into that

adifferent opinion can’t be expressed?”

Romsey’sLeading Senior Constable Simon Warr said police were investigating the matter and appealing to the public for information.

“There is obviously alittle bit of divide in the community and it’scausing some concern,” he said.

“People in town need to be respectful of each other Any concerns about the current application before the VGCCC can be dealt with directly through the council and the VGCCC.”

Anyone with information on the incident is encouraged to contact Romsey Police. Macedon Ranges Shire Council CEO Bernie O’Sullivan said the council was aware of the signs and was investigating. He said no local laws permits had been issued for the signs.

He also encouraged the community to voice their opin-

Strategy out for comment

Hepburn Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its inaugural Arts and Culture Strategy.Mayor Brian Hood said Hepburn was known as acreative and cultural hub in the region and this strategy would help to guide and support local arts and cultural communities.

“Wewant to ensure that Hepburn continues to be an attractive home for artists,

artistic organisations and creative businesses,” he said.

The focus areas of the strategy are continuous cultural connection, access and equity of opportunity,creative places and spaces, aviable and dynamic arts sector, and living local heritage.

Feedback on the draft Arts and Culture Strategy is open until April 14.

ions on the VGCCC application for the Romsey Hotel via the VGCCC and council’ssurvey.

“The VGCCC recommends individuals make their submission through the established portal link for this application,” hesaid.

“Wealso encourage Romsey residents or those who live within five kilometres of the venue to complete council’ssurvey,tohelp inform council’ssubmission.”

Anyone who has not received asurvey in the mail and believes they are eligible can visit the Romsey Hub (96100 Main Street, Romsey), orcall council on 5422 0333 so that asurvey can be provided.

To assist with any queries and support survey requests, the Romsey Hub will extend itsopening hours until 8pm on Tuesday,April 2, Wednesday,April 3and Thursday,April 4.

Signs with the message to ‘Keep Romsey pokies free’ were targeted with spray paint last week.

Maldon

Jade Jungwirth

The sun squeezed its way through the clouds for Maldon's147th Easter Parade on Monday,allowing the throngs of people to enjoy the festivities in fine conditions before the rain came.

The historic streets of Maldon were lined with visitors from all over Victoria as they watched firetrucks, historic cars, penny farthings, bands, dragons and floats of every shape, size and colour march along the street.

Vintage vehicles, pushed from behind, struggled up the hill, and in an age-old tradition, the procession looped

around the town, giving spectators the chance to witness the whole parade twice.

The parade draws an end to another hugely successful five-day festival, atradition that began on the dusty Main Street of Maldon in 1877, and which remains the only continuously running Easter festivalinAustralia.

The Maldon Primary School, aka ‘Suess School’, float was one of themost colourful entrants in this year’s parade.

the 147th Maldon Easter Parade on an old-fashioned penny farthing.

Ripping dayinGuildford

The Guildford Grumpies Car Club will be presenting its annual Peter Turner Show and Shine event at the John Powell Recreation Reserve in the heart of Guildford this Sunday

This year’sevent will feature some magnificent attractions including the incomparable Rolls Royce (Spitfire) Merlin engine. All 12 cylinders will be lit up in a‘LOUD’ display of muscle engine power

The Merlin engine will feature alongside the Shannons Super Rig, which contains race car simulators and game stations for the kids and young at heart.

The Peter Turner Show and Shine will feature about 300 classic and vintage cars and bikes on display,along with alarge array of stalls and food and drink and musical entertainment by Judy and The Upright Gentlemen, and the ukulele sounds of the

Sweet Patooties. There will also be aspinning wheel, raffles, CFAdisplay and lots to entertain the whole family

Admission for the general public is just $5 adult and under 16 free. The Peter Turner Show and Shine is the major annual fundraising event for the Guildford Grumpies, who over along period have provided financial support for the those in need, as well as for the local Guildford community,primary school and annual Santa Run by the former Apex Club of Castlemaine. This year the Grumpies are delighted to welcome the support of Castlemaine Rotary Gates open at 9am Sunday April 7, with the event scheduled to finish by 3pm.

Up, up and away!

Kyneton local GeoffMcDermott woke up to an exciting sight out the front of his house last Tuesday

What was thought to be ahot air balloon crash landed was actually aballoon taking offfrom the grassed area atthe first Kyneton freeway exit near Bourke Street.

It was piloted by ahighly skilled balloon instructor who had just learnt that his wife, also apilot, was expecting ababy boy and he was so excited hedecided to gofor ajoy ride.

He landed on afarm north of Kyneton near east Langley

Photo: Geoff McDermott

THENOTA BADVIEWBIT

At the immersiveBBC EarthExperience, you’ll see the world from an entirely new perspective. It’s not the only place this happens in Melbourne either.Just wait until youfind the thought-provoking art galleries,boundary-pushing theatreand sporting eventsthat ignitesomething deep inside you. Getready to see and feel it all, all overthe city.

VISITMELBOURNE.COM

Full speedahead forrail trail

The quest for a world-class rail trail in central Victoria is full speed ahead now that the Castlemaine Maryborough Rail Trail has secured council funding

Both the Central Goldfields and Mount Alexander Shire Councils have agreed to contribute $40,000 each as co-funders, if CMRT's grant application to the Enabling Tourism Fund meets with success CMRT thanks both councils, as well as the Bendigo Bank and the hundreds of volunteers and community supporters

who have made this possible

With CMRT's own fundraising of $20,000 and together with contribution from the two councils, they now have $100,000

CMRT will apply for a further $400,000 from the Enabling Tourism Fund 2024 – supporting Regional and Rural Victorian tourism projects to be ready for infrastructure investment’, which will enable stage two of the rail trails development to be completed

Before the proposed rail trail can be constructed, a number of steps will be required to ensure the project is compliant with legislation, meets community and statewide needs and is supported by a sustainable operating model Successful applications will be announced in July 2024

The bridge over Joyces Creek at the southern end of Cairn Curran is one of many spectacular views along the trail

Youth council to form

Hepburn Shire Council and the Foundation for Young Australians have launched the Young Mayors Program in Hepburn Shire. The program invites young people of Hepburn to actively participate in shaping the community through leadership and decisionmaking roles.

Young people can nominate themselves as candidates, to campaign and be elected to ayouth council.

Nominations are open between April 8 and May 5. Elections will be held June 25-27.

AYoung Mayors Launch event will be held on Friday,April 19, at The ARC in Daylesford from 3.30pm to 5pm.

Eligible candidates must be aged between 11 and 17 years and live, work, or study in Hepburn Shire. For details, visit: fya.org.au

CENTRALVICTORIA

Mable grants

Applications for a Mable Community Grant that funds projects aimed at improving inclusion and independence for older people and people with disabilities are now open.

Charities, community or sporting groups or notfor-profit organisations with an ABN or ACN are encouraged to apply from now until applications close on April 30.

This year there will be four $10,000 grants awarded. For details, visit the website: mable.com. au/communitygrants

Young hero awards open

Young entrepreneurs or business leaders under the age of 35 are encouraged to apply for the CommBank Young Hero Awards.

The awards recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements of young Australian entrepreneurs and business leaders across diverse industries.

For details, or to nominate, visit the website: smallbizweek. com.au/2024-events/ awards2024/

Neurodiversity picnic andsensorydisco

Neurodivergent community members and their allies are invited to get along to the Winters Flat Neurodiversity Picnic and Sensory Bubble Dance on Tuesday April 9.

This special school holiday event will be held on the Winters Flat Primary School oval from 2pm-3pm and will feature stigma-smashing hits from the world'smost popular neurodivergent musicians.

The event is being coordinated by Louise 'Rockabilby' Cooper, founder of ARCANE –Autistic-led Regional Culture Arts Neurodiversity Education and Employment Inc, and Hannah O'Keefe, Winters Flat Primary School student wellbeing worker and child advocate.

Louise is the founder of the Sensory Sanctuary neurodiversity arts festival that was held in Castlemaine last June-July and said the dance element of the festival was extremely well received.

"One parent commented, 'As a parent of an autistic child, alot of what we are taught and support we are given is from therapists who, whilst amazing and very knowledgeable, just don't have the understanding that comes from lived experience. Iusually see my daughter 'switch' into her social masking the moment she leaves the house until the moment we return. Being in an autistic-led environment, Isaw that mask slip away.And for one of the first times I saw her truly authentic self dancing away at the disco, not worried if she were doing it 'right' because everyone was doing it their own amazing way too...'," she said.

"Welook forward to creating another opportunity for participants to enjoy achancetocatch up and the opportunity to express themselves.

"Wehave received funding from the FRRR and the Australian Government to purchase headphones so participants can control how loud or soft they wish to listen to the music."

Hannah said central to wellbeing at Winters Flat was embracing and including all students' experiences of the world in how and what they learned.

"Traditionally,schools have been

rigid and closed to dialogical approaches. That is why events like the Silent Disco offer the neurodivergent community inclusive ways of being part of our school culture. Having said that, all neurotypes are welcome!" Hannah said. Some of the hits to feature will include songs by The Vines, Hole, Jefferson Airplane, Garry Numan, The Monkees, Owl City, Bjork, Maroon 5, Joyner Lucas, Justin Timberlake, Will.i.am, Sam Fender,Brendan Urie, Spice Girls, AWOLNATION, SZA, Cat Burns, Happy Mondays, Brandi Carlile,

Participants are encouraged to 'Dress for Dopamine' –Mix, Mash and Clash –but most importantly make sure you are comfy and ready to dance!

"If you want to wear your fluffy pyjama pants that'scompletely fine!" Louise said.

Entry is just $5. All ages and all neurotypes are welcome.

To book your tickets, visit neurokin.org.au/event/castlemainesilent-bubble-disco

Will Smith, Nirvana, Coal Chamber, Jamie Grace, Soft Cell, BENEE and The Prodigy

Winters Flat Primary student wellbeing worker Hannah O’Keefe, ARCANE founder Louise Cooper and students Ville and Milly are looking forward to the April 9event.

KN276619

1st Kyneton Scouts finished the term by taking part in the annual Jamboree on Pedals with aride through Kyneton and abarbecue.

The Jamboree on Pedals is held every March and encourages scouts across Victoria to get out and participate

in acycling event with their patrol. All 10 scouts were able to take part last week.

The Easter break involved acamping trip for some scouts, especially those planning atrip to the National Jamboree in Queensland next January as they build

Live4Lifetobegin in Hepburn

The innovative Live4Life youth mental health and suicide prevention program will begin in Hepburn Shire this year.

Live4Life brings together rural and regional communities to deliver accredited Youth Mental Health First Aid training, create local partnerships to lead conversations which reduce stigma around mental health, and also promote young leaders as Mental Health Ambassadors. Live4Life is an award-winning prevention model centred on young people themselves. It protects young lives before acrisis occurs. Daylesford College is taking on the role of lead agency in implementing the program.

their camping experience ahead of the 10-night interstate event.

Keep an eye out for scouts around town running raffles, sausage sizzles and collecting cans and bottles for recycling as they raise the money to fund the trip.

Water quality impacted

Wetand hot conditions throughout summer impacted many of Coliban Water’ssupply systems, causing changes to water quality across the region.

Chief officer of assets and operations, Danny McLean, said constantly changing conditions had made the job of treating and delivering drinking water more challenging in recent months.

“Weather events like floods and extreme heat result in higher levels of organic matter,algal blooms and other contaminants entering our waterways, and this means our water treatment plants must work harder to deliver drinking water to our customers,” he said.

In towns connected to the Murray and Campaspe Rivers, some customers have noticed changes to the look, taste or odour of their drinking water due to increased levels of geosmin in their raw water supply

Elevated levels of geosmin do not pose ahealth risk, but it can create a distinct odour,even when present in the tiniest amounts.

While many towns in the north of the Coliban Waterregion source water from rivers, Bendigo, Castlemaine and Kyneton draw water from three storages near Kyneton, and are less impacted by changes in raw water quality

The Upper Coliban, Lauriston and Malmsbury Reservoirs received 8548 megalitres of inflow between December and February,almost double the longterm average.

“It’stypical for our storage levels to fall over summer with less rain and increased demand, but these storages are still sitting at 86 per cent capacity, holding acombined 59,799 megalitres,” Mr McLean said.

“Weare also holding 54,888 megalitres or (98 per cent) of our share of Lake Eppalock. This is 2084 megalitres than at the same time last year

“At Malmsbury Reservoir,249 millimetres of rain fell during summer,which is double thelong-term average. Most of this was received in January,with 152 millimetres of rain falling.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology,summerrainfall was 18.9 per cent above the 1961–1990 average for Australia as awhole.

TheCompostConversation

Profileofa composter

This week we are taking astroll around the Taradale garden of long-time Mount Alexander Shire councillor, Christine Henderson, and having alook under the lid of her compost bins.

Christine and Team Henderson have arural property on the edge of Taradale nestled into the surrounding bush. Productive gardens around the house provide food and bushfire protection for the north-facing home.

As Iarrived, Iwas struck by the wonderful passionfruit vine climbing up and across the north veranda of the house and literally dripping with ripe fruit.

The garden lives on tank water,soChristine and Team have moved to wicking beds for most of their productive veggie growing. Some wonderful use of trellises provide vertical and horizontal growing space while offering shaded gardens underneath for less heat-loving veggies.

Christine is the head composter and has divided composting into two distinct areas. Close to the garden there’s the larger three-bay compost for processing all the garden prunings and woody materials. The garden additions are layered up with animal manures, covered over the top with athick cloth and are regularly watered to keep the pile moist and the decomposition active. This compost gets added to over the year,with abig influx in autumn. Full bays are left to break down while the next bay is filled.

Out the back of the house is Christine’sfood scraps composting area. Ilove seeing awell-organised composting operation, and Christine has everything laid out and ready to go.

Concrete pavers have been laid on levelled ground with two black plastic Gedye-style lidded compost bins sitting on the slab. Christine has rolled fine rodent mesh over the bottom lip of the bin and this, with the pavers, makes aneat rodent-proof system that slows tree roots too. And, don’t worry,Christine tells us “the wormsfind their way in through the gaps”.

Christine collects enough autumn leaves from the deciduous trees on the property for the whole year,sharing that “it'staken along while to realise just how much brown (carbon-rich) material needs to go in”. Leaves are on-hand for adding to every bucket offood scraps from the kitchen –that also including torn up cardboard, paper and tissues –with occasional layers of chopped up weeds (no noxious ones) garden soil and manure added for diversity

Acompost screw then gets agood workout (as does Christine) aerating and blending the top layer with those underneath.

“I know things are going well when the mixture is loose and easy to tap out” she says. “If it'saheavy sludge, then it'stime for serious additions of leaves and sawdust”, which are all there around the composting area, ready to add.

When the first Gedye bin is close to full and can’t be stirred without losing compost over the sides, the next one is started and the original left to rest for several months. Christine observes “there are usually worms through it by then” making it aperfect time to transfer the pre-

cious material to the waiting garden beds.

YIMBY composters are often observing the kick they getout of being in the garden and part ofthose living and dying processes. Christine knows this buzz well, saying “I love it when the steam rises offthe top ofthe mixture on acool morning. Ihold my hand over it and feel the warmth. Compost is magic!”

We think so too!

–JoelMeadows works with *Yes In My Back Yard, (YIMBY), acommunity-scale composting initiative in Castlemaine and surrounds. Send questions orcomments to hello@yimbycompost. com, or tobook in for acompost workshop!

Housing programopens

The federal government’s Housing Support Program is now open for applications from state, territory and local governments for projects to boost the planning required to increase housing supply.

Applications for stream one of the program are open from now until until 12pm on April 29.

Stream two will provide funding for projects that provide enabling infrastructure and amenities such as footpaths, roads and parks to support new housing. This stream will open for applications in May.

For further details, visit: infrastructure.gov.au

Christine Henderson tends her compost bins.

AI increasescyber crime scare

New data reveals that more than half (66 per cent) of Australians say artificial intelligence has made them more concerned about identity theft.

According to asurvey by cyber safety brand, Norton, despite the majority (63 per cent) of Australians worrying that their identity was vulnerable to cybercriminals, only 30 per cent knew how to tell if their personally identifiable information had been stolen or compromised. It reveals only 40 per cent know what to do if their PII has been compromised or stolen.

“Weare seeing agrowing trend towards identity crime, and we are seeing the horrible personal and financial consequences of this in the news every day,” said Mark Gorrie, APAC managing director for Norton.

“With stolen personal information, acybercriminal could open acredit card in your name, apply for financial services, run up debts, or even obtain apassport in your name. It’simportant that Australians understand how they can stay one step ahead and prevent this from happening.

“There are many ways someone can fall victim to cyber-attack

related identity theft, and phishing is one of the most common. Cybercriminals will trick people into divulging sensitive information by posing as atrusted source –and artificial intelligence has made this all the easier

“As scammers continue to evolve in sophistication, it is more important than ever that Australians are aware of the cybersecurity measures they can practise to give themselves afirst line of defence against scammers and prevent the devastating personal and financial damage that can come with identity theft.”

Mark has shared his tips for guarding yourself against identity theft:

•Becareful with what you share online

•Protect your accounts with strong passwords

•Know the warning signs such as unusual charges to your bank account, so you can intercept as soon as possible.

•Install robust security software

•Beprepared to act if your data is compromised, such as changing passwords, and report the breach to your bank if needed.

Autumn workshops

Macedon Ranges has always been ahub for the creative, the artists and the makers. It also attracts those who think alittle alternatively and, dare we we say,a little bit hippy Twosuch artists are Janet DiPilla and Glenda Anstey-Sprigg, who have spent their working lives teaching children and now dedicate their weekends teaching others to admire and sustainably use the spectacular autumnal foliage.

They also advocate for sustainable art practices to ensure future generations get to enjoy the region as well.

To celebrate autumn this April, Janet and Glenda are both running workshops at the Old Auction House in Kyneton, which they hope will stir people'screative juices while learning how art can be part of the solution.

Janet is running afull-day Eco-Printing workshop, teaching how to sustainably

collect native and exotic flora, and use it to create vibrant prints on both paper and silk. Participants will leave with afinished scarf, their prints and the instructions to continue their journey at home.

“It’salittle bit science, achunkofsustainability,steamed in creative juices, that creates someamazing art,” Janet says, “once you start, every plant becomes acreative opportunity.”

Glenda is running a2.5 hour workshop in 3D WetFelting, where participants will learn how to turn dyed merino wool rovings into felt pods in acolour palette based onthe coloursofautumn in the Macedon Ranges, showing how you can use natural fibres to create usable objects in your home.

For more information or to book into one of their autumn workshops, visit theoldauctionhouse.com.au/workshops

Janet DiPilla is running afull-day Eco-Printing workshop at the Old Auction House in Kyneton this month.

Music,words andmoreatWWAF

Recognised as the longest standing winter arts festival in Australia, the highly-anticipated Woodend Winter Arts Festival returns this June, delivering afour-day feast of music, words and ideas in the heart of the Macedon Ranges.

Taking place over the King’sBirthday long weekend, from June 7-10, WWAF will present adynamic program of music, and words and ideas events.

World-class performers will be joined by some of Australia’sbrightest minds for aseries of incredible performances and discussions –all within a relaxed and intimate village setting.

More than 100 artists will perform during the festival in various venues throughout the charming village of Woodend. From the incredible acoustics of St Ambrose Church, to the intimacy of the St Ambrose Hall next door,this is an event where you can witness the musical genius of artists who usually perform at major concert halls.

Whether you are aclassical music aficionado or simply want to experience adifferent type of music, the program offers something for everyone.

Highlights of the music program include alively performance by Southern Spanish guitarist Paco Lara, who will perform Flamenco of SouthernSpain, accompanied by flamenco dancer Deya Giner

Jazz great Paul Grabowsky will showcase the piano across centuries, performing selections from his album Solo,while twice ARIA-nominated Nat Bartsch will transport the audience into the realm of new jazz with her awardwinning ensemble.

London-based pianist Piers Lane will perform Chopin, Smetana and Mozart, while Woodend’sown Jacqueline Ogeil leads Accademia Arcadia’s performance of the Early Solo Concertos on the Cristofori piano.

Australian tenor Daniel Thomson returns from Europe to perform Schubert Lieder with John O’Donnell, who will also conduct two performances of Bach’smighty St John Passion with Ensemble Gombert and Accademia Arcadia.

The Words and Ideas program will deliver engaging debates and discussions on challenging contemporary issues discussing topics ranging from ‘city versus country’, to ‘machines versus humans’.

Expect to hear from bright minds such as Nobel Prize winner Peter Doherty and broadcaster/journalists Gideon Haigh, Elizabeth Finkel, George Megalogenis and Don Watson.

Andrew Ford will reveal his latest book, while ABC Radio presenter Robyn Williams will lead afun and insightful discussion on ‘Sex, Science and Singing’ with geneticist Jenny Graves.

Tickets are on sale now.Toview WWAF’sfullprogram of events and to book tickets, visit woodendwinterartsfestival.org.au.

Follow WWAF on Facebook @WoodendWinterArtsFestival or on Instagram @woodendwinterarts

Artanica – abotanic artexhibition

The biennial botanic art exhibition, ARTANICA, showcasing the remarkable talent of the Mount Macedon and District Horticultural Society’sbotanic artists, will be held from April 13 to 28.

For more than adecade, the Society has been supporting an active group of talented artists many who exhibit both nationally and internationally

The group include artists who regularly exhibit in major exhibitions at both the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Sydney,aswell as members who have exhibited works in major international institutions such as the Hunt Institute, USA, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London.

This is an opportunity to view and purchase original works and admire the diversity of approaches that the artists employ in this highly demanding artform.

All works are exquisitely executed in fine detail using the highest quality materials and avariety of mediums including watercolour works on paper and vellum, as well as works in graphite, and pen and ink.

The Macedon Ranges has along history of botanic artists including: the 19th century Mount Macedon resident Ellis Rowan, naturalist and illustrator whose botanic art work is in numerous national galleries and institutions; in the 20th century Joan Law-Smith well respected gardener,botanic artist, writer and patron who created the magnificent Macedon garden, Bolobek; in the 1980s Jenny Phillips, Kyneton, founder of the Melbourne School of Botanic Art, highly regarded international botanic artist whose work is in galleries and institutions worldwide; and 21st century Anita Barley,Woodend, currently working and residing in Kew Gardens London, Botanic Illustrator at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, aFellow of the Linnean Society London, winner of numerous awards internationally and within Australia whose works are represented in multiple international galleries and institutions s

These artists are continuing this tradition while adopting a contemporary approach and style, and awish to capture the biodiversity of plants found in both the natural landscape and historic gardens.

The exhibition hours are 10am to 4.30pm. Saturday to Tuesdays, plus Anzac Day,inthe Mount Macedon Horticultural Hall, Mount Macedon Golf Club.

All works are original and for sale. Join this fabulous event and have e opportunity to view works from established and emerging artists. All

Southern Spanish guitarist Paco Lara will perform Flamenco of Southern Spain, accompanied by flamenco dancer Deya Giner.

MTORING M

What to do when carvsroo

Victoria data revealed 10,643 native animals were reported to be hit by avehicle on the state’sroads during the 2022-2023 financial year,anincrease of 15 per cent from the previous year

The total number of wildlife hit by vehicles is also likely to be much higher,asmany incidents are not registered with Wildlife Victoria.

Aspokesperson for the organisation said this wasn’t just aproblem for regional or rural drivers, with incidents happening across the state as urbanisation pushes wildlife into more highly populated areas, resulting in more interactions with people and roads.

Insurance claims data from the RACV reveals just how prevalent the problem is, with more than 6000 RACV collision claims involving native animals last year in Victoria.

RACV head of policy,James Williams, said it was important to know what to do should you come across wildlife while driving.

‘‘The safest option is to plan your trip to avoid driving at dawn and dusk, when wildlife is often most active,” Mr Williams said.

Of the 10,643 reported incidents, eastern grey kangaroos represented 65 per cent of animals struck. However,the casualties included awide range of Australian species such as wombats, possums, koalas, echidnas and birds like cockatoos and magpies. How to avoid hitting wildlife and what to do if you do

*Look out for wildlife and drive at asafe speed that reduces your chance of hitting an animal. If you do spot an animal on the road while driving, slow down and prepare to brake safely.Avoid swerving as this could cause danger to yourself and other road users.

*Avoid driving at dusk and dawn. This is when many native species are most active. If you do have to drive at this time, ensure you actively look ahead, reduce speed and use high beams in poor visibility –however ensure you dim them if you see acar approaching.

*Ifyou do hit wildlife, safely park your vehicle offthe road, turn on your hazards and check that you and your passengers are unharmed before checking on the animal. If anyone is injured, call 000.

*Call Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300 to report the incident. Their Emergency Response Service will provide free advice and assistance, 24/7.

The great swap meet

Castlemaine'sCamp Reserve will be bustling with activity on Sunday April 7 for one of the region'slargest and most successful events, the Castlemaine Lions Club Swap Meet.

This year marks the 38th annual swap meet. It is expected to once again draw thousands of visitors through the gates from across the state and beyond to buy and browse from 550 plus stalls selling all manner of things.

Castlemaine Lions Club Swap Meet chairman, Ron Gartside, said patrons could expect to find atreasure trove of vintage and veteran car and motorcycle

parts, memorabilia, antiques, collectables and bric-a-brac.

"You may even find avehicle or two up for grabs," he said.

"Wehave stallholders coming from all over Victoria and some from South Australia and New South Wales and Tasmania.

There will be onsite catering available throughout the day including abarbecue, hot food, fresh sandwiches, hot and cold drinks and more. Gates open at 6am.

Entry is $8. Children under 15 free.

For more information email Ron at rongartside@live.com.au

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Campers preparing to hit the road these school holidays are urged to remain safe and plan ahead.

Australia has more than 830,000 registered caravans and RVsand, with many planning to travel again over the break, taking precautions and preplanning is vital to ensure asafe trip and enjoyable holiday

In preparation for the holidays, Caravan Industry Association of Australia has been sharing road safety information regarding pre-planning your trip to manage fatigue, appropriate use of rest areas including truck stops, vehicle preparation, sharing the road with trucks, towing and caravan park shared spaces.

Other top tips include advising friends

Stay safe

and family ofyour itinerary,allowing extra time due to the increased traffic, sharing the driving duties if you can, ensuring you have games and snacks for you and the kids to help pass the time and most importantly,being patient.

The caravan industry has grown significantly in recent years, CIAA’srecent business condition report showed the growth in the number of annual caravan and camping trips in Australia had overtaken the 2019 levels, with 15.5 million trips and 60.9 million visitor nights recorded at year end of September 2023.

For more caravan use tips, see towing. letsgocaravanandcamping.com.au as well as the site coexist.org.au

SUPER QUIZ?

Local knowledge (1 point)

1. Where is the Golden Dragon Museum located?

2. Where in Mount Alexander would you find Das Kaffeehaus?

3. Live and Local forms part of what returning festival?

4. Tony Davis is known as co-founder of which local Little Athletics club? (3 points)

5. Who were this year’s McIntyre Cup Premiers?

General knowledge (1 point)

6. What year did Taylor Swift release her album Reputation?

7. Australian-born Priscilla Hon is best known for which sport?

8. Kathmandu is the capital of which country?

9. Buddy is the nickname for which AFL star? (3 points)

10. John Travolta plays which character in the cult classic Quentin Tarantino film Pulp Fiction?

Good plans indeed

Heather Juniper,Castlemaine

Irefer to the letter by Karel Turang ('A time in one'slife', Opinions, March 19), concerning the source of his quotation.

It was through the prophet Jeremiah, in abook of his name in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, that God spoke to his people, saying "For Iknow the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and afuture. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and Iwill listen to you. Youwill seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Chapter 29:verses 11-13)

Christianity is about having atrusting relationship with the God who made us and loves us. We just celebrated Good Friday.Why 'good'? By his death on the cross, Jesus made it possible for us to be forgiven and brought back into arelationship with God. In this way he supplied the answer to our deepest need –forgiveness. Jesus said "I am the way,the truth and the life. No one comes to the father (God) except through me." (John 14:6).

We are offered forgiveness, life abundant, reconciliation with God the perfect Father who loves us; promises for hope and afuture. Good plans indeed.

Councilisholding up the project

RobBakes, Kyneton

After much public consultation, Macedon Ranges Shire Council approved the building of new changerooms for Kyneton Football Netball Club. That decision included the removal of 10 very mature trees on the northwest corner of the sporting complex.

The decision to remove the trees is being challenged in VCATbylocals.

We support the long overdue building of decent, safe and healthy changerooms for the netballers atthe Kyneton sportsground. What we oppose is the unnecessary removal of the 10 mature trees to build thoserooms.

During the consultation process for this development, two options were considered on the positioning of the chang-

erooms. The one approved by the council and another that did not require the trees to be removed.

In the consultation process, the community,other clubs using the sports ground, including the netball club, supported the option that did not require the trees to be removed. This was ignored by the council, for nogood reason.

The sporting ground is used year round by many clubs including junior cricketers and Little Athletics. Unlike the netballers those kids use the facilities in summer when heat is at its greatest and capable of causing serious issues.

It is well known that mature deciduous trees play an important role in reducing air temperatures.

The state government recognises this through recent legislation on climate change and health effects of heat. That legislation has become the source of policies that bind and have been accepted by MRSC. The problem is theyhave ignored these policies in making this decision

Acommunity petition containing more than 1400 signatures has asked the council not to remove the trees and instead to build the changerooms in the space thatdoesn’t require the removal of the trees. Aspace supported by other user groups

This matter could be resolved today if the council agreed to build the changerooms without removing the trees. There is aplace on the land where that could be done and it has almost universal community support. It is not the applicants to VCATbut thecouncil who is holding up this project.

Difficulttomakesense of Rose

Latimer,Romsey

Re. the application to put pokie gambling machines in the Romsey Hotel.

The Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme at Clause 52.28 and the Schedule to Clause 52.28, expressly forbids electronic gaming machines (pokie machines) in strip shopping centres and areas where they are convenient to concentrations of shops and major community facilities. The Romsey Hotel is clearly located in astrip shopping centre and is next door to the Public Library and the Community Centre, which are community hubs.

As well as this, there are few alternative entertainments available to people in Romsey and there are many other factors in the Romsey application that go against the express planning requirements for their location.

The application should have been dismissed early on rather than wasting everyone'stime, money and effort. The application clearly goes against the planning requirements for gaming machines in the Macedon Ranges.

Why asmall local sport club wants to introduce aproduct that has been proved to damage communities and small economies while also attracting all this negative publicity is difficult to make sense of.

Microgridsthe way forward for regional communities

RayPeck, Hawthorn

With the recentpower outages from extreme weather events in February,thereis growing interest in home solar and battery systems that are 'blackout proof'.

These are solar panels and battery systems that keep supplying household appliances during apower outage.

The back-up function, which is standard in many newer battery systems, allows the batteries to operate by ‘islanding’ the whole system and the house from the grid. But not everyone can afford such systems. So, it was pleasing to read about the microgrids being considered for Lancefield, Trentham and Ballan ('Microgrids for three towns', Express, March 26). Microgrids can island awhole community in an outage and supply households with power from alarge-scale community battery While there are nearly 700 microgrids in the US, there are few in Australia.

Coober Pedy in SA has ahybrid microgrid powered by solar and wind, backed up with battery power and diesel, for example.

As extreme weather events increase in strength and frequency,microgrids will eventually provide improved energy security to communities in remote and regional Australia.

Lancefield, Trentham and Ballan will be astep ahead.

ClocksgobackonSunday

Daylight savings ends on Sunday,April 7at3am when clocks should turned be back one hour to 2am.

As people prepare to change their clocks, Victorian fire services want people to take the opportunity to check smoke alarms and ensure they are in good working condition.

To check your smoke alarm, press ‘test’ and wait for the beeping sound, then each month continue to test, vacuum and dust your alarm to remove any particles that may affect its performance.

When checking, installing, or replacing smoke alarms, the CFArecommends:

Smoke alarms must be located between each bedroom area and the rest of the house.

Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom and living area.

Smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling at least 30cm from the wall, or installed on the wall at least 30cm from the ceiling to avoid dead air space.

Replaceable batteries in asmoke alarm need to be changed yearly

Smoke alarms, including those attached to mains power, should be replaced every 10 years

Super Quiz answers: 1. Bendigo. 2. Castlemaine. 3. Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival. 4. Kyneton. 5. Gisborne. 6. 2017. 7. Tennis. 8. Nepal. 9. Lance Franklin. 10. Vincent Vega.

autumnglow w

CHOOSEYOUR OWNADVENTURE AUTUMNFESTIVAL FROM APRIL 5-28.

AND EXPERIENCE THEVIBRANT MACEDON RANGES

Ninecharmingvillagesaresettocomealive andflourishwithiconicautumnaldelights.

Enjoy local culinary treats, artisanal workshops, live music in rustic country halls and unique events. Explore genuine farmers markets and indulge in tipple trails, featuring fabulous local gins, craft beers, cool climate wines and ciders.

Follow the Autumn Festival Treasure Trail to the best autumn picnic spots around the region, all featuring beautiful leafy locations. Solve the Treasure Trail puzzle as you meander across the Macedon Ranges to be in the running for afabulous festival prize.

And remember to pick up your Festival Food and Drink Passport and collect your stamps as you eat and drink your way around the region for another entry in the festival prize draw

TheKynetonHotel

Travelling along the Autumn Festiva Pie and Tart Trail? Take aturn into The Kyneton Hotel to enjoy their PotPie of the Day.And naturally enough, they are also on the Tipple Trail so there’s even more to be had in this classic country pub with atwist!

Also from April 5-26, The Kyneton Hotel will be doing Fancy Friday Lunches in collaboration with the well-knownand highly-regarded winery, Passing Clouds, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Dates: Fridays, April 5, 12, 19 and 2 two courses $69, three courses $89 al’s 26 9

TreasureTrail

Gather the festival bounty of pies, tarts and tipples, and prepare your very own luscious picnic to end all picnics. Follow the Autumn Festival Treasure Trail for gathering place inspiration and discover eight more stunning reasons to love autumn in the Macedon Ranges.

The 2024 Treasure Trail highlights leafy autumn local picnic hotspots such as Kyneton Botanic Gardens, Woodend Children’s Park, Lancefield Park, Gisborne Adventure Park, award-winning Romsey Ecotherapy Park, Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, Kyneton Mineral Springs, and the Walter JSmith Reserve (Lake Park) in Riddells Creek.

To help you on your wayalong the Treasure Trail,collect your Festival Map. Each of the Treasure Trail locations feature aclue you willneed to collect to enter the Treasure Trail competition and be in the running for the amazing Autumn Festival Prize Draw.

Discover the range of Autumn Festival events at visitmacedonranges.com/ autumn-festival www.visitmacedonranges.com/autumn-festival

AutumnFestival highlights

HangingRockWinery

RUntil April 30, Hanging Rock Winery is presenting Artinthe Vines.It’s one of Victoria’s largest outdoor art exhibitions! Entry is free. More than 25 renowned local and national artists exhibit sculptures in what promises to be an extraordinary exhibition stagedatavenue that has fast established itself as the home of sculpture in the Macedon Ranges and oneofthe biggest sculpture exhibitionsinthe state. What’s better than aguided wine tasting from the region’s largest selection, then walking the sculpture before kicking back andtreating you to one of their cheese boards andtaking in the Macedon Ranges’ most iconic vista. Sculpture exhibition and cellar door open daily from 10am-5pm. y e t urself aking in

FookShing

One of Kyneton’s culinary stars is the famous Foo Shing on PiperStreet. Popular for its modern twist on South-East Asian cuisine, it also has ahistorical bentbecause it is named after a Chinese Goldfields detective who helped keep law and orderonthe diggingsway back the century before last. Fook Shing offers shared banquet or individual dishes on its menu and to celebrate the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival will be part of the Edgy Veg Trail. For this, Fook Shing will star its vegan mapo tofu which, as well as tofu, will encompass mushrooms and cabbage in asichuan-style sauce.

e

ok

y Force o labo t’s a thin o u ca Mac

The produce, E

TheTuberousBegoniaGarden

LyonsWillEstate of Nature is returning to Lyons Will Estate. A oration between farmer, chef and winemaker, acelebration of autumnal produce and all ngs local.

Matt Donnelly and Jo Corrigan, from Forces of Nature Food Co (Mushrooms Anonymous), are two ex-professional chefs and restaurateurs turned foragers and growers.

As part of the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival their beautiful produce will be cooked by friends of Lyons Will, Ana Cortes (pictured) and HannahWatt whose culinary experience has beenkey in creating an exciting menu utilisingthe best of the region using what’s in season at the farm and what an be foraged from the forests envelopingthe cedon Ranges, elunch is aperfect way to celebrate beautiful autumn flavours and superb wines at the Lyons Will Estate cellar door.

FollowaTippleTrail

Taste the Macedon Ranges’ cool climate wines, craft beers, gins and ciders, on aseries of self-drive Tipple Trails. Wet your whistle in awelcoming country pub and discover back country roads. Plan to travel responsibility with adesignated driver, book alocal tour guide, or get around using public transport.

For those who like tongue twisters, you might choose to say it three times –get on to the Lancefield Triple Tipple Tour. Further north on your tipple journey is ahistoric pub –the Kyneton Hotel, also featuring on the new Kyneton Quaff Trail for 2024. With seven venues within walking distance, the inaugural Quaff might provide another incentive to catch public transport.

With any purchase you make at Tipple Trail locations, be sure to collect astamp on your Festival Food and Drink Passport to go into the festival competition draw. Check the festival website or the festival map for more info.

There are 10 tempting Tipple Trailstochoose from in 2024 featuring local wines, gins, ciders and craft beer Gin Tipples, Lancefield Triple Tipple Tour, Autumn Red Wine Lovers, Backcountry Tipples, Cobaw Ranges Tipples, Laneways of Lancefield, Kyneton Quaff, Wander Woodend and The Pinot Trail.

Tuberous begoniasare spectacular. Their show of co makes growing them most rewarding. If you have ev seen these plants en masse andwondered how you could create such aspectacle,even on asmall scale, agood way to begin is with asingle pot or two and armed with expert advice, you could soon have something very special.

The ideal place to enjoy these plants, and indeed find out all about them, is at the fourth Annual Tuberous Begonia, Fuchsia and Plant Show held by aficionados of these plants, Jesse and Peter of The Tuberous Begonia GardeninAshbourne, just out of Woodend.

Jesse says shade-lovingtuberous begoniasare best suited to climates that are cool at night. Go to www.whitehousenursery.com.au and click Tuberous Begonia, Fuchsia and Plant Show, in the banner and you’ll find aYouTube tutorial with Jesse explainingthe care of atuberous begonia

er

Food&DrinkPassport

The Passport is your key to an entry in the 2024 Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival prize draw. Simply gather atotal of four Festival Passport stamps when you make apurchase at participating venues along the food or drink-based Trails. (More competition info can be found on the festival website or map).

Fortheloveofpastry

Discover the Macedon RangesAutumn Pie and Tart Trail for aflavourful experience of pastry treats and colour across the region. From classic country bakeries to cellar doors, create your own scenic foodieadventure across nine villages from April 5-28. Dine with aglass of wine or take your pies and fruity tarts for apicturesque picnic among leafy giants in public parks –whatever takes your pie fancy.

In fact, enjoying just four pies or tarts, with corresponding Passport stamps at pie andtart venues, will sure up your Food and Drink Passport competition entry.

TheEdgeonVeg

Celebrate gourmet local food and produce, delectable regional flavours, and mealsthat give back to the planet on the Edgy Veg Trail, with thanks to the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group throughout the 2024 Autumn Festival. Edgy Veg participating cafes, pubs and restaurants will be serving innovative and ecofriendly dishes made from 100 per centplants –many grown locally.

Visit cafes or pubs on the trail, and in addition to the Autumn Festival’s Food and Drink Passport, score your nominated plant-based dish to enter the Edgy Veg prize draw. Not only will you get to try something delicious, but you will also be supportinghospitality businesses and local veggie producers.

PoetryinPrint

Trio Art Studio and Gallery willbepresenting an exhibit of original prints showcasing apartnership between images and the written word, created by agroup of artists who explore traditionaland contemporary printmaking techniques, illustrating the written word in their designs. The exhibitionwill also displayworks inspired by other writers with aunique perspective on their writings and more.

Featured in the exhibition is the work of Anton Hasell. Anton creates relief prints from new technology, computer laser cut metal plates, to print words and images together.

The exhibition will open with aspecial eventonSunday April 7at2pm.Admission $25 per person. Performing will be poetMyron Lysenko and the poetry b Black Forest Smoke. Nibbles and refreshments provide Bookings are essential www.trybooking.com/COXQD

ParksideWinery

hePig&WhistleHotel

As the leaves turn to atapestry of red and gold, the Pig &Whistle Hotel invites you to experience the ultimate comfort food –their signature Guinness Pie, headlining its rich, hearty flavours that pair perfectly with their Australian fare. The pub is ahaven for all, with an outdoor beer garden pairedwith a playground, and live music that elevates the festival atmosphere. Join in acelebration of good food, great music, and the community coming together in the Macedon Ranges. Come rthe pie, stay for thevibes!

Located in the heart of the Macedon Ranges, Parkside Winery is aboutique winery producing hand-crafted premium sparkling and small-batch table wines –pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc –that capture the character and terroir of this single vineyard. Autumn is afabulous time of the year at Parkside …itis picking time for the vintage and by the end of April the leaves have changed colour making Parkside’s country vistas even more spectacular.

Artisan cheese platters from Long Paddock Cheese in Castlemaine plusgourmet pizzas are available to accompany your autumn wineexperience taking in the historical surroundings of the property’s original horse stables.

WombatForest Wines

Wombat Forest Wines is diving into the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival with music and Pie and Tart Trail treats! Jared Brentnall and Mark Howard will perform on Saturday April 13 and 27, and you can also enjoy a omemade gluten-free lemon tart ed with aglass of chardonnay gthe month of April.

hed in 1997,this family owned and operated winery with cellar room and courtyard, awaits you to enjoy the extensive views of the Wombat State Forest. Guests can also enjoy aglass of wine and platter on the deck or by the wood fire. Cellar door open Friday-Sunday, 11am-5pm.

MaisonMaloa

Maison Maloa in Woodend is the ide place to stock up for that picnic in one of the Macedon Ranges parks during the Autumn Festival You can also dinein-house beginning with breakfast. Their ever-changing menu is simple comfort food with aseasonal edge and featuressupplies from the best the region has to offer, such as Istra small goods and Holy Goat Cheese. The menu changes weekly.

Maison Maloa sources the latest products for its food store, and stock high-quality fine food on their pantry shelves, sourced from international a local producers. Maison Maloa is fully licensed and sells quality wines by the glass or bottle. Local beer is available to take home or to enjoy in store.

TheOldAuctionHouse

ks and y a ho pair ring Establish d t e cited gg th website e n e, to

CountryCanvas

sse is afull-time artist living in Macedon Ranges with agallery in lmsbury. Country Canvases by aAlysse will be holding themed guided classes weekly during the Autumn Festival. As well, she’ll have astall at Malmsbury Village Fayre on Sunday April 28 selling originalartwork, which will provide the perfect time to have achat with her about both her art and those classes.

Also keep an eye on the mural aisworking on for Nellie’s Shed den nursery) in Woodend. It will eiled in autumn.

The Old Auction House team is exc to be part of the Autumn Festival again this year. Exhibitingwill be Changing Hues, agroup exhibition that showcases the gorgeous changing landscapes of the Macedon Rangesinautumn as well as two exciting new workshops. The first is afloral still life acrylic painting workshop with local artist Emily Raubenheimer and the other awet felting workshop with Glenda Anstey-Sprig who’ll offer hands-onexperience wi her 3D wet felted pod. All information can be foundonthe

KynetonRidgeEstate

Autumn is abusy time at Kyneton Ridge Estate, as it is with other wineries throughout the Macedon Ranges. vintage is underway. But that doesn’t detract from the experience you can enjoy. Drop in at Kyneton Ridge Estate and you’ll find they are part of the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival Pie and Tart Trail. It’s well worth stopping by on the trail at Kyneton Ridge where you can enjoy a chocolate and pecanpie with vanilla bean ice cream. Of course while you are there you will want try some of their fabulous wines, which could include some new releases. If you want to linger longer, bookatable at their restaurant, which is open Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-5pm.

AUTUMNFESTGOESliveandlocal cal

MacedonRangesAutumnFestivalisshowcasingevenmoreofthedistrictthisyear r withlocalartistsperformingincommunityhallsacrosstheshire. Twenty-threebandsorsinger/songwriterswillbeperformingeveryFriday, S SaturdayandSundayduringAprilwithlocalwineriesandfoodtrucksshowcasing regionalproduce.

The community halls understand the cost of living impacting families across the shire. They have all come together to keep prices affordable while beingable to enjoy the very best that Macedon Ranges has to offer. Grab your tickets now as these shows have limited capacity and will sell out!

LiveandLocalatLancefieldMechanics–JarrodShawandWhiskeyRouges

Friday April 5, 6.30pm. Tickets $15. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1151766

LiveandLocalatBolindaHall–DollaPots

Saturday April 6, 6.30pm. Tickets $15. Table of 10 $120. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1141538

LiveandLocalatBayntonHall–ValleyRoadandLukeWatt

Sunday April 7, 12pm. Tickets: $15.50 and children under15free. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1151616

LiveandLocalatMalmsburyTownHall–TimRogersandTheMods

Friday April 12, 7pm. Tickets: $30. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1153100

LiveandLocalatNewhamMechanics–ShoutOuttotheGirls

Saturday April 13, 7pm. Tickets: $15. Featuring: Lizanne Richards, Sage Roadknight, Juliarna Clark andMariah McCarthy. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1150957

LiveandLocalatKynetonMuseum–TheRattlers

Sunday April 14, noon.Tickets: Adult $5, concession $3, student $3, child (under five) $2.50, family $10, children under two are free. Bookings: mrarts.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/117587

LiveandLocalatTyldenHall–TheLydiansandTheMaineGroovers

Friday April 19, 7pm, Tickets: Adult $10, children (U16) $5 and preschool children free.

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1156763

LiveandLocalatBullengarookHall–EstaChristensenandCupid’sIrony

Saturday April 20, 7pm Tickets: $15. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1153796

LiveandLocalatKynetonMuseum–TheVintageBluesMachine

Sunday April 21, noon Tickets: Adult $5, concession $3, student $3, child (under5)$2.50, family $10, children under two are free. Bookings: mrarts.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/117600

LiveandLocalatLauristonhall–TheMartiniSet

Friday April 26, 7.30pm. Tickets: $20. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1154144

LiveandLocalatRomseyMechanics–Cupid’sIrony&WhiskeyRouges

Saturday April 27, 7.30pm. Tickets $15. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1146210

LiveandLocalattheKynetonMuseum–TheMartiniSet

Sunday Apr 28, noon. Tickets: Adult $5, concession $3, student $3, child (under five) $2.50, family $10, children under two are free. Bookings: mrarts.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/117605

Formoreinformationregardingthegigsandthe artistsplayingcheckoutthewebsite: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/liveandlocal

Sutton Grange Baringhup,Muckleford, Yapeen.

ELLIOTT MIDLAND NEWSPAPERS

KYNETON

3Market St., PO Box153,Kyneton, 3444

Telephone: (03) 5422 1488

Facsimile: General (03) 5422 3173

CASTLEMAINE

13 Hargraves St.,POBox 227,Castlemaine,3450

Telephone: (03) 5472 1788

Facsimile: (03) 5472 4504

OFFICE HOURS

MondaytoFriday8.30 am-5.00 pm

EDITORIAL

MondaytoFriday8.30

Gisborne Singers in rehearsal.

GisborneSingers in classical celebration

The Gisborne Singers are busy rehearsing for their first concerts of the 2024 season.

Featuring the distinguished soprano soloist, Merlyn Quaife, and the Macedon Ranges Chamber Orchestra, the unique program includes Mozart (Exsultate Jubilate, Laudate Dominum, Regina Coeli), Haydn (Te Deum) and Handel (Zadock the Priest).

Join them for an afternoon of musical discovery as they travel through time and experience the emotions and cultural significance embedded in these remarkable pieces.

The first concert is on Sunday April 28

at 2.30pm, Our Lady of the Rosary, Kyneton (afternoon tea provided)

www.trybooking.com/COHHD

Asecond concert will be held on Sunday May 5at2.30pm, St Mary’s, Sunbury

www.trybooking.com/COHHN

Tickets $55 full, $45 concession, under 12 free.

Enquiries to 0480 156 263 or go to the website www.gisborne.harmonysite.com.

The Gisborne Singers welcome new members. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays at the Gisborne Uniting Church in Brantome Street, Gisborne. Enquiries to: president@gisbornesingers.org.au

Browse exquisite handmade art and craft work and speak to the artists who created them at the Old Gisborne Court House on April 6-7.

Phoenix artshowand sale

The Phoenix Macedon Ranges Art and Craft Group is hosting an exhibition and sale weekend at Gisborne in April.

Browse exquisite handmade art and craft work and speak to the artists who created them at the Old Gisborne Court House on April 6-7.

Members work within awide range of creative activities including painting, glass art, ceramics, jewellery,paper craft, woodwork, textile art and knitted crafts.

The Phoenix Macedon Ranges Art and Craft group was formed after the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires. This year is the group's40th anniversary

The exhibition will be held at the Old Gisborne Court House. 4Hamilton Street, Gisborne, on Saturday,April 6from 10am to 4pm, and Sunday,April 7from 9am to 3pm.

This event coincide'swith the Gisborne Olde Time Market on Sunday

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

Theatre workshop in Bendigo

Arena Theatre Company is offering a four-day school holiday course for students aged 12-15, at Bendigo, April 8-11.

Participants will be working with astory called Finnegan the Fart Detective by Lachlan Woods.

Using the story as ascript, they will explore ways to create characters using their voice, and they will have alot of fun creating and performing sound effects to enhance the story

This course will be facilitated by professional actor,voice over artist, photographer and writer,Lachlan Woods.

The program will be offered at MacGillivray Hall, 132 McCrae Street, Bendigo, April 8-11, from 9.30am to 4pm, with a performance on April 11 at 6pm.

Cost: $100. For details or bookings, visit: arenatheatre.com.au

256 Zig ZagRoad, Drummond North

Open this Thursday 12.00pm -12.45pm & Saturday 12.15pm -12.45pm

For Sale

EPR: $1,400,000 -$1,500,000

Bellevue Farm: A Captivating Blend of History and Modern Comforts

'Bellevue'isasprawling 42-acreestateboasting historic charmand modern amenities.The main residenceoffersspaciousbedrooms, arenovated kitchenand acharmingsaloonbar.The originalhomestead, though in need of restoration, presentsnumerouspossibilities.Additional features include a machineryshed, horseand goat shelters andaserene 'LoveShack'retreat

22 Camp Street, Trentham

Open this Sunday 11.45am -12.15pm

For Sale

EPR:$1,450,000 –1,550,000

Designer ArtDeco Livinginthe Heart of Trentham

Enjoyaseamless blendofclassic features andmodernamenities,including acaptivating façade,two living areasand astunningkitchen.Luxurious accommodations include2ensuitesand amasterbedroom withawalkthrough robe.Meticulousrefurbishment ensures year-roundcomfort. Outside, an elevateddeck, landscapedgardens anddirect access to ascenicnature reserveoffer theperfect retreat.

931sqm

16 Hunter Street, Malmsbury

Bespoke Straw Bale Retreat on 1.6Ha

Open this Thursday 1.00pm -1.30pm & Saturday 2.00pm -2.30pm

For Sale

EPR: $1,000,000- $1,100,000

Discoverthe epitome of rural blissinMalmsbury withthisstunning 4-acre lifestyleproperty. Abespoke strawbale home offers sustainablelivingwhile thespaciousinteriorboastsfivebedrooms, twobathrooms andversatile spaces. Enjoycountry vistas,nativelandscapingand convenientamenities just moments away

5

7 2 2 3 4 1.6 ha 17.6 ha

37 Wright Street, Elphinstone

Designer Living on 4070 sqm

Open this Saturday 2.45pm -3.15pm

For Sale

EPR: $1,150,000 -$1,250,000

CraftedbyRussell Parsons, this three-year-old home features luxurious detailslikeEuropeanoak floors,plantationshuttersand acathedral ceiling in thekitchen,diningand living area. Thekitchen dazzleswithNeffappliances andstone surfaces. Enjoycountryside views fromthe veranda. Conveniently locatednearKyneton,Castlemaine andBendigo,it'sacharmingretreatina friendlycommunity.

4,070sqm

67AMollisonStreet, Malmsbury

Vacant Land For

Development Opportunity in Malmsbury's Village Centre

With itspicturesque surroundings andgrowingpopulation, theproperty invites investorsand business ownerstoenvisionand create avibrant hub. Potential foratwo-story building blending commercial andresidential spaces. Strategically locatednearkey amenities andtourist attractions, seize the chance to shapeMalmsbury's future

367 sqm

LotA,B &C,26FaradayStreet, Taradale

Three Big Beautiful Lots

Take your pick of 3fantastic building blocks withinthe township of historic Taradale.Embrace thefreedom andspace withineasywalkingdistanceofthis beautiful,laid-back community. The separatelotsrange in size from 4,000sqm (Lot A),5,000sqm (Lot B) to 4,082sqm (Lot C).Eachfrontage is approximately 55m andthe depths areupto100m, meaningthere's amplespace to buildthe countrydream (STCA)

4,000

SOLD$1,800,000

SOLD $760,000

141 BlackhillRoad, Kyneton

For Sale

EPR: $1,700,000- $1,850,000

ElegantFamily Home and Studio on 5acres

Nestled within5acres of scenic landscape, this modern familyestatefeatures a 5-year-old main residencewith5bedrooms, luxuriousamenities andpanoramic views.Highlightsinclude aspaciousentertainer's kitchen,a resort-style pool andaprivate studiowith2bedrooms. Additionalperks include solar panels,a Teslacharger andample waterstorage

7

43

2.02 ha (approx.5acres)

231 PipersCreek Road, Kyneton

Coveted Location To Build Your Forever Home

Discover7.04acres (approx.)offertile pasturelandinthe covetedRural Living Zone,ideal forcreatingyourdream estate.Featuringopenexpanses dotted withgum trees,thiscanvasoffersmultiple home site options. Avintage shearing shed adds rustic charm, complementedbyinfrastructureincluding rainwater tanks, powerand Telstrafibre opticcables. Convenientlylocated just minutesfromthe CalderFreeway,Kyneton TrainStationand localamenities

2.85 ha

When location counts Midland

The first thing that you notice about 16 Lauriston Street is the great position, and it doesn’t get much better than Lauriston Street. The home is acream brick veneer residence built on asolid blue stone foundation. Go inside and you are in for asurprise -thishome has the wow factor.Beautifully renovated with lots of natural light to the north-facing, well-proportioned front rooms, stunning original polished hardwood floors and original cornicing honouring historical charm and features. The windows have all been replaced, as have the electrical wiring and plumbing. The kitchen and bathroom are as modern as tomorrow with top of the range appliances and fittings. The roof has been repointed and painted and the garden has been landscaped.

Car accommodation offers anew double carport and the original one car garage. Astunningly presented brick home, in prime position and pristine condition. Meticulously maintained and not adollar to spend for many years to come.

The inclusion of agas log fire and reverse cycle split system gives heating and cooling options for year-round comfort.

Currently operating as asuccessful Airbnb with repeat clients taking advantage of the central location to leave the car at home and walk historic Kyneton township to restaurants and hotels. Another notable feature is the planning permit for another dwelling, which provides potential for future development or expansion.

Property: Go inside forasurprise! It’s beautifully renovated

Address: 16 LauristonStreet, Kyneton

Price: $999,000 -$1,098,900

Agent: Raine &Horne Kyneton

Contact: Jennifer Pearce 0427422 508

59 BerkeleyStreet, CASTLEMAINE

IN TOWN LIVING WITH WORKSHOP STUDIO

•1046m2 allotment with established gardens and deep Northfacing rear yard.

•Excellent Studio Workshop with w.c. suitable for many uses.

•Shortwalk to Primary&SecondarySchools, Bush Sancturies &cafes.

OFI: Saturday 6th April 10am-10.30am

12 George Street, CASTLEMAINE

DELIGHTFUL CORNER SETTING

•Convenient corner location only afew minutes walk to Rail Station, food houses and town Centre.

•Magical meandering garden creating hidden room and peaceful retreats.

•Thereisacharming old world cottage and two separate studio spaces.

•Suitable for further development.

OFI: Saturday 6th April 10am-10.30am

320–414 BoundaryGully Road, WERONA

IDYLLIC BUSH SANCTUARY/CAMP GROUND

•3 Crown Allotments with option to build (S.T.C.A).

•Set up for weekend getaway,large shed, large fireplace, camp style preparation areas, flushing long drop loo, showerroom and storage water

•3 dams, awaterhole and seasonal creek.

•Midway to Castlemaine and Daylesfordwith easy access to Mt Franklin, Newstead, Cairn Curran and Yandoit.

70 Trio Road, Kyneton

Executive FamilyHomeon5.71 Landscaped Acres

Escape up thedelightful tree-lined drivewayand start relaxinginany of themanyentertainingzones this lifestyle property offers,all setwithin a3-minutedrive to Kynetons finestshoppingand dininglocations.

Themain residenceincludes formal andinformalentertaining areaswithanadditional colossal-sized alfresco spacewith full kitchen facilities forbig-timeparties andfamilyfunctions Offering4large bedrooms, mainwithensuiteand walk-in wardrobing,separatesecondbathroom,powder room,laundry, andundercoverdirectaccessfromremote-controlled double garaging.

Thevastarray of workshop andmachinerysheddingwill also be idealfor theserious hobbyist andmanyanimal husbandry pursuitswithextensive watersupplyfromtanksand dam, with full electric pumpingfacilities

Thepropertyincludes extensivewater reticulation as well as qualityfencing

Live thelifeyou have alwaysdreamed of.Call nowtoinspect todayand make that dreama reality.

Private Sale

$1,650,000 -$1,800,000

View

42

Saturday6th April 12.30pm- 1.30pm

caine.com.au

399Drummond Vaughan Road, Glenluce

Auction:

Inspect:

-$1,550,000

98

One-of-a-kindhistoric gem Midland

Nestled amid the verdant Loddon River flats at Newbridge, this grand Goldrush storekeeper’s residence, dating back to the 1870s, is a captivating blend of historical charm and rural tranquillity

The majestic homestead, influenced by grand Georgian architecture, showcases solid red brick construction, slate roofing, bay windows, quoined masonry,13foot high ceilings and elegant marble surround fireplaces.

Boasting seven main rooms, lengthy central hallways, and service areas including two bathrooms and acellar,this residence exudes a timeless grace.

Three bedrooms feature fireplaces plus there is astately sitting room, afamilyroom and awell appointed kitchen with an adjoining dining-lounge complete the interior

Adouble garage and aspaciouscovered outdoor entertaining area compliment the main

Property: Grand Goldrushstorekeeper’s residence circa 18701.7acrecountry garden and garaging foreight cars

Address: 79 Lyons Street,Newbridge

Price: $1,250,000

Agent: Belle Property Castlemaine

Contact: Brett Tweed0417564 697

residence, while aseparate outbuilding houses asix-car garage with a studio/bedroom and an additional bathroom.

Positioned near the Loddon River and the peaceful hamlet of Newbridge, this extraordinary property is conveniently located 35 minutes from Bendigo, 40minutes from Castlemaine, and amere two hours from the metropolis of Melbourne.

Belle Property

Castlemaineand Maldon.

202 Ranters Gully Road, Campbells Creek

5a 2b 4v 15w

•Superbruralsanctuary on 15 acres

•3 generous living zones,polished concrete floors and wood fireplace

•12m x4minfinity pool with outlook over large dam.

Rob Waller |0418571 130

Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733

For sale $1,495,000

View Sat 6th April 1:30pm -2:00pm

95 Johnstone Street, Castlemaine

2a 1b 1v 722r

•Cottagecharmer on deepgarden lot, brimmingwith character and possibilities.

•2 bedrooms &versatile backrumpusroom.

•Brick-paved alfresco area including pergola

•Within walking distancetoCastlemaine

Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733

Rob Waller |0418571 130

Belle PropertyCastlemaine |5470 5811

167 Barker Street, Castlemaine

Belle PropertyMaldon |5475 1055

30A MainStreet,Maldon

belleproperty.com

For sale

$595,000

View Sat 6th April 12:00pm -12:30pm

28 Franklin Street, Maldon

3a 2b 4v 2525r

•Delightful mid-century homeimmersed in gardenswith12m x7.4mworkshop-studio.

•Modern centralkitchen with french doors.

•Devinegarden with beautiful Iron Arbours

•Quiet locale nearby to shops.

Rob Waller |0418571 130

Narelle Waller |0408 571 131

For sale $965,000

View Sat 6th April 11:45am-12:15pm

28 Gainsborough Street, Castlemaine

3a 1b 3v 1100r

•Fabulous 1950s Cream brick time capsule home, atruegem frozen in time

•Sun-filled kitchen-meals area

•Three doublebedrooms,with large windows.

•Concrete driveway with two garages.

Rob Waller |0418571 130

Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733

For sale $769,000

View Sat 6th April 1:30pm -2:00pm

Topofthe town

This architect-designed residence is areal surprise package set within beautiful, professionally designed, landscaped gardens and situated at the end of aquiet court.

Nutfield Close is arguably one of Woodend’sbest streets.

Accommodation of approximately 298m2 (32 squares) plus integrated triple garage and workshop includes, security entrance foyer opening to avery large open plan living/family room and kitchen, two further separate living spaces or ideal studies/home offices, three bedrooms, main with ensuite

and walk-in robe, second bathroom and laundry

Numerous features include double glazing, vaulted ceilings, generous storage spaces, multiple heating sources, security system, solar panels with 3kW inverter, ducted vacuum system, 12m solar-heated lap pool, and excellent outdoor living courtyard and vine covered pergola from which to enjoy the ambiance of the stunning hedged gardens, irrigated lawns, views to Mount Macedon, plus many more features an inspection will reveal.

Property: Architect-designed residenceset among professionally designed gardens with 12m solar-heatedlap pool

Address: 5Nutfield Close,Woodend

Price: $1,475,000

Agent: Keatings Real Estate

Contact: John Keating 0419 880 444 /54272999

Kyneton South 133 Thomsons Lane "Rathowen" 40 Ha (100 Acres)

An ideal small farming acreage featuring a26year-old Fasham Johnson homestead of 266m2 (28 squares) with 3living areas and 3/4 bedrooms in abeautiful established garden settingjust8kms(7minutes) to Kyneton Post Office

Theeasy-to-maintain garden and lawn areas include exotic and nativetrees thatattracta varietyofbirdlife. Infrastructureimprovements includeadouble garage,asecond garage or storage shed and alarge machinery/hayshed including twohorse boxes.

Theversatile farming land,suitable forcattle,sheep or horses etc. comprises three small horse paddocks,two with shelter boxesand timber fencing and established cypress shelter plantations plus 12 main paddocks with excellentborewater supply reticulatedtotroughs in 10 paddocks and thereare viewstoMountMacedon.

AuctionSaturday27April at 11am Reserve Price$2m

To view call John Keating 0419 880 444

An emerging design

Beautifully presented, this contemporary newly built double storey three bedroom home sits perfectly within its landscape and garden by renowned designer Simon Rickard.

An emerging design, the 1088m2 (approx.) property allows for asense of space inside and out, capturing the north light and aflexible floorplan with studio space.

The striking Colorbond and timber-clad property flows with the elevation of the land, sweeping down to aprivate entrance and into the open plan living with dining and kitchen. Double glazed and well insulated throughout, the living features asliding door to anorth-facing alfresco entertaining area and asolid wood heater.The kitchen with dining provides a900mm freestanding gas cooktop with an oven, stone benchtops, awalk-in butler pantry with adishwasher,generous storage, and alaundry with external access. Adjoining the kitchen is asecond living space, with wide timber stairs and adouble height ceiling leading upstairs to the formal entrance and the main bedroom with asplit system, ceiling fan, large walk-in robe

and agenerous ensuite with afreestanding bath, awall-hung vanity with two above the counter basins, abidet, atoilet, and adouble walk-in shower.Downstairs is asecond bedroom with an ensuite with awalk-in shower,a floating vanity with an above counter basin, abidet, and atoilet. A 3.8m x8mstudio with bi-fold doors opening onto aprivate courtyard provides aflexible space as a third bedroom with walk-in storage. Design details include polished concrete floors, ducted heating and cooling, and ceiling fans.

Asweeping driveway leads to acarport with a water tank and an adjoining studio/ guest house. Double glazed, the studio provides aconcrete floor,a split system, and abathroom with awalk-in shower,a toilet, and akitchenette. The water wise garden is establishing itself within the landscape, emerging like aspringbulb to be abeautiful private retreat with an array of specialised trees and amix of ornamental and native plants, thanks to Simon Rickard’smeticulous design. Move in ready,this is ahome to enjoy,create and embrace its design inside and out.

Property: Beautifully presented, newly built three bedroom home

Address: 44 Brigade Avenue Campbells Creek

Price: $885,000

Agent: Cantwell Property Castlemaine

Contact: TomRobertson 0473 642 644

Bendigo CnrMitchell St &HargreavesSt

(26-28 Mitchell St &333-335 HargreavesSt)

Thesale of this landmarktwo-storey solid brick federation stylebuildingoffers a very rare opportunitytosecureacommercial freehold in one of Bendigo’smost prominentCBD locations

Greatopportunitytoestablish abusinessinone of Victoria’s best regional cities, or to leaseout as along-terminvestment.

Currently twoshops on the ground floor arevacant(so youcan move in straight away)and athirdshop is leased until 30/10/2025.

Upstairs is vacantand could be convertedinto 2or3inner-cityapartmentsfor either permanentliving or as B&B accommodation.

Price:$1,475,000

To view call John Keating 0419 880 444

Rich in character

Holding onto its heritage, this elevated Californian Bungalow with views across Castlemaine, boasts many original features. Decorative cornice and ceiling roses, timber sash windows and internal woodwork and doors, high ceilings and tapestry brick fire surrounds are features.

Beautifully maintained, the property offers an excellent opportunity to secure aperiod home in asoughtafter location, ashort walk to the train station, retail and eateries, schools, botanic gardens and The Mill precinct.

Updates to the property include restumping, new wiring, new roof, and guttering and internal and external painting ...big ticket items that add value without detracting from its charm or character

The layout features acomfortable living room, spacious dining room, separate kitchen, two generous bedrooms and aslightly smaller third, plus sunroom to the rear.The kitchen enjoys gas cooking and amoveable island for additional workspace. The bathroom, central to the bedrooms, includes shower,vanity and toilet and there is asecond toilet offthe laundry.Air conditioning is to both the lounge and main bedroom with gas heaters in the living and dining rooms.

Outside the block is low maintenance, the yard secure and there is asingle carport and asingle lock up garage with workspace plus garden shed.

Acomfortable home in asought-after location with great potential to further improve.

Inspect:

0488 148 358

Property: Californian bungalowholding itsheritage with unobtrusiveimprovements

Address: 77 Bowden Street,Castlemaine

Price: $765,000

Agent: Property Plus Real Estate

Contact: Di Selwood /54474088

•Titled

•Easy

Inspect:

agent

Agent:

Di Selwood 0488 148 358

•Generous proportions with ablock size of 1082sqm,

Immaculate family home Midland

Located on a1308m2 corner allotment, abeautifully presented family home with large American barn style shed. As you enter this gorgeous home you are greeted with alarge formal dining area offtothe right and alarge lounge area offtothe left. Both rooms lead through to the main living, dining and kitchen area, a light-filled space with garden views.

The kitchen features an electric cooktop, wall oven and grill, dishwasher and large walk-in pantry

The living/dining area includes agas log fire for cosy winters in addition to the ducted heating and cooling throughout. Adouble set of doors opens out to asmall paved outdoor area.

The master bedroom is set to one side of the home and includes an ensuite, walk-in robe and personal

office or parents’ retreat.

At the other end of the home are the remaining three bedrooms with built-in robes, family bathroom, separate toilet and laundry Extra features include window plantation shutters, heated towel rails and 3kw solar panel system. Outdoors there are beautiful established gardens surrounding the home. The large shed can store up to four vehicles or can be used as aworkshop. Located ashort distance from the local primary school and post office, and only afew minutes’ drive to Castlemaine CBD.

An immaculate family home which has been lovingly cared for inside and out, please contact our office today to arrange aprivate inspection.

Open ForInspection-Saturday6th April10:30am -11:00am

1Archibold Street,Chewton

2

Charmingcottage offering open plandiningliving, kitchen, two bedrooms, shared laundryand bathroom plus separate toilet.Split system,gas logfire andceiling fans for year round comfort. Outdoors,a beautifulmix of cottage stylegardens and establishedtrees, undercover decked space, agreat place to entertain. The 483sqm allotment is fully fencedand offersa single carport, additional parking in driveway andgarden shed.

$650,000—$695,000

Property: Completewithwithlarge American barn-style shed

Address: 50 StephenStreet, Campbells Creek

Price: $785,000 (newprice)

Agent: Keogh Real Estate

Contact: 5472 1248

JustListed-10Acres

256 Blakeley Road, Castlemaine

10 acres

Forthose lookingfor atree change andwant the peaceand quietofa country lifestyle, this10acre(approx) parcel representsanexcellentopportunitytobuild your acreage dream(S.T.C.A).Accessedbya quietroad with minimalpassing traffic.The land offersa mixtureofclearedand timbered land with gentle undulation,plusmultiple options for home sites(S.T.C.A). Thereismains power available.Locatedinanextremely well-heldareaofCastlemaine, only 4kms from theCBD. $600,000

www.keoghrealestate.comsales@keoghrealestate.com0354721248

1

1

MORGAN

AXTON

Peter Leslie

27.4.1948–24.3.2024

Passed awaysuddenly at home,aged 75 years.

Loving husband of Robyn, proud father of Christopher and father-in-lawof Kate Step Grandadto Sienna and Alice

McCORMACK James Barry

14 February1938

21 March 2024

There were no farewells But precious memories are ours to keep KN 27 7610/L

CABASSI

Margaret Gertrude Aged 88.

BornonMay 2, 1935. Peacefully passed away surrounded by her lovedones on March 24, 2024

She wasthe cherished wifeofJohn belovedmother of Susan, Julia, Timothy, and Fiona, and aloving mother-in-lawto Oriana, Christine and Gavin.

Margaret wasadored as Nan to Hamish, Alister,William, Willoughby, and Amélie and held dearly by Alister's partner,Amy Her quiet and gentle loving soul will be dearly missed by all who knewher

KN277604/L

Spring Hill Fire Brigade would liketo pass on our deepest sympathytothe family of JB(Jim) McCormack. Alife member and former Captain of the brigade Alwaysagentleman, modesty and dedication were the hallmarks of his many decades of service to the community Vale Jim.

MORGAN

Thomas Frederick

14.10.1928 -23.03.2024

Passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 23, 2024 aged 95 years.

Much lovedand loving husband of Doreen for69years Belovedfather of David, Thomas Andrewand Esther and father-in-law to Sue,Pam, Janine and Mark. Grandfather to Peter,Rebecca, Bronwynne,Natalie, William, Tegan, Kenzie and Nyssa.

Great-Grandfather to Daniel, Hannah, Lili, Cai and April.

DE LEONARDIS -Cheryl Anne 'Giggling Gert' 26.04.1970 -26.03.2024

Adored wifeofDaniel and loving mother to Shannon,Andrew, Sarah and Emma. She hadaheart of gold, asmile foreveryone, and will be foreverinour hearts Funeral Mass forthe repose of the soul forthe late Mrs Cheryl Anne De Leonardis will be offeredatOur Lady of the Rosary, Catholic Church, 53 Ebden St, Kyneton on Thursday(April 4, 2024) at 11am. Private Cremation.

In lieu of flowers,please donate to PeterMac at memorialgift.petermac.org.au/ cherylannedeleonardis

Norma EllenNott (nee Allender)

Passed away in Castlemaine on the 28th March 2024 in her 90th year Cherished Mother of Jimmy(dec), Maryand Sally. LovedMother-in-Lawof Rex, Cathyand Jamie Dearest Grandma of Leo, Matthew, Jessica, Jemma, Daniel, Justin and Liam. LovedGreat Grandma of Freddie,Lachlan,Maddison, Eloise,Henryand Sigi In our hearts and minds youwill foreverstay. Forfuneral details please see Norma’stribute page on the website of Mount Alexander Funerals.

‘The Lord is my Shepherd’ ForeverLoved AndRemembered Castlemaine 5470 5951 KN277611/L

KN277574/L

Goodbyes are not theend, Theysimply mean we’ll miss you ‘tilwemeetagain.

AXTON AService to Celebrate the Lifeof

Peter Leslie Axton will be held at Jubilee Hall, 52 Smith Street, Macedon on FRIDAY (5th April 2024) at 1.30 p.m.

Aburial at the Macedon Cemetery will follow

In lieu of flowers, donations to Ambulance Victoria would be appreciated. ambulance.vic.gov. au/donations

KN277578/L

CABASSI

Afuneral service forthe late Mrs Margaret Gertrude Cabassi will be offered at St Brigid’sCatholic Church, Aitken St, Gisborne on FRIDAY April 5th 2024, commencing at 11 am.

The burial at the Gisborne cemetery will follow.

Forthose unable to attend the service youare warmly invited to join via alivestream on Margaret’stribute page at tjscottandson.com.au

KN277605/L

The Funeral Service forThomas Frederick Morgan will be held at St Mary’sAnglican Church (NewWorship Centre), 7-19 O’Shanassy Street, Sunburyon ThursdayApril 4, 2024 at 2pm

Private Cremation

KN277590/L

RICHARDS

The funeral to celebrate the lifeof Mr Glen Joseph Richards will be held at the Thomas J. Scott Memorial Chapel, 5Piper St, Kyneton on TUESDAY (April 9, 2024) commencing at 11.00am. Aburial at the Woodend Cemetery will follow.

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Memoriam

BROOKING

Richard 9.11.1927 -3.4.2020

When nights are long and lonely and the days are just the same

butlifewithout youhere will neverbethe same.

Your loving wifeStella Lovedfather of Shirley Lovedfather-in-law of Rodney LovedGrandfather of Richie and Em Ash and Wendy Michael and Owen LovedGreat Grandfather of Bridie We will alwaysloveyou

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Employment

•Principal Planner, Full time •DirectCareWorkers, Part time or casual

Learn more: mountalexander.vic.gov.au or phone 5471 1700

Working together for ahealthy, connected shire

Do youhaveexperience in facilities management, project management and understand regulatory environments? Looking foratree change or to work closer to home?

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Engineering&Infrastructure Manager

This is afantastic opportunity forthe right persontoworkinasupportiveorganisation with adynamic team across our Daylesford, Creswick, Trentham and Clunes campuses Forfurther information go to www.chrh.org.au/current-vacancies

POULTRY AUCTIONS

Pure Bred &Pullet

Sunday April 7 commencing at 10.30

Taramead Poultry Selling Centre 1227 Holden Road ToolernVale. Catalogue available from rmetry@bigpond.net.au

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Enquiries:

MetryAuctions 0416 151 696

Agents in Conjunction

OLD FRYERSTOWN SCHOOL

Fete and Carboot Sale

Major Fundraiser!

Saturday 13 April 10am -4pm Old Fryerstown School, Camp Street, Fryerstown. Fete stalls, secondhand books, refreshments,cakes and produce, collectables, community garage sale map andmore! This is aCASH PREFERRED

Boston,8½ desexed m, t/w Jack Russell Terrier He still has alot of energy for an older dog, loves to be around people and go for walks. He can be boisterous and requires a home with no toddlers. He will need asecure fenced yard to prevent escaping and jumping.

Microchip No: 956000004254554

Adoption fee: $420

Source No.BR100938

24 Langlsow

Castlemaine. P: 5472 5277 |maaw.org.au Mon -Sat 10-2 -Sun Closed

KKN277579/L

FRIENDSOFBLACK HILLRESERVE, KYNETON

WorkingBee

Sunday7th April

9.30am -12.30pm

General clean up and maintenance

Main Entrance, Ennis Rd. Followed by late morning tea, BYO thermos and plate to share

Everyone is welcome!

friends@blackhill reservekyneton.

com.au

Contact Wanda 0419 301 083

Notice of Annual General Meeting Thursday18th April at 7pm

Come along and hear all about what the House has been up to over thepast year RSVP by 15th April. Light refreshments provided. admin@kynetoncommunityhouse.org.au 35 High Street, Kyneton 5422 3433

GATES PERGOLAS

PIZZA OVENS

TaitDecorativeIron Ph 5472 3569 decorativeiron.com.au

PASTURE hay, large rolls, new season

ELEVEN foot tinnie with trailer and motor. As is, $400. Ph: 0437 628 388. Services

forVoice,Interest and Education of Women and is a national organisation of women who supportthe work of The Smith Family,helping Australian children experiencing disadvantage with their

If youare interested in joining avibrant group to become one of 14,000+ women around Australia who meet regularly forfriendship and fun, listen to interesting speakers,find newfriends and help children in need, please come along to learnmore about VIEW

Where: Kyneton Bowling Club (61-79 Mollison Street, Kyneton)

When: 3rd Monday(15 April, 20 May, 17 June) at 10.30am

Why: To determine interest in forming anew VIEW Club

ALLWELCOME

Formore information pleasecontact Lyn0409 145 073 -lyngeer@bigpond.com

DOOR SERVICES

VICTORIA

*Garage Doors

*Roller Doors

*Motor and Remotes

*Service and repairs

*Domestic and Commercial Call Andrew 0417 385 483

Andrew@doorservicesvic. com.au

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Town &District

GOLFresults

CASTLEMAINE

Brad Sturgess (14) turned in an exceptional 43 stableford points to be the overall and B-grade winner on Saturday

Thetop sevenplayerssecured37 pointsorhigher,with A-grade going to Kane Clack (8)withanimpressive 40 points, and ConnieDimopoulos (24) clinching C-grade with 37 points.

Kate Little carded fivebirdies,and Syeve Coombes four,whileClackand Brent Andrew were the NTP winners.

In Saturdaymorning’snine-hole event nine-year-old Thomas Bellisdebuted in hisfirst competitive outing, finishing midfield,withPeterGreswell (19)had 19 pointsjust days after returning to the country,with Bronwyn Gudgeon (22) runner-up with 16

Nearly50playersturned out last ThursdaywithJim Dimopoulos (14) victorious with+3, helped by an eagle on the16th.

GISBORNE

Lots of rabbitsout on the course over theweekend, plusplenty Of ducks and kangaroosaswell,which makes the course moreenjoyable.

Saturday’s stableford attracted 135 players in perfect conditions.

Best score of the daywas 41 points from B-grader Anton Grbac, Gary Diss topped A-grade with 40,and TomWatson led in the‘Bandits’ with 38.

In the women’sstablefordlast Wednesday,Betty Glover took out Agrade with 37 points,and ‘Wolf Lady’ Virginia Creece carded 40 pointsin B-grade.

‘Wolf Lady’ haswon quitea few events recently,and GolfAustralia has been notified

KYNETON

About $1000 will be forwarded to the Royal Children’s Hospital Appealasa resultofthe annual two-personAmbrose on Good Friday

Glenn Cook –Pete Robbins were the winners with 66-4-62

Zacand MarkBarlins were runnersup with 67-6.5-60.5, and Michael Ryan Michael Hunt finished third with 66-4-62.

NTPs went to Richard Withcombe, Julie Harris, CameronDavies, Kelly Greco,GregPurvis and VickiNettleton

Saturday stableford:Louis Thompson (12) toppedA-gradewith39points,one clear of Adam Smith (12); B-grade winner TomHerbert (20) had 38 to edge out AndrewMcLaren(18) on acountback DeniseMurphy (17) led in theladies with 39 points

The annual Kyneton vTrentham women’s challenge lastTuesday producedanextremelytightfinish.

Kyneton finished with 33.34 average andTrentham 32.68 to retain thetrophy.

Individual winners for Kyneton were Valma Smoors (41) with43points and Tracey Bramich on 39.

Trentham’sbest were Margaret Brierley (34)with 44 points, fromPat Kinnell (32) with39.

NTPs went to Marian Orr,Deb Kohlman, Kathy Keating and Terri O’Callaghan.

LANCEFIELD

With thecourse out of action for 10 days due to coring,the ladies arranged to revive the Lancefield vWoodend Challengeevent which hadnot been held since pre-Covid.

It used to beanannual feature with the hometeamalways winning by anarrowmargin.

Thistime was no different,asWoodend had two points to spare once overall scores were aggregated

TwoLancefield teams arenow look-

ing forward to competinginthe Romsey Bowl.

Tuesday stableford: Stewart Stevens (21) 38 points,from PeterMcGill(8) 36 and JamesWhitford (12) 32

The Lancefieldcourse will re-open this Saturday,April6

MOUNT MACEDON

Teams were seeded last Wednesday for thefour-personAmbrose last Wednesday

Winners were ‘Shooter’Dawson, Brian andKen Freestone, andTiger Penneywith64-11.25-52.75.

Burra, Mike Hoiles,Bubba Watson and Karl Pongracic were runners-up with 62-8.375-53.625, with NTPs going to Pongracic (2) and Trevor Atkins

Awarm welcome was extended to JennySvendsen as she joined themidweek event for the first (and hopefully not the last) time

Saturday’sEasterstableford was a triumph forB-grader Sean Bassett (16) with 41 points.

DarrenMantynen (7)took outA-grade with 37, and Saurabh Singh returned to thewinner’scircle with 37 in C-grade.

ROMSEY

Playing to handicaporbetter in a strongfieldonSaturday ensured several players were in contentionfor the monthly medal

Eventual winner was Chris vanDerVliet with afine 98-33-65, ahead of Ben Owen 83-16-67 and Rob Rea 85-17-68.

Scott Williams hit the longest drive, and tookout NTPalong with Toby Clement, DaveyKenneyand Mick Squire.

Therunning competition for the Wednesday monthly medal washotly contestedlast Wednesdayinconditions conducivetogood scoring.

Athree-waycountback sawvictory go to Lorraine Robb119-46-73,from Kath Jekabsons 109-36-73 andDarlene Baker 92-19-73.

Hugh Williams was NTP, and Jenney Hartley had the least putts (26).

The medal winner will be announced once the running competition is completed.

TRENTHAM

Brian Cross (19)won the mixed stableford on Easter Saturday with 41 points, with another C-grader,Ian Potter ,runner-up on 39

TomGibson (12) andCameron McDonald(11)tied with 37 points in A-grade, and Gary Middleton(15)topped B-grade with 37

Thefuneral servicefor esteemed life memberJim McCormack takes place today (Wednesday) at the Catholic Church in Kyneton at 1.30pm,withthe burial takingplace at the Kyneton Cemetery Refreshments will follow at Trentham Golf Club.

WOODEND

The4BBBJokerClassic on Good Friday attracted66players, and Jen Hunterand Jacinta Davis excelledwitha stunning 61 points.

TheWoodend versus Lancefield women’s teamsevent lastweek was an enjoyable day, with Woodend winning narrowly

Best individual scorers wereCheryl Garner(23) with 38 pointsfor Woodend, and Carole Mee(30) with 37 forLancefield

Geordie Taylor (10) blitzed the fieldin Saturday’sstableford, carding 45 points.

Kevin Turley(7) wasrunner-up in Agrade with 41, withDon Kakoschke(24) topping B-gradewith39, oneclearof Anne Roberts (46).

NTPswere Grant Davies and Murray Fraser

Wayclinches thirdmedal

BillWest

Receiving 27 votes, Romsey captaincoachBen Wayhas clinched the Gisborne District Cricket Club’shighest individual award for the third time.

The Sullivan Medal count highlighted the GDCA’sannual presentation night held in Sunbury last Wednesday night

Aprevious Sullivan Medal winner in 2015-16 and 2017-18, Wayjoins Steve Paterson as the only triple winner of the prestigious award which was introduced in 2000.

Having scored 915 runs at an average of 91.5, and taken some wickets as well, Wayled the Redbacks through the season unbeaten, until eclipsed by Gisborne in the McIntyre 1sts grand final.

The previous season, Wayled Romsey to its first top-grade premiership in 40 years.

The 37-year-old whohas also been a fine footballer for Romsey for some years, has high hopes of Romsey continuing to make an impact in GDCA finals.

Wayfinished five votes ahead of Gisborne’soutstanding young opener Riley Vernon, who made arecord 1129 runs at an average of 81.

Sunbury Kangaroos all-rounder Jason King was third with 19 votes,and Jarryd Vernon –last season’sSullivan Medalwinner and Gisborne premiership captain this season, filled fourthplace on 17.

AN ELITE PLAYER

Making the medal presentation, GDCA life member and Woodend legend Kevin Sullivan said he regarded Wayasanelite player in the GDCA who has earned this status for quite some years.

Sullivan related just how highly Wayhad been regarded when he opened the batting for Melbourne Cricket Club.

He said former Victorian Sheffield Shield chairman of selectors, John MacWhirter, had stated that at one stage Wayhad been seriously considered for elevation to the state squad such was the quality of his batting in District ranks.

Wayand his wife Lena, ahighly credentialed netballer,moved to live at Springfield some years ago, establishing asuccessful free-range eggs enterprise on their rural property

The presentation night was attended by representatives of all clubs except Eynesbury

GDCA president Simon Ovenden welcomed all present, including life members, congratulating the various premiership win-

ners and individual award winners.

He also thanked umpires for their efforts, and praised the work of secretary Rob McIntyre for his meticulous work for the betterment of cricket.

The GDCA continues to grow,with Broadford making an impact in its first season by taking out the McIntyre 2nds premiership.

Broadford will be promoted to McIntyre 1sts next season.

The top 10 votegetters in the Sullivan Medal count were:

27 –Ben Way, 22 –Riley Vernon, 19 –Jason King, 17 –Jarryd Vernon, 14 –Damien Edwards (Sunbury United), 12 –Nathan Shoesmith (Rupertswood), 11 –Fabian Fernando (Sunbury United, Marcus Stewart (Woodend), 9–Warren Kelly (Gisborne), Mtthew Milne (Romsey).

Trophywinners

Individualwinners for thesenior batting, bowling andaggregatetrophies in the GisborneDistrict CricketAssociation for season2023-24 are:

McIntyre Cup 1sts:Batting –Ben Way (Romsey)915 runs @91.5 average; Bowling –Jamie Taylor (Romsey)28wickets @ 13.18; Aggregate –Riley Vernon(Gisborne)1270 points.

Johnstone Shield1sts: BryanVance (Wallan) 534@ 133.5; NathanDent(East Sunbury)28@11.11; Bryan Vance714.

McIntyre 2nds:KarlSutherland (Rupertswood) 366 @122; none qualified; Ivan Bobetic(Macedon) 747.

Johnstone2nds:Gurbeer Singh (Aintree) 377 @125.67; Andrew Pizaro(Rupertswood) 37 @9.43; Andrew Pizaro997.

JensenShield 1sts: Darryl Liistro

(MeltonSouth) 306@76.5;Harvey Lehner (Lancefield) 20 @11.7; Matt Cox (Malmsbury 832.

Jensen2nds: Simon Shaw (Gisborne) 532@ 66.5;Trent Hayes (Rupertswood 20 @12.95; Trent Hayes 691

Jensen3rds:Gagan Sadhi(Melton South) 265 @66.25; none qualified; Gavin Thomson (Trentham) 661.

ClubNorth: BrettO’Mara (Riddell) 445 @148.3;Jarrod Milsom (Hanging Rock)25 @8.64;Tim Hanson(Kilmore)685.

ClubSouth: James Gray(Woodend) 248 @62; Venkatesh Soundararajan (St Anthony’s) 17 @9.24; NajebbKhan (St Anthony’s) 638.

Women’sLeague: TaylahLogie(Kilmore)209 @104.5;Kim Bessell(Darley) 12 @5.17);Kim Bessell 464

GDCA Team of theYear

Gisborne District Cricket Association’sTeam of the Year is captained by Romsey’sBen Way, who hasjust won his third Sullivan Medal. The team, in batting order,isasfollows: 1– Riley Vernon (Gisborne). 2– Matthew Milnes (Romsey). 3–Ben Way(Romsey). 4– Jarryd Vernon (Gisborne). 5– CoreyWoolley (Sun. Kangaroos). 6– NathanShoesmith (Rupertswood). 7– Jason King (Sun. Kangaroos). 8–Steven Fogarty (Sunbury United). 9– Senura Perura (Sunbury United). 10 –Jamies Taylor(Romsey). 11 –Amrit Sandhu (Sunbury United). 12 –Kyle Corcoran (Rupertswood).

Ben Way nowa triple Sullivan Medallist.

PUKA Up Cup

The annual PUKA Up Cup encounter between Riddell and Macedon will be staged at Bomberland this Saturday, with drawcard matches in both football and netball.

PUKA Up is all about improving mental health, and these two clubs have been to the forefront for several years.

Anew-look Riddell has recruited heavily,and new senior football coach 'Skip' Bray (exRupertswood and Broadford) will be looking for awin to open the 2024 season.

Bray said the feeling around the club was amazing, and most weeks the Bombers would look to play attacking, high-scoring football.

Macedon coach Al Meldrum said the Cats had recruited more players than in any other season he could remember,which was amassive show of faith in the Cats’ environment.

The return of Matthew Dick should be aboost, and Meldrum said he saw agood mix of experience, youth and role players.

The Wallan versus Romsey football match is atest for two teams with finals aspirations.

Big ruckman Chris Stewart is vastly experienced and joins the Magpies as possibly the recruit of the year

It’sRomsey’s150th year,and the Redbacks appear to have more speed than last season.

Topliner Jack Jedwab is with Essendon’sVFL side, and the Redbacks will be boosted when he is available.

Lancefield faces atough task at home to last season’s premiers, Diggers Rest.

The Tigers have arranged a past players’ reunion from noon and hope to show improvement on last season, when their big win was against Riddell.

Diggers Rest has lost the Hickey brothers, but should still be one of the sides to beat for the 2024 flag.

Umpires needed

With the inclusion of Kyneton in the Riddell League, there is now amuch wider opportunity to recruit umpires.

Riddell Umpires’ president, Addam Icely, told the Express there was scope for new field, goal and boundary umpires to join up.

Afriendly ‘Come nTry Night’ is to take place at Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve next Wednesday, April 10, from 6pm.

“Whether you’re aseasoned player or just curious about the game, this is your chance to get involved,” Icely said.

Hands-on experience, learning rules, meeting fellow enthusiasts and making new friends while becoming involved in local footy is offered.

“Spread the word and bring your friends along as well for an unforgettable evening,” Icely suggested.

Register via email to president@riddellumpires.com.au

‘Tigerscan do alot better’

Bill West

Kyneton senior footballers debuted in the Riddell League by defeating Woodend-Hesket by 53 points on Saturday,with playing coach Ethan Foreman predicting the Tigers “can play alot better” as the season progresses.

Looking ahead to the next match for the Tigers in round 2onSaturday,April 13, Foreman said Riddell was reputed to have astrong side, but the Tigers would also be strong.

“We’re very grateful for the support today,” the coach said referencing the huge crowd at the Showgrounds. The surface was in great condition.

He described the match as “very scrappy early” and said it was pleasing to open with a victory against last season’sRDFNL runnersup.

Foreman said star forward Cameron Manuel would “definitely be playing” for Kyneton as the season progresses and he shakes offaninjury

Manuel is likely to pose nightmares for opposition defenders if he recaptures his 2023 form.

Foreman said there had been alot of change which he considered good for the club and the Riddell League and everyone in it had been very welcoming.

Versatile Caleb Fisher,speedy teenager Cody Young and ruckman Jayden Eales were listed as the Tigers’ best, with Reserve grade coach Ryan Pretty showing he could be a regular senior player this season with five goals, the first two from acute angles.

The visiting Hawks kicked an early goal, then defended stoutly for much of the first term until acouple of mistakes were capitalised on by the Tigers to open up ahandy led.

Woodend-Hesket produced some quickmoving football, but could not make much impact on the Kyneton defence and the further the game progressed the more certain it seemed Kyneton had the overall talent to protect and extend the lead.

Injuries did not help the Hawks, and some players should really benefit by the outing.

Woodend-Hesket coach Alistair Rae said the match had been “a bit of alearning curve”, and it did not help ending up with no one on the bench in the last quarter

Rae battled hard and was listed as the Hawks’ best; he said one positive was the form of recruit Will Wiseman, who finished with three goals.

The Hawks now face another tough test at home to Macedon on April 13, but anticipate improvement.

Final scores were 13.11(89) to 5.6 (36)

Earlier,itwas abattle royale in the Re-

serves, with Kyneton scrambling home 8.4 (52) to 7.3 (45). Both teams have scope for improvement.

The Under 19.5s was really one-sided, with the impressive Macedon Cats purring along to win by 91 points.

To open the season with a14.14 ((98) to 1.1 (7) margin is atremendous confidence booster for the Cats.

Enormous crowdturns out

Bill West

An enormous crowd of close to 3000 people –far in excess of most optimistic expectations –descended on the Kyneton Showgrounds on Good Friday for the opening round matches in the Riddell District Football Netball League’s2024 season.

Old, young, very young and middle-aged poured in to see Kyneton Football Netball Club make its debut in the RDFNL.

“The day was amassive success,” declared Kyneton club president Hayden Evans.

“The community has voted (in favour) with their attendance in regards to the move to the Riddell League.”

He said that ..."the biggest crowd ever at the Showgrounds" was quoted many times during the day by elderly locals who had been around the club for 60 or 70 years.

“It will be aday that is long remembered in the club’shistory,” Evans concluded.

The historic grandstand overflowed. Cars were everywhere.

Woodend-Hesket supporters played their part in swelling the crowd, and akeen rivalry is on the way to being established between the two neighbouring clubs.

Some of the 'old Tigers' at the Showgrounds likened the crowd to the days when legendary Clive Philp (ex-Victoria and Hawthorn) was in charge at Tigerland.

Across the Kyneton club, black arm bands were worn in memory of valued members Brian Fleming, John Spurr and Dick West who had died since the 2023 season concluded.

“It was agreat day for Kyneton, and for the league,” RDFNL netball and publicity manager, Grace Bibby,said afterwards.

“I’m really excited, not just for Kyneton, and this is areally good start to the 2024 season,” Bibby said.

Kyneton Tigers won the senior football match by 53 points against down-the-road rivals Woodend-Hesket, and the A-grade netball was athriller with the Tigers prevailing 40-37 after several lead changes.

Macedon’sUnder 19.5 footballers won a premiership last season, and opened proceedings by thrashing Kyneton by 91 points. Kyneton Reserves won against the Hawks by seven points, and the four netball matches were split two-all.

Here’safew comments from spectators:

“It was very impressive across the board with so many people there, and vindicates the Tigers’ decision to transfer from Bendigo to the Riddell League,” –Neil Organ.

“This is huge just look at how many are here,” –Wayne Turner

“I thought we should have stayed (in Bendigo), but this is agreat day and Ihope it continues,” –Norm Schmidt.

"It’smany,many years since Iwas here, and it’s agreat day,” –Ian Shiner (former Kyneton premiership player who made the trip from Avenel).

The move toallowpedestrians to enter via Mollison Street,and cars and pedestrians via Beauchamp Street, appeared to be awinner

Kyneton’s Francis Randall (left) and playing coachEthanForeman close in on Woodend playing coach Alister Rae.

Feathers fly at season opener

Castlemaine Football Netball Club hosted Maryborough FNC in amassive opening round blockbuster at the Camp Reserve on Good Friday

The venue was filled to capacity as footy and netball fans celebrated the launch of the 2024 season with the league'stwo Magpie clubs going head-to-head.

CFNC has been hard at work throughout the pre-season across both football and netball, evidenced by anumber of new coaching and recruitment announcements in the past months.

Football fans were excited to see new senior coach Michael Hartley make his debut.

The ex-Hawthorn/Essendon AFL player has had asuccessful pre-season at the club. The squad attended afootball camp at Elphinstone earlier in the year and had two practise matches against WycheproofNarraport FNC and Kerang FNC, both of which they won.

The 2023 player list recommitted and the side also welcomed local talent to the nest including Kal Huntly,Darby Semmens, Will Moran, Declan Slingo, TysonWilliams and Douglas Gray

Zave Murley,while new to the club, has high local pedigree in the BFNL, while Zach Greeves and Ryan Eyre have also been added to the list through connections with the Magpies' new senior development coach and former player Harmit Singh.

The Maryborough Magpies also came to impress and got the jump on the home side early kicking four goals to Castlemaine's three to hold aslender five-point lead at quarter time.

Both sides lifted in the second term, Castlemaine adding four goals and Maryborough answering with three.

At halftime the tables had turned, and Castlemaine held atwo-point buffer

In the third quarter Castlemaine stepped

up the pace kicking another four goals to the Borough'stwo and had extended their lead to 25 points at the final change.

Castlemaine got on with the job in the last term slamming on another six goals while Maryborough only managed apoint. Castlemaine claimed the win by 69 points.

New coach Michael Hartley led the way with 5, Bailey Henderson chipped in 5and new recruit Zach Greeves kicked 4, Callum McConachy 2, Ben McConachy 2and DarbySemmens 1.

The Castlemaine Reserves also claimed afirst up win under new coach, CFNC premiership player and long-time club person, Frank Byrne, to the tune of an impressive 88 points.

Ben Moran was outstanding kicking 6, Aidan Goddard kicked 3, Kyan Martin 2, Aidan Douglas 2and Dylan Hickey and Wilson Staples 1each.

The Castlemaine Under 18s, coached by ex-VFL local and Magpie senior player Bailey Henderson, also produced afantastic first upwin to the delight of local fans.

The young side trailed early in the match with the Maryborough Magpies digging deep and making an impact on the scoreboard to lead upto half time.

But Castlemaine fought back in the third term and held afive-point buffer at the final change before smashing on another three goals to win by seven points.

The CFNC netball season is shaping up to be another positive and successful year for the club, with atop-five finish expected for both Asquad teamsyet again, and a much more positive outlook for Bsquad teams this year as well. Exciting things are also happening in CFNCs junior netball space with a17&U team full to the brim with new young talent, and a15&U development team for the first time in anumber of years, who will compete in the CVNA winter

competition ona Friday nightin Bendigo. This new look squad will be coached by Charlotte McMurray and Kyla Byrne.

The Castlemaine Magpie netballers kicked offthe daybycelebrating the 200game milestone of club stalwart Taylah Sartori with flowers and aguard of honour

The 17&U netballers were the first to hit the court and aepic showdown ensued with Maryborough eventually getting over the line 61 to 53.

The Castlemaine B-reserve team turned the tables winning their match 48-41.

Castlemaine'sB-grade side were also impressive claiming another win 34-29 in a low-scoring battle.

Netball in full swing

Reigning A-grade netball premiers Woodend-Hesket went down by three goals to Kyneton on Good Friday,with the Tigers showing they will be aside to be reckoned with in the Riddell League.

It was asee-saw encounter in fine conditions on Kyneton’scourt, with the Tigers leading 31-30 at the last change before the Hawks hit the front, only to be overhauled through vital interceptions and spot-on shooting. Tigers’ senior coach Dianne Guest-Oakley was very pleased with the 40-37 outcome, praising all the players for making contributions.

“There was some brilliant play by both sides.

“Weare going to take each match week by week, and have astrong base with eight

key players, and plenty of younger talent on our list,” the coach said.

Tall shooter Claire Oakley finished with 31 goals, and Molly McGrath 9, while Laura Bennie was in good form at the other end of the court.

Defender Charlee Duff-Tytler,Abby Gilmore (31 goals) and Laura Carland were the Hawks’ best.

Woodend-Hesket was not at full strength, and expect to bolster the side for coach Ty Coppinger to tackle some tough games ahead.

The Tigers and Hawks each won two matches on Good Friday

19&Under: Very close throughout, before the Hawks rallied for an important 24-21 victory.Best (WH) –HP*, H. Dwyer,

HP*. Kyneton –G.Tremayne, L. Munro, J. Bourke.

B-grade: Kyneton led byeight goals at half time, and maintained control to end 3727 up. Best –Hayley Bourke (23 goals), L .Bennie, M. McIntyre; M. Fletcher,C.Klusik, K.Bartlett (WH).

C-grade: The and Hawks controlled play with shooter TaylaDurham 20 ,Courtney Chettle and Karlie Plowman the scorers, and Emma Webb and Maddison Randle best players. Kyneton’sbest was Alison Cumming shining, with D. Kelly and M. Keeping also in fine form.

In the next round on April 13, Kyneton goes to Riddell, and Woodend-Hesket is at home to Macedon.

Maryborough'sA-reserve side produced adominant display to win that contest 56 to 38.

The Castlemaine A-grade side will have to wait until round two to test the waters with Maryborough FNC not fielding ateam in 2024.

The Castlemaine Senior women's football side and defending 2023 premiers will play their season opener this Sunday April 7against Sandhurst at Ewing Park at 1pm.

The Magpie Under 18 women'sfootball side will also hit the park for the first time this Sunday April 7against Sandhurst at the same venue at 11.15am.

–NB. HP means hidden player There wassomebrilliant play by both sides in Agrade netball on Friday.

Magpie young gun Archie Rixon looks for an option as his teammate tackles his Maryborough opponent. Photo: Max Lesser

16

View Saturday 6thApril 12:00pm-12:30pm

ForSale $999,000 -$1,098,900 Web rh.com.au/kyneton

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When Location Counts

•The home is acream brickveneer residencebuiltonasolid blue stone

Go inside and you arein forasurprise-This home has the WOW factor.Beautifully renovated with lots of natural light to the north-facing, well-proportioned front rooms, stunning original polished hardwood floors, and original cornicing honouring historical charm and features.

255Vaughan Springs Rd,Drummond Nth

Web rh.com.au/kyneton

Tranquil and Peaceful Location

•This remarkable 40-acreapprox farm land is nestledinasereneand tranquil location. The charming three bedroom, one bathroom farmhouseisthe ideal retreat, providing acozyand comfortable living space. Situated in aprime location, being conveniently closetoDaylesford, Malmsbury, and Castlemaine.

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15

Modern Elegance

•Anexcitingopportunitytoown this

family home perfectlylocated in the heart of the vibrant Riverside Estate, Kyneton. This modern country four bedroom, twobathroom home offers you everything you coulddesirefor your family’s comfort andenjoyment.

Jennifer

422508

22 Patterson Drive, Kyneton

Sold&Congratulations Web rh.com.au/kyneton

Jennifer Pearce 0427 422508 jennifer.pearce@kyneton.rh.com.au

LowMaintenanceLiving

•Within walking distancetoschools, sporting facilities, Kyneton Hospital and medical services this is your opportunity to buy your first home at an entry level pricepoint, purchaseasmart investment or perhaps to downsize.

A

A 3 B 1 C 3 F 40acres