AFLsaysnotowomen
Angela Crawford
TheKynetonWomen’s Football Club has been blocked from joining the Central Victoria Football League forseason 2026 afterthe Riddell District Football Netball League appealed the club's entrytothe competition.
AFL Victoria upheld theRDFNL'schallengelast week, despitethe CVFL having accepted the club to its fold
TheRDFNL hadrejected the club from playing in its ownleague last year but wished the women well in exploring "other opportunities"
RDFNLCEO Jordan Doyle wasapproached by the Express fora statementto explain the league's objection. Hiswritten response was"no comment"
In upholding the RDFNL's appeal, AFL Victoria said it wasnot satisfied thata second women’s football club in Kyneton could be sustainably supportedlong-term
and raised concerns about potential disruptions to established junior development pathways in neighbouring clubs.
KWFCpresidentNatalie Korinfsky said the playing group wasdevastated.
“This decision followsthe CVFL issuing aformal letter of intent to accept KWFC afterthe club successfully metall assessmentcriteria,”she said.
“Wehavecomplied withevery process and expectation asked of us."
KWFCwas born from upheaval. More than 30 players andtheir coacheswalked out of the KynetonFootball NetballClub last year,citing inequitable treatmentand disrespect. Their application to join the RDFNLfor the 2025 season wasrejected, forcing the group to align temporarily with Gisborne in the Essendon District Football League. Apremiership wasthe outcome forthe united team afteranunbeaten season.
“KWFC wasestablished to provide a
safe,inclusiveand independentfootball environmentfor women, girls and genderdiverse people in Kynetonand surrounding areas,”MsKorinfsky said.
“Following significantchallenges experiencedatour former club, KWFCcontinued consultation withAFL Victoria to ensure theywereaware of the difficulties our playersfaced, and the structural and systemic barriersfor standalone women’s football organisations.”
CALL TO RELEASE FINDINGS
Earlier this year,AFL Victoria conducted areviewintothe circumstances surrounding the mass departurefromthe Kyneton Football NetballClub and the RDFNL’s earlier response. However, the findings have notbeen released.
“Inthe interests of transparency and confidenceinthe process, we have respectfully requested thatthe full reviewbe released to our club and the general public,” Ms Korinfsky said.
With no local pathwayavailable, KWFC pursued alternativecompetition options and wasformally accepted by the CVFL –making last week’sreversal all the more devastating.
“Tohaveour players once again left without aconfirmed competition, despite meeting all criteria of aleague thataccepted us, is extremely disappointing,"Ms Korinfsky said.
"Our priority is to provide our players with asafe, respectfuland stable football environment, and we remain committed to achieving thatoutcome.”
Theclub is nowpreparing to takeits fighttothe Victorian Civil and AdministrativeTribunal, seeking areviewand overturning of the AFL Victoriadecision. Fundraising has begun to secure the legal support required forthe challenge.
Kyneton's neighbouring women's football team at Castlemaine is thereigning four-timepremiership side in the CVFL.
TheKynetonWomen’s Football Club hasbeen blocked from competing in the CentralVictoria Football League following an appeal by the RiddellLeague. Photo:TiesUriePhotography
Vitalflood studywins funding
Jade Jungwirth
With aflood-prone creek on one side and overland tributaries on theother,Campbells Creek residents arewell-versed in major flood events, the most recent occurring in 2022.
TheCampbells Creek FloodStudy,which costs just shyof$200,000, will take about 12 months to complete andwill help MountAlexander ShireCouncil better understand the impacts and potential solutions to overland flooding in the area.
Council'sdirector of infrastructureand development, Michael Annear,told the Express thatwhile the council wasalready
in the process of working on the levee, they needed to gain moreknowledgeofwhathappened when stormwater flowedthrough the tributaries and combined withthe riverine flooding.
"The study willhelpthe council better understand howtomanagestormwater and flows across land, and implementsolutions which mightinclude stormwaterdrainage systems or other improvements,"hesaid.
"Weneed to understand all theissues so we can putthe work in the rightspots."
During a$95,000 federal funding announcementtowards the project last Thursday, MP Lisa Chestersnoted thatwhile
the Disaster Ready Fund wasoften oversubscribed, she wasnot surprised thatthe Campbells Creek project wassuccessful, largely due to thepartnership from all three levels of government.
"Every time we geta lotofrain,people in Campbells Creekget anxious, whether you'rethe council, the bowls club, part of the Friends of Campbells Creek, liveinthe area or have kids at the school, the watercan rise very quickly," she said.
"InOctober 2022, parts of Campbells Creek flooded, devastating local constituents and community members.
"Weknowthatextreme weather events
arehappening with higher severity as aresult of climate change. That’s whycommunities need themost accurate information to inform their emergency responses."
MP MareeEdwards said while it wasa planning study,itwas an importantpiece of work to knowexactly what wasrequired in the futureand to mitigate inundation on properties.
“I’mproud to seethis investmentin Campbells Creek, which will strengthen our community’s resilienceand ensurewe’re ready forsevereweather events," shesaid.
"Ithas been along time coming, and there is major work thatneeds to be done."
Helping you thrive this festive season
Whether your festive season is busy or quiet,giveyourself permissiontorestand recharge.Enjoy good food,peaceful momentsand activities thatbring you joy. Stay close to people who support you, andfeelfreetosimplify or reshape traditions to suit your wellbeing.
Restand recharge
Festivestress is common. While alittle stress can motivate you, too much can affect your mood, health and relationships. Planning ahead, setting boundariesand saying no when needed can ease pressure. If you’re often feeling overwhelmed, DhelkayaHealth provides free counselling services for allages.
Stay active
Our regionoffers wonderful outdoor spaces to exploregardens, bush tracks and mountain trails. Just 30 minutes of activity aday cansignificantly reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes,falls and dementia, and also supportsmental health. Dhelkaya Health runs activity groups across Castlemaine, Maldon and surrounding areas to help youstay moving
Current vacancies
Nourish yourself
Good nutrition and hydration are vital, especially as we age. Mindful eating and focusing on nutritional quality support long-term health. Seasonal events may make healthy choicesharder, but small decisions matter. Stayhydrated during hot weather, and seek advice from Dhelkaya Health’s Dietetics service if needed.
Stay connected Kindness boosts hormones that support mood and wellbeing for both giver and receiver. Volunteering is a meaningful waytoconnect; Castlemaine Community House is currently seeking volunteers for its Christmas Lunch.
As 2025draws to aclose,remember that small steps create big wellbeing wins.
Dhelkaya Health wishes you asafe, joyful and kind festive season.
•Registered Nurse -Clinical Resource Unit (POOL) - Ongoing/full-time
•Food Services -Dinner Shift Leading Hand - Ongoing/part-time
•Registered Nurse -Care Coordinator -Complex Care - Fixed term/part-time
•Administration/Intake Assistant - Ongoing/full-time
|(03) 54713555
BendigoMPLisa Chesters,BendigoWest MP MareeEdwards, MountAlexander ShiremayorCrTobyHeydonand members of Friends of CampbellsCreek.
News storybecomes elevator pitch
Morgan Reinwald
An out-of-serviceand broken elevatorina council building left a senior citizen unable to competeinher bi-weekly table tennis tournamentfor the entiretyofthis year
"I'vebeen trying to getitfixed sincethe beginning of this year, and I'vejustgiven up,"the senior said.
The Express asked the Shire, "Does council have anyplantoserviceorreplacethe elevator?"
Organisersofthe seniorstable tennis group received an email from council days later.
"Weare pleased to sharesomepositivenews," it read. "Following arecentvisit from aservice technician, the lift is nowoperational and available foruse".
It turns out, it wasnever broken. Just tired, old, sensitive.
Children at the KynetonToyota Sports and Aquatic Centre would oftencause ruckusinthe four wallsand thelift would stop lifting. It became acost-burden to keep servicing, so theyopted to put asign on its door thatread, "liftisclosed until further notice"
About 25 members of U3A Kynetonmeettwice aweek on the second floor of the reccentretoplaytable tennis. Howevermembershavestruggled to usethe residual stairwell due to ageing physical health.
Helen Metcalfeis88years old. Shespoke to the Express last week and said she could notclimbstairs, so stopped playing at the centre
"I haven'tplayedthis year because Ihaven't been able to getup there. Will Ieverget backupthere? Theseason'snearly over," Ms Metcalfesaid.
"I wasvery sadwhen Irealised, Icouldn't getupthereanymore and playthe one thing Ican still play. It's the one thing thatkeeps me active. It clearsthe mind, makes youmoreactive.
"It'salsoasocial thing. They'remyfriends. Imiss my friends."
Theorganiser of the U3A table tennis group, Cate Burton,said she wastold in February the group wasnolongerallowedtouse the elevator.
"The aquatic centre told me it's beyond repair. It needs replacement,"she said.
The Express emailed Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil last Wednesdayand asked the question. It responded Fridaywitha statement.
It read, "The elevatoratthe KynetonToyota Sports and Aquatic Centre hadbeen experiencing recurring operational issues foranextended period duetoits ageand design, requiring multiple reactive repairsoverthe past twoyears".
"Despitethese interventions, its performancecontinued to deteriorate, and we soughtdetailed assessments and advicefromour contracted serviceprovider.
"Council allocatedfunding in the Budget 2025-26 to undertake proactiverepair works to theelevator, howeverfurther scoping identified that the extent of the works required exceeded the original budget provision.
"Asa result, council is nowevaluating options to deliver afullreplacementofthe elevator, including consideration in futurebudgets.
"Wewill shortly put in place procedures to reopen it foressential use only (must be staff-assisted). Importantly,weare confidentit remains safe to useasnecessary."
Twohoursafter this email wassent, organisersofthe table tennis group received their ownemail, advising the "positivenews".
Theupdatereached Ms Metcalfequickly
"I'm so happy,"she said.
"But whycouldn't they have done thatsooner?"
Kynetonartist claims VASprize
Kynetonartist TimMurphyhas been named Hylton MackleyArtist of the Year forthe Victorian Artists Society.
The$17,000 prizeisawarded to theartist with the most accumulativevotes across VASseasonal select exhibitions and theArtist of the Year exhibition.
This awardisunique as it is notawarded by acommitteeorjudge, but by the peersofthe winning artist and demands sustained performanceoverthe exhibiting year
Murphytold the Express his achievementwas "still sinking in"but he wasdelightedtowin the title thatmany of his"modernday heroes" had achieved.
"I'vebeen in the final half adozen times. Inever expected to win it buthoped maybe Iwould receivea recognition. To be the winner is very surprising,"hesaid.
Many Macedon Ranges residents will be familiar with Murphy'stonal realism works with influencefromthe Australian Tonal MeldrumSchool.
He hascaptured numerous local landscapes over the yearsand portraits. People have also enjoyedhis unique still-lifes thatfeature instantly recognisable but unexpected objects from the not-to-distantpast.
"The interest is in painting whatIcan see,"hesaid.
"I love painting landscapes and finding second-hand objects to paint. KynetonCollectiveisa placeI am haunting quitea lotbecause theyhavealot of greatpieces."
Some of those vintageitems featured in his unique still-lifes areelectric frypan, an icecrusher,aniconic Mistral fanfromthe 50s and amix-master from the same period.
Murphyhas strong ties to theMacedon Ranges. He grew up in the shireand movedbacktothe area about fiveyearsago
Hisgreat grandfather Thomas Fisher Levick wasa popular Kynetonartist and his works can still be viewed around the town. Levick designed the KynetonBotanic Gardens gatesand paintedmuralsatthe Kyneton Masonic Lodgethatare nowheritageprotected.
Murphyheld his last exhibit at Kyneton in April. He is nowworking towardsacollection fora VASexhibition in April at East Melbourne. People can also viewhis work at his Kynetonstudio.
You’reinvited to Christmas Lunch
Spend Christmas Dayingood companyatCastlemaine Community Christmas Lunch.
Thefreecelebration is hostedbyCastlemaine Community House and is open to all residents.
It’s theperfect way to come together,connect and enjoy the season’sfestivities in afriendly environment.
Theday will include lunch and dessert, music, activities, presents and good company.
When: Thursday25December,12.30pm to 2.30pm
Where: Castlemaine Town Hall
Cost: Free
To register, visitcch.org.au/community-christmas-lunch.
Free transportation to and from the event is available –email reception@cch.org.au or call 5472 4842
Take-away packs and gifts areavailable for those unable to dine-in.
together forahealthy, connected shire mountalexander.vic.gov.au (03) 5471 1700
Keep their doorsopen!
Macedon Ranges' strained Neighbourhood Houses continuetofightfor increased funding and theyhavebeenbackedbycommunity Yearsofinadequate funding has put the services at risk of closureand threatened the vital programs theyprovide.
Riddells Creek, Kyneton, Woodend, Gisborne, Lancefield and Romsey services have joined the state-wide ‘Keep OurDoorsOpen’campaign, calling on theVictorian Governmentto boost funding by 25 per cent in the2026 Budget Communitymembershavemade online submissions and postcards highlighting the importancethe services the neighbourhood houses provide.
Kynetonartist TimMurphywas named Hylton Mackley Artistof the Year forthe Victorian ArtistsSociety Theartist at work on aTrentham streetscape.
GREAT BRANDS AND SERVICE
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We offer an extensiverange of equipment for all types of farming and grounds-care needs from class-leading brands Kioti, Bad BoyMowers, John Berends, Cosmo Bully,TTI and Goldacres.
We also have qualified diesel mechanics as partofour team with the option to use either our on-site workshop or on-farm service. Giveusa call to findout more.
Macedon Ranges Ag Machinery 120 Piper St, Kyneton Phone 5422 1821 E. info@mragmach.com.au
Warning on e-bikes
Intending purchasersofe-bikes and scootersare being reminded to familiarise themselves with rules and regulations.
Riddell policeofficer LSC Marianne Voswinkel has issued amessagewiththe festive season almost here"and before Santadecides to buy" an e-bikeorscooter "Ridersmustbeover16years,mustwear a helmet, and must notride on the footpaths."
LSCVoswinkelsaid breaking these rules could lead to very expensivefines "which will no doubt put adampener on Santa'sgenerosity".
Chargesmay also be laid and bikes and scooters maybeconfiscated, the officer warned, in also extending asafeand very Merry Christmas to all "in our fantastic community"
As Christmas and New Year approach, ensure youhave everything youneed:
•Check your prescription repeats early
•Book an appointment with your doctor &request new scripts ahead of time
•Dropyour scripts off at the pharmacytoallow plenty of time for processing.
Your
Short-term thrill, long-term wound
Irresponsible and destructivetrail bikeridershavebeenaccused of getting ashort-term thrill while leaving a long-term wound in ahighly significant floraand fauna location in the Macedon Ranges.
With the holidayseason coming up, Riddells Creek LandcarepresidentRoss Colliver has spoken out about whatis happening at Barrm Birrm on the north western side of the town.
He acknowledged gatesput on roads through Barrm Birrm by the shirecouncil had slowedthe flowoffour-wheel drives, and the bushland wasslowly recovering.
"But trail bikeriderscome and go at will,"MrColliverexplained.
In the past, ridershavecontented themselves with tearing around the upper slopes, which arealready damaged.
Mr Colliversaid overthe past two months destructiveridershad been cutting newtrails into the soft surfaceofthe lower slopes.
remind them of their responsibilities.
"This is the bushland in Riddell'sbackyard," Mr Colliver said.
They have cut down through thesurface layerofmoss, lichen and grasses, exposing the soil.
'YEARS TO RECOVER'
"Moving waterwashes the soil away and the land will takeyearstorecover,"MrColliver warned.
He said someone in Riddell must know the offending trail bikeriders.
"They'retrashing the place, and thatis notright,"hesaid, calling on riderstostick with established tracks and "goupthe top" and leave the lowerslopes alone.
People who knowany of the riderscould
"With our population about to double, we'regoing to need these places. Butthey need looking afterortheywill go downhill fast."
In the 2023 Ecological Assessmentof Barrm Birrm it wasdescribed as arguably the most intact flora and fauna area in the region. It is astrongholdfor four species of threatened flora, and the Landcaremembers arekeen to see strongholds protected.
Some locals findthe quietbush agreat placetowalk.
Each month half adozen Landcaremembersgoinona'Wildflowers and Weeds' walk.Theyfind out what is blooming and remove the weeds thattravelinfromthe town.
Barrm BirrmatRiddells Creekisa stronghold forfour species of threatened flora, andthe Landcaremembersare keen to see strongholdsprotected.
Students offer free healthchecks
Agroup of first year La Trobe University Bendigonursing students arecurrently visiting Castlemaine and surrounds as part of the university's'HealthyTowns' project.
Project coordinatorBradHodgesaid HealthyTowns wasacommunity-driven rural health initiativedesigned to support under-served rural communities while giving university students the chanceto develop real-world skills.
"Through outreach programs and pop-uphealth clinics, placementnursing students work alongside local partnersto offermuch-needed services, lend ahand wheregaps exist, and experience firsthand whatrural health practicecan look like,"hesaid.
"It’sa chancetomakea differenceand to learn by doing, bringing fresh energy to communities that need it, while building the futurerural health workforce."
Thegroup has visited Kyabram anumber of times and this is their first visit to Castlemaine.
Thestudents areworking in three groupsofeightmanaging apop-up clinic locatedatthe RayBradfield Room over a three-week period from December 1-19. Thepop-up is open from 9.30am-4pm Mon-Fri.
They enjoyedthe chancetochattoand test volunteer participants at apop-up at the recent International Day of People withDisability (IDPwD) eventatVictory Park, and arealso visiting arangeofother localvenuesincluding DonKRCastlemaine, theweekly CastlemaineFarmers Market,The Mill Castlemaine, Castlemaine Library,Maldon Neighbourhood Centre, Harcourt General Storeand Dhelkaya Health.
Thestudents areconducting basic health checks taking participants' blood pressure, heart rate and temperature, blood glucose etc. Allconsultations arefreeand participants takepart anonymously
Theprogram provides community memberswith somevaluableinsightsinto their overall health and wellbeing and gives students valuable hands-onexperienceworking witha rangeofpatients experiencing avast array of health conditions.
Students aresupervised by an experiencedstaff member who can offeradvice if further testing is needed.
Be suretocallintothe RayBradfield Rooms and sayhello and perhapstakepart in afreehealth check next time youare passing through town.
‘Mini tornado’strikes
approximately 800 metres and scattered debris overa 250-metreradius.
Castlemaine StateEmergency Service volunteersfaced ademanding weekend of severe weather,responding to 10 requests forassistance. Theimpactwas concentrated heavily in the Maldon and Tarrengower area, wherea freak weather eventcaused significantdestruction.
Themost severe damageoccurredata propertyinthe TreloarsRoad area. Local crews arrivedtofind ascene of devastation consistentwith a'mini tornado'.
While the home has unfortunately been rendered uninhabitable due to theextent of thedamage, it wasarelieftoconfirm thatall residents escaped the incident without injury
Giventhe severity of the structural damage, SES crews were unable to conductthe usual temporary repairs, but assisted the homeownersinretrieving and moving essential belongings from the building.
Accessing the property proveddifficult forthe volunteers, who had to cleara series of fallen trees thatwereblocking roads beforetheycould reachthe residence.
Once on site,crews found thatthe home had lost itsentireroof, which had been deposited aconsiderable distance from thehouse. Theforce of the wind had snapped trees in astraightline stretching
Beyond the major incidentinTarrengower, Castlemaine SESvolunteersworked alongside MountAlexander ShireCouncil road crewstoclear debris and reopen roads across the shire. Acrewwas also deployedtoHepburn Shiretoassist the DaylesfordSES Unit.
La Trobe University nursing students Chloe, Sophie, Stella,Bella and Rory welcome community memberstocall into their pop-up clinic at theRay Bradfield Rooms.
Clarkefield collision,one critical
Awoman has been airlifted to hospital in critical condition aftera three-vehicle collisioninClarkefield on Saturday It is understood aJeep Wrangler,a Mazda3 and aToyota Corolla collided on Melbourne-Lancefield Road about 11.45am.
The50-year-old female driver of the Toyota wasairlifted to hospital withcritical injuries.
Themale driversofthe Jeep and Mazda, aged 33 and 35, were both taken to hospital withnon-lifethreatening injures, along with a female passenger of the Mazda.
Theinvestigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urgedtocontactCrime Stopperson 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Join thecarol singing
The2025 Rotary Carols in the Park returns to Castlemaine's Victory Park this Fridayevening and is onceagain setto featurea host of local talent
Rotarian and Carols coordinatorScott Buchanan is at thehelm forhis fourth time and said it would be aspecial eveningnot to be missed.
"Wewill onceagain have the local 'Just Brass' students performing to warm up the crowd before the official programgets underway at 6.30pm and theywill also be part of the programthis year," he said
'Just Brass' wasformed by the Castlemaine Salvation Army with students from local state primary schools receiving instruction under the leadership of Dean Curtis.
Last year,because of funding difficulties, the Thompson Foundry Band and Castlemaine Rotary Club funded the programfor twoterms to keep the junior band program alive. Just Brass has nowmadeafresh start withvolunteer tutorsgoing into primary schools to teach brass on azerobudget.
"It'sa wonderfulfreeprogram forlocal students and we can't wait to welcome Dean and the students. Locals mayhave caughttheir recent performances outside the Maxi IGAonDecember 1and 8,"Scott said.
"Derek Guille will be hosting the carols and of course we will have the beloved Thompson's Foundry Band providing the
musical accompanimentand Castlemaine Pride Choir will lead the communitysinging," he said.
"Wealsohavealong list of special guests including the MaCapella Singersled by Tara Flynn, Michael Treloar,and aspiring young operasinger Orvokki Britton.
"Weare also delightedto welcome local singer Stella Carlon-Tozer who has just completedher first year of study at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. Stella will treatthe crowd to avery special rendition of Eva Cassidy'sof SomewhereOver the Rainbow."
Be suretoget along and catch Stella and all of the homegrowntalentatthis joyous community event.
Castlemaine Lions Club memberswill be manning the barbecue onceagain and therewill even be aspecial visit from the man in red with sometreatsfor carollers of allages!
TheThompsons Foundry Band will provide the musical accompaniment.
TheRotary Club of Castlemaine will also be making presentations to anumber of local charities following on from the success
of their recent truck show. So grab your chair or picnic rug, warm up your singing voiceand getalong to Victory Park this Fridayevening.
P: +61404 460527
E: admin@inspectio.com.au
A: 28 Fraser Street, Clunes 3370
P: PO Box 6, Clunes 3370
W: inspectio.com.au
We issue Building Permits, that’s what we do. Servicing Victoria’s Midlands. Feel free to getintouch.
Kids try to reduce kangaroo deaths
Grade fiveand six students at Chewton Primary School have collaborated with Mount Alexander WildlifeWatch on aproject protectinglocal wildlife.
With afocus on reducing kangaroo deaths on Forest Street,the children have been making posterstoexpress their concern about the impact of vehicles hitting kangaroos.
On Friday, the children took their posters public,holding them up outside the Chewton pool formotorists to see.
Councillor Phillip Walker and Kerrie Allen from MountAlexander WildlifeWatch were presenttodiscuss theissues.
On Saturdaymorning, the children then went live on MainFM foraninterviewwith 'Wild Conversations'
Thechildren, who have been working on this project as part of their sustainability subject,said:
“Wecareabout kangaroos in the area because we love having them in our backyards, in the bush behind ourschooland along the creek.
"Wesee so manydead kangaroos on the side of the road,and we feel sad thatthey have been left to die as if theydon’t matter "People would respond differently if it were apet.Theywouldn’t drivepast and leave an injured dogonthe side of the road
"Also, as part of our First Nations learning, we have learntthatkangaroos areimportant forculturebecause some peopleconnect to them as their totem, which means that they arepart of their family.”
“Wethink thatmanyofthese kangaroo deaths and injuries areoccurring in theevening and nighttime when trucks aretravelling overthe speed limit along Forest Street."
Kerrie Allen from MountAlexander WildlifeWatch suggests that people carry a wildlifekit in their car with ahi-viz jacket, a torch, apillowcase and the number forWildlifeVictoria.
"Ifyou do see an injured kangaroo, please stop. Pull oversafelytothe side of the road," she said.
"Ifit’ssafe, checktosee if it hasa pouch thatmightcontain ababyjoey. Joeysshould be put in the pillowcase and taken to the nearest vetclinic immediately forthem to look after(at no cost to thepublic).
“Wehavealso learntthatfences area real hazardtokangaroos when the height
and materials arenot considered. It is good to attach whitefabric to thetop of the fence, so the kangaroo can see theheight at nightand notget caughtonthe wire.
Super high fences with barbed wiretops are incredibly dangerous forkangaroos,"Kerrie said.
Mt Alexander WildlifeWatch asks that driversslowdownand driveatoreven belowthe speed limit, thatpeople think
about wild animal crossings when theyare building fences and thattheylookout for wildlife.
They also ask people to put their dogs on alead to reducethe risk of kangaroos being frightened and then having aheart attack afterbeing chased by adog
Call WildlifeVictoria on 8400 7300 or report online at www.wildlifevictoria.org. au/report-a-wildlife-emergency
Grade fiveand sixstudents from ChewtonPrimary School with Serena Everill (left), Kerrie Allen (front), Bernadette McKenna(back) and Cr Phillip Walker (right). Photo:Jade Jungwirth
Romseyproject skatingahead
Construction has begun on the new RomseySkatepark with completion expected early next year
Theimpressivedesign includes alarge bowl, quarter pipe,pump track and a series of hips and corners, as well as shade shelters, seating, lighting, landscaping and pathways
It hasbeen 11 yearsinthe making and abig-focus project forLancefield Romsey Lions Club and has had strong community input at every stage: from special features to artwork.
Last week, Romsey Primary School studentsnamed the skatepark'skoala mascot Olly —synonymous with askating move
Students took part in acompetition to name the character and sevenwinners were announced last week.
Young people and local residents have also been akey part of amural design now taking shape at the skatepark'stoiletblock.
Working alongside Kyle Brightside, from CreativeSparks Projects, local residents have helped create the mural'stheme and even been involved with the painting.
Thework features nativefloraand fauna including ablack cockatoo, gum leavesand kookaburra, around thetheme of intergenerational connection and unity.Ofcourse, Olly the koalawill also be featured
TheRomseySkatepark project gained momentum when the Lions secured $950,000 in Victorian Governmentfunding in 2023/24.
RomseyPrimary School principal Melanie Stewart, studentprize winnersAiley, Wade, Leah, Honey, Millie, Zoeand Bryce, Lancefield RomseyLions Club members Gedand Wendie McLaughlin, BendigoBank’sJodie Peacock and Kyle Brightside from CreativeSparks Projects.
Lancefield Romsey Community Bank helped bring the project to lifewiththe remaining $147,180 forconstruction works in 2024. Thebank also contributed towardsthe early stages of design through a$32,000 investment.
Contractswereawarded to Kynetonbased Grind Projectswith skatepark
design by Baseplate's Darren Whitefrom Kyneton.
Romsey-based Newearth Constructions donatedits labour to clear the sitein preparation forthe newskatepark. Skating is nowexpected to begin at the newparkbylateJanuary or early February,depending on works.
Features of the skatepark will includea large bowl and quarter pipe.
RomseyPrimary students, and residents young and old, have been involved in painting the toiletblock mural.
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ASKTHE E p t
ChrisMercieca
Asaprimaryproducer,amIentitled todeductinstantlythecostoffarm infrastructurelikefencingorfodder storage?
Yes.Primaryproducersaregrantedspecific taxconcessionsthatallowthemtodeduct certaininfrastructureexpensesimmediately Thisincludescostsforfencing,fodderstorage facilitiessuchassilosorsheds,andwaterrelatedassetslikedamsorirrigationsystems. Insteadofspreadingdeductionsoverseveral years,theseexpensescanbeclaimedinfull rightaway.
Inaddition,smallbusinessesincludingprimary producersmayaccesstheinstantassetwriteoffforqualifyingpurchases,withthecurrent thresholdsetat$20,000perasset.
Contactustoday: BentleysVictoria 17NicholsonStreetWoodend 19BourkeStreetKilmore
Phone54278100 | bentleys.com.au Emailinfo@bentleysvic.com.au
Q: Canyoucopy/restoreourold FamilyPhotos?
A: WecancopyandrestoreyouroldB/W& Colourphotos,slides,andnegativesand thenprintthemashardcopiesorsend themtoyouindigitalformat. Withyearsofexperienceusingphotoshop, youwillbesurprisedhowgoodwecan makethemlook
Callustoday: Chapman’sofCastlemaine Phone54705302 77MostynSt.Castlemaine
WhattaremyTTACentitlementsif Iaminjuredinaroadaccident interstate?
TheTACcanpaycompensationtoa Victorianresidentwhoisinjuredordies inaninterstateaccidentinvolvinga Victorianregisteredvehicle;oranonVictorianresidentwhoisinjuredordies inaninterstateaccidentandisthedriver orpassengerofaVictorianregistered vehicle.TACbenefitsarenotpayabletoa Victorianresidentwhoisinjuredordiesin aninterstateaccidentthatdoesnotinvolve aVictorianregisteredvehicle.
CallCarolineGraingerat: GraingerLegal Castlemaine|Sunbury|BacchusMarsh Phone54070161 www.graingerlegal.com.au
Q:
A:
CanIcookChristmaslunchwithfree solarpower?
Yesyoucancookcompletelyfree!Mostelectric ovenshaveheatingelementsrangingfrom 1200Wto2700W,withthestovehobsbeing 1500W.Let’ssayyou’reusingtheovenatfull capacity,andtwohobs,thenyou’redrawing 5700Wofpower.Atypicalsolarsystemfromus willhavea6000Winverterwithmorepanelsthan that,whichshouldproducethat6000Weasily duringfullsunlight,sayfrom11amuntil3pm whichisthecookingwindow!Andthereyouhave it,freecooking.Areallygood,easyrecipe,isa rolledchicken.Makeapilafacoupleofdaysprior andaddsomeoldbreadcrumbstoit.Askyour butchertodeboneachook–laythatoutflatand rollitaroundsomeofthepilafmixture,witha bunchofgardenherbs,andcookforjustunder anhour.AndMerryChristmas!
Callustoday: CentralSparkVictoria
CastlemaineandKyneton
Phone54625516
sales@central-spark.com
Q: A AmIItooyoungtohaveaWWill?
A:
Everyoneovertheageof18shouldhaveaWill Youngpeopleusuallythinktheydonothavemuch toleave.However,theyoftenhavesuperannuation benefitswhichalmostalwaysincludesignificantlife insurance,equityintheirhome,digitalassets(eg. onlinebankingaccounts,socialmediaaccounts), animals,motorvehicles,personalpossessions.If thereisnoWillitisoftendifficulttodealevenwith assetsofinsignificantvalueasthereisnotanexecutor andthenextofkinhastoapplytotheSupremeCourt tobeappointedadministratoroftheirestate.Ifthere isnoWilltheIntestacyRuleswillapply,dictatinghow theestatewillbedividedandtowhom.Thismay meanthatyourassetsgotosomeonewhoyoudid notwanttogetthem.HavingaWillcanmakeiteasier foryourfamilybyhavinganexecutorandguardianof yourminorchildrenappointed.
ContactVesnaPocucatoday: Phone54721588or157BarkerSt.Castlemaine Formoreinformationrobertsonhyetts.com.au
WhatcanIdothisHolidayPeriodto keepmycontentssafe?
WiththeChristmasBreakfastapproaching, It’seasytogetcaughtupinthefestivespirit andgiftgiving,butasgenerousandkind heartedasyoumaywishtobe,unfortunately therearealsosomewhomaybelookingto takeadvantageorwhatSantahasbrought. MakesurethisChristmas,thatyoutake precautionstokeepyourcontentssafeand yourhomesecure. Don’tletyourhomelook unlivedin–havesomeonecollectyourmail, putyourbinsinandoutorperhapshave atrustedfriendorfamilymemberhouse sit.Makesureyoukeepthosedoorsand windowslockedandvaluablesoutofsite. Giveusacallon54223333 TheadviceprovidedisGeneralinNature–ForPersonalAdvicepleasecontactyourInsuranceBroke
Callustoday: 45BMollisonSt,Kyneton Phone54223333 www.simplexinsurance.com.au
KN287631/K
MatthewWilson
VCETopAchievers
The Midland Express congratulatesthe Classof2025 on the completion of their Victorian Certificate of Education. Here is aroundupofthe topATAR(AustralianTertiary Admissions Rank) scorersfromour local secondary colleges.
Castlemaine Secondary College
Dux: Alexa Adam Score: 97.4.
Subjects: Literature, Physics, Chemistry, Biology,Mathematical Methods, Specialist Maths.
Futureplans: Alexaplans to take agap year and work and travel to Asia. Later Alexawants to study Scienceatthe University of Melbourne and pursue a career in Immunology
Dux Proximus: Torsten vanAndel
Score: 95.35
Subjects: History: Revolutions, ArtMaking and Exhibiting (specialising in Photography), Mathematical Methods, Physics, English Language.
Futureplans: Torstenplans to take agap year and work and travel to theUnited Kingdom or NewZealand. He aims for something in the STEMfield.
Sacred Heart College
Dux: Madison Morgan-Smith Score: 97.15.
Subjects: Specialist Chemistry,Specialist English Language, Health Sciences (Latrobe University), MathsMethods, Biology, Psychology Futureplans: Madison is planning to study Medicine.
Dux Proximus: Juliette Johnson
Score: 93.75.
Subjects: History: Revolutions, French, Spanish, Literature, Mathematical Methods, Legal Studies. Juliettealsoreceivedthe VCEBaccalaureate Futureplans: Sheiscurrently travelling overseas. In 2026 she plans to work and then travel to Europe before considering futurestudy options.
Gisborne Secondary College
Dux: Chhristian Murray
Score: 91.45
Subjects: General Maths(accelerated in Yr 11), English, Physics, Drama,Mathematical Methods, Algorithmics(via CHES). Futureplans: Christian has applied for engineering courses at RMIT,Monash and Swinburne, mostly Aerospaceand Mechatronics, but he’s planning on deferring and taking agap year to work and travel around Australia and possibly Europe
Dux Proximus: Abbbey Muir
Score: 91.1
Subjects: Biology (accelerated in Yr 11), General Maths, Psychology, Environmental Science, English, Further Biology units at Federation Uni.
Braemar College
Dux: Alannah Byrne Score: 99.2
Subjects: English, Psychology,Business Management, Legal Studies, Health and Human Development, MathsMethods. Futureplans: Alannah hopes to study Arts/ Law at the University of Melbourne next year
Alice Miller School
Dux: Tristan Rowan-Marshall Score: 96.7.
Subjects: Chemistry,Maths Methods, Specialist Maths, English, French. FuturePlans: Tristan is considering pursuing Paramedicine, Medicine, ScienceorComputer Science.
Dux Proximus: Scarlett Dam
Score: 90.05.
Subjects: MathsMethods, Specialist Maths, Chemistry,Physics, English. FuturePlans: Scarletaims to study at ADFAand become apilot.
Kyneton High School
Dux: Sophie Frankland
Subjects: English, Biology,General Maths, Psychology and Chemistry
Futureplans: Sophie hopes to study Biomedicine in 2026.
Dux Proximus: Thor Royal Score: 98.85.
Let’stalk HEALTH +
Rony Duncan –clinical psychologist
Rony is alocal clinical psychologist, working with adults and older teens. Shebelievesthe foundation of therapyisthe connection between therapist and client. Rony works gently and intentionally to build a genuine, collaborativerelationship with every person, offering awarm, steady and non-judgmental space whereclients can speak freely and feel understood. With aspecial interest in trauma, Rony supports peopletolivemore aligned, authentic and fulfilling lives by releasing long-held patterns that no longer servethem. Sheistrained in EMDR, Acceptanceand CommitmentTherapy (ACT), CBT, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and SchemaTherapy,blending evidence-based approaches to meeteach client’sneeds. Before moving to theMacedon Ranges with her partner and kids, Rony worked at Eve Studio in Brunswick, lectured at the University of Melbourne, and hosted RRRRadio’s Radiotherapytalk showasDrAutonomy Rony will offerEMDRintensives in 2026 foraccelerated and focused therapeutic work To getintouch –Email: ronyduncanpsychologist@gmail.com
Meet thepractitionersat29Twentynine
Simone Kaplan –clinical social worker,familytherapist and parenting coach
Simone offers supportivecounselling foradults, couples, families and young people. Sheemploys aholistic approach to help clients enhance self-awareness and develop practical coping skills, enabling them to navigate life's challenges more effectively and create healthier patternsand dynamics.
Theteam at MalmsburyPharmacyisproud to offerclients expert serviceacross avariety of health areas.
Their highly trained and caring pharmacistswork with youand your doctor to help you and your family reach the best possible health outcomes.
At 29Twentynine CollaborativeAllied Health, you’ll find morethan practitioners— you’ll find acommunity They’reacollectiveofindependentalliedand complementary health practitioners,working together to support your health andwellbeing. Locatedat29High Street,Kyneton, theybring independentexperts together under one roof —offering adiverse rangeofservices, each shaped by genuine care, collaboration and respect foryourjourney. Here aretwo of the friendlyfaces you'll findthere.
Whether you'restruggling with parenting, relationships or life transitions, Simone is passionate about supporting you. Shecreates asafe, comfortablespacefor clients to exploredifficult experiences. Sessions can integrateart,movement, breathwork andgrounding techniques to help youfind balance.
Simone also offers 'Walk and Talk' sessions in naturefor those who prefer this approach to traditional counselling. Herfocus is on discovering strategies to regulate andbalance your nervous system, empowering youtoprogress with greaterease. Visit Simone at Twentynine or call fora chattosee if she's the rightfit foryou.
To learn moreorget in touch –www.simonekaplan.com.au
Thestarting point forhealthcare
Thepharmacyishelping take care of customersbyoffering walk-in immunisations forinfluenza/shingles/COVID-19.As well, Immunisations on the National Immunisation Program, suchaswhooping cough and measles, mumps andrubella (MMR) vaccines, can be administered by the specially trained team without aprescription.
Malmsbury Pharmacy is also part of the statewide pilotprogram providing clinicsby appointmentfor urinary tract infections, certain skin conditions and travel vaccination immunisation. Speak to thestaff forfurther details aboutdays,dates and when these particular immunisations areavailable.
Malmsbury Pharmacy is an independentpharmacy proud of its well-known reputation forhigh-qualityprofessional standards, which theyattachwithopenness and genuine carefor the health and welfareofall customers. (See advert forcontact details.)
MESSAGES Christmas
Management
Enjoy these pages of Christmas messages from our local businesses thanking customers for their support over 2025. We are all looking forward to seeing you again in 2026.
Ourofficeswillbeclosedfrom 12pmWednesday24thDecember andreopenMonday5thJanuary,2026
Management andstaffwouldlike to wishyou allavery Merry Christmas anda happy andsafe New Year.
Ourofficeswillbeclosedfrom 12pmWednesday24thDecember andreopenMonday5thJanuary,2026
MESSAGES Christmas
We hope you have an uneventful stress free festive season! But if you do need us for urgent 24/7 Claims ut Support we’re just aphone call away. We’ll be back in the office from e’llbeback Monday 5th January
Phone 03 4411 2704 hello@macedonrangesinsurance.com.au
TheentireteamatGisborneMedicalCentrewishes thecommunityasafeandMerryChristmas.
Christmas/New Year Hours: Dec. 24th 8am to 5pm; closed 25 & 26; open 27 &289am to 3pm; 29 &308am to 6.30pm; 31st 8am to 5.30pm; Jan. 1st closed; 2nd 8am to 5.30pm; 3&49am to 3pm.
Phone54283355 | www.gisbornemedical.com.au
WeareclosedChristmasDay,BoxingDay, andNewYear’sDay. Otherwiseopenforbusinessasusual Mon-Fri8am-6pm,Saturdays9am-12pm 9-11MarketStreet, Kyneton –54221397 reception@kynetonmedical.com.au www.kynetonmedical.com.au Merry Christmas fromthe team at Simplex Insurance Solutions. Our offices willbeclosedfromCOB on the23rd December2025and willreopen on Monday5th January2026. Forurgentclaimsassistanceduring this time,please call our after hours EmergencyNumber-1300 309237
Thank youtoall ourvaluedclientsfor their ongoing support www.simplexinsurance.com.au
TheentireteamatBrooke StreetMedicalCentre wishesthecommunity asafeand MerryChristmas.
Christmas/New Year Hours: Dec.24th 8am to 1pm; closed 25, 26 27, &28; 29 &308am to 5pm; 31 8am to 4pm. Jan. 1st closed; 2nd 9am to 1pm; 3rd 9am to 1pm.
Phone54271002 |www.bsmc.net.au KN287797/K
KN287796/K
Phone5422 2877 www.campaspefp.com.au The entire teamatCampaspe Family Practice wishes the community asafe and Merry Christmas. Christmas/New Year Hours: Dec. 24th 8am to 6pm; closed 25 &26; open 27th 9am to 3pm; 28 closed;
6,
MESSAGES Christmas
5, 2026.
STEVEBARTY GAS
105-107Barker Street, Castlemaine Phone54721262
Thank you to all our valuedcustomersfor your support during 2025 and we look forwardtoseeing you in 2026.
Have ahappy and safeChristmas We will be open normaltrading hours. Closedonthe publicholidays.
We wouldliketothank allour customers for their support during 2025 and look forward to seeing youin2026. Wishing youand your families a MerryXmas and staysafe in the NewYear. MerryXmasfromPaul&Effie
We will be closing from Xmas Dayand returningfor businessonWednesday4th February2026.
66 Hargraves St,Castlemaine | Phone 5472 1183
SMASH REPAIRS
Our towing service will continue to operate24/7over the Christmas period.
5472 2124 24 Hours, 7Days 20
LYAL EALES STORES
We thank youfor your supportin2025 &look forwardinseeing youin2026. MerryChristmasand ahappyand safe newyear. Please noteour trading hours forthe Christmas and newyear period:
Sat20/12: 9am -5pm
Sun 21/12: 9am -4pm
Mon 22/12: 9am -5.30pm
Tues 23/12: 9am -5.30pm
Wed24/12: 9am- 5.30pm
Thurs Christmas Day: CLOSED
Fri26/12 Boxing Day: 9am -4pm
Sat27/12: 9am -4pm Sun 28/12: 10am -3pm
Mon29/12: 9am -5.30pm
Tues 30/12: 9am -5.30pm
Wed31/12: 9am -5.30pm Thurs NewYear’s Day: 9am-3pm
GreenawayBinswouldliketothankallourcustomers fortheirpatronageovertheyears. Welookforwardtocontinuingtoprovide agreatserviceforthecommunity.
STAYSAFEANDENJOYFAMILY&FRIENDS. Theofficewillclose22/12/2025andre-open12/01/2026. Collectionswillcontinueasscheduledduringthisperiod.
1300 033 606 •0447 180 237 www.greenawaybins.com.au
Your supportthroughout2025has meant theworld to us We'llbeclosedfromChristmas Day, reopeningMonday 5th January, and lookingforward to welcoming youback in 2026. With heartfeltthanks, Chris, Mar, and theteam at WesleyHill Bakery KN287768
Wishing you ajoyful Christmas!
Don’tlet them diefor adrink
Kerrie Allen –MountAlexander WildlifeWatch Inc.
As the weather warms and summer settles over centralVictoria, please sparea thoughtfor the wild creatureswho shareour landscape. This summerisshaping up to be one of the toughest they’vefaced in years. Despitesomehelpful spring rain, manydams and water bodies arestill bone-dry.Forecasts forsummerpointtoabove-average temperatures and below-average rainfall across much of Victoria. A weak La Niña and awarm Indian Ocean arecombining to create hotter-than-normal days andnights.
Unlikeusorour pampered pets, wildlifedon’t have the luxury of air conditioning, cool tiles, or aconstantfresh bowl of water.Tocope with heat, most animals hide in the bush throughout the day, emerging when it’scooler in the evening to search fora drink. Formany, that means having to crossbusyroads or navigate fences in adesperate attempttofind water.These jour-
neys arenot only dangerous, but toooften fatal. Driving in forested areas, especially near awater source such as a dam, it’sworth us taking extracare. These spots become vital lifelines, drawing animals across roadsas theymove between shelter and water
Turtles areonthe move nowtoo, slowly making their waytonew waterbodies. They’reeasytomistake forrocks or bits of tyre— and sadly notquickenough to getout of the way. If it'ssafetostop, acaring person can gently move the turtle offthe road in thedirection it was heading (but neverturnitaround or takeitfar from thespot)
Heat stress is aserious threat to most animals. Those suffering from heatexhaustion mayappear disoriented, lethargic, or unusually tame. Somebirds maypantorhold their wings away from their bodies. These aresigns they’re in trouble.
As custodians of the land, we can makea big differencetoour
wild neighbours,simplybyleaving out water. Placedishes in shaded spots away from pets and high traffic areas, and add astickand rocks so smaller creatures can climb in and out safely.Those of us living near aforest particularly,might consider this an act of kindness to the original residents —those who were here long before us. Water dishes can be hooked up to morning auto-watering systems forconvenience. If possible, please keep the waterreplenished consistently through summer
If youcome across an animal in distress, please contact awildlife rescue group, such as WildlifeVictoria: 8400 7300 (put the number in your phone now!).
This summer will be tough. But small, thoughtful actions from all of us can help ensureour wildlife doesn’t have to die fora drink. Formoreideas on howtoprovide waterfor wildlife, visit www facebook.com/MountAlexanderWildlifeWatch
Howtobekindtoaplatypus at Christmas
MelodySerena
What would aplatypus wish foratChristmas?
Lots of tastyaquatic bugs and aclean, litter-free environmentwould likely topthe list
Unfortunately,a platypuscan become entangled in virtually anysmall to medium-sized loop or ring that ends up in thewater.Bangle-typebracelets,plastic cable-ties, food jarseals, knotted loops of twine and engine gasketsare all known to be problematic. A bicycle headlamprim in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Ahospital identification wristband in Traralgon Creek. Snarled fishing line and stray elastic hair-ties at sites across Victoria.
This partlyreflects the fact thata platypus mainly finds its food at the bottom of waterways–precisely wherehuman rubbish tends to accumulate.Tomake mattersworse, aplatypus’s specialised frontfeetare greatatpaddlingbut completely unsuited to grasping.
Plastic, metal or rubber loops that slip over aplaty-
Property Law
pus’s head thereforetend to remain in place– encircling the animal’sneckorbody– wheretheywear through skin and then slicethrough underlying muscle and even cartilage.
Research has shown that litter is responsible for nearly 10 per cent of all platypusmortalities.Please do your part to reducethe risk thata platypus dies horribly afterbecoming entangled this summer
•Ifyou’reanangler,don’t leave fishingline on the banks or in the water, even if youhavetowade out to retrieve it.
•Ifyou plan to camp,makesurethatcable-ties and other loops or rings return home with you.
•Ifyou plan to swim in aplace wherea platypus mightoccur,never useanelastic band or tie to secure your hair in the water. Leaveyour hair loose or secureit with aclip.
These simple actions cansaveaplatypus’s life
–Melody Serena works forthe Australian Platypus Conservancyand is amember of Friends of Campbells Creek.
Oneidea forwater provision is an inverted plumbing tube with a‘U’ end
Hair-ties found around abadly injured baby platypus at Bright
Afun sing-a-long carols evening at Woodend
Join in the festivities at the Woodend CommunityChristmas Carols from 6pmonFridayDecember 19 on the St MarysChurchlawns.
St Mary’sParish is donating $1000 each to theWoodend CFAand Woodend SES,and monies have come from theSt Mary’sGuild monthly streetstallsinHigh Street,Woodend and from sale of ticketsfor raffle prizes at this event. Woodend Hardware has donateda wheelbarrow forthe recent three years, which has been apopular prize.
Yummyhampersand storevouchers arealso raffle prizes.
TheCFA is supporting this annual eventfor the thirdyear in arow by bringing Santaand his Elvesalong in the CFA truck.
TheWoodend Lions areputting on asausagesizzle helped by the SES,and icy poles and sweets forchildren (big and small).
Local well-known entertainersare Woodend Warblers and Pete Walsh, along with Marlee Graceand the St Mary’s
singers. This is afun sing-a-long carols evening where people bring their deck chairsorblanketsand sitonthe lawns behind the Norma Richardson Hall,Buckland Street, Woodend.
Thebillboardout frontnear High Street,Woodend, has been donatedbyKyneton’s Sign Obsession –anannual sponsor sincethe CommunityCarols began back when Reverend MelissaClark presided at St Mary’snearlyeight yearsago
CelebrateChristmas by shopping localthisSaturday!
Visiting the Lancefield and District FarmersMarket this Saturdayisa greatway to spread the Christmas cheer,bykeeping funds in the region and making alocal producer'sday!
This well-established market offers avastarray of locally produced foods, beverages, plants, healthcare items, poultry and livestock feeds every month of the year –rain, hail or shine!
This month the market happens one week earlier,toallowfor youto stock up on all your Christmas table needs and purchase last-minute gifts.
This month the market says goodbye to one of the market'soriginal producers, June Dawson of Dawson's Honey.
June has been attending the market sinceits beginning in 2003 and has lovedher (nearly)23yearsof trading at Lancefield with her honey.
"I will be sad to saygoodbye to everyone, howeverChris (husband) and Iagreed thatwewould stop trading when varroa mitebecame areality forour operations. That time has come and we refuse to use chemicals in our honeytocontrol this."she said.
June will have herbox of tissues at the ready –market organisersencourageeveryone who has enjoyed Dawson's Honeyoverthe past two decades to stop by and wish June well on the next eraoflifefor her and Chris.
Christmas markethighlights include;
•regeneratively produced meats foryourfestivetables from MR Lamb, McIvor Farm Foods, Larder Mouse Farm and Tall PoppyOrganic Beef
•exceptional smallgoods from TheMeatRoom and Warialda Beef
•family recipecakes and treats –O'Callaghans Irish FruitCakeand Romagna 29 paneforte
•cool climate sparkling wines of high distinction from Midhill Vineyard,Double Oaks and Wilimee Wines making their annual appearance
•new season capersfromWot's Ya Caper and fresh garlic from Landscape Hill
Themarket features manygreat food stalls, ready to eat, as well as cool beveragestoenjoywhile you soak up the lusciousmelodies of local performersThe SunsetSingers and Jarrod Shaw.Freeface-paintfor the kids and this is also adog friendly market
Set along Lancefield'shistoric Centre Plantation on High Street,this eventisa good one to add to your weekend Christmas preparationsto tick some things offyour list while enjoying therelaxed community vibes under the lush canopyoftrees.
Themarket is an initiativeofthe Lancefield Neighbourhood House Inc.
An ancient craft in modernglass
This Christmas, discoverthe timeless beauty of Gordon Studio glass at Kyneton's Trio ArtStudio and Gallery –acelebration of an ancientcraft, lovingly passed down through three generations of the Gordon family Originating in Norway,refined in Scotland, and nowflourishing in Australia, each Gordon-Donaldson glassblowerbrings a personal interpretation to this artisanal tradition, blending heritagewith contemporary design.
Gordon glassblowers master traditional glassblowing, starting by gathering molten glass with ablowpipe and shaping it by hand using breath, rotation and specialised tools.
Precise temperaturecontrol keeps the glass workable, and periodic reheating ensures malleability.Onceshaped, the glass is slowly cooled in an annealing kiln to preventcracking.Techniques suchascolour application, layering and mould-blowing are used to create unique designs, witheach
piecereflecting the artist’sindividual skill and creativity.A wonderful giftfor someone special.
Visitorswill find aselection of pieces by Eileen Gordon, Grant, Hamish andCallum Donaldson. Thegallery also has vintage glass from Italy,England and Japan at reasonable prices.
This Saturday, December 20
June Dawson of Dawson’s Honeyhas been attending the market sinceits beginning in 2003 and hasloved her (nearly)23years of trading at Lancefield with her honey. Photo:AdrianPlitzco
What’s Abundant this month
Welcometoyour regularcolumn,featuring news, tips and recipes from theCastlemaine CommunityHouse and GrowingAbundancecommunities and networks.
Castlemaine CommunityHouse is onceagain, witha little help from theirfriends, putting on afreeChristmas Lunch.
Sharea delicious mealwith good companyonChristmas Day.Come alone or bring your family and friends. Everyone is welcome formusic, activities and festivities. Takeaway packsand giftsare available forthose unable to dine-in.
It's on from 12.30pm to 2.30pm on ThursdayDecember 25 in the Castlemaine Town Hall, 25 LyttletonStreet(entry viaFrederick Street)
Quietseating is available at the Senior Citizens Centre (MechanicsLane)for anyone who mayfind louder environments challenging, including neurodivergentpeople and those with hearing difficulties.
Free transportation to and from the Community Christmas Lunch is available again this year within MountAlexander Shire. Thanks to MountAlexander ShireCouncil, awheelchair-accessible bus will be on hand. If you, or afriend, family member, or neighbour,would likea seatonthe bus, letthe organisersknowyourareaand how manypeople will need aseat.
Book your placeatevents.humanitix.com/community-christmas-lunch-2025 or call CCHon5472 4842. NatEvans, the CCHChristmas Lunch coordinator, has declared that the proposed menu will be avibrant, Greek-inspired Christmas feastmade withlove honouring every person at the table with traditional favourites, brightMediterranean dishes and plenty of inclusiveoptions so everyone feelswelcome and well-fed.
Therewill be hotmains forthe carnivores (ham and roastchicken), avegan/ vegetarian main of Yemista (Greek stuffed summer vegetables), smashed potatoes and other hotsides, and various Mediterranean salads. Please note thatthis menu is notyet confirmed– but whatevermakes it to thetable will be extradelicious!
CCHwould liketothank MASC, Halt,Castlemaine SafeSpace, Castlemaine Rotary,Dhelkaya Health and theMaldon and District Community Bank –and its very importantvolunteers, fortheir contribution to making this avery special dayfor all.
CCHReception will close to thepublic at 3pm on FridayDecember 19 and reopen on MondayJanuary 12. TheFood Pantry andServices Australia will be open until 3pm on TuesdayDecember 24, and will reopen at 9am MondayJanuary 5.
Castlemaine Community House is awelcoming hub thatsupports and connects the community Growing Abundanceissupportedbythe Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund.
Here’s one of Nat’s favouriteGreek recipes–‘Soufico’
Souficoisa simple, slow-cooked vegetable dish from the Greek island of Ikaria, with asweet back story –A woman gathered vegetables from her garden, cooked them gently and when her husband asked whatwas fordinner,she smiled and said, “Soufico– which means, “I left yousome.”
To Nat, Souficoisfood made with generosity –sharing whatyou have,honouring what’s in season and feeding your community with warmth.
INGREDIENTS
–2medium eggplants, cut into discs
–2red onions, halved and cut into thick chunks
–2garlic gloves, crushed –2capsicums, chopped roughly –2zucchinis, halved lengthways andcut into 4
–2tsp sea salt
–2-3 freshtomatoes, chopped rough
–1/2 cupolive oil
–2tsp Greek oregano(rigani)
METHOD
1. Layerthe love:layer vegetables in aheavy-based pan, in the order of the ingredient list, thenpouroverthe oliveoil and season with salt and rigani.
2. Cook with patience: coverand cook for45–60 minutes at about 200 degrees in the oven.
3. Servesimply: Garnish with freshherbs and crumbled feta.
Each year Castlemaine Community House, with a little help from their friends, puts on a free Christmas Lunch Photos: Jeremy Forbes
Silent auction fora growing need
tion
ACastlemaine-based charity is calling on the community to support its work with a festivefundraiser
Wisa is an organisation thathas operated for11years.Itsupportsschools across across the country,yet despiteits national reach, receives no state or federal funding, instead relyingonvolunteers, donations and fee-for-serviceprograms. They areholding a silentauction fora handcraftednativity set made by one of their volunteers.
Wisa's mission centresonstrengthening the wellbeing capacityofschools. The charity works withleading practitioners, academicsand organisations to trainschool wellbeing leaders, help schools create safer and moreinclusiveenvironments, and support marginalised students to stay engaged in education.
Aerial
firefighting
fleet at theready
Victoria’s aerial firefighting fleetisready to taketothe skies to support ground crews ahead of another high-risk fireseason this summer
This year’sfleetfeatures 54 aircraftand includes twonew fixed-wing aircraftwith infrared capabilities thatcan capturehigher quality images than ever before,enabling better decision making and moreaccurate mapping.
Twolarge airtankerswill be based at Avalon Airport,and twohigh-volume aircranes withthe capacity to carry10,000 litres of water willbepositioned at Essendon and Moorabbin.
Adedicatedsuper puma helicopterhas returned to theskies to fightfires at night through firebombing,supported by an Air AttackSupervision aircraftthatprovides critical firedetection and observation at night.
This fleetunveiling followsthe launch of 15 regional aircraft, which started their serviceperiod early last month.
Acall-when-needed fleetofmorethan 100 aircraftisalsoavailable including Black Hawk helicopters,and Victoria can request additional aircraftfromthe national fleet.
Thelatest Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook forsummer indicatessouth-west and western Victoria, including north central, east centraland south-west Gippsland areatanincreased fire risk due to underlying dryness.
This includes the northern slopes of the Otways,MtBuangor StatePark, Wombat StateForest and CentralHighlands, parts of Mornington Peninsula, the Kinglakeand YarraRanges and parts of Eildon.
Aircraftcan be movedacrossthe state according to risk and have alreadyresponded to severalfires sincestarting their serviceperiod in October –amonth earlier than usual due to increased firerisk.
In our2026 TheWay We Were calendar (Kynetonedition)the caption forthe image accompanying theSchool Term Datespage incorrectly reads ‘The McKenna Family’.The photograph (pictured) is in fact of 'The Palmer Family'.Weapologise forthe error
Theneed is only growing.
According to Wisa, 97 per cent of school staff areunaware of the most effective evidence-based interventions forbullying. Nationally,one in six children livebelowthe poverty line, one in sevenexperiencemental health disorders, and nearly athirdofyoung people report alackofbelonging at school.
They areholding asilentauctiontohelp combatthese stats. Featuring ahandmade nativity scene, with eachpiecestanding about 25cm tall, this is agifttokeep fora lifetime and passontothose youlove
Theauction closes midnightonFriday, Decemeber 19. Bids can be submitted via email to admin@wisawellbeing.com.au, or by texting 0423 823 145. Donations –which aretax deductible –can also be made at wisawellbeing.com.au/donate
C COLOUR ME IN FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VOUCHERS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES. We will draw prizes from each shire(Mount Alexander &Macedon Ranges.) FIRSTPRIZE:$150voucher;SECONDPRIZE: $75voucher;THIRDPRIZE $50voucher
Entriesmustbereceived by Wednesday 17th December –Drawn Friday 19th December 2025.Age groups–6yearsand under and 12 yearsand under.Dropyourcolouringinto the Midland Express –3Market Street Kynetonand CastlemaineMail office –13Hargraves Street Youcan email your entryto kgleeson@midnews.com.au or lbrew@midnews.com.au.HaveFUN!
NAME AGE ADDRESS
POSTCODE PHONE
Wisa is holding asilent auction of ahandmade nativity scene.
@ YourOPINIONS
Howare we goingtopay?
LindsayMilton, Chewton
Att: Malcolm Robins ('Urgentaction is required', Opinions,December 9).
If we do notsell coal,gas and uranium, howare we going to paythe unbelievable taxation bill that thegovernmenthas created?
The peoplemustrise
Liza Shaw, Greens candidate for Bendigo West
Last week’sarticle‘Residents arrested at NSWprotest’ mentions only asmall part of the hugesuccess of the 2025 Rising Tide blockade of the Newcastle coal port
In addition to this being the biggest and most disruptivemobilisation thatRising Tide has ever done, we completely shut down theworld'slargest coal port
Kayakers,swimmersand boats claimed the shipping channel, forcing three coal ships to turnaround. Ourfriends at Greenpeacealso locked onto acoal ship anchored out at sea, holding it in placefor seven hours. Rising Tide and other climate action movements arebuildingand will soon be impossible forour governments to ignore.
I’m so proud of our participating central Victorians, including the amazing Knitting Nannas, CentralVic Climate Action, Mount Alexander and Macedon RangersGreens, families, kids and concerned local community members.
Ourcommunityisperhapsthe greenest in regional Victoria and we demand that our Labor Governmentdeliver the action we need. We need to be taxing coal profits
SUPER QUIZ?
Localknowledge (1 point)
1. WhoisMacedon Ranges ShireCouncil’scurrent deputy mayor?
2. Castlemaine filmmaker AlexKelly and director Maya Newell have been awarded whatfellowship?
3. WhoisMountAlexander ShireCouncil’scurrent deputy mayor?
4. Forhow manyyears will Dr Anton Hasel’sbells chimeinthe Long Now Foundation’s clockproject in Texas? (3 points)
5. Whohas author RodHalstead been in conversation with at local libraries promoting his latest book?
General knowledge (1 point)
6. Whoplayedthe young Rose DeWitt Bukaterinthe 1997 film Titanic?
7. What do the black keys on apiano represent?
8. “Mydad picks the fruittomakethe cordial thatIlikebest,”isa line from a jingle forwhich Aussie brand?
9. What three coloursfeature on Botswana’s national flag? (3 points)
to fund newjobs outside of the fossil fuel industries, and move away from this planet destroying industry
Nowmorethan ever,it’stime to get involved in local climateaction. When the governmentfails us, the people must rise!
Whose overwhelming consensus?
Janine Waters, Kyneton
Malcolm Robins ('Urgentaction is required', Opinions,December 9) –whose overwhelming consensus?The climate changeactivistswho wear blinkerstothe devastation and destruction in climate changename?
Wake up and smell the roses while there is anylandlefttogrowthem on instead of solar panels, batteries, wind turbines and endless kilometres of transmission wires.
Tell me, when thebatteries, solar panels and wind turbines end their usefulness, can we storethem in your backyardbecause they arenot recyclable?
Whyisthere hesitation?
David Williamson, Campbells Creek
Under the heading of 'Crossing creates division'onpage8 in this week’sedition of the Midland Express concerns have been raised thatdespitethe recent upgrade to the Mostyn Street wombatcrossing, requests to remove the parking bayclose to the crossing have notbeen granted.
Highlightedare valid concerns forpedestrian safety due to theneedtoimprove the visibility of pedestrians.
Whyistherehesitation to do away with the one parking bayclose to theMostyn Street pedestrian crossing to improve community safety,when therewerenoqualms to barricade morethan one parking bay 24/7 in recent yearsdirectly in frontof HargravesStreetTheatre Royal?
Whoisthe genius?
Sandra Goldbloom Zurbo, Castlemaine
Whoisthe genius who ‘designed’ the carpark atthe Castlemaine Woolworths?
Thereisplenty of grumbling around town about the spaces being too narrow, but my particular interest is in those spaces provided for people with disabilities.
As well as being too narrow,either a vehicle’s driver or the passenger side opens onto apedestrian crossing.
Pedestrians areoften notimmediately visible when adisabled driver is trying to getoutof their car
More seriously still, not visible when a disabled driver is backing into the road in order toleave
Twoother blind spots arethe north–south spaces near the Forest Stexit (opp Urquhart).
As well, disability spaces aresome distancefrom the frontdoor and notprotected from the weather While the liquor shop and the direct tobootpickuphave undercover parking, none of the disability spaces do.
It is tobehoped that, withthe millions of dollarsnetprofit Woolworths makes, it mightsee its way clear todosomething to amend this parlous situation.
HelpRestore an icon of remembrance
The MountMacedon Memorial Reserve Cross committee
TheMountMacedon Memorial Cross, acherishedheritagelandmark overlooking Victoria’s plains,standsasapowerful symbol of sacrifice, remembranceand community spirit.
Erected in 1935 by local residentWilliam Cameron to honour those lostinthe GreatWar (1914–1918),the Crosswas rebuilt in 1995 after fire andstorm damage, usingreinforced concrete to preserve itsintegrity and enduring legacy Today, theCross Reserveremains aplaceof reflection, including dawn-service commemorations each Anzac Day,and adestination for locals andvisitors, the Macedon Ranges and surrounding countryside.
However, as the yearspass, wear anddeterioration including critical safety upgrades and heritagefeatures have takenatoll.
That’s whythe MountMacedon Memorial ReserveCross Committee of Managementhas launched afundraising campaign via GoFundMe to support restorationworks forthe restoration of balustrade around the cross podium to ensure the Cross remains safe,dignified, and accessible forfuturegenerations
We inviteall residents, former visitorsand anyone who values heritageand remembrance to contribute. No donation is too small: every contributionbrings us one step closertosafeguarding this treasured landmarkfor yearsto come. Donate andsharethe appeal here: bit.ly/4iLBcJa
10. A‘flamboyance’ refers to agroup of whattypeofbird?
eventatthe OldCastlemaine
Let’scome togethertohonour history,preserveheritage, andensurethe MountMacedon Memorial Cross continuestostand proud as a symbol of remembrancefor all It’s time to renewyour Fringemembership –sign up and join thefun! Castlemaine Fringeisona mission to inspire and uplift the central Victorian communitybycreating accessible culturalexperiences and opening up vibrantopportunities formusicians, performersand artists to sharetheir work.
By renewing or taking outa newFringemembership –you canhelp fuel the future of Fringe, and join them in championing alternativeand local arts plus, youget discountedticketstoFringeevents!
As an added bonus, members who join or renewbyDecember 31 will go into the draw to win adouble pass to either Babooshka (SundayMarch 22, 4pm)or Life's 2Short (FridayMarch 27, 8.30pm)– as part of the 2026 Castlemaine StateFestival.
So sign up and help support bold creativity,community joyand the unmistakable Fringespiritatwww.castlemainefringe.org.au Become amember
Gaol wasa hit! Photo:Diana Domonkos
High-Spec
15 Fitzgeralds Close,Castlemaine
Amodernsteel-framed
>1417 sqm (approx) allotment
>733 sqm (approx) building across two
>Industrial 1Zone
$1,600,000
630sqm, this delightfulperiod home combines character features with modern comforts, offering an inviting lifestyle in asoughtafter Castlemaine location. Step inside to afrontfacing living room, wherelarge windowsframe the garden outlook. Astudio space, in the back garden, is ideal as ahome office or creative
AGeorgian Manor of Distinction
71 Templeton Street, Castlemaine
Step into the timeless elegance of Twickenham, aGeorgian-inspired residence built in the 1870s during Castlemaine’sGold Rush era, atime when craftsmanship and grandeur defined the region’s finest homes. Originally constructed as the Methodist Parsonage, this stately manor offers a lifestyle of countryluxury in the very heart of town.
$1,695,000
View Sat 20th December 10:00am-10:30am
0473 642 644
Cottage -WhereHeritage Meets
Chic
13 Spring St, Maldon
Perched high in the coveted Anzac Hill precinct, Spring Cottage (circa 1865) is ahome that feels like alove letter to the past. Here, history and elegance entwine in asetting that could grace the pages of ACountry Style magazine; just ashort stroll, 170 metres, from Maldon’scharming High Street.
$1,045,000
An Edwardian Hideaway 6Butterworth Street, Castlemaine Set on an expansive1814sqm (approx.), this character-filled Edwardian weatherboardhome brings the feel of country living to the very heart of Castlemaine. Rich with Art Nouveau detailing, stained glass, timber fretwork and timeless craftsmanship, the home sits proudly amongst beautifully established cottage gardens.
Style with Contemporary Elegance
0473 642 644
Edwardian Charm in the Heart of Maldon
1Reef Street, Maldon
Just steps from Maldon’s historic village and opposite the iconic Beehive Chimney,this elevated Edwardian-style home blends character,privacy and convenience. The front deck overlooks an established garden, creating awelcoming first impression. From this charming home, it’saneasy stroll to Maldon’s boutique shops, cafes, &galleries
$825,000
Street, Maldon Set on an expansive1480sqm (approx) garden allotment, just ashort stroll to Maldon’shistoric township, and Maldon Primary School, this c.1890 Victorian residenceoffers astunning combination of heritage grandeur and modernsophistication. The home’sblock-fronted façade and bullnose verandah create an inviting first impression.
642 644
Smith’sCottage c1869
9Reef Street, Maldon
Privately elevated and set back from the street, Smith’sCottage is an opportunity to own apiece of Maldon’sgold rush history.Built circa 1869, this double-fronted miner’scottage combines authentic period character with thoughtful modern updates, creating ahome that is as practical as it is enchanting.
939 619
Experiencepremier country living in Heathcote’sshirazdistrict
Set within Victoria's prestigiousHeathcoteShiraz district, the102-acre(approx)McDonalds Lane Estate offers an exceptional blend of luxury,comfort, and self-sufficientcountry living. Completely off-grid, this stunning and contemporary Sandhurst built home provides luxurious country living in afully self-sufficient way. Therecently constructed homestead enjoys a commanding 360° outlook over MiaMia and the surrounding district,with recycled brick, Colorbond steel, and double-glazed windows ensuring both style and durability.Inside, the home is filledwith natural light, featuring three bedrooms, astudy, open-plan living with cathedral ceilings, and achef'skitchen complete
witha walk-in butler'spantry,perfectly designed for entertaining.
Outbuildings include afully enclosed machinery shed and a36-panel solar systemwith battery storage, while well-maintained paddocks, dams and awinter-fill creek provide both functionalityand beauty.The estate has potential forlivestock grazing and agricultural use, making it ideal foravariety of country pursuits.
Conveniently locatedjust 10km from Heathcote, 41km from Bendigo, and about 90 minutes from Melbourne, McDonalds Lane Estate offers arareopportunity to enjoya premier country lifestyle within easy reach of town amenities and the heart of shiraz country
Property: McDonalds Lane Estate on 102 acres (approx)
Address: 267Mcdonalds Lane, MiaMia
Price: $1,450,000
Agent: Raineand Horne Kyneton
Contact: Judith Stevens0438 683 484 JasonWoodford-Smith0478 000 441
•Set in the heartofCampbelltown’s quiet farming hamlet, this property comprises two separate 2-hectareparcels divided by an unused road reserve,with atributaryofJoyces Creek winding through and established gums along the watercourse.
•Light-filled home featuring 3bedrooms, central bathroom, lounge with solid-fuel heater and split system, plus arefurbished kitchen overlooking therear house yard. Includes securegarage/workshop,additional shedding, greenhouse, large dam and borewater
•Predominantly clear paddocks ideal for grazing, horses or hobbypursuits; approx.25minutes to Castlemaine/Daylesfordand 40 minutes to Ballarat.
COTTAGESTYLE
•Set on thefringe of historic Chewton, this well-cared-for home enjoys an established garden setting and peaceful views across Crown land, native grasslands and surrounding forest.
•Thehome features two bedrooms, acentral bathroom and an open-plan kitchen/meals/living area opening to the front verandah, creating abright and inviting living environment.
•Perfectly positioned for bush walks and village amenities, with cafés, primaryschool and hotel nearby, and just fiveminutes to Castlemaine for supermarkets, retail and rail. FOR SALE $590,000
From all the team at Castlemaine Property Group we wish you and your family avery Merry Christmas and aHappy,
Belle Property Castlemaineand Maldon.
104A High Street, Maldon.
3 a 2 b 4 v 2092r
•Private2,092sqm (½ acre)retreat moments from Maldon’shistoric village
•Light-filled three-bedroom home with updatedkitchen, verandah and north-facing alfrescodeck.
•Expansivegardens &large workshop ideal fortrades or hobbies.
ForSale
$865,000 View
Saturday20th December:12:45pm-1:15pm
RobWaller |0418 571 130
Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733
88 KennedyStreet, Castlemaine.
3 a 1 b 1 v 557r
•PrivateVictorianhome on 550m² in centralCastlemaine,blending heritagecharm with modernliving
•Features include timber ceilings, sunlit extension, andthree spacious bedrooms.
•Lush gardens, wisteriacourtyard, carport,and walkable to shops
ForSale
$865,000 View Saturday20th December:11:00am-11:30am
RobWaller |0418 571 130
Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733
21 Allans Road, Maldon.
3323r
•Rare3,323m²(0.82acre) holdingacross three titles in the heart of historicMaldon.
•General Residentialzoning with town services available (STCA).
•Peaceful bush outlook adjoining CrownLand forprivacy and lifestyle appeal.
ForSale
$265,000 View By appointment
RobWaller |0418 571 130
Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733
Scan to viewour currentlistings
ThePeople’sStore circa 1858
Proudly positioned on Main Road,this former storeand residenceisone of Campbells Creek’smoresignificanthistoric properties. Built in 1858 by the Clifton Brothers, its handsome stone façade offers an immediate glimpse into the rich past held within, while thoughtful updatesensurethe home meets modern needs without diminishing its character or charm.
From the street, the storeand residenceeach enjoytheir ownentrance, allowing them to function independently or continue as theycurrently do –a warm and inviting family home. Theoriginal store, with its soaring stone walls and exposed shingle roof,creates adramaticfocal pointthat speaks to theproperty’sheritage. Perfect as agallery or showroom,this impressivespace adds to thehome’screative potential. Beneath it lies asubstantial wine cellar
Inside the residence, four generous bedrooms branch from acentral hallway,featuring beautiful timber ceilings and decorativefireplaces. Thehallway opens into abreathtaking centralatrium –anarchitecturalhighlightbathed in natural lightand cleverlydesigned to connect thehome’s twowings. Once aseparatebuilding, the kitchen nowformsthe rear of the home and capturescharming views of the private garden. Theoriginal hearth nowaccommodatesa 900mm
Milan Euro gas cooker,while the dining area’s open fireplace has been updatedwitha gas logburner.Timberbenches echo thehome’s ceilings, and aspacious walk-in pantry easily accommodatesa second fridgeand appliances.
Thebathroom blends muted tones, stained glass and timber ceilings with moderncomfort, offering adeep soaking bath and aseparateshower. Thereare twotoilets: one inside and asecond functional outdoorloo. TheL-shaped laundry is both attractiveand practical, providing excellentstorage and workspace. In addition to thewine cellar,thereisa much largersecond cellar with external access of approx.4mx4m offering agreat spacefor preserves and general storage. Set on agenerous 1770 squaremetre (approx.) block, the garden features established shade trees, seasonal plantings, vegetable beds, multiple sheds and adoublegaragewith remote access. Apaved alfrescoareaprovidesaninviting setting foroutdoor entertaining or quietenjoymentofthe garden surrounds.
Rich in history,full of character and offering exceptional versatility,95-97 Main Road,CampbellsCreek presents an outstanding family home or an enticing opportunity to combine lifestyle and business. It is suretoimpress.
MIDLAND Property& Living
Whereheritage meets countrychic
Perched high in the covetedAnzac Hill precinct,Spring Cottage(circa1865) is ahomethat feels likea love letter to thepast. Here,history and eleganceentwine in asetting that could gracethe pages of Country Style magazine. Just ashort stroll, 170 metres, from Maldon's charming High Street,this propertyoffersthe perfect blend of privacy and convenience.
From the momentyou arrive, the romancebegins. Drystone walls frame meandering stone-edged paths that lead through agarden alivewith lavender,rosemary and native blooms. Thefront verandah, with its peek of original timber shingles, invites youtopause and takeinthe elevatedviews across the garden and surrounding landscape, ascene that whispersofslowerdaysand timeless beauty
Step inside the miner's cottageand youare greetedbya north-facing living room,wherea solid wood heaternestles into aperiod surround, casting warmth across polished floorboards and timber dado. Built-in shelves add character,while 6x6 period windows frame enchanting garden vistas. At the rear,the kitchen and dining area is acelebration of French country chic, with French blue cabinetry,concrete-look benchtops and modern conveniences including an electric cooktop, undermountovenand dishwasher.Fromhere, step outtothe rear garden, whererock walls dating backtothe 1860stell stories of another era.
On the ground floor,a bedroom opens through Frenchdoorstothe garden, complemented by an updatedbathroom with adeep bath and astriking vintagetimber laundry trough. Upstairs, the main bedroom is aprivatesanctuary,complete with Frenchdoorstoa wraparound verandah, built-in robes, and acontemporary ensuitewith floor-to-ceiling tiles. From here,enjoysweeping views over thegarden and towardsMaldon's historic rooftops
Beyond the home, twostudios offerendless possibilities. Oneisafully lined, soundproofedweatherboardspace with carpetedfloors, track lighting, asplit systemand shelving, perfect fora home office or creativeretreat.The second studio, carpetedand fitted with a split system, adds flexibility forguests or hobbies. Bothstudios also makeideal accommodations forguests.
Thegarden is aworld of its own: raised veggie beds, fruit trees, gravel pathways andquiet sitting areas whereyou can listen to thebirdsong and watchechidnas wander by.Occasionally,evena koalamakes an appearanceonAnzac Hill. Watertanks, ornamental plantings and an old spring stone well on the naturestrip complete this idyllic picture. Surrounded by Crownland, the property offers asense of seclusion rarely found so close to town. Spring Cottageismorethan ahome; it'sa lifestyle. Whether youdream of aromantic weekender,a permanentescape, or aresidencethatfeels likea page from amagazine, this historic Maldon treasureisready to welcome you.
Property: Spring Cottagecirca 1865
Address: 13Spring Street Maldon
Price: $1,045,000
Agent: Cantwell Property
Contact: TomRobertson 0473 642 644
Romsey 16 PohlmanStreet
(At therear of the BendigoBank) 1534m2 Commercial Site(19.9m x78m)
In theheartofthe Romsey ShoppingCentreadjacenttothe IGA Supermarket and Romsey Pharmacy.
Rare opportunitytosecureahuge Commercial One Zone property readyto develop and to take advantage of the fast growing Romsey township,ortohold as aprime land banking investment.
Allservicesavailable
Auction Thursday18December at 2pm
Reserve Price$725,000 +GST
Contact John Keating 0419 880 444 or RayCashmore0419851 334
ArtDecomasterpiecewith countryallure
RelocatedfromOrmond to Fryerstown in 2001, Wharington is asuperb example of 1930s architecture, carefully preserved and proudly positioned on apicturesque one-acre allotment. Rich in character,scale and detail, the home feels likea true country classic with a story to tell
Original features shine throughout: mountain ash floorboards, silky oak doors, decorativehigh ceilings, period lightfittings and eye-catching vintagewallpaper.The wide stepped entry and formal timber-floored hallwaycreateagrand first impression, leading to alarge sitting room anddistinguished formal dining room –each generous, inviting and layered with heritagecharm
Comfort has been thoughtfully enhanced while staying truetothe home's period character.The three-bedroom home is supported by reverse-cycle air conditioning, town water, arainwater tank and solid concretestumps forlasting stability. Thecountry kitchen offers electric cookingand awalk-in pantry.Anupdated bathroom features apedestal vanity and bathtub. Asunroom provides an additional quietretreat with access to theoutdoors, while a secondary toiletispositioned conveniently offthe laundry
Outdoor living is astandout, with awide deck wrapping twosides of the home –perfect fortaking in the sweeping views to thedistantranges and Castlemaine Diggings National Heritagepark. Then there'sthe unforgettable showpiece: an original Melbourne tram, broughttothe property in 2007 andtransformed into acharming extrabedroom and living
space. It's an unexpected architectural treasureand atrue talking point
Asubstantial shed withanelectric roller door provides excellentstorageorworkspace. ThevintageMelbourne street lightmountedtothe shed, adds adelightful nod to thepast Thereare established mulberry,almond and quincetrees, and asecluded stone sunken fire pit foryear-round enjoyment.
Positioned in the heart of Fryerstown, thepropertyenjoys the quietcharm this historic township is known for. Backing onto bushland, nearbywalking tracks and pocketsofgoldfields history,Fryerstownoffersa peaceful rural lifestyle while still being only ashort drive to Castlemaine and Chewton.
'Wharington'isa rare opportunity to secureaperiod home with presence, individuality and afew unforgettable features, allset within acalm and scenic country setting.
Property: Wharington circa1937 on one acre
Address: 75 Castlemaine Street,Fryerstown
Price: $830,000
Agent: Belle Property Contact: Blasi Mulholland 0417
CONCRETING
Including Castlemaine and the
Ranges.Trustedserviceagentsfor topbrandslike Miele,Asko, Speed Queen, Electrolux, Bosch, Omega, Simpson, Dishlex, and Westinghouse. Simp www.kentappliancerepair.com.au kynetonappliancerepairs@gmail.com
Chris Mackenzie
WALKER -Roger AFSM.
In loving memory
The KynetonFire Brigade mourns thepassing of ex-Captain Roger He wasastalwart of the Brigadeand broader CFA. He willbegreatly missed by its members. We extend our sympathy to Ronda and family at this time
Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Son,friend and co-worker to many Passedawaysurrounded by his loving family
Bendigo Hospice,Castlemaine and MaldonHospitals andespecially to Tania andAlira from the BDAC Palliative Care service.
Amemorial will be held for Gert this Saturday 20th December in the Yandoit Hall at 2.00pm.
Gerard leftus on 13th December 2025 aged 88 years.
Dearly loved husband of Hannie (dec). He will be missed by his loving children Antony,John,Tim, Garry and Steve, 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Passed awaypeacefully now restingwith Hannie. Aprayerservicetocelebrate
Chapel of MountAlexanderFunerals, 12 Campbell Street, Castlemaine on Friday 19th Decemberat2.00pm.
Following this serviceyou are invited to stay forlight refreshments, then the cortege will leave forthe Joyces Creek Cemetery
To join with us via livestream please visit Gerry’stribute page on the website of MountAlexander Funerals.
KN287877/L Castlemaine 5470 5951
Passed peacefully with her family by her side at Penhall Hostel on 10th December 2025. Dearly loved Wife of Alan (Dec) Loving Mother of Peter (Dec) &M ar y; Te rry &Glenys; Pam (Shuttleworth) &K ev in; Gaye &J ohn; Glynis (Cox) &Glenn. Much Loved Nan to her 12 Grandchildren & 22 Great Gra ndchildren. Cherished memories, Loved by us all
at Penhall Hostel for their care & kindness given to our mum, also the caring support to our family, also many thanks to all the
Mostyn St Clinic for their wonderful care &c ompassion given to our mum over ma ny years.
In accordance with Beryl’s expressed wishes ap rivate cremation has beenheld.
Devoted Gra nd ma to Lachlan, Paige, Joel, Byron &Gina; &Sid Great Grandma of Evie &Harvey
Awonderful life, Remembered with love
AMemorial Service to honour the life of Janet will be held on Friday 19thD ec em be r2025 at 2.30pm in the Community Centre, Ly ons St,
NOTICE TO ALL ADVERTISERS
Section 29 of the FairTrading Act 1999 requires the inclusion of afullnameand address (not PO BoxNumber) –inall advertisements for the supply of goods and services.
ELLIOTT MIDLAND NEWSPAPERS advises all displayservice advertisements must comply with the above requirement to avoid prosecution, or provide those details to us to pass to the Dept. of Justice if requested.
Thank
Mondays from 4pm-6pm Tuesdays from 4pm-6pm Wednesdays from 9.30am-12noon Fridays from 9.30am-12noon To book please ring the centre on
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CASTLEMAINE
Town & District
GOLF results
Alarge fieldcontestedSaturday's stableford,with three players returning 39 points.
Onewas theoverall and B-grade winner Gary Moore(14), and the others B-grade runner-up Stephen Cooper (14) andC-grade winner Kiel Gerbing (21).
LesPrendergast (9) had 38 to finish on the A-grade podium after acountback from Lachlan Brown(7).
Gerbing andMark Brackleyclaimed NTPs.
Thenine-holemorning competition saw Jo Smith (25) cardanexceptional 27 points, fiveclear of Marg Lang (10). Glenda Jefferies finished in thirdplaceon19.
BryanFitzgerald (16) setthe paceearly on Thursdayand held offall challengersto takeout overall and B-grade with +4, one clear of Jason Lester (18).
ScottTinkler (10) had +2 to top A-grade from Will Dodson(13)ona countback, while NTPswenttoIan Fraser andRoss Bottomley.
GISBORNE
Gisborne women knowhow to celebrate the season and enjoygolf at the same time.
They heldtheir Christmas break-up last Wednesdayand theyall dressed up 'Christmassy',including captain Sharon Kemp who came as aturkey!
Thestableford wasover12holeswith a cheeky Vegascardgame throwninfor fun.
Maryanne O'Connell took outA-grade with 30 points, and Swedish Chefimpersonator Anne Bendelletopped B-grade with the same score.
On Saturday,203 golfersgracedthe course forthe final round of the Summer Cupand astablefordcompetition.
Paul Hanegraafwon the cup by asolid nine points, scoring 88 overtwo rounds Golf Australia hasbeen notified.
Scottish golfer Marc Giampiccolo took out A-grade with 42 points.
Bill Smithies playedathis wife'sinsistenceand topped B-grade with 42, and PeterBennett wonthe bandits' gradewith 44.
Rodsarinplayedall Wrighttowin the women's comp with 42 points.
On Thursday, 148competedinthe stablefordopen event.
TimMaddern continuedhis good form to topA-grade with 39 points, and Jackson Leeworea pair of jeans and wonB-grade with 41.
TheSherriff,Andrew Marshall, wonCgrade with 43 points.
KYNETON
Thebig guns arefiring again,with familiar faces finding form in the past week'stwo main competitions.
Club champion ColHudgson had seen his handicap blowout from 1.3 to 6.3but amid-field 36 points on Wednesdayand 40 forvictory on Saturdayhas him back on track.
Terry Gamble (8) continuedhis renaissancewith 37 forthird.
Theimpressively steady Daniel Dubens (18) had 42 points in B-grade to finished threeclear of Simon Rosenberg(13).
C-grade looked in the bag forShaun Neeson (24) when he scored six threepointers in his first eightholes andhad 26 up after 10
He stumbled to finish with 38 and another wily old hand in Noel Alldis (20) finishedstronglytowin with 41.
In Wednesday'sstableford offthe white tees David Ryan (12) hadascorching 77 despitea triple bogey for42points and a five-shotvictory
Sixplayers had 37, Ross Martin winning the countback forsecond.
Neville Yates(6) wasthirdand he avoided the extremes aday latertowin the ninehole shootout by four withanevenpar back nine offthe whites for21points.
Merilyn Hoysted(39) wasthe star of the women's fieldonWednesdaywith 41 points.
Captain David Austin undid his recent good form with too much rough mowing, and wasrewarded with asoreback, abruised ego, and the Naga awardfor 21 points, six adrift of the field.
NTPswereHudgson, ColO'Sullivan, Michelle Werner,David Pilcher,Tracey
Bramich and LesTurner
Last Tuesdaythe women's committee staged atwo-person Ambrose as abreast cancer fundraiser
Teen Thomas Beacheycombined with BereniceSnowden (45)toshoot79off the stick fornett64.5 and win by ashotfrom Yatesand RobMacRae.
LANCEFIELD
Chris Enrightwas avery easywinner of the 54-hole stableford championship after entering the last round with ahugeleadon Saturday.
Gary Dudderidge(13) wasthe day's winner with37points, from BarryFlentjar (21) 36, andPeterMcGill (13)and Enright both 34.
Women: SandraStevens (37)38points, from Susie Kosa (35) 32 and Di Brennan (29) 30.
Theera to geteveryone involved in sport again has arrived, and Wednesday's twilightcompetition is agreat wayfor family participation.
Young DarcyCreer wonwith 23 points last week, with an even younger Lachy Gilbertrunner-up on 19.
If youwould liketoget your youngsters into golf in amild non-intimidating atmosphere, then the twilightcomp. is agreat waytoactivatetheir interest.
Legends: Denis Davenport 76-7-69 from John Leefe84-14-70.
Women's Ambrose: RobynStevens and SandraStevens (norelation)74, from FlorenceMeyer —Samantha Strano 75.24, and Kaylene Cruise andMary Kehan 77.75.
MOUNT MACEDON
Saturday'sChristmas Hamper stableford sawa runaway victory by Matt Willis (3) with 44 points.
Nota good sign forMatt'snextmatch playopponentasheisinsuch frighteningly good form.
Other grade winnerswereNathan Fairley (16) with 39 points, and Isaac Golden (18) on 40,and NTPswenttoWillis, Mick Doyle, Oils Flannery and BubbaWatson.
Theexcellentnatureofthe course has led to some finescoring with afifth of the field achieving handicap or better
Early summer matchplayresults:
Freestone dTaylor, Vicary dWard, Obst d Ciesielski and Willis dShepherd.
Wednesday'spar bisque eventwas held in perfect weather and course conditions.
Aftera three-way countback, Walrus Ward (13) took out A-grade with +3 from Mike Hoiles(15)and BruceFraser (6).
Winner of B-grade with +8 wasPeter Semmens. Runner-up on acountback from Jenny Svendsen (30) wasChris Martin (24) with +7.
TRENTHAM
Blustery winds andoccasional thunder failed todeter the 63 competitorsinSaturday'sstableford.
Kent Newton (11) blitzed the field to topA-grade with 41 points, from runner-up ChrisMcInness (10) on 38.
In B-grade, Colin Wilson (13) prevailed with 38 points, one ahead of Austin Dockerty (18).
David Puddefoot(20)took outC-grade with 39 points, from Paul Robinson (26) 38.
Carolyn Garvey (33) leads thewomen's Summer Cupafter afine 38 points on Saturday. Anthea Leary (24) is well placed after shooting 37.
Theclub held avery enjoyable Presentation NightonSaturday.
WOODEND
Saturdaywitnessed atremendous President versus Captain teams' daywith membersproudly decked out in blue and red.
TheAmbrose formatkeptinterest high, and remarkably,itendedupasa 5-5tie.
PresidentMurray Fraser converted his par putt at the 2nd holewhich wasused for aplay-off to decide whether it wasablue or redday
Captain Matt Paynewas equaltothe occasion and sank abirdie to send Team Red into raptures. Well done!
Individual team results sawMark Hutchison, Kobe Veitch and Fi Ramanauskus lead the wayfor the Blue Team with anett52, the best scoreoverall.
Abig thank-you to those who helped organise the event, and to the 60 players who made it agreat day.
Covering the Macedon Ranges and MountAlexander Shires
Circulated throughout: Kyneton,Castlemaine,Gisborne,Malmsbury,Trentham,Woodend,Redesdale,
3MarketSt., PO Box153,Kyneton, 3444 Telephone: (03) 5422 1488 Facsimile: General (03) 5422 3173
13 HargravesSt., PO Box227, Castlemaine, 3450 Telephone: (03) 5472 1788
Facsimile: (03) 5472 4504
MondaytoFriday9.00 am-5.00 pm
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18 Yuki Makin-Ginn turns 13
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 Austin Hughes turns 9
NAME (PRINT)
ADDRESS.............
DATE OF BIRTH
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE
Female riders 100 per cent
Bill West
Allseven runnersinaraceatKyneton on Thursdaywereridden by female apprenticejockeys.
This wasahighly unusual statistic fora Victorian provincial race meeting.
It arose due to thescratching of two horses thatweretoberidden by male jockeys.
OldtimersatKynetonsaidtheycould notrecall aracebeing run at the course with all female riders(notcounting races thatmay have hadthis specific condition to be a'womenonly'race)
It wasKynetonand Hanging Rock's annual Christmas Party Race Day,with favourable conditions and abumper 10-event program.
Theracewith sevenfemales aboard their mounts wasthe $35,000 RMBL Investments Rising StarsRace, over 1454 metres.
Savamoon, from thePeterMoody and Katherine Coleman stable at Pakenham, started ashort-priced favouriteand was ridden by their apprenticeEmily Pozman. Pozman, a27-year-old, grew up with considerable showjumping and eventing experience before deciding to tackle thoroughbred racing.
By the time youread this she should have topped 500 race rides,and attributes muchofher riding improvementinthe past year to Moody.
Four-year-old geldingSavamoon was having his 14th start and scored his third race win. It wasthe 67thfor Pozman.
Theoutcome wasnever in double with Pozman positioning the favourite ideally in the run to eventually winby nearly twolengths from Kynetonhope LuvyaMumma, having her first runsince
July 5atFlemington.
LuvyaMumma, trained by Liam Howley, ranontofinish second with stable apprenticeDanica Munrointhe saddle.
Munro'smajor successes have been aboardmultiple Country Cups winner Station One.
Howleyalsohad minor placings on Thursdaywith Siam Emerald and Donegal Soul.
Many yearsago women jockeyswerea rarity on Australian race tracks.How things have changed.
Michelle Payne's historymaking win in the Melbourne Cup10years agoaboard 100/1 chancePrinceofPenzancehelped stimulate interest in women making race riding acareer
Highly credentialed Jamie Melham, originally from South Australia, became the second female to win Australia's greatest drawcardracelast month.
Payne and older brother Paddy trained FalsetStar,ridden by Billy Egan, to win one of the six Maiden Plates at Kyneton.
Racing is one of those rare sports where males and females competefor the same prizemoney.
More than 80 per cent of young ridersseeking to become apprentices are females, according to Victorian Jockeys Association CEOMatthewHyland
He said recently thatjockeysusually cametothe sportthrough family connections and childhood hobbies.
In-form Jamie Mott scored atreble at Kynetonwith polished displays aboardMillennium Blade, Alpine Foxand the heavily supported Viasian.
Kynetonand Hanging Rock Racing Club is nowpreparing forits drawcardholiday meetings at thefamous Hanging Rock on NewYear'sDay andAustralia Day
Savamoon(NZ)riddenbyEmily Pozman returns to the mounting yard after winning the RMBL Investments Rising Stars Race at Kyneton. Photo:Pat Scala/Racing Photos
No surprises in bowls
Bill West
Highlands division one pennantbowls failed to throwupany shock results on Saturday.
Thetop fiveteams were allsuccessful. Ladder-leader Kynetonrebounded aftera surprise loss to Gisborne, overpowering DiggersRest by 33 shots.
Thebattlefor the double chancecontinues, with KynetonGolf,Romsey, Kilmore and Gisborne all in the hunttofinish in second place.
Golf is in second placeon119 points, just nine ahead of fifth-placed Gisborne. Kilmoregained maximumpoints to virtually end close rival Broadford'sfinals prospects.
Currentladder: Kyneton153 points, KynetonGolf 119, Romsey 116, Kilmore114, Gisborne 110, DiggersRest 79, Broadford65, Trentham 44, Woodend 40, Lancefield 40.
Matches this Saturdayare: Woodend vKyneton.
Trentham vKynetonGolf Romseyv Broadford.
KilmorevGisborne.
Lancefield vDiggers Rest.
Division 2teams did notplayonSaturday, anddivision 3matches were highlighted by athrilling tie between Lancefield and second-placed Kyneton.
Tilly, Charlee on the move
Twoofthe Riddell League's outstanding netballersare switching to play with Gisborne in 2026.
Kyneton'sace defender, Tilly Shepherd— winner of the league's past twoRyan Medals —and dynamic young Woodend-Hesket star Charlee Duff-Tytler should makea positive impact in the strong Bendigo League.
Gisborne Football Netball Club has also re-signed topliner Claudia Mawson for2026.
Theacquisition of Shepherdand Duff-Tytler gives Gisborne even moredepth for2026 as the Bulldogs try to matchthe powerful Kangaroo Flat and Sandhurst combinations.
defender Tilly Shepherdwill playfor Gisborne next season.
Shepherdalso made an impactwith Melbourne Lightning'sUnder 23 and open agesides last year
Gisborne head coachTarryn Rymer has just been re-appointed as theBendigo League's open representativeside coachfor the coming season, when Bendigowill play the Ovensand Murray League in netball and football.
ALL THESCORES
Division 1: Trentham 38 lost to Romsey 76 —R.Dobinson 12 lost to D. Ely28, C. McKeone 9lost to A. Young 31, M. Bruton 17drewwith C. Austin 17; DiggersRest 47 lost to Kyneton80— R. Davies 19 lost to D.J. Thomas 29, P. Robinson 10 lost to Ant. Mathison 25, K. Stafford 18 lost to G. Podesta 26; Broadford49lost to Kilmore 64 —D.Kelly 16 lost to L. Whitnall 25, D. Ellis 15 lost to D. Noonan 19, R. Chapman 18 lost to D. Carroll 20; KynetonGolf 69 d Woodend 49 —W.Turner 28 dG.Symons 13, A. Barker 17 lost to S. Pickles 20, P. Linehan 24 dN.Bickerdyke16; Gisborne 64 dLancefield 52 —R.Walker19lost to A. Brandolin 20, A. Higgins 24 dJ.Holmes
12, D. Gade 21 dA.Andrews20. Division 2— no matchesuntil January 24.
Division 3: Macedon 66 dKilmore37 —B.Wasyl 20 dK.Tootell 15, A. Cameron 21 dS.Bloomfield 21, B. Smith 5dL Bloomfield 11; Woodend 73 dMtCottrell 49 —A.Jewell 28 dD.Roche 12, T. White 26 dJ.Langley11, J. Jewell 19 lost to J. P. Dunn 26; Lancefield 59 drew with Kyneton59—D.Safstrom19losttoS.Fenton 20, S.Climas 27 dJ.Epps 17, P. Shannon 13 lost to E. Kennedy 22; Trentham 32 lost to Romsey70—I.Bruton 8losttoM Gilligan 27, H. Webb 11 lost to J. Fryer25, G. Laurie 13 lost to D. Culpan 18.Gisborne 3 the bye
$7500 forsafety conscious Hawks
Woodend-Hesket Football NetballClub is delightedtoreceive$7500 from the 2025 TAC Club Rewardsprogram.
Last week AFL Victoria and the Transport AccidentCommission announced 320 clubs would share$700,000.
Thehighest allocations of $10,000 each went to the Sebastopol, Garfield and Cheltenham clubs fordemonstrating an outstanding levelof commitmenttoembed aculture of road safety in their clubs.
As agrassroots football and netball club, Woodend-Hesket said the $7500 will makea real differencetothe Hawks.
It will enable the club to continue aprogram which helps keep its community safe —bothon and offthe fields and courts.
Rewardswereallocatedonthe demonstrated efforts of about 400 applicants.
"A massive thank-yougoes to everyone who has supported our road safety initiatives,"aclub spokesperson stated.
Successfulclubs, including Woodend-Hesket, can use the money theyhavereceived fora range of initiatives including education programs, club transport initiatives, newequipmentand uniforms.
Back at thetop
Woodend-Hesket Football Netball Club hasstuck withits executive leadership team for2026.
At the club's annual meeting last week, co-presidents James Chettle and Paul Podbury were elected to continue in these rolesin2026.
Aaron Warner fills thevice-president'sposition, and Andrew Makin is again secretary.Podbury is club treasurer
Theundoubtedteam highlightof the 2025 season wasthe tremendous effort of the A-grade netballers in winning their thirdsuccessive RDFNL premiership, going through the season unbeateninthe process. General committee members arelargely unchanged,witha warm welcome given to newcomers.
Pre-Christmas training has seen the Hawks attract good football numbers. Indications arethatnetball teams look strong at various levels, with the long-awaited newKellie Duff Courts that opened last season atremendous asset.
Kyneton’sace
KynetonGolf skipper Wayne Turner measurestosee howmanyshots will count.
Eastleyslams 140!
Bill West
Woodend Cricket Club's senior coach Josh Eastleyslammed 140 runs (eightsixes, 17 fours) from just 61 balls to guarantee victory in the McIntyreCup 1sts match against Macedon.
If ever therewas acase of leading by example, this wasit.
Eastley'sblitzkrieg innings at Gilbert Gordon Oval virtually guaranteed Woodend the points in the special Twenty/20 fixture. It cameontop of Woodend'snumber 2side scoring 2/200 from 20 oversinthe earlier double header matchatthe same ground.
Adding to theatmospherewas the 30th anniversary reunion of the club's McIntyre Cupand B-grade premiership sides.
Also, the Woodend Club has been heavily involved in the '16 DaysofActivism'against gender-based violence, with the ZontaClub of Kynetonplaying arole as well at Woodend.
Woodend players andofficials wore special 'Activism'shirts forthe matches on Saturday.
Eastleyopened thebatting andtook a heavy toll on theMacedon attack. Fielders were kept chasing leather as virtually all attempts to stop the batting onslaughtwere unsuccessful.
Macedon managed to runout fast scorersOllie Pope andWarren Else fortemporary respite.
Finally,Eastley'sflamboyant innings ended with the scoreon6/193, with his contribution 140. Therewas ajustified sustained ovation as he left the field.
At the end of the 20 overs,Woodend had 7/228 on the board. Macedon's Henry Bobetic excelled with figures of 3/28.
Macedon's prodigious run chase showed promise in the early overs, but Harrison Sheahan took twowicketsintwo deliveries —the second being the dangerous Cameron Clayton first ball!
Opener Donald Mlambo topscoredwith 55 from 45 balls, and OllieClough contributed 38.
It was9/152 at the end of the 20 overs, withSheahan and Else each capturing three wickets.
An unforgettable dayatGilbert Gordon, highlightedbyJosh Eastley'sspectacular knock.
SIXES SINK ROMSEY
Rupertswood caused an upset by defeating Romsey at Salesian College, and it waslatesixes which eventually sank the Redbacks —apart from their tally of 5/132 from 16.5 oversappearing vulnerable.
Batting first, Romsey soon lost opener Taylor Stevensonand it wasonlycaptaincoach BenWay who took controlwith an impressive62(10 fours, one six) from 32 deliveries.
TheRedbacks claimed twoearly wickets, but Rupo stayed in contention with healthy thirdand fourth wicket partnerships, gradually bringing the required run rate down. With the gameinthe balance, it was
DanKavanagh who slammed twovery late sixes to snatch victory forRupo with five balls remaining. Jake Howell remained 35 notout
Stevenson claimed 3-17 from his four overs.
Abig win forRupertswood to keep the side's finals hopes alive.
Reigning premier Gisborne is back on topofthe ladder,with apercentage boosting effort at Gardiner Reserveagainst Wallan.
TheDragons restricted the visitorsto 6/145 c.c. withcaptain-coach JarrydVernon snaring three wickets.
Opener SpencerJones racedtoa half century forthe Dragons, and withvice-captain RileyVernon contributing an unbeaten 60, the home side finished up with 2/146 on the boardinjust 15 overs. Captain Vernon wasrun outfor 19 from fiveballs!
In the remaining McIntyre 1sts match, Broadfordrestricted Sunbury United to 8/143 with veteranUpulFernando scoring 56.
Broadfordcould notbuild substantial partnerships, and fell 35 runs short.
Rain in the southern part of the GDCA led to some matches being interruptedand or abandoned.
TWOCENTURIES IN SAME GRADE
Thereweretwo centuries scored in the Jensen 3rds grade.
Michael Yatescame in at number 5 and hit aswift unbeaten101 forMelton South against Kilmore, but thematch was abandoned.
Opener Kawaljit Singh scored an unbeaten101 at run aball pacefor Diggers Rest against Rupertswood
Talentedyoungfootballer/cricketer, Ollie Watt scored 86 (9 fours, 4sixes)ina swift 86 forWoodend against Macedon in McIntyre2nds.
ALLTHE SCORES
McIntyreCup 1sts: Woodend 7/226
c.c. (20 overs) J. Eastley140 —H.Bobetic 3-28) dMacedon 9/152 (D.Mlambo 55, O. Clough 38 —H.Sheahan 3-20, W. Else 3-30); Romsey5/132 (B. Way62, C. Burkett32) lost to Rupertswood 4/133 (K. Barker 35, J. Howell 35 n.o., M. Twentyman 31 —T.Stevenson 3-17); Wallan 6/145
c.c. (A. Moore26— J. Vernon 3-29) lost to Gisborne 2/146 (R. Vernon 60 n.o., S. Jones 55); Sunbury United 8/143 (U.Fernando 56, L. Sherlock 37) dBroadford9/109 (S. Sharma 45 —A.Hannah 4-19).
Johnstone 1sts: Eastern Hill 6/153 (B. Cox58— B. Dawson 3-33) dKilmore109 (M. Davern 24 n.o. —F.Lewis 3-29); Lancefield 7/133 c.c.(T. McNamara57, L. Mitchell 46 —J.Singh 4-13) dHarkness 130 (R. Singh 41, M. Aujla 30 —M.Bowden 4-14); East Sunbury 6/95 dSunbury Kangaroos 9/67 (N. Dent 3-11); Eynesbury 6/85 v DiggersRest abandoned.
McIntyre2nds: Gisborne 5/159 c.c. (P Sammut 82, T. Mousley30) dWallan 7/146 (Z. Bell 51 —Mousley4-28); Rupertswood 8/120 c.c. (B.Robinson 47) lost to Romsey 3/123 (M. Hoyt39, N. Hoy 32); Wood-
MP calls forfunding
Facilities in Lancefield Recreation Reserveare in urgent need of upgrading, according to Member forNorthern Victoria, Wendy Lovell. Speaking in Parliament, Ms Lovell has made astrong plea forministerial intervention to guaranteefunding in the 2026-2027 Budget
Shepointedout that therecreation reservewas notalwayseligible forsporting funding because it comprisedCrown land owned by DECCA. This puts it in adifferent situation to council-owned land.
Ms Lovell said female changerooms were among the much-needed facilities, and called on the relevant Minister to ensurefunding became available.
PresidentofLancefield Recreation Reserve, Bill Balcam,saidthe committeeand user groups were fully awaretherewas scope to make essential improvements.
Thecommitteeisexpected to continuetomakeappropriaterepresentations.
end 2/200 (O.Watt86, B. Delaney43, L. Sheahan 41 n.o.) dMacedon 9/99 (C Pender 36 —Sheahan 4-23); Broadford 78 lost to Sunbury United 3/79. Johnstone 2nds: Eastern Hill 8/137 c.c. lost to Kilmore2/139 (Z. Osmond 64 n.o., S. Burns58n.o.); East Sunbury 7/127 (A. Shukla 39 n.o.) dSunbury Kangaroos 8/53; Harkness 8/134 c.c. (Q.Ali 50 n.o. —D Mallia-hogan 3-31) dLancefield 9/122 (J Crosland 51, Ali3-12);Eynesbury 9/101 (J Bolger 41 —S.Morris 3-20) lost to Diggers Rest 5/102.
Jensen 2nds: Macedon 9/112 (A. Munro Lawrence63n.o.— H. Shanahan 5-12) lost to Hanging Rock 1/113 (L.Vincent45 n.o., G. Sandow 34, N. O'Connor 30 n.o); Gisborne 126 (G.Buskes 30 —H.Sandhu 4-21)lost to Wallan 3-130 (R. Fowler 34, Sandhu 32 n.o., C. Fowler 30); Sunbury United 5/156 c.c. (A. Smith 62) lost to Riddell 1/157 (H. Castles 64, H. Fisher 58 n.o.; Trentham 117 (L. Pruden 4-7) lost to Malmsbury 2/118 (Pruden 52); No scores posted forWoodend vRomseyand Blackwood vRupertswood.
Jensen 3rds: Hanging Rock 8/139 (M. Shanahan 42, C. Johns 29) lost to Melton South3 5/140 (S. Lowe 53, K. Rajendran 33); DiggersRest 1/253 (K. Singh 101 ret., C. Goforth 80, A. Knight47n.o.) dRu-
pertswood 131; Aintree7/193 (A.Palepu 49, S. Kotta32, R. Budhole 30 —J.Allen 3-24) dSunbury 8/174 (S. Lewis 65, B. Costello 38); Melton 9/169 c.c. (J.Schwarze 49, I. Abass 35, I. Quazi 32 —M.Zytek 3-19) lost to Riddell 9/170 (O.Arthur88 n.o., M. Day 32); Melton South (4) 6/190 (M. Yates100 ret.,H.Pocza 49 —A.Chalmers3-23) vKilmoreand Melton Centrals 7/187 (S. Mynedi 50 —C.Connelly 3-30) v Eynesbury —bothabandoned.
Club North: Malmsbury Gold 7/157 (U Nakka 46 n.o., D. Turner 28 dHanging Rock 8/147; Gisborne 9/141 (B. Benham 3-22, L. Withers3-33) lost to Broadford5-145 (A. Pope 53); Romsey8/133 c.c. (R.Gray 41) lost to Wallan 1/134 (A. Bingham 50, J. Dodd 45 n.o.; Eastern Hill 120 (R. Matheson 4-15)lost to Kyneton7/122 (A. May34, M. Garrigan 28); Woodend 0/68 after17overs (D.Edwards 50 ret.)v Kilmore; Malmsbury GreendLancefield on forfeit.
ClubSouth:EastSunbury 7/131 d Woodend 117; Rupertswood8/181 c.c.(T. Walker 38, A. Batchelor 31) lost to Melton Centrals 4/183 (T.Singh 52, N. Brar 50 ret —P.Kavanagh 3-22); Sunbury9/163 (E. Hildebrand 46 —S.Farquhar 3-29) vSunbury United 1/30 (abandoned); Gisborne 90 (D Fitzpatrick 39 —K.Ghazni 3-9) vEynesbury (abandoned).
Tigers seek morehelp
Lancefield Football Netball Club wasunable to fill three keyexecutivepositions at its annual meeting held last week.
Retiring presidentJoe Schembri announced he was notseeking re-election, afterspending the past20 yearsvolunteering and working forthe bettermentof junior and senior football at Lancefield.
Chris Dynon, who accepted the vice-president's role, expressed appreciation to Schembri forhis tireless efforts forthe junior and senior clubs.
Therewerealso no takersfor the rolesofsecretary and treasurer,and ageneral indication thatmore volunteers'across the board' were needed to keep a
club making progress afterover150 yearsofserving the Lancefield district.
Likeseveral other Riddell League clubs, the Tigers have basically found that"toomuchislefttotoo few"
Outgoing treasurer Bill Balcam produced acomprehensiveannual report,which basically showedsimilar income to theprevious year,but addedoperational costs meaning alargerincome stream would be needed in the next 12 months
Theclubwill welcome anynewcomers who would liketobeinvolvedwith the Tigers in volunteer roles. Quitea fewwell-credentialled netballershave recently joined the clubfor the 2026 season.
Ready foraction: OpenersJoshEastley(at left) and JacquesDuToithead forthe crease forWoodend on Saturday. Photo:BillWest
Bumper round of cricket to round out the year
Castlemaine District Cricket AssociationA Grade and CGrade (Under16) sides wrapped up the second dayoftheir matches afterthe previous week'swet weatherhampered play.
AReserveand BGrade sides enjoyed one-daymatches andthe Women's sides completedround 5onFridayevening Highlights of the round were Heathcote AReserve batsmanBradRowe's 136not out andhis Maiden Gully MaristA Reserve opponentBrodieHogan's 126. Barkers CreekAGraderNash Robinson wasbest with theballwith 6-44. Resultswere:
AGrade TwoDay,Day Two Maiden Gully 10-114 (Robert Brown14, Nathan Cavalier12, Connor Berry 19(2nd Innings)JimmyLiersch 15 (2nd); Hadley Bassett 2-7, Jack Casley2-28)vGuildford 9/77and 3-132 (AlexRoss 26,EricGell 17 notout, CharlesBunting71not out(2nd Innings), HadleyBassett 29 (2ndInnings), Jayson Glenister 20 notout (2ndInnings; Adil Ali 5-10,Austin Coghill 2-23).
BarkersCreek 7-d/230 (Darby Semmens 96, Nash Robinson 69, Kaleb McBride 32;HarleyBrereton2-11) defeated Harcourt 10-90 and10-117(Jack Archer 24, Lachlan Mika 19 (2nd Innings), Jack Archer 18 (2ndInnings); Nash Robinson 6-44 (2ndInnings), DarbySemmens 3-46 (2nd Innings).
Newstead 8-309 (Ian Garsed 117, George Tillbrook 100, CiaranGardner42, Rhys Smith 21;GabrielO'Sullivan5-54, DavidGeorge2-104)defeatedCastlemaine United 9-148 and 7-105 (David George 46,Mekaal Hassan 50 notout;
MatthewCulvenor3-44.Lucas Bester 24 (2nd Innings), Mekaal Hassan 20; Alex Murphy4-32,Matthew Culvenor 3-37).
North Castlemaine 8-112(MaxMatheson 37, Mitchell Hancock 14, ThomasCox 13; John Watson 4-53, Declan Slingo 2-39) defeated Muckleford 10-109 (LukeFiler 27, John Watson 20,Jack Smith16, Tom Crawshaw 12; Karsen Beer 4-37, Craig Pearce 2-8).
AReserve
OneDay
Heathcote6-292 (BradRowe 136not out, Daniel Butler 65,Bradley Polson29; Michael Rogers 2-34, BenHancock 2-70) lost to MaidenGully Marist2-295 (Brodie Hogan 126,AstinClayton 77, Maximus Dorrington32not out, MichaelRogers 28 notout).
Harcourt 10-80 (OwenBloomfield 23; ChrisElderfield5-13) losttoNewstead 8-245 (Chris Elderfield 64, LeighWalker 29, LachlanPark 25 notout;Adrian Cole 2-45, Macklin Simmins2-56).
Castlemaine United 6-191 (Brian Brasher 65,Adam Smolak64, Phil Brasher 13) defeated NorthCastlemaine 9-163 (Jamie Allan51, Christopher Cassidy 15;Samantha Brasher 2-27, Phil Brasher 2-42).
Muckleford 4-195 (Marty Sharples 69 notout, Samuel Gee39, Dakota Slingo 34, CallanHough 19;NoahMaltby2-26, SteveLearmonth 2-30) lost to Taradale 10-230(Regan Williams 58, AndrewYoung 42, SteveLearmonth 38,Jordan Ryan 36; Jonathon Boyd 3-32, StuFindlay 3-34)
BGrade
Castlemaine United 7-143 (JohnWilson 27not out, Michael Penrose 23, Alfred
Chaffey 19,Otis Whitesmith17; Brodie Browne-Kerr2-18,Oliver Daldy 2-22, Jackson Byrne 2-38) losttoBarkersCreek 10-222 (Curtis McLennan53, Oliver Daldy 38, CallamDeBono 36,Brodie BrowneKerr 25; Alfred Chaffey4-28,Zane Davidge2-15, Adam Perrett2-18).
Taradale6-179 (AndrewVance76, Russell Muir 24, Ryan Currie20, Steven Curnow18not out; Jack Rees 2-23, BenjaminPoulton2-43) defeated Heathcote 10-177 (Brett Polson 71,Brian Astin 46, Benjamin Poulton, Harry Francis16; Ryan Currie4-54, KymSzegedi 2-37).
Hepburn5-93 (defeatedMia Mia10-89 (Mia Mia26, Justin Greet18; Nathaniel Lowe 3-16,Corey Pedley2-13,IsaacPedretti 2-18)
Campbells CreekColts 10-185 (Clint McLeod 84, Brad Sturgess 26, Patrick Jones 16,Ben Tombs 15; Zavier Turner 3-23, Chris Edwards3-34,RhysTingay 2-27) defeated Muckleford10-157 (Alex Cotterell 63, PrivatePlayer32, Francis Walls15, TomSmith 12; Clint McLeod 4-20, Brad Sturgess 4-25, John Prendergast 2-31).
Newstead had thebye Women Round 5
Muckleford90(Kate Mahony 10 retired notout)lost to Newstead 124 (Dawn McNabb 26 retired notout, Courtney Lovett 20 retired notout,Clare McNabb 13 retirednot out; EmilyGirdwood2-12).
Barkers Creek 87 (Gabrielle Smith12 retired notout,Carys Chalkin-McDonald 11 retirednot out; Louise Simpson 2-8, Imogen Trainor2-12)losttoCampbells
Clubs to tackleroad behaviour
Sevenfootball netball clubs in theMacedon Ranges have gained funding to drivedownspeeding in their community
Thefunding encourages clubs to engagewith membersand their communities on road safety and promote saferbehaviours. It is an initiativeofthe state governmentand Transport Accident Commission and delivered in partnership withAFL Victoria.
Thefollowing clubs were successful: Kyneton Football NetballClub ($1650), Riddells CreekJunior Football NetballClub ($1650), Lancefield Junior Foot-
ball Netball Club ($1000), Macedon Football Netball Club ($500), Woodend Hesket Football Netball Club ($7500), Romsey Junior Football NetballClub ($2700), and Gisborne Giants Football Netball Club ($2100).
As part of this year’sprogram, clubs were askedto start conversations and be part of the campaign to raise awareness of the dangersofspeeding, with the tagline –‘Be theDifference’
This grantcan be used fora rangeofinitiatives including education programs, clubtransport initiatives, newequipmentand uniforms.
Creek Colts106 (Johannah Maher 20 not out, LouiseSimpson 13 retirednot out; CarysChalkin-McDonald 2-8) Hepburn141 (Clare Shiell 23 retired notout,Private Player11retired notout) defeatedNorthCastlemaine132 (Morgan Howarth 12 retired notout, Sian Kennedy 12 retired notout; Nicholle Prentice 3-19, ClareShiell 3-28).
Castlemaine United 85 (Samantha Brasher15retirednot out)lost to Guildford 94 (Jemma Finning19 retirednot out, Ellenor Landy 14not out,Jessica Currie 13 retirednot out).
CGrade (Under16) TwoDay,Day Two Carisbrook 6-190(Joshua Nalder33 retirednot out,AxelPurcell 32 retirednot out,Rory Sanders 31 retirednot out;Ryan Redpath3-22, Milla Ritchie 2-46) defeated Laanecoorie/Dunolly8-19 (JoshuaNalder 3-0, ZacJardine 2-4)
Muckleford 1-121(Jack Smith 30 retirednot out, Francis Walls30retired notout,SethGross 28)defeatedBarkers/ North/Harcourt 10-56 (Noah Maltby12, Kale Waddington 12;Fabrizio2-0, AbrahamIsdale2-6, Luna Petrucci 2-12). Campbells Creek 5-93(Mitchell Sturgess 31retired notout,Blackwood Ulman Jones 10) lost to ColtsPhelans3-94 (Brett Coon 31 retirednot out, Charlie Erickson 14).
Newstead 5-78 (William Garsed 21 retirednot out, EveRighetti 15 retirednot out; Zane Davidge3-16) lost to CastlemaineGold 3-80(Charlie Cordy30retired notout, Will Fitzgerald 17; William Garsed 2-8).CastlemaineUnited Blue hadthe bye.
In Kookaburrawomen's A-grade cricket on Sunday, Gisborne defeated Wallan by nine runs.
Batting first, Gisborne compiled 3/144 from 20 overs, with Brianna Woodburn 50 retired, Ruby Watts 31 and Georgia Weller 25 notout the main scorers. Megan Farrell took 3-23. Wallan ended up on 9/135 (Farrell 57, Emily Telford24).
Therewas no playinthe scheduled BacchusMarsh vMacedon and KilmorevLancefield Black matches.
In B-grade, Lancefield Yellow wasstruggling at 5/7 in replyto Broadford's6/88 (BrookeJeffrey 41 notout).
Yellow staged abig comebacktowin with7/89 on the board— captain MollyConsiglio made 35 and Ellanor Carboon claimed 4-13.
North Castlemaine AGrader MaxMatheson faces the Muckleford pace attack at WesleyHill. Photo:Max Lesser
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Enjoyliving thecountrydream on fiveacres approx and only seven minutes to Kynetonand MalmsburyTownship offers theopportunity forpeaceful living, privacy, and space. Withsomuch on offer and views to Blackhill and beyond this charming twostoreyhome offers four bedrooms, modern kitchen meals/family and living areas, gas cooking, twogleaming bathrooms, tworeverse cycle split systems, and wood heating
KenGrech 0418 509 710
$1,090,000 -$1,195,000 View Saturday20thDecember 12:00pm -12:30pm
Kyneton 5422 2678 rh.com.au/kyneton
24
2Bed 1BathCar
Quietly set on Racecourse Road, this 1980s brick home captures spectacular 360-degree mountain views and overlooks adeep, well-maintained dam. Featuring acentral kitchen,parents’ retreat, threeadditional bedrooms and aflexible study,the home includes modern renovations, quality finishes, excellent fencing and are-gravelled driveway—anexceptional rural escape.
JudithStevens 0438 683 484
Set on an expansive2,220m² (approx.) double block withconvenient rear access viaCampbell Street, this impressivetwo-storey brick residence offers space, privacyand stunning garden and hill views from every room.
JudithStevens 0438 683 484
ForSale
$999,000 -$1,098,900
View Strictly by PrivateAppointment
Kyneton 5422 2678 rh.com.au/kyneton
$1,150,000 -$1,250,000
View Saturday20thDecember 11:00am-11:30am
545 Kyneton-Springhill Road, Kyneton South 8Bed 3Bath10.93ha
After driving through theundulating grassy hills from Kyneton, upon arrival at 545 Kyneton-Springhill Road, one is takenbysurprise that among this sparse and rather rocky,yet beautiful area, thereisanoasis of calm and solitude in themost magnificent botanic garden imaginable. Of the27acres,thereare 5well-fenced paddocksand 8-10 acres of gardens.
JudithStevens 0438 683 484
ForSale
$2,000,000 -$2,200,000
View Strictly by PrivateAppointment
Kyneton 5422 2678 rh.com.au/kyneton
147 Racecourse Road, Redesdale
Orr Street, Malmsbury