Midland Express Tuesday December 2 2025

Real Estate LiftoutSummerFestive

Nurturing connection on Country

An excited crowd of local FirstNations and non-Indigenous community membersgathered on FridayatMe-Mandook Galk Indigenous Education and Bush Tucker PlaceinChewton fora celebration filled with music, connection and hope forthe future.

Theevent marked the launchofUncle Rick’s CommunityShedand the announcementofmajorBIG Project funding from Community Bank Maldon and District to build the long-imagined Me-Mandook Galk Indigenous Education Place –adream morethan adecade in themaking for Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation.

Guests enjoyedgood vibes, DJ Waaman, a relaxed community barbecue hosted by BDAC Men’sShed, and afirst look at plans forthe newIndigenous Education Place– astunning Elder and community-led design inspired by the CreatorAncestorsBunjil and Waa, symbolising connection, balanceand respectfor Country

Thecelebration highlightedthe work of Nalderun, arespectedlocal organisation that supports First Nations children, families and schools across the region.

Founded in 2009 on DjaaraCountry in the Upper Loddon, and guided by Senior Elder Uncle Rick Nelson,Nalderun provides wraparound holistic cultural education, wellbeing and youth leadership programs thatempower FirstNations young people to learn, grow and thrive

Nalderun, whose name is the DjaDja Wurrung word for‘all together’, also provides training, curriculum support and advocacy to the broader community

Thenextstageofthis importantproject comes to lifethanks to an unprecedented $850,000 investmentfromCommunityBank Maldon and District through itsBIG Project community funding grant–a regional initiative

designed to deliver lasting communityimpact.

Uncle Rick Nelson,DjaaraElder and Nalderun chair,saidNalderun and the local Koorie community were grateful.

"We’ve been working fora number of years to getsome moneyfor the build. We’revery grateful thatCommunity Bank Maldon and District, on behalf of all who bank there, have stepped up to help us. This is going to setthe precedentfor away forwardfor developing strong relationshipsbetween theKoorie community and the broader community," he said.

TheCommunityBank’sinvestmentwas matched by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, multiplying theproject’soverall benefit.

TheMe-Mandook Galk site wasoriginally purchased through asuccessful grassroots crowdfunding campaign in 2021, which was funded by morethan1200 people in just eight days.The speed of the campaign demonstrates the strength of the relationshipsthatNalderun has nurturedwith the broader community over the past 15 years. Thesiteishome to Nalderun’s Bush Tucker Place, which is co-managed by twoFirst Nationsyouthsand twoallies, with volunteershelping regenerate the land, plant bush tucker gardens, and build Uncle Rick’s Community Shed –aspacefor cultural workshops, artefact-making and healing.

Nalderun CEOKathCoffsaid theywere excited to be partnering with the team at the bank, as another organisation supporting the local community "Welookforward to all theopportunities thatthis Indigenous Education Placewill enable forustosupportFirst Nationsyouth to grow up strong and proud and to walk together as equals with localschools, organisations and community membersfor athriving futurefor all,"she said.

Preservingstories, shapingfutures: Theart of heritage

TrethowanHeritageoffers dedicatedheritageconsultancy work, grounded in authenticityand good design. They champion traditional craftsmanship, value sustainable practices, and help safeguardthe character thatgives communities their identity

Owner andpracticedirector Mark Stephenson explains thatheritageisn’t just the buildings we can see and touch.It’salso the language, memories and stories passed down through generations.

“Heritagecan be tangible, physical objectsyou cansee and touch, likearchitecture,landscapes, artifacts or pieces of art, or intangible —traditions, languages and narratives thatare importanttoindividuals, cultures and community,” he says

“Itincludes both human-made and natural environments, sometimes formally protected because of their knownsignificance. Identifying, protecting and managing our heritageensures these places and objects continue to be understood, experienced and appreciated by futuregenerations.”

HeritageinAustralia is shaped by manylayers— fromworldand national listings, to state,local, Indigenous and even underwater culturalheritageprotections

“InVictoria, the largest number of protected places sit on local lists, administered by local governments,” Mark explains.

Foundedin2001 and developing into an award-winning architecturalpractice,TrethowanHeritagehas sinceevolved into aspecialist heritageconsultancy. Today, Mark and his team provide expert guidancein heritageplanning, design, conservation, adaptivereuse, interpretation and expert witness services forprivate, commercial, institutional and governmentclients.

Collaboration sits at the heart of their work

“Wevalue working closely with designers, architects, planners, builders, traditional trades and statutory bodies to deliver good heritageoutcomes,”Mark says

“While typically tailored to each project, ourservices include strategic, design and technical advice, historical research, heritageassessments and support with the heritagecomponents of statutory approvals, including condition monitoring.”

Mark’sown passion lies in 19th and 20thcentury heritage. He wasdrawn to Kynetonfor its early history,its role in the 1850s gold rush, its colourful cast of historical charactersand events, and its remarkable collection of historic buildings —fromchurches and homes, to pubsand shopfronts. Hisinterestnow extends

oughoutthe region to Daylesford, Castlemaine, Bendigo, Ballarat, msey, Gisborne and Sunbury —the majority of whichform ‘The Victorian Goldfields’, recently added to Australia’s World HeritageTentativeList.

“Our approach is alwaystounderstand whatissignificantabout aplaceorobject, then usethatunderstanding to shape and guide it’sfuture” Mark says TrethowanHeritagehas contributed to some of Melbourne’s most important heritagelandmarks, including Arts Centre Melbourne, Queen Victoria Market and ParliamentHouse.

In 2025, the practicebegan anew chapter, stepping away fromarchitectural services to focussolely on heritageconsultancy —a move thatreflects their deep, ongoing commitmenttoconserving the historic built environment.

TrethowanHeritagehas also expanded its Melbourne operations to serviceCentral Victoria, nowwitha presenceinKynetonat68Piper Street

If you’replanning aconservation, renovation,orextensionproject, seeking expert research or needing aheritageassessment, getintouch with Mark and his team on 9421 5448 or email hello@trethowan.com to discoverhow they can help youpreserveand celebrateour heritage.

“Whatisthe point?” Protectionsignored

AmyHume

Adocumentbuilt to protect Macedon Ranges' distinctiveareas and landscapes is being "ignored" and lacks power, Macedon Ranges Shirecouncillorssay

While Macedon Ranges wasthe first declared DistinctiveAreaLandscape in 2018, the council says vital steps have laggedthatwould ensureits special protection.

TheMacedon Ranges Statementof Planning Policy 2019 is still yettobeincorporated into the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme.

Launched in 2020, the MRSPPwas described as a50-year strategy thatspecified protected settlementboundaries forthe townships of Kyneton, Lancefield, Riddells Creek and Woodend thatrequired parliamentary approval to change

However, incorporating the document into the scheme is the only waytoensure its strategies and objectives aregiven full legal weightinland use and development decisions.

Advocating foraction last week, Cr Jennifer Andersonsaiduntil the document wasincorporated it wasjust adocumentto be referenced.

"Weall speak about howimportantour landscapes, biodiversity,environmentand waterwaysare," she said.

"Whatisthe point, when declaring something adistinctiveareaand landscape, we'reworking so hardasacouncil withour staff and community,toget adocumentto

outline whatisimportanthere and whatneeds protection, if it is notinthe planning scheme; it just sits there?

"It'sa documentonthe shelf.Itcan be referenced but it maynot be used as effectively as we need it to protect the beautiful place in which we live."

Cr RobGuthrie said the community foughthardto retain landscape protections from 1975 following changes to state planning in 2000. However, he saidwithout incorporating the MRSPP into the planning schemetherewere"no requirements"

terial approval formorethan one year

"Although it says responsible authorities must comply with it, VCAT ignores it, and Ithink, to some extent,the stategovernmentignores it, with someoftheir recent decisions, particularly in Riddells Creek," he said.

"It'svery importantthatweget as much protection as we can into the planning scheme."

When the MRSPP waslaunched, it wasdescribed as "yet to be finalised" with morework required to set the settlement boundaries forthe townships of Gisborne and Romsey

MRSCadoptedthe Romsey Structure Plan in Maylast year and adoptedthe Gisborne FuturesStructure Plan in July last year.Bothhavenow been awaiting minis-

Push forsafer parking

Liberal MP forNorthern Victoria Wendy Lovell spokeinparliamentlastweek asking thatthe Minister forEnvironmentfund construction of newon-siteparking at Expedition Pass Reservoir in the 2026-27 statebudget.

MountAlexander ShireCouncil has identified alocation forbuilding anew car park on Parks Victoria land on Llewellyn Road.

Parks Victoria has confirmedtothe council it is open to putting acar park on this site, butdid nothavefunds forconstruction.

Ms Lovell notedthatExpedition Pass Reservoir is apopular waterway, especially forfamilies who want to go swimming on hotdays, but said the currentlackofparking meantcarswereoften packed along the roadside.

"This poses asafetyrisk formotorists, cyclists and pedestrianswalking from their cars to thewater,"she said.

TheLabor governmentiscurrently focused on improving the safety of the dam structure

and his invested $6.42 million forthe project as part of the SaferPublic Dams program Over the coming months anumber of on-site investigations areplanned, including survey andgeotechnical investigations. These investigations will help to inform final design options forthe upgrade. AVictorian Governmentspokesperson said theywereprioritising the 150-year-old reservoir to protect communities, safeguardhomes and keep the treasured park open foreveryone to enjoy.

“We’re focused on strengthening projects thatneed crucial upgrades –strengthening this historic reservoir to preserve heritage, and keep this parkopen forgenerations to come,"theysaid.

Locals and visitorswho would liketosee morecar parking at Expedition Pass Reservoir areencouraged to sign Wendy Lovell’sonline community survey at:www.wendylovell.com. au/survey/build-more-car-parking-at-expedition-pass-reservoir

Minister forPlanning Sonya Kilkennyis expectedtoprepare theplanning scheme amendments, and mayestablish an advisory committee to hear from expertsand thecommunity

Last week MRSC unanimously agreed to writetoMsKilkennytorequest she also undertakea planning scheme amendment to include the MRSPP into the planning scheme as an incorporated document.

MRSCCEO Bernie O'Sullivan is expected to continue to advocate to the DepartmentofTransport and Planning to support the process.

Thecouncil will also provide acopyof the letter to local MP Mary-Anne Thomas, and fellow declared DistinctiveAreaLandscape councils at Bass Coast, Surf Coast, Queenscliffeand Geelong.

Macedon Ranges wasthe first declared Distinctive Area Landscape in 2018.

HOWMANYGOLDEN UTENSILS ARE

Caravanfire takesoff Caravan fire takes off

Twocaravans were destroyed by fireata Gisborne property last Tuesday.

Gisborne FireBrigade waspaged to the scene on Braeside Road about 5am when they found the twocaravans fully alight. Firefighters acted quickly to contain theblazeand ensureditdid spread beyond the initial area. Thecaravans were atotal loss. Crewsremained on scene forjust overanhour to fully extinguish hotspots and makethe area safe.Itisbelievedthe firestarted from alithium battery inside oneofthe caravans. Lithiumbatteries can pose afirerisk if damaged, overcharged, or stored incorrectly.Alwaysfollowmanufacturer guidelines and keep them in asafe,well-ventilatedarea.

Congratulations to thewinners of the 2025 COscars!

Thefifth COscarsYouth Film Festival wascelebrated last Wednesdaynight at TheatreRoyal in Castlemaine

Thecompetition celebrates the talent and creativity of young filmmakers in Mount Alexander Shire.

With its biggestattendancetodate, theaudiencewas treatedtoa vast rangeofshort films.

Congratulations to thewinners:

•Life’sShort by LeoPrior

•The Walk to School by CosmoAdams

•The Battle of Hamel by Orrin Isaac-Gersch

•DaysWithout Incident by Zak Westcott

•One of the Last Wizards on Earth by InnyShears

Judges’ special mention to JiyaPandya.

Well done to everyone who entered!

Working together forahealthy, connected

(03) 5471 1700

Free mentalhealthcare

Thestate governmentismakingiteasier forVictorians to getfree, community-based mental health carewith the opening of anew telehealth Mental Health andWellbeingLocal in MountAlexander

Thephone service will also support people living in theMacedonRanges and Central Goldfields and is accessible by calling 03 4442 9100

If you'reover26years of ageand arefeeling stressed, overwhelmed, isolatedorlonely –ormaybe you’reworried about arelationship –Mental Health andWellbeing Locals are theretohelp youimprove your mental health and wellbeing

This includes anyone who is experiencing mental health and substance use concerns at the same time.

People can access arangeofprofessional and confidential support options, which may include: Mental health support workers, peer support workers–professionals with their ownlived experienceofmentalhealth challenges who getwhatyou’regoing through –

psychologists, mental health nurses and social workers.

If youwish to remain anonymous, youcan call andask forsupport without providing your personal details.

If youare afamily member,carer,friend or supporter of someonewith mental health concerns, youcan visit aMental Health and Wellbeing Local forsupport.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are notcrisis services.

In an emergency thatislife-threatening or wherethereisanimmediate risk of harm to anyone, call Triple Zero (000).

For24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

More information and phonenumbersare available at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth-wellbeing-locals.

*Ifyou or someone yousupport is between 12-25years, it is recommended that youcontact your local headspacefor mental health and wellbeing support. To access headspaceservicesvisit: headspace.org.au

Council throwsoff ‘blanketsolution’

AmyHume

Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil calling forthe Victorian Governmenttohit pause on sweeping planning reforms theyfear will shakethe Ranges.

Under the PlanningAmendment(Better Decisions Made Faster)Bill 2025, Victoria's newhomes, duplexes, townhouses and lowrise apartments will notrequirenoticeand therewill be no thirdparty appeals.Italso seeks to fast-track manyhousing decisions down to 30 days or less.

Last week, councillorsadded theirvoices to thefight, flagging significantconcern over removals of manyplanning notifications, regulatory and financialburden on councils, and lack of consultation.

Changes aim to speedupthe approval timeframes fordwellings andifpassed the Bill would beginoperation in October 2027.

Councillor Daniel Young called the Bill a "blanket solution"for astate-wide problem but felt it didn't fit the Ranges.

"The reality is thathereinthe Macedon Ranges we'rea differentlandscape,"hesaid.

"Those kinds of developments don't fit here. We don't want them here.Welike the MacedonRanges as it is.Wewantto preservewhatwe've got otherwise we will just become another sprawling suburb of Melbourne and we will lose our character and our charm."

Cr Cassy Borthwick said the Bill failed to address manyissues aroundthe developmentsectorincluding wherethe delays in the systemwere.

"Approvals don't alwaysmean buildings. quiteoften it'sthe turn-around into construction thatdoesn't alwaystakeplace,"she said.

"These arehugechangestostate planning and it's ahugeconcern because it blocks out community consultation."

Concerned about the levelofdetailthat could be missed with speedyplanning approvals, Cr Jennifer Anderson said "faster is notalwaysmoreefficient"

"Thereare so manyissues thatneedtobe worked through. Youcan't have aone size fits all,"she said

In areport to council, planning officers statedthe proposedincreased speedofapprovals to 10 days in some cases had raised redflags.

"This will lead to poorer long-term outcomes forneighbourhoodcharacter,heritage protection, environmental protection and sustainable development,"the report said.

They said environmental protections could getoverlooked because the role for referral authorities waslimited.

TheBill also changes the role of parliamentinamendmentprocesses,and makes changes to distinctiveareas andlandscapes thatweaken protections.

Another challengehighlighted wasthe Bill creating pathways andtimeframes that"local governmentcannotmanagegiven theknown and acknowledged lack of skilled workforce in planning which is expected to continue".

Thereport to council also pointed out "the statutory planning process is responsible forthe lack of land supply and housing in the Macedon Ranges"

It pointed to structureplans forGisborne and Romseythatprovided aframework for growth and ensured the outstanding and valuable landscapes were conserved.

"The state governmenthas had both plans forover12months without approving settlementboundaries,"itsaid.

"State governmentdecisions on the settlementboundarieswould allowthe re-zoning of land thatwouldaccommodate approximately2200 houses in Romseyand 4500 houses in Gisborne."

WHAT'S NEXT?

Thecouncil will request the state governmentpause progress of thePlanning Amendment(Better Decisions Made Faster)Bill 2025 in its currentform and work with local governmentto design anew process.

They areseeking aprocess that: continues to include the conceptoffairnessinthe objectives of planningfor Victoria, continues to involvelocal communities in decisions about their neighbourhoods, and maintains parliamentary oversightofplanning scheme amendments.

Council is alsoseeking safeguards for the provision of affordable and social housing through planning mechanisms, contributions to thecosts of administering anew system,timely delivery of state infrastructure thatkeeps pacewithhousing growth;and strengthening Section 69 provisions to prevent ongoing extensions of time to permits, whereaholder is warehousingornot reasonablyacting on it.

Rioter sentenced

Twoofthe prisonersinvolved in the infamous 2023 Malmsbury juvenile prison riotshavepleaded guilty to multiple charges.

Thecourt heardhow 20-year-olds Michael Hailuand Isaac Hindmarsharmed themselveswith improvised weapons, alongside 11 others and attacked inmates from arival gang.

Thecourt heardhow theybashed an 18-year-old, stripped another naked, and filmed athirdwho wasforcedtokissanother inmate

While this occurred, stafflocked themselves in abathroom and toiletfor their ownsafety.

Hailuwas sentenced to four years and 10 months imprisonmentand willbe eligiblefor paroleafter twoyears and nine months. Hindmarsh will be sentenced next month.

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Kendall elected mayor

West Ward councillor Kate Kendall has been elected Macedon Ranges Shiremayor and East Ward councillor CassyBorthwick deputymayor

Clare McKenna

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Bothwill assume the rolesfor aterm of one year following a mayoralelection held at Gisborne last Tuesday.

"Following ayear of listening and action in my role as acouncillor and as deputy mayor, I’m really pleased to be given the opportunity to lead as mayorfor thecoming year," Cr Kendall said.

"I look forwardtocontinuing to work closely with my fellowcouncillors, council staff and the community. I’m excited to genuinely engageacross platforms and across generations to bring everyone into the local governmentprocess.

"I aim to build trust,transparency and tangible progress on priorities forthe benefit of all ratepayers andresidents of our amazing shire."

Cr Kendall takes over therole from councillor DomBonanno, while Cr Borthwicktakes over thedeputyrole from Cr Kendall.

Cr Borthwick said she looked forwardtoworking withproductively with the mayor, councillors, council staffand the wider community

"Inmyfirst year as acouncillor,I’veeagerly learntthe ins and outs of therole, listened intently to residents, and stood forwhatI believedin,"she said

"Asdeputy mayor, I’ll continue to build on these initial stepping stones and advocate strongly on behalf of my community to action meaningfulchange."

Long-serving councillor RobGuthrie wasthe only otherchallenger forthe mayoralrole and nominatedhimself

Cr Guthrie advocatedfor equity between the wardsand expressed his interest in heritageand environment.

He gained the votesofcouncillorsJennifer Andersonand Dom Bonanno, who had both previously served on council alongside him.

Thedeputyrole had twoother contenders in Cr JanetPearce and Cr Daniel Young.

Cr Young presentedhimself as acouncillor with with strong convictions and strength in high-levelstrategy.Hegained the votes of Cr Kendall and Cr Alison Joseph Cr Pearce spokeofher core values and previous experience serving as mayorand deputy mayor, but could notsecurethe votes needed to surpass eitherCrs Borthwick or Young.

Ex-mayortakes timeout

Former Macedon Ranges Shiremayor,Cr DomBonanno, will takesix months of unpaid leave from council duties following an approvedrequest last week.

Phone 5423 2473 96 Mollison Street Kyneton

KN287157/K

Cr Bonanno advised the chiefexecutive officer and fellow councillorsthe leave was forpersonal reasons, beginning November 26 until Monday, May25, next year

Thepersonal leave comesafter Cr Bonan-

no released astatementlastmonth revealing he wascaughtspeeding and drink driving while using the mayoralvehicle. Theincident wasatMcGeorge Road,Gisborne South, on October 31.

Cr Bonanno said he would be disqualified from driving forsix months from the endof November

Thecouncil has begun an internal review thatwill address policy compliance, anyimpactonrelevant council processes and what further governanceresponse mayberequired. In hisstatement, Cr Bonanno said he was taking personal leave until the mayoralelection on November 25. He returned to council and participated in the vote at thattime but had previously indicatedhewould notbe seeking re-election as mayor.

NewMacedon Ranges mayorKateKendall and deputy mayor CassyBorthwick

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Romseylink to affray

A23-year-old Romsey man wasamong four people interviewedinrelation to an affray at Broadmeadows on November 26.

Numerous calls to Triple Zero were made fora Kia and Volkswagen Golf allegedly driving erratically around Dimboola Road about 5pm.

It is alleged the Kia rammed the Volkswagenmultiple timesbeforebothvehicles drove on the wrong side of Pascoe Vale Road and subsequently collided with acivilian vehicle.

Thevictim gotout of one of the vehicles and wasstabbed to theupperbody. The 20-year-old Broadmeadows manwas taken to hospital with seriousinjuries.

Policewerequickly on scene and arrested four males who were subsequently interviewedinrelation to theincident.

A15-year-old and 17-year-old from the Hume area, a23-year-old Romsey man and a24-year-old Sunbury man were released pending further enquiries.

It is understood anumber of people left the scene prior to policearrival. Theinvestigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with vision or anyinformation is urgedtocontact Crime Stopperson1800 333 000 or visit: crimestoppersvic.com.au

NewTelstra mobile coverage comes to Woodend North

Telstrahas recently expanded 4G/5G mobile coverage in Woodend North with anew towerswitched on near ClanceysLane.

Regional engagementmanager Marcus Swinburne said the newcoverage would improve Telstra’sexisting coverage in the area and improve connectivity forresidents and visitors.

“WeknowthatWoodend North has been looking forwardtothiscoverage andI’m pleased to saywe’ve delivered to bring this siteon-air,” Mr Swinburne said.

Theadditional 4G and 5G coverage will allowcustomerstomakecalls and access our network in moreplaces, and also improvecapacity to ensurea better experience.

“Asacompany, we heavily invest in improving regional connectivity and this siteis another example of our commitmenttothe Macedon Ranges,”MrSwinburne said.

"Overthe last fewyearswehavebuilt newtowers in Woodend, Tylden,Kyneton and Goldie and we have just commenced work on anew siteatGisborne South along witha newsitedue to go on air at Gisborne West."

Telstrahas morethan11,700 mobile base stations covering morethan2.7 million squarekilometres, about one million kilometres morethanany other mobilenetwork. Nationally theTelstranetwork provides coverage to 99.6 per cent of the Australian population.

“Overthe past sevenyearstothe end of FY24, Telstrainvested $11.8 billion in our mobile network nationally,with $4.3 billion of this invested in our regional mobile network,”MrSwinburne said.

Telstra’sregional engagementmanagerMarcusSwinburne and the team who managethe mobile towerbuild programare pictured at the Woodend North site.

Memorialgates’new gleam Memorial gates’ new

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Malmsbury'sheritage World WarI memorial gateshaveanew shine with restoration works nowcomplete Friends of Malmsbury Gardens and Environs led the project with a$27,492 grantfromthe Victorian Government’sRestoring Community WarMemorialsand Avenues of Honour Program, andin-kind support from Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas, friendsgroup members, Macedon Ranges mayorKateKendall, council representatives, RSL membersand residents gathered forthe official unveiling last Friday.

"The newly restored WarMemorial Gatesatthe Malmsbury Botanical Gardens, is testament to thehardwork of the Friends of the MalmsburyGardens. Ithank them fortheir dedication to this project,"MsThomassaid.

Thememorial wasbuilt in 1922 at entrancetothe Malmsbury Botanic Gardens as atribute to the “bravemen who enlisted in the

GreatWar 1914-1918”

As part of Friday'sunveiling, Gerard Noonan playedthe Last Post Works have included soldier names re-gilded, old paintand rust removed, stone/marble cleaned and works on the memorial railings and gate.Four heritagehybrid tearoses 'WeWill Remember Them' also proudly stand nearby.

Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil contributed in-kind support to ensurethe project metthe high standards required fora this significant memorial. That included grantapplication support,extensiveproject oversight, heritageand horticulturaladvice, and logistical assistance.

"Community passion is whatdrives projects likethis, and council is proud to standalongside agroup so deeply committed to preserving local history," Cr Kendall said.

DepartmentofEnergy, Environmentand Climate Action,and HeritageVictoria provided additional support

Picturedbythe gatesare Friends of Malmsbury Gardensand Environs secretary Paula Needham, MRSC Cr Jennifer Anderson, mayorKateKendall, MP Mary-Anne Thomas,Friends of Malmsbury Gardens and Environs presidentRosemary Davies, Cr JanetPearce,and Cr RobGuthrie.

Adventures of atrue Aussielarrikin

From boozing withBob Hawke, business-dealing

Morgan Reinwald

When RodHalstead was10, his old man decided he wasold enough.

He began work alongside his father at the Gunnedah Saleyards, and wasnosooner told to hold the line while asteer ranathim He hadtoscream as it neared so it would break left, into apen and he could closethe door

“I had to clampmyarsecheeks together forfear of shitting myself,” he recalled.

“Thatwas the pivotal moment in my life. My father asked me to perform atask. Idid. Andwhen youfacethat, and youdon't waver, and then youlook at the person youadmiremost in the world –that'swhereself-beliefissown”

This momentwould prove pivotal fordecades to come.Itgave Rodanability to hold theline as he knocked around in pubs, the world of drugs, and eventually,jail. It also plays apart in his tell-all pack-apunch book, Take my advice, I’mnot using it!

It tracks his lifefromgrowing up playing Cowboys vs Indians, to areal lifeversion of sorts. He caughtthe bustohis first drug deal, and laterinlife, wasona London-bound flightwith $20,000 taped to his legs and mid-section to deliver to theinfamousBhutto family

“You know, Iremember walking

into aroom full of half adozenguysand the main guy thatIdid business with. There wasa blokethereI'd nevereverseen before He pulled out apistol and pointeditatme.

“And, youknow, most people go white and say, ‘Oh, please don't shoot’.I just looked at him and said, ‘well, whatare yougoing to do?You'regoing to shootoryou'regoing to put it away.You look untidy mate.Just hold it there. Maybe youlook likea complete f*ckwit’.”

Rodheld the line oncemore.

He’d enduphaving agun pointedathis head on six differentoccasions, the last of which camefroma policeofficer when he wasbusted in 1981.

yearsbefore: histrue self

With classic Aussie humour,this book gives insightintothe drug trade from the perspective of alarrikin who made and lost millions of dollars, only to end up acrippling alcoholic. Rodwrote off17cars, three motorbikes and has arrest recordsinfour states.

Andonly afterhelost absolutely everything, did he find the one thing he’d strayed from

"Bymycalculations Ishould have been dead decades ago,"said Rod, who nowlives to tell thetale with 25 years' sobriety.And he’ll be tellingall the lessons he’s learnt along the waywithjournalist Nicole Chvastek (host of the podcast Truth, Lies, and Media).

Thetwo will be in conversation to discuss the book next Thursday December 11, at the Goldfields Libraries in Gisborne from 2pm,and Castlemaine from 5.30pm. Those wanting to reservea seatcan visit the Goldfields website.

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Traditional and custom jewelleryspecialists

RedGum &Quartz Jewellery Studio and Gallery is one of Castlemaine’s best kept secretsand theperfect place to huntout thatspecial gift foryour lovedone this Christmas.

Nestled behind abrilliantred door in an intimate historic spaceat1/325 Barker Street,Castlemaine, this hidden gemisoperated by master jeweller and talented craftsman Mark Politakis.

Mark said thatasa young man he trained as an electrician butalwayshad aloveofjewellery

“After Ifinished my apprenticeship Iwentintojewellery making. Ioriginally worked on aproduction line making opal piecesfor the tourism market.

“I enrolled in trade school in 1997 and completedmy apprenticeship in 2001.

“I worked at anumber of businesses overthe yearsincluding Tony Kean in Bendigobeforemaking the decision to strikeout on my owntopursue my passion formaking custom pieces.”

Mark is settocelebratetwo yearsinhis local business this month and says he has received awarm welcome

from theCastlemaine community,inparticular fellow artists, creatives and makers.

Whilst Mark offers traditional in-house jewellery services such as jewellery repairs, gemstone and clawreplacements and ring resizing. He thrives on creating custom pieces and in particular lovesremodeling and upcycling old, broken and unwanted pieces into newworks.

In fact, he recently had the opportunity to melt down an old watch and re-purpose thematerial to create three unique piecesfor alocal grandmother to gift to each of her children, each featuring personal touches reflecting their unique personalities or interests.

He also loveshunting outAustralian opalsfromthe source at placessuch as Coober Pedy,sapphires and gold, and utilising these in one-of-a-kind works.

“I also geta lotofprospectors who want to create unique piecesfromtheir nuggetsormelt down their gold to create jewellery pieces. Iuse XRF technology to determine whether we canmake9,18or22ct jewellery and can add embellishments such as diamonds forthatextra sparkle,”hesaid.

Mark said thatinaddition to hisown in-house creations he also has adiverse rangeof custom-made works from six fellowartists thatheattended trade school with from across the stateincluding Taradale, Bendigo, MountMacedon and MountMartha.

Youwill find awide array of original pieces made from gold, silver,platinum, titaniumand featuring gemstones, pearls, enameling and glass through to embossed and engraved pieces. Be sure to paythe studio avisit or checkout theRed Gum& QuartzInstagram or Facebook pages forthe latest pieces. RedGum &Quartzisopen Wed-Sun from 9.30am to 4pm.

Accountant pleads guilty to theft

Aformer accountantatLangley

McKimmie Accountants in Woodend has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $4 million from his clients to fund agambling addiction.

At the County Court last week, AndrewMarshall pleadedguiltytofive chargesfor crimes he committed between 2017 and 2023 and the 47-yearold wasdisqualifiedasatax agentin 2024.

Thecourt heardhow twovictims, a couple, had lost $1.3m overthe course of five yearsasMarshall made 117 transactions from their super fund to his personalbank account.

He used the stolen fundstobet on horses with Sportsbet, and when the gambling addict lost, he would betbiggeramounts to double down on those losses.

Marshalladmittedhis crimes to his clients andhanded himself in to his policefor his actions

DhelkayaHealth named Serviceofthe Year

Dhelkaya Health has been awarded the prestigious Premier’s Medium Health Serviceofthe Year at the 2025 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards. This is the highest honour fora medium-sized health serviceinVictoria.

TheCastlemaine and Maldon-based servicewas also named afinalist in theExcellenceinPublic Sector Residential Aged CareServices category forits innovative TrishawProgram, delivered in partnership with Cycling Without AgeCastlemaine.

TheTrishawProgram, which sees volunteer ‘pilots’takeaged-careresidents on joyfultrishaw rides through thecommunity,was celebratedfor bringing mobility, connection and joytoresidents living in aged careatboththe Castlemaine and Maldon campuses.

ChiefexecutiveofficerSue Race said the dual recognition wasanextraordinary achievementfor ahealth service.

“I’m thrilled with this win and ourfinalist status. They confirm whatwe’ve always known, thatsmall towns can deliver bighearted, world-class healthcare,”MsRace said.

“This awardrecognises our strong cultureofstaff engagement, outstanding leadership, relentless focus on qualityand safety,and improved financial performance.

Dhelkaya Health consistently meets its activity targetsset by the Departmentof Health, and every servicestream remains fully accredited.”

“The acclaim belongs to our frontline staff,our innovativeleadership team,generous volunteers, and the patients, clients

and residents who trustuswiththeir care,” Ms Race said

“We’re nowmoredeterminedthan ever to keep raising the bar forrural and regional health.”

TheVictorian Public Healthcare Awards honour organisations, teamsand volunteersthatmakea meaningful differencein public healthcare– those driving innovation, improving patientexperienceand strengthening health outcomes forcommunities across the state

CHRH AFINALIST

CentralHighlands RuralHealth wasrecognised as afinalist forthe Premier’sSmall Health Serviceofthe Year at the awards.

CHRH CEOMaree Cuddihysaid being named one of the topsmall healthservices in Victoria reflected the organisation’s commitmenttodelivering safe,high-quality,person-centred care.

"Our staff and volunteersput their heart into supporting ourcommunity,and this honour reflects that dedication,"she said.

"Our team hascontinued to improve services, innovate and respond to community need. Being named afinalist shows we areonthe righttrack.

"Itwas an honour to attend theawards andhearabout the exceptional work happening across the state.Weare proud to be countedamong suchrespected organisations."

This recognition highlights ayear of growth and improvement across CHRH's services including women’shealth, aged care, allied health, urgent careand community healthprograms.

Youth counciltoform

Young voices will help shape local governmentinanew waywith the creation of aMacedon Ranges ShireYouth Council next year

Theyouth council will comprise nine councillors(three per council ward)and would servea two-year term from June.

Moving the motion at Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil'smeeting last week, deputy mayorCassyBorthwick said it wasa chancefor connection and education.

"Anopportunity likethis thatenables us to connect with youth in our community,and create andelevate pathways, and maybe even inspirepeopletotake on apolitical career path, Ithink is really beneficial,"she said.

Youthcouncillorswould be appointed through an expression of interest process, designed and delivered by aworking group of young people.

Memberswould meetformally to discuss and provide input on decisions that affect young peopleacross theshire for council consideration.

Theyouthcouncil would be supported

by the mayorand councillorstolearn and experiencelocal democracy and contributemeaningfully to council decision making.

MRSCwill receiveaprogress briefing about the youthcouncil to inform future decision-making.

Council’sprevious youthleadership program, Leadersinthe Loop (YouthAmbassadors),was established in 2011.

Theprogram wasdisbanded in 2023 aftera review identifiedthatthere were opportunities forthe group to evolve into amoreformal structure

Ayouth council aims to involveyoung people in decision-making, educate them in government government processes, build leadership skills, and gaugeyouth input on relevant topics.

Youthcouncils in avariety of formats have been successfulinseveral other councils including MountAlexander, Mitchell, Hepburn, Bendigoand Hume Furtherdetailson the youthcouncil and how to join will be available closerto theintended start date

(L to R) SarahChadwick (directorofclinical services), Vicki Mellington (executive director of people, safety and experience),VanessaHealy(boardchair), SueRace(CEO),Shannon Vaughan (executivedirector of quality,developmentand improvement), Minister forHealth Mary-Anne ThomasMP, KerrynJames(executivedirector of community services and wellbeing)

NYE’s biggest partyreturns partty y returns

The Bridge Hotel, Boomtown Winery and Bistro, and the Taproom at Shedshaker Brewing are combining forces again for Hot Variety 4 – the biggest and best New Year’s Eve party in Castlemaine Headlining Hot Variety 4 will be LGA SNAGz featuring Dan Kelly and friends (Shedshaker Taproom) and PWD (Boomtown), with Jo Huff, AV3, Jen Moore and more playing across the venues

Boomtown Winery’s Tim Sproul said after the success of last year’s massive event, it was a simple decision to do it all again

“We had such a blast last year, it was a fantastic so getting together with our mates at the Bridge Taproom is the obvious and best thing to do,” Tim

On top of live bands and awesome DJs, the -Tour Silent Disco returns to dance this mess round between venues

“All the venues are open before the party kicks off at 8pm so there are plenty of options for great dinners and drinks,” said Bridge Hotel’s Pat Furze

“We have more announcements up our sleeve so stand by for that”

For those new to Hot Variety, each venue takes the party goer on a different journey –Shedshaker Taproom with live music, Boomtown with DJs and the Bridge with a combination of both

“That’s the best part of the night,” said Shedshaker’s Adam Perrett “One ticket gets you three parties you can go between all night –there is no reason to get bored”

Tickets are on sale now at Humanitix with a limited number of Early Bird tickets available for hose clever people who get in early an Kelly will be among the performers to feature at the NYE extravaganza

Join in afamily-friendly afternoon of Christmas Carols, as outstanding chamber choir Ensemble Gombert,directed by John O’Donnell, bring the Christmas cheer to Woodend onceagain.

Imagine being in Kings CollegeCambridgelistening to Christmas carols of manytimes and places, from the Medievalera to the presentday,with much-lovedmelodies from Europe,the Americas and Australia. Theprogram will featuresome well-known carols, including manyfamily favourites, along with some lesserknown pieces.

Listen to them in the gloriousacoustics of St Ambrose Church. Don’tmiss whatisguaranteed to be an enjoyable and uplifting performancebyAustralia’s premier acappella choral ensemble.

Make an afternoon of it! Theparish choir will be setting up a Christmas Café in the school staffroom next door.For those who attended the Woodend Winter Arts Festival this year,the afternoon Café wasa hugesuccess. Stop in forcoffee, tea, mulled wine and other Christmasdelights such as home-made shortbread and mincepies. It will operatefromabout1pm to 5pmsothere’stime to pop in before and afterthe concert.

Go along on SaturdayDecember 13, with the concert at 3pm in St Ambrose Church, TempletonStreetWoodend. Christmas Café from 1pm.

Visit www.woodendwinterartsfestival.org.au fortickets; $30 foradults, $10 forchildren.

Exquisite art and craft

ThePhoenix Macedon Ranges Artand CraftGroup Exhibition and Sale is on this coming weekend at the OldGisborne Court House.

Go along and see exquisiteart andcraftwork and speak to theartists who createdthem. Artand Craftgroup memberswork within awide rangeofcreativeactivities including painting, glass art, ceramics,jewellery,paper craft, woodwork, textile art and knittedcrafts. Allitems arehandcraftedand made locally

SaturdayDecember 6, 10am to 4pm,SundayDecember 7, 9am to 3pm (tocoincide with the Gisborne Olde Time Market).

TheOld Gisborne Court House is locatedat4 Hamilton Street,Gisborne.

Market springs intosummer on Sunday

TheWestern Oval isfilling again this Sundaywith agreat diversity of produce to select from across morethan 60 stalls at this month's Castlemaine Farmers Market

Highlights include:

–Michels send offparty! CelebrateMichel'sretirementfrombaking –Michel's Fine Biscuit Co!

–Freshly harvested capersfromDunolly from Wots Ya Caper

–New season cherries from Hillcrest Orchards (Lockwood South) andMartins Family Cherries (Moama). Cherry icecream from Martins too.

–Bellarine Smokehouse returning afteranextended break.

–Fresh teablends and refreshing drinks from newmarketrecruits TeaofEarth Kyneton.

–Extensivelocal honeyvarieties from GS Bees Clunes –another newproducer

–Castlemaine PeaceChoir performing in celebration of the Treaty signing with First Nations from 11am.

–Robyn, aka 'Natureinthe City', performing from 10am to 1pm with lucsious originals and covers to delight.

–The Castlemaine Men'sRights of Passagegroup welcoming newmembers.

**Michel'sfinal Castlemaine FarmersMarket will include abeuatiful send-off just inside the gate of the Wheeler St entry.The closureofher successful business, Michel'sFine Biscuit Co Castlemaine, will happen round Christmas time TheCastlemaine FarmersMarket wishes Michel Mussettall the best forher next eraoflifeand thanks her forher contribution to themarketoverthe past two decades.

This SundayDecember 7, 9am to 1pm, Western Reserve, corner Forest and Wheeler Streets, Castlemaine.

Another perfect Maldon Sunday

Maldon Swap Meet is being held on SundayDecember 14, which also coincides with the Maldon Market’s 'Maldon Christmas Market', so now youhavetwo greatreasons to visit Maldon thatweekend, sorry,we meanttosay an extratwo great reasons to visit Maldon, because let’s face it, there'snever anyshortageof reasons.

Maldon Swap will trade from about7am untilabout 2pm so if youhit it hardand early youcan be around all 300 sites by 10ish, then a hearty breakfast of greatcoffee, and an eggand bacon roll or two, served up by those legends from the Maldon Fishing Club.

Back to thecar,parked very close by in the convenient onsiteparking area, with all your newfound treasures in tow.

Then just ashort driveintotown, maybe aquick detour via the ATMfor atop up, then start the whole process over again at the Market at amoreleisurely pace. More fantastic handmade, hand-baked or homegrownitems to temptyou into partingwith your 'hard earned'.Now with yetmoreloot, backtoyourcar.You look at the time, OMGit’stime for lunch. Luckyyou, you’reinMaldon and you'respoiltfor choice.

What do youdo? Pubmeal? Maybe something lightata local café or bakery? Or down to the takeaway and grab something to eatonthe run?Whateveryou choose it is bound to be delicious.

With lunch out of the way, time to checkout afew of your favouriteMaldon shops and head back home.

Andhow did all this fun andmerrimentcome to unfold youask?

Because….. Youwokeupone Sundaymorning and, decidedtogotothe Maldon Swap Meet (the most fun youcan have standing up)and the rest as theysay,ishistory

Craft market back

TheRMBeggCraftMarket is back on Saturday, Dec6,from9am to 1pm. It will be held at the Kynetonagedcarefacility's car park in shipping containersdue to theirusual hall being under renovation. Thepopular market will have babygifts, knitwear,beanies, scarves, rugs, toys,cakes, jams and sauces. Those interested can head to thecar park at 22 Epping Street,Kyneton. An EFTPOS machine will be available on the day.

Theceramiccup renaissance

Trio ArtStudio and Gallery at Kyneton is known forproviding vintageand original handmade products.

Thegallery is featuring handmade ceramic cups this season as theyare gaining popularity as asustainable response to the environmental problems caused by disposable cups. Billions of single-use cups end up in landfill each year,with mostbeing difficult to recycle and contributing to pollution. In contrast, ceramiccupsare durable, reusable and can last foryears, making them an eco-friendlier choice.

Artists and local makers arecreating unique ceramiccups thatencouragemind-

fulconsumption and support sustainable practices. Themovementispart of abroader shift towardsreusables, with cafésand communities promoting the useofpersonal mugs. While challenges remain, choosing ceramic cupshelpsreducewasteand supportslocal artisans, offering acreativestep towardsamoresustainable future. Visit and browse among manycontemporary items and wander through thevintagegallery to find thatspecial item.

Join makersand friends at theend-ofyear Christmas celebration on December 7at2-5pm, or Sat. Sun. Mon10-4 up until Christmas Eve. 98 Trio Road,Kyneton.

Great

We

Michel MussettofMichel’sFine Biscuit Co Castlemaine. Kaylene Maiulo of TeaofEarth.

Ceramic Paper Cups by SueMcFarland.

mtoring g

Victoria Police data has revealed a concerning road traumatrend involving group riding among motorcyclists.

Policeare concerned thatgroup riding dynamics, including pressuretokeep up and separation anxiety,could be impacting rider decision-making and leading to potentially deadly outcomes.

Analysis of 267 motorcycle fatalities between January 2020 and June 2025 has revealed thatone in fivemotorcyclist deaths occurred while the rider wastravelling with one or moreother motorcyclists.

Three-quartersofall group rider fatalities during the timeperiod occurred on roadsinregional Victoria.

More than 70 per cent of group rider fatalities occurred between Fridayand

Sunday, with afternoons the most common time of day, indicating thatweekend recreational group riding could be a factor in motorcycle fatalities

Policealso believe thatmanyofthese fatalities did notinvolve anysignificant risk-taking or illegal behaviour,with morethan 80 per cent of riderslicensed and wearing an approvedhelmet.

Collisions wherethe rider lost control on acorner or had ahead-on collision with an oncoming vehicle were the most common in motorcycle deaths wherethe rider wastravelling with others.

Road Policing Acting AssistantCommissioner,David Byrt, said with October to December considered the highest-risk period formotorcycle trauma, riders were urgedtoprioritise their safety,

particularly when participating in group rides.

“Recreational group riding is areally popular and fantastic waytoexploreour greatstate, butwejustask that ridersput the proper planning and safety mechanisms in placetoensureevery rider reachestheir destination safely," he said.

“Ridersshould remember –falling behind won’tkill you, buttrying to keep up might."

SAFE GROUP RIDING

Tips forsafegroup motorcycle riding include:

–Appointaride leader and tail end to setthe ride paceand keep the group together –Plan the route, including an assem-

bly pointand designatedmeeting points along the route

–Consider using hand signals to communicate to other riders

–Develop asystemfor corner marking so ridersdon’t feel pressured to keep up –Consider the ride duration and managefatigue by taking regular breaks

–Check your bikeand ensureitisina roadworthycondition

–Alwayswear an approved helmet and protectivesafetygear

–Ride at your ownpaceand do not attempttokeep up with the bikeinfront of you –Leave asufficientdistancebetween each rider to accountfor road hazards –Overtakeother vehicles on the right, and alwaysone rider at atime

Free weekend travel

Public transport will be free on weekends forthe entirestate of Victoria this summer.The free travel will begin in conjunction withthe MetroTunnel opening in Melbourne on November 30 and continue through every weekend until February 1, 2026. During this time, commuterswon't have to taptheir Myki. From theday this free summer serviceends, newrules will allow disability support pensioners and carerstocontinually travel on public transport forfreeeach weekend.

Policeare concerned thatgroup riding dynamics, including pressuretokeep up and separation anxiety,could be impacting rider decision-making and leading to potentiallydeadly outcomes.

mtoring g

Historic carsconjureupmemories

Historic car clubs, and thereare manyinVictoria, have been established to promote,restoreand enjoyold cars

This is also the case forthe Castlemaine Historic Vehicle Club. Theclubmeets monthly forbothsocial events andadministration.

Thelocal organisation holds a'Carsand Coffee'get together at TheBlackbirdcafeinBarker Street on the first Saturdayofthe month and general meetings on the thirdFridayofthe month at 7.30pm in the Uniting Church Hall in LyttletonStreet.

Theclubalsoorganises car runs to various destinations. Some of the recent runs have been to Mt Franklin, Muckleford,Maldon, Echuca and Cairn Curran.Having some social time at the destination, maybe morning or afternoon teaalong the way, andgood companymakes foranenjoyable dayout.

Oneofthe the club's most recent activities wasa visit to Dhelkaya Health's Maldon Hospital campus, which enabled a number of the elderly residents to investigate some of the CHVC members' cars, ask questions, and sit in the cars and reminisce about their owncarstheyowned in their youth.

Theclubhas an ever-evolvingand up-to-date website; www ch-vc.com, thathosts club information, photos, meeting datesand membership details.

It also hasinformation about howmemberscan access the VicRoads Club Permit registration arrangements.

Newmembersare most welcome and youdon’t have to have a historic car to join!

E-scooterriderscannotrideonfootpaths.

E-scooter crackdown in Macedon Ranges

In the lead up to theholidayseason, the Macedon Ranges Police Serviceareawill be conducting an operation focusing on the safety of e-scooterriders.

Parentsinparticular should refreshtheir knowledgeofthe road rulesastheyapply to escooters andtakethis chancetohaveadiscussion with their children about road safety

Ridersmustbeaged16years or over,not exceed the maximum speed of 20km/h, must ride on roadsthathaveaspeed limit under 60km/h, wear ahelmet, follow traffic rules, and use lights and reflectors.

Riderscannotride on footpaths, use amobile phone while riding, ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol, carry passengersoranimals, ride in tandem, ride an e-scootercapable of speeds faster than 25km/h, or ride on roadsthathavespeed limits greaterthan 60km/h.

•24hour towing

•Insurancework aspeciality

•Baked enamel spray painting

•Windscreen centre

•Computer colour matching

•Seetal spraybaking oven

•State-of-the-art measuring system

•Comfortablecustomer lounge

Nowanagent for Avis Castlemaine

Paul Young showing aresidentthe finer points of his 1927 Chevrolet Tourer

Respect startsatthe table

Jade Jungwirth

Women from across the shiregathered at the Campbells Creek CommunityCentreonWednesdayfor 'Respect Starts at the Table'–a 16 DaysofActivism against Gender-based Violenceevent

Theglobal movement, started in 1991, calls forthe prevention and elimination of violenceagainst women and girls. It begins each year on the International Day forthe Elimination of Violenceagainst Women and runs untilHuman Rights Day

Locally,the focus of the events centre around respect–the vital ingredientthatnourishes safe,thriving communities.

Thegathering on Wednesdaywas abeautiful coming together whereparticipants were able to sharerecipes and stories, which will be capturedand shared in acommunity cookbook. Adjourned in orange(asymbol of hope and a brighterfuturefreefromviolence) womenknitted, baked, chatted and made amap of respect,while atalentedsketch artist created aposter of the discussions and themes. Participants also helped create acommunitybanner for the Walk Against Violenceatthe Castlemaine Botanical Gardens at 9.30am on WednesdayDecember 10. Information and resourcesongender-based violence will also be available in the foyerofthe Castlemaine Library throughout 16 DaysofActivism.

If youneed help or would liketospeak with someone about concerns of violenceinyourlifeyou can call:

–SafeSteps: 1800 015 188

–The OrangeDoor –Mallee: 1800 512 359

–Centrefor Non-Violence: 1800 884 292

–Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

–Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491

–MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78

–RainbowDoor: 1800 729 367 (ortext0408 017 246) Call 000 if youare in immediate danger,for the police and ambulance.

Learn moreabout 16 Days of Activism and findresources at mountalexander.vic.gov.au/16DaysActivism

Neale and Kaz welcomed guests, whilethe Chewton CWAladies baked their renowned scones!

Miniaturerailway’s bigdream realised

Lisa Dennis

To quote Thomas the Tank Engine, 'Little engines can do big things!',and the wonderful 'engine'thatdrives the Victorian MiniatureRailway hasdone just that completing their ambitious decadelong project to build Victoria's biggest 7¼" gauge railway

Theteam will officially unveil its highly anticipatednew tourist attraction at Harcourt this weekend with amassive'Grand Opening Weekend'

VMR presidentAndrew Mierisch said theyhad an incredible response to theirrecentcommunity open dayand they couldn't wait to sharetheir newrailway with visitorsfromfar and wide.

This weekend'slaunch has been 10 yearsinthe making withthe VMR first on site back in December 2015.

Andrew said the project had taken about 80,000 hourstocomplete with asolid working team of 18 membersmaking their vision areality

He said theywerevery humbled and blown away by the local support theyhad received and volumeofpeople who turned out to the recent community open day.

When asked if VMRmemberswereexcited to seethe railway finally open to thepublic this weekend, Andrew said theywere 'very' excited

"Itisa mixed bag of emotions. We have endured so manychallenges, so it is comfortingtoarriveatthe stageofrunning trains as that'sour core.Wehaverun trains all our livesand arevery familiar with all that's involved here,"hesaid.

"It'sbeen amassiveproject. We have endured some enormous

Sandy asbestos

Thirty-twoproductsofcolourfulsand intended forchildren to playwith has been pulled from sale acrossAustralia and anational recall has been issued over concern theymay contain traces of asbestos. More than 600 early childhood services 300 schools have been identified as using the recalled products, although none in Victoria. Anyone concerned with colourfulsand they have purchased can dispose of it through Macedon Ranges Shire Council resource recovery facilities. Residents can purchase twoasbestosdisposal bags from thefacilities in Kyneton, Romsey or Woodend. They then have to double bag their deposit and advise council via their website. Council will then contactthem withdirections on how to dispose of the wastewith the deposit fee waived.

hurdles from extensivepermit processestorock blasting, working withgraniticsand-concrete in summer and porridgeinwinter.

"Asweare on ahillside, drainagebecome obviously paramount in the early days.There wasatimewehad laid moredrain pipes and pits than track and points. Butwesoldiered on.

"Wehaveanamazing team,amix of life-long hobbyistsand partnersand avery nice influx of locals. From theoriginal small team of train nuts, we have growntohavea very strong, niceand highly intelligentteam.

"Ifyou areinitfor the hobby, the activities the site presents from building things in steel and wood to landscaping and gardening or simply to enjoythe camaraderie and communityisamazing. From thosewho can't sit still, to thosewho love to giveand support,wehaveall come together and the projecthas thrived, achieving the amazing result thatsits on the hillside of Harcourt, behind the General Store. We cantwait to shareitwithyou," Andrew said.

Party time!

Trains will run from 11am to 5pm this Saturdayand Sundayand therewill be apartytocelebratethe opening on the Saturdayevening with food trucks and drinks, circus workshops and livemusic from KnightMoves, Grim Walker,Bad Debtsand manymore.

Be suretoget along and help theVMR volunteerscelebratethis incredible milestone!

Afterthe opening weekend, the railway willbeoperating Sundays from 11am to 5pm starting December 14.

Youcan find theVictorian MiniatureRailway at 3643 Harmony Way, Harcourt.

$4.5M

overdue

AHepburn Shirecouncillor has revealed thatsome $4.5 million of rates income is overdue.

"Myconcern is notonlyfor the organisation's cash flow, but forthe number of ratepayers struggling to payrates as they fall due,"CrBrian Hood said "The amountofarrearsisupslightly on the same timelast year."

Cr Hood revealed the $4.5M overdue balances areowedby2115 ratepayers 1319 of whom areresidential ratepayers

"About 13 per cent of those residential ratepayers areonpaymentarrangements.

"I would encourageany ratepayers who arefinding it difficult to payrates on time to contact council,"CrHood concluded.

VMR presidentAndrew Mierisch is thrilled to see the project become areality.Photo:TiesUrie

TheVMR had eighttrains running and provided 1700 rides at its recent community day.

Photo:TiesUrie

Free energy efficiency workshop

TheLoddon Mallee Public Health Unit is launching afreecommunityworkshop in Maldon this Thursdaytohelp residents improve home energy efficiency, lowerbills and improve their health and wellbeing.

Funded by La Trobe University’s VioletVines Marshman Centre forRural Health and delivered in partnership with EnviroShop Newstead, the workshop offers practical adviceonreducing energy use, choosing better-value providers, and making lowor no-cost home improvements.

Theinitiativesupports illness prevention by helping people staywarm in winterand cool in summer and better understand the health impacts of extreme weather events

An Australian Council of Social Services Heat Health survey in 2024 highlightedthe serious health impacts of inadequate cooling, heatstress, stroke, depression, respiratory issues, sleep disruption and reduced ability to work from home.

Nearly half of respondents to thesurvey said theycouldn’t afford essentials likefood and medicine afterpaying energy bills.

LMPHUdirector Emma Vains said theyknew therewas adirect correlation to extreme weather events and illness, whether it wasdehydration and

heatstrokeinthe summer to respiratory and cardiac issues in the winter.

“The workshop will giveparticipants practical tips on cutting energy costs, finding better providers, and making simple changes thatenhancetheir health and wellbeing,"she said

“Participants will also better understand the health impacts of extreme weather conditions.

"This improvedhealth literacy,combined with the financial benefit of reduced powerbills, will boost the health and wellbeing of Maldon residents.”

Maldon Neighbourhood Centre coordinatorJohn Bainbridgesaideveryone should be able to enjoy asafe, comfortable space– warm in winter, cool in summer,and without added cost-of-living stress.

"This workshop is agreat chancetocome together,learn something useful, and takesimple steps toward more affordable energy in your own home,"hesaid.

Theworkshop will takeplaceonThursday December 4from2pm to 3.30pm at Maldon Neighbourhood Centre

Lightsnacks will be provided.

Community memberscan register by calling Maldon Neighbourhood Centre on 03 5475 2093.

U3Atolaunch2026 prospectus

Thelist of classes to be offered by U3A Castlemaine in 2026 will be launched this Fridayatthe Taproom at Shedshaker Brewing at TheMill Castlemaine.

More than 100 U3A membersare expected to gather forthe launch function, which will kick offat10am.

U3A classes coordinatorSophHoward said theyhad an interesting and eclectic rangeofclasses for2026.

"Ithas been areal pleasuresorting and collating the offerings forpublication. We have afascinating U3A year ahead of us, including old favourites, but there are significantnew classes too,"she said.

Thereare 53 classes listed in the 2026 Classes Prospectus, which will be generally available in both printedand electronic form.

Internetand communications technology coordinator, Terry Murphy, said U3A membersand otherscould access

the Classes Prospectusthrough their websiteatu3acastlemaine.org.au

"However,wealso makeprintedcopies available through theVisitor Centre at the Market Building, Castlemaine Library and locations in surrounding townships," he said.

Class enrolments begin on January 6, 2026.

U3A Castlemaine is an entirely volunteer-run organisation offering opportunities forretired and semi-retired people to shareexpertise, passions or interests with other U3A membersin non-threatening, informal situations. Classes areconducted throughout the year,are open to all U3A membersand generally free of charge.There areno prerequisites, no exams and no qualifications or certificatesawarded.

Classes maybeheld weekly,fortnightly or monthly,run forthe whole year,a fewweeks or just asingle session.

MaldonNeighbourhoodCentreCommunicationsand

SupportWorkerEmmylou Hocking encourages localstoattend the workshop.

U3A members TerryMurphyand Soph Howard areexcited about U3A classes for2026.

MIDLAND

Summer Festive

Real Estate Liftout

Summer is traditionally one of the most activeand competitive timesinthe real estate market,and forgood reason. Longer days,warmer weather,and the general sense of renewalthat comeswith the season naturally encouragepeople to get out and exploretheir housingoptions. This surge in activity brings moremotivated buyersintothe market,which oftenleads to quicker decision-makingand afasterpaceofnegotiations. Sellers, in turn, aremorelikely to showcase their homesattheir best –lushgardens, brightnatural lightand vibrantoutdoor spaces all help propertiesshine.

147 Couzens Lane,Romsey

High on ahill in picturesque Romsey, this4.3-acrepropertycaptures expansive viewsfromnearly everyroom. Just55mins from Melbourne, Harvest Moon offers refined countryliving. The renovatedkitchen and family hub featurecustom marble benchtops,premium Falcon appliances, Italiantiles, bespokecabinetry, andabundantnatural light. Four bedrooms include amasterwith ensuiteand walk-inrobe, plusa multipurpose room forhobbies or relaxation. Hardwood floors, double-glazed windows,split-systemaircon, andCoonaraheaters ensurecomfort Outdoors, fivepaddocks, athrivingorchard,greenhouse, and 8.2 kW solar support self-sufficient, versatile rural living near Romseyand localschools.

Price Range: $1,725,000 -$1,825,000

Inspection: Saturday 11.30am -12.00pm Travis Cole 0428 202 672 |Jason York 0447 391 089

302 Couangalt Rd,Gisborne South

Majestically framedbyten acres of parklikegardens, ‘Rosewood’isasanctuary of grace, soul,and timelesscraftsmanship.Built by O’Grady Developments with exceptional attention to detail, this bespokecountryhomeblendslight, space, and serenity in perfect balance. Elegantliving areasflow to asunlit alfresco terrace and solar-heatedpool,whilethe mastersuite offerspeaceful retreat. Everyelementwhispersquality and care —a home wherebeauty, comfort and countryspirit truly unite

Expressions of Interest areinvited and close TuesdayDecember 16 at 4pm

Price Range: $3,200,000 to $3,520,000

Inspection: Saturday11.00am -11.30am Josie Borg0448271 878

80 Willowbank Road, Gisborne

Agrand timber pivot doorsetsthe tone forrefined contemporaryelegance in this architecturallydistinguishedhome, wherecraftsmanship and design excellence unite.Set on 1,500sqm (approx.) in one of Gisborne’smost desirable pockets, this seven-year-old residence embodies understated luxuryclose to town andMelbourne. Designed forversatility,itfeatures twowingsjoined by astunningcentral living hub, four ensuite bedrooms, a marble-detailedkitchen, and soaring 3m ceilings. Energy-efficientwith Hebel construction, hydronicheating,and double glazing, it includes a6×12m shed, studio,landscaped gardens, and seamless indoor-outdoorentertaining.

Price Range: $2,500,000

Inspection: Saturday3.00pm -3.30pm BeverleyHiggs –0448 271 222 |Nicole Janett0448 271 333

22 Collins Parade,Kyneton

Setonagenerous allotment in Kyneton’snewestneighbourhood and only ashort stroll to the Campaspe River,BotanicGardens, V-Line rail linkand Main Streetshops, this beautifullydesigned, crafted & presentedhome boasts asmart,flexible floorplan. With superb fixtures & fittings throughout, the home features 3bedrooms, all with robes, masterwithensuite & WIR, ducted heating & cooling,doubleglazed windows, alarge, light-filled living area, and awell-equipped modern kitchen thatopens out to acovered alfrescodiningarea. Outside is securely fenced with privatebackyardand handyaccess throughthe oversized doublegarage.

Price Range: $795,000 -$850,000

Inspection: Saturday1.00pm -1.30pm MatthewBourke0448 271 880| Josie Borg0448271 878

534 Mount Macedon Road, MountMacedon

Ideally positioned between both the MountMacedon and Macedon villages, andwithineasyreach of the local primaryschool, it offersararecombination of tranquillity and accessibility.Inside, multiple light-filledliving zones, with awellequippedkitchen & dining,separate sittingrooms, and 4generous bedrooms, including amastersuitewith parents’retreat thatallowsthe option of multigenerational living or working from home. One of the fewMountMacedon properties with the convenience of alltownservices and quality NBN connection. Step outside to discover an expansivebackyardand a12.5m x7.5m Colorbond shed with concrete floor, power, and water.

Price Range: $1,050,000 -$1,150,000

Inspection: Saturday12.30pm- 1.00pm MatthewBourke0448 271 880 | JosieBorg0448 271878

181 BlackForestDrive,Macedon

WiltshireParkisararelifestyle property unitingrefinedfamily comfort with exceptional equestrian and boutique farming infrastructure. The north-facing home, builtinthe 1980s and updatedwith timelessquality,featuresspotted gum parquetry, elegantliving zoneswithfireplaces, asuperb kitchen with Bosch appliances, and aluxurious mastersuite.Outdoor spaces include alfresco entertaining, manicured gardens, and aself-contained studio. Sixstables, dressage arena, cattle yardsand abundant waterresources support equestrian and farming pursuits, creatinga private,versatile and serene countryretreat.Minutesfrom Macedon, Gisborne and Woodend.

Price Range: $3,300,000 -$3,600,000

53 KingDrive,Lancefield

Aflawless five-acresanctuaryinthe Macedon Ranges, this beautifully crafted four-bedroom home deliversrefined countryliving. Apearlined driveway leads to manicuredgrounds,direct golf-course access and nearbyCobaw trails. Inside, aformal loungewith fireplace and aspacious open-plan kitchen/living zone connect to an elevatedalfrescodeck. The mastersuite includes outdoor access, awalk-in robe and luxeensuite, whilethree further bedrooms and akids’ retreat add flexibility.Highlightsinclude aversatile studio, pool housewithbar,in-ground pool, quality equestrianfacilities, shedding, town waterand easyaccess to schools,Melbourne Airport and local amenities.

Price Range: $1,850,000-$1,950,000

Inspection: Saturday12.30pm- 1.00pm Travis Cole 0428 202 672 |Jason York 0447 391

37 Hutton Street,Kyneton

Inspection: By PrivateAppointment BeverleyHiggs –0448 271 222 |Nicole Janett0448 271333

Thisbeautifully renovatedthree-bedroom Victorian blends heritagecharm with modern comfort. Behind awhitepicketfence and lush garden,the home retainsperiod featuresincluding polished floorboards, aworking fireplace, and original floorboard panelling. Fully renovated, it offersastylish kitchen with stone benchtops,electric/ gascooking and dishwasher,acosylounge with gasfireplace and splitsystem, a contemporarybathroom, and laundrywithsecondtoilet. The513m² block includes an elevateddeck,low-maintenance yard,and large powereddouble garage with drive-through access. Fully insulated, the home is stepsfromcafés, shops, schools and transport.

Price Range: $780,000 -$820,000

Inspection: Saturday10.00am -10.30am Nicole Janett0448 271 333 |BeverleyHiggs –0448271 222

Arareopportunity

This brand-new, energy-efficient(7.8 stars) top-level apartmentislocated in the heart of Castlemaine’s retail and dining precinct

Features include abedroom with ensuite, east-facing balcony, quality kitchen overlooking open-plan meals/ living, plus optional guest bedroom/home office,laundry

andsecond toilet. Includes double-glazing, high-grade insulation, reverse-cycle heating/cooling and solar hot water. SecureForest Street entry with lobby; passenger lift due forcompletion June 2026.

Arareopportunity to secure ahigh-quality home or investmentbelowmarketvalue.

•Spacious 4,077m² lifestyle property with modern three-bedroom home, light-filled open-plan living, and ahuge, elevated deck overlooking serene ruralviews

•Exceptional shedding including an enormous 6m x18.5m shed plus double garage—perfect for storage, projects, or trades.

•Prime country-meets-convenience location, just minutes to Elphinstone, Castlemaine, Kyneton, and the Calder Freeway.

Property: Top-levelapartmentinheatoftown

Address: 4/61Forest Street,Castlemaine

Price: $500,000 (Unconditional contract sought)

Agent: Castlemaine Property Group

Contact: BrettWaller

Expressions of Interest: ClosingFridayDecember 12, 3pm

AHOME WITH MUCH MORE

•Charming mid-centuryweatherboardwith original features, flexible floorplan, garden outlooks and excellent proximity to school, supermarket, recreation and bush walks (approx.700m).

•Income-producing self-contained apartment/studio in the rear yard, offering one bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living area and private deck (approx.$15,000 p/a).

•Three-bedroom main home with central bathroom, generous kitchen/ meals, lounge with split system, plus cellar,carportand lock-up garage.

•Approx.2-acrecorner allotment (4 Crown Allotments) with sealed road frontage, mains poweravailable and aseasonal creek running through.

•Zoned Farming –ideal for acountrygetaway,light grazingor horses, with potential for shedding S.T.C.A. (dwelling requires planning approval).

•Conveniently located approx.15km to Tullaroop &Cairn Curran, andaround20minutes to Castlemaine/Daylesfordor30minutes to Ballarat. FOR SALE $110,000

Heritage Style with Contemporary Elegance

133 High Street, Maldon

Set on an expansive1480sqm (approx) garden allotment, just ashort stroll to Maldon’shistoric township, and Maldon Primary School, this c.1890 Victorian residence offers astunning combination of heritage grandeur and modernsophistication. The home’sblock-fronted façade and bullnose verandah create an inviting first impression.

$1,585,000 View Sat 6th December 1:45pm-2:15pm Contact Megan Walmsley 0411 043 324

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.

Wiegard 0439 939 619

$995,000

View

Sat 6th

weatherboardhome offers aserene lifestyle on approximately 10 acres, just five minutes from Elphinstone township and an easy drive to Castlemaine. This is morethan ahome, it’sa private haven to enjoy the best of country living.

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

iconic Victorian Goldfields Railway Maldon Station, this period home on 644 sqm (approx.) offers ablend of character and potential. Elevated from the street, the property enjoys views from the front verandah, including glimpses of Mount Alexander in the distance.

Quiet Luxury.Federation Elegance. Exceptional Entertaining.

73 Blanket Gully Road, Campbells Creek

Elevated behind aclassic white picket fence, this home is ashowcase of refined design and exceptional artistry,every detail thoughtfully

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 6th December 10:30am-11:00am

0473 642 644

between heritage and contemporary architecture. Nestled privately behind aleafy frontage, the home unfolds with spatial clarity and material richness, embracing light, texture, and adeep connection to nature.

asculptural statement while effortlessly blending into its natural surroundings.

27 MucklefordSchool Road, Muckleford

Set on 10.3 acres (approx) in the peaceful surrounds of Muckleford, The Open Field House is alandmark 8-bedroom residence that redefines sustainable living. Designed to Passive House standards, this extraordinary home combines architectural integrity with environmental consciousness.

From 1850s FolkloretoModernElegance 57 Pitman Street, Chewton In the heart of historic Chewton, folklorewhispers that this enchanting miner’scottage, dating back to the 1850s, is among the earliest homes in the township. Today,itstands as aserene retreat where provincial elegance meets the rugged beauty of the goldfields. Set on approx 1430sqm, this property offers alifestyle of calm and charm.

$895,000

Elegant 1897 Victorianresidence

Here is arareopportunity to secure abeautifullypreserved and thoughtfully upgraded Victorian home, showcasing timeless character,grand proportions and modern comfort on a generous quarter-acreallotment.

Theiconic1897 architecture features awide-return bullnose verandah, agrand centralhallway withsoaring 12ft (3.6m) ceilings and impressiveperiod detail.

Thereare twotothree spaciousdouble bedrooms, two withstylish built-in robes, multiple fireplaceswith original tiled hearths and an elegantfront living room featuring double-hung windows,gas heaterand fireplace.

Aflexible second living room or third bedroom features gas

heater, fireplaceand period windows

Thelight-filled country-style kitchen has large north-facing windows overlooking leafy gardens and the expansive1012m² block boasts asunny north-facing rear garden with shade and fruit trees. Comprehensively updated, the home has been restumped, re-wired, re-plumbed, re-roofed, insulatedand painted in heritagecolours.

Situated in ahighly sought-after location in the premium Buda precinct,the property is close to town amenities. Atruly elegantresidencethatblends heritagecharm with modern reliability-perfect forthose seeking character,space and aprime centraladdress.

Property: Victorianresidencecirca 1897

Address: 51 Hunter Street,Castlemaine

Price: $970,000

Agent: Belle Property

Contact: RobWaller 0418 571130 Blasi Mulholland 0417 311 733

Alandmarkfreeholdopportunity

Securea rare and iconic pieceofMalmsbury's heritagewith this exceptional freehold offering –home to therenowned MalmsburyBakery,a true destination café that draws travellersfromacross Australia.

Set within abeautifully preserved historic streetscape, this remarkable property blends character,income securityand futuredevelopmentpotential (STCA) on agenerous 2201m² parcelofland.

Steeped in history,Malmsbury wasfounded as avital servicetownfor goldfield-bound travellers, laterflourishing on the strength of its rich agricultural soils and famous bluestone

reserves. Many of the region's most significantbuildings –including the National Trust-listed viaduct –wereconstructed from this local stone, alegacy still evidentinthe town's charming streets today.

Themain bakery building, spanning 302m², features afully equipped commercial kitchen, customer servicearea, indoor dining spaces, and asecondary kitchenette. From here, visitors flow through to thequainttea roomsannex, the lush and spacious courtyard, and the original 1850s stables –now home to aboutique soap and cosmeticsstore

The293m² courtyardiscurrently leased to aBody Carebusiness, while the expansive rear block provides grassed and gravel areas, plusoutstanding practical amenity including 50 staff and customer car parks and rear access via ClowesStreet.

This investmentisunderpinned by securetenancies:

•Bakery: Firstterm of a4 x5 lease, generating $45,000 p/a+GST

•Rear shop: 2x2lease returning$17,300 p/a+ GST

With its rich historical significance, strong visitor draw, generous landholding and reliable income streams, this is an unparalleled opportunitytoacquirea cornerstone property in one of centralVictoria's most character-filled townships.

(RHYSNUTTALL) 0438 383 221 rhys@boundrealestate.com.au

(CAROLYN RYAN ) 0407393 079 carolyn@boundrealestate.com.au

(LYNNE PAYNE) 0479 068228 lynne@boundrealestate.com.au

(ALEX WHITE) 0488 990 212 alex@boundrealestate.com.au

(PAULBOHAN ) 0413 594 224 paul@boundrealestate.com.au

(SHANTELLE CARDWELL-SMITH) 0421 217 582 shantelle@boundrealestate.com.au

(DAMIEN

0439 391569 damien@boundrealestate.com.au

(JOESSEX ) 0479 064 678 jo@boundrealestate.com.au

Belle Property Castlemaineand Maldon.

43

3 a 2 b 6 v 91w

•91-acre(36.84ha)landmark holding just 4km from Castlemaine, featuring aclassic red-brick farmhouse surroundedbytranquil established gardens.

•Extensiveinfrastructureincluding large garage,shed& workshop.

•Rural Livingzone with lifestyle or subdivision potential (STCA)

RobWaller |0418 571 130

Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733

195Main Road, Campbells Creek.

4 a 2 b 2 v 890r

•Charming 1920s Californian Bungalow,situatedinalushgarden sanctuary

•Thoughtfully extended with 4bedrooms, open living area, updated kitchen &renovatedbathroom

•Established leafy gardens with stone-edged garden beds.

ForSale

$735,000 -$750,000 View Saturday6th December:1:15pm -1:45pm

Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733

RobWaller |0418 571 130

101BushSanctuaryRoad, ChewtonBushlands.

3 a 1 b 2 v 11.5w

•11.5-acreoff-grid bushland retreatwith1980sbrick home and wildlife-filled surroundings.

•Three-bedroom home with verandahsplus solar powerand ample waterstorage forsustainable living.

•Private,serene setting close to Chewton andCastlemaine.

ForSale

$645,000 View By appointment

RobWaller |0418 571 130

Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733

Belle Property Castlemaineand Maldon.

3BurnettRoad, Castlemaine.

•Grand 1867 Regency-style homestead seton2.22acres of established gardens, just 400m from Castlemaine Botanical Gardens.

•3–4 bedrooms with soaring ceilings, fireplaces &verandahs, plus detached stables ideal forstudio or guest retreat.

•Historic landmark estate offered forthe first time in 50 years, blending heritage charm with timeless elegance.

RobWaller 0418571 130 NarelleWaller 0408571 131

1 a 1 b 10 v 2996r

•Landmark 2,996 m² sitewiththree street frontages, including prime exposuretothe PyreneesHighway and Duke Street

•Features an 1800scharacter building plus a500 m²+ factory complex, offering extensivescope fordevelopment(STCA)

•General ResidentialZone oppositethe WesleyHillMarket

ForSale Expressions of Interest -$750,000 -$825,000 View By appointment 146-148DukeStreet, Castlemaine.

RobWaller |0418 571 130

Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733

Summer Festive Growth is coming –will ourroads be ready?

help distributethis growth moreevenly across the network.

Residents of Riverside and Campaspe Views have noticedincreased inconvenienceduring thecurrent PTV works at the Mollison Street and Campaspe Drive intersection.

WHY PEOPLE SUPPORTTHE BRIDGE

Managing futuretraffic sensibly

While these upgrades areimportant, they have also highlightedabroader conversation within the community about long-term access and traffic flowinKynetonSouth.

Oneoption thathas been discussed for manyyearsisa second connection across the Campaspe RiverfromEdgecombe Street.With continued developmentin the area, manyresidents believe the time is righttoreconsider its role in supporting future traffic and community needs.

Planning forgrowth

Asignificantcontributor to projected traffic growth is the newKynetonCentral developmentat83Edgecombe Road,led by Goldfields Group

According to TheUrban Developer,the precinct will feature: large-formatretail (including aBunnings), commercial buildings and warehouses, eateries and fuel and servicefacilities. As this developmentprogresses, visitor numbers, employeetraffic and general vehicle movements in the area areexpected to increase immensely

Council’sKynetonMovementNetwork Plan reflectssimilar expectations, noting thatby2041 the southern partoftownmay experienceincreased traffic during peak periods.

Asecond bridgehas been identified in long-term planning as apotential wayto

Asecond river crossing would help balancetraffic flows,particularly as Edgecombe Road becomes abusiercommercial corridor

Supporting community growth

As Kyneton South continues to expand, additional access options would assist families,school travel and everydaytrips across town.

Afunding opportunity

With major developmentunder way, some residents believe this is an appropriatetimefor Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil to explorefunding partnerships including potential state and federal funding support to help progress long-term infrastructure planning.

Community feedback and participation

Local residents have eagerly supported a petition to encouragethe council andgovernmentstakeholderstocontinue considering the bridgeaspart of Kyneton South’s future connectivity plans. Thepetition is already halfway toward its targetof500 signatures. Thosewishing to add their support can visit: southkyneton.com.au/petition

Each signature contributes to building abroader pictureofcommunity interest in improving access, safety and long-term planning forthe area.

Forfurther information, residents can contact: info@southkyneton.com.au

Property management services, tailored foryou

BOUND Real Estate is proud to introducetheir highly experienced senior property manager,Nichola Coultish.

With nearly 37 yearsofexpertise in property managementand business development, Nichola is dedicated to providing exceptional serviceand ensuring clientsatisfaction. Known forher personalised and empathetic approach, she brings unmatchedknowledge and caretopropertyinvesting and management.

Whetheryou’relooking to lease your property or consider switching from your currentagent (possible at anytime during afixed or periodic tenancy), Nichola and the team aretheretoassist. Nichola

NicholaCoultish

147 Racecourse Road,

Quietlyset 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, excellentfencing and are-gravelled driveway—an exceptional rural escape.

JudithStevens 0438 683 484

ForSale

$1,150,000 -$1,250,000

View Saturday6th December 11:00am -11:30am

Just 200m from Gisborne’stowncentre, this characterfilled home on 1005m² offers threebedrooms, multiple living areas and aspacious rumpuswithdeck access. Features include ensuitemaster,well-appointed kitchen, heating/cooling, carport, garage and established gardens—perfectly combining convenience, comfortand family living withviews to theMacedon Ranges.

KenGrech 0418 509 710

Enjoyliving thecountrydream on fiveacres approx and only seven minutes to Kyneton and 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

ForSale $1,090,000 -$1,195,000

View Saturday6th December 12:45pm -1:15pm

Kyneton 5422 2678 rh.com.au/kyneton

Kyneton 5422 2678 rh.com.au/kyneton 95 HornemanRoad, Gisborne South 4Bed 2Bath2Car

View Saturday6th December 11:30am -12:00pm Auction Saturday20thDec 1:00pm

Gisborne 5428 4007 rh.com.au/gisborne

ToddPenning 0475707 580

Set on 10.5 acres, 95 Horneman Road offers sweeping ruralviews to thecity and bay. This spacious family home features four bedrooms, multiple living areas, awellappointed kitchen, and year-round comfort. Withsheds, water supply,solar,and asealed-road location, it delivers exceptional ruralliving withcity convenience.

710

View Saturday6th December 2:00pm -2:30pm Auction Saturday13thDec 11:00am

Redesdale

Redhill Road, Kyneton

Brantome Street, Gisborne

MIDLAND Property &Living Real Estate

Summer Festive

Contemporary designmeets modern countryliving

Architecturalintentmeets country calm in astriking three-bedroom residencethatblends bold design with sustainable living. Wrapped in sleek black Colorbond and softened by timber-framed windows anddoors,this home makes asculpturalstatementwhile effortlessly blending into its naturalsurroundings.

Step inside and discover soaring angled ceilings and adramaticmezzanine thatcreateasense of volume and intrigue from the moment youenter.The open-plan kitchen, dining and dual living zones form theheart of the home, whereconcrete andtimber floorsbring warmth and texture to amoody paletteofnavyand green. Thegalley-style kitchen overlooks the productivegarden and features afreestanding gas cooktopand oven, dishwasher and a timber island bench on casters, perfect forcasual dining and flexible entertaining. Abutler'spantry cleverly incorporates laundry facilities, while adedicatedmudroom with dual external access provides apractical link between indoors

and outdoors.

Thesunken living area invites relaxation with itspitched 4.5-metreceiling and solid wood heater, creating an intimate spacefor winterevenings. Sliding doorsfromboththe kitchen and loungeopen to anorth-facing deck, embracing seamless indoor–outdoor living and framing views across raised veggie beds, orchardand lawn.

Upstairs, the mezzanine retreatoffersa peaceful escape, complete with abalconythatcapturessweeping views of the countryside. Twogenerous bedrooms to therear,one with wall-to-wall robes, areserviced by astylish bathroom with ashower-over-bath, vanity and toilet.

Sustainabilityand comfort areatthe forefront, with double glazing, high-levelinsulation and an integrated solar systemensuring year-round efficiency.A large watertank supports the thriving garden, while concrete pipes double as acleverretaining wall and planter.

Agarage, gravel pathways anda vintageV/Line caboose,

Woodend 116 Whitelodge Road

On 3ha(7.5 Acres)

Acaptivating andbeguiling property with an excellent4/5 bedroomhome set within beautifulpark-likegardens.

It is superbly sited withinits delightful garden setting to take advantage of the varietyofviews over its7.5 acres.

Thematuretrees and bountiful garden bedsofferacalm and serene spacesfor reading,resting or contemplation

With town water,3-phase power, plus 32 solar panels,a large storage shed,a wood shed, atandem car port,aprettydam and aprivatenativewoodland miniforest –this property will reward aclose inspection.

Thepropertyisararityand is situatedina tightly held andexclusivepocket of Woodend only 3kms from the town centre

Price$2.2m

Contact John Keating 0419880 444orRay Cashmore0419 851334

ideal as storageora quirky home office,add to thehome's unique character

This thoughtfully designed residencedeliverscontemporary comfort,energy efficiency and acalm, countryside outlook, all just momentsfromCastlemaine and the Campbells Creekcommunity. Perfect forthose seeking architectural style, sustainable living and astrong connection to the landscape.

Property: Architect-designed home with sustainabilityfocus

Address: 2Lemon Street,Campbells Creek

Price: $1,165,000

Agent: Cantwell Property

Contact: TomRobertson 0473 642 644

Auction this Saturday at 11am

Road

An exceptional property featuring astately 4/5 bedroom residenceset within one of the most beautiful gardens on MountMacedon.

Thepropertyfeatures adetached guest accommodation unit,adetached games room,3-car garage,tennis court, and is on 2separatetitles of 7,000 m2 and avacant4,000 m2 lot

Auction Saturday 6December 2025 at 11am

Reserve Price$2,975,000

Contact John Keating 0419 880 444 or RayCashmore0419 851 334

Woodend

43 BoundaryRoad

On 9.6ha (23.7 acres)

It’s whatcountryliving is allabout.

An inspection of this unique property will amazeyou.Ithas recently been beautifully renovated and is sited within sweeping lawn adjacentto, and overlooking,your very ownfish-stocked 1.8 acresurfacearealake,and is only 3.3kms from the heartofthe vibrantWoodend town centre and coffeeshops

Accommodation includes living room,kitchen/meals area, 3bedrooms,study, bathrooms and laundryand is surrounded by full return2metrewidedecking Improvements include 6.6m x9.2mgarage,storage shed,garden shed and woodshed,and it hasexcellentprivacy being flanked by twosmall pine forests and maturenativetrees attracting birdlife. Otherfeatures include townwater supply,an excellentpasturepaddock idea forhorses,and astock yard/loading ramp

Price$1,575,000

To viewcall John Keating 0419 880 444 or RayCashmore0419851 334

Atruly luxurious and stunning property that hasbeen superbly developed with beautiful lawns,matureexotic trees and easy to maintain gardens,and it hasa magnificentpool and outdoor living/entertaining area.

Accommodation includes wide entrancehall,large formal lounge,verylarge open plan kitchen/meals/family area, dining room,5 bedrooms,study,3 bathrooms, laundryand integrated3 car garage/gymnasium, plus aseparateverylarge garage/workshop/storage area –ideal foratradie.

Theoverall setting of this property whereall the hardworkhas been done is one to dream for, and inspection is suretoimpress

Price$1,975,000

To viewcall John Keating 0419 880 444 or RayCashmore0419 851 334

An

Features include good soils and pastures,dam, some established nativetree stands,and poweravailable

Price$985,000

Contact John Keating 0419 880 444 or

In theheartofthe Romsey Shopping Centre adjacenttothe Romsey Post Office and IGA Supermarket

Rare opportunitytosecurea huge Commercial One Zone property ready to develop and to take advantage of the fast growing Romseytownship,ortohold as aprime land banking investment. Allservices available Auction Tuesday18December at 2pm

Contact John Keating 0419 880 444 or

Relaxed, low-maintenanceliving

Set on agenerous block in aquiet Maryborough street, 17 Albert Street has been beautifully refreshed throughout and is readyfor its next owner to move straightinand enjoy. Recently renovated, the home offers modern comfort,fresh finishes and plentyofspaceinside and out.

Thebrand-newkitchen features quality newappliances, sleek cabinetry and excellentbench space, making it the perfect hub of the home. Freshpaintand newflooring throughoutcreateabright, contemporaryfeel, giving every room aclean and welcoming finish.

Outside, youwill find abeautiful undercoverdecked area perfect forentertaining guests, asecuresingle garagewith connected skillion storageshedand handy concretedarea, lovely lawn and agarden shed. Thelarge block provides endless potential forfuture improvements (STCA). With all the hardwork already done, this propertyoffers relaxed, low-maintenanceliving in aconvenientlocation close to schools, shopsand local amenities. Afantastic opportunityfor first-home buyers, downsizersorinvestors looking fora quality renovatedhome on aspacious block.

Property: Freshly renovatedhome on large block

Address: 17 Albert Street,Maryborough

Price: $435,000-$460,000

Agent: Property Plus Contact: RowanDiss 0435 380 333

MIDLAND Property &Living Real Estate

Summer Festive

Secluded country living with abeautiful modernfinish

Set on agenerous blockinaquietMaryborough street, 17Tucked away at the end of a quietcourt,thisfive-acre retreatdelivers the kind of easy, modern country living people move to Woodend for. Private, peaceful and beautifully updated, it is ahomethatfeels instantly welcoming.

Thoughtfully modernised while still retaining asense of warmth, the floorplan has been designed with families, guests and multigenerational living in mind. Four generous bedrooms enjoyleafy garden and bushland views from every window.Two master suites, both with walk-in robes and privateensuites, sit at opposite ends of the home, offering the perfect layout forguests, teenagersorextended family.Aseparatestudy provides flexibility fora nursery,home office or quietretreat

Theopen-plan kitchen, dining and living area is the heart of the home, surrounded by nativebirdlifeand lush established gardens. Awood firesetsthe tone forcosywinternights, supported by split systemheating and coolingfor year round comfort.The contemporary kitchen includes awalk-in butlers pantry,excellentbench spaceand modern appliances, making everydayliving and entertaining wonderfully easy.

Outdoor living is just as inviting. Thelarge undercoverdeck overlooks the privateback garden and is ideal foryear round gatherings, while the sun soaked frontverandah is the perfect spotfor apeaceful morning coffee as the bushland wakesaround you.

Forthose wanting spacetocreate, storeorescape, the property includes apowered workshop shed with its ownwood fire, ideal as astudio, workshop or teenageretreat,along witha stable complexready forhorses or hobbyfarm pursuits. Practical inclusions such as double glazing, solar hotwater,townwater and reliable internetfurther enhancethe ease of living.

Set within atightly held enclave protected from futuresubdivision, this is alocation whereprivacy and outlook arepreserved. Andwhile the setting feels wonderfully secluded, Woodend’scafes, schools, villageamenities and V/Line station areonly minutes away,with an effortless commutetoMelbourne or Bendigo.

Property: Modern family home on fiveacres

Address: 47 Lowry Drive, Woodend

Price: $1,785,000 –1,885,000

Agent: RayWhiteReal Estate

Contact: Nathanial Briggs 0400 820 805 LillyRedpath 0467 676 101

Agrand Victorian sanctuary in the heart of Woodend

Tucked quietly within aprivatedrivewayofbeautiful proportions, yetonlymoments walk from the heart of Woodend township, this notable Victorian residenceoffersan exceptional blend of timeless craftsmanship, contemporarycomfort and refined family living.

Framed by expertly landscaped gardens, the home makes an immediate impression, its picturesque setting perfectly complementing the grandeur within.

Step inside to discoverquality at every turn.Double-glazed windows,rich finishes, striking tiling and meticulous detailing create asense of enduring elegance, while thoughtful inclusions throughout ensureyear-round comfort and ease.

Designed withversatility in mind, the homefeatures 3M high ceilings, an abundance of storagethroughout, four generous bedrooms plusasubstantial ground floor study thatcan readily serveasa fifthbedroom when needed. Families will appreciate the well-considered floorplan, with the kitchen, meals and living area forming the welcoming heart of the home.Here, amagnificentkitchen with abutler'spantry and sleek Bosch appliances elevate everydaycooking and makeentertainingbotheffortless and enjoyable.

Adedicatedtheatreroom offers the perfect retreatfor cinema-styleevenings, while twobeautifully appointedbathrooms and twoadditional powder roomsprovide exceptional conveniencefor family and guests alike. Thefunctional laundry adds further practicality,designed to meetthe demands of busyhouseholds. Comfort is assured through zonedunder-tile heating, electric heating and cooling throughout and abeautiful Jetmaster featurefireplacewithin themain living room

Outside, thereisa stunning outdoor entertaining space, firepit and lawn area set amongst the maturelandscaped garden. Thehome offers adouble carport, impressive outdoor and garden lighting, irrigation system and a6KW solar system. Oneofthe real highlights of the external finish is the 'old redbricks' that featurewithin thegarden, driveway,carport and theexterior of home.

Thehome is setwithin aprivateboutiquedevelopment, hidden beyond the beautiful maturetree-lined driveway brimming withtimeless charm and offering complete privacy.This stunning Woodend residencecaptures theessenceofquality family living in one of the region's most desirable townshippockets.

Property: RenovatedVictorianresidence

Address: 3/45 High Street,Woodend

Price:

$1,950,000 –$2,150,000

Agent: RayWhiteReal Estate

Contact: Nathanial Briggs 0400 820 805 /Tamara Mactier

Serviceimpacts forClarkefield

Telstrawill be upgrading its mobile base station at Clarkefield West, which will bring new5G coverage to thearea.

Theservice will increase capacity,which means moreconsistentspeeds, smoother streaming, and typically faster download times. Delivering 5G to theareawill also help boost the area’s existing 4G performance.

Telstramobile services in the area will be temporarily affected while the upgrade works are underway.Telstra mobile customerswill receive texts advising of the upcoming work.

Landline services, NBN and Starlink/Satelliteinternetservices, and mobile coverage from other providerswill notbeimpacted.

Anycalls to Triple Zero from aTelstramobile when the siteisoff air will automatically connect to another mobile network if available forconnection to emergency services.

Thesitewill need to be switched offduring the following periods: ThursdayDecember 4toMondayDecember 8.

Therewill be no Telstramobile network coverage from this site. TheTelstra mobile network will be restored at the end of the dayMonday.

Telstracustomers can continue to make calls and send texts during disruption to mobile services by switching on Wi-FiCalling. This is afreesetting on mostpopular mobile phones and allows your mobile to make and receivemobile calls while connected to Wi-Fi.

They also encouragebusiness owners talk to theirbankabout connecting their EFTPOS terminals to theirNBN or Wi-Fi connectiontoprevent delays in processing transactions.

With the fertilityofspring drawing to a close and thedry of summer approaching, we oftenfind ourselves withlotsofdry grass to deal with. So,whatrole will it play in our compost?

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

It is easytothink that if acompost ingredientisdry and brown, it must be on the carbon-rich end of the spectrum, but dry grass is one of those (many) exceptions to the ‘greens/browns’rule.

Like hay, grass cut green and dried as a high-protein (high-nitrogen) animal feed, the grass we cut and letdry (either deliberately or accidentally)will be anitrogen-rich ingredientinour composts. Just howhigh in nitrogen will be determined by howfar into its seeding it waswhen we cut it

Grass cut while thereare only green blades growing will be very high in nitrogen. As the plantbegins to put its energy into sending up astemand seeding, much of its nitrogen will be concentrated into the seed, while the stem of the grass will be higher in carbon.

So,when we adddry grass to our compost we need to balanceitwith carbonrich ingredients, likestraw (which arethose woody,carbon-richstemsofa cereal crop, withthe grain removed), autumnleavesor aged woodchips. Drygrass will have less waterinitthanwhen fresh, so we might need to add waterwhen layering it into our composts.

Texturally dry grass can be deceptive. It feelslikeitwill add aeration and structure to our pile, but, onceitre-wetsinthe compost it can quickly become asoggycollapsed mess, much likefresh cut grass can in acompost pile

If it wascut late in its seeding cycle andhas lots of woodystems,itwill be less prone to collapsing, but we do need to take caretochop it up enough (15cm maximum,but 5–10cm better) before we addittoour piles. Left uncut, those long fibres will be anightmarewhen we come to turn ourcompost.

Peastraw has similar issues to dry grass. Although technically straw,not hay, pea plants areagreat nitrogen ‘fixing’ plant, and even their stems areprettynitrogenrich.

Although people do buy pea strawfor their composts (and some sourceseven recommend it) pea strawisnot acarbonrich ingredient, doesn’t add much moisture to our piles, and oncere-wetted, will collapse structurallyand add little aeration or body to our compost

Entriesmustbereceived by Wednesday 17th December –Drawn Friday 19th December 2025.Age groups–6yearsand under and12years and 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

If we areadding the pea straw in the mistaken beliefthatitisacarbon-rich ingredientand we also add lots of food scraps and other nitrogen-richresources, our compost will be stinky and airless. Peastraw canmakeagreat garden mulch, but is best left out of ourcomposts. If we choose to use it, we will need to addagooddoseofcarbon-rich, structural ingredients to balanceit.

–JoelMeadows works with *Yes In My Back Yard,(YIMBY), acommunity-scale composting initiativeinCastlemaine and surrounds. Send questions or comments to hello@yimbycompost.com, or to book in fora compost workshop.

Meet Jack, who wasborn in the comfort of his straw-lined pen, undercoverinthe sheep pavilion during the KynetonShow2025. In fact, his mother had just competedinthe show ring, and had won the ReserveChampionEwe of the Show broad ribbon. Maybe it wasall the excitement, maybe it wasall the attention, but within 30 minutes of being returned to her pen, mum went into labour.Owner (and veterinarian)Andrew Sellars-Jones of the Chandpara Southdown Stud in Tylden gently assisted the newmum and soon Jack arrived, much to the joyofmanyonlookers.

Jack and his ReserveChampionmum are nowback on thefarm enjoying the abundanceofspring grass and the mild weather

Kyneton Show

Record-breakingcrowdsand communityspiritshinesatthe 163rdKynetonShow

TheKynetonShowhas done it again –smashing expectations and drawing one of the biggest and most enthusiastic crowds in its long history.The Fridaynightcarnival waspacked from the momentgates opened, and by the end of the two-daycelebration, about 9000 peoplehad streamed through the showgrounds, matching last year’s record attendance.

With clear skies, mild weather and abuzzing atmosphere, locals and visitorsturned out in force– proofthatevencost-of-living pressures can’t dampen Kyneton’senduring love forits agricultural show.

KynetonAgricultural Society president, Louise Conron, said the community’s support wasnothing short of inspiring.

“Every year we aim to lift the bar,and this wasabsolutely one of our best yet,”she said. “Thousands of people came along, entered competitions, performed, volunteered, or simply enjoyedthe day. Thereare so many free things to seeand do around the grounds –welovecreating aspacewhere everyone feels part of it.”

Andthis year,theytrulywere. Thehorse showreported arise in entries, while the pavilion competitions exploded with more than 3500 entries across categories including sheep fleece, farm and garden produce, craft, creativewriting, home baking and more. Jams and Preserves and LEGO saw the most dramatic increases, with farm produce, paper skills and art well up on past years.

Addin1100 items from 19 schools, kindergartens and after-careprograms,and the pavilion showcased morethan 4600 individual pieces –all meticulously arranged by ahardworking team of volunteers.

Head pavilion steward Renai Dudleypraised the enormous effort behind every submission.

“Not everyone wins aprize, but every item is appreciated,”she said. “People put heartand time into whattheyenter,and youcan see howmuch joyitbrings. Oneofmyfavourite things is watching kids and teenagersbursting in to find their parents’orgrandparents’ entries. You’ll even seeteenageboysracing to the needlework section because their nan has ashawl on display. That crossgenerational excitement is whatthe showis all about —itbrings the whole community together.”

Major PrizeWinners

These arethe winnersofthe main prizes in each section and special prizes. TheAggregate Prizeisawarded to thecompetitor who wins the most points across all the classes in thatsection of competition. Those who go through to thegroup final will compete against winnersfrom13other shows in our region.

WinnersofVAS classeswill also compete at the CentralHighlands Group Final to go on to thestate final at the RoyalMelbourne Show CraftWork

ADULT

Best Adult Exhibit (x2): Sharon McNamaraYoul, Jane Stanley

PieceofHandBeading: Lucy Olsen (goes on to group final)

Article made from Cans, Bottle,Bottle Tops and/or Corks: No Entries (Prize)

Recycled/Upcycled Item: Sharon McNamara-Youl (Prize)

Best Exhibit Wood: Gary McSwain

Item of Woodwork: DaveLovell (Blackwood jewellery box) (goes on to group final)

Best Exhibit,AgArt: Lynn Walker

Best Exhibit Wargaming Miniatures: Alex Sims

JUNIOR

DecoratedPet Rock (14 yearsand under): Luella Mennie (goes on to group final)

Best Exhibit, 13-17 years: Lillian AnsteySprigg

Best Exhibit, 9-12 years: Jack Hourigan

Best Exhibit, 8and under: Rory O’Brien

CreativeWriting

School EssayCompetition (grade 5and 6students): Jemima Whykes (goes on to group final)

CreativeWriting (7 yearsand under): Adeline Cullen

CreativeWriting (8 to 10 years):Felix Richards

CreativeWriting (11 to 12 years):Goldie Palmer

CreativeWriting (13 to 17 years):Elizabeth Lewis, Kester Jacobs (both 1st places)

CreativeWriting (Adult): PercyGeorge Farm and Garden Produce

Aggregate Prize: DebKohlman

Most Outstanding Entry: DebKohlman

Collection 5Vegetables: DebKohlman

Helen Blumson-Thiele Memorial Ribbon –6 Stalks of Rhubarb: Kerryn Burgess

Best Junior Exhibit: CliffordBlake Home Brew

Aggregate Prize– Champion Brewer: MatthewBerry

Champion Beer of Show:MattCarroll Home Baking

ADULT

Aggregate Prize: Kim Sutton

VASRich FruitCakeCompetition: DebKohlman (goes on to VASgroup final)

VASCarrot Cake Competition: IanKohlman (goes on to VASgroup final)

Plain Sponge (four eggs): Julie Jackson (goes on to VASgroup final)

Plain Scones: Andrew Jarratt(goes on to VASgroup final)

Arnold Jenkins Memorial Ribbon –shortbread: Vicki Nettleton

FeatureIngredient– Anything made with vegetables: Rose Ffrench

Machine Bread: Cameron Tougher

Handmade Bread:Erin Day JUNIOR

VASJunior Boiled FruitCakeCompetition (under 18): Mabel Pearce

VASjunior carrot muffins: Mabel Pearce

DecoratedTeddy Bear Biscuit (10 yrsand under): Taylah Hendry (goes on to group final)

Plain Scones (14 yrsand under):Molly McAuliffe(goes on to group final)

DecoratedCup Cakes (14 yrsand under): Sophie Chadwick(goes on to group final)

Best Adult Exhibits (x2): Natalie Tagell. Blair Carney.

Best Exhibit 8yrs and under: Harvey Brown

Best Exhibit 9–12yrs:IndigoHardy

Best Exhibit 13 –17yrs:TessaSandercock

Horticulture

Aggregate Prize– CutFlowers:Therese Ryan

Champion Rose: Miranda White

Arnold Jenkins Memorial Ribbon –Container MixedFlowers:Luca Sato

Aggregate Prize– PotPlants: Therese Talbot

Aggregate Prize– Floral Art(donatedin memory of Marie Londish)– PatriciaBuxton

Best Exhibit –Floral Art(donatedInMemory of Pearl Ingles)– Patricia Buxton

Best Junior exhibit: Harry Reynolds Jams,Preserves, Chutneys

Aggregate Prize: DebKohlman

Best JarofJam: RobScott(Chili Mango)

Best Spread: RobScott(GinMarmalade)

Exhibition Citrus Marmalade: DebKohlman (Orange)

Best Preserves and Chutneys:Deb Kohlman (Fig and HoneyVinegar)

Best Junior Exhibit: Maisie Snelling

LEGO

Best Exhibit 5yearsand under: Byron Kennedy-Steel

Best Exhibit 6–8 years: Cooper Allaway

Best Exhibit 9–12years:Cooper Moore

Best Exhibit 13 –17years:Mack Hardy

Best Exhibit BigKids (Adults):Daniel Porter

Best Exhibit Group Collaborations: Kristy Mutsaersand CaseyMornane Needlework and Knitting ADULT

Aggregate Prize: Kerry Bruni

VASState Sewing Championship:Barbara Lonsdale

VASCrochetedarticle: Bridget Hunter

VASCross stitch: Alicia Kam

VASKnitting: no entry

VASHand Patchwork: Jo Porch

VASHand Embroidery: Glennis Leary

Knitted Baby Garment: Tracey Frith (goes on to group final)

Knitted Beanie: Ruth Little(goes on to group final)

Pair of hand-knittedsocks: Kim McGeachin (goes on to group final)

CrochetBabyGarment: Kerry Bruni(goes on to group final)

AnyCrochetedToy:Emily Baudinette(goes on to group final)

PieceofTapestryWork: Jane McLean

Best Exhibit, Knitting: Suzanne Ereaut

Best Exhibit, Crochet: Pamela Inglis

Best Exhibit, Textile design/Sewing: Leni

May

Best Exhibit, Embroidery: Jane McLean

Best Exhibit, Patchwork/Quilting: Nicole Carracher

Best Exhibit, Stitching: Jane McLean

Best Exhibit, Toys/dolls: Emily Baudinette

Best Exhibit, Bags: BarbaraLonsdale

Best Exhibit, Miscellaneous: Jane McLean

BobStewart Memorial Prize– Handspinning and Weaving: Jennifer Francis JUNIOR

Best Junior Exhibit: Lachlan Wenczel Painting and Drawing ADULT

AubGibson prizefor Best Original Painting: Erin Keating

JUNIOR

Best Junior Exhibit: Audrey McRae

Paper Skills

ADULT

Best Adult Exhibit: Nicole Laity

Scrapbooking, 1Leaf: Nicole Laity (goes on to group final)

Handmade Card, Adult:Nicole Laity(goes on to group final)

JUNIOR

Handmade Card, 14 yrsand under: No entries

Best Junior Exhibit: Austin Hendry Photography ADULT

Aggregate Prize(donatedinmemory of Nash Dudley):Tenylle Stringer

VASAdultPhotograph Competition: No

winner

Daniel McKayAward –Adult: SueSteward Insect or NativeFlowerorPlant Study: Olwyn Shephard

Best Adult Exhibit: Nicola Donald JUNIOR

VASJunior Photograph Competition: MatthewRyan(goes on to group final)

Daniel McKayAward –Junior: ClaireTagell Insect or Native FlowerorPlant Study (Junior): ElsieMcMeekin

Best Junior Exhibit:Emily Cocking Sheep Fleeces

RichardDixon Memorial Best Merino Fleece –exhibited by Lachlan Barty(goes on to group final)

MB O’Sullivan Memorial Best Medium Merino Fleece– exhibited by Jackie Job Eilan Donan Perpetual Trophy Best Pair Merino Fleece– TomEnglish Best Crossbred Fleece– Ronelle Welton Horses

ShirleyFitzgerald Memorial Trophy forthe SupremeLed Exhibit:Kalana Spring Holly, exhibited by Michelle Bryant

SupremeChampion LedPurebred Arabian: DreamFever,exhibited by Thomas Kelly SupremeChampion Ledand Ridden Arabian Derivative: FarenheightFF, exhibited by B andMKelly

VASLtd Offthe TrackOpenLed:Velox, exhibited by Denise D’Amato (qualifies forthe 2026 VASA Ag Show Championship)

SharynStephens Memorial SupremeSaddle Exhibit: Xtra Smart of Sefton,exhibited by Casey Bruce Noel Morris Memorial Viceroy Turnout: CoalhavenDonna Leigh, exhibited by Peta Bickford

Jean Haynes SupremeChampion Harness Horse/Pony:Viscountshill Cadillac, exhibited by Esther Goodwin

Stud sheep

Champion Ram: ChandparaSouthdowns, exhibited by AndrewSellars-Jones

ReserveChampion Ram: ChandparaSouthdowns, exhibited by AndrewSellars-Jones Champion Ewe: ChandparaSouthdowns, exhibited by AndrewSellars-Jones ReserveChampion Ewe: ChandparaSouthdowns, exhibited by AndrewSellars-Jones Champion Group of the Show (one ram, two ewes,any age):ChandparaSouthdowns, exhibited by AndrewSellars-Jones ReserveGroup of the Show (one ram, two ewes,any age):CloverleafCorriedales, exhibited by Ronelle Welton –See over pagefor photos of thepavilion winners.

Malmsbury residentJane Jervis-Read and her children, Izzy and Ben, enjoythe workworking tent

Photos: Sloane Griffin Photography, with the assistance of Bernadette Nunn and Campbell Colquhoun

Photos: Sloane Griffin Photography, with the assistance of Bernadette Nunn and Campbell Colquhoun

@ Y YourOPINIONS

An open letter to the Kyneton community

The Kyneton Food Collective Communityrepresentsmanythings to many people. It’s the eyes on your kids when they’reout withfriends, the well-cooked sausageat aweekend fundraiser,yellow crepe paperboughtfor atownparade, or the stillness of an earlymorning river walk punctuatedbya familiar “morning” from someone youmay or maynot know.Theseeveryday interactions form the fabric of Kyneton.

Throughout recent yearsofrising costs andtightening household budgets,one constanthas held our communitytogether:hospitality. Ourcafés, bakeries, pubs, barsand unique retail shops aremorethan businesses —theyare meeting places, safe spaces, support networks, and the training ground forour young people. They arethe oneswho donatevouchers to school fetes, sponsor the local sporting clubs, back local fundraisers, and quietly givewhenasked.These contributions don’t makeheadlines, but theymakea difference. They help build the social fabric thatkeeps aregionalcommunity thriving.

Yetbehindthe scenes, those very businesses arecarryingimmense pressure.

Staffshortages, rising utility bills, relentlessinsuranceincreases, and the skyrocketing cost of ingredients have pushed many operatorstothe brink.

Reduced hours, trimmed menus, owners working unpaid shifts, and razor-thin margins arenow the reality.For families running these businesses, the stress isn’t theoretical —it’slived every day.

And the social impact stretches even further.Hospitality has long been the first

Local knowledge (1 point)

1. Which local RSLisworking on amural featuring local warveterans?

2. TheTownFolk Festival is held in which MountAlexander town?

3. Which horse wonthe 2025 bet365 KynetonCup?

4. Which local artist appeared on ABC’s first episode of Australian Portrait Artist of theYear airing earlier this month?Bonus point: who wastheir celebrity subject? (3 points)

5. Embracia Victoria has begun works on which Macedon Ranges site?

General knowledge (1 point)

6. Which 2016 animatedfilm is setona fictional island villagecalled Motunui?

7. Howlong does atypical queen honeybee live, of the following options: one to twoyears,two to fiveyears, fiveto10 years, or 15 years?

8. Howmanystrings does atypical mandolin have?

9. Wherewas singer/actor Mandy Moore born? (3 points)

10. Which country shares the island of Hispaniola withthe Dominican Republic?

employerfor manyofKyneton’steenagers. Theirafter-schooljob pulling coffees,washing dishes, or serving customersteaches responsibility,confidenceand connection. It putsmoneyintheir pockets,keeps them engaged, and provides safe, supervised environments in those crucial formativeyears If venues close, those opportunities vanish —and with them, avital part of ourtown’s youthpathway disappears.

So what happens if this continues?When your 6am coffeewindowisclosed on acold Monday morning. When the cocktail bar youproudly takevisiting friends to is closed. When local operators can’topenseven days due to the prohibitivecostassociatedwith paying staff.When shopfronts sit empty for months on end.

Theseare notdistantpossibilities— they’realreadyhappening.

Kyneton, this is ourturning point.Supporting local isn’tabout spending big —it’s about showing up.Choosing acoffee, abeer, ameal, or asmall retail purchasenow and then. Thosesmall actions, takentogether, keep ourtownvibrant.

Let’sprotect the community we love before it’s toolate.

We deservefairness andrespect

Leigh Harry, CFAVolunteers Group

On behalf of the CFAVolunteers Group, we arecalling forurgenttransparency around thenew EmergencyServicesVolunteer Rebate.The state governmentclaims that55,126 CFAand VICSES volunteersare 'covered' by the scheme, yetprovides no explanation of howthis figure wasreached.

CFA’sown reporting lists morethan 50,000 CFAvolunteers alone, butthereis no public data showing howmanyactually meetthe rebate’s strict criteria or howmanyare being ruled ineligible.

Volunteers across the state arealreadyreporting rejections withoutclear reasons, including long-serving memberscaughtout by administrative or technical issues. Ascheme intended to recogniseserviceshould not become asource of confusion or inequity

We call on the governmenttorelease full eligibility and rejection statistics and improve verification and appeals processes. Volunteersdeserve clarity,fairness andrespect— notuncertainty

UpdateonA(HUGE)mess

Road housing development

Doug Miles,Riddells Creek

Many weeks agoI provided an update on theprocess of the AmessRoadhousing developmentinRiddells Creek.

In theweeks since, Ihavewritten letters to thePlanning Minister (Sonia Kilkenny), ourlocal state representativeMaryAnne Thomas and the CEOofthe Macedon Shire Bernie O’Sullivan.

TodayI would liketoprovide residents with an update on theactions, or moreappropriatelyinactions.

•Mary-Anne Thomas advised in response to my enquiries thatthe issues raised in my request, all of which related to the social and infrastructureimpacts of the proposed developments, wasonly amatter the Minister forPlanning, Sonia Kilkenny, could respond to

•Aresponse wasfinally received from

TODAY’S CROSSWORD

the Minister forPlanning’soffice,some eight weeks later, that advised me thatmyenquiries had been referred to the the Departmentof Transportand Planning. No referencewas provided as to who at the Department the matter it wasreferredtoorhow/when the enquires would be responded to

•Finally,I hadwritten tothe CEOofthe MRSCseekingtheirsupport to work withthe Riddells Creek community to help establish a planning process to address the manyissues thatwill help integratethis development without major disruption to our town.Ihave just received this response which, in summary, concludes that these mattersare dealt with by the state government. No offerofhelp/supportprovided

This practiceofbureaucratic communications is generally referred to as the ‘public serviceshuffle’. Youreceive aresponse, butit just brushes youoff to another department.

Residents, youcan see wherethis going! TheLabor state governmentwill do nothing to address the very legitimate concerns raised as aconsequenceofanapprovalthatwill double the population of Riddells Creek without addressing the additional infrastructurerequired Without securing thecommitmentnow from this Labor state government, we as ratepayers willbelefttocarry the inevitable costs as theinfrastructurelagsbehind the population increase. This has been confirmed in the response Ihavereceivedfromthe MRSC Please join us to raiseour concerns and apply pressuretoour state representatives to secure the funding, commitment andgovernancenecessary.Ican becontacted at dmilesruby23@ gmail.com.

Ilook forwardtohearing from youifyou sharethese concerns and don't want to be left carrying theinevitable ratesincreases.

Time

to light up Kyneton

Getready to lightupthe town forthe KynetonChristmas Light and Decoration Competition.

TheKynetonChristmas Collectivecompetition encourages residents and businesses to get into the festivespirit with achance to win prizes.

Prizes include Best Overall Display, People’s Choice, and Most ResourcefulDisplay(forcreative, budget-friendly and eco-friendly decorations).

Participants have the chance to win cash Visa cards and vouchers from local businesses.

Thecompetition is open to all Kynetonhomes and businesses, and registered homes and businesses will appear on an interactive map to be available from December 14 on TheKynetonChristmas CollectiveFacebook page.

Registrations forthe competition close December 13 and the displayset-up deadline is December 10.

Winnerswill be announced on December 20.

To participate,register your home or business online via: forms. gle/MiWhs7V8c1YdsySv5

Christmasworkshops come to Woodend

Woodend Neighbourhood House will be offering twofestiveand creativeChristmas workshops designed especially forschool-aged children from prep to gradesix. Theworkshops will givechildren the chancetoenjoy hands-on baking, creating and yoga as the year draws to aclose Manager of the Woodend Neighbourhood House, MelissaBaker,said it waswonderfultobring these activities to local familiesinthe lead-up to Christmas.

“We’re so excited to be able to offerthese workshops this year.They’re afantasticway forchildren to exploretheir creativity, learn newskills and celebrate thefestiveseason in afun, supportiveenvironment,”she said. Young cooks can join the KidsChristmas Treats Workshop, wherethey will mix, bakeand decoratedelicious festivegoodies under theguidanceof volunteers. Children will learn simple kitchen skills in afriendlyand relaxed environmentand will takehome theirtasty creations to share. This workshop will be held from 4pmto5.30pm on ThursdayDecember11atacost of $15 per participant.

Children can also enjoyThe Gift of Creating withYoga, presentedby SarahfromShantiStudio. Participants will experiencetwo hoursofmovement,creativity and calm as theycelebratethe end of term four,unwind before Christmas and takepartina blendofyoga andhands-on craft. Two sessions areonoffer on MondayDecember22, running from 10am to noon and 2pm to 4pm, with eachsession costing$30 perparticipant.

More information and registrations areavailable via the Woodend Neighbourhood Housewebsiteorbycontactingthe Housedirectly

Celebrating community investment

Communitygroups, shareholdersand local leaderscame together in November for Community Bank Lancefield and Romsey's annual CommunityInvestment Celebration.

Theevening highlightedthe impact that local banking has across the district,with $435,296 announced to be reinvested back into the community through grants, sponsorships, donations and scholarships forthe 2025-26 financial year

This year’sinvestmentsupports projects thatstrengthen local services, enhance facilities, celebratecreativity and build community resilience.

Major grants included funding forthe RomseySkatepark YouthMural Project, the MacGregor’sFarm RespiteCentre, the RomseyNeighbourhood House communityled emergency activation plan and facility upgrades forseveral local Men’sSheds.

Additional allocations recognised the essential contributions of emergency services, neighbourhood houses, sporting clubs, schools and volunteer-run events across the Macedon Ranges.

Sinceopening the Lancefield branch in 2001 and the Romsey branch in 2005, the Community Bank has nowreinvested more than $3.9 million into community projects, programs and initiatives thatdirectly benefit local residents.

Allcommunity investmentisfunded by profits generated when customerschoose to bank directly with the Lancefield and Romseybranches. It does notcome from BendigoBank Corporateorfromaccounts and loans opened online. It is amodel that ensures local banking deliverslocal results.

On the evening, chair Suzie Ewart also confirmed thatLancefield and Romsey Community Financial Services Limited, the local companythatowned and operated the twobranches, had signed afurther five-

year franchise agreementwith Bendigo Bank.

This renewalsecures the long-term futureofcommunitybanking in Lancefield and Romsey and reaffirmsthe company’s commitmenttoreturning profits to the community

Ms Ewart said the eveningwas apowerful reminder of whatcommunitypartnership could achieve

MaCapella Singershavecelebrated amilestone.

Hittinga highnote

TheMaCapella Singershave celebrated 10 yearsof entertainmentand connection through song. More than 200 people joined celebrations at aspecial concert at ThePhee Broadway TheatreinlateNovember

The52-member women'sacapella choir performedmanycrowd favourites. The evening also included guest performances from local singer Felicity Cripps, acoustic trio ThreeBirds, and adancecrew.

MaCapella founder and director Tara Flinn described the eventas"abeautiful nightofmusic"

Thename 'MaCapella'isa throwbackto the group's origin

Ms Flinn formed thegroup 10 yearsago at Castlemaine to provide aplacewhere mumscould sing and bring along their babies.

"Therewas aneed to starta music group of this kind,"she said.

"Itvery quickly started to grow andI

could see the friendshipsforming. It'sreally aspace wherepeople can come and create anetwork."

Thegroup has sincemorphed into a multi-generational women's choir thatnow has 52 membersacross Castlemaine, Kynetonand Bendigo.

Ms Flinn writes the group's arrangements. Youmay have heardthem perform their funABBAmedleyand popular Seven Nation Army mash-up.

NEXTPERFORMANCES

MaCapella will be performing at the BendigoRotary Carols on Sunday, December 21 and at Castlemaine's communitycarols on Friday, December 19.

In the newyear, thegroup will be part of Choir Jam, alongside the Woodend Warblers, at the KynetonMechanics Institute in late February.Itisafreeevent where community memberscan experience choir singing through aseries of workshopsand performances.

"Every dollar announced tonightis herebecause local people and businesses choose to bank withour Community Bank. Their support createsreal outcomes forour towns,"she said.

"Fromlocal sport to emergency services, from volunteerstovital community programs, these investments reflect the needs and strengths of Lancefield, Romsey and the wider Macedon Ranges.

"Weare proud to work alongside so manydedicatedgroups and to standbehind projects that makea genuine difference. When our community banks locally, everyone benefits."

Thenextprogram to open will be the Marcheventsround, and community organisations areencouraged to register their interest by emailing cip@lrcfsl.com.au to be notified when details arereleased.

HOWITWORKS

•Onthe back of your card therewillbe5 puzzle pieces to collect.

•Eachpiece will be numbered 1–5

•Collect your card from anyofthe participatingbusinessesinyourtown, or MidlandExpress & CastlemaineMailoffices

•Eachpuzzle piece will appear on apage in the Midland Expresscommencing Tuesday11th November untilTuesday 9th December 2025

•Collect all5pieces and pasteorstick on the back of the card.Oncecompleteddropthe card into 3MarketStreetKyneton or post to PO Box153 KynetonVic 3444 or alternativelydropitinto 13 Hargraves Street,Castlemaine or post to PO Box227,CastlemaineVic 3450.

•Entriesclose by 5pmMonday 15th December 2025

•The Christmascardpromotion willbedrawn on Wednesday17thDecember @12noonand allwinnerswillbe notified by phone

•Prizes– *$2,000 voucher,*$1,000 voucher,*2x $500.00 vouchers

•Eachbusiness will have aflyer in theirwindowtoshow that theyare partofthispromotion,during the promotional time

TERMSAND CONDITIONS

Must be the originalticket(no photocopiedcards)Enter as often as you like.Each businessthatparticipateswill be required

theirwindowfor thepromotionalperiod.Promotionwilltakeplace from

2025 @12noon. Allmoneytobespent backatthe participating businesses.The

amountswill be aminimumof*$100 andwill

L-R: LancefieldRomsey Lions Club’s GedMcLaughlin, Wendie McLaughlin andRussell Neyland.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

Covering the Macedon Ranges and MountAlexander Shires

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

KYNETON

3MarketSt., PO Box153,Kyneton, 3444

Telephone: (03) 5422 1488

Facsimile: General (03) 5422 3173

CASTLEMAINE

13 HargravesSt., PO Box227, Castlemaine, 3450

Telephone: (03) 5472 1788

Facsimile: (03) 5472 4504

MondaytoFriday9.00 am-5.00 pm

HOURS MondaytoFriday8.30 am-5.00 pm

Email: Kyneton: ahume@midnews.com.au Castlemaine: ldennis@midnews.com.au

A whole century with Alma!

On Monday November 17, Bupa Aged Care in Kynetoncelebrated an extraordinary milestone, Alma’s 100th birthday.

Surrounded by fellowresidents, family,friends and Bupa Aged Carestaff,Almamarked her centurywith well-deserved admiration.

Thegreat-great-grandmother celebrated withher twosons, Hartleyand Wayne, and family,who shared warm memories from Alma’s remarkable life, from her yearsasa primary school teacher to her role as secretary of apolitical party in her hometown of Hamilton. They also reflected on her involvementwith the RedCross and her local church, both of which playedsignificantroles in her life.

Alma enjoyedbirthdaycakeand teasurrounded by beautifulflowers,a passion she has alwaysshared openly.She receives weekly visits from Mary through the Aged CareVolunteer VisitorsScheme, and over theyearsthe pair have formed astrong and joyful connection. Although Mary couldn’t be thereonthe daytocelebrate, lifestyle coordinatorLynda shared stories from their visits, warmly praising their friendship. Mary celebrated Alma’s birthdayduring her visit theFridaybefore, making theweek extraspecial.

HappybirthdaytoAlma. Atruly remarkable milestone, fora truly remarkable woman.

Kynetoncentenarian Gordon (Tim)Collins has been acknowledged foranincredible 80year membership of the KynetonMasonic Lodge.

On November 23, Timwas presentedwith aserviceaward by PeterHenshall, the Grand Master of Freemasonry Victoria.

Presentfor the eventweremembersofKynetonLodgeheaded by the master Geoff Graham and manyofTim's extended family

Timwas initiatedintothe LodgeinApril 1945 while he wasonleave from activeservice in the Navy.Hewas initiatedwithtwo other servicemen, Doug Cribbes and Jack Williams. In those days,those on activeservicewererushed through just in case.

In an eloquentresponse to the presentation, Timspokeofthe high regardhehad of the organisation and of the many and special friends he made as aFreemason.

Areyou missing your friends in theSouth?Are youanunaffiliated Freemason?Haveyou recently movedtothe Macedon Ranges and looking to reconnect?

TheKynetonLodge would welcomeyou. They meetonthe first Mondayofthe month except January.Ifyou arecurious about Freemasonry and have an interest in joining, call Ken0438 789 569 or Geoff0488 976 276. Tim’sremarkable

Alma celebratedher 100th birthdaywith her twosons, Hartleyand Wayne, and family

David Waugh, Geoff Graham, PeterHenshall,Tim Collins and KenCribbes

Speed Queen, Electrolux, Bosch, Omega, Simpson, Dishlex, and Westinghouse. Simp www.kentappliancerepair.com.au kynetonappliancerepairs@gmail.com

RILEY -Paul Eric

2.11.1958 –3.11.2025

Much loved son of EricNorman Riley and Marie Dorothy Riley (nee Palmer) (both dec).

Loving brother to Elaine Margaret (dec).

Devoted and loving husband of Meril

Lovingfather of Georgia and Bronte

Loving stepfather of Jamesand Michelle, Sarah and Bradand Natasha andLeigh.

Cherished Grandpa Paul to Hayley,Caitlyn, Orson, Coen, Ella andBeau. Rest peacefully

RILEY -Paul Eric 2.11.1958 –3.11.2025

Avery special husband. So many beautiful memories together They will be cherishedforever Rest peacefully my love. Your loving wife, Meril. Adedicated andkind Stepdad and Grandpa Paul. Forever in our hearts. James, Michelle, Orson and Coen, Sarah, Brad, Hayley,Caitlyn and Ella, Natasha, Leigh and Beau.

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.

KN282170

IMPORTANT NOTICE

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL!

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful foranadvertiser to showany intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy,race, age,marital status,political or religious belief or activity,industrial activity,parental or carer status physical features,disability,lawful sexual activity/ sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with aperson with one of the above characteristics,unless covered by an exception or granted an exemption under the Act. As we could be legally liable if we print an unlawful advertisement, we will notaccept advertisements that appear to break the law. Formore information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

ItemsInclude: BabyGifts,Knitwear, Scarves,Rugs,Toys,Cakes, Jams,Sauces,Books

thanks the people of Kyneton for supporting this helps maintain this important community facility and enabling it to continue helping many organisations and local people throughout the year Have asafe and happy Christmas and New Year!

‘Parky Pals’ PARKINSONS DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP Castlemaine Golf Club, Muckleford ALLWELCOME

3rd FRIDAY of each month (note change of day for 2025) 10.30 –12noon PD information and social interaction Enq:

PLEASETAKENOTICETHATanapplicationunderSection93oftheHeritageAct2017forapermit forworkstoinstallpublicartinstallationsatCastlemaineBotanicGardenshasbeenlodgedwiththe ExecutiveDirector,HeritageVictoria.

Acopyoftheapplicationisavailableforinspectionatwww.heritage.vic.gov.auorattheofficesof HeritageVictoriabetweenthehoursof10.00amand4.00pm,byappointmentonly.Telephone(03) 70226373tomakeanappointment.

Anypersonmaylodgeasubmissioninrespectoftheapplicationwithin14daysofpublicationofthis notice.SubmissionsmustbeinwritingandaddressedtoHeritageVictoriabyemailto heritage.permits@transport.vic.gov.auorbymailtoGPOBox2392Melbourne3001.Pleasenote thatanywrittensubmissionreceivedwillbetreatedasapublicdocument.

Kyneton Men's Shed

CASTLEMAINE

Town &District

GOLF results

Thelast cardindecided thewinner of Saturday'sstableford.

MatthewO'Brien (5) claimed overall and A-grade prizes with an impressive39points, from Jason Cordy(6) on 38.

Belvoir Park'sOliver Scholes (14) wonB-grade with 36, by twofromMegan Carroll (14), and PeterFarrell topped C-grade with 36, on acountback from NicolasAndreatta (19).

O'Brien and Mark BrackleywereNTPs.

In Saturday's9@9, PeterSmith (22) put on aclinic with 26 points, from BobFranze(24) twoinarrears.

B-grader Garry Rotteveel (16) shone with41pointson Thursday, from IanFraser (17) on 37.

PeterMcCoombe (9) topped A-grade with 35, beating Norm Bellis on acountback, and Malcolm McKellar (22) had 37 to finish one clear of Paul Miller (26) in C-grade.

GISBORNE

Gisborne's best golfersweredecided on Saturdaywith the thirdand final round of the club championships being played.

Brendan Larkins wonhis fourth title as the A-grade men's club champion.

DaoLock cementedher placeasthe best golfer in the Lock household by winning both the gross and nett women's A-grade titles.

TimScobie also wonboththe A-Reservegross and nett, acategory he ironically createdafew yearsago Neighbours' fanatic Shaun Ramsay wonthe B-grade.

TheC-grade gross and nett were taken out by young 15-year-old legend JacobMemery whohas only been playing for12months. Idon't think we will forget his name.

Marvin Lutchman took out the B-grade gross.

Other men's nett winnerswerePaul Delia(A-grade), Brendan Lee(B) and Luke Webber (D).

Roberta Henry wonthe women's B-grade gross and Anne Roberts wonthe C-grade stableford title.

Linda Lenham wonthe women's B-grade nett and RichardMcKibbin's son James wonthe Junior Championship. James wasalsofourthinA-Reserve.

Paul Deliawon the Seniors' gross, and Irish Leprechaun Paul Douglas wonthe nett.

KathyRichards took outthe women's senior gross championship and Lynne Smith wonthe senior women's nett Congratulations to all the Champions. KYNETON

Downinthe dumps one moment, on topofthe world the next. Golf isa cruel game sometimes but if youstick at it, the rewardscome when youleast expect

Take Adam Smith, an international high-flyer whowants nothing morethan to hit crisp irons and see the occasional putt drop in thehole.

He wasatwitsend afterfinishing mid-field in the recent Stan Porter Memorial event.

Exasperated thata solidrangesession had notyielded resultsonthe course.

Fast forwardtwo days to apracticeround with two matesand thefrustration wascontinuing.

"I dareyou to find the middleofthe club,"hetold his ball on the 4th tee.

Notonlydid he do that, but it headed straight.

Thetrio could notsee theball land but heardthe unmistakable sound of ball meeting flagstick.

They hurried to thegreen and therewasn't aballtobe seen.

Smith then clapped his hands to his head and letout a shriek of joy— therewas his ball in the bottom of the cup. Ahole-on-one!

Threedayslater Smith overcame awater ball to win the Thursdaynine-hole scramble with 19points, then carded 39 to finish second in B-grade on Saturday.

From nine overafter 10 holes, he playedthe last eightin one over to putpressureonKash Karunasena (15) who had been one of his Mondayplaying partners.

Karunasena shruggedoff twodouble bogeys and romped home with 42 points.

David Moore(8) topped A-grade by apointfroma resurgent ColHudgson (7) who rocketedhome three under on the last eight.

Trevor Glanfield (29) wonC-grade with 34 points, one ahead of Michael Archer (19).

Denise Murphy (19) wasbest of the women with 32.

Themidweek stableford wasabattleagainst the elements, but captain David Austin (15) overcameall with 36 points.

NTPswereHudgson (2), Austin, David Pilcher and Rob MacRae.

In the thirdround of the Mavis Cribbes, Robe visitor PamBrown (27) had four parsina36-pointtally to topAgrade from Michelle Werner (23). Marg Scoble (28) had 36 to win B-grade by one from Judy Aldred (28). Neville Yates (11) led in the men.

LANCEFIELD

It wasall hands on deck last week witha good proportion of players sacrificing their golf to preparethe course forthe DDGAchampionshipsonSunday.

Theladies tried to geta game in on Wednesdaybut only

eightholes were completedbeforeareal drenching occurred —great forthe dams, creek and the course.

TuesdayLegends: Chris Enright(23) 37 points on a countback from Stephen Draper (19).

Wednesdaytwilight(10 holes): Barry Flentjar 20 points from Greg Parks 18.

Newly elected presidentChris Enrightleadsthe Saturdaystableford aftertwo rounds with86points, with Flentjar next best on 69.

Enright(21) wononSaturdaywith asuperb44points, from DarcyCreer (21) 41 and Jake Huntly (27) 39.

MOUNT MACEDON

Saturday'sBurrow's Plumbingmonthly medal eventwas playedinchallenging, wintry conditions.

Despitethe adverse weather,C-grader Carl Obst returned an excellent91-29-62 to snatchthe medal from the grasp of A-grader Matt Willis, who shot68-4-64.

Nick Vicary topped B-grade with 78-13-65.

Respectiverunners-up in eachgrade were Mark Burrage,Brian Freestone and PeterPalmer

Willis nailed atrioofNTPs, andPalmer landed one.

Themidweek pairsevent last Wednesdaybegan under blue skies, but apredicted torrential downpour arrived, and the eventwas abandoned afternine holes.

ROMSEY

TheNovember monthly medal winnershavebeen decided.

JennyHartleytook out the women's medalwith 10324-79, from Kath Jekabsons 117-35-82.

Themen's medalwenttoNathan Mooney with 89-1871, on acountback from MalMottram 82-11-71.

Thecourse will be closed until Friday, December 5, due to coring.

TRENTHAM

Congratulations to Alex Evered who ended up winning the final of the women's singles knockout 5&4 against Trish Mann. Mild and showery conditions failed to deter62stroke eventcompetitorsonSaturday.

Thereweresome superb scores, the best from Simon Carroll who had 74-12-62 to topA-grade, fiveshots clear of Mark Fisher

BrettBowker85-18-67 wonB-grade from Wayne Paterson 84-15-69, and RonKohler 88-24-64 led in the C-gradersfromPaul McKeon 93-23-70.

Women: In thesecond round of the championship, Joedy Wallis wasthe winner with 105-35-70, on acountback from Evered 87-17-70.

WOODEND

Woodend Golf Club's championshipsspread over three weeks washighlightedbythe men's title (A-grade)tolongterm low-marker Grant Davies.

Andwhata finish to thethirdand final round of the 54-hole prestigeevent as Davies (2) and scratch marker Nicholas Coxbattled forsupremacy

Coxled by astrokeafter 36 holes, but Davies —with vast knowledgeofthe course —was lurking.

An amazing eagle-birdie finish on the closing holes catapulted Coxbackincontention afterDavies looked to be 'home'when he securedamassive three-strokeswing on the 13th hole

In the end, Davies puthis experience to advantageas spectators followedaction on thefirst play-offhole.

Davies prevailed to seal victory

Ahugepat on the back to third-placed junior William McLean who finished on 222 in an outstanding overall effort

Thein-form Kobe Veitch (13) ranawaywith the B-grade title on 234, well clear of Oreo and Stottboth253, O'Brien 254and Modric 259.

Alexander Brown(20) cruised to victory with 262 in C-grade, 18 shots clear of Jones (280) with Patonthird on 283.

GARNER ALL THEWAY

Cheryl Garner (22) wrapped up thewomen's championship witha54-hole tally of 277, ahead of JenHunter305 and Veronica Sullivan 320.

In aspinetingling finish, theseniorchampionship required athee-way countback withGarner (22), Mick Keating and Neville Bottamsall tied on nett 211. Garner wonthe countback to secureafine championship double.

William McLean (8) wasthe juniorchampion with 222, from Mitchell Ramanauskas on 233 and Veitch 234.

ThePresident'sTrophyfor best nett scoreinthe championships went to Veitch on 196, from McLean 199 and Brown203.

Theclubwas also pleased to presentSusie Baldwin(48) with the women's matchplaytrophyafter she defeated KelseyWilliams 6&5 in the final ON SATURDAY

Thereweregood scores across the three grades after 52 players teed offinSaturday'sstableford.Robert Darling excelled with 41 points.

A-grade: Matt Long (12) 38, from Lyam Murray (8)37.

B: Toby Clement(15) 37, on acountback from Murray Fraser (18).

C: Robert Darling (23) 41, from Elija Rados (25) 37.

Hard to believe:An‘ace’ forKyneton’sAdam Smith.

Gisborne’s C-grade grossand nettweretaken out by young 15-year-old legend JacobMemery

Woodend’sGrant Davies —with his championship trophyafterthe play-off.

Woodend’sCheryl Garner —infine form at righttime.

Bowlerscontinue to dominate

Castlemaine District Cricket Association AGrade sides playedday twoofround six on Saturday. AReserve, BGrade and C Grade (Under 16) sides battled out quickfireone-dayclashes. TheWomen's sides were scheduled to contest round 4matches but someofthe CGrade games and all the Women's matches were impacted by the wet weather with the Women's matches all eventually abandoned.

Highlights of the round were Barkers Creek BGrade batsman Ricky Carson's 139 with thebat.Pick of the bowlerswere Newstead CGrade bowler Elwood Ebery with 5-3, Newstead AGrader TommyPalmer 5-44, Harcourt AGrader KonorTrollop 5-60 and Castlemaine United AGrader David George 5-68.

Resultswere: AGrade Two-Day,Day Two

Harcourt 10-281defeated Guildford10183 (HadleyBassett 87, Jayson Glenister 34 notout, Adrian Parsons 17, Angus Mychajlyszyn 13; KonorTrollop 5-60, Daniel Chamberlain 2-23).

Maiden Gully Marist 10-204 (Dean Trew 81, BrettHaw 44, Robert Brown17, Dallas Gill 14, Astin Clayton 14; TommyPalmer 5-44, George Tillbrook 4-50) lost to Newstead 9-252

Muckleford 3-70 (EdwardGingell 18, Daniel Peckham 18 notout;Chris McKnight 2-16) lost to BarkersCreek AGrade 10-94 (BaileyHenderson 40, Nash Robinson 17, Bodhi Robinson 14; Declan Slingo5-38, John Watson 3-34).

Castlemaine United 9-d/77 and 1-94 (Mekaal Hassan 18, Harper Kneebone 14; DanChaplin 5-15, Craig Pearce 2-16) lost to North Castlemaine 9-175 (Max Matheson 31, Karsen Beer 29, Brenton Jones 28 not out; David George 5-68).

AReserve One-Day

Heathcote6-228 (Kristopher Bagley50 notout, TimGleeson 38, Brad Rowe 33, Cale Polson 29,Angus McIntosh 23; Craig Tingay2-35) defeated Muckleford 9-166

(Tom Crawshaw63, Neville Cooper 35, TimGingell 16; Fraser Maddren 2-20, Cale Polson 2-27, Kristopher Bagley2-32, Liam Hubble 2-36).

North Castlemaine 5-109 (Jamie Allan 25 not, Gavin James 20, Simon Tatt 18; Macklin Simmins 2-16) defeated Harcourt 10-105 (Adrian Cole 37,Macklin Simmins 22, Billy Jury 15; Levi Bruce3-16, Simon Tatt 3-16, Alex Welch2-13).

Newstead 4-142 (RileyPedretti44, Eve Righetti 25 notout,Gerald Chapman 15 not out) defeated Castlemaine United 9-141 (Adam Smolak 53, James Moran28, Samantha Brasher 15; Leigh Walker 3-9).

Taradale 9-146 (Regan Williams 46, Steve Learmonth 37 notout, Lachlan Maltby 19; Michael Rogers 2-25, William Trew 2-36) lost to Maiden Gully Marist 8-166 (Noah Hadden 50 notout,Michael Rogers 23, Brodie Hogan 17, Marc Brownlee 14; Steve Learmonth 2-12, Noah Maltby 2-30, Ethan Crocker 2-31).

BGrade

One-Day

Newstead 10-108 (Travis Allen 30; Zephyr Ogden Jones 2-0, Patrick Jones 2-10, Mitchell Sturgess 2-13, Brad Sturgess 2-17) lost to Campbells Creek Colts3-109 (Ben Tombs 35 retirednot out, Blackwood Ulman Jones 28 retirednot out; Kyle Yanner 2-10).

BarkersCreek 9-309 (Ricky Carson 139, Oliver Daldy45, Callam De Bono 28, John Barlow16not out; Adam Perrett4-66) defeated Castlemaine United 9-102 (Louis Parsons 32, OtisWhitesmith 14; William Marks 2-3, Archie Rixon2-3, BrodieBrowne-Kerr 2-10, Curtis McLennan 2-11, Oliver Daldy 2-15).

Muckleford 9-179 (Hayden Coombes 80 notout, Seth Gross22, Marton Gross 19, Jamie Cox17; Brian Austin 3-16, Oscar Johnston 3-26) lost to Heathcote7-210 (Brett Polson 50 retirednot out, Daniel Butler 50 retired notout, Ruby Demeo 25, VioletHubble 14; Seth Gross 4-12).

MiaMia vTaradale -inprogress. Hepburn had the bye.

Women Round 4

BarkersCreek 56 (Gabrielle Smith 24 not out) vNewstead 73 (Eve Righetti 20 retired notout; Kerryn Scicluna 3-3) -abandoned. Hepburn 9vMuckleford 104 (Emily Girdwood 13 retirednot out, GraceSmith 10 retired notout) -abandoned.

Castlemaine United 73 (Rhianvyen Watson 15 retirednot out,Miho Barnett 13 notout, Bron Grieve 13 notout;Johannah 2-4) vCampbells Creek Colts48(Louise Simpson 14 retirednot out, Caz Walsh 12 retired notout)-abandoned. Guildford35vNorth Castlemaine 72abandoned.

CGrade (Under 16) One-Day Newstead 2-71 (William Garsed 31 retired notout,Eve Righetti 27) defeated Campbells Creek 10-70 (Blackwood Ulman

Jones 19, Sebastian Collie 17 notout; Elwood Ebery 5-3).

Colts Phelans vMuckleford-abandoned. Barkers/North/Harcourt 4-178 (Noah Maltby32retired notout, Brayden Allan30 retired notout,James Anderson 30 retired notout, Declan Kirke30 retirednot out; DuarteSantos2-12) defeated Laanecoorie Dunolly 8-65 (William Crumpton 27; Phoebe Simmibs 2-4).

Castlemaine United Blye vCarisbrookabandoned.

Castlemaine Under 16 Gold had the bye. T20 to begin The2025 T20 competition kicks offthis ThursdayDecember4.Inthe firstround, Pool Awill see Barkers Creek takeon NewsteadatBarkers Creek at 5.30pm,and in Pool BNorth Castlemaine playHarcourt LionsatWesleyHill at 5.30pm.Castlemaine United and Muckleford have thebye

NorthCastlemaine AGrader TomCox defends his wicketatCampReserve. Photo: MaxLesser

Harcourt’sBilly Jury facesdownhis North Castlemaine opponent. Photo:Max Lesser

Gold medal performance

Bill West

Last week outstanding lawn bowler Nathan Lynch turned in agold medal winning performance, both individually and collectively,atthe 2025 National Sides Championship in Tasmania.

The28-year-old Lynch wasskipper of the Victorian fours side, which went through thechampionships unbeaten.

This effort clinched agold medal, and Lynch wasalso awarded gold as the best Victorian player.

Thetalent-laden four comprisedDaveMcKinnon, Tyson Cromie, BryceYoung and Lynch (s).

Last season Lynch playedmatches on permitwith RomseyBowling Club, wherehis grandfather Garry Templar is club coach.

RBCmemberswereelatedabout Lynch's performance forVictoria, withpresident'Squizzy'Taylor acknowledging Lynch's success.

PAST MEMORIES

From Lynch's perspective, memories cameflooding back to howhecame to be alawnbowler,rather than acricketer or tennis player, at avery young age.

He was10yearsold when his grandfather introduced him to bowls, and he wassoon playing in alow division pennantteam.

Lynch becamehooked, and showedconsiderable natural talentfor bowls, and eventually went on to win theVictorian Under 18 singles.

"I am so grateful and honoured to have the opportunity to play at national levelfor Victoria,"hetold the Express after the big performanceinTasmania.

"Itcertainly is one of the best highlights of my bowls career —upthere withwinning adivision one grand final withMoonee Valleyand playing last season at Romseywith my Pa (GarryTemplar).

"I knowI probably won'tget to playpennantinthe same team with him again if it wasn't forhim taking me to bowls all those yearsago none of this would have been possible. Forevergrateful."

Nathan Lynch's story is similar to that of Kyneton'sChloe Stewart, who wasintroduced to bowls by her grandmother (Val Carey)ata very young age. Chloe began by rolling tennis balls around theKynetongreen.

Fast forward. Chloe went on to reach the very top in bowls forher stateand country

In both cases it was'Opportunityknocks' that enabled them to pursue the sport at ahigh level.

Lynch wasrunner-up to Cromie in theVictorian state singles earlier this year

He hopes to continue as aregular in Victorian teams,

and acknowledged the fineperformances from his three colleagues.

Theside clinched thegold medal witharunaway victory overNorthern Territory

Some of the videos from the Sides Championship highlights arereally attention-grabbing.

Bowls double chanceopens

Bill West

ThehalfwaymarkofHighlands division onepennantbowls on Saturdaysaw the doublechanceopenup, with Kynetona runaway unbeatenleader

Second-placed KynetonGolf stumbled at Kilmore, with the tenacious home side winning by eightshots despite abig effort by WayneTurner'srink Kilmore is third, narrowly ahead of Romseyand Gisborne.

Overnight rain eased and matchesproceeded as scheduled

Romseyreceived ahugefrightatWoodend, scrambling home witha shot to spare. Norm Bickerdyke'srink had a17-shotvictory forthe Woodsmen.

Gisbornescoredanimportanteight-shot victory at DiggersRest to stayincontention.

At Kyneton, Greg Podesta's dynamic four

wonby25shots but Broadfordmanaged to collectthree points fora win anda draw

Promising11-year-old bowlerLayla Brown madeher division onedebut forBroadford Lancefield, on thebottomofthe ladder, lifted to beatnearest rival Trenthambysix shots with Aaron Andrews'rinkupby17. Trentham went home withfour points. Currentladder (after nine rounds):Kyneton135 points,KynetonGolf 104, Kilmore 90,Romsey86, Gisborne 82, Broadford 63, DiggersRest 63, Woodend 38,Trentham 35, Lancefield 24.

ALL THE SCORES

Scores from Saturday'sround of Highlands bowls matches were: Division1:Kyneton74dBroadford 55 (G.Podesta 35dR.Chapman 10, Ant. Mathison 21 tied with D. Kelly 21, D.J. Thomas18losttoD.Ellis24);Kilmore61d KynetonGolf 53 (L.Whitnall19 dP.Linehan14, D. Carroll 16losttoW.Turner27,

D. Noonan26d A. Barker 12) Lancefield63d Trentham57(A. Andrews 27 dR.Dobinson 10, J. Holmes 19 lost to C. McKeone28, A. Brandolin 17 lost to M. Bruton 19); Woodend 54 losttoRomsey 55 (G.Symons 18 lost to C. Austin 20, M. Dornau13 lost to A. Young 29, N. Bickerdyke23d D. Ely6); Diggers Rest 49 lost to Gisborne 57 (R.Davies 21 dA.Higgins 17,P.Robinson 14 losttoB.Johnson 16,K Stafford 14 lost to R. Walker 24). Div. 2: Kyneton69d Broadford60(N. Jamieson 17 lost to A. Cowen25, M. Plowman27dR.Frost 17, D. Knight25dK Inness 18); Gisborne84d Romsey 34 (B Wylie 36 dL.Dyamond 4, J. Evans 18 lost to J. Reimann22, I. Ball 30 dG.Gilligan8); Macedon89dDiggers Rest 29 (I.Mathews 30 dR.Beckett10, I. Guymer 20 dA.Tocci 11, G. Dickenson 39 dA.Scaramuzzino 8); Kilmore 59 dKynetonGolf 47 (A.Cassidy 26 dR.Seymour 21,C.Hodgson19d J.

McQualter15, A. Langdon 14 dJ.Trounce 11)

Div. 3: Mt Cottrell 49 lost to Romsey57 (L. Glascott15losttoJ.Fryer 18,J.Langley 18 dM.Gilligan 16,D.Roche 16 lost to H. Rose 23); Woodend 48 losttoLancefield 58 (A.Jewell15 lost to P. Shannon 22,J.Jewell 16 losttoP.White 19, R. Campbell 17 drew with S. Climas 17);Gisborne61d Kyneton 43 (J.Hunter23d J. Epps 15, T. Shearson 18 dE.Kennedy 14, C. Butterley 20 dS Fenton 14);Trentham58drewwith Kilmore 58 (I. Bruton 16 lost to S. Bloomfield 21, L. Gent 26 dK.Tootell 15, G. Laurie 16 lostto C. Wright 22.

NEXTWEEKEND

Matches this Saturday are: KynetonvGisborne Romsey vKynetonGolf. LancefieldvBroadford Trentham vKilmore. Woodend vDiggers Rest

Discoverthe Goldfields by bike

As riderscrossed the finishing line at Campberdown on Friday, the final dayofthe 2025 TACGreat Vic Bike Ride, their attention turned to the2026 eventasorganisers announced it as a300-kilometregolden adventure in the historic Goldfields region!

Alison McCormack, CEOofBicycle Network, said thatthe TACGreat VicBikeRide had been planned around theregions riders were keen to explore.

“With its mix of history,gourmetfood, wine and stunning and historic scenery,the 2026 ride has all the ingredients fora classic GreatVic,”MsMcCormack said.

Organised by Bicycle Network, the 300-kilometre, five-daybikeriding holiday will have five incredible riding days,three welcoming towns and loop rides on twoof the days

Thebikeriderswill have achoiceofarriving in Bendigooneither SundayorMonday, November 29 or 30, before setting off forCastlemaine. Therouteincludes Maldon, Trentham, Kyneton, Woodend, Malmsbury andCreswick.

Pre-camp –Sunday29– Bendigo Day1 –Monday30– BendigotoCastlemaine Day2 –Tuesday1 –Castlemaine loop ride Day3 –Wednesday2 –Castlemaine to Trentham Day4 –Thursday 3– Trentham loop

ride, 50 and 100km options. Day5 –Friday4 –Trentham to Creswick

Theride is afully catered, tent-based holiday. Thereisextensiveon-routesupport, luggagetransfers, entertainment, medical team, bicycle repair facilities, eBike

charging and much more.

TheTAC is the naming rights partner of the iconic GreatVic, withthe message‘Be Seen, Be Safe. Sharethe Road’. “The Bicycle Networkiscommitted to working with the TACtoprevent road

encouragesafe, sustainable travel. TheTAC

is

of the

the bike in Australia, and this partnership ensures safety is built into every pedal stroke,” Ms McCormack said.

traumaand

GreatVic Bike Ride

one

mostuplifting weeks on

Riders enjoying the finaldaysofthe 2025 TACGreat Vic Bike Ride in SouthWest Victoria.

NathanLynch in full flightfor Victoria.Photo:Bowls Victoria

Rain impacts manygames

Aconsiderable number of Gisborne District Cricket Association matches were hit hardonSaturdaythrough the impact of heavy overnightrain, and follow-up moisture at differentvenues.

TheGDCA acted quickly in advanceto declareall junior matches could nottake placeonSaturday.

Thesurfaces of some grounds ended up waterlogged, while otherswerestill fit for playtotakeplaceonSaturdayafternoon.

At Gilbert Gordon Reserve, the pitch surfacewas coveredinwater and'no play' wasdeclared possible in the important McIntyreCup 1sts two-daymatch between Woodend and Gisborne.

This matchnow becomes aone-day fixturethis Saturday, December 6.

Therewas also no playatall in the Sunbury United versus Wallan McIntyre 1sts match.Itisalsoaone-dayaffair on Saturday.

ROMSEY IN BOXSEAT Romseyisincommand of its McIntyre 1sts match against Broadford

TheRedbacks bundled Broadfordout for110 in 40.1 overs andhad big smiles on their faceswith the overall effort of their bowlers.

Paceman Louis Moor continued his recent good form with early wickets, finishing withfigures of 4-11 from nine overs. Other bowlersplayedtheir part.

Captain BenWay promotedhimself up

the order to open in an obvious move to getquickruns, but RileyNolan skittled his wicketsfor 5.

CoreyDay hit up aquick 29 before being run out,and TomBoyerentrenched himself to enable the Redbacks to reach 3/82 by stumps.

Barring acalamitouscollapse, Romsey will takefirst innings points and possibly try to create the scenario of both sides having achancefor an outright.

In the other McIntyre Cupmatch,play wasdelayedconsiderably,and eventually Macedon reduced Rupertswood to 5/78 from 42.4 overs

All-rounder Cam Clayton took thenew ball and captured three wickets forthe Cats.

Plenty of interest left in howthis encountercontinues at Tony ClarkeReserve on Saturday.

Some of the scheduled one-daymatches produced results, but themajority were abandoned or finished up with points shared.

MASSIVESCORE

At Kings Park in Seymour,the powerful Eastern Hill batting brigade took controlof their matchagainst Lancefield in Johnstone 2nds.

Brayden Speechleyled theway with an unbeaten103 in atally of 5/374 declared from 61.5 overs,and Lancefield lost two wicketscheaply before stumps. In Jensen Shield 2nds bowlerswere on topwith Trentham bundled out fora

Women’scricket

Keen rivals Macedon and Gisborne foughtout aclose finish in Kookaburrawomen's A-grade cricketonSunday.

TheCatscompiled ahealthy2/132 (Kym Riley50ret,Caitlin Shaw 39 notout) from 20 overs, and managed to restrict Gisborne to 5/122. Captain Brianna Woodburn hit 50 from 40 balls forGisborne, and Ruby Watts made29. AmyMiles claimed 2-11 forthe Cats. Bacchus Marshscoredanimposing 2/136 (Kim Bessell 50 ret., Sara Drew 35 notout,and kept Lancefield Blackto4/93(Ebony Penny32).

Kilmoreforfeited to Wallan in the other A-grade match.

In B-grade, Lancefield Yellowopener Emily Consiglio slammed sevenfoursand asix in compilingaquick fire53ret.against East Sunbury

TheTigersmade 4/120 (Rhianna Kirk 3-4) and in atightfinish kept East Sunbury to 4/116 (Kirk 50 ret) Melton Centrals beat Broadfordonforfeit.

meagre69in24.3 oversbya strong Riddell attack.

TheBomberslostsix wicketsintheir run chase.

ALLTHE SCORES

Available scores from GDCAmatches on Saturdayfollow: McIntyreCup 1sts (two days): Broadford 110 (J.Zerella 35, R. Nolan33— L. Moor 4-11) vRomsey3-82 (C.Day 29); Rupertswood 5/78 vMacedon (C.Clayton 3-26). No playpossibleinWoodend vGisborneand Sunbury United vWallan. Both become one-daymatches this Saturday Johnstone Shield 1sts: Lancefield 78 (M. McLean 46 —O.Newell 4-7, B. Bryant 4-20) vEastern Hill 3/104 (Newell 33 n.o., O. Bryant 30 n.o., B. Cox29); Kilmore190 (R. Quinert 34, J. Squire32— J. Nelson 7-76)vEast Sunbury; Harkness 96 (T.Barratt6-30)v DiggersRest 1/23; Sunbury Kangaroos vEynesbury (noplay) McIntyre2nds: Macedon 3/35 vRupertswood; Wallan 6/121 (Z. Bell 51, B. Regan 39 n.o. —S.Hateli 5-30) vSunbury United. Broadford vRomseyand Gisborne vWoodend become one-daymatches this Saturday.

Johnstone 2nds: Eastern Hill 5/374 dec. (B. Speechley103 n.o., R. Grant 89, P. Speechley72) vLancefield 2/22; Sunbury Kangaroos 8/62 dec. (C.Woolley27—K Jones 3-9) vEynesbury 2/19; DiggersRest 172 (J.Cleur 56, A. Edwards42— M. Ali 7-38, S. Hussain 3-29) vHarkness 142 (H. Ali66 —C.Hall 3-8, J. Storey 3-37); East

Winner at Caulfield

Kynetontrainer Liam Howleywas pleased with the return to form by four-year-old galloperOpening Address on Saturday. TheNew Zealand-bred geldingwon theWhispering AngelHandicap over 1800 metres at Caulfield, afteravery well-judged ride by apprenticeLukeCartwright. Thetrack wasrated asoft6

Opening Address took his stakeearnings to $267.000 from 13 starts, including twometropolitan wins. Starting at odds of $21, OpeningAddress wasthe longest priced winner at thecity meeting.

Howley'srecentOpen Day gathering at the Kyneton racecourse attracteda good number of interested visitors, who were given agood insightintohow thoroughbreds arepreparedfor racing.

Sunbury vKilmore(no scores).

Jensen 2nds: Trentham 69 (H. Fitzpatrick 30 —M.Lloyd 3-4) lost to Riddell 6/71 (A. Thorneycroft 3-35) ;Woodend 9/162 c.c. (A. Gray 29, C. Large 27 —M.Cox 3-24) lost to Malmsbury3/165 (M. Pruden 74, L. Pruden 28); Macedon 7/184 (S. Gray86, T. Kean 43 —J.Newman 3-42) vSunbury United; Wallan 5/197 (B. Pangeni 97, H. Sandhu 29, R. Fowler 28 —B.Pearson 3-26) vRupertswood); Romsey vGisborne and Blackwood vHanging Rock abandoned. Jensen 3rds: Melton 6/191 c.c. (M. Abbas101 ret. I. Qazi 43)dEynesbury 170 (S. Goodwin 37,D.Stark 31 —M.Abbas 4-36, S. Sandhu 3-5). Rupertswood 117 (N. Edwards44n.o. abandoned. All other games abandoned.

Club North: Malmsbury Gold 1/163 (H. Tautkus50ret,J.Lewer50ret., J. Mooney 40 n.o.) dRomsey5/136 (J.Rees 50); Woodend 148 (D.Edwards 68, B. Marks 46 n.o. —M.Egan 4-12) lost to Broadford5/151 (PP 50, B. Jones43); Wallan 5/137 c.c.(A. Bingham 39, J. Dodd 34) lost to Malmsbury Green5/139 (R. Blizzard48, D. Nolte27 Dodd 3-13); Hanging Rock 112(N. Tonkin 39, B. Nicholls 28 —R.Matheson 3-3, T. James3-31) dKyneton107 (S. Burgis 57 C. Johns3-18); Gisborne vLancefield and KilmorevEasternHill abandoned.

Club South: Ruoertswood 6/118 (T Walker 39 n.o., J. Batchelor 38 n.o. —L Benbow 3-21, M. Brough 3-22) vMelton and Melton South7/87 vWoodend abandoned. No play in other matches

Newfaces,new ideas

Woodend Golf Club is confidentthe year ahead will see fresh ideas, energy,and positiveinitiatives from thenew leadership team

Therecentannualmeeting attractedsufficient interest to enable all vacancies to be filled. Presidentfor 2025-2026 is Murray Fraser,who has been on the executivepreviously Others elected were:

Secretary,Carla Taylor

Treasurer,Jannaya James.

Captain, Matt Pyne.

Directors— James O'Brien, Chris Hale,Adam Chew, Michelle Jacovoc, Andrew Davies, Matt Long.

Appreciation wasexpressed to theoutgoing committeemembersfor their dedication and hard work overthe previous 12 months.

Bill West

Leo Pruden bowls for Malmsbury in Jensen 2nds action at the Woodend Racecourse Reserve on Saturday Leo bowled seven overs and took 1-16 Leo’s dad Mark and brother Gus also played in the side

Onenational title,two podium places

AmyHume

TwoKynetonracedrivers have claimed podium positions and one has the title of Improved Production Under Two Litre National Championship.

Well-known Kynetonracechampion Brad Verekerwon the IPRA Nationals title at thePhillip Island Grand Prix Circuit last month.

"The win is still slowly sinking in,"Vereker told the Express Thenational championship is nowhis second, sinceclaiming the Hyundai ExcelMastersChampion title in 2022.

Sincethen, Verekerhas also put in astrong performance forthe TyrepowerV8SuperUteSeries to earn Rookie of the Year

Phillip Island wasa whole differentexperiencebut Vereker went in with confidenceand aclear head.

Forthe Phillip Island Nationalsweekend,Vereker raceda Datsun1200 coupethathis friend Simon Phillips had rebuilt.

"Hedid ahugeamountofwork on the car,"Vereker said.

"Wewentwith the hopeofwinning and being very competitive.

"Wewantedtolast the weekend. Theplan wastojust manage thecar and to push, but notpush theboundaries toofar early in the weekend.

"I started the final in pole position, managed it, and won."

Verekerwas proud to claimthe national title at his 'home track' in Victoria and to sharethe podium with fellow Kynetonracer,up-and-comer Josh Perkins, who cameinthird.

"Wehavebeenfamily friends fora long time. It's greatto see Josh on the podium,"hesaid.

PERKINSDEBUT

Perkins' placementwas an impressiveend to his first ever race meeting, which wasnot short of adrenalin and skill.

The20-year-old competed in auniqueRx7 with skinny 12a to meetthe U2L class rules.

Racing runs deep forPerkins who has been watching his father,seasoned competitor John Perkins, race sincethe age of five.Thistime, both father andson competed at the same track butindifferentclasses.

On theSaturday, Josh qualified 13th of 26 to finish eighth in his first race.Itset him up to finish fifth in his second race following some competitor mechanical drop-outs but also some genuine placegains.

Sunday'swet track sawJohnclip the wall in the second lap of his first race that day, wiping his chanceatatrophyin the Over 2L class.

He wascheckedbythe medical team, although uninjured, and Josh had seen the incidentwithout knowing theoutcome rightbeforehis race

Josh began 11th and handled the rain well to finish sixth, setting him up forhis final race

Starting in fifth, Josh could neverhaveexpected what wastocome next.

Twodrivers in thirdand fourth smashed into each other to come offthe track. Josh held thirdfor the last twolaps despiteheavy pressurefromseasoned professionals behind him.

"Josh. He held his nerveand gotthirdplace. We were celebrating. It's notcommon to gettwo on the podium from Kyneton,"John said.

"Josh droveexceptionally well forsomeone who wasracing forthe first time, and it wasthe first time he had raced thatcar.Hereally showedagreat race maturity

"I have been acompetitor for42yearsbut, I'vebeen told, nowI'm nota competitor: I'm Josh Perkins' dad. Myself and wifeKim arevery proud parents."

Verekertakes Rookie of theYear

AmyHume

Kyneton'sBradVereker has been named Rookie of the Year in the TyrepowerV8SuperUteSeries afterfinishing ninth overall in his first full season.

Verekercapped offthe series with asixth place overall finish at SandownonNovember 14-16 in the final round of the season.

He madehis TyrepowerV8SuperUtes debut at Darwin last year.Thisyear'sOctober Bathurst 1000 weekend marked his first time racing at Bathurst.

Rookie of the Year is awarded to thehighest ranked rookieofthe series and well-earned forthe Kynetonlocal.

"It'sgood thatthe hardwork throughout the year pays off. It's nicetoget arewardand finish on thatnote,"Vereker told the Express "Itwas afantastic dayatSandown. Ihavehad greatsupport nationally and locally.I'm looking forwardtonextyear."

Verekerhas been backed by hugesupport from home and afar includinglocal businesses that have been part of his racing journeyfor manyyears. His Cooka Club membership has also reached more than 40.

Verekeraims to create biggerand better packages forpeople who want throw their support behind him next year.Anyoneinterestedinbeing involved can contact him on 0447 920 155.

Rookie of the Year Brad Verekerfinished ninth overall in the TyrepowerV8SuperUte Series.

Brad Verekerwon theIPRA Nationals title at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

Kynetondrivers Brad Verekerand Josh Perkins congratulate each other on first and thirdpodium positions.

Perkins competedinaRx7 with skinny12a forhis first race meeting.

SaundersinHall of Fame

OneofGisborne's greatest ever footballershas received further recognition by being installed in the BendigoFootball Netball League's Hall of Fame.

Gisborne Football Netball Club is thrilled Luke Saundershas received this honour

Tough and competitivewith high leadership qualities, the home-grownproduct playeda keyrole in one of Gisborne's most successful football periods.

Saundersand nine other illustriousadditions to theBFNL's Hall of Fame received justified applause at therecentgala presentation nightheld in Bendigo. Two Hall of Famerswereupgraded to 'Legend' status.

'Champion'isnot used lightly as aterm, and Saunderswas described as a'Champion of the BFNL'.

He hadastellar 145-game career with Gisborne, and these included fivepremierships —in 1997 (Riddell League), 2002, 2003, 2006, and 2007. He was captain at Bulldogland in 2006

and 2007.

Saunderswas atalentedand inspiring midfielder whowas more than capable up forward.

He wonthe Michelsen Medal in 2005, and wasrunner-up in the next twoseasons.

As playing coachin2011 and 2012 he took his squad to six finals, including the 2012 grand final.

He representedthe Bendigo League on four occasions, including being captain in 2006 and 2007.

And he wasalsoa Vic Country playerin2004, 2006 (vice-captain)and 2007 (captain).

Saundersplayedwith CoburgFitzroy Lions in 1999-2000, and spenta season with the Port Adelaide Magpies in 2008.

Achantof'Rolls-Royce' echoed when Saundersconcluded his acceptancespeech.

OTHER RECIPIENTS

Theother nine newHall of Famersinducted areMaryborough champion MatthewAston, RichardJones (journalist who

had coveredthe BFNL foraround 50 years),Rod Threfall (long time umpire),Rose Gallagher (Sandhurst netball legend), Gary Cowling (South Bendigostar nowdeceased), SteveMcDougall (Eaglehawk champion with 18 inter-league games to his credit), Dannyand Kylie Ellis(services to Sandhurst FNC and the BFNL), Chris Greene (Sandhurst).

ALegend of the BFNL is regarded as someone that has reached the very pinnacle of those who come to mind as having made avery significant contribution.

Golden Square'schampion winger PeterMoroni (record holder with 456 games, plus17 times arepresentativeplayer) was installed as aLegend, as was1987 and 1989 Michelsen Medal winner Brendan Hartney, anamesynonymouswith country football.

Hartneycaptained Bendigo in 1989 when the side scored afamous victory over Geelong in division one of the Country Championships.

‘Welovethe game and we want to play footy’

Whether you’rea seasoned playerorlacing up the boots forthe first time, Gisborne Football NetballClub is calling all girls and women who arekeen to join their club forthe 2026 footyseason.

Theclubstandsapartfromothersinthe region as the only one to offera full rangeofteams, from Under 7s rightthrough to Seniorslevel.Darren Mitchell, director of female football at GFNC, said he wasproud of whatthe club had built since2013.

"We're continuing to fightthe good fight. Andwith afull rangeofteamsthere's nowa full pathway to develop our female players from ayoung ageright through,"hesaid

"Ifthere'sanoverarching policy,it'sthatthis club acceptseveryone, it doesn't matter who youare.And anyone can playwith no experience whatsoever. It's neverbeen about winning, but the girls love to challengeone another.We're big on our philosophyaround fun."

Andironically, this philosophy andculture have translatedintoa winning team on the field. Last year their senior women'steam wonthe Grand Final.

"The girls from thatteam had only known each other fortwo weeks before the firstgamelast year" Mitchell said.

Apremiership selfie in the club roomssuggests something moreakin to family Premiership playerHayleyMitchell joked, "we couldn't believe it. Therewas alot of celebration with thatpremiership cup. It went everywhere. Ican't believe it'sstill in good condition."

Sheadded, "this is auniversal sport whereanyone canplay. And we'reall therefor the same reason. We love the game and we want to playfooty".

Co-captain of the premiership side, Amanda Crooks, added "Weknowwalking into anyclub is ascary first step and we'veall been there. Butwewanteveryone to come down.Evenifyou just come to theground and sit in the caroronthe boundary forfiveminutes. We'll come up to youand introduceourselves and makeyou feel welcome. It doesn't matter if you've neverplayedbefore."

Theclubwill also have afootball academyrunning for4-6 weeks to develop all skill levels of anyclub players interested. They'rehoping to have AFLWplayersand other veterans of the game to help sharpen up players forthe season ahead. Anyone who has questions or is keen on joining can call Amanda on 0422 324 379, or Darren on 0412 335 554. If youready to laceupthe boots, head to https://bit.ly/3KxKdbZ

Cannonsand Rockies into CBL final

TheCastlemaine Cannons and the Macedon Ranges Rockies are settofaceoff in the Country Basketball League North West grand final showdownthisSaturdayevening December 6after each side won their respectivesemi-finals.

Castlemaine hosted the at the MilduraHeatintheir semi-final clash at theWar Memorial Stadium at WesleyHill last Saturdaynight.

TheCannons jumped outtoanearly six-pointlead in the opening termnetting 16 to 10.

Castlemaine continued to dominate in the second term shooting 26 to 14 to hold ahandy 18-pointlead at half-time.

Theside maintained themomentuminthe second half to run out winners85to50and claim aspotinthe final.

Jake Lloyd wasonfireshooting atotal of 21, RayTurner chipped in with17. Best on Courtwas Jake Lloyd

TheMacedon Ranges Rockieswelcomed the Melton Thoroughbreds to the Macedon Ranges Sports PrecinctonSaturdaynight.

Macedon started on the rightfootbagging 28 points to the Thoroughbreds 22 in theopeningstanza.

TheRockies upped theanteinthe second term slamming on another 33 points to Melton's 26.

Thevisitorsbounced back in thethirdshooting 29 points to 25.

However, Macedon rallied in thefinal term shooting 25 to 23 and ranout winners111 to 100.

Jack Dohmen-Jolly27, JacobPoyser 19, and Flinn McGinty15led the wayfor Macedon. Best on Courtfor theRockies wasHakaraia Tahi

TheCastlemaine Cannons and Macedon Ranges Rockieswill now vie forgrand final glory at the Cobblebank Stadium at Melton this Saturday night, December 6at8pm. TheCannons looking to go back to back aftertheir 2024 success and the Rockieshoping to topple the Cannons and claim the hallowedtitle. Thesides have only metonce this season withthe Cannons coming out on topby16points. Be sure to be courtside forwhatisanticipatedtomassive showdown between the toptwo sides.

Premiership selfie in the club rooms.Photo:Alexia Todorovic

Well deserved: Gisborne’s Luke Saunders becomes aBendigoHall of Famer: Photo courtesyofBFNL and SAAImaging

Cannon Chris Hogan soarsabove his Milduraopponent.

Photo:Peter Banko

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