Midland Express Tuesday December 3 2024

Localyoung entrepreneuronthe rise

At just 15 years old, Quinn has launched an innovative local enterprise, Quinntessential Oddities Quinnisodd.com is an online store featuring quirky fidget toys, 3D-printed goods and convenient charging solutions for phones and other electronics.

Quinn’sjourney began with acherished memory: “When Iwas seven, my dad introduced me to stargazing. He wanted to build atelescope and that sparked my interest in engineering. It’sa memory I cherish,” Quinn recalls.

This early experience sparked alifelong fascination with science and problem-solving.

Quinn is driven by an unyielding curiosity and love of all things STEM.

“I’ve been working on atheory Icall the Mills TheoryofCritical Time and Distance,” Quinn adds. “It’smyway of trying to explain some quantum properties of photons. I’m still working on it, but it’s exciting.”

Being neurodivergent, Quinn advocates for more inclusivity in education to help autistic young people thrive.

“Schools need to create spaces where our needs are met —quiet areas for focus and opportunities to work on things we’re passionate about,” Quinn explains.

Quinn’sjourney to Global Village Learning marked aturning point after feeling unsupported in a traditional school environment. Upon arrival, Quinn was captivated by the GVL maker space surrounded by tools like a3Dprinter and laser cutter

Through trial and error,tinkering and experimentation, Quinn became aself-taught expert.

“Failures aren’t failures to me —they’re opportunities. If something’snot working, Ithink, ‘This is an opportunity to learn something new’. It’sa mindset I’ve developed, and it’shelped me grow,” Quinn reflects.

Quinn is an embodiment of GVL’svision to create an environment that’snot aschool, but asupportive environment in which young people can be the drivers of their own futures.

The Pathwaysand Futures Hub isthe brand new senior program, providing young

people aged 15–20 with aspace to explore passions and prepare for life beyond school.

Whether focusing on internships, entrepreneurial ventures, or further studies, the program’spersonalised approach empowers each learner to take control of their unique path.

To learn more about how GVL empowers young people to create their futures, visit gvl.vic.edu.au/pathways-futures

Quinn, an innovative young entrepreneur, has recently launched online business Quinntessential Oddities.

The recent Rising Tide blockade of the world'slargest coal port was attended by more than 30 people from central Victoria, with seven of the 173 arrestees at the Port of Newcastle coming from Castlemaine, Guildford and surrounds.

More than 7000 people attended the Rising Tide protestival in Newcastle from November 19 to 25, demanding astop to the expansion of the coal industry,and a 78 per cent tax for multinational fossil fuel corporations to assist with the transition to cleaner energy.The protest then moved to Canberra where hundreds of people took the message to Australian Parliament and many more were arrested. The Albanese Government has approved 28 new coal and gas projects.

In Newcastle, the NSW Police Force put astoptothe protests, stealing paddles from people in boats and using a spike to puncture kayaks.

On the final day of the blockade, the kayakers achieved ahistoric first: a flotilla of kayaks forced acoal ship to turn around on its final leg into the harbour 173 people were arrested in Newcastle; 14 of the arrestees were aged under 18 years, 17 were aged over 65 years and almost three per cent of the arrestees were from central Victorian towns.

Some protesters were charged with section 15A(2) of the Maritime Safety Act, '...not comply with adirection (maximum penalty $3300)' but most were charged with section 214A(1) (b) of The Crimes Act, '...damage/disrupt amajor facility, with amaximum penalty of $22000 and two years' prison'.

One of the first arrestees was aCastlemaine resident, father of three and social worker Bernard Tonkin. Bernard spent six hours in custody at Newcastle Police Station, and says that the Australian Government targets conveniently ignore

emissions that result from our coal and gas exports.

"If we were to account for our exports, Australia is responsible for around 4.5 per cent of global fossil carbon dioxide emissions. Many pretend that Australia is aminor player on the world stage when it comes to carbon emissions, but this is Australia'sbig dirty lie," Bernard said.

"Weare like amajor drug syndicate for the world'sfossilfuel addiction and we employ the drug dealers defense: if we don't sell it to them someone else will, or we just make money out of selling coal but we're not responsible for the human suffering caused."

Another arrestee was 79-year-old Castlemaine resident Terry White.

"It was an ecstatic moment for me, resting quietly on the water,waiting to be

Fatal crash at Monegeetta

A15-year-old Lancefield boy has died after crashing his car in Monegeetta early Saturday morning.

It is believed the vehicle was travelling along Melbourne-Lancefield Road when it veered offthe road and crashed into atree just before 6am. The boy,the sole occupant of the vehicle, died at the scene. The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has footage, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

arrested," he said.

sted

"Ever since the year 2000, Ihave been active in several central Victorian climate movements such as retrofitting low-income households. Iknew these local efforts were important but not enough.

"I was very proud to be amongst this year's arrestees, and I‘ll go again next year."

Guildford resident Benedict Hughes was not only arrested for being in the shipping channel, but was also banned from Parliament of Australia for three months for sitting and chanting in the foyer

"Weare on the brink of acatastropic climate tipping point, yet the Government is allowing new coal projects rather than taxing coal export profits to fund rapid community and industrial transition," Benedict said.

Benedict Hughes and his youngest child Sol on their boat in Newcastle.

Lyttleton St, Castlemaine. Ph: 5472 1651

Anger at brokenpromise

The creation of anew Wombat-Lerderderg National Park has been delayed until next year,angering local environmental activists who describe the failure of the state government to legislate the park as abroken promise.

Members and supporters of Wombat Forestcare were assured in letters from the environment minister,Steve Dimopoulos, and local member,Mary-Anne Thomas, that the Bill to create the Wombat-Lerderderg and Mount Buangor National Parks would be introduced to the Victorian Parliament this year.However,Thursday was the last sitting day for the year and the government failed to present the Bill.Wombat Forestcare convenor,Gayle Osborne, said the group'smembers and supporters, together with the Victorian National Parks Association, had campaigned for years for the protection of their unique forest and its inhabitants.

"Weare devastated that the parks have not been legislated as promised,” she said.

The promised national park would conserve 24,000 hectares of the Wombat Forest for its vital animals, plants and fungi and for future generations to enjoy

The forest provides habitat for many endangered creatures including the greater glider and the powerful owl.

It is also home to the critically endangered wombat leafless bossiaea. There are only five known plants in the wild and they are all in the Wombat Forest.

"It is incumbent on the state government to ensure that these and other threatened species are not reduced in numbers in our region," Ms Osborne said.

“It is now five and ahalf years since the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council released its Central West Investigation report and three and half years since the government promised to create three new national parks.

“Instead of the legislation being presented to the Victorian Parliament, the Department of the Environment is continuing its program of salvage logging of storm-affected fallen timber

"Weask how this environmentally destructive activity can occur in aforest that has such important conservation values that it is to be anational park?

“Our community has worked so hard to have the Wombat recognised for its incredible wildlife.

"For more than 14 years Wombat Forestcare has campaigned for ‘Park’ status for our forest, so many people have attended protest events, written letters to politicians and supported the campaign in so many ways.

"The delay to implement the national and other parks is extremely frustrating."

AVictorian Government spokesperson said legislation to create the first two national parks, Wombat-Lerderderg National Park and Mount Buangor National Park, was expected to be introduced to Parliament in early 2025.

"Existing recreational activities will beable to continue in the new national parks –including hunting, camping, walking dogs, hiking, bush walking, four-wheel driving, BMX and more," the spokesperson said.

"Wewant as many Victorians as possible to enjoy the great outdoors with access to awide range of recreational opportunities, while alsomaking sure weprotect what we all love about the bush.”

The government said the legislative process to establish the new national parks required detailed surveying and mapping to prepare park plans, which delineatepark boundaries for inclusion in the legislation.

Our outdoor pool season kicks off in Castlemaine, Harcourt, Maldon and Newstead from Saturday 7December until Monday10March.

Thepools offer avariety of activities, including lap-lane swimming, barbecues, aqua aerobics and inflatable fun.

Come along to one of the following family-friendly events in the coming weeks forabarbecue and inflatable pool fun!

•Castlemaine pool: Saturday7December, 3.00pm-5.00pm

•Maldon pool: Sunday8 December,3.00pm-5.00pm

•Newstead pool:Saturday14December,3.00pm-5.00pm

•Harcourt pool: Sunday15December,3.00-5.00pm

Formoreinformation visit www.mountalexanderpools.com.au. Stay cool in the pool this summer!

Gayle Osborne, convenor of Wombat Forestcare, in the Wombat Forest on Thursday. Photo: Sandy Scheltema

Spreadingfestive cheer

Amy Hume

Kyneton Christmas Collective is determined to spread the festive spirit this year.

The newly formed collective is asmall group of passionate community members planning Christmas activities in Kyneton throughout December.

"We really felt there was alack of cohesive community Christmas spirit and wanted our kids to experience festivities," member Andie Webster said.

"This year in particular has been super tough, the cost-of-living crisis is really hitting people hard, so we feel some festive initiatives will bring some cheer into people's homes."

Some of those festive initiatives include aChristmas lightcompetition, Santa's letter box, ascavenger hunt planned for December 7, and Christmas rock painting that many local children have contributed to.

Local events like the Kyneton Agricultural Show and Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival have been ahuge inspiration for the collective, which aims to create asimilar cohesive community feeling.

"Our expectations for this year as the Kyneton Christmas Collective are to create avibrant and inclusive festive season that brings joy to our entire community," Andie said.

"Through collaborative efforts, we hope to deliver memorable events and experiences that reflect the warmth and creativity of our town.

"We really hope in the future we can bring alot of community groups together to work collaboratively and create bigger events."

Ideas are already forming for what could occur in the future including aChristmas market and carols event.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS COMP

The collective's community Christmas lights competition is already building momentum with entries closing this week.

People can enter their light displays for achance to win prizes including the big 'overall' and 'most resourceful'.

"We have been encouraging people on our social media platforms to reuse, recycle and upcycle objects around their home for displays," Andie said.

"We have already spotted an incredible nutcracker made out of cardboard boxes along Mollison Street. It's just so fantastic to see people’s creativity!"

Entries will be included in an interactive map so people can easily move around town to see the magic.

For afull list of Kyneton Christmas Col-

lective activities and updates, community members are encouraged to join the 'The Kyneton Christmas Collective’ Facebook page.

People can find details about the event and register their displays via the Facebook event page ‘The Kyneton Christmas Light and Decoration Competition’. There, you will also find safety recommendations and information about light displays available.

Submissions can also be made via email: kynetonchristmaslights@gmail. com Registrations for light displays close on December 5. An interactive map will be made available by December 7with displays expected to ready by December 15. Winners of the competition will be announced December20.

Kyneton Christmas Collective organised acommunity painting day where people gathered to make Christmas items and decorations last week.

Sunflowers to spread cheer

ARomsey micro flower farmer is spreading joy through the gift of sunflower seeds to Macedon Ranges residents.

Sunflowers have been asymbolofhope and joy for Gaynor Faye who was diagnosed with arare neurological condition at the age of 42.

Facing difficulties with walking, talking and tremors, Gaynor had to give up her career and seek aslower-paced life.

"I had the rug pulled out from my feet," she said. "It totally changed the course of my life."

"I was atypical 'type A' person, so it has been ajourney ofunderstanding slow living.

"I began buying seeds and filling my garden with flowers, and watching them grow gave me areason to get up every day."

"Growing flowers also made me feel connected to my late nanna Beryl, whose

house on Britannia Avenue was my happy place as achild."

Gaynor moved to Romsey and recently began the process of establishing amicro flower farm: Britannia AvenueBotanical Emporium.

"The peace and slower pace of this beautiful regionhas helped in my recovery Now Iwant to give back and spread that same hopeand joy," she said.

Britannia Avenue Botanical Emporium is giving 10,000 giant sunflower seeds to the Macedon Ranges community

Macedon Ranges residents canclaim a free packet of seeds via by registering via: forms.gle/3PNrT1sCY9BTjBPi6

Verdure Bistro will be aseed collection point with proof of registration. Seed packets are limited to one per household and should be planted by the end of December

GaynorFaye is spreading joy through the gift ofsunflower seeds to Macedon Ranges residents.

National winners!

Lisa Dennis

Maine Bridge Club members Robin Archer and Charles Young have won the 2024 Australia Wide Restricted Pairs Title.

This is an enormous achievement, with the local duo beating 1057 other pairs from around Australia to claim the prestigious national honours in the bridge competition.

The comp was open to Australian Bridge Federation members with less than 300 masterpoints.

Other Maine Bridge Club members worthy of mention were Annie Wiltshire and Chris Dyson (in the top 20%), Sandy Noble and Ken Bessell (top 25%) and Jan Williams and Merlyn Pritchard (top 30%).

Charles said the competition cameright down to the wire.

"Pairs from clubs right across the country competed in the event, everyone plays the same cards and it's about who plays the cards best and achieves the highest points," he said.

"The matches took place over several days and we were in the top tier and anxiously waiting for the final club toload their results. In the end we won by the narrowest of margins .1 per cent!"

Following Robin and Charles' success they will appear in an article in Australian Bridge

Locals have been enjoying spirited bridge competition at the Castlemaine University of the Third Age for some time, but the local competition took ahit during covid.

Maine Bridge Club president Louise Griffin said many local bridge players continued toenjoy the challenging trick-taking card game online via the Bridge Base Online app throughout the pandemic and in the wake of covid the Maine Bridge Club wasformed.

The clubcurrently comprises more than 80 members and gathers for competition atthe Castlemaine Church of Christ inBlakeley Road, Castlemaine every Tuesday afternoon inconjunction with Castlemaine U3A. Competitions are also held on the second and fourth Thursday of the month andanonlinesession takes place every Wednesday.

The local club also enjoys an annual interclubcompetition against the Macedon Ranges and has representatives attend 'congress' competitions all over the state and beyond.

Robin and Charles said they had enjoyed every minute of their involvement in the challenging game and the friendly local club.

"It's one of the only clubs that is steadily growing in numbers and participation, which speaks volumes to the welcoming vibe here at

Castlemaine," Charles said.

"We have players across arange of skill levels and experience. It is agame where you are always learning and improving. "You take awaysomething new every time."

Robin said the game could be highly competitive.

"I always say when you walk into abridge club it can look quite demure, but don't be fooled. It's ablood sport!" she said.

"I played alot of 500 when Iwas younger but then graduated to bridge. Once you play bridge you will never go back. Iwas instantly hooked!

"Local tutor Graham Forbes at Castlemaine U3A has played an integral role in introducing many local players to the game.

"It is so complex, you are not only competing against the other pair at your table of four, but trying to outdo those playing in your position (north, south, east or west) playing your same cards throughout the room or (in the case of the Restricted Pairs) across Australia.

"You receive an ABF ranking and you can work to improve your game and that ranking every time you play.

"It's fascinating to discover how others chose to playthe same cards, and how you could improve or do things differently next time around!"

To discover more about the club visit the Maine Bridge Club website.

Maine Bridge Club champs Robin Archer (left) and Charles Young (right) are congratulated on their recent national win by president Louise Griffin, secretary Merlyn Pritchard and fellow members.

TouchedOut exploresparenting

Amy Hume

Matt Carter is unafraid to tackle the tough and taboo of parent life in his podcast Touched Out

From grief, loss and solo parenting, to neurodivergence and childhood trauma, Carter offers listeners an array of real-life stories from guests and his own personal journey.

The Lancefield creator launched his podcast soon after he was diagnosed with ADHD and autism at age 35.

Struggling to find resources for neurodivergent parents, in the form of apodcast, he decided to fill the gap.

The term "touched out" is used to describe feeling overwhelmed by being physically needed constantly by children or apartner.

Carter's podcast acknowledges it's okay to feel exhausted and overwhelmed, and opens vital conversations.

"The podcast is, in away,selfish because it's what Iwant to listen to," he told the Express

"It's genuine and authentic –I really am interested in talking to and understanding my guests."

As aparent of three under the age of five, with wife George who is also neurodivergent, Carter too has plenty of tales to share.

His refreshing perspective is what has earnt him the title of Parenting Podcast winner in this year's Australian Podcast Awards.

The awards were held in Sydney last month, and Carter's podcast was among more than 400 entries across 32 categories. There were six finalists in the parenting category including Happy Families with Dr Justin Coulson,and Parenthood Podcast

"To see my mug next to countless talented and seasoned podcast professionals was an incredible experience in itself but to also take home the win is one of the most validating and memorable experiences of my life," Carter said.

Carter built his podcast in 2022 from astrong social media presence, and word-of-mouth has seen support grow even stronger since. His full-time work as amental health support worker, ease in broaching serious subject matter, and ability to create asafe space for sharing, play abig role in the podcast's success.

There is now apotential guest list of about 50 waiting to tell their stories, and

Carter has confirmed he will return to the mic for athird season.

"I've formed alot of friendships through the podcast," he said.

"All the guests are great and have some kind of difference that makes them unique."

He and George share their own story in-depth in S1:E14 where they discuss informed consent and support –anepisode that was requested by followers.

Listeners can expect Touched Out to continue with athird season in February/ March next year.

To tune in, or to listen to past episodes, visit the website: touchedout.com

Matt Carter and wife George celebrate Touched Out’s success at the Australian Podcast Awards.

Romsey rallies support

Hundreds of community gift donations will make their way to families in the Romsey region doing it tough this Christmas.

Romsey Neighbourhood House put out the call for donations and volunteers for Gift Giving Days held at the weekend.

Neighbourhood house manager Michelle Balthazar said last year the drive supported 50 families and about 200 children. This year that is figure has increased to more than 60 families that registered for support.

"This year we are seeing the pinch more as Christmas approaches

with the cost-of-living crisis," she said.

"It helps those local families that are doing it tough at this time of year.Our aim to connect with families and offer them further support if needed.

"Wewant to thank the businesses, organisations, individuals and volunteers whohave rallied together to show their support through this initiative."

Many toys were also donated by the original Macedon Ranges Christmas toy shop and these gift giving days continues those efforts.

Lifesavers trained up at Kyneton

Kyneton Fire Brigade is one of nine CFAbrigades that are trained and ready to respond to select medical Triple Zero calls as part of anew program that will begin tomorrow

The new Fire Medical Response program is ajoint initiative between CFAand Ambulance Victoria that will see brigades dispatched simultaneously to cardiac arrests with the nearest ambulance.

The brigades have been training for months with Ambulance Victoria, while afurther 19 are currently enrolling in the program. By the completion of the program rollout, 50 strategically selected CFA brigades around Victoria will participate in the program.

Selected brigades are located across Victoria in areas that can best complement the Ambulance Victoria response where aCFA brigade may be able to reach a patient sooner

Ambulance Victoria'sexecutive director of regional operations, Danielle North, said Victoria’scardiacsurvival rates were one of the best in the world, thanks to high rates of early intervention.

“The Fire Medical Response program will improve survival rates for people in

rural and regional Victoria and make access to emergency care in acardiac arrest more equitable for all Victorians,” Ms North said.

“Quick intervention with CPR and a

defibrillator has the greatest impact on improving apatient’schancesofsurviving acardiac arrest.

“For every minute that CPR is delayed, survival decreases by 10 percent.”

Kyneton Fire Brigade members are trained and ready to respond to select medical Triple Zero calls.

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Peak awardfor

Castlemaine Scouts, Leah Hamilton and Bibby Montague, have achieved the peak award of the Scout Section, the Australian Scout Award.

To make thisachievement they have each ranked with high standards in core scouting skills such as camping, bushcraft and bushwalking, and have completed many other achievements too.

The highlight of the ASA is an 'Adventurous Journey', leading a group of scouts on athree-day, two night challenging adventure.

Bibby’sjourney was ahike from Barkers Creek over Leanganook (Mount Alexander) to Bendigo Regional Park.

Leah’sjourney was abike hike from Kangaroo Flat to Heathcote along the O’Keefe Rail Trail and back to Axedale.

The Scouts planned these journeys themselves with support from leaders, and they were conducted with remote support but without adults travelling with them.

Leah has gone on to the Venturer section at the 1st Castlemaine Scout Group, and Bibby is anow attending Venturers at the 1st Maryborough Scout Group.

The 1st Castlemaine Scout Group caters for Joey Scouts (aged five to eight), Cub Scouts (aged eight to 11), Scouts (aged 10-14) and Venturers (aged 14-18.).

Those interested in trying scouting, or adults seeking to lead, can make enquiries via the Scouts Victoria website.

Castlemaine Scouts Leah Hamilton and Bibby Montague have shown impressive skills throughout their scouting.

castlemaine KN281309

The wonder of whimsy

Debbie Daks' new exhibition at the Olivia Newton John Centre is atribute to whimsy'stransformative power

Through humour,playfulness and the delight of the unexpected, Debbie’swork invites viewers to embrace the lighter side of life, to foster resilience and joy,reframing challenges with imagination and optimism.

The Romsey artist was diagnosed with breast cancer in March this year and has since been undergoing treatment.

Known for her whimsical and cheerful art style, Debbie has found creating art ahelpful part of the healing process and looks forward to spreading its joy

"I understand the importance of having cheerful things around around when going through treatment," she said.

"I love to create works of art that people of all ages to enjoy,art is my way of communicating without words."

As part of the Arts in Healthcare program at the Olivia Newton-

John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, this exhibition is dedicated to the courageous and compassionate individuals who make up the centre’scommunity –its staff, patients and families.

As part of the exhibition, artworks created by children whose family members are receiving treatment at the ONJ Centre will also be featured.

"These pieces celebrate the imagination and resilience of young artists, highlighting the profound ways in which creativity can nurture connection and hope within families during challenging times," said Fiona Scottney,Arts in Healthcare coordinator

"By engaging with whimsy,wehope to provide the viewer with opportunities for shared laughter,connection, and healing —a vital antidote to the weight of serious illness."

The exhibition opened on December 9and will continue until the end of February.A selection of works, prints and art cards are also available for sale to fundraise for the ONJ Centre.

Debbie Daks’ new exhibition at the Olivia Newton John Centre is atribute to whimsy’s transformative power.

Artholds grief and loss

Some things are just too hard to find words for. Too raw to be exposed. Too difficult to unpack.

Unfathomable is an exhibition that features new work from five central Victorian artists at Castlemaine's Lot 19 Gallery.

It takes that which is hard to explain and transforms it into challenging, beautiful, messy and inspiring artworks —this, they say, is how we talk about the things that are unfathomable.

Minna Graham, of Musk, responds to the emotions that feel too overwhelming, such as grief and loss.

Minna creates physical forms—vessels,

containers—that embody these feelings, giving them atangible spacewhere they can exist and be processed. These pieces are not about finding answers, but about creating space to hold what cannot always be said.

Guildford's Ella Hughes has created asmall army of golems to hold her grief, while Allendale's Jackie Gorring has created relief prints that each tell astory. Working with found clay from around central Victoria, Chandra Paul, from Clunes, has conducted numerous experiments to make vessels. Chandra finds beauty in the weathered, uneven, transient

and unfinished.

Castlemaine artist Dannielle Wilkinson explores the unique relationship between women and their reproductive system through her work, My Father Called Me Barren

These artworks have the capacity to handle the complexity of emotions that some find hard to articulate or bear.

The exhibition opening will held at Lot 19 Art Gallery, Mc Shanag Road, Castlemaine, on Saturday December 7at2pm.

The exhibition will continue 10am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday, December7 to December 22.

Left to right: Golem, Ella Hughes. White tall vases with grasses, Chandra Paul. My Father Called Me Barren, Dannielle Wilkinson.

Bill West

A24-year-old from Romsey has just won the prestigious Australian Technical Officers Association'sApprentice of the Year Award, competing against finalists from several trades.

Bonnie Saunders received the award at alavish function attended by about 400 people at the Plaza Ballroom in Melbourne.

The award recognises outstanding performance in training.

As afinal (fourth) year electrical apprentice working on the huge Metro Tunnel project in Melbourne with the renowned Nilsen Electrical company,Bonnie is looking forward to graduating and becoming afully fledged electrician next year

Back in April, 2022, she was selected as female electrical apprentice of the year for Victoria and Tasmania.

This was for outstanding excellence in trade training and on the job performance, with 69 initially under consideration.

The latest award is regarded as a further 'step up', and Bonnie admitted

she was pleased to be afinalist, let alone emerging as the winner "Wewere sitting at table 13, and that's my lucky number,soIguess it was agood omen," she laughed.

Bonnie hopes this win will help motivate more girls/women in the Macedon Ranges and beyond to seriously consider taking up atrade, rather than going down an academic path.

It'sbeen areal learning curvefor Bonnie since leaving Gisborne Secondary College; she'salways had awork ethic, but was initially unsure which direction to take.

Atradie suggested she try work experience with him, and she hasn't looked back since.

For some months Bonnie has been working nightshift, leaving Romsey in the afternoon and returning very,very late.

"The disadvantage is there'snotrain at that time, but traffic is virtually nil and you just have to avoid the kangaroos.

"I've found workmates are really good, and I've learnt alot about electro-technology

"You can never stop learning.

"Next year Ihopeto stay with Nilsen

Electrical, after finishing my apprenticeship in July."

She'skeen to 'spread the word' about the positives ofbecoming atradesperson, and is willing totalk to interest groups.

Bonnie expressed appreciation to long time Nilsen field officer Elise Halton for her help.

"My Dad (Michael) has been great and IthinkI've inherited someof my technical skills from him."

Michael, who is employed by Barker Trailers at Woodend, said he was very proud of his daughter on her progress to this level, and also proud of her brother Harley,who is immersed in IT

Bonnie also had words of praise for 'Nan and Pa' (Barbara and John Saunders, from New Gisborne) for their continual encouragement over along period of time.

Minister of TAFE andRegional Development, Gayle Tierney,made the award presentation.

The evening was staged by the Apprentice Employment Network, GAN Australia and Apprenticeships Victoria.

Grants forwildlifecarers

Applications have opened for the state government'sWildlife Rehabilitator Grants with up to $3000 in funding available to support wildlife rescue volunteers provide native animals in need of rehabilitation.

Wildlife shelter operators and foster carers can apply for funding to cover arange of expenses, including equipment, vet fees, training, feed and medication.

Wildlife shelter operators can up apply for up to $3000. Foster carers can apply for up $2000. Applications are now open and close on Wednesday,February 5.

For more information on the grants, and to submit an application, visit: wildlife.vic.gov.au/ grants/wildlife-rehabilitator-grants

Bonnie Saunders at work.

Bonnie with Minister of TAFE and Regional Development, Gayle Tierney.

MTORING

Securethattrailer

There was a25per cent increase in car trailer thefts in Victoria over the year to June 2024 according to data from the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency

During the previous period, 1392 trailers were stolen but that number has jumped to 1750 in line with an increase in other motor vehicle theft offences.

Trailer theft prevention tips

Wheel locks Awheel lock can immobilise your trailer,preventing thieves from easily taking your trailer away.Asa result, wheel locks also act as agreat visual deterrent as many opportunistic thieves will not try to break through aheavy-duty wheel clamp.

Trailer tongue locks Atrailer tongue lock fits in or over the trailer tongue, preventing athief from inserting ahitch ball by plugging up the coupler.Without being able to attach the trailer to avehicle, thieves can’t drive offwith your trailer

This is agreat lock for when you need to leave your trailer disconnected from your vehicle. Make sure that any tongue lock you use is made from strong metal, is tool and pick resistant, and has akey or combination mechanism that requires the

correct key or code to open.

Trailer hitchlocks This prevents thieves from uncoupling your trailer from your vehicle. Simply install your ball mount into the trailer hitch’sreceiver tube, then insert the hitch lock instead of the regular hitch pin. Aball mount with a hitch lock typically uses aprotective cap secured by alock cylinder or padlock.

Thieves won’t be able to slide out the hitch pin to uncouple your trailer Awireless alarm Awireless alarm that makes aloud sound if tampered with can scare thieves away from your trailer It can also alert you, or passers-by,tothe attempted theft.

Park and store safely Once you’ve arrived, park in awell-lit area, preferably in alockedgarageorshed if possible. You can even block your trailer’sexit path with your towing vehicle so that thieves can’t manoeuvre it away

Don’t leave items unattended Make sure goods and valuables you’re carrying around are not left unattended to prevent theft from the trailer and ensure you remove them once you are parked, storing them securely

Look out forwildlife

How to avoid hitting wildlife and what to do if you do

*Look out for wildlife and drive at a safe speed that reduces your chance of hitting an animal. If you do spot an animal on the road while driving, slow down and prepare to brake safely

Avoid swerving as this could cause danger to yourself and other road users.

*Avoid driving at dusk and dawn. This is when many native species are most

Kids and hot cars

Leaving children unattended in acar, even forashortperiod of time,can be fatal.

On atypical Australian summer day, the temperature inside aparked car can be 20 to 30 degrees hotter than the outside temperature

With arange of temperatures forecast across the state,KidsafeVictoria is warning patents not to be lulled into a false sense of security on mild days. The organisation points out that it is vital to recognise children’ssmaller bodysize and underdeveloped nervous system places them at greater risk of losing fluid quickly, becoming dehydrated and suffering from heatstroke

active. If you do have to drive at this time, ensure you actively look ahead, reduce speed and use high beams in poor visibility –however ensure you dim them if you see acar approaching.

*Ifyou do hit wildlife, safely park your vehicle offthe road, turn on your hazards and check that you andyour passengers are unharmed before checking on the animal.

If anyone is injured,call 000.

Renowned local artist and illustrator

Chris ‘Roy’ Taylor has revealed the 2025 Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival poster –the latest in apopular series designed over five consecutive years.

Mr Taylor,who moved to the Macedon Ranges with his family 14 years ago, said following the first year,the Autumn Festival had grown and grown.

"I feel so proud to be part of it and to see my artwork celebrate the month-long program of Macedon Ranges-based food, drink, and events," he said.

The poster design continues the collaboration between Chris and the Visitor Economy Team at Macedon Ranges

Christmas cheer has sprouted

Christmas cheer has sprouted on the corner of Mollison and Piper StreetsinKyneton.

Kate Fairley and volunteers,Nicole, Alice and Jason, set up and decorated the Business Kyneton metal Christmas trees last week.

They also look great at night with solar lights brightening up this corner.Check them out with the family!

With thanks to Kyneton on Riverside for allowing the use of the site.

Shire Council who organise the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival. Not to mention the voluntary addition of another motivated and very watchful eye –Chris’ mum and Romsey resident, Carolyn Faulkner

"My mum loves the Autumn Festival. I think she is always excited when the new poster is revealed each year.Mum loves the Macedon Ranges, the landscape and wildlife," Mr Taylor said.

And with further good news for the year ahead, the upcoming 2025 Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival is shaping up to be the mostsuccessful yet. Arecord 75+ local hospitality businesses have stepped up to feature within Festival Food and

Drink Trails, including Australia’sbiggest Pie andTart Trail, the Tipple Trail, and Edgy VegTrail.

Following release of the 2025 poster, there is still no rest for Chris, who now moves on to designing the one-stop-shop 2025 Autumn Festival Map and Passport, showcasing all the signature menu items across the Food and Drink Trails.

Participating local businesses are encouraged tofinalise their Festival Trail menu items as soon as possible, with Mr Tayloranticipated to finalise the Festival Map ahead of the festive season. Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival is on from April 1to30, 2025.

Left to right: 3Little Pigs’ team member Remy, artist Chris ‘Roy’ Taylor, and Chris’ mum Carolyn Faulkner.

Acappella carols in Woodend A cappella

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival will be bringing the Christmas cheer to Woodend this December,asthey deliver another incredible musical performance. This event rounds out another highly successful year for WWAF,which hasincluded multiple events outside of their traditional June long weekend program.

Youare invited to join them as outstanding chamber choir Ensemble Gombert, directed by John O’Donnell, fills St Ambrose Church with the sound of carols, both old and new

Hear the pristine voices and tuning of this famed choir perform popular Christmas carols of many times and places, from the Medieval era to the present day,with much-loved melodies from

Connecting with Country

DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) invites you to celebrate International Mountain Day with them on Wednesday December 11 from 9.30am-1pm at Lalgambuk (Mt Franklin).

Immerse yourself in Dja Dja Wurrung Culture, share in their vision of caring for Country and the importance of connecting with nature for the health and welbeing of all People.

The day will include asmoking and welcome, storytelling and truth telling around the campfire, cultural activities to connect with Country including nature walk, cultural demonstrations, sensing Country and mindfulness.

Visit djadjawurrung.com.au/projects/imd to register your interest.

Europe, the Americas and Australia. Expect old-time favourites along with lots of family favourites too.

Ensemble Gombert are no strangers to Woodend, regularly performing at the Woodend Winter Arts Festival. Founded in 1990, they are passionately committed to delighting audiences with choral performances of the highest standard. The ensemble is noted for its pure intonation and historic approach to choral sound and style.

Don’t miss out on this family friendly event, which will take place at St Ambrose Church on Sunday December 15 at 3:00pm. Tickets are on sale now at woodendwinterartsfestival.org.au

Outstanding chamber choir Ensemble Gombert, directed by John O’Donnell, will fill St Ambrose Church with the sound of carols, both old and new.

Jo Meares’SilverBulletscoming to Castlemaine

Arun

"Steeped

"Jo Meares'

an extraordinary journey into the

of

gothic paradise laced with white frills and blood red velvet.

"His voice is an unguent, asalve that at the same time

hypnotises and mesmerises, drags you into abeautiful stunning abyss."

The Taproom is located at The Mill, 9Walker Street, Castlemaine. Jo Meares' Silver Bullets will perform at 7.30pm on Friday December 13. Tickets viaevents. humanitix.com

Katrina named mentor of the year

Macedon Ranges business founder Katrina Wurm of Stress Free Super Mum has been named the winner of a gold award in the 21st annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

She won the award for Mentor or Coach of the Year –Consumer,Women Helping Women in the Consumer Services category

Katrina also took home two silver Stevie Awards in the Best Female Entrepreneur –Consumer Services –10or Less Employees and Social Change Maker of the Year –Disability categories.

Katrina is an executive coach supporting working mothers to achieve work/life balance. She coaches her clients one on one online, and has clients from not only the Macedon Ranges, but worldwide.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honour the achievements of women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the companies they run across the globe.

More than 1500 entries from organisations and individuals in 36 nations were submitted this year for consideration in the awards which were presented in New York last month.

Katrina Wurm with her Stevie Awards.

Jo Meares' Silver Bullets is celebrating the release of the band'sself-titled debut album at Castlemaine'sShedshaker Brewing Taproom.

Kendall, of Backseat Mafia, described the album as "magnificent".

in an antipodean dusty dryness, yet leavened

by bright rays of sunshine, and Meares'seloquent poetry that strike like shards of lightning," Kendall said.

Silver Bullets take us on

heart

darkness: aswampy

Jo Meares’SilverBullets is celebrating the release of the band’s

BE PREPARED

Fire: What is the risk to you?

We’re officially in the Fire Danger Period.

That means, the CFArestricts the use of fire by people in an effort to stop fires spreading causing grass and scrub fires and the like.

Although the FDP has been declared across Mount Alexander and Macedon Ranges Shires, it it not too late to tidy up your garden and paddocks to lessen the impact of awild fire should it be pushed into your property

Fallen timber,leaves around the garden, old firewood on the porch, debris in the gutter and more can all be cleaned up just in case that fire does appear on the horizon. Make sure you have agood water supply and that the pump from the dam or tanks is in good working order and you have plenty of fuel for it.

Living where we do, we’re all at risk of bush or grass and scrub fires.

Here is some information from the CFA about some of the dangers of fire and what you can expect.

The risks

If your home is close to or among grass or paddocks

Grassfires can be extremely dangerous –people can die in grassfires

What can youexpect? Here are some fire facts youshould know

*Dry and brown grass easily catches fire

*Grass more than 10cm tall will have a higher flame height and intensity

*Grassfires are faster burning than through forests as grass is afiner fuel

*Fastermoving fires can travel up to 25km

per hour

What to do

Prepare your property for fire now.Create fuel breaks around your property and the assets that you want to protect –you will need to maintain these throughout summer

Don’t get caught out in the open during a grassfire. It can get very hot and radiant heat can kill.

The safest place to be is away from the threat.

If you’re caught in agrassfire move to somewhere with minimal vegetation, such as aploughed or well-grazed paddock.

If youliveclose to or among dense or open bush

Risk is most extreme if you live surrounded by or near forest that is difficult to see through. However,all forest or woodland presents abushfire risk.

What can youexpect in afire event in or near this environment?

*Very hot fire and many embers

*Emberssuch as twigs, bark and debris arriving from far away

*Dangerous levels of radiant heat and fire intensity

*Trees falling in high winds

*Emberslanding for along time after the fire has passed

*Fine fuels (the thickness of apencilor less) that burn very quickly

*Heavy fuels that will burn very hot for long periods of time

*A reduction in visibility due to very thick smoke

PLAN TO LEAVE EARLY

Fighting afire around your home can seem terrifying, exhausting and impossible. A fire truck cannot be on hand to defend each property under threat so it can be up to the landholder to protect the property themselves. If you are not prepared to fight afire yourself, consider leaving home when it is still safe.

Knowyour trigger to leave

The Fire Danger Rating is your trigger to act, to leave the danger area before afire can prevent you doing so. The higher the rating, the more dangerous the situation if afire starts.

On aCatastrophic day,leaving high-risk bushfire areas the night before or early in the morning is the safest option.

Don’t rely on an official warning to leave. Bushfires can start quickly and threaten lives and homes within minutes.

Pack apre-planned relocation kit as part of your preparations.

The risk levels for each day can be found in Total Fire Bans and Fire Danger Ratings at www.cfa.vic.gov.au

What to do before youleave

These actions may minimise damage to your home from bushfire.

*Close all doors and windows

*Move doormats and outdoor furniture away from the house

*Block the downpipes and partially fill the gutters with water

*Move stock or large animals to large paddocks with short grass

*Turn offgas supply.See Energy Safe Victoria for gas safety tips

*Leave the front gate open

Cover up

If there’safire close by,it’simportant to protect you and your family against radiant heat. Cover up any exposed skin —that means no shorts or hot day clothing —because radiant heat can cause serious injury or death. Distance is the best protection against radiant heat, so it’simportant to move two or more streets away from the fire if you live in town and afire is approaching from the outskirts.

Cairn Curran –feastorfamine

Change is aconstant at Cairn Curran Reservoir.

The storage, located approximately 30km southwest of Bendigo, was constructed in the 1950s to try to provide a semblance of reliability to one of Victoria’s least reliable rivers: the Loddon.

The Loddon River’s changeability is evident in the past few years alone.

Last month, Cairn Curran received just 1260 ML of inflows. Two years before it received 148,000 ML of inflows during October.

The 147,000 ML storage therefore went from receiving more than its entire capacity in one month in 2022, to less than one-thousandth of its capacity in the same month just two years later.

Without Cairn Curran, the full effect of these extremes would be felt; in the dry times, irrigators would have little more than atrickle of water along the Loddon River to draw from, and during floods, the most extreme flows would rush downstream without abuffer.

Managing the highs and lows

Ensuring the storage functions safely and efficiently amid such fluctuating conditions is no easy task.

Goulburn-Murray Water senior storage officer, Adrian Pearse, said the rapid change between dry conditions and dra-

matic inflows created its own unique set of challenges.

“Because of its changeability, we look to be particularly proactive in how we manage Cairn Curran,” he said.

“Due to the climate and how quickly the catchment reacts to different conditions, water levels at the storage can rise and fall very quickly,” he said.

“When the storage is low, we need to keep the foreshore clear of debris and rubbish, because if we get some rain and it fills up, what’s left on the foreshore will be dragged into the storage.

“There’s alot of red gum trees around Cairn Curran that often lose large branches when conditions go from dry towet, so we need to be particularly vigilant in removing any logs that could get stuck in the radial gates.

“Monitoring the reservoir for any changes to ensure its safety is also crucialfollowing increased inflows and is somethingweare always very vigilant in.”

Construction of Cairn Curran

The reservoir was built to not only handle such extremes but to moderate them as well.

Soon afterthe region was settled it became clear that the Loddon River’s unreliability was amajor obstacle.

In 1948, the Shepparton Advertiser described irrigation on the Loddon River as

being 'a story ofundue optimism and disappointing results'.

At the time, the only water storage onthe Loddon River was Laanecoorie Reservoir, which had amodest capacity of 8000 ML

While irrigators had been advocating for an additional storage on the river since the Great Depression, the Second World War meant construction of Cairn Curran would not begin until September 4,1947.

Afew months into the works, officials from the Goulburn and Waranga Waters Users United League inspected the construction work and cameawaywith mixed impressions.

The Weekly Times reported that the officials were 'struck by the keenness of the staff and field workers but obtained an overall impressionoflimitless time and no indication of any real sense ofurgency'.

The lack of urgency was likely initially due to ashortageinmaterials that plagued the works.

However, progress took another hit just over ayear into the project, when there was aworkerstrikefollowing the dismissal of one of the truck drivers.

The strike ended three days later when the truck driver was reinstated.

At other times, morale was buoyed by some of the workers’ antics. Most notable was when afew months after the strike,

Jack Baxter, another truck driver working at the reservoir, placed a10-pound wager that he could push Maldon publican Frank O’Brien from Castlemaine to Maldon (approximately 18km) in awheelbarrow.

The wheelbarrow had collection boxes attached to the sides to help fundraise for the hospital in Maldon, with the township having grown significantly since workers on the reservoir had moved to the area to complete to project

Despite the enthusiasm of many of the staff, cuts to government loan funds would see works on Cairn Curran dry up andthen stopped altogether in 1952.

For about two years, the reservoir remained untouchedinahalf-finished state.

However, in 1954,followingachange in government, funding was allocated to complete Cairn Curran and works on the storage recommenced.

This time, the works went smoothly, with the storage officially opening on April 27, 1956.

Such was the significance of Cairn Curran to the area, Maldon Shire Council announced a'half-holiday' to celebrate the reservoir’s completion.

Three years later, Tullaroop Reservoir would be constructed about 10km east of Cairn Curran, ensuring further reliability for the Loddon catchment.

(Left) Cairn Curran Reservoir today. (Right) Under construction.

Live from the gardenstage

Award-winning artist and disability advocate Eliza Hull will be giving aspecial performance at The Bridge Hotel in Castlemaine on Saturday, December 14.

With acareer that has taken her to iconic stages like the Sydney Opera House, SXSW and Ability Fest, and music that has featured in TV series from ABC KIDS to Teen Wolf,Hull has become one of Australia’s most compelling songwriters.

Following the release of her 2023 album Here They Come, Hull has been busy touring the country, running songwriting workshops and performing. And she can't wait to give an intimate perform on home soil featuring unreleased tracks from her highly anticipated 2025 album.

"This is afull band show, with asix-piece band. I've been doing alot of shows with them this year, so we're at the level of being really well rehearsed. Plus, I'm going to get some other local musicians up to sing some duets as well, so it's going to be abeautiful night," she said.

"We're doing it outside on the garden stage and it's going to be beautiful weather, under the stars.

"I'll be showcasing alot of the new songs that I've writing, which is exciting for me. Ithink they're some of the best songs I've written."

For tickets visit: thebridgehotelcastlemaine. com/gigs/2024/12/14/eliza-hull-end-of-yearshow-live-from-the-garden-stage

Castlemaine’s own Eliza Hull will be performing at The Bridge this December.

From 5-8pm

Kyneton Croquet Club,Ebden St, Kyneton Food &drinks provided All welcome (members &non-members)

Free family-friendly event

Please RSVP via Eventbrite

Y YourOPINIONS

Winnersall around us

NadineHartnett, Woodend

It was so heartwarming to find the double page photo spread featuring 70 winners of assorted prizes at the Kyneton Show. (Express,November 26). It made me smile and ponder the essence of life in aregionalcommunity. Congratulations to these talented and creative ones who walk among us, and hats off to the show organisers. Well done and thanks to Sloane Griffin Photography and the Midland Express production team. These portraits speak volumes and may even inspire more of us to have ago, be it quietly off stage, front and centre under the bright lights, or purely to snatch victory from that noisy neighbour whose broad beans are all over the footpath.

El Nino strikes again

Jo Emama, Lancefield gardening resident

Once again the weather has turned on too fast! Like an unassuming curry,let the heat creep up and strike at the end of summer

But Idon't care about the sun bathing, I want to warn you about the fruit season. Iamanavidquince grower.Inmyexperience, at this rate the fruit in our yards and markets will lose their perfect peak level of juiciness before December's end. Buy now and freeze for later

Local knowledge (1 point)

1. In Macedon Ranges Shire, which ward does Baynton belong to?

2. Who is Hepburn Shire Council’s

In support of our wildlife

Federation of Environment and Horticulture forMacedonRanges

Thank you everyone who participated in support of our wonderful wildlife in the Macedon Ranges for the FEHMR Trivia Night. The locals really got in to support this worthy local cause for the appreciation of our wildlife. FEHMR’sTrivia Night was a great success and we wish to thank:

The Victoria Hotel –Woodend, Williamson’sFoodworks –Gisborne, Macedon Ranges Flora Conservancy –Gisborne and Coopers Ale, as well as the teams of FEHMR and the MRWN (Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network) for making it agreat success and family fun.

The funds raised have gone to assist Wildlife Victoria’scampaign to reduce the road toll on our wildlife and remind us all to take care on our roads, from dusk to dawn, and check pouches to provide ongoing care.

These efforts define what it means to appreciate and support our wildlife and the amazing efforts of our locals contributing in the Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network.

October is the key focal month locals celebrate Wildlife Awareness Month. The MRWN have been very busy and active at the markets in Macedon Ranges helping to raise awareness and the need to care for our wildlife by having plants available to improve habitat for wildlife in your area. If you would like more information or are able to assist for WAM(Wildlife Awareness Month) 2025, contact fehmrinc@gmail.com

International Mountain Day

Uncle Rick Nelson, Dja DjaWurrung Elder

For DjaDja Wurrungpeople, our peaks are importantfor many reasons: we see further across Country,send signals through boort (smoke), andnestle secluded at theirsidesfor yapenya (ceremony)

Ourmountains are significant in many ways. They hold murrup (spirit). They areplacesofgathering.They arethe larni (homes) of ourancestors,people, animals, plantsand water.

DjaDja WurrungPeople haveactively tended Djandak (DjaDja Wurrung Country) for many thousands of years It’s impossible to separate Countryfrom ouridentity and cultural practice.Caring for Country is theliving essence that is shared between Peopleand place.

As we barring (journey)through Country,our peaks guideus, just as they guide gatjin (water) across Country for its plants and animals, connecting through oursongs andstories to allat Country.Wehavepassed traditional knowledgedown throughgenerations to maintain our cultural identity

Although colonisation disruptedour ancestors’interactionwithDjandak and wayoflife, we have never lost our connectionwithDjandak.

With colonisation, Dja Dja Wurrung

people were preventedfrompractising Culture.

Meanwhile, wavesofexploitation and Western land-management practices swept Djandak– including mining, clear felling, land clearing andmismanagement DJAARAhas along-term visionfor healthyCountry,expressed in ourDhelkunya DjaCountryPlan,and through our strategies: Forest Gardening, Climate Change,Renewable Energy,Waterand Fire.

Our strategiesare generational: designed to inform policy and active managementfor the next 100 years

Healing Countrywilltaketime. We plant seedstoday, even when we know that we willnot sitbesidetheminthe shade of those trees’.Our workisfor the generations who willcomeafter us.

Our ancestors have told usofour beginning. It is ancient,and those storiestalk of allcreationthrough theirMartinga Guli (Ancestral Spirits).

On mountains, wherecolonialdevelopmentismore limited,itiseasierto hear their whispers, the language of Country. Thewider community also feelsthisspirit that we nurturetoday through practising our Culture International MountainDay onDecember11isaday to come together as one Peopleand connectwith Country. When we arespirituallyconnected to Country, we canfeel its tears,wecan hearits voice and continue to share its storiesfor thousandsofgenerationsto come.

HepburnCouncil

knowledge (1 point)

6. An equilateral triangle has all three sides equal. It also has three equal angles. True or false?

7. Who starred as Josie Alibrandi in the 2000 film Looking for Alibrandi?

8. What is the capital city of Taiwan?

9. What is the next lyric after the following: “Shot through the heart and you’re to blame...” (3 points)

10. In which suburb in Victoria, Australia, was television personality Eddie McGuire born?

Hepburn Shire Council has elected Don Henderson as mayor and Lesley Hewitt deputy mayor for the first year of the new four-year council term.

Cr Henderson said he was extremely proud to lead and have the support of the new councillor group.

“It is an honour to take on this role and Ifeel privileged to represent the community of Hepburn Shire,” he said.

Cr Henderson has been on council since 2008. He hasworked as aself-employed construction contractor andsafety and industrial relations consultant.

He has been advisor to the Australian Workers Union and the Victorian Building Industry Board, president of the Ballarat Trades and Labour Council, held arole with the inaugural steering committee ofNational Women in Construction, was the secretary of the Building Workers Industrial Union and has served as aboard member/director on company and industry boards and the Homeless Building Trust.

Cr Henderson also served as mayor from 2013 to 2014 and again in 2018 to 2019, and deputymayor from 2012 to 2013.

Cr Hewitt has been elected as deputymayor,also for aone-year term. Cr Hewitt is aretired social worker who has worked in sexual assault and child protection front line services and policy development. Cr Hewitt was mayor from 2020 to 2021 and deputy mayor from November 2022 to November 2023.

Super Quiz answers: 1. East Ward.

Don Henderson. 3. Mostyn

Pictured are Hepburn Shire Council’s Cr Don Henderson and Cr Lesley Hewitt.

The CompostConversation

Averytiny, bigissue

Iwas chatting to new YIMBY composter Laura Jade about things that make it through our compost piles virtually unscathed. Laura started composting with her partner Lesley back in June as part of the West End Compost Cluster,a rapidly growing YIMBY area, in West Castlemaine.

Laura and Lesley have already composted over 700kg of food scraps and are on to their fourth cubic metre bay of compost! In that time Laura has noticed that not everything that makes it into the YIMBY buckets is compostable, and we were both wondering about all the little tea bags that survived the composting process.

Tea(thehot drink made from Camellia sinensis) originated around China and Myanmar thousands of years ago, and apart from water,tea is still the most common drink on the planet.

From acomposter’sperspective, tea leaves are awelcome addition to the compost pile, even early tea bags –introduced in the early 20th century –were made of filter paper –orsilk –and, with string and label, were all compostable. Butthings started getting messier in the 1990s with the introduction of ‘tetrahedral’ tea bags made of nylon and even plastic fibres turning up in the lining composition of ‘paper’ of tea bags too.

All of these later ‘developments’ are not great for composters with lots of these fine plastic particles making it into our compost and then the food system, and larger particles having to be fished out of food scrap buckets or from finished compost.

But plastic tea bags are not just aheadache for composters, they are not good for any of us, with a2019 study showing asingle plastic tea bag releases 11.6 billion microplastic and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles into our cup of tea! Many of these particles are so small they pass in our body’scells (and have even been found in our brains) with little understanding of what the impact of this might be.

Laura suggests that by switching to traditional loose-leaf tea and using asimple teapot or infuser,wenot only enjoy aricher,more nuanced flavour of tea, but significantly cut down on waste. Mechanical tea bags (as my family likes to call them) are areusable solution for those who just want one cup of tea without the waste

Laura also likes to go astepfurther,creating homemade herbal tisanes from gardengrown herbs like mint, chamomile, or lemon balm, turning tea time into apersonal, ecoconscious ritual.

“One of my favourites is using aglass coffee plunger to make abig brew for friends and family,” says Laura says.

“It’sperfect for sharing, beautiful to see and easy to clean.

"All these practices not only help us avoid single-use plastics but also reconnect us with the simple pleasures of brewing tea the old-fashioned way.”

There are roles for us all in removing this problem from our compost pile, our food system and our body’scells.

Is it time to dust offthe tea pot at the back of the kitchen shelf?

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

Keep wateronhand

Greater Western Water is urging customers in fire prone areas to start preparing now ahead of the bushfire season.

Jodie Hallam, general manager of operations and delivery solutions, said that while GWW planned and prepared the network for fire season, reliable water supply could be guaranteed during abushfire emergency

“During abushfire, customers might encounter low water pressure, loss of water supply or decreased water quality,” Ms Hallam said.

“This can be caused by various factors, including heat and fire damage to our pipes and equipment, or high demand for water from firefighters. Customers should not rely on mains water to defend their properties.”

Ms Hallam said it was important to keep drinking water on hand in an emergency kit for all family members and pets.

“Bushfires happen quickly so it’sbest to start planning and preparing now,” she said.

“If your water supply is impacted we’ll aim to let you know through text messages and website and social media updates. It’s important to register your mobile phone number with us to stay informed of any critical water supply notices.”

If there’sa fire, it’salso essential for firefighters to have quick and easy access to water from the nearest fire hydrant. You can help by keeping grass and other vegetation under control around fire hydrants near your property

•Each piece will be numbered 1–5

•Ads will be displayedasRun of Pressinthe paper.

•Onthe back of your cardtherewill be 5puzzle pieces to collect.

•Collectyour cardfromthe Midland Express&Castlemaine Mail offices.

•Each puzzle piece will appear on apage in the Midland Expresscommencing Tuesday12th November until Tuesday10th December 2024.

•Collectall 5pieces and paste or stick on the back of the card. Once completed drop the cardinto3 Market Street Kyneton or post to PO Box153 Kyneton Vic 3444 or alternatively drop it into 13 HargravesStreet, Castlemaine or post to PO Box227,Castlemaine Vic3450.

•The Christmas cardpromotion will be drawnonWednesday18th December @12noon and all winners will be notified by phone

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

•Each businessthatparticipated will have agraphic on their ad to indicate they arepart of the promotion

•Each businesswill have aflyer in their windowtoshowthattheyare part of this promotion,during the promotional time

•Participating businesses will be promoting their businessfor the 5weeksofthe campaign

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Must be theoriginal ticket (no photocopied cards) Enter asoften as youlike. Each businessthat participates will be required to displayaflyerintheir windowfor thepromotional period. Promotion will takeplace from Tuesday 12th November and prizes drawnonWednesday18thDecember2024 @12noon.All moneytobespent back at the participating businesses. The prize moneywon canbedivided between businesses. Voucher amounts will be aminimum of *$100and will be limited as per management discretion.Nostaff or family of staff to enter the competition and all rights will be at the management of Elliott Midland Newspapers discretion.All winners will be notified by phone.Discretion of businesses regarding spending of vouchers.

Forfurther information please contact Lynda Brew or Nicole Chatz on 5472 1788 Kerrie Gleeson or Mikaela Bruton on 5422 1488 or email lbrew@midnews.com.au, sales@midnews.com.au kgleeson@midnews.com.au, mbruton@midnews.com.au

Cut this piece out and place on the back of your Naughty or Nice Card. Only 1moretocollect!

Joel, unhappy about uncomposted tea bags, Laura, happy with her tea pot and infusers, outside The Tea Dispensary, Castlemaine.

Covering the Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires

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

ELLIOTT MIDLAND NEWSPAPERS

3Market St., PO Box153,Kyneton, 3444

Telephone: (03) 5422 1488

Facsimile: General (03) 5422 3173

13 Hargraves St.,POBox 227,Castlemaine,3450 Telephone: (03) 5472 1788

Facsimile: (03) 5472 4504

am-5.00 pm Email: Kyneton: ahume@midnews.com.au

ldennis@midnews.com.au

Happy HappyBirthday Birthday Birthday Club

Weed of the month: Gorse

As we move through spring into the hotter,drier summer months, you will no doubt notice many of the local weeds flowering and seeding. This month, keep an eye out for the invasive gorse (Ulex europaeus) which is aWeed of National Significance and a‘Regionally Controlled’ weed in the North Central Catchment –meaning landholders have alegal responsibility to control them.

Gorse can be found right across Mount Alexander Shire. It is aprickly woody shrub growing to around three metres, that produces abundant pea-shaped yellow flowers followed by pods of seeds. These seeds are spread through ‘explosive dehiscence’ in summer or as the weather heats up and dries out. Germination mainly occurs after rain in autumn and spring.

Seeds remain viable in the soil for over 30 years making an integrated and annual control program necessary to keep on top of infestations. Plants can also regrow from stumps.

To control, cut and paint isolated individuals, hand pull small seedlings or grub out (disturb soil with ahoe, to essentially dig them up) large quantities of newly germinated seedlings. Spraying herbicide can be used for established infestations. For large infestationsyou may require a mix of techniques to achieve the best results, such as slashing and then spraying regrowth. There is now also specialised machinery,called an Eco Blade, that can groom out and chemically treat plants

simultaneously,which can be ideal for large infestations where there is no other vegetation present.

For more information on gorse or other land management topics, visit the Connecting Country website connectingcountry.org.au ,email; info@connectingcountry.org.au or phone 0493 362 394. Landcare groups are also agreat resource for learning about local weeds. Youcan find your local group onthe landcare page of the Connecting Country website.

The Weed ofthe Month article is a segment from Connecting Country’s ‘Partnerships Against Pests’ project funded by Agriculture Victoria in 202425. Through this program, Connecting Country is working closely with local community groups, suchaslandcare, to raise awareness of local pest plant and animal issues, with the aim to empower community with the skills to address these threats. The project includes seasonal awareness campaigns around key pest issues as well as workshops and market stalls across the region. Keep an eye out for Connecting Country staffand landcare volunteers holding weed information market stalls at Mount Alexander Shire markets over the coming months.

The Victorian Building Authority and state government are encouraging people to help them crackdown on illegal building and plumbing practices by reporting unregistered workers.

From today,Victorians can anonymously dob in unregistered builders and plumbers who operate without proper qualifications, insurance or compliance with industry standards through anew dob-in form.

Currently,one in 10 complaints received by the VBA involves unregistered workers who often target unsuspecting Victorians through digital platforms including Airtasker,Hipages and Facebook Marketplace.

These illegal operators can put Victorians at risk of unsafeinstallations, costly repairs and alack of legal recourseand insurance when things go wrong.

Arecent inspection blitz by the VBAuncovered 33 unregistered workers across more than 1100 building sites sincemid-October,with five employers also found enabling illegal work. These inspections are part of an ongoing state-wide crackdown, informed by public tip-offs, VBAintelligence and data analytics.

Victorians can dob in unregistered builders andplumbers anonymously through the VBA’sonline dob-in form: Report Unregistered Building and Unlicensed Plumbing Work

Gorse can be found right across Mount Alexander Shire. Photo: Bonnie Humphreys

Midland

PR OP ER TY &L IV ING

Property: Argyle Circa 1917 –Alandmark Edwardian solid brick residence

Address: 283 Barker Street,Castlemaine Price: $1,375,000

Agent: Belle Property Contact: RobWaller 0418 571130 Narelle Waller 0408 571131

Fine styleistimeless

Step back in time and embrace the timeless elegance of Argyle, a distinguished circa 1917 Edwardian residence that offers an exceptional blend of historic grandeur and potential. This iconic home boasts an impressive 10 main rooms, including expansive formal living and dining spaces, plus acellar.It’sanideal canvas for those seeking to restore, renovate, or create a unique accommodation facility

Featuring 10 main rooms over two levels, the property exudes asense of space and refinement, with 12 foot high ceilings and stunning period details throughout.

The original charm hasn’t diminished with Argyle retaining many of its original features, including open fireplaces,

agrand timber staircase, exquisite timber panelling, leadlight windows, and intricate period decoration.

The property also includes a charming brick coach house, originally stables, now converted to aspacious studio that can serve as aguesthouse, accommodation, or home office.

Set on a1536m2 corner allotment with established gardens, original pathways, shade trees, and ample space to further develop or enhance with additional garaging or outdoor entertaining areas.

Whether you’re looking to restore this historic beauty to its former glory or take advantage of its versatile space to create something new,Argyle is ready to impress.

Edwardianelegance

Property: The Hollies -beautifully restored four bedroom, twobathroom home

Address: 13 LangleyStreet Kyneton

Price: $2,150,000 -$2,350,000

Agent: RayWhiteKyneton

Contact: Nathanial Briggs 0400 820805 Tamara Mactier 0429 136 635

The Hollies is abeautifully-restored Victorian-Edwardian double brick home positioned on acorner allotment, surrounded by landscaped gardens and northerly aspect in aquiet pocket near the Campaspe River Built in 1898, The Hollies is afine example of the era, standing on bluestone foundations and boasting ahost of notable architectural and period details.

three generously-proportioned bedrooms, two in the second wing of the home, each maintaining the charm of apast era with their own period fireplaces and high pressed-metal ceilings. Twobeautifullyappointed bathrooms -one fully renovated in 2024 -provide modern luxury

As you approach the home you step onto apartial wrap-around timber verandah featuring decorative tessellated tiling. Once inside the grand entrance, you are immediately struck by the grandeur of the home, where soaring 3.5-metre ceilings merge effortlessly with abaltic pine floor hallway, setting the tone for the sophisticated elegance of the home.

To theright, aformal lounge room has an original period timber fireplace and stainedglass windows, typifying the elegance and craftsmanship that continues throughout the interior.Tothe left, alarge guest bedroomor master -offers acosy retreat with its own charming fireplace. Further along the hall is agrand dining room to entertain guests in a formal setting.

The Hollies also features an additional

At the end of the 12 metrehallway sits the heart of the home -a beautifullyrenovated kitchen and meals area. This is a cook’sdream with new European appliances, alarge Brazilian stone island bench perfect for family gathering and informal dining, butler’spantry,generous cellarand larder

Dual instant hot water systems, oversized single garage with internal access, separate laundry with additional toilet and apowered 6x4 garden shed add to the home’spracticality

The Hollies’ meticulousrestoration, combined with modern amenities such as double-glazed windows, insulation and hydronic heating throughout, ensures a comfortable and elegant living experience in tree-lined streets close to the Botanical Gardens, train station, schools, shops, restaurants and river walks.

Serene rural retreat

Tranquillity meets elegance at this stunning five-acre property just ashort 10-minute drive from Kangaroo Flat and six minutes from the freeway to and from Melbourne.

Stepping into the grounds, you’ll be greeted by the gentle rustling of eucalypt leaves and the soothing chorus of native birds. Alarge, picturesque dam awaits, perfect for acalming escape, leisurely fishing or simply admiring the water’s reflection. With a45,000 litre water right, rest assured, your dam will always be full and ready for whatever adventures you have in mind.

Arriving through asecure, gated entry,you will find afully fenced frontage and acharming brick home that blends sophistication and comfort. Enter the house through the newly installed double-glazed front door and be welcomed into a generous open living space where floor-to-ceiling

double-glazed windows bathe the room in natural light.

The heart of this home is its chef-inspired kitchen featuring stone benchtops, an induction electric cooktop, double oven, dishwasher and an expansive floor to ceiling pantry with plentiful storage.

Retreat to the master bedroom complete with an ensuite and built-in robes. Twoadditional generously sized bedrooms, each with built-in robes, offer ample storage, while aversatile room near the entrance is perfect as astudy or additional living space. The central bathroom, with both abath and shower,provides added convenience with a separate vanity area.

Property highlights include three large water tanks servicing the house plus an inground watering system, solar hot water,18solar panels and a dam water pump for land and plant irrigation.

Property:Three bedroom, twobathroom home on fiveacres

Address: 808 CalderAlternativeHighway,Lockwood South

Price: $840,000-$880,000

Agents: Property Plus Real Estate

Contact: Kaylene Disher 54474088

An extraordinary opportunity awaits with the sale of The Woodlands, astately and historic solid brick residence set amid abreathtaking country garden. This magnificent property,situated on 1.158 hectares (approx. 2.86 acres) adjoining aserene creek, showcases timeless period charm and is in an exceptional location.

Nestled within the prestigious botanical gardens historic homes precinct, The Woodlands is reputedly the site of an early Montessori school, adding aunique layer of local heritage to its rich history.Thisiconicresidence has been lovingly maintained for nearly 50 years and is now being offered for sale for the first time in almost five decades.

Featuring nine main rooms, the interiors are spacious with many generously proportioned rooms featuring ornate ceilings and grand open fireplaces with marble stone mantels capturing the essence of Victorian-era elegance.

Enjoy peaceful views of the rural landscape from the expansive verandah, and there is astunning 25 metre lap pool for year-round recreation and relaxation.

Additional accommodation includes aportable two bedroom home, ideal for guest

accommodation, astudio, or rental potential.

The garage and workshop provides ample space for vehicles and storage and there is both town water and tank water for year-round convenience.

Beautifully designed gardens surrounding the home, offering privacy and tranquillity

Property:The Woodlands–Agrand historic residence circa 1861-1885

Address: 28-30 Burnett Road, Castlemaine

Price: $1,650,000

Agent: BelleProperty

Contact: RobWaller 0418 571130 BlasiMulholland 0417 311 733

Belle Property Castlemaineand Maldon.

1Coy Street, Golden Point.

6 a 4 b 12 v 10w

•A visionary rural retreat –10acres of opulence &serenityon Castlemaine'sfringe.

•6 bedrooms, 3livingzones &chefs kitchenwith high-end appliances.

•Large workshop, outdoor entertainingarea, gymnasium, pool & detached 2bedroom cottage.

For Sale

$2,850,000

View

By appointment

NarelleWaller |0408571 131

Rob Waller |0418571 130

130CongdonRoad, BarkersCreek.

4 a 2 b 6 v 10w

•Hilltop Hamptons-style farmhouse with spectacular views.

•Double-storey residence with 4bedrooms, Frenchcountry kitchen& handcrafted timberdetails throughout.

•Positionedon10acres with establishedgardens, permaculture orchard,dam &yoga pavilion

For Sale

$1,935,000

View Saturday 7th December: 2:00pm-2:30pm

RobWaller |0418571 130

Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733

28-30 BurnettRoad, Castlemaine.

4 a 3 b 4 v 2.86w

•'The Woodlands' c. 1861-1885 –Agrand historic residence, situated on 2.86 acres.

•9 main roomsfeaturing spaciousinterior, ornate ceilings &marble stone mantels.

•Established gardens, 25-meter in-ground lap pool &workshop.

For Sale

$1,650,000

View

By appointment

RobWaller |0418571 130

BlasiMulholland |0417 311 733

Scan to viewour currentlistings

Charming modernhome

Discover the perfect blend of modern comfort and village charm with this stunning four bedroom, central bathroom and ensuite home in picturesque Malmsbury.Justtwo years young, this residence offers thoughtful design and quality finishes throughout.

Property features include two living areas, perfect for relaxation or entertaining guests plus a kitchen with quality appliances, generous bench space and storage. There is year-round comfort

in the home with aheating system and asolid wood heater for those chilly winter nights. Doubleglazed windows and doors, ensure energy efficiency and peace of mind.

Outside there is adouble garage with plenty of space for vehicles and extra shedding ideal for hobbies, tools or additional storage.

Abeautifully established low-maintenance garden, creates atranquil retreat without the hassle.

Property: Four bedroom homejusttwo yearsold

Address: 6BarkerStreet, Malmsbury

Price: $929,000

Agent: Raine &Horne

Contact: Jennifer Pearce 0427422 508

BROWN Lorraine ‘Lou’ 24.5.1959 -23.11.2024

Formally of Cranbourne and Newstead. Passionate nurse proud parent, homemaker peacekeeper and cook.

Of Carisbrook and Castlemaine

Passed away peacefully aged 98. Loveddaughter of Harryand MayMacnee (both dec), sister of Kenneth (dec). LovedwifeofBrian (dec) and loving mother of Susan (dec), Bronwyn and John, Alastair and Carlene, Ross and Susanna.

BROWN

Lorraine Eleanor Passed away suddenly at Maryborough on November 23, 2024. Aged 65 Years

Lovedand loving mother of Beccy,Gus, Tisha and William.

Lovednana of Charlie, Ebony, Emma, Jessica and Ollie

Lovedgreat nana of Ashbyand two incoming.

Loveddaughter of Gill and Mike. Lovedsister of Jane, Nick,Simon and Tim.

KN281712/L

O’DEA -Glenys 21.12.46 -23.11.24

LovedsisterofLynn, sadly missed by Ken, Nicole,Scott, Steven, Renai and their families

Lifewithout her will neverbethe same butthe gift of her love will alwaysremain.

KN281696/L

O’DEA -Glenys

21.12.19846 -23.11.2024

Passed away peacefully after alongillness

Dearly loved sister-in-lawof Maree,Neil (dec.) and families Foreverinour Hearts

KN281804/L

Lovedand adoring Grannie of Sophie,James,Isabelle,Ellen, Katherine and Joseph, Bonnie and Jacob Independent and interested right to the end.

Our sincere thanks to Dr CathyFoleyand thewonderful staff at Penhall Hostel, fortheir love and care shown to Jean and her family

Please see Friday’sCastlemaine Mail forfuneral details

O’DEA (nee MUIR) -Glenys Edith 21.12.1946 -23.11.2024

Passed away peacefully at Kyneton surrounded by her family

Worshipped wife of Tomfor 57 years

Adored mother of Chris,Mandy, Josh andMoya. Cherished mother-in-lawof Pauline,David and Wayne Doting Nan of Harrison &Maddie; Jordan, Clayton; Nyjah andArlo. Loving great-nan of Cartier and Oakley. Our darling fighter,finally at rest. Nowinthe Lord’spainless care. RIPour beautiful Glenys. ‘DancinginHeaven’

DOCHERTY -William

The funeral service forthe late Mr Bill Docherty will be held on Friday December 6, 2024, at William Farmer Funerals, 12 Victoria Street, Eaglehawk at 2.30pm. Thereafter private cremation.

Forlivestreaminggototobinbrothers.com.au

(02) 6033 4255

KN281802/L

BROWN

Acelebration of lifefor

Lorraine Eleanor Brown will be held at the Newstead Community Centre,9 LyonsSt, Newstead on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 commencing at 1.30 pm. Private cremation to follow.

O’DEA

Funeral massfor the repose of the soul forthe late Mrs Glenys Edith O’Dea will be offered at Our Lady of the Rosary, Catholic Church,53Ebden St, Kyneton on THURSDAY (Dec. 5, 2024) commencing at 1.30pm Aburial at the Kyneton Lawn Cemeterywill follow.

STRAWHORN (Nee Nicoll)

Elizabeth Margaret AMemorial Service for Beth will be held at the Thomas J. Scott Memorial Chapel, 5Piper St, Kyneton on MONDAY 9th December,2024 at 2pm.

Forthose unable to join us we welcome youvia the livestream at tjscottandson.com.au

In Lieu of flowers please consider wearing aflower or some of Beth’s favourite blue &green colours,ordonating to Cancer Council.

KN281807/L

expressbizlink.com.au/

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.

Cherished memories of awonderful big sister

Dearly loved&missed. -Greg and Lea

KN281734/L O’DEA -Glenys

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.

It’saGirl

Darryl,

SALES ADMINISTRATOR /RECEPTIONIST

Permanent Part-time

Jellis Craig Central Victoria is offering apermanent part-time position fora Sales Administrator and Receptionist, supporting the Salesteams and ensuring all ourclients are welcomed in a professional andhelpful manner.The position will require working 3daysper week out of the Woodend and Castlemaine offices.A current AgentsRepresentativeLicenceand experience in real estate is preferred.

Our ideal candidate:

•Works well in ateam environment

•Has excellent customerservice and organisational skills to fulfil our administrativeand marketingrequirements

•Can multitask and prioritiseworkasrequired

•Has excellent computer skills andgrasp newsystems efficiently

Newspaper media reaches 93% of Australians every month

This is agreat opportunity to join oneofVictoria’smost respected real estate brands and work within afriendly and supportiveteam.

If youwould like to applyfor thisposition please email your resume along with acovering letter to Liz Collins at lizcollins@jelliscraig.com.au

All applications will be treatedinthe strictestconfidence 91 High Street, Woodend 164 BarkerStreet, Castlemaine 5HoweStreet,Daylesford jelliscraig.com.au

Special General Meeting forthe Malmsbury Advance Association

MalmsburyTownHall

Tuesday 10 December at 7pm All welcome

Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival Inc. A0021560D

Annual General Meeting (AGM) 6pm Tuesday10th December 2024

Kyneton Mechanics Institute -Board Room 3

We are looking for newMembers and Committee to ensure the festival continues as successfully as it has over the last 52 years. Please come along and join agreat group of people,and support this fantastic festival

Peter Henderson (President)

Garage Sales

SALE.

ton, 33 Sturt St., Saturday Dec 7- 8am to 2pm. Builders tools, building material, garden tools, household items plus much more.

like dogs, cats are okay.Not suitable for younger children. He is a 2y/o desexed, male DSH.

BARKERS Creek, 19 McManus Rd, Sat 7& Sun 8Dec.

YAPEEN, 27 Grannie Woods Lane. Sat 7&Sun 8Dec. 9am -4pm. Huge range of items e.g. household goods, tools, toys, books, DVD's, baby items, bags, car &motorbike parts, camping & motorcycle riding gear, clothing and lots more. NO EARLY BIRDS!

Newspaper media reaches 93% of Australians every month

Have a localstory to share? We would love to hear from you!

Editor:Angela Crawford acrawford@midnews com.au

Journalist: AmyHume ahume@midnews.com.au

FimisterShield held

The Fimister Shield Showjumping Day was held at Kyneton Pony Club on Saturday, despite the wet conditions. The Fimister Shield is the final round of the Central Zone Presidents Cup, which includes several showjumping rounds throughout the year

Rose Coleman and Heartwind placed third in the 2Phase and third in the 2Round, finishing as the Reserve Champion on the day in the CGrade division.

Natalia Scuteri and her horse Rex placed fifth in the 2Round EGrade and fourth Overall in the Presidents Cup.

Makayla Waters and Carter were fifth in the 2Round FGrade and third overall in the Presidents Cup.

Caillee Sheppard was sixth in the FGrade 2Phase on her horse Pretzel.

On Sunday,the riders all enjoyed their last rally of the year with aChristmas barbecue lunch along with club awards.

Buckley’sWalk open

The partnership of the Kyneton & Hanging Rock Racing Club committee of management and the Kyneton Racecourse and Recreation Reserve recently completed an extensive and impressive beautification and restoration perimeter of the Kyneton Racecourse.

As part of the project, awalk has been created for community use.

This walk —Buckley’sWalk —complements the long establish walk from the Botanical Gardens.

It opens up to walkers avista of the club’shistoric avenues of oaks and elms, the Campaspe River,and the area adjacent to the back straight, which is now an attractive park-like recreation asset.

Buckley’ Walk recognises more than half acentury of service provided to the racing club and the committee of management by life-long Kyneton resident Gary Buckley

He spent 27 years as Secretary of the Kyneton District Racing Club and 51 years as Secretary of the reserve’scommittee of management.

Mr Buckley is averykeen walker himself, at various venues both locally and further afield.

As the racecourse is awork place for trainers of thoroughbreds and the club’s

Gary Buckley.

staff, the Walk is open daily from 10.30am to dusk. Access is not available on race days.

Dogs are welcome, but must be on leads at all times, and owners must pick up droppings.

Club going well

Averypositiveoutlook forthe future was evident at Woodend Golf Club’sannual general meeting held on Saturdayevening.

It capped off agood 12 months forthe club, whichnow has 390 membersand is in astrong financial position. The course is apopular destination forgreen feeplayers

While Chris Hollidaycontinues as president, and James O’Brien as secretary, the boardhas undergone some renewal.

Captain Neville Bottams, AndrewDavies, Veronica O’Sullivan did not seek re-election, and Paul Evans stepped down due to work commitments. Awarmwelcome was given to twonew boardmembers,Chris Hale and Glenn Wright.

Guy Moxley, who has made the club’sSundaycompetition afeature,took over the role as captain.

CASTLEMAINE

Rain was the big winner on Saturday, with only ahandful of players braving the elements.

None completed 18 holes.

In contrast, afield of 60 tackled Thursday’sstableford, with atight finish ensuing.

Andrew Wilson (9) was the overall and A-grade winner with 39 points, one ahead of Metropolitan’sWendy Ji (12) and Jeremy Bottomley (6).

Sam Grimes (17) topped B-grade with 37, and Dorian Fay (30) led in the Cgraders with 35.

GISBORNE

The final round of the club championship was held on Saturday,with players getting pounded by cats and dogs. Obviously we do not eat them here in Australia! Brendan Larkins was appointed the men’schampion, winning both the gross and nett titles —not bad for someone playing offscratch.

Jenny O’Connor took out all the women’strophies, winning the A-grade gross and nett and the senior championship as well. Linda Lanham won the B-grade women’shandicap championship, and Kim Dufty took out the women’sC-grade championship.

James McKibbin was the A-Reserve and junior champion.

Unfortunately,Rod Simkins won Bgrade, beating Jarrod O’Donnell, so no free beer at the Riddells Creek pub this week. Jason Nitz was the nett champion.

Robert Allen, who is two letters offbeing aprofessional golfer,won the C-grade championship with Michael Chew winning the nett,

Son of aGun, Samuel McMahon, won the D-grade gross and nett championship, as well as the nett.

Paul Delia won th seniors’ gross and nett titles.

KYNETON

The story of the week unfolded after 31 players had hit-offin last Wednesday’s stableford. Captain David Austin sent his remote-controlled buggy into the main dam while he putted on the 11th green.

He and playing partners had tobrave wait-deep waterto retrieve the buggy and search for his phone and wallet.

Col Hudgson (7) had the best men’s score of 39 points, with Michelle Werner the women’swinner with 30. NTPswent to Tien Ho, Scott Murphy,Neville Yates, Julie McKellar., Julie Harris and Austin.

Congratulations to women’scaptain Julie Harris on her 2/1 win against Tracey Bramich in the singles knockout final.

Tuesday stableford: Afield of 22 turned out, with Lorraine Ryan (21) winning Agrade with 38 points, from Harris on 32.

Grace Parkinson (28) topped B-grade with 36 on acountback from Marg Scoble (26), and C-grade went to Valme Smoors (38) with the day’sbestscoreof40.

Smoors, Teaote Davies and Beth Murray were NTPs.

On Saturday,nine players braved constant rain and it was that man again, Col Hudgson, who prevailed again with 36 points from his new handicap of 6.

Rob MacRae (22) was the women’s winner with 25, with NTPs going to Hudgson, Scott Galloway,Shaun Neeson, Adam Pyett and MacRae (also super pin). was the women’swinner

LANCEFIELD

Welcome inclement weather took priority overthe Wednesday and Saturday competitions but there is always the Tuesday and Thursday available for those wanting their weekly fix.

The course is King when it comes to watering and with such adry spell everyone else took second place.

Tuesday Legends: Pat McDermott (25) 38 points on countback from Ed Godek

Town &District

GOLF results

(15), with Bert Parks (13) 36, Thursday ‘Fix’: Dean Budde (14) 37 points, from Di Brennan (28) 35. MOUNT MACEDON

The club’sfourth and final Let’sGet Into Golf session for this year was held on Sunday

There was arevisit to the skills program, followed by atwo-hole Ambrose and some nibbles in the clubhouse.

Welcome to the four newest summer members who signed up —Kelly,Vanessa, Tamara and Louise.

Club members look forward to seeing you on the course in thecoming months.

Thank-you to supportive members Kelly Spry,Matt Willis,SeanBassett and John Dawson who were on hand to offer advice, and to retrieve the odd errant golf ball.

ROMSEY

Raincame down all ofFriday afternoon and mostofthe night; golf looked dubious at the least. At 10.30am it was “probably on” then more rain, and the round was called off. “I’ve played in worse than this,” one of the younger members exclaimed. So arelaxed round of stableford was arranged ‘for the brave’. With plenty of casual water to negotiate. The winner was Zac Scales who revelled in the conditions with 39 points. Dean Kohler had 36 and James Simpson 35.

Jenny Hartley won the women’s monthly medal as well as the stroke event on Wednesday with 100-25-75.

David Jones was runner-up with 9620-76 (and leastputts), with Beryl Cole 108-28-79 third.

TRENTHAM

In true Trentham spirit, asmall number of intrepid players braved the wet conditions on Saturday

The women’s4BBB went to Lisa Caines —Janine Lord with 40 points, one clear of Claire Purston —Alex Everaud. John Hudson won the men’sevent with anett 69, on acountback from David Thiele. The club’s2024 Presentation Night takes place this Saturday —an enjoyable time for all.

WOODEND

Lowmarker Danny Bellchambers stormed home in Saturday’srain with a final round 67 to win the 2024 Woodend club championship. Bellchambers, who plays from ahandicap of 1, had rounds of 74, 75, 67 —215 to emerge as aworthy winner,and cp off afine season.

Matt Payne, who held afour-stroke lead going into the final round, faded with a77. Adam Chew (handicap 11)won Bgrade with agross 242after afinal round 77. Steve Bird (26) hada great championship. Three consistent rounds earned him the C-grade title with a255 tally,and he also clinched the senior men’stitle with a nett 196. Alexander Brown won the President’sTrophywitha nett 194 —best tally over three rounds.

Jack Roberts (6) was the junior champion with a235 tally,and he should soon be pressing for higher honours.

The women’schampion is Cheryl Garner (21) with agross 178 for 36 holes.

New Woodend champion, Danny Bellchambers (at left) is congratulated by outgoing club captain Neville Bottams.

Rose Coleman.

Natalia Scuteri.

Cease ‘arm’ comments

"Let'simprove on ourbehaviour so that everyone has access to our game and can enjoy it in the spirit intended."

That'sthe messagelast week to lawn bowlers from the board of management of Ballarat-Highlands bowls.

It has been reported by some clubs that there has been an increase in comments about bowling arms in general, and to players who use bowling arms in particular

Comments along the lines of 'cheat' and using a'cheat-stick' have been directed towards anumber of bowlers recently

The board pointed out that it should be remembered that players use abowling arm to overcome some injury or degradation of their body, and if they were not able to do this, many would be lost to the game.

"Players who do not use abowling arm should appreciate that they,too, may be required to use an 'arm' one day to stay in the game."

Secondly,the board stated offensive comments of the nature referred to are covered under rules relating to the condition of play

Acting in an abusive, threatening or intimidating manner,orbehave in an unsportsmanlike manner,are covered.

If areport is made to the umpirein-charge, apenalty of eight shots may be awarded, with the player who made the comment/s running the risk of being excluded from the game. In extreme cases, aside may have to forfeit.

WASHED OUT

The ninth round of Highlands division one pennant matches were washed out by overnight and morning rain on Saturday Kyneton Golf was the big loser by having the bye (no points allocated).

The other eight sides each gained eight points for drawn matches.

Current ladder positions at the halfway mark of the season are:

Kyneton 113, Kilmore 86, Kyneton Golf 81, Diggers Rest 81, Romsey 79, Gisborne 56, Broadford 31, Lancefield 27, Trentham 24.

Tenth round matches this Saturday are: Romsey vKyneton Golf. Broadford vGisborne. Trentham vKilmore. Lancefield vKilmore. Kyneton the bye.

Acricket wipeout

Steady rain resulted in all Gisborne District Cricket Association matches being abandoned on Saturday

The two-day McIntyre 1sts matches now become one-day fixtures this Saturday Games are —Woodend vGisborne, Sunbury Kangaroos vRomsey, Rupertswood vSunbury United, and Broadford vMacedon.

In contention

The Riddell District Football League is one of four contenders for atop Netball Victoria community award.

The winner of the netball association of the year is to be announced this Thursday Sale, North Central and Casey ere the other three associations in contention.

Association vice-president Alda Jackman presents the trophy to Kyneton’s Graham Smith and Darryl Chivers.

Kyneton club on top

Goldfields Croquet Association held its pennant season presentation day last week. This year they opened up their competition to clubs from outside the district and Kyneton was one of the clubs that took up this opportunity and entered ateam in Division 2. In atight competition that went right down to the final round, the Kyneton pair of Graham Smith and Darryl Chivers came out on top. The Eaglehawk 2team of Ken Merrett, Pat Patchett and Carol Donne won Division 3. In presenting the trophies, association vice-president Alda Jackman, thanked all clubs and players who participated and said Goldfields looked forward to an even stronger competition next season.

Maldon wins croquet pennant

In the Northern District Croquet Association'sspring pennant grand final for Division 3 played last Thursday,Maldon Maple (Julie and Trevor Ware) proved too good for the current pennant champions Kyneton Yellow (Judy Aldred and Margaret Parker). Played on neutral courts at Quarry Hill, before asizeable crowd of Maldon supporters, the Wares showed how much they have improved throughout the competition, despite being relatively recent converts to croquet. Most games were very close, with three games being decided by either 7-5 or 7-6 hoops.Maldon started well with aclose 7-5 win over Kyneton in the first doubles, then Julie Ware continued the momentum with awin over Margaret Parker 7-5, despite being down 1-4 hoops at one stage. However,Kyneton'scaptain Judy Aldred showed real grit and determination to take a 7-4 win over the big hitting Trevor Ware.

Going into the reverse singles, Julie Ware had Judy Aldred on defence most of the game, even when Aldred looked to have the hoop stitched up. From executing a(successful) long jump-shot for the first hoop, doing long roquets, and hooping from several metres out, Ware was simply too good on the day,taking a dominant 7-2 win. Meanwhile, Margaret Parker started strongly again against Trevor Ware, up 3-1 hoops initially,but Trevor played himself back into the game, to take the win 7-6 on the final hoop.

That final hoop was enough to give Maldon 4game wins, and so take an unassailable lead in the match. With the title already decided, Maldon could afford to relax, and Kyneton eas-

ily took out the final doubles by 7-2. The final result was 4-2 games to Maldon, and 34-32 hoops scored.

Interestingly,with such anarrow hoop difference, if that one game that was decided 7-6 on the final hoop had gone to Kyneton instead of Maldon, then it would have been 3-3 games and even on hoops 33-33, which would have necessitated abest-of-five hoops doubles re-match.

What might have been! So Kyneton went very close, but Maldon Maple were worthy winners, with all games played in a tense but competitive spirit. Afitting finale to what has been avery successful NDCA Pennant season. The Division 1/2 result was determined the previous week, won by the Quarry Hill Rosellas (Chris Eiffert and Bernie Lacey).

Changing guard: Maldon’s Julie and Trevor Ware (L) were too good for current Kyneton champions Margaret Parker and Judy Aldred.

Winnersat Ararat

Ararat races last Tuesday proved to be ahappy hunting ground for two Kyneton-based trainers.

Katrina McAdam who initially began her interest in horses at Riddells Creek Pony Club, produced Xtra Stormy for an effortless all the way win in aMaiden Plate.

Having his sixth start, the four-year-old appreciated the 1300m journey and was ridden by Neil Farley who is very familiar with the Kyneton racing scene. Xtra Stormy started as a$5chance and won by almost four lengths.

In the following race, Farley rode the Mick Sell-trained Patsy's Star ($3.6) to victory in atight finish.

The win in the Ararat Concrete BM58 race over 2200m was the four-year-old'ssecond success, much to the delight of owners Paul Pittorino and the Sell family Farley was very pleased to land adouble for the local trainers.

‘Jed’

backatthe helm

Romsey Football Netball Club has unanimously elected Eden 'Jed' Jedwab as president for the ensuing 12 months.

Having previously chalked up seven years as president of the town'sjunior football club, plus three years in charge of the senior club, 'Jed' has strong credentials to lead the Redbacks in 2025.

"Here for the community,here for the players" was how he summarised his approach to the forthcoming season.

The new president takes over from outgoing leader Wayne Milburn, who did not seek another term at the top. Milburn, alife member,was praised for his dedicated approach to lifting the Redbacks, having spent some 14 years on the committee. He will be there in aspectator capacity hoping the Redbacks can enjoy avery successful 2025 season.

At the annual meeting last Wednesday evening, Milburn, outgoing treasurer Mick Muir,and other members of the 2024 leadership team were complimented for their hard and untiring work.

Jedwab acknowledged the club'sappointment of coaches for various levels of foobtall and netball, and indicated he was in favour of the town'sjunior and senior clubs building having closer ties.

The meeting supported the nomination of long-time club stalwart Lindy Skinner as alife member.Her remarkable volunteer contributions in many roles were outlined.

With Jedback at the helm, others elected were:

Vice-president, Louie Auer Secretary,Jo-Anne Carroll. Treasurer,Kerrie Auer

Reflecting: Romsey Football Netball Club’s new president Eden ‘Jed’ Jedwab (at left) and outgoing leader Wayne Milburn reflect on the season ahead after the annual meeting.

General committee --Maryanne Blair,Melissa Hubbard, Fiona Auer,Martin Storey,Hamish Jedwab, Kiara Taylor, Mick Muir,Andy McKenzie, Marty Hubbard. TRAINING UNDER WAY

Last night (Monday) the women'sfootball players had a training session scheduled, with new coach Matt Brundell at the helm.

Football pre-season training is on tomorrow (Wednesday) from 6pm at Romsey Park.

Netball pre-season practice sessions have already taken place, with well-credentialled Justin Philby in charge. He has playing umpiring and coaching experience behind him.

Stacey Deimos is playing coach of the Reserves, Leigh Miles is again in charge of the Under 19s, and Tracey Newham coaches the D-graders.

Hawks set for2025

Woodend-Hesket Football Club didn't field an Under 19.5 footy side last season, but every effort is being made to ensure the Hawks are very competitive in this area in 2025.

Life member and former senior coach Dennis Barker and U15s premiership coach Rob Ferguson are joint coaches for the U19.5s. New players will be very welcome.

Senior players Ryley Ferguson and Luke Bourke will also be assisting,

Last season Woodend-Hesket missed makingthe footy 2023 top five in the seniors, after being runners-up in 2023. On the other hand, the Hawks had ahighly successful netball season, winning the A-grade flag for the second year in arow to be the benchmark for netball in the Riddell League.

Pre-season trainingis presently under way CLUB LEADERS

At the Hawks' recent annual meeting, the following were elected:

Joint presidents, Paul Podbury and James Chettle. Vice-president, Aaron Warner Secretary,Andrew Makin. Treasurer,Paul Podbury

Football operations manager,Andy Wilson. Netball operations manager,Kellie Duff.

General committee —EJ.Whitton, Luke Bourne, Mel Rundle, Hannah Dwyer,Saxon Gardner,Ian Templeton, Joel Dwyer,HayleyMorrison, Natalie McCarty

Bill West

Tight finish: Neil Farley gets Patsy’s Star home in a tight finish Photo: Pat Scala / Racing Photos

A wide margin: Katrina McAdam galloper Xtra Stormy wins easily at Ararat Photo: Pat Scala / Racing Photos

Kicks and Shakes turns 2!

Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club is set to celebrate the 2nd Birthday of its popular summer ‘Kicks &Shakes’ social soccer initiative with aspecialopening night party at Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park this Friday December 6.

You’re invited to get along and join the celebration!

Kicks &Shakes takes place at the club’shome base Friday evenings from 5pm until the sun goes down and sees participantsenjoy $2 milkshakes and akickofsoccer with no coaches, no formal rules, just kicks and shakes with your mates.

The December 6opening night celebration will run from 5pm to 8pm and all are welcome to attend.

There will be local DJs and araffle, amini tournament for kids and adults and CGFC’sBurger Royale &Shake combos up for grabs.

Bring apicnic rug, buy araffle ticket to support the club, and enjoy akick of soccer!

The sessions will run right through the summer wrapping up on February 28, 2025. Visit castlemainegoldfieldsfc.net.au or keep an eye on the club’sFacebook page for more details.

Bowlersexcel despitethe wet Bowlers excel despite the

Castlemaine District Cricket Association competition was heavily impacted by last Friday evening’srain with the majority of senior and junior competition awash out on Saturday

Acouple of AGrade matches achieved aresult, but the majority of clashes were abandoned.

The Women’scomp were fortunate to get their round four matches in before the downpour hit Friday night. The Under 13 comp also enjoyed their Wednesday night battles unscathed.

The CDCA T20 comp also continued Thursday evening with Maiden Gully Lions accounting for Castlemaine United in alow scoring affair

Highlights of the round were Muckleford AGrade batsman Daniel Peckham’s102 with the bat, whilst Muckleford AGrade bowler John Watson had his eye in taking an impressive 6-27 against Newstead, and Barkers Creek’sDarby Semmens claimed 5-23 against Guildford.

Results were:

AGRADE

Maiden Gully Lions 10-197 (Private Player 45, TimBubb 30, Leigh Draper 30,Dean Trew 25, Jimmy Liersch 18 not out, Dallas Gill; Jack Archer 4-31, TasmanScoles2-12) vHarcourt -Match abandoned.

Muckleford 5-291 (Daniel Peckham 102, Edward Gingell 81, John Watson 39 not out, Declan Slingo 37) defeatedNewstead 8-106 (Ben Walter 47, Sam Reece 15; John Watson 6-27, Brett Cole 2-34).

Guildford 9-96 (Jayson Glenister 15,Cordie McKenry 12, Adrian Parsons 11 not out, Patrick Nicholson 10; Darby Semmens 5-23, Nash Robinson 2-24) lost to Barkers Creek 9-207 (Marcus McKern 70, Nash Robinson 51, Bailey Henderson 29, Mark Noonan 17, Brayden Yanner 15; Tyson Williams 4-12, Jack Casley 2-34).

Castlemaine United had the bye.

WOMEN

Hepburn142 (Tara Ford 16 not out, Jennifer Schellekens 15 not out, Jacqui Flinn 13 not out, Kira Terletzky 12 not out, Johannah Maher 10 not out, Danni Kraak 10 not out; defeated Castlemaine United Gold 52 (Kira Terletzky 2-3).

Castlemaine United Blue 116(Samantha

Brasher 20 retired not out) accounted for Muckleford 78 (Gabriella Guseli 2-4, Yayoi Uchida 2-11, TanyaMcKimmie 2-12).

Guildford 79 (Jemma Finning 13 retired not out, Ellenor Landy 11 retired not out) defeated Barkers Creek 73 (Nicole Semmens 11 retired not out, Cassidy McLean 9 retired not out).

Campbells CreekColts 69 (Jess Lord 13 retired not out, Caz Walsh 11 retired not out; Danni Maywood 2-10) lost to Newstead 128 (Eve Righetti 24 retired not out, Gen Butler retired not out, Clare McNabb 9not out). Under 13

Muckleford 86 (Zavier Turner 33 retired not out, MagnusEnvall 10 retired not out, Arthur Gibson 10 retired not out) lost to Campbells Creek Colts Knight Riders 159 (Gianluca Macdougall Di Manno 27 retired not out, Michael Miles 24 retired not out, Jethro Trainor 18 retired not out, James Miles 15 retired not out, Eli Trainor 15 retired not out, Ethan Jackson 12 retired not out).

Campbells Creek Colts Stallions 110 (Mitchell Sturgess 33 retired not out; Darcy Minster 2-5) lost to Castlemaine United Blue 169 (Ted Cordy 31 retired not out, George Cordy 23 retired not out, Sidney Wiese 13 retired not out, Darcy Minster 10 retired not out).

Campbells Creek Colts Mustangs 95 (Sebastian Collie 15 retired not out, Jhi McKenzie 9not out, Charlie Davis 9retired not out) lost to Hepburn 98(Blackwood Ulman Jones 11 retired not out, Fabrizio Petrucci 9; Lachlan Morgan 2-2).

Barkers Creek White 62 (Henry Stephens 15 retired not out, Tate Waddington 15 not out) lost to Newstead Blue 13 (Bailey Bright 24 retired not out, William Garsed 20 retired not out, Spencer Williams 18 retired not out, Parker Williams 13 retired not out, Lewis VanVeen 10 retired not out).

Castlemaine United Gold vBarkers Creek Blue -pending. Harcourt had the bye. T20

Maiden Gully Lions 2-87 (Brodie Hogan 36 not out, Oliver McKenzie 19 not out, Private Player 19) defeated Castlemaine United 7-82 (Declan Brasher 23, David George 20, Beau Ely 11,Harper Kneebone 11 not out;Liam Gill 2-18).

Kicks &Shakes celebrates its 2nd Birthday this Friday.

Young guns such as Francis honed their skills at cricket training at the Camp on Friday evening before rain washed out Saturday’s competition Photo: Max Lesser

Jenna’striumph

West

Out Trentham way in particular there was huge interest shown in the AFLWGrand Final between North Melbourne and Brisbane women'steams on Saturday night.

For 29-year-old Jenna Bruton, it became another team and individual triumph in her illustrious football career,a farcry from when she was the only girl playing footy in aTrentham under-age boys' team.

North Melbourne went through the season undefeated with avery disciplined 6.3 (39) to 1.3 (9) victory before asell-out crowd at Ikon Park —formerly Princes Park.

Reflecting on Sunday when still in celebration mode after the grand final, Bruton admitted she had absolutely no idea when playing footy with the boys at Trentham that this would ultimately lead to her becoming adual AFLWpremiership player —with Footscray in 2018 and now with North Melbourne.

She was thrilled with the grand final win, with pre-match confidence reflected in how well the team had played to go through the season undefeated.

Starting on the inter-change bench, the highly skilled player later had an influence on the game with two passages of play leading to vital goals.

ANOTHER TWO YEARS

"I've signed up (with North) for another two seasons," she said.

Her father Ray said Jenna had shown ahigh level of natural football ability from avery young age.

"It was all she wanted to do," he said.

"She'sbeen areally good kid, having looked after her late mother Susy through avery long illness."

Driving tractors, picking potatoes and herding cattle have been part and parcel of Jenna'slife on the Trentham farm.

Jenna said her parents had been tremendously supportive in encouraging her to pursue her football at the VFLWand AFLWlevels.

She won Footscray'sbest and fairest in her first season with the Bulldogs, having been best with St Kilda Sharks in the previous season.

Then it was aprogressive move to go to North Melbourne. She won the best and fairest in her first season there.

Her long-time partner,Jasmine Garner,also went to the Kangaroos and was best afield with 35 possessions on Saturday night.

Garner is rated one of the outstanding players in AFLWranks.

Bruton said the Kangaroos had been confident, and had effectively played their system to contain the opposition. Three goals in the first term put the side on the way to victory

Former Roos' AFL premiership player Darren Crocker was the winning coach.

The victory made amends for the narrow loss to Brisbane in the 2023 grand final when Bruton was injured early in the first term, and took no further part in that match. She had starred in the preliminary final.

Bruton is awell-known name in the Trentham district, and Jenna said she really appreciated the local level of support.

Bill

Jenna Bruton with her dad Ray.

Jenna Bruton (at left) and Jasmine Garner with the premiership cup. AFL Photography

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