KynetonFood Collectivehas struck a chordwith aplea forpeople to support their local cafes, restaurants, bakeries, bars and businesses.
Thegroup of Kynetonhospitalitybusinesses said increased cost-of-living pressures had hit everyone hardbut nowwas the timefor people to shop locally if they could.
"Staff shortages, rising utility bills, relentless insuranceincreases, and the skyrocketing cost of ingredients have pushed many operatorstothe brink,"theyrevealed.
margins arenow the reality.For families running these businesses, the stress isn't theoretical —it'slived everyday
"Kyneton, this is our turning point. Supporting local isn't about spending big —it's about showing up.Choosingacoffee, a beer,ameal, or asmall retail purchase nowand then.Thosesmall actions, taken together,keep our town vibrant."
Theletterhas gained morethan 100,000 views online and has been shared on multiple platforms, among manycommunities.
Oneofthe collective'smembers, Botanik Kyneton's Melissa Macfarlane, said it wasbecause industry pressures were widespread.
‘Don’t forget
Hospitalitycalltoshop
"Wherewefind ourselves is notunique to Kyneton. Everyone is struggling,"she told the Express."We know thatit'sreally hardand we need to band together.
"The idea of theletterwas to explain whywemay notbeopenseven days a week, whycosts maybechangingand to create awareness of costs to businesses."
KynetonFood Collectiveformed in response to the covid-19 pandemic when the hospitality sector facedextraordinary pressures and restrictions.
Theindustry continues to face challenges as cost-of-living pressures impact general business operations and customer spending capacity
Collectivemember,Donkey Kyneton owner Mark James, said the hospitality sector and retailers across the boardhad noticed "a drop-offinbusiness"
"It'shardgoing. Everyone is doing it tough rightnow," he said.
"Local hospitalitybusinesses areasking people to please come andbuy one pie, or one coffee. We don'tneed extravagant purchases, just please don't forget we're here.
"We'll end up withmoreempty shops if we don'ttry to protect whatwelove."
Sincethe letter waspostedlast week, businesses have reported residents seem to be paying attention and visitations have slightly increased in response.
All your needs. One location.
Anyone in Kynetonrequiring adedicatedmortgagebroker, or an expert lawyer in personal injury had no choicebut to leavetown, and toooften, leave the region entirely Until now.
Macedon Ranges Professional Services has been established at 54 High St,Kyneton, and brings together ateam of leading businesses in law, accounting, mortgagebroking and financial advice, to theone location.
John Herron, lawyer and principal director of Carpe Diem Legal ,recognised the challengelocal residents facedreaching these services. Afterdecades working across the globe, he setout to establish an organisation with thevery best from each in their field. Theresult: acollaboration Victoria had neverseen before “Kynetonisthe ideal location forour combined professional services group.We believe this model will meeta wide rangeofthe community’sneeds with highly qualified professionals,”Herron said.
Thereisnolonger the need to travel up and down theCalder forthose essential appointments. Seebelowthe experts youcan work with in town today.
Carpe Diem Legal
As aforward-thinking legal practice,Herron and his team offercreativeand robust solutions tailored to your needs. They can assist with all thetraditional legal services you need, such as property, family,orcommercial law, or when yourequireexperts in cutting edgeareas of the law. Theteam is focused on practical, cost-effectiveand fair solutions for your legal challenges so youcan achieve the outcome youdeserve. Receiveadvicebycalling 5428 1976.
Fortitude Legal
As Personal Injury experts dedicatedtosupporting regional Victorians, Fortitude Legal specialises in TAC, WorkCoverand Public Liability claims. They'rethe only exclusive personal injury firm with an office locatedinthe Macedon Ranges, giving residents direct access to specialist adviceclose to home. Theteam is excited to supportlocals with the compassionate,trusted advocacy the firmisknown foracross regional Victoria. Call them on 1300 020 618 to arrangea no obligation appointmentwithsenior associate,Jenna Amos.
Macedon Ranges Taxand Accounting
Working withAngela Papalia, the principal director of Macedon Ranges Taxand Accounting, will provide youwith someone who has morethan 30 years' accounting experience. Shespecialises in business and financial management, accounting and taxation forindividuals, partnerships, trusts, companies and superannuation funds. Having held various general manager positions, she's helped turn struggling businesses into successful organisations. SpeakwithAngela by calling 0455 420 324.
CompleteCapital
Specialising in mortgagebroking and financial advice, the team at Complete Capital can assist with residential loans, first home buyer governmentgrant loans, commercial loans, Self-Managed Superannuation Fund loans, car loans and assetfinance. What's more,they have more than 50lenderstochoose from to makesureyourpaired withthe very best option. Complete Capital'sfinancial advisersspecialise in superannuation advice, personal insurancerecommendations, SMSF advice, aged careplanning and wealth and investment advice. Call the team on 1300767 967.
Macedon Ranges Professional Services
John Herron stands outside Macedon Ranges ProfessionalServiceslocation at 54 High Street,Kyneton.
Residentsarrested at NSWprotest
Morgan Reinwald
Fiftyresidents from centralVictoria travelled to NSWlastweek to takepart in aprotest and blockade at ashipping port exporting coal.
Thousands of people from across the country attended the annual eventhosted by the climate action group, Rising Tide. Protestors paddled in kayaks and other watercraft around Newcastle Harbour, the largest portexporting coal worldwide, and cancelled the arrival of twocargo ships.
Atemporary marine-exclusion zone wasput in place, and anyone who entereditwas subject to arrest. NSWPolicesaiditadopteda "zero-toleranceapproach to actions which threatenpublic safety and the safe passageofvessels".Theyarrested 141 people over the course of the six-dayevent thatended on Dec. 2, including about six residents from centralVictoria.
Castlemaine residentMalcolm Robins attended the Rising Tide protest last week forhis second time. The79-year-old wasarrested at the eventafter he purposely travelled by boatintothe marine exclusion zone.
"The reason Idid it wastocreateanawareness in in the community.Withthe absenceoftangible government action, the community has to take over and do the job instead. AndI recognise, also, thatI probably won'tsee anyresults in my lifetime, but I'vegot grandchildren,”MrRobins said.
“Being ababyboomer and participating in stealing of the futureof younger generations, Ifeel aduty of caretoactually do whatIcan.
“A group of us got together and called ourselves 'The Oldies Rising'.Wedecided thatfiveofus, plus thecaptain of the boat, would setout as ateam of old people in support of the younger generations to to getourselves noticed and arrested.
“When [the police] discovered thatwewereall sort of in the eighties-class group,theyunarrested us and said, ‘we're notgoing to prosecute youwith your age’
"I believe theydidn't arrest us because it'sbad public relations. Andthat, Iregard, as apieceofgross ageism."
TheHuman Rights LawCentrehas called foranindependentreviewintothe event, andexpressed concern for18minorswho were arrested.
In astatement,the Centre said, "Arresting children forexercising their democratic righttoprotest in ademocracy is aserious overreach by NSWPolice"
"I will also add thatthe policeweredoing whatappeared to be abit of kind of psychological warfare, like through thenight, sort of ringing their sirens all the time, just to sort of keep us so under slept,"MsShawsaid.
"Itwas interesting thatthe policewereprotecting therights of thethe coal industry rather than the rights of people thatwere theretomakesome noise aboutthe fact thatweare,you know, shipping tons and tons and tons of coal overseas, despiteour climateemergency."
Ms Shaw tookayaked in the waterbut stayed away from the exclusion zone.
Sheadded, "there'sa whole lotofroles thatpeople play in big blockade. Ispentsome time at the lemonade stand, and some time also at theinner communitycarerole, which is away of looking afterall thepeople in the blockade communitythere.And all these roles aredonevoluntarily.People were cleaning the toilets and theyweren't even getting paid forit. It just really shows how dedicatedpeople aretothe cause and howgenerous people are withtheir time."
MountAlexander councillor LucasMaddock also attended in apersonal capacity. He spoketothe Express as aprivateresident, notonbehalf of council.
“I joined the blockade because we need moreaction and we need it fast,”MrMaddock said.
“I’m furiouswith our Labor government’s carelessness with our environmentand futuregenerations. Opening newcoaland gas projects while our planetfaces climate catastrophe is unconscionable.”
Taxexemption extended
Victorian farmershavewelcomed the state government'sdecision to freezethe new Emergency Services and VolunteersFund levy foranother twoyears
TheESVF, which replaced the former Fire Services Levy and is applied to all property owners, has been highly controversial –especially in regional areas wherefarmersfeared their levies could rise by tens of thousands of dollars.
In last Friday’sbudget update,the governmentannounced severalchanges to thelevy. These include keeping the variable rate forprimary production land unchanged, an increase to the thevolunteer rebate cap forfarmland from $5 million to $10 million, and delaying changes affecting investmentproperties by 12 months. Treasurer JaclynSymes said the twoyear freezewould apply to primary production land and thatnoincreases were expected for other landholders.
“This is good news forfarmers,”she said. “It
recognises the dry conditions, acknowledges the time needed forrecovery,and provides certainty.Importantly,itcounters misinformation suggesting an imminentincrease that simply isn’t true.”
Victorian FarmersFederation president BrettHosking said the announcementwas a reliefand followedstrong opposition to the newtax.
“Freezing the levy and increasing the exemption threshold acknowledges the massive pressurefarmershavefaced, especially after yearsofdroughtand rising operating costs,” he said.
“Victorian farmerstold us theESVFwas their number one issue, and we’vebeen moving heavenand earth to reach today’sdecision. It’s astepinthe rightdirection, but nowwe need real reform so we aren’t facing thesame taxagain in twoyears.”
–See further commentfromthe CFAVolunteersGroup Inc. on our Opinions page.
Greens candidate forWest Bendigo, Liza Shaw,kayakinginthe nonexclusion zone in the Port of Newcastle.
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Aplantoenforce 24-hour domestic cat containmentacrossthe Macedon Ranges is nownot expected to begin until 2029.
Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil voted to prolong introduction of the changeby one year to allowresidents moretimeto prepare.
Extending the time would also include investigation of options to ease the cost and improve compliance.
Themovewas part of the council'sdecision to adoptthe DomesticAnimal ManagementPlan 2026-29 last month.
Cr Jennifer Anderson led the motion to push the timeframe forwardfollowing significantcommunity feedback.
"Myconcern about bringing the catcontainmentintoo soon, is thatwedid quite alot of feedback and concerns from some residents about the cost, and the difficulty in doing it,"she said.
67-69MostynSt.Castlemaine Ph:54721203
"Thereisthe potential thattheymay decide nottohaveacat,orperhaps thatcat mightevenend up being dumped somewhere. We don't want thattohappen.
"I think we should bring in catcontainment. It is difficult and it is differentbut (the waythatwedothatisreally important)."
Cr Anderson'smotion also soughta reviewofthe 'For the Love Of Paws'cat and dogeducation campaign.
While the motion gained majoritysupport,CrDaniel Young held some reservations about alater introduction dueto environmental impact.
"I think the most vulnerable elementthat we'retalking about hereiswildlife. Thereis extensiveresearch that'sbeen done on the damagethatcatsdotonativewildlifeand it is absolutely horrific,"hesaid.
"I think this is far too late to be having this conversation and Ithink it should have been alongtime agothatcatswere contained to homes. Idon't think another
We’relaunching anew program to fund innovativeinitiatives across the shire: LocalImpact BusinessGrants
Local businesses, business groups, farmer networksand community organisationscan apply forgrants of up to $5,000 to bring practical, high-impact projects to life.
This one-yearpilot programwill fund projects thathelp:
•Build localskillsand knowledge
•Strengthencommunity wellbeing
•Boostsustainability
•Growa fairer,morevibrant localeconomy
Applicationsare open from Monday 15 December to Sunday11January
Findout more at mountalexander.vic.gov.au/ Local-Impact-Grants.
Working together forahealthy, connected shire mountalexander.vic.gov.au (03) 5471 1700
year is going to be good enough forour environmentand Isuggest that we move on with this as soon as possible."
Thedraft planattracted morethan 550 submissions across tworounds of community consultation earlier this year and a rangeoffeedback.
Keythemes included acall formore education around effectivedog control/ on-leash requirements/reducing nuisance behavioursincats/catcontainment, im-
provedprovisions fordogs andownersin public places, and support and concern for fenced dogoff-leash areas. In survey responses: 66 per cent of residents supported a24-hour catcurfew, and 79 per cent supported the council introducing mandatory catde-sexing. Enforcement, lack of resourcing, dog wastemanagement, petregistration incentives and wildlifeconcerns were also among the topics raised.
Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil has delayed to enforce24-hour domesticcat containment across the shire.
Fellowship forfilmmaker
Castlemaine documentary filmmaker and producer,AlexKelly,and collaborator, director Maya Newell, have been awarded the highly regarded Diane Weyermann Fellowship —placing them among just three documentary teams selected globally
Thetwo-year fellowship will support their feature-length documentary project, Testimony
Testimony followsthe journeyofthe most ambitious climatelitigation undertaken in Australia.
In this landmark case, Torres Strait Islanderssue the federal governmentfor failing to preventclimate harm.A win could reshape Australia’s approach to climate action and seta precedentwith global reach. While their lawyersdotheir best to
argue forjusticefor the islanders, acourt is notable to hold the wisdom and depth of Island kastom (island custom).
Thefilm followsdance-master Sedrick Waia beyond the courtroom as he gathers his people to remember,brace,and dream of possible futures. Thefilm becomes the people's owncinematic declaration —an offering from Saibai herself forgenerations to come
This is adocumentary-as-testimony thatallowsthe world to bear witness with those on the frontline and face our collectivefuture
TheFellowship wasestablished to honour the legacyofDiane Weyermann, whose decades-long work helped shape the global documentary landscape through
Busy timefor medics
AmbulanceVictoria faceda record-breaking winterasdemand forcritical emergency careincreased in the past three months. Code 1emergencies arewhen apatientreceives 'lights and sirens',and it wasthe busiest July to September period on record as Ambulance Victoria responded to 101,632 of these calls. It wasalsothe second busiest quarter on record
Paramedics in theMacedon Ranges had 1432 Code 1responses withanaverage time of 15 minutes and 56 seconds. Paramedics in MountAlexander had 296 Code 1incidents with an averageresponse time of 20 minutes and 53 seconds. Response timesbegin when someone dials Triple Zero to when paramedicsarrives on scene.
leadership rolesatthe SundanceInstitute and ParticipantMedia. TheFellowship seeks bold, cinematic documentaries —and selects only three films eachcycle from hundreds of global submissions.
Each film receives US$100,000 in unrestricted funding, along with tailored mentorship, creativeretreatsatthe Camden International Film Festival, and ongoing professional support over thenext 18 months.
In October,Alextravelled to Tzintzuntzan, Mexico, forthe opening fellowship retreatheld at the Cine QuaNon lab –alongside filmmakerson Captions Will be Needed and TheInstrument with mentors RobMoss, Tabatha Jackson and Kirsten Johnson.
•DrEmma Haugh
•DrDina Afreem
•DrSadia Asad
•DrLayaSattartabar
Our
Frontleft Maya (green pants)and Alex(yellowt-shirt) with the cohort in Mexico.
Crossing createsdivision
Jade Jungwirth
Q. What do youget when youput a zebraontop of awombat?
A. Apedestrian crossing thatdivides the community
Thenew pedestrian crossing on Mostyn Street in Castlemaine's CBD, awombat (a raised speed hump)with azebra(thick, parallel whitestripes)ontop, wasofficially opened on FridaybyMPMaree Edwards and council representatives.But residents have expressed scepticism about the crossing'seffectiveness, and local disability advocatesare disappointedthattheir pleas forbettervisibility have notbeen adequately addressed.
Following sustained community advocacy to makethe busycrossing safer, an $80,000 state governmentinvestmentand community consultation, thework wasundertaken. This included building the raised speed hump, anarrowing of the road,a reduction in speed, and improved lighting. Requeststoremove asingle car park nearest the crossing to improve visibility, particularly forsmall children and people in wheelchairs, were notgranted; instead, the twoclosest carparks were allocated to 'small vehicles only',which is notalways adhered to by motorists.
MountAlexanderShireDisability Access
Group member CathyWheel said that while the council could ask people notto park there, theycould notenforce it
"Weare going to continue to have the problem of thoughtless parking there, blocking the vision, and people aregoing to continue to be at risk,"she said
"MASDAG admitsthatthe crossing is an improvement, but thevisibility is still blocked by the cars.
"We've been advocating to getrid of thatcar park since2016. It is just one car park, changethatintoamotorcycle, or bi-
cycle park or remove it altogether,toavoid the risk of people being injured.
"There'sbeen alot of near misses there. Thevision is blocked because youcan't see through metal. Whether it'sa smallmetal carora big metal car,you still can't see through it to people crossing from north to south, notuntil theyare rightsmackbang in frontofyou."
FellowMASDAGmember,Lorraine Le Plastrier,anelectric wheelchair user,said the crossing wasa serious problem "I'vehad twonear misses sincethe crossing, because they couldn'tsee me in the wheelchair and I'm really frightened of achildrunning ahead of their mum and getting hit.
Council'sdirector of infrastructureand development,Michael Annear,said the council considered everyone's opinions about the crossing, including safety,crossing infrastructure, parking and thesurrounding area.
"The works herehaveimprovedthe safety, and we'vebeen able to maintain the parking, which is really critical forthe CBD, with thereduction in thesizeof those vehicles," he said.
"Managing parking is nevereasy, but our local lawofficerscontinue to observethatlocation, we continue to talk to VictoriaPolice about their role in managing adherencetoroadtraffic rules, which include speeds along Mostyn Street and appropriate recognitionofthe pedestrian crossing, so it is acombination of different factors."
Many communitymembershaveraised the idea of additional car parks in frontof the Market Building, and Mr Annear told the Express thatfollowing the works on Fredrick Street,therewerefutureplans to look at thearea, which were already included in theCastlemaine Streetscape Plan.
Back to School with
03 5422 2090
Jo Nursing
Kynetonunitesfor Christmas
Kynetoncommunity groups aregearing up in collaboration this Sundayfor acelebration of community and carols and all things Christmas.
KynetonChristmas Collective together with Social Foundry and the Rotary Club of Kyneton, aregathering and guiding Kyneton’smelting potofcommunity groups and churches to collectively host anightofcarols and entertainmentwithsomething foreveryone.
“Though thereare many groups that contribute to Christmas events,not to mention churches thathostcarols events fortheir owncommunities each year,werarely do all gettogether to do something moreinclusivefor the wider community,” said Simon Burnett from Social Foundry
“The KynetonChristmas Collective wasformed last year out of the desirefor connection and our passion fora country town Christmas event,”said Andie, founder of KCC.
“After moving from the city yearsago,weand manyofour friendsoften spokeabout longing to connect withthe greater community but notknowing wheretostart.
“Manyofuswithless religious ties to theseason or those from differing cultural backgrounds still love singing carols and embracing the spirit of the season.
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"This Christmas, together with local community groups and churches, we arehoping to provide something thatisopen and accessible to everyone.”
lawn full of games and family activities.
Those interested can expect everything from school and community choirstolocal brass bands, from Santatothe CFA, food trucks to sausagesizzles, ateaspoon of poetry and a
With special performances from KavishaMazzella, Valley Road and the KynetonStreet Band, this eventwill be held outside at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Kyneton, from 4pm to
7pm, on Sunday, December 14. Bring your picnic blanket and Christmas cheer.Good coin donations raised by the eventwill go towardsKyneton Food Bank and Uniting Care forthose less fortunate this Christmas.
Mary Nehmywants to seethe Romsey bus servicebettercater forvisitorstothe newRomseyCommunity Aged Carefacilityat Goodenia Lane.
TheSunbury residentisadvocating fora fourth busstoptobeinstalled near the corner of Main Street and Goodenia Lane forbetter accessibility
"The only mode of public transport to the town of Romseyisbya Dyson’sbus, via Sunbury," Ms Nehmysaid.
"Thereare currently three bus stops located on the corner of Main Street and (1) Gordon Street,(2) the CommunityHub and(3) Palmer Street.The problem is thatthe distanceistoo fartowalk forpeople withmobility issues."
Ms Nehmysaid the extrastopwouldassist people with mobility issues and help improve connections at the aged carefacility
"I have severe osteoarthritis and due to the constantpain, Iamunable to walk that distanceofabout 0.8km from bus stop three to the facility," shetold the Express
"This distanceisalso uphill.
"Itisvery difficultfor someone who is relying on the bus to regularly visit the aged care facility."
Ms Nehmysaid she had contacted PTV, Hume City councillor Kate Hamleyand MP forSunbury Josh Bull, and heardher request would be attended to as apriority
Bellstochime for10,000 years
While Dr AntonHasell wasteaching at the Victorian Collegeofthe Arts in the 1990s astudentasked him about bells, and he realised he knewnothing of the secret world of bell founding.
Curious, Hasell has sinceexplored the useofbothtraditional and digital toolsto design and makebells forpublic-spaceartworks in Australia, the Pacific Islands and the USA. He describes his work as acollaboration between the scienceof‘art’ and the art of ‘science’
Convinced thereisa placefor newbell design in the acoustic overlay of contemporary urban habitats, Hasell has submitted proposals fornew bells in public artspaces overthe past 25 years.
It's paid off. Hasell'sexpertise wascalled upon to assist withthe Long NowFoundation's 10,000-year Clock project, an enormous feat being undertaken to install amechanical clock inside aTexas mountain and keep time forthe next 10,000 years.
“I love knowing Australian bells ring in the clock,”DrHasell said.
Theproject is backed by Jeff Bezos, who invested $42 million (USD)intoits creation. Theclock required 10 bells in its mechanism to allowittochime each dayina differentsequencefor the next 10,000 years.
Hasell invented abelldesign forthe clock with a‘difference-tone’thatallowedthe bell to be half thesizeofa European bell at the same pitch. Andhedid all thatrightherein the region, with the 10 bells cast at Billman's Foundry in Castlemaine, before being tuned and shipped offtothe U.S.
Hasell has arangeofworks on displayatTrio Art Studio and GalleryatKyneton. His works forsaleinclude aseries of mechanical clocks and bell sculpturesinspired by the 10,000-year project.
Library funding boost
Macedon Ranges libraries in Kyneton, Gisborne,Woodend and Romseywill benefit from $62,865 in thelatest round of the state government'sLiving Libraries Infrastructure Program.
Funds will provide better access to library facilities andprograms andincrease community engagementwithservices.
Theprogram supportsinitiatives thatdeliver tangiblebenefitstolocalareas, and increase access to learning, participation andengagementwith community libraries.
Maxine McKeeand Dr AntonHasellatTrio Arts Studio,standing with aphoto of the 10,000 year clock project.
Romsey NH manager Michelle Balthazar,Lancefield NH coordinatorVivien Philpotts, Macedon Ranges Further Education Centre manager Pauline Fyfe,KynetonCommunity House CEOClaireRawlinson, MP Mary-Anne Thomas,and Woodend NH manager Melissa Baker.
Community plea forfunding
AmyHume
More than athousand postcards will maketheir waytoparliamentbacking increased funding forMacedon Ranges' strained Neighbourhood Houses.
Yearsofinadequate funding has put the services at risk of closureand threatened the vital programs theyprovide.
Kyneton, Woodend, Gisborne, Lancefield and Romsey services have joined the statewide ‘Keep OurDoorsOpen’campaign, calling on the Victorian Governmenttoboost funding by 25 per cent in the 2026 Budget
Last week, local Neighbourhood House leadersdelivered hundreds of community messages of NH support to MP Mary-Anne Thomas during her visit to Romsey
Thepostcards held heart-messages of howthe programs had provided vital social connection, alife-line to some,and importantprograms suchascommunitylunches and food deliveries.
"It'scaptured the positivedifferencewe have made to people. If we weren'tthere, whatwould people do?" said Pauline Fyfe, manager,Macedon Ranges FurtherEducation Centre.Services potentially at risk without increased funding arethe community lunches, socialactivities such as book clubs and sewing groups, and anything not individually funded.
"We've seen achangeacross the shirein terms of needs with theincreased cost-ofliving pressures and we want to continue providing support forour communities,"said Melissa Baker, manager,Woodend Neighbourhood House.
Thetrue impact of the services were demonstrated when severalcommunity membersseized on the opportunitytoapproach Ms Thomas to express the importanceofincreased funding forthe service.
Ms Thomas will deliver the community postcards to Minister forCarersand VolunteersRos Spence
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Working in early childhood education can change the lives of young Victorians. And with financial support like scholarships to study at university and Free TAFE courses, it could transform your life too
Andthe winnersare ...
MountAlexander ShireCouncil celebrated the fifth COscarsYouthFilm Festival last week at TheatreRoyal in Castlemaine. Thecompetition celebrates the talent and creativity of young filmmakersacross the shire.
With its biggest attendancetodate, the audiencewas treatedtoa vast rangeof short films from young filmmakers.
Congratulations to the2025 winners:
Snapshot(10-14 years) Life’s Short by LeonardPrior Snapshot(15-20 years) TheWalk to School by Cosmo Adams
Short (1-5min)10-14 years TheBattle of Hamel by Orrin Isaac-Gersch
Short (1-5min)14-20 years Days WithoutIncident by ZakWestcott
Short Film (5-10 min)15-20 years One of the Last Wizards on Earth by Inny Shears
Judges’special mention to Jiya Pandya.
Thefilms were judged by local film and theatreindustry professionals Kyla Brettle, John Roebuck, Lisa Mills, BryanSieber and Youth Advisory member Albie Henderson.
Thejudgespraised the high standardof quality and creativity seen this year
"I'm lucky to have been in aposition to watch the COscas grow,and I'm super impressed withthe rangeand qualityofthe films submitted to thefestival this year,” said judgeKyla Brettle.
“It'ssogreat to seeyoung people exploring, having funand also pushing the boundaries of whattheycan do with this medium.
“This is an awesome programfor people of allages– giving us afresh perspective on the world and the things that matter."
TheCOscarsYouth Film Festival is coordinatedbycouncil’sYouth Advisory Group andAmplify Committee,which include local volunteersaged12 to 25 years.
Viewthe films online on theMount Alexander ShireYouth YouTube channel or on council’syouth websiteat www.mountalexandershireyouth.com. au/events
AlbieHenderson and Zak Westcott. Photo:Merv Schier
Aftermorethan adecade of fundraising and yearly grantsubmissions, the Taradale Fire Brigade has finally been approvedfor asecond appliancethrough the Victorian Emergency Services EquipmentProgram.
Brigade membershavebeentirelessly campaigning to getthe vehicle to ensurethe community'ssafety, and as the only brigade in the MountAlexander Group without a second appliance, the memberscould never understand whytheykeptgetting rejected. Finally,theyhavebeenapproved fora
$310,000 VESEP grant, announced by Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas during avisit to the station last week.
Thebrigadehas also successfully raised morethan $100,000 through community fundraising, which will contributetothe purchase of the lighttanker and to kit it out with breathing apparatus equipment.
Brigade Captain Lochie Elliot said it was absolutely fantastic forthe communityof Taradale, which had been campaigning for14 yearstoget an additional appliance.
"It'sfinally happened, and we'reecstatic," he said.
ThirdLieutenantTraceyWhiteside said the lighttanker would be acommunityowned vehicle thatcould neverbetaken away
"It'sours! Thank youtoevery single town member,everybody whoboughta sausage, who attended atrivia night, who bought something from ourmineral springs. It's because of youthatwecan do this,"she said It is notknown howlongitwill takefor the lighttanker to be made available. In the interim, the brigade has the use of a loan tanker to help withthe upcoming fire season.
MacedonRanges Ag Machineryare your local farm equipment experts. We offer an extensiverange of equipment for all types of farming and grounds-care needs from class-leading brands Kioti, Bad BoyMowers, John Berends, Cosmo Bully,TTI and Goldacres. We also have qualified diesel mechanics as partofour team with the option to use either our on-site workshop or on-farm service. Giveusacall to find outmore.
Macedon Ranges Ag Machinery 120 Piper St, Kyneton Phone 5422 1821 E. info@mragmach.com.au
Taradale CFAmembers areoverjoyedtofinally be approvedfor funding to buy asecond appliance.
Photo:M.A.D CreativeStudio
Preserving the black gumforest
Agroup of Woodend over-50s are helpingtoprotect andregenerate oneof Australia’s rarest andmost endangered trees,onlyfoundintheirtowninVictoria,byplanting morethan1250 new tubestock over the past fiveyears.
ResidentsofGemLifeWoodend,led by resort managerTonyLiversidge, have embraced aconservation programto bolster their community’s340-strong black gum(Eucalyptus aggregata)population,someofwhich aremorethan100 yearsold.
In Victoria, the treesonlygrowwithin afour-kilometreradius of Woodend, with theircommunity accounting forabout 10 percentofthe State’stotal population and its largest on privateland. Other sitesare under threatfromweeds, grazing,droughtand soilcompaction
More than adozenresidents took part in this year’sannualspring revegetation, helpingplant about 2500 tubestock, including 250 black gum, along with other nativespecies and grasses.
Locatedwithinprotected environment corridors in the13-hectareGemLife Woodend, on MountMacedon Road, the trees predominatelygrowalongside a natural creek bed.
Tony said revegetation wasstartingto ‘take-off’,withthe trees growing well –although, it would takeatleast adecade to become sizeable and50yearstostart reaching maturity,classified as whena tree reaches50cm in diameter.
As the firstresidenttomove into GemLifeWoodend,and with abackground in horticulture, DannyGreen has beencommitted to the programfromthe start, clearing weeds like broom, gorse and blackberry,beforerevegetation began.
“Anything as unique as the black gum
needs to be preserved and, if we keep the revegetation programgoing, we’ll achieve that,”Dannysaid.
“The environmental areas arequite something, full of gum trees,not just black gum —itreally is beautiful.”
SundewEcological Servicesprincipal ecologistKatherine Smedleyoversees the program, tagging and tracking the black gums, protected under federaland state legislation.
Shesaidrevegetation had seen the
woodland undergo a‘reset’,frombeing overwhelmed by weeds to returning to its indigenous state
“We’ve been slowly reintroducing nativeshrubs, whichare increasingthe habitatand protecting thetrees by providing almost a‘woolly jumper’ thatlessens the impact of wind andheat,”she said.
“The black gum is auniquespecies. Thereare notmanyofthem —it’sestimatedthereare onlya couple of thousandall up in Woodend.”
Katherine said the aimwas a90to95 per cent planting success ratetokeep the population, which suffersfromnatural attrition, healthy.
“It’sareallystrong planningoutcome that is preservingthe black gumforest, which is such an importantasset to the site, the Woodendcommunity and the region’s biodiversity,” shesaid.
Theprogram is carriedout in collaboration with Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil and Threatened SpeciesConservancy.
The future is calling, and we need your help to educatethe next generation. With secondary teaching scholarships,employment-based degrees,and arange of supports to help get youintothe classroom, there’sneverbeen abetter time to become ateacher in Victoria.
ETcare
Pet ownersurged to plan now Summer isAustralia’s mostdangerous season forpets
As temperatures increase and daylight lingers, Australia’s pets face an increase in life-threatening risks, from snakes and ticks to fleas and heatstress. Petinsurance provider Petsyisurging ownerstoprepare now, saying toomanypet emergencies each summer arepreventable with simple, proactiveplanning.
An estimated 6200 snake-biteincidents areexpected forAustralia's dogs every year Themajority occurofthese bites occur in the summer, with approximately 84 per cent of cases linked to thewarmest months of the year.Assnakes seek shelter in shaded gardens and under backyarddebris, our pets areoften the first to stumble upon them.
Petsyfounder Monica Limanto recommends keeping lawns short and clearing away wood piles or other debris to lessen areas thatmay attract snakes.
“Snakes aremost activeatdawnand dusk when they areseeking food or looking to breed, by restricting youpetsaccess to long grass or bushyareas during these hoursyou can reducerisk of abite,”Monica says Paralysis ticks areanother deadly threat with the peak exposure timestypically witnessed in the warmer weather afterwet periods. Australians arebeing urgedtobetick alert with experts warning thatthe 2025 summer could be another horror season with 5,000 tick-relatedvet visits expected and sadly 1in10ofthose pets dying.
“Regular tick prevention whether in collar,chewable or topicalformatshould neverbeskipped, cats and dogs should be checkeddaily forticks paying particular attention to theheadand neckareas,"
Monica says "This is especially importantafter walks in bushyorcoastal areas.”
Thesummer in Australia also sees an explosion in fleas and other parasites which thriveinthe humid conditions. Monica says many petownersmistakenly stop flea and tickprotection in winter, only to face infestations thattrigger allergic reactions, skin infections and can add up to costly vet bills when the warmer weather an infestation catches them by surprise.
“A consistent, year-round protection programisessential forthe health of your pet. We also recommend washing bedding on your machines hotcycles and vacuuming regularly to disruptthe parasites lifecycle,” Monica says Heat stress and dehydration arealso common summerissues and canbeamong the most distressing but preventable emergencies seen by vets each summer.Animal welfareagencies warn thatthe temperature inside parked carscan become fatalwithin minutes, dogs can die in as little as six minutes in ahot vehicle and thatshade or cracked windows does notmakeitsafe.
“Petsleftoutdoorsorconfined to enclosed spaces in extreme heatcan develop heatstrokeatadangerous pace, which can
progress to organ failurewithin minutes,”
Monica says “Owners should ensuretheir pets alwayshaveaccess to shadeand cool water,avoid exercise in the middle of the dayduring peak heatand neverleave animals unattended in cars, even briefly Heavypanting, drooling or lethargy areall
redflags that requireimmediate veterinary care.”
As conditions heatup, Petsyisurging Australians to stay alert to thechanging environmentand to treatpet safety as part of their broader summerpreparedness. Awareness, notluck, is whatkeeps animals safe at this time of year
The bigimpact of osteoarthritis in dogs
Theimpact of chronic painonour muchlovedpetsand their families oftengoes underestimatedand invisible.
Didyou know:
•Osteoarthritis impacts more Australian dogs than humans. About twoinfive(40 per cent)dogscurrently livewith osteoarthritis pain, but Australian vets report diagnosing it in only 25 per cent of their canine patients.
•For context, 8.3 per cent of the Australian population areestimated to be living with osteoarthritis, which is astark comparison with almost half of Australia’s dogpopulation (40 per cent)potentially suffer from thesilent pain of osteoarthritis.
•Pet ownerswait; pain doesn’t. Most Australian dogowners(70 per cent)believe pain affects adog’s life as much as it affects humans, yetovera third(34 per cent)admit thattheywait until symptoms areobvious before acting on their dog’shealth.
•Pain overlooked as anormal part of life. While 90 per cent of the surveyeddog ownerswereable to name at least one sign or symptomassociatedwith canine osteoarthritis, aquarter (25 per cent)ofrespondents revealed thattheyconsider pain to be a normal part of lifefor most dogs.
Treatmentofostearthritis in dogs aims to reducepain, improvemobilityand slow progression. Most dogs benefit from acombination of therapies. Discuss atreatmentplan with your vet.
Treatmentofostearthritis in dogs aims to reduce pain, improvemobilityand slow progression.
8. Surgerymay be required in severe casesTotal hip replacement
Arthroscopyorother correctiveprocedures.
Owners should ensuretheir pets alwayshaveaccess to shade and cool water
CASTLEMAINESECONDARY COLLEGE Awards 2025
Languageaward d wiinners Finn Girbbon, AuroraAAnnear-FFostter,PPema L Lowe, Tenzin Steer and Cooper Lanson. Absent: Arlo Vellacott, Frankie vanTiggelenand Xanthe Ryan.
M Midland Express/Castlemaine Mail representative Lynda Brew is pictured with some of the EnglishAward winnersFrankie vanTiggelen, Maya Forbes, Thea Sutherland and PoppyMcCahon-Tobin.
H Humanities award winners Torsten Van Andel,NNeve Duthie and Mathilde Cross.
CSC priinciipal l JustitinHHird d congrattullatted d students on another successful year
2 2025SSchhool l Captaiins led d thheawarddsbbefforehhandding overtonew schhool l captaiins for 2026
Casttlemaiine
Resi
Award
wiinnersPPema L Lowe, Thalia Anderson, Aleka Adam, Thomasina Challender and FreyaReadsmith arepictured with Lions member RayStevenson. Absent: Jarrah Podesta.
C Castllemaiine Techhniical l ColllegePPast Studdent’’sAAssociatition award d wiinnersare piictured d with Bill Sikora
C Casttlemaiine S Seconddary Colllege’’syear l level l duxes arepicttured d wiith MayorTTobbyHHeyddon and d Cr RosieAnnear
Steiner Best Overall Achievementaward winnersPoppy McCahon-Tobin and Freya Readsmith.
L LaTTrobeIInfifiniityAAward d wiinnersIIzzy Harrod d Speiighht,FFinn Girbon and Mathilde Cross. Absent: Edie Whitesmith.
CASTLEMAINESECONDARY COLLEGE Awards 2025
CSC Awards 2025
TheCastlemaine SecondaryCollege(CSC) 2025 Awards were held at the collegeonWednesday last week.
Theannual awards celebratestudentexcellencerightacross the colleague community and also sawthe crowd treatedtosomeincredible performances by CSC'sDuPré String Orchestrawhich performed RiverSong by RichardMeyer, andthe CSC SymphonyOrchestra which performed the Star Wars:Episode III Revengeofthe Sith Medley composed by John Williams, arranged by Victor Lopez and Piratesofthe Caribbean composed by Klaus Badelt, arranged by TedRickets.
In apre-recorded address, CSC principal Justin Hird told theaudiencethatthe CSC awards ceremonyisanopportunity to recognise the outstanding achievements of their students across academic learning, the arts, sport, leadership, citizenship and personal growth.
"I want every single studentheretodaytotakenoteand reflect on your achievements this year.I guaranteeevery single person has made progress. Andifyour progress hasn't been what youhoped for, that's fine, reflect,celebratethe wins, and thinkabout whatyou'velearntabout yourself and use this to improve fornextyear.Lifealwayspresents us with moreopportunities," Mr Hird said.
"And to our awardwinners. Youhaven't achieved this success by accidentyou have established positivehabits, of persistence, consistency,curiosity and courage. Youtry even when its hard, you push through frustration, youpractice, youimproveand then yourepeatthis cycle overand over again. "Your achievements todayare notjust acelebration of talent, theyare acelebration of discipline, effort and good habits. To every awardrecipientyou arepowerful examples of whathappens when aspiration meets daily action, youremind us thatsuccess is notabout being perfect. It is about being committed,"hesaid.
"Each awardreflects our school values of Aspiration, Respect and Empathy, andhighlights the positivehabits our students demonstrateevery day.
"Wecongratulate allaward recipients fortheir dedication, resilienceand contribution to our vibrantschoolcommunity. We also acknowledgethe support of families, staff and community partnerswho inspireand encourageour students to achieve their best,"MrHirdsaid.
Go to our websiteatwww.csc.vic.edu.au to viewthe full awards program.
Sponsors
TheCollegeacknowledges and thanks thefollowing people and organisations fortheir generous support:
ASQ Garden &Landscape
Art Supplies Castlemaine
Castlemaine BusLines
Castlemaine Office Supplies
Castlemaine Rotary Club
Castlemaine RitesofPassage
CTCPast Students'Awards
Castlemaine TheatreCompany
Dhelkaya Health
DON KR
La Trobe University
Lions ClubofCastlemaine
Lisa Chesters MP
MareeEdwards MP
Maxi IGACastlemaine MidlandExpress
Castlemaine Mail
Mt Alexander Shire
Mt Alexander Timber and Hardware
Stephen BrownMemorial Scholarship
Stoneman's Bookroom
TheCox Family
TheJamesFamily
TheLawson Family
TheMitchell Family
TheOdgers Family
TheSutton Family
TheatreRoyal
VR Builders
WorkspaceAustralia
LisaChestersExcellenceinVocationalEducation and Training Awardwinner Gemma Graham andBarry SuttonMemorial Awardwinner forservices to School Council winner Anwen Stoakes.
C CSC music coordinator Ben Nieuwkerk leads the CSC Symphony Orchestra in their Stars Wars Episode III performance complete with lightsabre baton!
Castlemaine Rotary Community EngagementAward winners.
Some of the Castlemaine Secondary Collegeaward winners arepictured following Wednesday’’sevent
Jungwirth
Agroup of young people in Castlemaine, who recently ranahugely successful pop-up cafe,Doofé Café,are now putting their efforts into hostinganart exhibition.
TheDoofé Inkart collectivewill be held tonightfrom4pm to 8pm at Castlemaine Community House.
Thesuccessful re-engagementprogram came aboutwhen the staff at CCH noticed alot of young people hanging out in the garden at theback of the centre, rather than being in school.
Apartnership wasformed between Castlemaine Community House and Castlemaine Secondary College, and Kyan came on boardasthe young project officer
CCHexecutiveofficer MahiraSobral said thatsincestarting in the role,Kyan had been developing greatrelationships with the young people.
"We’ve had really good attendance
and retention –every week theyare here showing up.The school is really happy, and so aretheir parents,”Mahirasaid.
Kyan said he had noticed a‘sort of demonisation’ofthe local teenagers, who were oftenbeing judged and blamed for things.
“A lotofpeople were just notremembering whatitwas liketobe ateenager,” he said.
“The teenagersinthis town areareal asset, and everyone Ihavemet herehas at least one, if notamultitudeoftalents, and as atown, we should be celebrating that.”
Designedand curatedbythe young people, the exhibition is achancetobuy a unique pieceofart from thenextwaveof Castlemaine artists who aredestined for big things in the near future
Everyone is welcome. Therewill be refreshments, food and music.
Head over to showyoursupport tonightfrom4pm to 8pm at Castlemaine Community House, 30 TempletonStreet
Jade
Findthe perfect gift forsomeone special
Getready fora fabulous evening of art and creativity at the annual Castlemaine Twilight Market,FridayDecember 12.
Wander among morethan 80 stalls of fabulous, handmade artwork, and find the perfect gift forsomeone special. Because, let'sfaceit, wherewould we be without art in the world?
Go along and have achatwith the artists and learn about their crafts.
Enjoydelicious food and drink as well as livemusic and children's activities on the grass.
This month Castlemaine Artists Market welcomes back the FREEZA young musicians from the shire, proudly supported by MountAlexanderShireCouncil. Relax on the grass and soak up the atmosphere.
Take along afriend, take the whole family,and enjoya great dayout; whether youare alocal or visitingthe area, therewill be something thatinspires.
Themarket will run from 3-7pm on FridayDecember 12 at Western Reserve, Castlemaine.
The art and alchemyofraku firing
Ceramics is aharmoniousblend of naturalelements and theartist’screativity. This relationship is most vividly expressed during the firing process, wherethe choiceof fuel and technique notonlydetermines the final look of apiecebut also itscharacter Among the various firing methods, raku, wood and gas firing areespecially notable.
Raku firing is the theatreofceramics. Originating in Japan, this method involves heating pottery rapidly in agas kiln to a relatively lowtemperature, then removing the red-hotpieces and placing them in combustible materials. Theensuing flames and smokecreateunpredictable, dramatic effects —crackled glazes, metallic flashes and deep blacks wherethe clayisleftbare. Theprocess is fast, oftencompletedin under an hour,and the results arealways unique. Raku is less about controland moreabout embracing the unexpected, making eachpiecea singular expression of the moment.
Choosing between raku, wood and gas firing is notmerely atechnical decision —it reflects theartist’sintent. Raku is forthose who revelinsurprise and impermanence; wood firing appeals to thosewho cherish tradition and the hand of nature;gas firing
Christmas gifts
TheGallery Mt Macedoncelebrates Christmas in December withamazing arts and crafts, suitable foryour gifts, made by its talentedmember artists in a special Christmas exhibition in the Focus Room.
TheGallery is at 684 MountMacedon Road, MountMacedon (behindthe Trading Post) and is open 10am to 4pm FridaytoTuesday.
suits those who value controland repeatability
Each method transforms clayinits ownway,offering adifferentdialogue between artist, material and fire.
Belinda Nailon, BernadetteSkinner,Mark Mason and Ri VanVeen are potterswho areexperts in raku firing Their mastery of this dramatic technique exemplifies the artistry and spontaneity
thatraku brings to ceramics.Works fired by each technique areavailable forsale at Trio ArtStudio and Gallery at Kynetonand arespecial gifts forthe person who loves original handmade items.
Raku pots by BelindaNailon, Ri VanVeen, Mark Masonand Bernadette Skinner
Discoverfabulous,handmade artwork at the annual Castlemaine TwilightMarket
Newseasonofentertainment
KynetonTownHall will host ahuge year of liveperformancein2026, withan exciting programfeaturing major names, international acts and avibrantmix of music, comedy and contemporary performance.
Audiences can look forwardto standout shows including Mamma, Yokai! in partnership with local puppetmakersThings of Foam andWood,comedy favourites Jimeoin and Kitty Flanagan, the high-energy Ballyhoo, and crowd-pleaserssuch as Seven Drunken Nights and Women of Wit.
Theprogram also features The Deplorables, Luke Kidgell, and the everpopular Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
Jimeoin returnswithhis unique blend of observational humour,physical expressiveness and spontaneity
Kitty Flanagan, award-winning star of Fisk, Utopia and Have YouBeenPaying Attention?, brings her newstand-up show to Kyneton, asking all the big questions: Were we smarter before social media?Has your call ever really been used fortraining purposes? Andwhatexactly is an empath?
Luke Kidgell steps out from behind the screen and onto the stageasheattempts to prove,onceand forall, thathereally does have Good Intentions.
Music lovers won’tmiss out, with Country Struts Honky Tonk starring Kerryn Fields and DJ Queenie, Mo’Juwith Wild Gloriosa,and Ruby Gill performing alongside the Rainbow Voices CommunityChoir and Annie-Rose Maloney.
Viewall eventdates and getyour tickets via: mrsc.vic.gov.au/KTH-Events
Getready for the Gisborne Festival
TheLions Gisborne Festival is on this FridayatGardiner Reserve.
Therewill be music on stagethroughout the night, arangeoffreeactivities for kids, carnival rides, market andfood stalls, aparade through thestreets, and agiant fireworks display.
Thestreetparade along Aitken Street will include 36 plusentries comprising colourful floats, the spectacular Bendigo Chinese Lions, monster truck and its mini offsider,giantdragon, communitygroups, Santa, local clubs, schools, kindergartens and sporting groups.
Thefreeactivities at Gardiner Reserve will include face painting, hair braiding and sparkles, henna tattoos, ajumping castle, reptile display, miniature trains,and netball participation.
Parentscan take photosoftheir kids with the monster truck and dragon, and youngsterscan avail themselves of the wandering stilt lady handingout lollies.
TheGisborne and District Lions Club has been working formonths to ensure thatthe festival is biggerand better than ever
Costing about $30,000 to stage, the festival is funded by 25 entities with the aim of bringing thecommunity together foranaffordable nightoffun
Go along and enjoythe entertainmentatwhatpromisestobeanamazing community eventfor Gisborne and the surrounding areas.
This free community festival will be held at Gardiner ReserveonFriday, December 12, from 4.30pm to 9.30pm.
Pictured is the monster truck and its mini offsider that will be at the Lions Gisborne Festival.
Romseycreates Christmasmagic
Hundreds of donatedtoys, books, food hampersand other items have madeittofamilies doing it tough through the Romsey and SurroundsCommunityGiftGiving drive.
RomseyNeighbourhood House volunteershelped sort,pack and deliver donatedgoods to vulnerable community memberslastweek.
RNH manager Michell Balthazarsaid the team hopedtomakethe community gift giving an annual event.
"Wehope to spread alittle joyand help takethe strain out of Christmas,"she said.
"Wehaveanincredible team of volunteersthatmakethings happeninthe community and we hope to continue giftgiving next year."
Last year the initiativesupported 75 families and morethan 200 children, all referred to the programthrough various schools, and supportivenetworks and programs.
TheRomseyNeighbourhood House initiativehas had the backing of localcommunity members, groups, organisations and churches, and sponsorship from Macedon Ranges Shared Table and Romsey Lancefield Community Bank.
HOWITWORKS
•Onthe back of your card therewillbe5 puzzle pieces to collect.
•Eachpiece will be numbered 1–5
•Collect your card from anyofthe participatingbusinessesinyourtown, or MidlandExpress & CastlemaineMailoffices
•Eachpuzzle piece will appear on apage in the Midland Expresscommencing Tuesday11th November untilTuesday 9th December 2025
•Collect all5pieces and pasteorstick on the back of the card.Oncecompleteddropthe card into 3MarketStreetKyneton or post to PO Box153 KynetonVic 3444 or alternativelydropitinto 13 Hargraves Street,Castlemaine or post to PO Box227,CastlemaineVic 3450.
•Entriesclose by 5pmMonday 15th December 2025
•The Christmascardpromotion willbedrawn on Wednesday17thDecember @12noonand allwinnerswillbe notified by phone
•Eachbusiness will have aflyer in theirwindowtoshow that theyare partofthispromotion,during the promotional time
CONDITIONS
Getting in the spirit: RomseyNeighbourhood House manager Michelle Balthazarwith volunteers Angela Kennedy,Joelene Delprt, Samantha Stephensand sisters Gertrudeand KarenMurphy.
@ YourOPINIONS
Urgent actionisrequired
MalcolmRobins, Castlemaine
Thereisoverwhelming consensus among scientists thatthe next fewyearswill determine thefuturefor all lifeonEarth. Theplanet’sclimateisapproaching and crossing potentially catastrophic tipping points. Urgent decarbonising is necessary to preventcatastrophic climate outcomes and allowhumanity to enjoythe potential opportunities and benefitsresulting from this transition.
TheAlbanese government’sgreenhouse gas emission reduction targets area significantbut insufficientimprovementonthe Coalition’s policy of denial and delay; however urgent andcomprehensiveevidencebased action is required to address the unfolding global climatecrisis.
Most Australians support decarbonising our society and embracing arenewable energy-poweredfuturehoweverstate capture by the fossil fuel industry remains amajor obstacle. Decades of scientific and economic evidence, community lobbying, and countless letters, petitions, submissions, rallies and other protests by civil society have been unable to overcome this to deliver the required scale and speed of decarbonising.
Australia is one of the world’slargest exportersoffossil fuelsand theglobal emissions from these exportsdwarf Australia’s domestic greenhouse gas emissions. The Port of Newcastle is the world’slargest coal export facility,and currently one of Australia’s majorcontributorstothe global climate crisis.
Civil resistance, i.e.: sustained, nonviolentand escalatory disruption by ordinary
SUPER QUIZ?
Local knowledge (1 point)
1. Which Gisborne footballer has just made the BendigoFootball Netball League’s Hall of Fame?
2. WhoisMountAlexander ShireCouncil’snew mayor?
3. WhoisMacedon Ranges ShireCouncil’snew mayor?
4. In which three towns is women’s acapella group MaCapella Singersbased? (3 points)
5. Whowas namedRookie of the Year in the Year in the 2025 TyrepowerV8 SuperUteSeries?
General knowledge (1 point)
6. “Not happyJan”was aphrase in an Australian TV commercial forwhatproduct?
7. Howmanysides does arhombus have?
8. What do the following filmshave in common: Suicide Squad, ITonia and Barbie?
9. What is at the centre of Ghana’s national flag? (3 points)
10. What is aferrule?
citizens to win against injustice, has a well-documentedhistory of delivering citizen-poweredvictories over governments unwilling to servecitizens’interests
That’s whyI,aretired engineer and grandparent, have just spentseveral days participating in Rising Tide’s 2025 program of civil resistancetargeting Newcastle’s coal export facility.
Rising Tide is agrassroots climate justice group comprising thousands of committed citizens, democratically organised and unified to fightfor alivable futureand is widely respected forits communitycampaigning and ground-breaking nonviolentdirect actions to disruptoperation of fossil fuel export facilities.
As planetEarth movesinexorably deeper into the climate crisis, innocentpeople worldwide aresuffering increasing climate disasters. In Australia the Albanese governmentisengaging in aslowmarch towards domestic renewables while conducting business as usual forcoal and gas mining and export
The2025 People’s Blockade last week wasRising Tide’s largest and most disruptivemobilisation with morethan 8000 participants from all over Australia and beyond gathering in Newcastle.
Under direction of the NSWstate government, amassivecounter-terrorism taskforce intent on penning protesters behind aline of buoys moored just offshore with threatofarrest if crossed greetedus as we arrivedwithour kayaks, other small craftand determination to achieve ourgoal of disrupting coal export
On Saturday, as hundreds of protestors took to thewater an 85000-tonne coal ship scheduled to enterthe harbourwas forced
to turn around and subsequently coal export operations were shut down until the following Monday.
Overall, 10 coal shipswererescheduled and three ships turned around resulting in 181 arrests of blockade participants. About Rising Tide Rising Tide comprisesordinary people, driven to non-violentdirect action by extraordinary times. It is adiverse movementdemanding thatAustraliahonours its commitmenttothe goalsofthe Paris Climate Agreementand is prepared to take whateverpeaceful actions arewithin its powertodefendthe climate
Rising Tide’s Demands
•Immediately cancel all newfossil fuel projects
•Tax fossil fuel export profits at 78 per cent to fund communityand industrial transition, and payfor climate loss and damage
•End all coal exportsfromNewcastle –the world’slargest coal port –by2030
Fairnessshouldn’t be temporary
CFAVolunteersGroup Inc.
Thestate government'sdecision to extend the ESVF tax exemption and rate increase foranother 12 months is awin we’ve foughtfor on behalf of CFAvolunteers, farmersand ruralcommunities.
Butlet’s be clear: this last minute announcement, timed before an election and conveniently pushing thetax beyond it, raises concerns. Many rural Victorians see this as tactical timing, designed to quietunrest rather than fix theunderlying problems Anddespite theextension, fartoo many
TODAY’S CROSSWORD
volunteersand landholdersare stillbeing left behind.
Theres another concern thatwecannot ignore: if the Allan Governmentisre-elected, theymay claim amandate to continueor even expand the ESVF tax, given thatthe levy is nowdelayeduntil voters go to thepolls. Ourmessageissimple –fairness shouldn’t be temporary,selectiveorpolitically timed. TheCFA VolunteersGroup has pushed relentlessly forreal, lasting reform, and this extension only happened because volunteers, farmersand ruralcommunities stood together and demanded better
We will keep fighting until every CFA volunteer and rural property owner gets the recognition and support theydeserve– without political games.
Nailed it
Bill Bayliss, Chewton
Well said Mr Mick Mack (Midland Express,November 25). I'vebeen stating the same thing. Castlemaine has acquired the Melbourne mindset.Onceyou could park oppositethe newsagentand it would only takefiveto10 minutes by the time one acknowledged alocal and spoketothemto buy apaper.Good luck nowmate. Mick Mack younailed it
Writers areaskedtokeep letters to a maximum of 300 words. Longer letters may only be published at the editor's discretion.
Names, addresses and contact phone numbers must be included for verification purposes.
Email letters to: acrawford@midnews.com.au
From TokyotoKyneton
Morgan Reinwald
About 130 Japanese students and teachersfromahigh school in Tokyostayedwith Kyneton residents last week as part of an international school trip
TheObirin Junior High School attended Kynetonfor four days during its 25thannual trip to the region. They split their students into small groupswho were housed at differentfarms and rural homes on the outskirts of town.
Head teacherofthe 15-yearold students, Yoshino Masahiko, said theykeptcoming back to Kyneton because it gave the students areal experienceof Australia.
"Melbourne reminds me of Tokyo, but this placeiscompletely different,"hesaid.
Principal of the high school, Yoko Domoto, added the experiencewas unlikewhatthe students experienced back home.
"The purpose is to do afarm
stay. In Japantheyjust stayina classroom and this gets them out doing something they'venever done before.The people here aresuper friendly to thekids and the [hosting] families treatthem as their ownchildren. They leave witha second family," Domoto said.
TwoKynetonhobbyfarmers, Pamand Robert Inglis, have been part of the programfor 13 years and hosted another fiveJapanese students this year.Theysaidthe programkeptthem young and provided asense of purpose.
"We've made them Australian food and taken them to theopshop,"Pat said Robert added, "theyare very respectful. At meal time they do the dishes and keep asking how theycan help."
Students Yana Kudo and Airi Hisano stayedwith the Inglises and told the Express about their enjoymentofAustralianfood and the weirdness of viewing Christmas decorations during summer
Five Japanesestudents visited the Kynetonhobbyfarm of Pamand Robert Inglis.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11
Aiden MacDougall Di Manno turns 8
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15
Jerry Nicholas Dempsey-Delore .turns 8 Lila May Freeman. turns 5
Covering the Macedon Ranges and MountAlexander Shires
Go along to KynetonLibrary on ThursdayDecember 11,2–3pm,tohear author Christopher Race discuss his newbook of essays —a work thatbegins with amissing photograph and unfolds into aconstellation of stories.
From theintimacy of apark bench to thevast sweepofSaturn’s rings, from rainforest waterstothe shifting edges of memory itself,each piececarries its ownvivid imageand invites us to ask: What is aphotograph, really? Amomentfrozenintime, or adoorway to something wilder?
Join in foranhour exploring the magicthatlives between memory and make-believe Entertaining and insightful, it’sa wonderfulway to spend an hour! Book nowatgoldfieldslibraries.com
Weekend deliveries to sleigh theholidayrush
With online shopping expected to surge in the lead up to Christmas, customerscan look forwardtoreceiving their parcelany dayofthe week with Australia Post now having reintroduced temporary weekend deliveries.
Theweekend delivery servicewill be available in all metrocapitals and select regional cities and towns, offering added flexibility forcustomersand helping ensure timely arrival of parcels during the festive season. Weekend deliveries will remain in placeuntil Christmas, depending on volumes.
To ensure items arrivebyChristmas, parcels should be sentbyMondayDecember 22 forsame state deliveries and Friday December 19 forinterstate deliveries, or if sending via Express Post, by Tuesday December 23.
Christopher Race will speakatthe KynetonLibrary this Thursday.
Property: Georgian-inspiredresidencecirca 1870s
Address: 71 TempletonStreet, Castlemaine
Price: $1,695,000
Agent: Cantwell Property
Contact: TomRobertson 0473 642 644
MIDLAND Property &Living A Georgian manor of distinction
Step into the timeless eleganceofTwickenham, a Georgian-inspired residencebuilt in the1870s during Castlemaine's gold rush era, atimewhen craftsmanship and grandeur defined the region's finest homes.
Originally constructed as the Methodist Parsonage, this stately manor has had only ahandful of ownersand has been lovingly preserved and enhanced formorethan four decades. Today, it stands as one of Castlemaine's most distinguished heritageproperties, offering alifestyle of country luxury in the very heart of town.
Perfectly positioned on TempletonStreet, Twickenham is just 1.5 blocks from Castlemaine's train station, placing Melbourne and Bendigowithin easyreach. Families will love the convenienceofwalkingtoschools, parks, cafésand cultural attractions, while otherswill appreciate the ease of awalk-everywherelifestyle in avibrantcommunity
Set on agenerous 760sqm (approx.) allotmentwith rear-side access from Hargraves Street,Twickenham offers spaceand flexibility formodern living. Allmain living areas arelocatedonthe ground floor,making it ideal forfamilies,
multi-generational households, or those seeking single-level convenience.
Theformal entry hall, framed by stained glass and wide flagstone steps, sets the tone forwhatlies within. Afrontfacing study and formal sittingroom provide quietspaces forwork or reading, while the north-facing living room is bathed in natural lightand opens onto aprivate terrace, perfect forfamily gatherings and alfrescoentertaining. The country-style kitchen, contemporaryyet sympathetic to Georgian heritage, features an Ilve 900mm freestanding gas cooker,Askodishwasher and abundantstorage,making it the heart of the home.
Completing the ground floor is amainbedroom suite with dressing room andensuite,asecond family bathroom, and alarge laundrywith mudroom access, ideal forbusy family life.
Upstairs, asweeping staircase leads to threegenerous bedrooms, twowith original fireplaces, and athirdbathroom with adressing room.Thislevel offers privacy forguests or older children, withelevatedviews stretching across
Castlemaine and towardsthe historic OldGaol.
Twickenham's gardens area celebration of country elegance: roses in bloom, ornamental pearsand silver birches, shaded brick-pavedcourtyards, and agravel drivewayleading to adouble carport. Thereisspace for children to play, pets to roam andadults to entertain.
Aright-of-waytoHargraves Street ensures easyaccess, while the north-facing rear garden offers privacy and sunshine.
Hydronic heating throughout, asplit system in the second living area, double glazing in keyspaces, and NBN plus 5G connectivity combine heritagecharm with modern convenience.
Twickenham is morethanaresidence; it is ahome that adapts to your lifestyle. Whether youare raising afamily, welcoming guestsfor long stays,orplanning your next chapterwith ease and accessibility,thispropertyoffers space, flexibility and comfort.
From elegantentertaining to quietmoments in the garden, Twickenham is ahomedesigned forliving well
Ray White Kyneton Welcomes the Return of Commercial Property Management
Ray White Kynetonispleasedtoannounce thereturn of our Commercial Managementservices,now proudlyled by Kristie Shanks.
Kristiehas along-standing connection to the local community, having lived in the area her entire life. Over the past threeyears, shehas worked closely with landlords andrenters as aresidential property manager,earning the trust andrespect of clientsacrossthe region.
Her strong community relationships and understandingoflocalneeds place her in an excellent positiontosupport and guidethe growthofcommercialopportunitiesinKynetonand surrounds.
raywhitekyneton.com.au Ray White Kyneton |5422 2127
May your Christmas be merry and Ray White
Ray WhiteKynetonisparticipating once again in Ray White’s annual Christmas charity drive to help support Kyneton Food Bank.
Help give back this Christmas and share the festive cheer.
Drop apresent into our office from1December and we’llmake sure it goes to adeserving member of our community.
RayWhite Kyneton
2High St,Kyneton, VIC, 3444 03 5422 2127
raywhitekyneton.com
If Gaia, theGreek goddess of earth, designed ahome in the 21st Century, this is whatshe'd create Adeeply thoughtfuland considered ode to nature, this Lifehouse Design home is amasterclass in the architecturally inspired fusion of the natural and man-made worlds. With sustainability at its core and beautyin every detail, it'sa home thatbothhonours the land and supports aself-sufficientfuture.
Set on 12.2 hectares (approx.30 acres)inthe stunning hamletofMetcalfe, with its rollinghills and natural wilderness, this off-grid-ready sanctuary offers more than just privacy and space, it offers anew wayofliving. Away to tread lightly while living beautifully
Thehome's arrow-likedesign points due north, capturing all-daylightand breathtaking panoramic views Thecentral living and entertaining zone is anchored by deep windowrecesses, double glazing throughout, and spotted gum timber joinery,all craftedtomaximise passivesolar efficiency.Three layers of insulation, metal shuttersonthe north and east and clevercross-ventilation mean there'snoneed forair conditioning, even through the heightofsummer.
Thekitchen is equally considered, featuring awalk in pantry,Bosch appliances, an electric induction cooktopand spotted gum benchtops. Throughout,floors of Chinese marble enhancebothaesthetic and thermal comfort. Thehome is proudly gas-free and fully electric, reflecting aconscious lifestyle choicethat'sincreasingly supported by environmental policy
A natural beauty
Poweredby10solar panels and aGoodweGW3000DNS inverter (3kW), the home is easily convertible to full off-grid living withthe addition of abattery.A roofmounted firesafetyirrigation system anddualshut-off levers fordownpipes provide extrasecurityinfire-prone seasons.
Butperhaps the most magical aspectlies outside. The gardens have been designed as aliving birdand animal hide, teeming with flora selected forbiodiversity.From small mallees and wattles thatbloom from MaytoJanuary,toanunderstorey of eremophilas, mintbushes, wax flowers,hakeas and grevilleas, every plantwas chosen to provide food,shelter,and nesting forbirds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Even through theheightoflast summer,minimal waterwas needed beyond the immediate housefringe. Four varieties of grass trees, native daisies and fanflowers round out this trulyregenerative landscape.
To fully appreciate the beauty of this sanctuary,step out onto oneofthe decking or patio areas thoughtfully positioned around the home, perfect spotstokick back with acuppa,watch the birds flit through thegarden, or enjoygolden hour with friends and aglass of wine. These alfrescospacesconnect seamlessly to theindoors, making the most of the home's serene setting and yearround connection to nature.
453 Goldfields Road,MetcalfeEast is morethan a property.It'sa philosophymade physical, aretreat,a refuge andalegacy forgenerations to come.
Woodend 127 High Street
“Beth Shan”– Circa1865Ona Big Block(1100 m2 approx.)
This notable and charming Victorian double-frontedtimber cottage sits proudly within its historic Woodend precinct.
With 3bedrooms,lounge,moderncommercial kitchen, dining room,updated bathroom/laundryand coveredalfrescoareaadjoining the very generous rear garden, this home provides arareopportunityfor an architecturally-sensitive restoration or forimmediateliving in, as is
In addition, easy side access to the rear garden provides the potential for2or3 townhouses (STCA). As aresult,the property is not just atestimonial to its enduring legacyoverthe past 160 years,but it allows forapointertoits long-term future(STCA).
Contact John Keating 0419 880 444 or RayCashmore0419 851 334
Woodend
43 BoundaryRoad
On 9.6ha (23.7 acres)
It’s whatcountryliving is allabout.
An inspection of this unique property will amazeyou.Ithas recently been beautifully renovated and is sited within sweeping lawn adjacentto, and overlooking,your very ownfish-stocked 1.8 acresurfacearealake,and is only 3.3kms from the heartofthe vibrantWoodend town centre and coffeeshops Accommodation includes living room,kitchen/meals area, 3bedrooms,study, bathrooms and laundryand is surrounded by full return2metrewidedecking.
Improvements include 6.6m x9.2mgarage,storage shed,garden shed and woodshed,and it hasexcellentprivacy being flanked by twosmall pine forests and maturenativetrees attracting birdlife. Otherfeatures include townwater supply,an excellentpasturepaddock idea forhorses,and astock yard/loading ramp
Price$1,575,000
To viewcall John Keating 0419 880 444 or RayCashmore0419851 334
Romsey 16 Pohlman
Street
(At therear of the Bendigo Bank) 1534m2 Commercial Site(19.9mx78m)
In theheartofthe Romsey Shopping Centre adjacenttothe Romsey Post Office, IGA Supermarket and Romsey Pharmacy.
Rare opportunitytosecureahuge Commercial One Zone propertyready to develop and to take advantage of the fast growing Romsey township,ortohold as aprime land banking investment.
Allservices available
Auction Thursday18December at 2pm
Reserve Price$725,000
Contact John Keating 0419 880 444 or RayCashmore0419 851 334
NewGisborne 54 Joseph Avenue On 6393m2(over 1½ acres)
Atruly luxurious and stunning property that hasbeen superbly developed with beautiful lawns,matureexotic trees and easy to maintain gardens,and it hasa magnificentpool and outdoor living/entertaining area.
Accommodation includes wide entrancehall,large formal lounge,verylarge open plan kitchen/meals/family area, dining room,5 bedrooms,study,3 bathrooms, laundryand integrated3 car garage/gymnasium, plus aseparateverylarge garage/workshop/storage area –ideal foratradie.
Theoverall setting of this property whereall the hardworkhas been done is one to dream for, and inspection is suretoimpress
Price$1,975,000
To viewcall John Keating 0419 880 444 or RayCashmore0419 851 334
Views, Privacy,and Space
136 Cemetery Road, Elphinstone
Perfectly positioned for privacy and elevated northernviews to Mount Alexander,this threebedroom cedar weatherboardhome offers aserene lifestyle on approximately 10 acres, just five minutes from Elphinstone township and an easy drive to Castlemaine. This is morethan ahome, it’sa private haven to enjoy the best of country living. $995,000
View Sat 13th December 12:00pm-12:20pm Contact Nick Haslam 0422 848 662
Smith’sCottage c1869
9Reef Street, Maldon
Privately elevated and set back from the street, Smith’sCottage is an opportunity to own apiece of Maldon’sgold rush history.Built circa 1869, this double-fronted miner’scottage combines authentic period character with thoughtful modern updates, creating ahome that is as practical as it is enchanting.
Castlemaine Living 14 Douglas Crescent,Castlemaine Set on approximately 630sqm, this delightfulperiod home combines character features with modern comforts, offering an inviting lifestyle in asoughtafter Castlemaine location. Step inside to afrontfacing living room, wherelarge windowsframe the garden outlook. Astudio space, in the back garden, is ideal as ahome office or creative hub.
Sat 13th
Grandeur Amidst Landscaped Perfection
44 Bridgewater-Maldon Rd, Maldon
Welcome to “Thalgarrah”, aproperty that embodies timeless elegance and refined country living. Set on approximately 11.4 acres of rolling landscape, this magnificent property offers an opportunity to own astylish home, additional cottages and extensive infrastructureall set within magnificently landscaped and curated gardens.
An Edwardian Hideaway
6Butterworth Street, Castlemaine
Set on an expansive1814sqm (approx.), this character-filled Edwardian weatherboardhome brings the feel of country living to the very heart of Castlemaine. Rich with Art Nouveau detailing, stained glass, timber fretwork and timeless craftsmanship, the home sits proudly amongst beautifully established cottage gardens.
$1,345,000
Wiegard 0439 939 619
Heritage Style with Contemporary Elegance 133 High Street, Maldon
Set on an expansive1480sqm (approx) garden allotment, just ashort stroll to Maldon’shistoric township, and Maldon Primary School, this c.1890 Victorian residence offers astunning combination of heritage grandeur and modernsophistication. The home’sblock-fronted façade and bullnose verandah create an inviting first impression.
$1,585,000 View Sat 13th December 1:45pm-2:15pm
Walmsley 0411 043 324
11:30am-11:50am
Contact Megan Walmsley 0411
Central Private Sanctuary with Sweeping Views
155 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine
Privately nestled on an elevated 1568sqm (approx) allotment, this much-loved family home has been held with careand affection for decades. It is a place wheregenerations have gathered, gardens have flourished, and memories have been made.
Contemporary Rural Living 42 Yapeen School Lane, Yapeen
Thereisacertain poetry to this place. Set back from aquiet country lane, framed by rolling hills and the silhouettes of ancient gums, this home feels like amoderninterpretation of rural life, pared back, thoughtful, and deeply connected to its landscape. This is morethan ahome; it’sa retreat for those who value design,privacy,and
Grandregency-style brick homestead
Steeped in history and refined elegance, Forest Hall is amagnificentRegency-style brick homestead (circa 1867) setamidglorious, established gardens on approximately 8985m² (2.22 acres)– just 400 metres from the north entranceofCastlemaine's celebrated Botanical Gardens.
Held by the samefamily forhalf acentury,thisis aonce-in-a-generation opportunity to secure one of Castlemaine's landmark heritageestates
Originally built as theresidenceofWilliam Froome, proprietorofa renowned 19th-century drapery emporium, the home displays grand proportions, fine craftsmanship and an atmosphereoftimeless serenity
Thehome features eightmainrooms of exceptional scale with soaring ceilings, tall sash windows and multiple fireplaces.
Threeorfour bedrooms boast enchanting garden views while the grand centralhallway flowsontowide flagstone-pavedverandahs.
Thereishydronic heating, original joinery and refined period detailing throughout.
Thedetached brick stables have acharming upstairs
room –ideal as studio, retreatorcreativeworkspace. This residenceofraregrace sits on 2.22 acres (8985m²) of beautifully established gardens.
Wraparound verandahs encircle the home, offering peaceful vantagepoints overthe surrounding greenery Every room enjoys leafyoutlooks, elevating the sense of calm and connection to thelandscape.
Thehistoric brick stables –with its atmospheric upstairs room –introduceversatility and character, providing scope forguest accommodation, artistic pursuits or privateretreat
Theprivategardens areanenduring delight, with parterreplantings and shade house, meandering paths andmanicured hedging, and adistinguished Tait iron arbour
Together,theycreatea richly texturedgarden sanctuary of seasonal colour andstructure.
Forest Hall stands as apropertyofexceptional heritageand presence– offeredfor the first timein50 yearsand presenting an extraordinary opportunityto securea historic homestead in one of Castlemaine's most picturesque and tightly held settings.
•Low-maintenanceoutdoor spaces including an elevateddeck and privatepaved alfresco.
•PrimeWesleyHillposition close to cafés, reserve, and dogpark.
ForSale
$595,000 View
December:10:45am-11:15am
Narelle Waller |0408 571 131
RobWaller |0418 571 130
Property: Largefamilyhome on 40 acres
Address: 147 Racecourse Road, Redesdale
Price: $1,150,000 –$1,250,000
Agent: Raine and Horne Kyneton
Contact: Judith Stevens 0438 683 484
Elevatedcountry living with majesticmountainvistas
This home wasbuilt in the1980s of Daniel Robinson bricks on aconcrete slab with aColorbond roof
Before entering the main part of the dwelling, one sees thatthereisa very spacious study/officethatwould be ideal as awork-from-home situation, or as afifth bedroom. This studio is conveniently situatedand has an abundance of naturallight.
On entering the home one is immediately over-awedby the stunning viewthrough the large picturewindowfrom the kitchen. Turn around and thereisanother stunning view over the dam,which incidentally carries 10-16 megalitres and has been clayplugged to sixfeet. Thecentrally located kitchen is all electric withanabundanceofcupboards, all modern accoutrements and alarge wrap-around bench that is ideal forentertaining alarge number and takes advantage of the incredible outlook. Thereisa split systemair con.
To the rightofthe kitchen is the parents' retreat, which consists of asmall sittingroom adjacenttoahugemaster bedroom, walk-through wardrobe and ensuitebathroom.
Yetagain abreathtaking view. To theleftofthe kitchen, through adoorway,there area further three bedrooms, each witha split-system. Twoofthese bedrooms would comfortably takea queen-sized bed, while the thirdisa slightly smaller,double bedroom. Thereisa spaciouslaundrywith access to thetoiletand awell-appointedfamily bathroom. Thedrivewayand turning circle has recently been re-gravelled. Theenormousdam is very deep and in excellentcondition. Thefencing is 'asnew'.
Thepaintwork, decor and floor coverings areofa neutral palette. Thebar cabinetry allows fora bar fridgeand shelving forbottles andglassware. Thekitchen and laundry have both been recently renovatedwith extra-wide bench tops, laminatedcabinetry,softtouch drawers, imported splash backs and tiles. This superb home has much to offerwith panoramic views of Hanging Rock, MountMacedon and Pyrenees Ranges.
Centrally locatedbetween Bendigo, Kyneton, Castlemaine and Heathcote, just over thehourtoMelbourne.
The members of the Newstead Fire Brigade are saddened by the passing of our esteemed Axillary Member Joan. Our sincere condolences go to Ralph and all of Joan’sfamily
SOUTH
MauriusAlexander
15.02.1949 -3.12.2025
Loved brother and brother-in-law of Wendy and Colin (dec.).
Loved uncle and great uncle of Marissa,Troy, Keely and Zoe
VALLANCE -John Atrue gentleman. Great memoriesof the good old days in the shearing sheds.
“You’re agooden Valso” Rest peacefully Lizzie (No 2)
SOUTH
MauriusAlexander 15th February1949
-3rd December2025
Beloved husband of 54 years to Sandra. Loving father to Jason and Emma.
Loved father in law of Brett.
Cherised Pa of Declan
The family would like to express their sincerest thanks to all House Bendigo for their outstanding care of Maurius.
KN287707/L
VALLANCE -John
Treasured brother-in-law of Roley,Marlene and Daryl, Betty
Lovedbyhis Rest in Peace
Our dearly beloved Lorna died in thearmsofher loving family on the evening of 2nd December 2025 Loved wife of Ron (dec) Adored mother of Jonand Mark, mother-in-lawtoNina and Zanna, grandmother to Leo. Life, Faith, Hope, Love
Hilarypassed awaypeacefully at Castlemaine Hospital on 30th November2025aged 76
Dearly loved wife of Les, lovedmother of Robert, Peter and John. Mother in lawtoKim,Alissa and Brooke. Much loved Nana of Blake, Jorja, Jamison,Flynn,Toby,Evie, Hazel and Parker Forever loved -Rest in Peace
VALLANCE -JohnMatthew 11.04.1945 -01.12.2025
Only son ofAlice &MattVallance of Carlsruhe.
Dearly loved husband of Val, loved brother of Jenny &her partner Les.
Loved dad ofTony,Leeanne, Steven and partners.
Loved Grandad ofAlly,Issy,Jez,Tyler, Lawren, Kiara, Sasha and their partners. Youfought hard to stay with us right until the last breath Rest Peacefully after your long and courageous battle. Your strength will never be forgotten. In lie Cancer Council would be greatly appreciated.
KAPP
Josef Franz (Joe)
Family and friends are warmly invited to share in aspecial farewell for Joe to be held at theTJ Scott Memorial Chapel, 5Piper Street, Kyneton onTuesday December 16th 2025 at 10.30AM For those unable to attend the family warmly invite you to join via the livestream. Please go to Joe’s tribute page at tjscottandson.com.au
The
Catholic Church,
December 2025 at 2pm. Burial to follow at the
MANNING
Aservice to celebrate the life of Ann Maree Manning will be held at theTJ Scott Memorial Chapel, 5Piper Street, Kyneton on Friday 12th Dec 2025 commencing at 11am
Livestream available on Ann’stribute page at; tjscottandson.com.au
Aburialwill follow on Monday 15th Dec 2025 at 10.30am at the Apollo Bay Cemetery
KN287714/L
Beyond the beautiful sunset
Free from all sorrow and pain
My life will be lonely without you In my heart you will always remain
Aservice ofThanksgiving for Lorna’s life will be held in the Uniting Church,LyttletonStreet, Castlemaine onThursday 11th December at 2.00pm. Following this servicethe cortege will leavefor theCastlemaineCemetery
To join with us via livestream, please visit Lorna’stribute page on the website of MountAlexander Funerals.
Hilary Prendergast
Aservice ofThanksgiving for Hilary’slife will be held in Christ ChurchAnglican Church, Mostyn Street, Castlemaine TODAY(Tuesday) at 2.00pm.
To join with us via livestream, please visit Hilary’stribute page on the website of MountAlexander Funerals
In lieu of adonation in memory of Hilary to Cancer Council Victoria, via adonation link on her tribute page Aprivate cremation will be held.
ELLIOTT MIDLAND NEWSPAPERS advises all displayservice advertisements must comply with the above requirement to avoidprosecution, or provide those details to us to pass to the Dept. of Justice if requested.
DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL!
The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful foranadvertiser to showany intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy,race, age,marital status,political or religious belief or activity,industrial activity,parental or carer status, physical features,disability,lawful sexual activity/ sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with aperson with oneofthe above characteristics,unless covered by an exception or granted an exemption under the Act. Aswe could be legally liable if we print an unlawful advertisement, we will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. Formore information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission. KN282169
Hilary Marion Prendergast
VALLANCE
PrayerService for the Repose of the Soul of John Matthew Vallance
Immediate start with earthmoving company located atTrentham Experience &CIcard necessary. Email: Phone: 5424 1433|0437 900 995
70thWedding
Anniversary
and Nancy Carr 10.12.1955
or phone54711700.
• Anniversary, • Birth, • Birthdays, • Engagement, • Wedding Is your family Celebrating? Kyneton 5422 1488 Castlemaine 5472 1788
classifieds@midnews.com.au
CHRISTMAS GARAGE SALE
Truly worth alook! 164 DukeStreet, Castlemaine. (opposite&Justdown fromWesleyHillmarket). Sat. and Sun., Dec 13th -14th &20th -21st 8am to 4pm (no early callers) Music themed ornaments,AFL autographed pictures, Jesaulenko specials, INTERESTING range of classically framed &unframed works. Also an interesting variety of goods. Cash sales &direct deposit available.
NO CREDITCARD facility raymow52@gmail.com
Dalhousiechampionships decided
Dalhousie District Championships for2025 attracted 88 golferstothe Lancefield course.
TheSundayweather conditionsweresomewhatdubious at times, but this did notprevent Trevor Lambert and Jacqui Bakerfromcapturing the major awards.
Lambert is a13times club champion at Lancefield, and his home course knowledgehelped the lowmarker takeout the men's championship He also wonthe Champion of Champions (tobe eligible competitorshad to be currentclub champions).
Baker, who wasanexceptional junior playerat Kilmore, has astring of successes spread overthe years. Shewas Victorian Par3 champion acouple of yearsago
Bakerwas pleased to win the women's title.
Fellowlong-timeKilmoremember,SandraWick-
Newboard forDDGA
Aftera period of uncertainty over who would puttheir hands up to be on the Dalhousie District Golf Association boardof managementfor the next year,finality has occurred.
Presidentfor the past12months, Barney Hearnden, is again in charge.Heexpressed delightthatvacancies had been filledand thanked all who had playedapart in Dalhousie over theprevious 12 months. In particular, he commended long-serving secretary-treasurer Elaine Scanlon forher dedicatedefforts.
Hearnden waspresidentofWoodend Golf Club when it wonthe prestigiousClubofthe Year awardin2022.
AlexandraEvereud, of Trentham GC, taks overthe secretary'srole. Another Trentham stalwart, Robin Wilson, is the director of golf operations. Tony Rule is nowthe DDGAtreasurer. Boardmember forcountry teams(men) is Gareth Edwards. AlbettoVelosa is also a committee member
Redbacks’ leaders
Eden Jedwab has been re-elected fora further term as presidentofRomseyFootball Netball Club.
Life-member Jo-Anne Carroll, who has chalked up manyyearsasclubsecretary,is back in the role
Theclub'srecentannualmeeting gave Mitchell Muir twopositions —vice-president and treasurer.There arevacancies on the committee, with anykeenvolunteersvery welcome. The'volunteersmakelightwork' theme is one the clubislooking to pursue for the 2026 season.
Mary-Anne Blair, MelissaHubbard, Fiona Orrand recently elected lifemember Melinda Skinner (alsograntsofficer)are general committee membersvoted in.
Pre-season training across the boardhas been taking placefor severalweeks forboth football and netball.
Nathan Blairisagain playing coachofthe senior football team, and Michael Richardson is in charge of the Under 19s. Justin Philbyis again coachofthe A-grade netballers.
Nicole Steward, an outstanding player, is looking forwardtocoaching thewomen's football team this coming season.
Christmas races
Kynetonracecourse is expected to come alivewith afestiveseasontheme this Thursday, December 11. Each year racegoersmakea bee-line for this KynetonDistrict Racing Club meeting. Gateswill open at 11am, withthe first race scheduled for1.30pm. Therewill be liveentertainment, and the meeting serves as alead-in to thelocal club's traditional holidaymeetings at Hanging Rock on New Year'sDay andAustralia Day
ing, wasinfine form to win thewomen's Champion of Champions.
Well done to both the Lancefield GC fora wellprepared course, and the DDGAboardfor awell-run fixture.
Therewas also abig patonthe backtoDalhousie presidentBarneyHearnden forhis advancepreparation.
YEA TOPCLUB
TheDalhousie Club of the Year awardwas presented, with YeaGCbeing thewinner for2025.
Captain Alan Pell received the trophy.
DDGAVolunteer of the Year wasPhilip Armstrong, also from Yea.
Afantastic result from aclubwhich is clearly doing something right!
C COLOUR ME IN FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VOUCHERS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES. We will draw prizes from each shire(Mount Alexander &Macedon Ranges.)
Entriesmustbereceived by Wednesday 17th December –Drawn Friday 19th December 2025.Age groups–6yearsand under and 12 yearsand under.Dropyourcolouringinto the Midland Express –3Market Street Kynetonand CastlemaineMail office –13Hargraves Street Youcan email your entryto kgleeson@midnews.com.au or lbrew@midnews.com.au.HaveFUN!
NAME
ADDRESS
Simply the best: Jacqui Bakerand Trevor Lambert after the DDGA presentations In fine form: SandraWicking hasbeen playing golf fora long time, andwas thrilled to be the DDGAChampion of Champions.
CASTLEMAINE
Town &District
GOLFresults
Skies cleared on Saturdayjust in time forthe monthly medal event, with33intrepidgolferstackling acourse that wasnot conducivetoreally lowscoring.
Glenn Lorenz claimed the medal with around of 90-1674, one clear of fellowA-grader Liam O'Brien 84-9-75.
Stephen Cooper topped B-grade with93-18-75, on a countbackfromOwenScott(29).
NTP prizes went to Greg Sinclair and Leigh Campbell.
Early Saturday,the usual9@9 fixturewas cancelled due to adverseweather
Summer wasinfull swing last Thursday, but Jason Cordy(6) revelled in the conditions.
Around of just twooverpar gave him40 stableford points and aclear overall and A-grade victory.Lachie Brown(7) wasnextbest in thetop grade with 36 points.
Robert Barratt(25) took out B-grade with 38 points, with Wayne Toohey(17) runner-upon36.
Vin Walsh and Matt O'Brien were NTPs
GISBORNE
Ironically,Saturdaywas the first round of the Summer Cupand Mother Natureperformed at her best by creating trying conditions forthe 128 participants.
Watcha Talkin'Bout JamieWills took out A-grade with 37 points, and Irishman Adam Brancatisano had the same total in B-grade.
Paul Hanegraaf, abandit with a32handicap, wonthe monthly medal and C-grade witha staggering 46 points. He also leads the Summer Cupbyfourshots.
Jacqui Nelson wonthe women's stableford with 35.
Brian McMahon took out Thursday'sA-grade Open with 37 points, BrentDryden wonB-gradewith 39, and John Reptik topped C-grade with 38.
KathyRichardswon the women's medal and A-grade on Wednesdaywith37points, andMargaret Parker had an impressive42pointstotop B-grade.
KYNETON
Rooster one minute, feather duster the next! Michelle Werner wonKyneton's72-hole Mavis Cribbes Trophylast Tuesday, andthe 'DuckofShame'head coverthe next day. Werner'sfinal round 32 pointsfroma23handicap was sufficienttofinish four clear of Joan Gibbs in the trophy standings, and runner-up behind Tracey Bramich (18) in A-grade on Tuesday.
DeidreDawes (31) had the round of the daywith40 points, four ahead of Robbie Schuurman in B-grade. Gibbs and Judy Quick were NTPs
In Wednesday'sstableford Werner finished at the tail of the field with 23 points to earn the 'duck'
VeteranleftieCol O'Sullivan (19) took out the event with 38 pointsasother fortunes fluctuated.
David Ryan parred the last from thetrees for37points, finishing runner-up on acountback from Neville Yates, who had aspectacular eagle on the par 58th
Merilyn Hoysted (39) wasbest of the women with33 points.
In Thursday'snine-hole shootout, Yateswon with19 points, one clear of Mick McQualter
in the December medal eventonSaturday.
Miller carded 90-27-63 in tough conditions as rain fell, thunderrumbled and lightning cracked overhead.
As well as clinching the medal, Miller finished 10 shots clear of Tony Borg (30) in C-grade.
Namik Akkurt (9) wasrunner-up overall and A-grade winner with anett67, three clear of Yates.
Adam Pyett84-14-70 wonB-grade by twofromKash Karunasena (14).
NTPswenttoRyan, Borg,Pyett,MattHodgkiss, and Jason McClure (alsosuper pin)
LANCEFIELD
Afterhosting the DDGAchampionships, LGCcongratulatesits ownTrevorLambert on winning the men's open championship, and theDDGAChamp of Champs.
Also congratstoKaylene Cruise on being runner-up in the women's B-grade handicap.
Over the past twomonths the club has welcomed alarge numberofnew members, in particular younger women.
They will be the futureofthe club.
In the women's monthly medal newcomer Samantha Strano 121-45-76 won, with Janine Notman 128-50-78 runner-up.The handicapper willhaveafield day.
TuesdayLegends: IanHosking (23) 38 points, from Barry Flentjar (20) on 35, one clear of PeterMcGill(12).
Wednesdaytwilight(10 holes): Andrew Hall 20 points, from Travis 'Mate' 19.
ThursdayFix: McGill (12) 33 points on countback from Flentjar (20).
Young gun DarcyCreer wonthe men's December medal with afine 94-24-70 on Saturday.
James Whitford87-16-71 wasrunner-up,with Steve Gilbert 91-18-73 third.
MOUNTMACEDON
What acontrast from week to week! Aftera Wednesdaywhen players were rained offafter nine holes, summer finally revealed itself last week forthe TCCRealty December Mugo'the Month.
Pinplacements from theweekend'smedal round and astrong northerly ensured lowscoring would be at a premium.
Walrus Ward (14) wasthe A-grade and overall winner with 34 stableford points,fromOils Flannery (14) on 31. Nifty Clark (24) topped B-grade with 32 points, from BevanUren(27) on 31.
Saturday'sstableford wasa battle against the elements as showers sweptthe course before clearing later.
PresidentDarcy Doyle (3) shone with41pointstobe the A-grade and overallwinner
Nick Vicary (12) topped B-grade, and PeterPalmer (21) wasthe C-grade winner
NTPswenttoVicary,Doyle and Stuart Gunnell.
TRENTHAM
Trentham's golf champions were decided on Saturday, with congratulations going to Simon Ovendenand Lisa Caines.
Ovenden, who plays from ahandicap of 1, notched up another title witha final round 70 to finish sevenshots clear of David Thiele, withMark Fisher thirdinthe 54-hole event.
Afinal round 86 gave Wayne Paterson the B-grade title by astoke from Jason King, and theC-grade winner was Alfredo Dean,
Leading scores: A-grade —S.Ovenden 73, 76, 70 219, D. Thiele 74, 76, 76 —226, M. Fisher 82, 75, 75 232. B: W. Paterson 87, 84, 86 —257, J. King 82, 83, 93 258. C: A. Dean 96, 96, 94 —280, P. Robinson 97, 101, 84 282.
Lisa Caines held atwo-shotlead going into the final round and finished with 84,87, 89 —260, from ClairePerston 84, 89, 93 —266.
Rhonda Holcombe 118, 117, 114 —349 took out the C-grade title by ashotfromCarolynGarvey 118, 110, 122 —350.
Huge congratulations to young William McLean on his outstanding performanceinthe 2025 Victorian Junior Masters.
He finished the nett runner-up in the 54-hole event with a210 tally(70, 70, 70).
MitchellRamanauskus wasthe other Woodend competitor in the prestigeevent,and he turned in afine effort against manyofthe best young players in the state
Therewas athree-way tieinlast Tuesday'sstableford Brendan Delaney (13) wonthe countback from Alberto Veloso (14) and AlanMcInnes (17) all on 38 points.
MILLER RUNS HOT
Newmember DavidMiller has found his feet in double quick time, rompingtoa four-shotvictory
WOODEND
Trentham golf champion SimonOvenden.
Trentham golf champion Lisa Caines.
Woodend’sWilliam McLean wasrunner-up in the2025 Victorian Junior Masters
Michelle Werner wonKyneton’s72-hole Mavis Cribbes Trophy lastTuesday.
Karate Kidaiming high
TheentireWoodend Golf Club community has thrownits weight behind the karateexploits of young exponentAllanah Collett.
Allanah is affectionately referred to as the'Karate Kid' by Woodend golfers, and her exploits in the Australian/New Zealand National Championshipsonthe weekend of 22-23 Novemberwereincredible.
Particularly considering the 13-year-old only began her interest in karatejustover12months ago.
"Thanks forcelebrating with me, itmeans alot," wasAllanah's message to Woodend golfersafter her big weekend.
Nowshe has her eyes firmly fixed on competing in the world titles.
Sheisthe daughter of Matt Collett, akeen golfer at Woodend for some years.
Matt is oftenbeing asked about his daughter'sprogress up the karateladder when he's outcompeting on the course.
Allanah boughthomeagold medal in kumite, asilver in kata, and
agold in the teams' event.
Shewas opposed by 18 other competitorsinher belt and age division.
Regular training at the Bushido karatecentreinWallanhas certainly paid dividends.
Allanah has tackled an extensive syllabus, from basic techniques through to highly advanced, incorporating both hands and feet
Back in September Allanah reached redbelt status (one level belowblack) witha fine performance at the Victorian championships.
Shecaptured twoindividual gold medals, ateam gold and abronze.
"Woodend Golf Club is proud to notjust support itsjunior golfers, but all juniorathleteschasing success in their sports,"a club spokesperson said.
Quitea number of up and coming teenagegolfershavebeenmaking their mark at Woodend over the past months, afterinitially beginning their interest by "having ahit" on the course.
Another win forCassar
Bill West
Winnerskeep coming forthe Charles Cassar racing stable at Kyneton.
Ballon D'Orimprovedonher unplaced run at KynetononNovember 18 withanall the wayvictory at Donald last Tuesday.
Thesix-year-old marenotched up her fifth win with apprenticeJadeSmith claiming 3kg in the Donald MotorLodgeHandicap over 1620m.
Thewinning margin wasjust under half a length from Blazing Guru
Ballon D'Orisowned by M.P.Racing, and wassteadyinthe market at $8.
Boxing alife-changer forBilly
Bill West
"He'sfull of energy,tough as nails,and keen as mustard."
That's howHouse of Stoush Academy proprietor/boxing coachBryce Poorter described Romsey 11-year-old Billy Jarvis, who made his amateur boxing debut in CanberraonSundaymorning.
Billy foughtNew South Wales opponent MatthewDevine in asanctioned Boxing Australia eventheld at the Australian InstituteofSport in the 30 -32kg weight division.
Thewell-contested fightended up with aunanimouspoints decision by the three judges in favour of Billy,much to the delight of hisentourage.
"Boxing has been genuinely life-changing forBilly. It has given him confidence, purpose, structureand aplacetothrivewhile navigating multiple diagnostic challenges, proud mumAmber said before leaving Romseyfor Canberra.
TheJarvis family —Amber,husband Tommy, Billy and seven-year-old Florence —reside on alarge block of elevatedtownship land, which Amber correctly spied as a bargain about 16 yearsago
They built there, and love Romsey.But muchtime has been spenthelping Billy navigate daily challenges thatwereonly fully diagnosed some six months ago.
Amber curtailed her business interests so she could spend moretime withBilly Billy eventually went to primary school, but could notattend every day, andAmber acknowledges the teachersand principal have done their very best.
"Our son is intellectually brilliant, but the journeysofar has been testing forusall," she said.
"Weweresolucky aWandong family we knewhad direct contact with the House of Stoush, whichhas grownconsiderably in Wallan sincebeing established back in 2017."
It wassuggested boxing mightbean ideal sport forBilly to pursue, with particular benefits, and it seems to be working out really well
"Billy has spenttwo sessions aweek on boxing training at the academy, and BrycePoorter has been extraordinary in his tuition,"Amber explained.
Each week Billy is out in the car,smiling and ready and waiting to head offtoWallan.
"Infour months, he waspresentedwith his boxers blue book and registered with Boxing Victoria which we believe can taketime to achieve in boxing,"Amber added.
In Victoria, young fighters cannottakepart in formal bouts until theyare aged 12.
Going to Canberratofightinthe ACTon Sundayovercame this restriction.
ALL TAKEN ON BOARD
"Everything Isay,Billy takes on board, and he practises at home as well to reach a high standard,"his very pleased boxing coach explained.
Poorter wasa fighterinthe 1990s and 2000s, and alwayswantedtostayinthe industry
He said the Wallan enterprise had worked out well, and he nowhad 18 regular boxersintraining, and an averageofwell over 100individuals working out in thegym on a regular basis.
They come from as farawayasHeathcote and Epping and the Macedon Ranges.
TheHouse of Stoush is pleased to have produced champions in various agegroups, and taughtmanyabout the benefits of boxing overall.
"Manyparticipants improve their selfdefenceand gain aconfidenceboost as well," Poorter added.
Ayoung star: Allanah Collettwith proud father Mattafterher successes at the national karate titles.
Below: Billy in the ring at the Australian InstituteofSportinCanberraonthe weekend and (above)with his coach BrycePoorter
Wetweather impacts play in CDCA
Themajority of the CastlemaineDistrictCricket Association competition waswashed out on Saturday. Despite the setback, acouple of batsman still managed to rack up tons and twobowlersnabbed fivewickets.
AGrade and CGrade (Under 16) sides will aim to bounceback and complete their two-dayfixtures this Saturday.
While AReserveand BGrade sides will be hoping for sunnyskies fortheir round nine one-daymatches this weekend. TheWomen's sides return to thepitch this Friday nightfor round 5.
Highlights of the weekend'sround were Newstead A Grade batsmen IanGarsed 117 and George Tillbrook's 100 withthe bat. Best withthe ball were Maiden Gully A Grader Adil Aliwith5-10 and Castlemaine United AGrader Gabriel O'Sullivan's 5-54. Results were: AGrade TwoDay,Day One Maiden Gully 4-59 (Robert Brown14, Nathan Cavalier 12, Dean Trew 11, Connor 10 notout; HadleyBassett 2-7, Jack Casley2-28) vGuildford9-77(AlexRoss 26, Eric Gell 17 notout, Jack Casley10; Adil Ali5-10, Austin Coghill 2-23).
BarkersCreek 2-24 (Kaleb McBride 26 notout, Benjamin Leech 15) vHarcourt 10-90 (Jack Archer 24, Harley Brereton12, Lachlan Mika 12, Mark Noonan 3-26, Nash Robinson 3-35, Chris McKnight 2-13).
Newstead 8-309 (Ian Garsed 117, George Tillbrook 100, Ciaran Gardner 42, Rhys Smith 21; Gabriel O'Sullivan 5-54, David George 2-104) vCastlemaine United.
North Castlemaine vMuckleford9-108 (Muckleford 27, John Watson 20, Jack Smith 18, TomCrawshaw10; Karsen Beer 3-37), CraigPearce 2-8).
AReserve OneDay
Castlemaine 9-133 (Jack Nuttall 45, Samantha Brasher 18, Jordan Brasher 13; BenHancock 4-27, Noah Hadden 2-15) lost to Maiden Gully Marist 5-136 (Noah Hadden 66 notout,Fill-in 16 notout,Brodie Hogan 13; Jordan Brasher 2-10, PrivatePlayer2-22)
Castlemaine United vNewstead –pending Heathcotereceived aforfeit from Hepburn.
Taradale had the bye CGrade (Under 16) TwoDay,Day One Carisbrook vLaanecoorie/Dunolly –inprogress Muckleford vBarkers/North/Harcourt –inprogress Campbells Creek 1-11 vColts Phelans –inprogress. Newstead vCastlemaine Golf –inprogress. Castlemaine United Blue had thebye T20 kicks off The2025 T20 competition kicked offonThursday evening. In thefirst round Pool Asaw BarkersCreek 8-134 (Nash Robinson 57, BaileyHenderson 19, Lewis Stabler 17, Thomas Walters14; Alex Murphy 3-30, Josiah Park 2-10, George Tillbrook 2-33) defeat Newstead 6-130 (George Tillbrook 43 notout, BenWalter 26, Rhys Smith 20, Nick Leerdam 10; Lewis Stabler 3-19) at BarkersCreek, and in Pool BNorth Castlemaine's Love ShackBrewery RedHats 4-152 (Karsen Beer 56 notout,Brodie Reaper 36, Mitchell Hancock 32, NathanAnderson 10; Koby Simmons 2-31) defeated the Harcourt Lions7-116 (AlexCode61, Harley Brereton22, Declan Wastie 14; Craig Pearce 3-19, Fill-in 2-7) at WesleyHill In thenextround on ThursdayJanuary 22, Pool Awill see Newstead host Castlemaine United andinPoolB Harcourt will welcomeMuckleford
Kynetoncan be beaten!
Bill West
Kyneton'sdivision one pennantbowlers can be beaten— Gisborne provedthis by inflicting an upset10-shotdefeatonthe previously undefeated ladder leadersin the latest Highlands round.
Gisborne won58-48 underlights on Fridayevening on the Kynetongreen.
Inclusion of qualityyouthful star bowler Cooper Westcombe from GlenroyBowling Club gave Gisborne extraincentive, specially as Kynetonwas notatfull strength. With Graham Edwardsnot available, Greg Podesta's strong rink wasreshuffled. Westcombe showedhis skills as skipper with the luxury of TimRogersplaying as his third. It wasararedefeatfor Podesta, with the margin nine shots.
Alan Higgins wonby11for Gisborne, and D.J. Thomas kept Kynetonintouch with a10-shotvictory
Theresult catapults Gisborne into fifth place, just outside the topfour Plenty of rain put bowls in jeopardy
across Highlands fora period on Saturday, with the Trentham vKilmorematch washed out.
Romsey'sspirits were lifted with ahard foughtseven shotsmargin at home to second placed KynetonGolf Thedouble chanceisnow wide open. DiggersRest came northand accounted forWoodend by 13 shots, and Lancefield made it twoinarow with astrongperformanceagainst Broadford KynetonGolf'sdivision 2side wonby six shots against arch rival Kyneton, paving the wayfor Gisborne to take overtop spotafter abig win against Macedon. This Saturday'sround of division 1 matches are: KynetonGolf vWoodend, DiggersRest vKyneton, Gisborne vLancefield, Trentham vRomsey, BroadfordvKilmore.
ALL THE SCORES
Division 1: Kyneton48 lost to Gisborne 58 —D.J.Thomas28dD.Gade 12, G. Podesta 14 lost to C. Westcombe 23, B. Marron 12 lost to A. Higgins 23; Romsey
59 dKynetonGolf 52 —C.Austin16 dW Turner 15, A. Young 19 tied with A. Barker 19, D. Ely24d P. Linehan 18; Lancefield 63 dBroadford52— A. Brandolin19 lost to D. Kelly21, J. Holmes 21 dR.Chapman 14, T. Young 23 dD.Ellis 17; Woodend 48 lost to DiggersRest 61 —G.Symons 18 lost the R. Davies 21, S. Pickles 16 lost to K. Stafford 22, N. Bickerdyke14 lost to P. Robinson 18; Trentham vKilmorea washout.
Div. 2: KynetonGolf 54 dKyneton 48 —B.McKimmie 22 dD.Knight12, C. Schmidt 14 lost to M. Plowman 16, J. Trounce18losttoN.Jamieson 20; Broadford 57 lost to Romsey 66 —K.Inness 26 dA.Laing 13, A. Cowen 16 lost to L. Dymond 29, R. Frost 15 lost to G. Gilligan 24; Kilmore66d Macedon 45 —A Cassidy 24 dI.Matthews 13, C. Hodgson 16 lost to M. Plowman 16,S.McNamara 26 dI.Guymer 13; DiggersRest 40 lost to Gisborne 66 —R.Beckett15lost to M. Kaufmann 21, R. Shears12lost to J. Evans 26, A. Nancarrow 13 lost to B. Wylie 19.
Div. 3: Macedon 58 dGisborne (3) 42 —M.Pjekne 23 dS.Lawless 11, A. Cameron 16 dC.Butterley15, B. Swan 19 dT.Shearson 16; Romsey72d Woodend 39 —H.Rose 19 dJ.Jewell 15, J. Fryer13 lost to A. Jewell 17, D. Culpin 40 dT.Sturt 7; Kilmore57dKyneton52—C.Wright 20 dS.Fenton17, S. Bloomfield 15 lost to J. Epps 21,K.Tootell 22 dE.Kennedy 14; Trentham vLancefield awashout CURRENT LADDERS
Castlemaine United AGrade batsman Jordan Brasherdefends his wicket at the Camp Reserve
Photo:Max Lesser
Muckleford’s John Watson keepshis eyeonthe ball at WesleyHill.
Photo:Max Lesser
Busy,busyatWoodend
Woodend Cricket Club senior coachJosh Eastley (atleft) and the club's McIntyre1stscaptain Marcus Stewart arepicturedin frontofthe superb new scoreboardatGilbert Gordon Oval
It is to be officially launched at the club's Community Christmas Party this Fridayevening.
Home Alone will be featuredonthe big screen at whatisshaping up as one of the busiest times of the year forthe cricket club.
Thescoreboardwill be used during games and also to showmovies, as part of the major $1.39million upgrade at Gilbert Gordon.
Thenew netball courts have been asignificant
part of the overall upgrade at this major communityorientatedsporting centre in Woodend.
Woodend Cricket Club is involved in the '16 days of Activism'campaign against gender-based violence, and this week players areto participate in an 'Allies of Change' workshop.
This Saturday, Woodend cricket teams will be at home to Macedon in aTwenty/20 double, showing theclub's support against gender-based violence.
PresidentDaniel Heaney said club memberswould also be celebrating the 30th anniversary of its McIntyreCup and B-grade premierships.
Kookaburrawomen's cricketresultsfromSunday'sGDCA round were: A-grade: Lancefield Black 4/154 c.c.(M. Lyons 65 --B. Woodburn 3-15) lost to Gisborne 4/155 (Woodburn 67 n.o., R. Watts 50 —L.deKock 3-27); Wallan 5/128 c.c.(M. Farrell 51 ret.,-E Patterson Lade 3-34) d Macedon 4/122 (K. Riley 42, L. Coppin 33); Bacchus Marsh1/186 (S. Bamford 50 ret., K. Bessell 50 ret., S. Drew 40) dKilmore 6/63 (T.Logie 30).
B-grade: Melton Centrals 0/78 lost to Lancefield Yellow 3/79 (M. Richardt 25, M. Consiglio 24 n.o.); East Sunbury 8/82 (M. Benham 3-18) lost to Broadford4/83
Bigstand forRedbacks
Bill West
Theagony and ecstasyofwaiting forthe McIntyre 1sts cricket matchtoget under wayatRomseyonSaturdaywas alltoo apparent.
With sevenwicketsinhand, the Redbacks required a mere29runstosecurefirst innings points, abig bonus when the other three matches in the topgrade were headed fordraws —two being abandoned due to wetgrounds. Amixtureofheavy and notquitesoheavy downpours createdasituation wherework on and around theRomsey pitch wasnecessary to makeplaypossible.
Eventually the sun appeared, the rain diminished, and TomBoyerand JedRichardson were able to resume their vital fourth-wicketstand inpursuit of Broadford'smeagre first day110.
Thetargetwas reached unscathed, and the Boyer— Richardson partnership went on,and on, and on as Broadford's attack toiledwithout success.
Finally Richardson wasdismissed foraninvaluable 59, and in-form Chris Burkettcametothe crease.
Boyerfinished up making 60 in amoresubdued role than normal and thefinal tally wasapercentage-boosting 5/213 from 68 overs. Burkettremained unbeatenon34.
TheimportantWoodend versus Gisborne and Sunbury United versus Wallan matches, which were totally wrecked by rain on the first day, befell precisely the same fate once again afterbeing converted to one-dayfixtures
MACEDONHOLDON
Therewas high drama at Tony ClarkeReserveasladderleader Macedon escaped from an embarrassing situation against Rupertswood.
Resuming withfivewicketsdown, Rupertswood's down-the-list batsmen madeuseful runs to compile155 from 75.1 overs.Cam Clayton claimed four wickets.
Could the much-improvedMacedon batata pacewhere first innings points could be obtained?
No way, theCatslost early wicketsand were forced to defend grimly as paceman Rhys Berry threatened to bowl his side to victory.When Clayton wasdismissed for2, Macedon wasinreal trouble.
Credit to theCats' down-the-list battersfor occupying the crease to finish on 8/90 from 28 oversand sharethe points.
Berry's6/40 from 12 overswas one of the best in McIntyreCup this season.
CENTURY TO CASTLE
Thelone centurywas ablistering unbeaten101 by Riddell'sHayden Castle in Jensen 2nds.
Castle is aquality player and Riddell looms as the side to beatinthis grade.
Some matches were abandoned without aball being bowled forthe second Saturdayinsuccession.
ALL THE SCORES
McIntyre 1sts: Broadford110 lost to Romsey 5/213 (T.Boyer60, J. Richardson 59, G. Burkett34n.o.; Rupertswood 155 (M. Twentyman 29, D. Kavanagh 29 —C Clayton 4-50) drew with Macedon 8/90 (28 overs) —R Berry 6-40; Woodend vGisborne and Sunbury United v Wallan both abandoned.
Bigpartnership: Romsey’s TomBoyer (atleft)and JedRichardsoncombined fora match-winning century plus fourth-wicket standfor Romsey. Photo:BillWest
Johnstone Shield: Harkness 96 and 5/100 (S. Singh 36 n.o. —T.Krizanic 3-34) lost to DiggersRest 5/200 dec. (K. Beaumont62, E. Long 48); Kilmore 190 lost to East Sunbury 6/200 (J.Nelson 55, E. Wilkins 35 n.o., A. Boorsma 33 n.o.); Lancefield 78 and 6/85 (M. McLean 27 —B.Bryant5-32)lost to Eastern Hill 5/179 dec. (O.Newell 72, O. Bryant 59); Sunbury Kangaroos vEynesbury abandoned. McIntyre2nds: Wallan 178 (S. Hateli 5-30,J.Hughes 3-47) lost to Sunbury United 6/179 (L. Watts 52, R. Billinghurst 31 —A.Barber 4-54); Macedon 124 (C.Axton 45, M. Graham 36 —O.McAliece4-31, R. Bennett 3-19) lost to Rupertswood 6/125; Broadfordv Wallan —noscores; Woodend 5/161 (D.Heaney42, X. Tadd 30, O. Watt 30 n.o.) dGisborne 142 (P.Sammut45, S. Shaw 32 —L Barker 4-27, B. Gardner 3-18).
Johnstone 2nds: Eastern Hill 5/374 dec. dLancefield 153 (S. Laffan 37, A. Bromley 32); Sunbury Kangaroos 8/62 and 6/58 lost to Eynesbury 127 (T.Beasley49, J. Psaila 45 -R.Walker4-20, C. Poulios 4-45); DiggersRest 172 dHarkness 142 (H. Ali66 —C.Hall 3-8, J. Storey 3-37); East Sunbury 3/175 (20 overs) J. Patel79n.o. d Kilmore6/131 (T.Hede 42, E. Frendo41n.o).
Jensen 2nds: Sunbury United 141 (L. Dowling 57) lost to Gisborne 0/142 (S. Freeth 82 n.o., C. Francis 52 n.o.);
Macedon 5/126 (T.Coppin 66 —N.Cavanagh3-18) lost to Riddell 2/130 (H. Castle 101 ret.); Woodend 6/118 lost to Rupertswood 3/120 (J.Lane 41,Z. Borg 28); Wallan6/88 (R. Fowler 28) lost to Romsey 3/89 (N. Hoy 50); Malmsbury vBlackwood and Hanging Rock vTrentham abandoned.
Jensen 3rds: Sunbury 95 (Y.Nand 42) lost to Melton 1/103; Rupertswood 6/114 (N. Bordon 37) lost to Kilmore 4/115 (Z. Osmond 51 n.o.); Eynesbury 7/114 lost to Riddell 3/115 (C.Woolley 48); Melton South 3/249 (Liistro 90 n.o, S. Lowe 55 n.o.) dMelton Centrals 113(D.Chahal 56 —N.Batra 3-24); DiggersRest vHanging Rock abandoned. Club North: Kyneton7/118 c.c. (H. Edmondston 28 C. Stein 3-7) dLancefield 9/111 (D.Mallia-Hogan41— T. James3-20); Woodend 7/146 (D.Edwards 43, P. Jamieson 39) dRomsey7/118 (J.Rees 26 —S.Hume 3-12). The other four scheduledmatches were abandoned. Club South: BacchusMarsh 117 lost to Melton South 3/119(A. Yates53); Melton Centrals 175 (A. Singh 51, G. Singh 35 —D.Letchford3-20) dEynesbury 9/124; East Sunbury6/186 (D.Cahill 49) dGisborne 2/173; Diggers Rest 80 (S. Black 3-8) lost to Woodend 1/88 (J.Black50 ret.); Melton vSunburyUnitedabandoned, Sunbury v Rupertswoodnoscores.
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