Midland Express Tuesday July 2 2024

Chewton chillout playlist

The recent, and highly controversial, speed reduction on the Pyrenees Highway in Castlemaine has inspired the Chewton 50 Chillout Spotify playlist. Featuring more than 100 songs and more than 10 hours of listening, it is sure to help drivers 'chill out', have alaugh and sing along, during the extra drive time to and from Castlemaine.

Lucas Maddock rallied the support of other residents to make aplaylist dedicated to the 50km/h speed reduction recently introduced on the Pyrenees Highway.

The eclectic playlist, with songs chosen by local residents to convey their thoughts and feelings on the divisive issue, was the brainchild of local resident Lucas Maddock.

Lucas told the Express that he started the playlist as ajoke, not really expecting anyone to participate, but everyone loved the idea and before he knew it, he was spending countless hours on the project.

Continued page 4.

Riddell ready to fight

Pressure is mounting for the state government to reject the Amess Road Precinct Structure Plan that would trigger substantial development of Riddells Creek.

Apublic meeting last week saw the town'scommunity centre reach capacity with residents ready to fight the plans for a second time.

Echelon Planning'scurrent proposal has increased lots slightly on the former plan for 1300 homes over 130 hectares, against common community sentiment.

Riddells Creek Planning Group'sRoss Colliver described the proposal as "an inner Melbourne suburb stuck on the edge of arural town".

"About 400 people came to the meeting, all wanting to speak up for our town," he said.

"As aplanning group we want to people to understand what is happening."

Last year Riddells Creek residents ralliedin acampaign for better outcomes from the proposal including minimum lot sizes of 800sqm. Asubmission to council included apetition with 1231 signatories.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council refusedthe plan last year following community push-back to growth that would change the town'srural identity

Project developers have since applied directly to the state government through the Development Facilitation Program. The program is described as "an assessment pathway for priority projects in identified sectors to inject investment into the Victorian economy,keep people in jobsand create homes for people".

Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death addressed the meeting last week to confirm the council'sstance on the plans.

"Weare disappointed that the sameproposal rejected by council has now been able to bypass us as the authority for consideration," Cr Death told the Express

"Council’searlier decision had encouraged the developer to reconsider and submit arevised proposal. Council maintains its stance, in support of the overwhelming historical sentiment from the Riddells Creek community,that the current proposal is not appropriate for the town at this point in time."

Like the broader community,the council hasthe opportunity to become asubmitter in the public consultation process. The council is now working to finalise aformal submission that will soon be made public.

Public consultation is now open and will close onJuly 10. A decision is expected to be made public in September

To read the plans in full, or to make asubmission, visit: engage.vic.gov.au

Jade Jungwirth

Skin cancerclinicopens in Woodend

Astate-of-the-art skin cancer clinic has opened in Woodend, offering appointments to patients without the need for areferral from aGP.

Specialist skin cancer doctors, Ashvin Arul, Loshna Devamany and Bronwyn Edmunds live locally and recognised acritical need for a purpose-built skin cancer clinic in the Macedon Ranges.

“Wefrequently detect skin cancers,” says Ashvin, stressing the prevalence with which Australians encounter such conditions. “Seventy per cent of Australians will face skin cancer at some point, making early detection crucial.”

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology,including full body photo mapping and dermoscopy enhanced by AI-driven camera systems, the clinic aims to revolutionise early detection.

“Our goal is zero deaths from melanoma,” Ashvin says.

Loshna advises regular annual skin checks, even for those unconcerned about specific spots. “It’s prudent to be aware,” she explains, “as early intervention can be lifesaving.”

Bronwyn advises “The duration something has been present doesn’t guarantee its safety.I’ve diagnosed melanomas in cases where people have said, ‘That’sbeen there for 10 years’, which can be concerning.”

She stresses the importance of early detection, adding, “Our aim is to identify these issues before they become apparent to the naked eye.”

Open Monday through Friday from 8.30am to 5pm, the clinic welcomes appointments. For more information or to schedule avisit, contact SkinGP Woodend on 03 9969 5000.

This new facility promises to be avital resource in the fight against skin cancer,combiningexpert medical knowledge with cutting-edge diagnostic tools for the benefit of the local community

Specialist skin cancer doctors, Ashvin Arul, Bronwyn Edmunds and Loshna Devamany at Skin GP Woodend.

Council rejects juvie site purchase

MacedonRanges Shire

Council has refused to enter negotiations with the Victorian Government to purchase the former Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre.

As part of standard processes for surplus government land (First Right of Refusal process), the council was among those first offered to acquire the site at 30 Mollison Street.

Last week, councillors discussed potential for the site but noted its future uses were unlikely to align with services currently provided by the council and agreed the council was not in afinancial position to make apurchase.

"It would have been lovely if we could have purchased but really it'sjust not feasible," Cr Jennifer Anderson said.

"Now comes an important time for the community to continue to talk to the state government through our local member and talk to us to see if we can assist and how it might align with our council policies and strategies.

"Wevery much hope that what the state government decides to do with it is something that benefits the community We do understand the impor-

tance of the site."

The site is about 70 acres with various infrastructure built between 1983 to 2017. It is divided into three different zones (a majority zoned for public use) and has atemporary reserve purpose for 'social welfare'.

Acouncil site inspection in May found the purpose-built fa-

cilities on site would be difficult to repurpose for community use without significant investment.

Council officers recommended finding apurpose for the site that was either aligned with the current configuration of the facilities, it be acquired by another party with the ability to make considerable investment, or redeveloped

for another purpose such as sustainable social and affordable housing.

Acommunity meeting at Malmsbury in April suggested awide range of alternative uses for the site including university/TAFE with accommodation, residential aged care, drug rehabilitation centre, community co-operative with rented working space for businesses, cultural performance centre and drive-in cinema.

MRSC may have backed away from the purchase but it has assured the community it will remain involved through advocating needs and wantsto the state government.

The council resolved to write to local MP Mary-Anne Thomas seeking thorough consideration of community preferences, ongoing engagement, and government investment in the structural planning to support sustainable long-term outcomes for Malmsbury Council will also advocate for assurance that future development and use of site will be sensitive tolocal, environmental and planning conditions, to ensure its use aligns with the community’sneeds and values.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is not in afinancial position to purchase the former Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre.

Health hub forKyneton

Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas last week announced Kyneton Health would become hometoone of six new Women’sSexual and Reproductive Health Hubs.

Hubs were selected following extensive sector consultation and are expected to help at least 4000 more girls and women access sexual and reproductive healthservices every year

Part of a$153 million women’s health package, the hubs will help to break downbarriers women and girls face in accessing affordable and comprehensive care.

There are 14 hubs already delivering free or low-cost care around Victoria, including contraception, medical abortion, referral for surgical abortion and sexual health testing and treatment.

Price increase

Coliban Watercustomers will face aprice increase from July 1, as the company seeks to update ageing infrastucture.

For the average owner-occupier,bills will increase by approximately $1.74 per week (including inflation) to $1562.15 per year

The average bill for arenterwill increase by approximately 56 cents per week to $498.18 per year,asrenters only pay for usage, not water or sewer access charges.

Fees for rural customers will increase by less than inflation, with most charges increasing by 2.3%.

Those struggling to pay their water bills are encouraged to speak with Coliban Water’s customer support team.

FLIP Winter Children’s Festival!

We’rehosting an exciting program of events forkids aged 0-12 and their caregivers this winter

FLIP Winter Children’s Festival is designed forchildren and their big people to learn, grow and have fun together

It’s fiveweeks of family-friendly activities, performances and experiences focused on dance, art, nature, music and play.

Ahighlight of the festival is the Children’sSensorium, which is hostedbythe Castlemaine Art Museum.

This is an immersiveexhibition forchildren aged 4-11 exploring themes of self-regulation, mindfulnessand sensory connection

FLIP is on until Sunday 4August, and lots of the events are FREE!

Browse the program at mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Events.

Chewton chillout playlist

From page 1.

"What people put on there was really considered –it's turned into areally good, and really funny, playlist, that's now in high rotation at our house!" he said.

"I love that it's apeople-made playlist. So much of what we listen to is Spotify or an algorithm-made playlists, they play good songs, but there's no meaning and no humour in it."

Lucas noted that despite there being ahugelist of issues that were vital to the community, the relatively minor issue of the speed limit was the one that had everyone up in arms.

"Not to downplay the lack of transparency around it, and the lack of consultation," he said.

"I think people have aright to be annoyed and they've got a right to answers as well.

"But at thesame time, the high school's underfunded by over amillion dollars ayear, all the primary schools are underfunded, the ambulances are ramped, there's fundamental stuff happening and you'll never rally 2000 signatures for those," Lucas said.

"There are some people who are upset by the whole stretch being changed, butI think they're in the minority. The consensus seems to be about that last stretch of road past Chewton heading towards the freeway."

The playlist got so much attention that Lucas took to the airwaves on Main FM last week, chatting with presenter Suzanne Donisthorpe and announcing the winners of the two best songs.

Lucas' number one was Hertz by Amyl and the Sniffers and the people's choice was taken out by Road to Nowhere by Talking Heads.

"The second most requested song was Take it Easy by the Eagles and the lyrics were spot on. 'Take it easy, don'tlet the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy, don't even try to understand'.

"I don't think our community is quite as polarised as we think," Lucassaid.

Lucas told the Express that the winners will receive a"Better than Snickers Bar' from the Chewton Servo, which are abit of aninstitution around Castlemaine, often selling out, with people dying to get their hands onthe treat. Unfortunately, hedidn't plan ahead, so he may need to try his hand at making them!

Romseypokies rejected

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission has rejected abid for 50 electronic gaming machines at Romsey Hotel.

Romsey Football Netball Clubapplied for 50 EGMs last year amid plans for a$10 million overhaul of the 90-94 Main Street pub.

The application reignited acommunity fight from years earlier following asimilar bid for pokies at the site that ended at the Supreme Court.

In May,a VGCCC panel of three commissioners heard evidence from the applicant and those opposing the application including Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

MRSC fought the application based on net detriment to the community,which was determined through aSocial and Economic Impact Assessment and town survey.It spent about $92,000 in creating its submission.

The VGCCC announced its decision to refuse the application on Friday,June21.

MRSC CEO Bernie O’Sullivan released a statement on the findings last week.

"The council is pleased the application has been refused, affirming council’sopposition to the application in consideration of community sentiment and the negative wellbeing impacts," he said.

"However,the council remains supportive of business investment within our towns such as Romsey and would continue to encourage proposals that demonstrate positive benefits without the need for electronic gaming machines."

Last Monday the council announced it would conduct an additional, random phone survey of residents within abroader survey area, in anticipation ofthe VGCCC'sdecision.

That survey has now been put on hold pending any further action by the applicant related to the VGCCC outcome.

The VGCCC is expected tosoon publish reasons for its decision on its website.

Lucas’ number one was Hertz by Amyl and the Sniffers.

Art, play and mindfulness

Castlemaine Art Museum is hosting aunique installation in its Benefactor and Stoneman galleries, which is sure to delight the young and young at heart these school holidays.

The Children’sSensorium, curated by Grace McQuilten, was unveiled last Thursday and is an interactive exhibition featuring light, colour,touch, sound, smell and taste to activate children’scuriosity and connect them to Country

Developed and toured by RMIT Culture and supported by Mount Alexander Shire Council and VicHealth, the installation is part of the larger FLIP Winter Children’sFestival taking place in Mount Alexander Shire over the next five weeks.

MASC early years project officer Sally Beattie said the FLIP Festival was the result of community feedback.

"Parents have told us (council) that winter is long and there’snot enough to do around the shire, and we want to change that,” Beattie said.

The Sensorium exhibition at CAM is ahighlight and is designed for children aged 4-11. It includes sense-based installations to activate children’scuriosity while connecting them to strategies and techniques

that support resilience and wellbeing.

"The drawings, artworks and interactive installations sprawl across the walls, ceilings and floors of the gallery spaces and children can create their own artwork and express their creativity on the blank canvas of the walls and tunnels within the installation. We can'twait to see how it unfolds over the next five weeks," Ms Beattie said.

The word sensorium

means ‘seat of sensation’ and refers to the way the body and brain receives, interprets and perceives sensory input.

The Sensorium provides practical strategies for children and their families to bring into their daily lives in order to increase mental health literacy and children’s emotional intelligence.

Developed with advice from mental health experts led by Professor Renata Kokanovic and Dr Tamara

Borovica, the Sensorium delivers practical resources through activities and workshops in the space and take-home information for parents, schools and children.

For more details about public programs and bookings, visit: castlemaineartmuseum.org.au/news or for more on the FLIP Winter Children’sFestival pick up abrochureatCAM or visit www.mountalexander.vic. gov.au/Events

Council calls forchange

Rate caps, service gaps, ageing infrastructure and state/federal government cost shifting has impacted delivery of basic core service responsibilities in Macedon Ranges.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has flagged concerns in adetailed submission to the Victorian Legislative Council’sEconomy and Infrastructure Committee that will investigate local government funding and service delivery in Victoria.

"While we remain in abalanced position, each year is increasingly tight, with some services needing to be reduced to fund greater priorities," CEO Bernie O’Sullivan stated.

"As the revenue and expenditure gap continues to grow,deficits will become increasingly common, with cash reserves deteriorating."

Increasing expectations of service delivery,increased cost bases, cost-shifting, workforce challenges, emergency management impacts and revenue limitations are among the issues raised in the submission.

One suggestion from the council is areview of the inputs for the rate capping mechanism including consideration of a‘Local Government Cost Index’.

Councillors approved the submission lastweek, discussing ongoing challenges for the local government sector

Cr Jennifer Anderson said the majority of people did not realise how much work the council did on behalf of other agencies.

"Wedoitbecause we know there'sa need for our community and nobody else is filling the gap but that's getting harder and harder with there being less and less rate revenue," she said.

Mayor Annette Death said limitations on local government were clear in preparing MRSC's2024-25 budget.

"The last budget process we went through was very challenging but we did strike agood balance," she said.

"Weknow something does need to change because it'simperative that we continue to provide the service that we do here at the local government level."

HepburnHouseAgedCareFacilityDaylesford Hepbu HouseAgedCareFacilityDaylesford

AtHepburnHouseweareexcitedaboutournew extensionthatisnowopentonewresidentsand potentialstaff.

‘TheVillage”anewwingthatfeatures31high qualityroomsandafifteenbedstateoftheart wing“MemoryLanetocaterforresidentsliving withdementiainadditiontoagym,theatre, Nostalgiakitchenandworkshed.

Pleasecontacttotakeaprivatetouror wander outsideintothewell-keptinteractivegardensand outdoorareastakinginbreathtakingviewsofthe beautifulcountryside.

Mila, Vera and Laurie from Carinya (Castlemaine Child Care Co-Operative) play on the tunnels where children can draw, climb and create.

Logie contender

Macedon Ranges' own rising acting talent Felix Cameron has been twice nominated in the upcoming TV Week Logie Awards.

Felix is up for the Grahame Kennedy award for Most Popular New Talent and aSilver Logie for Best Lead Actor in aDrama category,for his role in the Netflix hit series, Boy Swallows Universe

Felix captivated audiences starring as the fearless and curious teenager Eli Bell in the epic coming-of-age story that brought to life Trent Dalton’ssemi-autobiographical and best-selling debut novel ofthe same title.

To vote for Felix, visit: vote.tvweeklogies.com.au

The 64th TV WEEK Logie Awards will betelevised onChannel 7and 7plus at 7pm on Sunday August 18.

School holidayprogram

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is hosting arange of activities for young people throughout the July school holidays.

Creative Kids Shadowland is an interactive workshop for children to design, create and play with their own shadow creatures inside the different shadow worlds of 10 domed tents set up inside Kyneton Town Hall.

The workshops are facilitated by artist and designer Lynne Kent who has been involved with various companies including the Victorian Opera, Terrapin Puppet Theatre, Erth Physical Theatre and The Australian Centre for the Moving Image.

Creative Kids Shadowland will be held at Kyneton Town Hall, July 10-11.

Adance holiday program will get people moving at Buffalo Sports Stadium in Wood-

end July 8-10, 9am-12pm.

Over three sessions, children will learn hip-hop, acrobatic and acting skills in afun and engaging environment with aqualified professional. This program is for children aged 6-12 years.

To enrol, email: studio2tinytackers@ mrsc.vic.gov.au or call 5422 0333.

Gisborne Aquatic Centre and Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre will run intensive swimming programs during the holidays.

The pool inflatable, featuring obstacles, climbing hills and slides, will also run on various days at bothaquatic centres throughout the holidays.

To register for any of the above activities, visit the council'sSchool Holidays page on their website.

Park’s future decided

Macedon Ranges Shire Council aimed to strike abalance between recreation and conservation at Mount Macedon’sbeloved Stanley Park through future planning last week.

Councillors have adopted the Stanley Park Infrastructure Master Plan with some changes to the original officer recommendation in response to strong community interest.

The original officer-recommended draft plan proposed consolidating recreation and playground facilities in the northeast corner of the park.

Cr Dominic Bonanno put forth an alternative motion that included retaining the playground in its current location, retaining the barbecue and removing reference to future facilities to the northeast corner of the site.

He said the officer’srecommendation did not “find abalance between the wider community expectations and members of the community who want to see most of Stanley Park devoid of any human activity”.

“Stanley Park is the only public park in close proximity to Mount Macedon Primary School and Mount Macedon’s village. It services both locals and visitors,” he said.

Community consultation showed a majority of respondents were in favour of keeping the playground and associated facilities in their current location. The council received 55 submissions.

Cr Christine Walker said it was a“great disappointment” that the issue of recreation and conservation were “almost set up against each other”.

“Wecan have both,” she said, “and there’sanenormous groundswell of support for that park from this community and I think the conservation side of things needs to find away to tap into that groundswell.”

However,not all were convinced the best outcome would be achieved through this motion.

Cr Jennifer Anderson said the officer’srecommendation was a compromise between requests and meant greater ability access with less environmental impact. Mayor Annette Death also opposed the alternative plan on similar grounds.

When put to avote, Cr Bonanno’smotion won majority 6-2 support. Adivision recorded councillors in favour were: Bonanno, Walker,Guthrie, Pearce, Neil and Ridgeway.Those opposed were: Anderson and Death.

Supermarket takes shape

The Woolworths development at the old gasworks site in Castlemaine is taking shape.

ALascorp Investment Group spokesperson told the Express that construction was well under way at Woolworths Castlemaine.

“Weare making great progress and have every intention of opening by the end of the year,” they said.

When quizzed about what the neighbouring two retail shops will house, Lascorp confirmed thatBWS would occupy one of the adjoining specialty stores, as it formed part of the Woolworthspackage.

“Excitingly,wewill shortly be able to announce one othermajor operator joining the development, which will further enhance the choice we offer the Castlemaine community,” the spokesperson said.

Movement at Macedon House

Works done at Macedon House in Gisborne last week raised questions on local social media forums over the unlawful removal of heritage trees.

The Midland Express can confirm permits were issued by Heritage Victoria for the removal of two monterey cypress trees, after an arborist deemed them unsafe.

Other heritage trees onthe property include an irish strawberry tree and an english oak, which date back to the 1890s and remain standing.

Macedon House is included on the Victorian HeritageRegister and was purchased by alocal builder for $2.5 million in 2022.

Cr Dom Bonanno and Cr Christine Walker with Mount Macedon demonstrators at last week’s meeting.

Your Councilatwork

Mount Alexander ShireCouncil has adopted a$47.99 million budget forthe year ahead, following community consultation and feedback.

Council is responsible fordelivering morethan100 services to the community,including family and children’sservices, youthprograms, aged and disability care, businessand economic development, community planning and development, wastemanagement, library services, and emergencymanagement.

Budget highlights:

$2.2M

Flood levees

$1.3M

Plant, equipment and machinery

$500K

Affordable housing

$85K

Township streetscapes

Initiatives include:

Diamond Gully Road

$701K Continuing the multi-year project to upgrade the road and associated intersection

$140K

Swimming pools

$278K

Community buildings

$1.8M Roads

Public toilets

$66K Investigation works for installation, or renovation of public toilets across three sites (Norwood Hill Recreation Reserve, Stanley Park in Harcourt, and Newstead Recreation Reserve)

Proposed budget also includes:

Access and inclusion

$275K

Accessibility upgrades to community buildings

$15K

Progression of actions in Council’sDisability

Inclusion Action Plan

Arts and Culture

$100K

Contribution to the Castlemaine Art Museum

$134K

Year one,ofatwo-year project, to commission apublic art installation

Heritage and planning

$105K Implementation of strategic planning projects, including the Castlemaine Heritage Study

$314K Continue improvement works at former Wesleyan Church in Chewton

Community

$40K

Funding to support the progression of the Castlemaine-Maryborough Rail Trail

$333K Footpaths

Recreation

$806K* Commencement of multi-year upgrade works to Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve pavilion

*Subject to external funding

Climate and environment

$53K

Purchase Australian carbon credits to offset Council’semissions

$47K

Digital mapping of natural environment assets

Read the 2024/2025Budget at Castlemaine’sCivic Centreoronline at shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

Busterstaketothe streets

Jade Jungwirth

The newly formed Castlemaine Graffiti Busters took to the streets on Monday, beginning their epic battle to eliminate graffiti from the town.

With the help of the Beaumaris Graffiti Busters, led by Geoff Bransbury OAM who brought his fully equipped graffiti busting trailer along, the small group began removing tags and unsightly graffiti from prominent locations in the Castlemaine CBD.

Geoff gave an inspiring presentation the previous evening during afundraising concert at the Northern Arts Hotel, which raised $1600 and will assist the volunteers to buy supplies.

Geoff told the Express that the Beaumaris group's work in eradicating graffiti was so efficient they'd almost put themselves out of ajob after only one year.

"When we started out there was stacks of graffiti and now it's minimal," he said.

"We started out doing our 'busts' once afortnight and ended up with about 25 members."

The Beaumaris Graffiti Busters have been operational since 2018. The group of volunteers started out with minimal funds and supplies but was successful in obtaining acouncil grant to purchase afully 'kittedout' trailer.

"It's arealcommunity project. All the members really enjoy it and so do the people walking past," Geoff said.

"We've also worked on five graffiti mitigation murals with local youth as away to prevent ongoing graffiti."

Long-time local graffiti lobbyist Bill Wiglesworth said the group was delighted with the response from the community at the fundraising event and the support from the Beaumaris Graffiti Busters.

“We exceeded our $1000 immediate goal and had agreat night of fun and entertainment from our musical Duos," he said.

"It shows that so many residents are fed up with seeing our shire increasingly defaced by graffiti vandals.

“We had quite afew people signing up to help too, which is incredibly encouraging.”

Those interested in helping will also be invited to the Busters' next meeting to discuss forming alocal Neighbourhood Watch

group to auspice their activities.

“We’ll be in touch next week,” Bill said.

Castlemaine Graffiti Busters’ ultimate goal is afully equipped trailer of its own, so any further donations will be gratefully received.

The group thanks Castlemaine Maxi IGA, Central Carpets Castlemaine, Mt Alexander Timber and Hardware, Castlemaine Travel and Cruise, Das Kaffeehaus, Grist Wesley Hill Bakery, Stoneman’s Bookroom, Jodie McLean’s Hair design, Clifford’s

Quality Cuts, The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine Fresh and Castlemaine Central Wine Store for their generous support, and the many people who donated cash via EFT or personally.

Enquiries to jane.cafarella@gmail.com or 0408 880 185. To donate: Account Name: Jane L. Cafarella In Trust For Castlemaine Graffiti Busters, Bendigo (Community) Bank in Maldon: BSB: 633000, Account No: 217061555.

L-R: Geoff and Geoff from the Buaumaris Graffiti Busters, with Marli and Bill from Castlemaine and Duncan from Beaumaris.

Tinytowns win funds

The stat government is backing more community-led projects in Victoria’stiny towns, with more than 200 new initiatives set to make our smallest communities even better places to live, work, stay and play Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney joined Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas at the Macedon and Mount Macedon Community House last Friday to announce the first recipients of the government’s$20 million Tiny Towns Fund.

The program’sfirst round is bringing to life more than 180 projects in rural and regional towns, and more than 20 projects in outer metropolitan towns bordering the regions, each with fewer than 5000 residents. The successful projects celebrate each community’slocal spirit and will drive visitation to these vibrant towns.

From local hall upgrades to sports club renovations, community and nonprofit groups and councils are eligible for grants of up to $50,000 to get these community-driven projects offthe ground.

Macedon locals will be able to run the Macedon and Mount Macedon Community House gardens as part of avolunteer gardening program, which is supported through agrant of almost $39,000 and builds on previous support from the government to upgrade the community house.

The fund is apart of the government’srecord $45 billion investment since 2014 in projects and programs that support regional and rural Victoria to be an even better place to live, work, stay and play

Fundraiser forYodhi

Lot 19 artspace and friends are throwing aparty for their friend and fellow artist Yodhi Bergman –a benefit to help her through cancer treatment and recovery

'Yodhi Fest', as the special event has been dubbed, will take place at the artspace in Langslow Street, Castlemaine, on Saturday July 20.

The event will kick offat2pm and run until late and will be hosted by Jimay Falcon.

Lot 19 supporter Fionna Allan said

it would be aspecial event not to be missed.

"This is acelebration of the wonder that is Yodhi, who is amuch-loved local artist and member of our community," she said.

"Yodhi has recently received aserious cancer diagnosis and has been undergoing surgery and treatment, with more to come."

This fundraising and celebratory event will feature live music from: Sugar Fed Leopards, Davo (Central Vic’sbest and only Devo Tribute act), Lucie Thorne,

Bench Press, J.P.Shilo, Gold Coast Leathers and S.F.X.

DJs Jen Moore and Mickey Young will have people up and dancing and there will also be special performances from Carly Fern, Emilie Bloom and Briega Young. Plus food, abar andart to enjoy! The dress code is 'Resplendent!', so go in your best Shivoo garb and/or accessorise with asplash of Boob energy

For more information and tickets, head to www.lot19.au

Cost-of-living relief

The federal government is providing vital cost-of-living relief from July 1.

From July 1, the government is delivering:

•A taxcut for every Australian taxpayer;

•$300 energy bill relief for every Australian household and $325 for small businesses;

•A freeze on the cost of PBS medicines for every Australian;

•More funding to build more homes in every part ofthe country

This comes on top ofathird consecutive pay rise for 2.6 million workers, backed by this government. It builds on cost-of-living measures the government has already delivered, such as cheaper childcare, fee-free TAFE andthe biggest investment ever in expanding bulk-billing.

The Sugar Fed Leopards will be among the acts tofeature at ‘Yodhi Fest’.

Station’s waiting room complete

Woodend Station's$1.3 million waiting room upgrade is now complete.

The new waiting room has taken inspiration from the existing heritage-listed station building on platform one, with curved steel verandah columns and acorrugated roof.

Along with reverse-cycle heating and air conditioning, the facility has improved accessibility for passengers, including mobility aid spaces and automatic sliding doors. It will be fitted with public announcement speakers and CCTV cameras.

Woodend is akey passenger hub on the Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill lines with on average about 2500trips passing through the station each week

Taylor tops the charts

Macedon Ranges singer/songwriter

Taylor Sheridan has soared to the top of several charts with his self-produced debut album, Troubadour

On June 14 the album reached Number 1onthe Aria Country Album chart, Number 1onthe Australian Independent Album chart, Number 4onthe Aria Australian Album chart, Number 1onthe iTunes Singer/ Songwriter Album chart and Number 1 Overall iTunes Album.

It also reached Number 15 in the Aria

Vinyl Charts –the only Australian album to be included on the list.

The 33-year-old Kyneton-raised musician was relieved and excited by the album's success.

"I'm just glad that the gamble paid off,"

Taylor told the Express

"It's exceeded all expectations and that's pretty wild.

"As musicians we all think that we've got something inside us that can do something of this magnitude and I'm grateful that it

GWW funds awarded

MacedonRanges Music Festival and Eastern Macedon Ranges Business and Tourism Association are successful local community sponsorship recipients in Greater Western Water's Thriving Communities grants program. Macedon Ranges Music Festival has received $5000 for its 2025 all ages community festival at Hanging Rock. Eastern Macedon Ranges Business and Tourism Association will receive $5000 for its 2024 Christmas in Romsey Festival –Romsey Community Carols. This festival engages local businesses, community groups and individuals with arange of festive activities, including decorating and installing 100 Christmas trees, alights and decorations competition and community carols.

has, and that people have taken to it.

"It feels so surreal, but it is actually achievable if you commit to it."

Taylor is currently supporting Jimmy Barnes on his The Hell Of ATime Tour: Stories and Songs Celebrating 30 Years of Flesh and Wood tour until August 16 with the final show at the Sydney Opera House.

Troubadour will be officially launched on August 31 at Memo Music Hall in St Kilda.

Details at taylorsheridan.com.au

“The Woodend Station has been an integral part of the community for more than 160 years and these vital upgrades will ensure passengers can continue to use the station in comfort and style well into the future,” local MP Mary-Anne Thomas said.

“Wethank passengers for their patience while we have delivered important upgrades to railwaystations along the Bendigo Line.”

The new waiting room at Woodend is part of apackage of works recently completed to upgrade facilities at four stations along the Bendigo Line.

At Woodend, upgrades were also carried out to the roof and verandah of the existing building along with improvements to the drainage system.

At Riddells Creek Station, the platform’s awnings were replaced as part of general repairs to the facilities.

Repairs were also carried out at Clarkefield Station on the platform’sshelter and toilets were upgraded, while the first stage of replacing the roof at Bendigo Station is also complete.

Taylor Sheridan has soared to the top of several charts with his self-produced debut album, Troubadour.

MTORING M Combat an icy windscreen

RomseyBritish Automotiveare celebrating their 12 year anniversary at their Romseyworkshop. LynAllfordand staff (Daniel Gibbs –workshop manager and ClayVan Santvoort) have noticed manychanges especially during the Covid pandemic and would liketo thank their manyclients throughout Victoria fortheir continued support. We areall looking forwardtomany moreyears supporting Victorian Land Roverowners.

3Mitchell Court, Romsey Phone: 5429 5021

When winter arrives, icy windscreens can be more than amajor inconvenience. Poor visibility increases the risk of road accidents, so it’simportant to know the best ways to de-ice your windscreen effectively and efficiently

The RACV has released aseries of helpful tips and techniques to de-frost your vehicle’swindscreen and mirrors without causing damage.

Products

There are commercial products that can help melt the ice and stop it refreezing. Look for ‘de-icer’ on the product label. It’s important to follow product instructions. Most solutions contain methanol, aform of alcohol, and protective eyewear is usually recommended. The product may also contain ethylene glycol, which is hazardous to pets, so keep the lid tightly closed when not in use, and store in asafe, well-ventilated place.

Ice scrapers

Ice scrapers are indispensable tools for removing ice from an icy windscreen. Start by using the scraper with afirm yet gentle hand, and avoid applying excessive pressure that could damage the glass. Begin from the top of the windscreen and work your way down, pushing the ice away as you go. For stubborn ice patches, try using the scraper’sedge orcorner for better leverage. Never use metal items to scrape ice off as this may scratch the glass.

Defrost function

Start your car’sengine and turn on the defrost function. Your car’sheating system is not just for keeping you warm; it can also help removeice from your windscreen. Activate the heater to its maximum setting. The warm air blown onto the windscreen will gradually melt the ice. To speed up the process, consider using the car’srear defroster as well. Neverleave your car unattended while the engine is running. Some new cars have remote heating tech that allows you to have your heating active without putting your car at risk of theft. This means you can still be in your home as your windscreen is de-icing.

Lift up wipers

Remember to clear any snow or ice from

the wipers and lift them offthe windscreen. If theyare frozen on to the glass, spray some de-icer around them or use the defrost function. Attempting to use the wipers before theyare completely de-iced may cause friction on the wiper motor and cause damage that’sexpensive to repair.You can also damage the blade rubber prematurely, if it’sused on adirty or frosted windscreen. Don’t forget sidemirrors

Just like your windscreen, your sidemirrors will need to be de-iced so that you have good visibility when you start driving. You can use ade-icing solution and ice scraper to de-ice your side mirrors.

Common mistakes to avoid when deicing your windscreen

There are some commonmistakes that people make when trying to de-ice their icy windscreen. The RACV has highlighted some unwise practices, and why you should avoid them:

Hot water risks

One of the biggest mistakes people make is using hot water or even warm water to deice their icy windscreen. While it may seem like aquick and easy solution, pouring hot water on afrozen windscreen can cause it to crack. The sudden change in temperature can lead to irreparable damage, resulting in costly repairs.

Salt or vinegar problems

Another mistake to avoid is using salt or vinegar to de-ice your windscreen. While these substances can help melt the ice, they can also damage the paint and glass of your car.Salt, in particular,can cause corrosion over time, leading to long-term damage to your vehicle.

Proactive preventative measures

There are some proactive measures you can take to help prevent ice forming onyour windscreen. These include parking your vehicle undercover,use awindscreen cover overnight, use anti-frost windscreen spray and regularly inspect your windscreen for any chips or cracks.

When it comes to car insurance, windscreen cover is usually an optional extra, so check your car insurance policy tosee if you’re covered.

MTORING M

Heritageplatesreturningthis July

VicRoads has announced that six-digit heritage plates will be returning this July for alimited release.

Heritage plates are unique, being genuine replicas of Victoria’sfirst-ever number plates issued in the 1930s. Crafted with unparalleled attention to detail, these plates continue to be handmade reflecting the time-honoured techniques used last century,making each one distinct. These plates are also issued in the original number series from the 1930s, limiting the total number that can ever be produced. Six-digit heritage plates have traditionally been available on the VicRoads custom plates website. However,inrecent years, VicRoads has often had to pause their availability due to overwhelming demand.

The rising demand for heritage plates overall can be seen through increases in historical average auction prices paid for three, four and five digit plates from 2020 to 2023. In 2020, three-digit heritage plates were available for an average of $135,000. By the end of 2023, the average auction price increased to $375,000.

Auction prices paid for four and five-digit heritage plates also doubled during this period.

VicRoads chief executive officer,Giles Thompson, said enthusiasm about heritage plates was at an all-time high.

“The value aheritage number plate has to a customer can be influenced by several factors, including rarity,” he said.

“Low digits, unique character combinations, repeating numbers, mirrored sequences, and alternating patterns are always in high demand.

“Beyond the visual style, there is also the value that lies in the personal significance they hold for the owner,whether it’sabirthday, anniversary,orsome other milestone.

“This is the first time six-digit heritage plates have been made available since the July 2023 release, which had to be paused after just three days due to unprecedented public demand.”

For early access to the forthcoming heritage plates release date and to preview available combinations, sign up to the Custom Plates mailing list at www.vplates.com.au

Glaringdangertoroad safety

With theschool holidays here and many Aussies packing their cars for vacations or day trips, optometrists are encouraging drivers to stay ‘sun glare smart’.

School holidays are apopular time to travel, making roads busier and increasing the risk of accidents. While factors such as speeding and distractions play amajor role, international studies suggest crashes increase by 30 per cent during times of high sun glare.

Bupa optical optometrist Karen Makin said during winter the sun sat lower in the sky, which meant more glare in the eyes and exposure to UV rays that were intensified by reflections offwet surfaces after it rained.

“During winter,people are also more likely to be driving during sunrise and sunset where sun glare can impair your vision and increase your chance of having an accident,” Karen said.

“This makes having agood quality pair of UV protective sunglasses that comply with Australian standards available when you are on the road so very important.

“Throughout the colder months, you may not need them all the time, but sun glare conditions can change rapidly.”

Along with drivers, Australians seeking warmer weather in northern parts of Australia or overseas are also urged to ensure sunglasses are part of their packing list rather than resorting to purchasing them at their final destination.

“It’simportant to remember that while

good quality sunglasses are available from chemists and department stores locally and internationally,don’t automatically assume they comply with Australian Standards,” Karen said.

“Many sunglasses bought online or from convenience stores are just simpler, cheaper ‘fast fashion frames’ that provide minimal protection.

“For those requiring aprescription, optical stores are the only place to purchase sunglasses that meet their day-to-day vision requirements which is why apreholiday eye test is always agood idea if you haven’t had one in awhile.”

Eye tests can be done in about 30 minutes, are usually bulk-billed for Medicare card

holders and are recommended every two years for people under 65 and annually for those older than 65 or as recommended by your optometrist or medical professional.

Heritage plates are unique, being genuine replicas of Victoria’s first-ever number plates issued in the 1930s.

ASQ to plant it forward

ASQ Garden &Landscape is launching an exciting new initiative as part of Schools Tree Day on July 26.

The 'Plant It Forward' campaign will see the business work with local schools across the region, including St Mary's Castlemaine, Castlemaine Primary,Harcourt Primary and Newstead Primary,tomake a significant impact on the environment by nurturing alove for gardening and sustainability

Over the next six weeks, ASQ will encourage its customers to purchase and donate atree to the campaign. They can nominate the school to receive their donation and ASQ will match each donated tree with an additional tree.

Each ASQ Garden &Landscape store will have alarge jar labelled with your school's name. Each pebble in the jar represents adonation. ASQ's goal is to see each jar filled with pebbles.

ASQ will also liaise with each school to assist in the development of their selected tree planting area before July 26.

Trees may be substituted for native shrubs or grasses if appropriate, providing greater options and the ability to create a'Native Habitat' zone, offering more biodiversity for your school.

ASQ thanks the community for its support of the Plant It Forward campaign.

Let’splant it forward together!

Garden appeal forKHS

Local businesses and community groups are being called upon to support an initiative by students and teachers at Kyneton High School to redevelop their community garden.

The garden, which was established anumber of years ago on the old tennis court at the school, has become overgrown and run down and late last year all of the school’schickens were taken by foxes overnight.

Adetailed and costed project plan, which outlines the vision for the space, has been drafted thanks to support from Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health and Healthy Loddon Campaspe.

The wish list includes an outdoor classroom, pizza oven, fox-proof chicken coop, fruit trees and acomposting area.

“The students want an engaging space where they can grow vegetables, herbs and flowers,” said Kylie Stafford, community engagement and partnerships officer at Sunbury and Cobaw

“The main focus for the students is on what they see as the many wellbeing outcomes that can come from having aproductive community garden and an inviting space that they can spend time in.”

This term the year 10 VET building and construction students have been busy clearing the site and building raised garden beds ready for planting vegetables in, and next term they will be making some outdoor seating. The senior building and construction students will start laying the bricks for the garden bed edging.

“There will be so many opportunities through this project to provide skills-based learning to our students,” said Jonathon Swan from Kyneton High School, who is coordinating the initiative.

“The plan is to make the space as flexible as possible so it can meet the needs of as many students as possible and we also hope to create an income stream for the garden through the selling of cut flowers at Kyneton’sannual Daffodil Festival along with selling the food produce.”

There are plans to plant fruit trees that will provide shade as well as edible produce plus consideration has been given to including indigenous plants providing aconnection with the traditional owners.

“Students will be able to see composting in action,” Mr Swan said.

“They will be able to see how the food scraps that they put in their FOGO bin can break down to become nutrient-rich compost that can be fed back into the garden.”

If you or your business are interested in forming apartnership to help Kyneton High School realise its vision, or you are interested in donating towards the project, contact Jonathon Swan at Kyneton High School on 5421 1100.

Sportclubs boost

Four Macedon Ranges sporting clubs have received funding in the state government'sSporting Club Grants Program. The program provides grants to clubs for uniforms and equipment that improve accessibility and engagement, projects that strengthen volunteering and officiating, new sport or recreation programs, and support for athlete travelto competitions.

Gisborne Thunder Swimming Club received $730 to deliver their Swim Coach Development Plan. Lancefield Football/ Netball Club received $880 to build their volunteer capacity in LFNC'sfirst AFLWseason. Lancefield Junior Football Netball Club received $2000 to deliver training to upskill netball volunteers, and Woodend Bowling Club received $725 for first aid equipment.

Community engagement and partnerships officer at Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, Kylie Stafford, is pictured with Kyneton High School’s Jonathon Swan.

Thestakes arehighifyou lodgeinearly July

TheAustralian Taxation Office is warning taxpayers against rushing to lodge their tax returns on July 1.

ATOAssistant Commissioner Rob Thomson said those who lodged in early July were twice as likely to make amistake in their tax return.

"Tax time is not arace, and there is amuch higher chance that your return will be missing important information if you lodge in early July.Thisis particularly relevant if you are receiving income from multiple sources," Mr Thomson said.

"Wesee lots of mistakes where people who rush to lodge early have forgotten to include interest from banks, dividend income, payments from government agencies and private health insurance details."

From late July,most information from employers, banks, government agencies and health funds will be automatically loaded into your tax return, regardless of whether you use aregistered tax agent or lodge your own return.

"Weknow some prefer to tick their tax return offthe to-do list early and not think about it for another 12 months, but the best way to get it right is to wait just afew weeks to lodge," Mr Thomson said.

"In the meantime, you can get ahead start on your tax obligations by gathering all necessary records, ensuring your details are up to date and reviewing the occupation guides on the ATOwebsite to check you’re claiming what you’re entitled to."

Take some time to make sure all your details are correct. This includes your contact details, address, and bank details. Updating these after you lodge may cause delays. Once your information has been pre-filled and finalised by your employer,yourincome statement will be marked as ‘tax ready’.

"You can check if your employer has marked your income statement as ‘tax ready’ as well as if your pre-fill is available in myTax before you lodge. Once the information we collect is available, all you need to do is check it and add anything that’smissing," Mr Thomson said.

The ATOunderstands people sometimes make mistakes. Taxpayers who realise they have made amistake can fix errors or omissions in their tax return once their initial lodgment has been processed through the ATOonline amendment process, accessed via myGov or by speaking to their registered tax agent.

EOFY changes for small business

Income tax cuts, arise in the minimum wage, updated information on tax deductions and increased superannuation payments are among changes coming into effect on July 1, says Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.

“It is essential that small business owners and managers understand these changes,” Mr Billson said.

“Business leaders are responsible for getting this right and should check their payroll and accounting systems have been updated.

“If needed, we encourage talking with trusted advisers like accountants and bookkeepers and government agencies such as the TaxOffice and the Fair Work Ombudsman, which have extensive resources to help.

“With so many pressures on busy small business leaders as we near the end of the financial year,itcan be astressful time and easy to overlook new and changing rules.

“The end of the financial year is also agoodtime to not just have astocktake butto take stock of the health of your business and yourself and to make use of the many helpful resources, tools and checklists available, including on our website www.asbfeo.gov.au.

“But please be alert to scams as the end of the financial year is also atime when scammers try to trick small businesses either by impersonating official agencies such as the TaxOffice or by offering unrealistic deals.”

People who lodge in early July are twice as likely to make amistake in their tax return.

NewSeason

Grants for local kinders

Several early years learning spaces and kindergartens in Macedon Ranges area will receive upgrades for facilities and equipment in the latest round of the state government's Building Blocks grants.

Recipients are: Goodstart Early LearningKyneton ($694,949)for indoor and outdoor refurbishment, Macedon Kindergarten -($487,012) for relocation of children’s toilet and bathroom areas, Goodstart Early Learning Woodend ($673,093) for indoor and outdoor refurbishment, andRomsey Kindergarten ($116,720) for all-weather outdoor play space

IT Equipment grants for ipads, laptops, computational thinking aids, LDC IT experiences, projectors and cameras were also awarded to Rothschild Road Kindergarten (in Gisborne), Goodstart Early Learning Kyneton, Global Village Learning(in Gisborne), Goodstart Early Learning New Gisborne, GoodstartEarlyLearning Riddells Creek,Trentham Early Learning, and GoodstartEarlyLearning Woodend.

The Compost Conversation

To lime or not to lime?

It used to be pretty standard advice to add sprinklings of garden lime to our compost as we built them, it’show Iwas taught to compost and arule Ifollowed for years without questioning, but is adding lime essential for ahealthy compost?

Garden lime is simply powdered limestone, anatural material that is quarried in places where old seas have formed abed of rock made with very high deposits of seashells. When crushed to afine powder and added to gardens or compost it has two main impacts, it adds calcium (an essential mineral, but present in other things too) and also raises the pH (a measure of acidity/alkalinity) making the soil more alkaline.

The old recommendation to add garden lime to compost was based on the belief that composts were generally acidic, and needed to be brought to amore neutral state to work properly.More recent understanding of the process that happens when microbes break down the organic components in anaerobic (an oxygen rich) compost has led to adifferent conclusion.

If awell-made compost starts offabit too acidic, it will, through the natural composting process, pull back closetoneutral acidity when it is mature. Amazingly,ifour wellmade compost starts offalkaline the finalmature compost will also be pretty close to neutral! It seems, when we create the right conditions and leave nature to its ownwork, itwill get things back to being pretty much balanced.

There are, of course, exceptions. If we were to make our compost out of ingredients that are all acidic (think crazy amounts of citrus) or all alkaline (say,almost only manure) our starting conditions might be so acidic or so alkaline to make our compost fail. In these cases, beneficial microbial activity canbeseverely hindered or even halted and less desirable microbes will be selected for,producing something that we might not want to put on our gardens.

Letting our compost get anaerobic (too heavyand lacking in oxygen pathways) can also throw the acidity of our pile out of balance, with the undesirable anaerobic bacteria and fungi this kind of environment encourages making our composts too acidic.

If we stick with the common compost ingredients, the ones we talk about regularly in this column and do our best to keep alayered diversity of materials in our pile, with good aeration and all nice and moist, we are very unlikely to create overly acidic or overly alkaline finished compost. When our compost is going well we don’t have to worry if we need to add small quantities of more acidic or more alkaline ingredients, the microbes will sort it all out.

If we are having issues with the acidity or alkalinity of our garden soil, Iwould not try to correct this in our compost, but in the particular garden bed itself,and that'smore than we can cover in our conversation this week.

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

Plantation restoration

The Mount Macedon Plantation Restoration Project has been allocated $1,130,750 in the state government'sBushbank program.

The project aims to restore about 70 hectares of native vegetation in areas previously managed as apine plantation.

The Bushbank program helps to create and preserve habitats for some of Victoria’s species by planting millions of trees and shrubs on both private and public land to combat various environmental impacts.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the Mount Macedon Plantation Restoration Project was "a huge win for the region".

"The Bushbank program is restoring natural environments across Victoria and right here in Macedon helping to stopthe decline of our native plants andanimals and improve our natural environment," she said.

Testing for acidity/alkalinity, sample on left, ‘active compost’ testing quite alkaline, but moving towards neutral in the more ‘mature sample’ on the right.

OnCountrywith UncleRick

At the end of April, Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson launched his Waaman tours under the Nalderun banner to apacked Theatre Royal crowd.

His next tour out on Country will be happening in the lead up to NAIDOC Week this Saturday July 6from 10am-2.30pm and presents awonderful opportunity to learn more about local Indigenous history

In the previous few years, Uncle Rick has been finetuning his cultural tour approach and establishing what groups are interested in, and how best to manage these tours.

“Educating the wider community about the Dja Dja Wurrung history is important to me,” Uncle Rick said.

In the process, long-time Nalderun supporter,CathSouth, helped Uncle Rick with initial administration and crowd management.

“One thing we did at the end of the trial tours, was ask each visitor to share what they would remember from coming along,” Cath said.

“I was amazed by the responses.

“Being outside on Country,with the heat or the cold, with the bird song and the smells of the bush, it really takes people on aspecial journey

“Having Uncle Rick share history,his story,and special places important to him, and also bringing treasures from his personal collection, just blows people away Murnong Mumma biscuits and Sharlee’steashit the mark too!” Cath said.

With permission, Cath has shared some of the responses from tour participants:

“Things that I’ve walked past before, Inow feel Ihave seen them for the first time.”

“A beautiful day.Itfeltvery special; these tours should become the norm.”

“It was so different going to these places with Rick.”

Tickets for Saturday’stourcan be purchased at waamantours.com.au

Be quick as places are limited.

AHome Care Package provides eligible people over the age of 65 years (or over 50 if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) with tailored support to enable you to stay safe and supported in the comfort of your own home and enhance your quality of life as you age.

The Australian Government scheme provides awide range of services to support people to live independently,including personal care, gardening, meal preparation, escorted transport services, respite and allied health services such as physiotherapy,osteopathy,occupational therapy,podiatry and nursing. There are also options to access social and exercise activities in the local community Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health has been aHome Care Package provider for the Macedon Ranges for more than three years and with nearly 40 years’ experience delivering health, wellbeing and support services locally, they have astrong connection to the local community as well as an understanding of the importance of consumer-directed care.

“With aHomeCare Package people have the choice about how their services are delivered,”

Maintainindependenceandstayconnected

says Sylvia, one of Sunbury and Cobaw’scare advisors.

“Every decision is done in consultation with the Home Care Package recipient. They direct us as to who they would like the support services from, and we help them to find services that meet their individual goals and needs, allowing them to maintain their independence, enjoy familiar surroundings, and stay connected to their local community.”

The organisation’soffices are located on the country of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri WoiWurrung peoples and earlier this year Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health published its first Reconciliation Action Plan. The organisation is also rainbow tick accredited.

Eligibility for aHome Care Package is established by an assessment carried out by My Aged Care –visit www.myagedcare.gov.au.

If you would like Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health to be your Home Care Package provider and manage your Home Care Package, call 5421 6061 or email hcp@ scchc.org.au.

Filmsandafamilyday

MacedonRanges Shire Council will host film screenings and acommunity family day as part of this year’sNAIDOC Week celebrations.

NAIDOC Week is held across Australia each July to celebrate the history,culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’scelebrations will be held July 7-14 with the theme ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’. Afilm screening of Luku Ngarra– LawofThe Land will be held at Kyneton Mechanics Institute on Friday July 5, 7pm-9.30pm.

This is an extraordinary story of one Yolu man’s45-year life journey fighting for the political and spiritual freedom of his people. This event is in partnership with Macedon Ranges Truth and Reconciliation Group. Afilm screening of The Last Daughter will be held at Kyneton Mechanics Institute on Sunday July 7, 1pm-3.30pm.

The film follows awoman trying to reconcile her fragmented upbringing, an Aboriginal woman searches for the white parents who raised her before she returned to her birth family.There will also be aCommunity and Family Day at Riddells Creek Community Centre on Saturday July 13, 11am-2.30pm.

This event will include ayarning circle and fun activities for all ages. It will be led by the Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation in partnership with Macedon Ranges Truth and Reconciliation Group and Sunbury Cobaw Community Health. The National Indigenous Australians Agency funds this National NAIDOC Week Activity Registrations for all events is essential. For details, visit the council’swebsite: mrsc.vic. gov.au

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health has been aHomeCare Package provider for the Macedon Ranges for more than three years.

Join Uncle Rick Nelson for atour on Country this Saturday.

Endofanera End of an era

It's the end of an era for O'Dae Auto Spares in Romsey as the long-running family business enters new ownership this week.

Tom O'Dae opened his first store at Sunbury in 1976 after retiring from a13-year-long career in the police force.

He had strong support from the Sunbury community and that community support continued when he moved the business to Romsey 15 years later.

In the early days, the business ran from the old Romsey Examiner office, then shifted to the Shamrock Hotel before settling into its current site at Park Lane in about 2009.

Tome said moving to the new store was abig step with improved layout and working alongside family successfully was a highlight.

Tom's son Chris began working alongside him at the shop from the age of 16 and has been managing the business for the past 10 years.

Tom's daughter Moya also works at the store and his wife Glenys has been keeping the books since the beginning.

"The business has really grown along with Romsey," Tom said.

"And it's agood business because of the clientele we've got.

"We've seen the town grow and always sponsored the local football netball club and various other organisations.

"The key to the success of our business has been that the customers have always been our friends and they've always been very supportive of us."

The O'Daes' last day of trading was Saturday and they celebrated the community's support over the years with abarbecue and vintage car display.

While Tom says he will miss interacting with clients, he believes the business is in safe hands, with James Lawler taking over.

James has worked alongside the O'Daes in the store for the past three years and has proven extensive knowledge of the trade.

"He has alot of expertise and knowledge and I'd like to see him supported like we were," Tom said.

The store continues to stock awide range of automotive and agriculture parts at 7Park Lane, Romsey.

SUPER QUIZ?

Local knowledge (1 point)

1. What animals did Robyn Davidson have for company when she trekked solo across the Australian desert in 1977?

2. How many new volunteers were recently welcomed to the Woodend Fire Brigade?

3. What is the prize for winning Castlemaine Art Museum’s Len Fox Painting Award?

4. In which town would you find Doonies Diner? (3 points)

5. What is the name of the music festival taking place in Castlemaine on Saturday, November 16? General knowledge (1 point)

6. In the Harry Potter series, to which Hogwarts house does the titular character get sorted?

7. Who starred as Dorothy in the first (1939) film adaptation of The Wizard of Oz?

8. The term ‘bona fide’ comes from which language?

9. Atypical cardamom pod contains a number of seeds closest to which of the following: 1-2, 10-20, 60 or 80-100? (3 points)

10. Kinshasa is the capital city of which country? Super Quiz answers: 1. Four

Water significance in the spotlight

ColibanWater recently played host to representatives from Heritage Victoria as part of thebid to have the Victorian Goldfields included on the World Heritage List.

CW'sgeneral manager of water and climate strategy, Adam Crameri, said theregion,ifsuccessful, would become the 21st site in Australia on the list.

“Across ourregion we have awealth of richcultural, natural and engineeringhistory and we’d be excited to see this recognisedonthe worldstage,” he said.

The City of Greater Bendigo and the City of Ballarat are the lead councils fromaconsortium of 15 localcouncils leading the push to have the Goldfieldsadded to the list.

According to UNESCO, the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the WorldCultural and Natural Heritage recognises that certainplaces on Earth are of ‘outstanding universal value’ and shouldformpart of the common heritage of humankind.

The agency seeks to encourage the identification, protection, andpreservationofculturaland natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.

“TheGoldfields region is widely known for its rich historyin mining, migration and cultural values, but ourfocus hasbeen specifically on showcasing our fantasticwaterhistory,including significant gravity fedchannels,basins, storages and valves,” Mr Cramerisaid.

Mr Crameri saidthe tour,involving representatives from Heritage Victoria andits experts, took in arange of sites across the region, including the Coliban MainChannel, Brennans Tunnel, Crusoe Reservoir,the cistern, and SpecimenHillgolddiggings.

“The Coliban Main Channel was akey piece of infrastructure that brought water to thegoldfields in the 1860s andisstill a source of reliable drinking water for Bendigotoday,” Mr Crameri said.

“Without access to water,the Goldfields and miningcommunities wouldnot have been abletofunctionorsurvive

“Water is supplied fromthe Upper Coliban, Lauriston and Malmsbury Reservoirs near Kyneton, it then makes its way to Bendigo via purpose-built tunnels, mostaround three metres wide.

“The dissipaters along the Coliban Main Channelare considered an engineering marvel. They effectively slow the flowof water down the face of steep hillsides."

The tourgroup acknowledged the importance of the water infrastructureinsupportingthe growth of the Goldfields.

The Victoriangovernment committed $3.8 million in the 2023/24 budget to progress two WorldHeritage nomination projects, including the Goldfields bid. Work is under way by both councils and the government to progress thebid onto the World Heritage TentativeList, where it can then be assessed by UNESCO in coming years.

Tom and Chris O’Dae

The team at Little Gallery in Trentham is set to deliver ashimmering Winter Show this year,which will highlight once again astellar lineup of regional fine artists.

Each year the gallery invites regional artists in various stages of their careers, living in and around the Hepburn Shire and Macedon Ranges, to participate in its annual winter group fundraising exhibition.

This year they will be featuring the works of 16 outstanding contemporary local artists.

Central to the Winter Show is that it has afundraising element, whereby part of the proceeds from all art sales will be donated to alocal charitable organisation.

This year's recipient is the East Trentham Fellowship, founded more than 20 years ago by the late Mario Sartori. This group has quietly helped many people living in and around the Trentham community in times of financial need.

The gallery will also offer its much supported art raffle of generously donated artworks by the Little Gallery collective, whereby 100 per cent of the proceeds will be donated to the charity

Acclaimed and multi-award winning artist Daniel Butterworth, has been invited to open the show

To coincide with the Little Gallery's Winter Show opening on Friday August 2at 5.30pm, the township of Trentham will light up for the 'Winterfest' light extravaganza, which promises to be an evening of spectacular art, shimmer and fun.

The 2024 Winter Show will run for three consecutive weekends from August 3to19, opening 10-4 Thursday to Monday for viewing. All are welcome!

Afascinating historyofhealth

Stepback in time to learnaboutthe MacedonRanges' past in healthcare.

Kyneton Museum and the historicalsocieties of theMacedon Ranges present Nurses, Medicine and Caring in the MacedonRanges, an exhibition that focuses on local stories and objects from social historycollections

Theexhibition exploresthemes of nurses training, nursesatwar,uniforms, local medical identities, bush nursing andshire hospitals, maternal andchild health services,midwiferyand pharmacy,aswell as an extensive collectionfromthe old KynetonHospital.

The Nurses, Medicine andCaringinthe MacedonRanges exhibition is nowshowing at the KynetonMuseum, 67 Piper Street,Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm.

Cost: adult $5, concession$3, student $3, child (under five years) $2.50, and family $10.

Winter show artshimmers arrt t shimmers

Rainbow Coffee Club

Rainbow Coffee Club offers those who identify as LGBTIQA+ the opportunity to connect with others and meet once amonth for achat over coffee –think wonderous coffee aromas, an inviting and respectful café environment, tasty baked goods, and being in the company of people who will welcome and embrace you for who you are.

Rainbow Coffee Club is for LGBTIQA+ people and friends of all ages –come once or as many times as you like!

The initiative is run by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’sCountry LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Program (CLIP), which aims to create meaningful social connections for people and give them asense of belongingtotheir community and in turn have apositive impact on their mental and physical health.

The coffee mornings take place between 11am and 12pm every second Friday of the month at the Romsey Community Co-Op and on the last Friday of the month at the Social Foundry in Kyneton.

For more information about the various programs, groups and training offered by CLIP,callRhani on 5421 1666 or email healthpromotion@scchc.org.au

Little Gallery in Trentham is set to deliver ashimmering Winter Show this year.

@ YourOPINIONS

SEND YOUR LETTERS TO: Angela Crawford (Editor) Ph:54221488 | Email:acrawford@midnews.com.au

Superb performances

Margaret Badminton, Kyneton

Howlucky are we to have Cathouse Players, directed by Bette Sartore, in Kyneton?!

Over two weeks they gave superb performances of Patrick Hamilton'sGaslight.

Thanks to the actors, production team and many who worked tirelessly over many months to give us such an enjoyable experience.

Roll on October for their next treat.

It's getting brutal

Joel Meadows, WesleyHill

Iwonder if you have noticed how much busier the traffic in Castlemaine township has become? Aggression on our roads is on the rise. Cars are getting bigger and heavier each year.Itisgetting pretty brutal out there.

Thank goodness for the many hundreds of people who walk, cycle, scoot, and wheel their way into and around Castlemaine; getting to the shops or appointments, dropping kids at school or care, going to the station or visiting friends. Despite woeful footpaths, bike lanes and crossings, these people actually keep our town moving.

Imagine if even half these people gave up walking or wheeling and took to driving. With hundreds more cars on the road the town would be even worse, parking would be nightmarish, every intersection banking up with cars, accidents and incidents and road rage would escalate.

Our council is consulting for aCastlemaine CBD Road Safety Strategy.I’d encourage everyone who walks or wheels to attend in person or online and let council know what would make your trips into and around town, smoother,more connected and more respected.

It’sthe people who walk or wheel every day who know what will make their daily trips better.Ifcouncil listens and makes some serious improvements; better crossings, connected footpaths and bike lanes, slower traffic, we might start to get more people out of their cars and on their feet, bike, scooter or mobility aid.

The alternative is atownwhere everyone loses, regardless of what mode of transport they use.

Hugehouses unnecessary

Ian Braybrook,Castlemaine

With all the comments and suggestions relating to the 'cure' of the housing shortage, nobody talks about what is obvious to me.

So many people are building houses the size of hospitals to accommodate three or maybe four people. This is totally unnecessary and too often astatus symbol. It is surely contributing much to the shortage of building materials and tradespeople and therefore the housing shortage and cost. Perhaps governments should seriously consider imposing size limits except on proven need for alargerhome.

One thing they must NOT do is allow people to access their superannuation, never the intention. It wisely looks to contribute to funding future retirement.

What could possibly go wrong

Charles Lakey,Mount Macedon

The magic of nuclear power bought to you by the Liberals and the National Party

Promised in half the time and at half the cost by the team that bought you Robodebt.

What could possibly go wrong!

Remember,ifyou don't know,don't vote Liberal.

Friendly fire

BryanYoung, Castlemaine

As achild Igrew up in London during 'The Battle for Britain' and five years of the blitz.

AV2rocket destroyed our house, so we moved into my grandmother's house on the edge of London, sleeping under the stairs as this was considered safer

Her house was partially destroyed by an anti-aircraft shell, which blew up on her house instead of the sky!

This was facetiously termed 'friendly fire'.

Nearly all of us carry friendly fire in our pockets. This 'friendly fire' leads to much unhappiness, even suicide and murder

Irefer to our ubiquitous so-called smart phone. Will this problem eventually be managed?

News

Listening at Love Shack

Dallas Woods and Triple JBlak Out presenter Nooky,two members of the First Nations hip hop collective 3%, are hosting aListening Party at Love Shack on Thursday July 11,giving local audiences the first look at their new album Kill the Dead

The two rappers will be introducing each song from the record, followed byaspecial Q&A and photo opportunities.

Given a5-star review in the Rolling Stone this month, the album will be available for pre-sale on the night, ahead of the album release onAugust 9.

Each pre-sale purchase will include asigned poster of the cover art, featuring aDan Boyd painting inspired by the iconic photo of Nicky Winmar from 1993, plus afreepot (courtesy ofthe Love Shack) and araffle ticket for achance to win aClifford'smeat tray

Kill the Dead Listening Party at the Love Shack, 26Hargraves Street on Thursday July 11,7pm -9.30pm.

Checkout the merch and bundles available for pre-purchase at artistfirst.com.au/ collections/3-percent.

Cold weather and hot book events

Abig month of Northern Books author events at Shedshaker Brewing’s Taproom at The Mill, Castlemaine, awaits for those who love to see and meet some of their favourite authors.

With almost seven years of partnership between Northern Books and Shedshaker Brewing showing no signs of slowing down, book lovers can expect even more great events this year.

Kicking off the month, today (Tuesday July 2), Patrick Skene and local author Paul JLaverty will be at the Taproom to talk about their new books.

Celestial Footy by Skene is an exploration of the forgotten or overlooked involvement of people with Chinese descent in Aussie Rules, where men and women have had to overcame significant obstacles to play the game.

Rippa! by Laverty is arollicking tale of a young surfy Aussie lad who flukes adream move to abig English soccer club and the impact that has on his life… as it wasn’t really his dream at all.

Thursday July 18 sees Karen Viggers come to the Taproom to talk about her new novel Sidelines

Abook exploring the tension of junior sport and the many conflicting emotions of coaches, parents and participants, Sidelines will be astory that resonates with many. Viggers is not only author of four other novels – The Stranding, The Lightkeeper’s Wife, The Grass Castle and The Orchardist’s Daughter,she is also aveterinarian, podcaster and literary critic.

July ends with local author Jane Carafella launching her new book on Wednesday

July 31 at the Taproom. Carafella is aplaywright and former journalist/cartoonist whose plays have been produced nationally and internationally to critical acclaim.She also plays the ukelele. She will be at Shedshaker to talk about Cleaved,her story of growing up with Milroy’s disease, arare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema, and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life.

Tickets to all these events can be purchased via www.northernbooks.com.au/events

Author Paul Laverty.

Brilliant living, breathtaking views

Boasting acarefully considered extension complementing its original spaces, this late Victorian home (c1905) delivers afamily experience of indulgent style and sophistication in aprized pocket.

Incorporating exemplary architectural styles with ablend of quality finishes, fittings and fixtures, it achieves perfect harmony between classic and contemporary.A free-flow between indoor and outdoor spaces ensures living and entertaining ease against abackdrop ofthe Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park andthe nearby golf course with stunning views to the distant mountains.

The home boasts four bedrooms sharing two luxury bathrooms.

The stone-finished kitchen features Smeg and Bosch appliances and awalk-in pantry.An expansive open-plan living meals area stretches out to anentertainer’sdeck, while the formal lounge has abox bay window and open fireplace.

The homefeatures extensive period detail including lead-light glass, baltic pine flooring and pressed metal ceilings.

Other features include hydronic heating, evaporative cooling, split system air conditioning units, alarge garage, underhouse storage, solar power and rainwater tanks

The home is located within easy walking distance to the heart of Castlemaine, botanical gardens and the station.

Property: RenovatedVictorian home with architectural design

Address: 38 Wimble Street,Castlemaine

Pricerange: $1,800,000 –$1,950,000

Agent: Belle Property Castlemaine

Contact: Scott Rawlings 0409 675408 RobWaller 0418 571130

175 Church Road, Mt Franklin

The Best Of Country Life at the Foot of Mount Franklin

Imaginewakinguptostunning views of MountFranklinonyourveryown 1.4hectare property.Occupying asecludedposition, theviews as you enterthe gateway heightensthe sense of arrival. This3bedroom period residenceexudes amountaincabin feel,set on productivevolcanicsoil, and is convenientlylocated less than 10km away fromvibrant Daylesford and20 minutestoCastlemaine

PrivateSetting To Build With Lake SideViews

Elevated on aspacious1,982mparcel, this vacant blockoffersthe perfect canvas to buildyourdream home withbreathtakinglakeviews.Imagine sunlight dancing on shimmeringwatersand expansive lawns borderedbytree-lined boundaries, creating an idyllicsetting forgatherings andoutdooractivities.With easy access to Kyneton, utilities ready,and anaturelover's paradise at your doorstep,thispropertycombinesthe perfectblend of privacy,convenience,and potential foryourdream home

3Palmer Place, Kyneton

Dream Big in Kyneton -A Must-See for First Home Buyers,Downsizers andInvestors!

Thisbrick veneer home on aspacious blockofferssignificantpotential, making it an attractive optionfor firsttimehomebuyers, down sizers and investorsseekinganaffordableentry point. Upon entering,you are greetedby 'Black Japan' flooring andabright, open plan family/meals area. There are 3 bedroomswithbuilt in robes, asecondliving area,mainbathroomand laundry. Thishomehas seen ahost of recent enhancements that will surprise and delight

331163 1,982 sqm 1.4 ha 692sqm

116Hallorans Lane, Kyneton

Historic Brick Cottage with Enchanting Gardens and Rural Surrounds 41 65.55ha(13.71 acres)

Dating backto1893, this charming cottage,witha historyasintriguingas itsstructure,showcases aseriesofthoughtful additions over theyears Constructedfrombrick,thisresidenceboasts5bedrooms, 2bathrooms,a spaciousfamily laundryand it's packed full of character. The 27.45haproperty unfoldsasadramaticridge settinga picturesquebackdrop, alongwith established farming infrastructure such as 9fully fenced paddocks.

208 Edgecombe Road, Kyneton

110HoneysuckleRoad, Lauriston

Rural Retreat -Dual LivingEmbraceRural Living: 38.64 Ha, ACherished Farmhouse and Valuable Infrastructure

Astone's throwfrom the heartofKyneton,thisfamily home covers an impressive2.4 hectares(approx.6acres). The ranchstyle homesteadoffersgenerousliving spaces anddelightful extras.Inside,discover4bedrooms, including amastersuite withan ensuiteand awalk-in robe,arecentlyrenovated familybathroom, 3spaciousliving areas, aseparatelaundry andacoveredpergola,perfect forhosting summer soirées. Asecondresidencewith2bedrooms, aspaciousnorth facing living anddiningarea overlooksbushland.it'saversatile spaceand couldserve as ahomeoffice, multigenerationalliving abodeoranenticinginvestmentopportunity.

15 MairStreet, Kyneton

Beautiful Bungalow in the Heart of Kyneton

Step inside 15 Mair Street to experience that longed-forsense of period homeliness withevery wished-fororiginalfeature preserved.Consider, highly decorativecornice,ceiling rosesand fireplaces,art deco lightfittings and polished timber floorboards.Aprofessionaland sympathetic restorationofthe second half of thehome provides amplespace anddesirable amenities for contemporary living.Aprivate andfully self-containedunitisalsopartofthe plentiful offerings here

52 4898 sqm

Discovertranquility andopportunityon'HoneysuckleRoad' within this 38.64-hectare property.Grand oaktrees line thedriveway leading to acherishedweatherboard farmhouse, circa1914withmanycontemporaryupdates.Inside,originalBaltic pine floors andtimber-linedceilings gracethe 4bedroom layout.Atealwoodstove adds character to thecountry-style kitchen.Outside,discoveradelightfulgarden, permanentcreek and fivedams. With proximity to Kyneton'samenities,thispropertyblends rural living with modern convenience forfarming or equestrian pursuits

Character and ConvenienceinaStellar Location 21 1362 sqm

Claimafantastic Kynetonlifestyle withthissweet weatherboardcottage in the heartofthe township.The easy care 362sqm (approx) allotmentallows you to lock up,get outand enjoy thebestofKyneton’s eateries andshops,justa fewhundredmetersfromthisaddress.Neat, cleanand completelycharming, Hyacinth House hasall of theessentialsfor acomfortable lifeand plenty of potential if youare seekingtovalue add.

Countryliving at its best

Step into quality and comfort with this immaculately presented brick family home boasting spotless interiors and an excellent location. Move straight in and start enjoying the convenience and lifestyle this property offers.

The home features three generous bedrooms, master with ensuite and walk-in robe and built-in robes in remaining bedrooms, one with astudy nook.

Acomfortable lounge is located at the front of the home, while the kitchen with meals space opens onto a large alfresco area for outdoor entertaining.

There is ample storage throughout including asizeable pantry and plenty of cupboards in the kitchen, plus an island bench and electric cooking in the kitchen.

The 6m x6mcarport provides covered entry into the

house, and there is also ashed, chook run and veggie patch in the backyard.

The property features 1146 square metres of land and is ashort walk to pre and primary schools, Harcourt General Store and town amenities.

Ahuge 5kW solar system helps to offset energy bills and retractable blinds on the alfresco area provide allweather usability

This property is located within easy access to Castlemaine (six minutes), Bendigo (30 minutes) and Melbourne (90 minutes).

Don’t miss the opportunity to own this meticulously maintained family home in aconvenient location. Call today to arrange an inspection.

•Sympathetically updated to enhance the appeal of the home’s mid-century design •Expansive 2401sqm corner allotment, bordered by parkland &side street access

•8mx12m shed, 8m x8mcarport, studio, large alfresco and 3m wide rear verandah

DonnA”CIrCA1899

•Elegant Victorian on 2645sqm over two titles with beautiful gardens

•4 beds, study,mudroom, spacious living, kitchen/dining with walk-in pantry &cellar

•Pool, all weather spa, wide return verandah, alfresco,potting shed and carport

•Shed/garage with workshop &mezzanine

Belle Property Castlemaineand Maldon.

38 Wimble Street, Castlemaine

4a 2b 4v 2071r

• OriginalVictorian home,withmodern extension complementing it's original spaces.

•Modern kitchen with butler'spantry,open living with viewsand double glazing.

•4 bed, 2bath with ducted heating &cooling.

Scott Rawlings |0409675 408

Rob Waller |0418571 130 For sale $1,800,000$1,950,000 View Saturday6th July 12:45pm -1:15pm

4a 2b 3v 1030r

•Luxury Paul Graybuilt homewitha northern garden aspect.

•Spacious living-dining room, seperate theatre room and lotsofopen space.

•Walking distance to General store& school.

Rob Waller |0418571 130

Scott Rawlings |0409675 408 For sale $695,000 View Saturday6th July 11:15am -11:45am

Belle PropertyCastlemaine |5470 5811 167 Barker Street, Castlemaine Belle PropertyMaldon |5475 1055

1Cooper Court, Campbells Creek

4a 2b 5v 5060r

•Stunning brickhomestead withlarge windows and picturesque viewsofnative gardens.

•Spacious living-dining area &centralkitchen.

•Expansive north-facingcoveredrear patio.

Brett Tweed |0417 564 697

Rob Waller |0418 571 130

3a 1b 8v 6068r

•Former Sutton GrangeCommonschool c1870,now abeautiful,converted country house &gardens–‘Morning Recess’.

•Craftsman solid timber kitchen

•Delightful school building largeliving room 1383 Bendigo-Sutton Grange Road, Sutton Grange

Rob Waller |0418571 130

Scott Rawlings |0409675 408 For sale $995,000 View Saturday 6th July 2:00pm -2:30pm

Perfect forhorse enthusiasts

Here is an amazing opportunity to purchase arural equestrian property offering extensive established infrastructure.

Ideally suited to horse enthusiasts and those seeking apeaceful and tranquil, rural lifestyle within astone’sthrow of the ever-increasingly popular township of Lancefield with its country village feel and warm community culture. This very appealing property affords quality family living set amid aserene country backdrop with picture-perfect views in every direction upon awell maintained 21.75 acre land holding.

The property comprises 12 well-fenced paddocks, 11 horse shelters all with automatic refill water troughs, afull-sized 60 x20arena plus around yard for equine training, wellequipped stables featuring three-bay stable, tack room and feed room, excellent horse hot wash facilities featuring the ability to be fully enclosed, awell-sized three-bay hay shed and accommodation for machinery/ tractors, plenty of easy access for horse floats/ trucks adjoining the infrastructure, alarge and lofty three-bay workshop/shed attached to adouble bay garage/shed with great clearance, power and concreted. Perfect for horse float storage or caravans. Plentiful bore water plus three water tanks provide ample water supply

The property additionally features arecently renovated four-bedroom home with wraparound verandah’scombining spacious living and country charm with the recent upgrades making the property the perfect family home with charm and modern convenience.

Twogenerous light and bright living spaces afford stunning vistas from every window, with both areas connected by asmart and recently upgraded kitchen complete with plenty of storage, loads of bench space, quality appliances and all finished in stylish neutral tones. Along and sleek servery allows for easy family living and entertaining.

The four bedrooms are all spacious and offer abundant natural light, and additionally the main suite offers an appealing ensuite and walk-through robe space making for the ideal parents retreat. The fourth bedroom is aversatile space and is currently utilised as astudy

The home has been recently painted and is finished in smart and stylish tones and the entire property has awelcoming and relaxing feel that makes you feel instantly ‘at home’.

This delightful home and amazing property represents the ideal opportunity for an astute buyer who recognises an excellent opportunity to acquire asizeable land holding with great infrastructure in ahigh demand location.

Property: Country retreaton21.75 acres

Address: 2005 Kilmore-Lancefield Road,Lancefield

Pricerange: $1,390,000 $1,490,000

Agent: Raine and Horne,Kyneton

Contact: Jason Woodford-Smith 0478 000 441

This 1.5 acre (approx) country retreatsitsamongst rustic established gardens andhas much to fall in love with.Offeringthree bedrooms, kitchen/dining,living, bathroomand laundry. Additionally, there is aseparatemodern studio bathedin natural light, aperfect space forartists,writers,homeofficeorextra accommodation. Outside is ahavenfor nature lovers,withlush greeneryand amplespace, creatinga tranquil atmosphere. Theundercoverfront deck is perfect forhosting gatherings with family andfriends.4 minutes to Newstead, 20 minutestoCastlemaine and Daylesford

Situatedona substantial1760sqm block, offering an excitingopportunityfor families, firsthomebuyers or renovators.This home is ready to be enjoyedasis or transformed intoa modern abodewiththe rightvision and touch. Featuring four bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, multipleliving zones, laundryand large covered outdoor area.Outside hasconvenient side access, expansiveyardspace and9mx 6m shed.Justa short5 minute drive to Castlemainetowncentre allows you to utilize allthe facilities you need -medical, pharmaceutical, schooling,childcare, sporting facilitiesand so much more.

New Listing

New Listing

A 4 B 2 C 6 F 42acres

View Saturday 6thJuly

10:00am-10:30am

ForSale $1,995,000 Web rh.com.au/kyneton

84 Fraser Road, Goldie

Equestrian Haven -42acres approx

•4-Bedroom, 2-Bathroom Home: Enjoy spacious living in abeautifully designed residence.

•MasterSuite: Features awalk-inwardrobe and aspa-likeensuite.

•Functional Kitchen: Completewith awalkin pantry, perfectfor culinary enthusiasts.

•Inviting Living Spaces: Includes twosplitsystem units forultimatecomfort.

Jason Woodford-Smith 0478 000 441 jason.woodford-smith@kyneton.rh.com.au

A 2 B 1 C 2 F 7248m2

View By Appointment Contact Agent

ForSale $440,000 -$480,000 Web rh.com.au/kyneton

59 Blacksmiths Lane, Mia Mia

AffordablyPriced -Offering Country Charm &Appeal -7248m2(1.79Acres approx)

•The open plan interior of the home has adelightful homey feel and offers classic country charm with the recent improvements and renovations offering modern conveniencewhilst still maintaining character and charm. Enjoy arelaxed country lifestylewith the living spaces flowing effortlesslyontothe expansive all-weather alfresco deck

Jason Woodford-Smith 0478 000441 jason.woodford-smith@kyneton.rh.com.au

A 4 B 2 C 2 F 21.75acres

View Saturday 6thJuly

10:45am-11:15am

ForSale $1,390,000 -$1,490,000 Web rh.com.au/kyneton Just Listed

2005 Kilmore-LancefieldRd, Lancefield

21.75Acres -Perfectfor HorseEnthusiastsThe Ideal Country Retreat

•Representing an amazing opportunity to purchasearural equestrian propertyoffering extensive established infrastructure. Ideally suited to horse enthusiasts and thoseseeking apeaceful andtranquil, rural lifestylewithin a stone’sthrow of the ever increasingly popular township of Lancefield.

Jason Woodford-Smith 0478 000 441 jason.woodford-smith@kyneton.rh.com.au

Kyneton 5422 2678 rh.com.au/kyneton Gisborne 5428 4007 rh.com.au/gisborne

Sunbury97446334 rh.com.au/sunbury

Sold&Congratulations Web rh.com.au/kyneton Sold&Congratulations

DiggersRest87409666 rh.com.au/diggersrest

1/15-17 MaxwellStreet, Kyneton

Pristine Unit in Prestige Location

•Welcome to acharming twobedroom unit perfectfor thoselooking foracozyand comfortable home. This propertyfeatures aspacious backyard, perfectfor outdoor entertaining or enjoying the fresh air.The interior boasts awell-designed layout with amodern kitchen, comfortable living space, and astylish bathroom.

Jason Woodford-Smith 0478 000441 jason.woodford-smith@kyneton.rh.com.au

KYNETON EQUIPMENT &PARTY HIRE

Kyneton Hire is afamily business that has been established since 1982. Ourrange of equipment has something to suit the handyman to the trade’s person. We have lawn mowers, trailers, log splitters, tractors with slashers and Kanga’s. We also have something to suit all your party hire requirements. Our range includes marquees, silk liners, festoon lights and dance floors to crockery, glassware and cooking equipment. We are open seven days aweek so call in and pick up alistofhire items available or check out our website: www.kynetonhire.com.au.

EVANS

Francis “Frank” James 14/3/1944 –29/6/2024

Younger son of Raymond and Catherine (both dec.). Lovedbrother of Gwen, Margaret (both dec.), Rayand sister-in-lawBeth Fond uncle of Cathryn, Peter, Bernadette,Marianne, Katrina, Timothyand Indi and their families Much lovedand sadly missed. Rest in Peace.

SPENCER (nee Free)

AudreyYvonne

6.5.35 -25.6.24

Passed away peacefully aged 89 years

Loving wifeto Mervyn (dec)

Lovedand adored by herchildren Allan, Lynand Julie and their partners Cathy, Chris and Robin.

Treasured Nanna to Andrew, Kathy, Sharon, Jordan, Chelsea, James, Emma and their partners Great Nanna to 6.

Foreverinour hearts

Manythanks to all the staff at RM Begg fortheir care and kindness

Passed away peacefully at Thompson House on Monday24th July 2024, aged 89 years

Lovedhusband to Betty Dearly lovedfather and father-in-lawto Loretta and Tony,Sandra and Rod, Rosalie and Garry, Markand Donna. LovedGrandad to 6grandchildren and 5great grandchildren.

Special thanks to staff and volunteers at Thompson House At peace Aprivate service has been held.

TEUMA –Alethea ‘Lee’ Ivy (nee Scoble) Lee passed away peacefully on 22/06/2024 aged 77 years. Dearly lovedwifeof Louis (dec). Cherished mother of Sharon, Paul,Bradley, Kylie &Adam. Supportivemother-inlawofJohn &Rae Adored grandmother to 11

Always loved and Remembered

The funeral service to celebrate thelifeof Mrs Audrey Yvonne Spencer will be held at theThomas J. Scott Memorial Chapel, 5Piper St, Kyneton TODAY (TuesdayJuly 2, 2024) at 1.30pm. Aburial at the Kyneton Lawn Cemetery will follow.

has approved aLoan of effectively AUD $19million for the Project.

To complete the loan process, afinal AUD $600k is required for the bank.

OFFER:$600k gets $900k in about 8weeks (Monthly bank cycle +3weeks). Effectively ashort-term loan. NOT an investment -This is ZERO RISK as it is simply abankprocess.

Can be solo, business or group funded, expression of interest soonest please.

Need commitment by close of business Wed10July Deadline for funds by close of business Wed24July

For full disclosure, contact Ian Symons, Director, BY EMAIL at OutDoMike@yahoo.com

Happy to meet if serious about proceeding.

OutDoMike Pty Ltd 425 Hargreaves St Bendigo VIC 3550 ACN 667 740 963

TEUMA (nee Scoble)

AFuneral Service to celebrate the lifeof Alethea ‘Lee’ Ivy Teuma, will be held at the Thomas J. Scott Memorial Chapel, 5Piper Street, Kyneton, on THURSDAY,July 4 commencing at 2:00PM. Aburial at Kyneton Cemeterywill follow. Forthose unable to attend the service, youare warmly invited to join via a livestream on Lee’stribute page at tjscottandson.com.au In memoryofLee, please wear your brightest colours

KN278908/J

Old Time Dancing at Kyneton In the recent edition of “Kyneton Connect”, our July dance at St Mary’sHall waslisted incorrectly forFriday, 19 July.Thisshould read Sunday, 21 July from 1.30 pm -5 pm The timeand date had been changed due to winter night driving conditions.However we failed to notify the Kyneton Connect editor of the alteration. Sincere apologies for our mistake

Maldon Heritage Network presents afreepublic talk Maldon’sHeritage –Why Does it Matter? by town planner,academic,and Strategic Projects Officer WorldHeritage at City of Greater Bendigo Trevor Budge AM Saturday6July1:30pm Maldon Community Centre 6Francis Street, Maldon followed by refreshments

Enquiries: maldonheritagenetwork@duck.com

This event is supported by the Mount Alexander Shire Council Event Grants Program.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

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,lawfulsexual activity/ sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with aperson with one of the above characteristics,unless covered by an exception or granted an exemption under the Act. As we couldbe legally liable if we print an unlawful advertisement, we willnot accept advertisements that appear to break the law. Formore information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

•Bullbars and Sidesteps •Winches and Recovery Gear •Suspension and Snorkels •Canopies and Awnings •Roof Racks &Drawers

Bore Exhausts

Protection Bars

Planning and Environment Act 1987

MACEDON RANGES PLANNING SCHEME

Notice of ApprovalofAmendment Amendment C157macr

The Minister forPlanning has approvedAmendment C157macr to the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme

The Amendment comes into operation on the date this notice is published in the Victoria Government Gazette

The Amendment rezones land at partof9–25, 31, 33 and 35 Mollison Street, partofthe road reservesofRoss and Johnson Streets, Malmsburyand an unmade road to the east from the Commercial 2Zone to theNeighbourhood Residential Zone Schedule 14 and inserts anew Schedule 14 to Clause 32.09 (Mollison Street, Malmsbury) to the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme

Acopyofthe Amendment can be inspected, free of charge,atthe Department of Transportand Planning website at www.planning.vic.gov.au/public-inspection or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange atime to viewthe Amendment. Acopyofthe Amendment can also be inspected, free of charge,during office hours,atthe offices of the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, 40 Robertson Street, Gisborne and on the Council website at www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Home DAVIDKIRKLAND Acting Director,State Planning Services Department of Transportand Planning

NOTICE TO ALL ADVERTISERS

–inall advertisements for the supply of goods and services.

ELLIOTT MIDLAND NEWSPAPERS advises all displayservice advertisements must comply with the above requirement to avoid prosecution, or provide those details to us to pass to the Dept. of Justice if requested.

President forlife

China approved the removal of the two-term limit on the presidency,effectively allowing Xi Jinping to remain in power for life.

Looking from the outside one could suppose that asimilar mandate has been enacted by the Kyneton Marist Brothers Old Boys Association. At the Annual General Meeting held recently,the outgoing committee of management was reinstated unopposed.

The subzero temperatures recorded at Kyneton were not encouraging for people to leave their home comforts to attend the meeting, but those who did more or less knew the outcome beforehand.

So the association proceeds into the next 12 months under returned president Arthur 'Roley' Sandilands. He will be supported by returning treasurer Len Young. The joint tasks of vice-president, secretary and public officer remain with Melbourne-based Michael 'Mick' Halley.These arethe mandatory offices to be filled and comply with the Articles of Association.

At the meeting it was recorded that eight Old Boys had been entered onto the Honour Roll of deceased members. Recent among them were long-serving Brian Fleming and Kevin Law.Earlier in the day members had attended the funeral service of Father Tony McCarthy,anassociate member.There are 348 names listed on the website –Deceased Old Boys –Honour Roll –Kyneton Marist Brothers Old Boys Association.

Planning is already in place for the 78th annual reunion scheduled for Sunday January 26, 2025, and annual Retreat at Torrumbarry Weir Tourist Park around March.

President Roley is determined to continue the community support that is well known to residents in the district.

Woodend scout leaderscelebrated

Attendees shared touching anecdotes and highlighted the impact the volunteers had made to their lives with some people travelling from as far as Warrnambool to wish them well. There were personalised gifts and mementos presented as tokens of appreciation, symbolising the lasting impact of their service.

3Market St., PO Box153,Kyneton, 3444

Telephone: (03) 5422 1488

Facsimile: General (03) 5422 3173

CASTLEMAINE

13 Hargraves St.,POBox 227,Castlemaine,3450

Telephone: (03) 5472 1788

Facsimile: (03) 5472 4504 OFFICE HOURS

MondaytoFriday9.00 am-5.00 pm EDITORIAL HOURS

MondaytoFriday8.30 am-5.00 pm

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

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TuesdayIssue: Booking and Copy—

Len Young, Michael Halley and Roley Sandilands.

Woodend scouts gathered to celebrate the combined service of four volunteer scout leaders who dedicated years to the wellbeing of children in the district.

The farewell party was for Pam Lenders, Colleen Dwyer Gray,Elaine Young and Marli Traill to express appreciation for their dedication and contribution over the years.

Pictured from left: Pam Lenders, Colleen Dwyer Gray, Elaine Young and Marli Traill.

Seniors

GOALS: Kangaroo Flat:H Whitty5J Lefroy 4LEllings 3J Hywood 3KSymons ERoberts AGrant TRoberts

Maryborough: MJohnston 3LHowell JLowndes JSwatton

Reserves

GOALS: Gisborne: LWeber 4HDoricic3 EWilliams 3L Thiner

BEST: Gisborne: MBarake JMurphyLNesbitt ABrancatisano

JGrinter EWilliams

SOUTH BENDIGO

GOALS: Castlemaine: CMcLennan2KJermynT Wilson. BEST: Castlemaine: TJackson NWoodman EMaltbyT Williams CMcLennan EHein.

Riddell: DGalea 6D Tarczon2C Williamson M Panuccio JHammerling JWadden TAlkemade.Kyneton: EDavie BEST: Riddell: DGalea BSonogan DTarczon C Williamson LCannon BMiller.Kyneton: JGaff CFisherA StrawhornE Turner HSmith JPilbeam

T NewmanMMiranda. Lancefield: ASimpson MConlan LGiles AShepherdley DGiles BThrum

GOALS: Lancefield: LMitchell 2JRadford 2J Regan ISmithwick APacers JO’Meara.Woodend-Hesket: KHaddad 2ALidgerwood 2ERowe. BEST: Lancefield: WHardham ISmithwick LMitchell APacers JRegan ECowley.Woodend-Hesket: ERoweE Beckett BMullen ALidgerwood RMiranda SGardner

Macedon: Details N/A.

Macedon: CManniche T Wilson FBurnell CBrill SHarwood JBlake

GOALS: Riddell: JGardiner 3CHagan JMorganti NMills Kyneton: Details N/A. BEST: Riddell: CHagan BZarbHSloss NCroft TMartin REvans.Kyneton: ZRyanCBowman JEllis T Ciardullo JPlowman JSmith

Lancefield: RSchembriA Robotham.

Macedon: NHynes 3F Light3LKrstev 3C

McGregor JAlabaster BEST: Macedon: AMcGregor CPower J Alabaster AHortonKMcLaughlin LKrstev.

GOALS:Riddell:BVerrallABoukourasSBriscoeMVosperCsteenbuck Kyneton: NClapham 2O Twaits IWilliamson DRoberts. BEST: Riddell: WVavalloB Taylor BVerrall LCardilloSBriscoeA Boukouras.Kyneton: OPlunkett JSmith NClapham SPyers JGray BMuir

MMcclure. BEST: Kangaroo Flat:E Roberts LEllings I Lowndes TRoberts JLefroy CSmith. Maryborough: CPerry K Lanfranchi JSwattonAMedlyn SCollins JBritten

STRATHFIELDSAYE 3.2

GOALS: Strathfieldsaye:JDaniels 2J Schischka2 D

MulquinyASheahan ZCharles MGordon. Golden Square: J

Stewart3MEaton TRayner BEST: Strathfieldsaye:DClohesy P Blandford B Stevens L Ratcliffe C Jones T Hosking Golden Square: RMonti JStewart MPambai LHolt LHumphrey T Rayner GISBORNE

SANDHURST

GOALS: Gisborne: PMcKenna 5HLuxmoore2M Merrett

ZDenahyDJohnstone RBourke. Sandhurst: FGreene 4T Nally 2CRobinson CMaxtedCConnick BEST: Gisborne: P

McKenna ZVescoviJReaper BBernackiFLakey JScanlon

Sandhurst: LTardrew JCoghlan CRobinson FGreene LHood

ZPallpratt

SOUTH

GOALS: Castlemaine: KHuntly 3T Hickey 2M Hartley 2B

Henderson 2Z Murley JChester CMcConachyREyre. South

Bendigo: RWalsh SStroobants AZimmerman BHarvey. BEST: Castlemaine: CMcConachyL Butcher LWilkinson B

ByrneZMurley HSheahan.South Bendigo: AZimmerman Z

HareIMiller ASmith DBackwayBHaddow

Seniors

Kelly BJohns SGreene

Bishop D

KANGAROO FLAT DMARYBOROUGH FORFEIT Under

GOALS: Gisborne: COzanne 2RLeedhamW Mackay BEST: Gisborne: AStelma COzanne LEvans TMcKenzie JFloreani

GOALS: Castlemaine: ARixon 2S Sieber-Hogg CDeBonoC Holman NLord. BEST: Castlemaine: ARixon CMclennan N Lord SSieber-Hogg PLeathem ABracken.

Harcourt: KSimmons LBruce.

Harcourt: L BruceHKneebone KSimmons JArcher LMcKay HBird

GOALS: Trentham: CDekchan 2HOkeefeSCooper

Trentham: SCooper CDekchan EClarkGEvans JPedretti

GOALS: Maldon:B Doyle 2RDavey. Lexton: ABourkeB Briody BEST: Maldon:RDavey BDoyle NTurnerJHardy H Gardner Trott ATurner

GOALS: Harcourt: JRodda 2T Walters 2BLeech2C

Anderson 2J Ede. BEST: Harcourt: JGartside RThiesz JHogg

TWalters CThiesz TLeech

Romsey:M Brown. BEST: Romsey:E WorthingtonS Rose-Grigg LLonergan KPaterson MDalgleish MLawer

CAMPBELLS CREEK 0.0 1.12.1

GOALS: Newstead: TJames 7HHall5 AHunter4RSmith

3JMitchelhill 2A Mayes2JPedretti MWilliams JGoulton

LChapman.Campbells Creek:J Wootton 2S Moss JAllison. BEST: Newstead: HMcGuireAMayes HHallJ Goulton B

Richardson AHunter. Campbells Creek:LManning KGellatly

JRaymond JWootton MSpencer JVakatau

GOALS: Trentham: JKeogh 2SLendrec 2AFerrier 2E Fanning MStrickland BEST: Trentham: JCowan JKeogh B HinnebergS Lendrec HKnightH Hall Reserves

GOALS: Harcourt: HBrereton2M Pilcher 2J BarilariLBurns BEST: Harcourt: PPolychronopoulos HBreretonK West C Dickman TKenworthy PMcKay

GOALS: Maldon:B Kitchingman 3DConnell 2JKnightR

Carmichael BEST: Maldon:B BrownD zammit DConnell T Rowe JKnightS Burchell

GOALS: Trentham: Details N/A.. BEST: Trentham: GFox A RyrieEHay HThompson JWales WHopper

GOALS: Harcourt: XStone 6JArcher 5JMoresi 3LMcKay 2 JMuscatL Wilson. BEST: Harcourt: JMoresi LMcKay XStone JArcher LParsons JWittingslow.

GOALS: Harcourt: DetailsN/A BEST: Harcourt: FO’Toole M Vidler TWaddington BMannix TDorian NLeech

GOALS: Trentham: JReid BEST: Trentham: DThompsonC Miller CPowney JReid JMartland SBeattie

GOALS: Newstead: OTanner3BBright2ZDyer2

GOALS: Newstead:JEntwisle5BMcDougall 2K Tanner

2. Campbells Creek:P Taylor-Pooter 2MKerney 2AHunt. BEST: Newstead: BMcDougall JThomas JEntwisle RWhite JCharltonK Tanner.Campbells Creek:P Taylor-Pooter M Kerney JCole JBartels JRoser JMoore

Sportsprecinct open

The long-awaited Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct in New Gisborne is now open, unlocking significant recreational and social benefits for the shire.

Aculmination of decades of advocacy and planning by council and the community,the MRSP’smorethan $29 million first stage has delivered athree-court indoor sports hub, anatural turf oval with an adjoining sports pavilion and other facilities such as aplayground, barbecue facilities and a fitness loop. It will play host to arange of local user groups and sports including AFL, basketball, netball, badminton, volleyball and futsal, with facilities also available for hire for corporate or social functions.State Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas were among those present on Friday to help open the new facilities. They then toured the facilities alongside councillors and council staff, contractors, funding partners, primary user reference group members, other user groups and more.

Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death said the MRSP was the largest capital works project ever undertaken by council, with the first stage made possible with generous funding support from the Victorian Government ($14.8 million), Melbourne Water ($377,590) and AFL Victoria ($100,000).

“The need for more indoor and outdoor recreational facilities in the region has long been identified in our strategies, so we’re absolutely delighted to finally have anew state-of-the-art facility that will benefit our community for generations to come,” she said.

“On behalf of council, I’d like to thank everyone who has played aparttothis point –from our funding partners and contractors, through to council staffand community members who have advocated and shared this dream for such along time.”

Along with the practical elements required of amodern sporting facility,the complex also features innovative design and environmental elements such as solar panels, water-saving irrigation systems and double-glazed floor-to-ceiling windows making the most of natural light and surrounding views.

“Care has been taken in the design to make sure the facility not only fits with the natural surroundings, but also makes the most of it,” Cr Death said.

“Where else could you be watching your kids play sports, or be participating yourself, and be captivated by the stunning backdrop of Mount Macedon?”

With the MRSP’sfirst stage now complete, detailed design and documentation for the ~$17 million second stage is continuing and includes aterrific $15 million from the Australian Government.

Council is also continuing to advocate for afinal ~$8 million required for athird stage to include other upgrades within the precinct’smasterplan. The second stage, which is targeted to commence construction by early 2025, will essentially double the current sports hub capacity with an additional three courts, additional amenities, an additional AFL/cricket oval, two outdoor sports courts and additional car parking and landscaping.

Town &District

GOLF results

CASTLEMAINE

The long-awaited rain kept many indoors on Saturday,with abrave field tackling the third round of the 4BBB Hero Series.

The only all-female team of Jan Barrett and Helen Skinner led for most of the afternoon with 38 points, only to be pipped bylatecomers Tony Strong and Peter McCombe who came in with 39.

Acountback was needed to decide the outcome last Thursday

Harald Domanski (14) edged out Norm Bellis (9) on acountback with both carding 38 points. Bellis included three birdies in his round.

NTPs went to Megan Carroll and Kevin Lourey GISBORNE

Only 77 turned out in the wintry conditions on Saturday to compete in the stableford comp. And first round of the Captain’sTrophy

Glenn ‘Model-T’Ford who looks like BearGrylls, relished the high country sheep herding environment to return the day’sbest score of 42 points.

VicPap took out A-grade with 34 points, and Stuart topped B-grade with 35.

Dao Lock continues to show her scratch golfer husband who is the best golfer in their household. Ithink it’s time Jason should buy Dao atrophyto display at their home.

She won Wednesday’seventwith 36 points, aswell as the money hole and NTP on the 12th with abirdie.

Good news for the club with two portable units delivered so palyers can now enjoy adrink and sandwich after around.

Next timeyou are using the driving range or having ahit, call in and grab abevy to support the club.

LANCEFIELD

The ‘Winter 1000’ tournament at Lancefield Golf ClubonSunday drew acapacity field of 20 teams –80players. In conditions recording achill factor of 3degrees, local knowledge helped enormously under the four-ball best-ball format.

The winning team comprised Todd and Trevor Lambert, Gary Dudderidge and Ken Murchison with an aggregate tally of 95.

Runners-up were Greg Parks, Bert Parks, Luke Parks and Hugh Parks with an 88 aggregate. LGC president Glen Holland and captain Trevor Lambert thanked all who had taken the timetotravel to Lancefield from near and far to participate in the tournament. The event had been booked out afortnight earlier,pleasing all who had helped in presenting the course in such excellent condition.

MOUNT MACEDON

The June SGA Solutions Pty Ltd monthly medal on Saturday went to Richard Payne, the overall and A-grade winner with 71-6-65.

Captain Mick Doyle 75-6-69 was runner-up.

Mike Hoiles 83-13-70 topped B-grade on acountback from Isaac Golden 88-18-70, and Peter Semmens 90-21-69 won C-grade from Chirnside Park’sAndrew Knights 90-19-71.

The Ambrose teams on Wednesday went to Tony Littman (9) Gary Liddy (19) and Jenny Svendsen (26) with anett 57.5, one better than Joel Scanlon (10), Chris Martin (26) and Ben Monk (15).

Peter Sinclair,Mike Hoiles and Keith Miles hadthe best gross score of 66, one better than the other two teams mentioned.

ROMSEY

Congratulations to June medallist Steve Wilkins.

Wilkins returned the best card of 92-18-74 in chilly and damp conditions on Saturday.Davey Kenney 87-12-75 was runner-up on acountback from Shaun Scales 100-25-75. NTPs went to Kenney and Wilkins, with Mal Mottram having least putts (30) and the longest drive.

Hugh Williams shone on Wednesday with 92-21-71, from Rob McDonald 88-15-73 (also NTP).

TRENTHAM

Highlighton Saturday’smixed stableford was an ‘ace’ by Gerard Hughes on the par 313th. Hamish Height (26) was the overall and B-grade winner with 36 points as a small field braved the conditions.

Shane Robinson (12) topped A-grade with 36 points.

WOODEND

Wetconditions and some regulars away at Murray Downs resulted in asmall field for Saturday’sstableford event.

Mark Hutchison (6) revelled in the conditions to top A-grade with 39 points, one clear of James O’Brien. Anne Roberts (38) led in the B-graders with 36 points. Brendan Delaney 913) was last Tuesday’swinner with 38 points, one clear of ultraconsistent FergusNevin.

Lancefield’s ‘Winter 1000’ winning team (left to right): Todd and Trevor Lambert, Gary Dudderidge, Ken Murchison.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Councillors celebrate with State Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence and local MP Mary-Anne Thomas.

The new stadium on the western side of the sports precinct.

Aussietitle to Akasha

Bill

West

Akasha Fortune played her first official game of bowls for Romsey Bowling Club as aeightyear-old, when the club was desperately short of pennant players.

Progressively she became hooked on the sport, and on the Gold Coast on June 21, won the Australian Open under 18 girls’ singles bowls championship.

The 17-year-old Kyneton High School year 12 student has enjoyed her best season ever, and on Friday was one of six players selected in the Victorian 2024 women’sdevelopment squad.

Akasha’sambition is to become aregular in the women’sstate side, and appears unfazed by the level of success achieved in recent months. Wins included the Victorian Under 18 girls’ title.

Her father Danny won the men’ssingles championship at Club Sunbury earlier this year, and he is particularly proud of Akasha’sperformance in the Australian Open.

“Winning the prestige event was just reward for all the hard work she has put in,” he said, as he prepared for another day as gardener at Sacred Heart College in Kyneton.

Danny has afine record behind him at Romsey Bowling Club, and said moving to play at Sunbury was designed to give Akasha every opportunity to maximise her potential in the sport.

In particular,Akashacredits long time Sunbury club coach Mark Cowan as being avery positive and strong influence in her bowls development.

“Mum (Nikki) doesn’t play bowls, but she has always been agreat support, and was on the Gold Coast for the big event.”

Balancing her studies in year 12 with bowls has been achallenge, and Akasha was thrilled that so many friends and teachers at KHS actually watched the live streaming of her final against South Australian Anda Panchawat.

Ironically,Panchawat had beaten Akasha 21-18 in the sectional rounds, and the latter she one of two players who made their way into the last eight on shots differential.

In her quarter-final, Akasha gained aconfidence boost by defeating 2023 Australian girls’ champion Reese Finn-Young 21-13.

In the semi-final, she accounted for Lacey Gerick 21-14.

The final saw Akasha establish an 11-4 lead before her opponent rallied to be ashotbehind; then the lead extended to 18-11before Panchawat rallied to be ashot down again.

The high-pressure final saw Akasha produce several clutch bowls for a21-17 victory. She received a$1200 cheque, her biggest pay day,asthe new champion.

Her performance brought back memories to many of Kyneton’sChloe Stewart beginning bowls at the age of nine, and going through the ranks to ultimately become ahigh quality state and Australian representative, with abowls career in Queensland.

The only other sport Akasha has tried was girls’ football, but concussions when playing with Lancefield put an end to that. Lot safer on abowling green?

Her younger sisters, Milika and Charlee, have not been recruited to bowls.

Instead their focus is on footy,with Mileka representing the RDFNL in interlegue this year, and Charlee playing in both the mixed and girls’ teams for Lancefield.

GREATER CONSISTENCY

Asked why she thinks her level of performance has been particularly high in the last 12 months, Akasha attributes it to greater consistency overall. Playing with and against strong opposition has also helped.

“In terms of consistency,Ithink the Gold Coast matches were the best Ihave been.” Akasha says she now enjoys playing singles and pairs more than pennant.

“Bowls is agreat sport. Ijust love it.”

She has fond memories of becoming the Victorian girls’ pairs champion when she was 13, in company with Lily Dodd (Bacchus Marsh). This gave her impetus to improve further Romsey Bowling Club has been quick to congratulate the 17-year-old on her superb Australian Open achievement, as has Kyneton High School.

Arabella to play for NT

Avery talented young basketballer from Kyneton will play for the Northern Territory at the Under 16 Footlocker National Championships in Bendigo from July 6- 14.

Arabella Dietz had originally hoped to gain selection in the VicCountry side, but an ankle injury in an early practice match meant she was sidelined, dashing her hopes.

Eventually Arabella was named as an emergency for VicCountry,but unique circumstances mean she suddenly has the chance to play for NT –which wasshort of players through injuries and in danger of withdrawing from the championships.

Arabella, a13-year-old bottom age player,was offered one of two spots with NT,and seized the opportunity,along with her teammate Ella Mercieca.

Arabella plays for the Bendigo Braves Under 12s division one side, having begun her basketball with Kyneton Tigers and competing in Bendigo’sjunior domestic competition.

Her parents, Nadene and Luke, said they were as surprised as their daughter that she had been given the chance to play for the NT

“We’ve been super proud of Arabella’scommitment and sacrifice that she continues to make with her basketball, and to begiven this opportunity to play for another team took abit to get our heads around, as we know how much she loves VicCountry and her teammates.

“As competitive as Arabella is, we know she will grab this opportunity with both hands as without the two girls stepping up to play for NT meant the existing team would not be able to travel down.

Arabella gets her chance to achance to meet her NTP team mates this Friday when they fly in.

“It’sgoing to bea challenge competing against the best players across the countrythat have been training for months, but I’m just excited that Iget achance to play and makesome connections with my new team mates as atoken Territorian,” Arabella said.

Over the past five years Arabella has worked extremely hard on improving her skills, resultingin a number of selections into Basktball Victoria’shigh performance pathway program. She is in the current state development program.

In 2022, Arabella was in the Victorian U12s side which won the School SportsAustralia Championships.

The ankle injury sustained in apractisematch against VicMetro wasasetback, but Arabella’sspirits lifted when she was offered an emergency role for Vic Country

Since late March, the squad has trained rigorously, and Arabella has juggled alot with her commitments to school at Sacred Heart College, Kyneton, and to the Bendigo Braves division one team in the VJBL competition.

Her commitment to her state team as an emergency player meant being fully committed to training and recovery sessions, and she has been very dedicated and supportive. committed.

Arabella said she was surprised and alittle excited when offered the chance to play for the NT by Zoe Carr, head high performance coach for country women’s basketball.

Good luck, Arabella!

Memorable achievement: Akasha Fortune with the Australian Open girls’ Under 18s singles trophy.

Bombersrun riot

Bill West

Wetwinter conditions created some new challenges for football teams in the Riddell League’s11th round on Saturday

Ladder-leader Riddell was the scene stealer,absolutely stunning a Kyneton side buoyed by acourageous win over Romsey seven days earlier

Riddell won by 74 points, with Kyneton’slone goal from nine scoring shots coming in the last quarter at the Showgrounds.

The Bombers had never played there before, and coach Aaron Bray described the Tigers as apremiership contender before the match.

It’shard to disagree with the prematch comment by Ethan Foreman, Kyneton’splaying coach, that “Riddell, in my eyes, are the team to beat”.

The Bombers certainly came to play and had strengths all over the ground, which the below-full-strength Tigers found difficult to combat.

Riddell captain Josh Grabham and Kyneton ruckman

Haydn Smith in pursuit of the ball

Polished veteran Dean Galea was one of many newcomers to join Riddell preseason, and he kicked his second six-goal haul for the season to head the goalkicking table.

Proven performers in Ben Sonoghan, Dylan Tarczon and Callum Williamson were to the forefront in aside that had no apparent weaknesses, looking to peak leading into the finals.

Haydn Smith, abig ruckman from Tasmania, played his second game with the Tigers and again showed he would be a big bonus if he could become apermanent fixture.

James Gatt, Caleb Fisher and Angus Strawhorn were among the Tigers’ best, and Evan Davie kicked the side’ssole goal in the last quarter,saving astatistical embarrassment.

This Saturday,Kyneton play at Macedon, with both sides still in the hunt for afinals spot. Can the Tigers bounce back after the 13.10 to 1.8 defeat?

REDBACKS FADE

Romsey wants to establish ahome ground fortress, but lost

again as the Wallan visitors proved too strong in the last quarter to slip to fourth spot.

It was areal arm wrestle for most of the match, with the Magpies happy with the 6.14 to 3.8 result.

The Redbacks can expect some respite when they go to Melton Centrals this Saturday Romsey Reserves spearhead Nathan Hoy kicked his 50th goal for the season.

MACEDON BRAVE

Fifth-placed Macedon gave reigning premier Diggers Rest a fright, and led by agoal before the home side rallied to win 11.7 to 9.9 to move to second spot.

The Cats showed they are certainly ready to take on Kyneton on Saturday Bottom side Lancefield went oh, so close, to breaking a frustrating losing streak.

Woodend-Hesket kicked the only last quarter goal to win 4.8 to 4.5. See match details on football results page.

Redbacks victory

Romsey A-grade netballers kept their finals hopes alive with acomprehensive 54-38 victory over Wallan on Saturday Very wintry conditions tested players, umpires and spectators.

“It was asuperb effort in tough conditions to beat the top side, and we now face another test against Melton Centrals this Saturday,” Redbacks coach Lena Waysaid afterwards.

“This was areally positive win, with all players executing our strategy.”

Hope Hamilton shot 39 goals to continue her fine form, and Emily Miles and Lauren Angwin were also prominent in a true team effort from the Redbacks.

Lancefield pushed reigning premiers Woodend-Hesket all the way,with the visitors happy to scramble home 47-46 in the closest match of the day and retain second place.

Charlee Duff-Tytler 32 and Abby Gilmore 15 were the Hawks’ scorers, with Shanae Brundell 32 and Darcee Ellard 14leading the way forthe Tigers.

Shooter Shelby Holter scored 46 as Riddell accounted for Kyneton 61-38 (Claire Oakley 28) at Tigerland, and Macedon 59 (Elisa Petherick 41, Chloe Williams 18) downed Diggers Rest 33.

Current ladder: Wallan 36, WoodendHesket 32, Riddell 30, Macedon 32, Romsey 26, Melton Centrals 24, Diggers Rest 16, Kyneton 16, Lancefield 12. In B-grade, top side Riddell remain undefeated with a53-33 margin against Kyneton, and second-placed Lancefield 56 (Tarnee Hammond 47) accounting for Woodend-Hesket 38 (Michelle Fletcher 34).

Romsey defeated Wallan, and Macedon went down 37-45 against Diggers Rest.

Macedon C-graders downed Diggers Rest to remain on top of the ladder on percentage from Riddell, with the Bombers downing Kyneton 41-15.

There was abattle royale in D-grade, with Gisborne Giants defeating Riddell 22-21 to take over top place from the Bombers.

19&Under: Riddell 37 dKyneton 22, Woodend-Hesket 23 dLancefield 21, Macedon 26 dDiggers Rest 21, Wallan 34 dRomsey 26.

Gisborne hot

In areplay ofthe 2023 Bendigo League grand final, Gisborne A-grade netballers defeated Sandhurst by 10 goals on Saturday The epic 40-39 grand final victory was still fresh in the minds of many of the Bulldogs’ players and supporters atGardiner Reserve.

Tiger women wome dominate

Saturday delivered real footy conditions when Kyneton women took on Lancefield at the Showgrounds for Pink Round. With four U19 debutants coming in, it was unknown how Kyneton would fare against the continually improving opposition. Slow to start, the game offered plenty of back and forth with prolific ball winners Chloe Hodgson and Teagan Ainslie battling it out in the mids.

Kyneton’sexperienced ruck Bee Hateley gave players first use of the ball, and this allowed the midfield to settle in by half time and start making the most of opportunities. Under 19 players Ella Jeffrey and Jazz

Short starred in the midfield, with Carrie Harris and Melia Hayes also contributing well around the ground in their first senior match for Kyneton Tigers.

Laura Roberts snapped outstanding goals from the pocket, and Jeffrey was able to launch amassive goal from 45 metres out in the second quarter to really get the home side up and going.

Overall, the match was played in great spirit and players across all departments wore pink socks to raise funds for two of Australia’sleading organisations for Breast Cancer -BCNA and NBCF

Kyneton 9.15 (59) dLancefield 0-2 (2).

Best (K) –Kyneton: Ella Jeffrey,Teagan Ainslie, Jordan Savoia, Natalie Korinfsky, Jasmine Short, Belinda Hateley Goals: Jeffrey 4, Laura Roberts 3, Jazz Short ,Jorja Bennett.

Best (L) –Chloe Hodgson, Molly Heales, Maddison Coates Cowley,Emily O’Brien, Taleeya Robotham, Stacey Deimos.

In the two other women’sfootball matches over the weekend, Melton 8.5 (53) defeated Romsey 1.3 (9), and WoodendHesket 3.8 (26) beat Mount Alexander Falcons 1.2 (8).

Ladder leader Macedon had the bye.

Early in the season, the Tarryn Rymercoached Bulldogs defeatedSandhurst by four goals at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.

On Saturday,weather conditions were entirely different, andthe home side was in a miserly frame of mind, totally shutting down attacks and moving on to aconvincing 41-31 victory

Kangaroo Flat is still the ladder leader, with Gisborne now in second place.

The Bulldogs won two of their five matches on Saturday

The 17&Under side went down 53-35 the B-graders 46-39, and B-reserve 49-31.

In addition to A-grade, Gisborne A-reserve side won 45-33.

RDFNL games

Round 12 matches in the Riddell District Football Netball League this Saturday are: Macedon vKyneton.

Woodend-Hesket vRiddell.

Wallan vDiggers Rest. Melton Centrals vRomsey Lancefield abye.

Kyneton’s senior women footballers take to the field. Photo: Sophie McLeod

Treblefor Magpies

Ablistering first term, which produced seven goals to South Bendigo'stwo points, put Castlemaine senior footballers in line for abig win on Saturday

The outcome was never in doubt for the Michael Hartney coached Magpies, and it was only the likely margin that had some spectators playing aguessing game.

Overall agood day for the Magpies at Camp Reserve where conditions were wet, muddy and slippery.There wasdrizzle all afternoon.

For Castlemaine seniors, coming offa 149-point win at Maryborough, it was the fourth victory for the season.

To addtoclub momentum, both the Magpie Reserves and Under 18s were able to come out on top in low scoring encounters.

It'sa holiday in the Bendigo League this weekend for the interleague fixture away against the Victorian Amateur Football League.

Castlemaine wishes all selected players well for this fixture.

The next round of BFL matches in on Saturday,July 13, when Castlemaine goes to Golden Square –a much tougherprospect than in the two outings over the past

fortnight.

Saturday was the first real wintry day experienced this season, and crowd numbers at Camp Reserve were understandably affected.

Nevertheless, Magpie supporters were entitled to be happy

It was precision footy in the first quarter,and the visitors were often caught flat-footed with the Magpies exploiting several avenues to goal.

The lead of 44 points at the first break was extended further in the second term, with the visitors again unable to score any majors.

It'sa long time since Castlemaine has led against a Bendigo-based side by 62 points at half time.

Scoring momentum slowed down in the third term with each side scoring two goals.

The match finally drew to aclose with afinal scoreline of 13.14 (92) to 4.6 (30).

The Magpies had plenty of players who played apart, and those who finished as the top six on the 'best' list were Callum McConachy,Lloyd Butcher,Liam Williamson, Brodie Byrne, Zavier Murphy and Harrison Sheahan.

Eight different Magpies managed to kick goals, with Kalan Huntly leading the way with three.

Castlemaine is in sixth place on the ladder,and it is mathematically possible for the side to make the finals, but overall improvement is the current aim.

In the curtain raiser,the Magpie Reserves defeated South Bendigo 4.11(35) to 2.6 (18).

Earlier,the Under 18s saw a6.9 (45) to 4.5 (29)victory, the young Magpies consolidating fourth place with the incentive of playing finals in this age group.

50th GAME UP

After three seasons with the Magpies, netballer Paige Mitchener played her 50th game for the club and received the plaudits ofteammates and supporters.

The speedy midcourter is described as one "who'spersonality lights upthe court and every training session".

Despite their best efforts in the conditions, the Magpies were unable tosecure anetball victory .though three of the five encounters provided very close finishes.

Scores were: Seniors –SouthBendigo won 51-18; AReserve 41-40; Bgrade 40-35; BReserve 62-17; 17&Under –39-37

Revved-up Roos run away with win

Grounds were boggy and wet on Saturday as teams across the region battled it out in the mud for Round 11 action in the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League.

Undermanned Magpies were no match for the Newstead outfit as the revved-up Roos, eager to keep their spot in the top eight alive, made their way to the nest on Saturday

The Roos were offtoa flyerwith nine goals in the first quarter.Despite the slippery conditions, Newstead’sTyler James kicked seven, alongside Hayden Hall (5) and Adam Hunter (4).

The Creek hung in there, kicking four goals in the last half, but the damage was done as Newstead ran away with a 151-point win.

In abattle between the top two teams, the Lions made the trek to Natte to fight out first place on the ladder

The game was set the to be athriller as the Swans had asmall three-point margin at quarter-time. The excitement kept everyone on their toes as scores were level at half-time and three-quarter-time.

All tied up at the start of the fourth quarter it was anyone’sgame, but the Swans swam away with a26-point win, claiming top spot on the ladder,demonstrating why they are premiership contenders.

The Bombers got the ball rolling in the first quarter,kicking four goals to the Tigers’ one. But they couldn’t maintain the lead in the second quarter,only scoring two points to the Tigers' three goals.

This saw both teams head into the main break at 28 points apiece. In the third, the Tigers roared out of the cage kicking six, but despite the Bombers' best efforts, Lexton, made the trip over worthwhile by going home with a23-point win.

Trentham took adrive to the Carisbrook Rec Reserve in what was anticipated to be acracking game. The two sides battled it out for aspot in the top four.Itwas all the way of the Redbacks in the first half with them having aseven-point lead at the halftime break. Trentham kept the game alive in the third quarter and by digging in deep in the fourth, the Saints marched away with aseven-point victory

It was anail biter at Navarre, as the Grasshoppers jumped to victory with a minuscule four-point win over the Giants. The home ground advantage didn't help the Bulldogs this weekend and the Hawks flew home a29-point win.

In netball, the Roos dominated the nest, defeating the Magpies 48-36, while over in Natte the Swans sailed through the wet conditions, defeating the Lions by 47 points. In Maldon the Tigers roared

their way to victory,taking home a26-point win. The Redbacks defeated the Saints in Carisbrook 53- 23, while the Bulldogs safe in their kennel took a52-point win over the Hawks.

In Round 12 the Hawks will fly over to

the Magpies nest, the Roos will battle it out with the Bombers at Bill Woodfull. The Lions will make their way to Maryborough in the hopes of defeating the Giants, the Swans will fly Navarre and the Tigers will square off against the Eagles at the Den.

Castlemaine senior footballers demolished South Bendigo on Saturday. Photo: Max Lesser

Toptrio join the Giants

Bill West

Gisborne Giants Football Netball Club has just appointed three very well credentialed leaders to guide the club's full affiliation with the Riddell League next season.

Andrew Hall, Aaron McLean and Adrian 'AJ' Craske come to the Giants after along recruitment process.

"These are significant appointments to help strengthen the club and create strong pathways for Gisborne Giants players," club president Brad Gauci told the Express

The trio are settling into their new roles, confident the Giants will become avery successful club and provide another district option for footballers and netballers of all ages.

Their depth of knowledge, experience and belief in what the Giants can offer is very apparent.

Andrew Hall is the Giants' senior football head coach.

Hall and 'AJ' were pleased to be at the official opening of the multi-million dollar first stage of the Macedon Ranges Sporting Precinct on Friday afternoon. The Giants will be the prime winter tenant for the venue.

The time may well come when the Riddell League plays finals on the new football ground.

Hall is currently senior assistant coach at the strong Strathmore Football Club in the Essendon District League Premier division.

Following U19s and Coaching Academy roles he has been Sunbury Lions junior coach.

Outside coaching roles, he holds ahead physio role and gained extensive experience and insights as atrainer from his time with the Port Adelaide and other AFL clubs.

'AJ' Craske has the dual roles of senior netball director and head coach with the Giants.

"My approach is to build strong connections between the club's juniors and senior programs and importantly, expand the offering in the region to provide more opportunities for astrong local competition," he said.

He brings aplethora of junior and senior netball coaching and management experience to the club, and has areal passion for the sport.

'AJ' is currently coaching multiple junior teams and open age at Strathmore Netball Club. He has awidecommitment to netball through senior development

The Giants are confident his leadership will enhance the netball programs and foster astrong team culture.

Aaron McLean, aGisborne resident, is well known to the Riddell District Football Netball League community as the former football operations manager for the league.

He played football locally, and currently holds asportsmanager role working

Bulldogs hold off late surge

For three quarters Gisborne senior footballers were clearly superior to their top-of-the-ladder Sandhurst opposition on Saturday,then the match developed into an absolute thriller

The unbeaten Dragons suddenly found their best form, ramming home 6.4 to 3.1 in the last term at Gardiner Reserve.

The Bulldogs hung on to win by six points.

Proven big occasion player Pat McKenna kicked five goals for the Bulldogs in astrong leadership performance, and these two sides seem destined to clash again come finals time.

The Dragons showed their class with the late comeback in the wet conditions, while the Bulldogs made their supporters happy and showed their flexibility in the absence of star ruckman Braidon Blake.

Jack Scanlon took over the ruck role and helped negate the opposition.

Up by 13 points at half-time, Gisborne extended the lead to 27 points at the last change in the Bendigo League'smatch of the day

Gisborne had not lost since the opening round at the Queen Elizabeth Oval, and showed plenty of spirit to hold offthe talented opposition.

Best players apart from McKenna were defenders Zac Vescovi and Jack Reaper,prolific ball winners Brad Bernacki and Flynn Lakey,and Scanlon.

Tireless and talented Sandhurst captain Lachlan Tardrew showed why he is one of the strong contenders for the 2024 Michelsen Medal.

Final scores in favour ofthe Bulldogs were 11.7 (73) to 9.13 (67).

In the Under 18s, Sandhurst showed remarkable accuracy to win 11.1 (67) to 4.10 (34).

Gisborne Reserves were relentless asthey outclassed the ladderleading Dragons 11.8 (74) to Sandhurst 1.6 (12).

This Saturday,Gisborne travel to play winless Maryborough. Once again Maryborough Reserves forfeited on Saturday

closely with governance. McLean is pleased to be the Giants' senior football director.

He will oversee the club's senior program and work with Hall to ensure asolid kick-off for the Giants in 2025.

"The Riddell League has agreat future, and Ibelieve the Giants have avery important role to play in its growth," he said.

As avibrant local club, the Giants expect to offer wide appeal to players who do not want to travel long distances to pursue their sporting interests.

PatMcKenna five goals at the right time for Gisborne.

Giants’ prominent: Adrian ‘AJ’ Craske (at left) and Andrew Hall are pictured at the Macedon Ranges Sporting Precinct on Friday.

Aaron McLean –senior football director with the Giants.

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