Midland Express Tuesday 12 March 2024

Amy Hume

The future viability of Kyneton Bowling Club is at risk as anew council policy threatens to ban its electronic gaming machines.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council's new draft Gambling Harm Prevention Policy would prevent any form of gambling at council-owned or managed sites.

It would directly impact the Kyneton Bowling Club, which is the only EGM operator in the shire currently leasing acouncil site.

The club introduced 25 gaming machines in 1995 to assist with what it described as "flagging finances".

Since then, it has reinvested that gaming revenue back into the club, and the community through sponsorships and support.

The draft Gambling Harm Prevention Policy was released for community consultation at the end of February.

MRSC's director of community, Maria Weiss, said its objective was to prevent the negative social and economic impacts

Council ban on pokies?

of gambling on the community.

"It was developed utilising local demographics, including financial losses through electronic gaming machines in the Macedon Ranges, as well as contemporary research into gambling harms and previous feedback from the community," she said.

$9M TO EGMs

A2017ministerial order caps the permissible number of EGMs for Macedon Ranges Shire at 355. The shire is operating well under that cap with atotal of 103 EGMs

across three venues. The Kyneton RSL and Gisborne's Victorian Tavern arethe two other operators. In 2022/23 these machines generated atotal loss of $9,089,731, according to the council's draft policy and report.

"Compared to other LGAs across Victoria EGM losses and gambling harms incurred by the Macedon Ranges community arenot considered extreme," the policy states.

Continued page 3.

The world is watching ourFacebookfight!

An open letter to Prime Minister AnthonyAlbanese

Dear Prime Minister, Your first response to Facebook brazenly announcing they’ll stop paying for our news that they use to make afortune from was…perfect!

“That’snot the Australian way,” you said.

Exactly. Australians hate bullies. Australians fight for afair go. And this battle is not just a fight for afair go here -the whole world is watching.

Meta, the trillion dollar tech giant that owns Facebook has built an empire out of content they don’town. They don’tproduce anything. They ‘share’ the great work of others and keep the cash.

The Australian government was the first in the world to call out this scandal, and in 2021 the NewsMedia Bargaining Code forced them to finally pay for news content.

But not anymore.

Meta is betting that if they bully the Australian government,they win the world.

PM, this is afight for the future of news and democracy.This is fight against fake news and afightfor afair go for all journalists who hold the powerful to account, all around the world.

Let’smakesure Australia shows Facebook what afairgois. The world is watching.

Yours sincerely,

Andrew Schreyer President Country Press Australia

Gracecrowned statewinner

The Sisterhood Project co-founder Grace Larson has won the Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

Adedicated paediatric nurse with more than 17 years of experience, Grace’spassion is to break down barriers hindering parents from accessing vital training in illness recognition, accident prevention, and basic first aid.

Grace is amum of three from Kyneton and founded the The Sisterhood Project charity in 2022 with her sister Skye.

The project works to support families in disadvantaged areas, such as rural and remote Victoria, low socio demographic regions, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Grace said they used atailored and collaborative approach to overcome the barriers for parents or carers to learn how to save their child in an emergency

“Weengage community groups that support these cohorts, and parents and carers themselves, to better understand the barriers. We then come up with atraining solution that resolves as many of these as possible,” Grace said.

“For example, some young mothers in remote locations face transport and finance barriers, along with restrictions to childcare, all which may restrict them attending ababyand child first aid course.

“The Sisterhood Project provides the funds, transport and child care support to allow the mothers to attend acourse and learn vital life saving skills such as how to recognise aserious respiratory illness in their child or how to perform CPR."

As Victoria'sRural Women’sAward winner Grace will receive $15,000 towards her project.

She will also go on to represent Victoria at the National Award, agala event at Parliament House in September.The national winner will receive afurther $20,000 towards their project, and the national runnerup $15,000.

With the funding,Grace plans to develop an automated computer program to connect first aid providers with organisations and people in need. The money will also fund 90 first aid courses across Victoria for disadvantaged families.

Council ban on pokies?

From page 1.

"Although EGMlosses in excess of $9Mfor the Macedon Ranges in the last financial year still appears to be toohighfor the community to sustain."

The new draftpolicy outlines25points with councilactionsincludingactively discouraging neworadditional EGMs, and not providing financial supportor grantsfor activities that take place in gambling venues.

Ms Weiss saidthe council hadinformed the bowling club of the policyand encouraged it to submit feedback.

"Should thedraft policy be endorsed, the council willwork closely with the club on aviableexitstrategy for the electronic gamingmachines over the longer term, as perthe policyrequirements."

TerminationofEGMsatthe bowlingclub would be stipulatedinthe club'snext lease renewal. The current lease forthe Kyneton Bowling Club endsonMay 23, 2027.

Kyneton BowlingClubdeclined to commentatthistime.

ROMSEY POKIES FIGHT

The new draftpolicy also comes as Romseyresidents await theoutcomea hotly debatedpokies application fortheir town.

Romsey FootballNetball ClubInc has applied for50gaming machinesatthe former RomseyHotel, 90 Main Street

An applicationtothe VictorianGambling and Casino ControlCommissionlast year detailed a$10 million pub renovation andextension including café/bistro/ lounge, function room, gaming lounge and sports bar.

MRSC foughtagainst an application for pokiesatthe same site yearsbefore following substantialcommunityopposition. Theapplicantlost and thepub has beenclosed since 2017

It wasa battle thatwent all theway to theSupremeCourt and wasasignificant case that continuestobereferenced

The VGCCCisnow accepting submissions to thelatestRomsey Hotel EGM proposal. Ahearing datefor the matter is yettobeset

FEEDBACK ON POLICY

Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil's draft GamblingHarm PreventionPolicy is openfor community feedback until untilMarch31. It is available to read in fullon the council'swebsitewheresubmissionscan also be lodged: yoursay.mrsc.vic. gov.au/draft-gambling-harm-prevention-policy

Commercial plans progress

Macedon Ranges Shire Council will rezone vacant land at 101-105 Willowbank Road, Gisborne, from residential to commercial for development.

Councillors adopted Amendment C153macr for the rezoning, which allows development of asmall supermarket, a

Whole

medical centre, office and two cafés, and car parking spaces for residents in Gisborne’ssouth.

An independent planning panel recommended some changes to the plan including drainage, which are included in the amendment the council adopted.

The Sisterhood Project co-founder Grace Larson was named Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award winner last week.

“I can’timagine lifewithout dance!”

Jade Jungwirth

34 years after founding Over the Moon Yoga and Dance Studio, Edna Reinhardt decided it was time to retire, paving the way for Michelle Young and Marlena Raymond to step in as co-directors.

Michelle and Marlena were trained at Mangala Studios in Carlton, by the daughters of Dorotea Mangiamele, who taught Edna in 1976.

“I realised Ihad to retire and there were anumber of expressions of interest, but Iwas alittle bit worried,” Edna said.

“Then these two came along and Ithought, ‘Oh, yes –this is just perfect! The whole ethos of the school would continue’.

“When Iasked them why they wanted to take it over,at different times, they both said, ‘I can’t imagine life without dance’ and Ijust thought, ‘yes! Ican’t imagine life without dance!’

“In my retirement, my plan is to do whatever makes me happy and nothing makes me happier than dance (and my family), so going to dance classes helps me live my best life,” Edna said.

Michelle and Marlena started dancing together when they were three years old, but didn’t speak to each other until they were teenagers.

“Then we fell into adeep friendship really quickly, because we had that physical, connected experience,” Michelle said.

The pair both found adolescence difficult and they both used dance to help them through challenging times.

“As teenagers our dream was to open adance studio together.Wewent on to do other things but, quite unexpectedly,ended up owning astudio,” Marlena said.

“I don’t know any other place where you can have a non-language time, moving to music, with that inter-sensibility of the yoga in arelational way.I’ve only seen it at Mangala and Over the Moon,” Marlena said.

“Knowing how much it held us through tricky times, we want to be able to give that to the next generation of young people, children and adolescents and adults too, it benefits everyone.”

The two friends lived together in their early 20s and

Sign up for youth mental health

when Michelle was having her first child in Castlemaine, Marlena moved there for ayear,tosupport her friend.

Michelle became anurse and now works in the operating theatre at Dhelkaya Health and Marlena, who studied law,veryrecently started at the Victorian Public Sector Commission.

When Michelle moved to Castlemaine six years ago, she decided to get back into creative dance and got in touch with Edna.

“I saw the post saying the studio was for sale and Isaid to my partner,‘No!Quinn (our daughter) has to dance at Edna’sstudio!’ This part of why I’m here,” Michelle said.

Since handing the reigns over to the two women, Edna

Learn to support mental healthinyoung people by signing up to ayouth mental health firstaid workshop

Thefour week course includes free dinner,the chanceto mingle with other parents, take-home resourcesand the tools needed to supportyoung people.

Julia Robinson, alocal parent who has completed the course said: “When it comes to mental health, it’s better to knowmoreabout it than less.”

“The course encouraged me to take my instincts seriously, and has been empowering in terms of building my practical knowledge of mental health.”

When: Monday29April, Monday6May,Monday13May, Monday20May,5.00pm to 9.00pm

Where: Council Civic Centre, Castlemaine

Cost: $75general |$55 concession

Find out moreand book your placeat mountalexandershireyouth.com.au/training.

Working together forahealthy, connected shire mountalexander.vic.gov.au (03) 5471 1700

has continued teaching two classes aweek and taken on the role of mentor to the two women as they navigate running the business.

“It was my child, and Iwasn’t going to just drop my child. Icould not be happier,” Edna said.

“I attend their adult creative dance class, with afriend, Belinda, who Imeet at Mangala 46 years ago, and we’re so happy because we get to dance.”

“And we’re so happy that we get to watch,” both Michelle and Marlena said.

“It’sso magical. It feels like such agift in both directions. It’samazing to see what they do in the class, it’s such alearning experience for us.”

The importance of trees

The Kyneton Horticultural Society will host the exuberant and dynamic Dr Greg Moore as its guest speaker on Monday March 18.

Dr Moore will be talking about the importance of trees in all parts of Victoria during climate change, and growing the best species for particular situations and locations. Youmay have heard his regular sessions on ABC radio.

Interested in horticultural science, revegetation and ecology,Moore specialises in arboriculture.

He has been amember of the National Trust’sRegisterofSignificant Trees since 1988 and chair since 1996, and has served on the boards of Greening Australia, Trust for Nature, Sustainable Gardening Australia and TREENET

Moore has written three books, seven book chapters and 200 scientific papers and articles.

Dr Greg Moore.

Marlena Raymond, Edna Reinhardt and Michelle Young. Photo: Jade Jungwirth

Newspeedlimit in place

The controversial new 50 km/h speed limit along the 6.4 kilometre stretch of the Pyrenees Highway between White Gum Track, Chewton, and the Castlemaine CBD is now officially in effect.

The last of the new street signs was installed in Forest Street, Castlemaine, at 2pm Thursday

The new speed zone replaces amix of 50, 60 and 80km/h speed limits.

Concerned members of the Wesley Hill and Chewton communities spent 12 months campaigning for the speed limit reduction in order to slow down traffic travelling on the Pyrenees Highway /DukeStreet between Chewton and Castlemaine and make the thoroughfare safer for pedestrians crossing the busy roadway, particularly young children, the elderly and people with disabilities; safer for motorists trying to exit driveways or entering the highway from intersections along the highway; and reduce the severity of injuries as aresult of any potential future accidents.

However,the announcement has been met with some pushback from some other residents and motorists who regularly travel the thoroughfare and are angered by the move. Some of these disgruntled community members feel areas such as McKenzie Hill and Harcourt should be ahigher priority for speed limit reductions and say the government and road authorities are pandering to a noisy minority

Announcing the new speed limit on February 12, Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said the move would provide consistency

Ms Edwards, who aided the community’spush for alower speed limit, said the 50km/h limit will reduce the likelihood of collisions and if acollision didoccur,a lowered limit would reduce the severity of injuries.

“Weask drivers to familiarise themselves with the new speed limit when driving between Castlemaine and Chewton for their own safety and the safety of others.

“It will take between 30 and 60 seconds longer to get from Chewton to Castlemaine, but you can set the speed on your car, so there is no reason to speed,” she said.

At February’sannouncement, executive director of the Department of Transport (Loddon Valley and Hume) Anthony Judd said that while the department frequently assessed roads across the regions, it was the strength and the work done by the community that pushed the Pyrenees Highway up the chain.

“When we’re assessing the roads, we look at the number of

heavy and light vehicles, adjoining developments and the accident history,usually in relation to ambulance and police reports and the proportion of accidents was high along this 6.4km stretch of road,” Mr Judd said.

Residents are now focusing their sights on how to get apedestrian crossing installed at Wesley Hill and improved bike and walking paths, to further aid pedestrians and cyclists to remain safe.

GAC to shut for upgrades

Gisborne Aquatic Centre will close April 2-14 for essential upgrades and maintenance.

The GAC opened in 2005 and several key mechanical components are nearing their end of life, requiring renewal or replacement.

Works include upgrades to the facility’sair circulation systems and building management system and software.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council’sdirector of assets and operations, Shane Walden, said the upgrades would ensure the facility continued to operate at peak efficiency

“The closure has been timed to align with the school and easter holiday period to minimise disruption to pool users and regular programs such as Learn to Swim,” he said.

2Foot Prints are pleased to announce anew day service In addition to our 1:1 community and in-home service.

Information/Question Time Sessions to be held on:

Tuesday19thMarch

Thursday21stMarch

Tuesday26th March

Thursday28th March

At Kyneton Community House

Sessions will be held on all 4dates at 3pmand 6pm

Formoreinformation contact Wendyon0405 088873 or email 2footprintsds@gmail.com

Road services team members install the last of the 50 km/h signs in Duke Street on Thursday afternoon. Photo: David Williamson

Trenthamworse off?

Hepburn switching to an unsubdivided shire later this year may end up disadvantaging smaller population centres such as Trentham, Lyonville, Bullarto, Glenlyon and Clunes.

This is the personal opinion of current mayor Brian Hood, who has spoken out about the implications of the recent decision by Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny to impose the unsubdivided model on Hepburn.

Hepburn will continue to have seven councillors, but wards are being scrapped.

“The Minister’sdesign is in sharp contrast to community sentiments –most who wrote submissions were seeking a model of seven wards with one councillor from each ward,” Cr Hood pointed out.

“It is afact that 60 per cent ofthe shire’spopulation resides in Daylesford and Creswick.

“While there are many issues ofcommon interest across the shire, there are also clear differences in our five major towns.

“Under the Local Government Act, councillors are already obligated to make decisions in the best interests of the shire community.

“Voters will face the task of selecting seven candidates from what is expected to be avery large field of candidates.”

Cr Hood referred to residents having toface anumber of practicalities.

Examples include: Which councillor does aresident turn to for assistance?, and, With no ward boundaries, how do councillors interact with each other CrHood, aTrenthamresident, also suggestedif amajority of councillors came from the larger population centres, local knowledge in other areas was lost, and there might be implications for equitable resource allocations.

Hepburn is one of five shires thathave become unsubdivided.

Artgroup to exhibit

The Kyneton Art Group has been invited to exhibit at The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show this month.

"Eight members of our group will exhibit our floral paintings, showcasing the talented artists in the Kyneton Art Group," group president Anna McGrath said.

"It would be lovely if people from Kyneton visiting the show would come and say hello.

"Wewill be on the first floor overlooking the ground floor."

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is on atthe Royal Exhibition Building and CarltonGardens from March 20 to 24.

Featuring the best landscape and floral

Painting by Anna Ressia McGrath. talent from Australia and around the world alongside an extensive array of garden retail products, the show is acelebration of lifestyle and our great outdoors.

Hepburn Shire mayor Brian Hood.

Truckstrikes ambulance

Apatient transfer ambulance parked on the side of Lauriston Road at Lauriston was side-swiped by apassing tip truck and trailer last Tuesday afternoon.

The incident happened shortly after 2pm as the crew of the transfer ambulance were preparing to pick up apatient when the passing truck struck the vehicle on adownhill section of road.

The crew from the Royal Flying Doctor ambulance were not injured.

CFAvolunteer brigades from Kyneton and Malmsbury attended, removing oxygen cylinders from behind crushed panels and isolating the vehicle’selectrical system. Police interviewed the driver of the truck who stopped about 500 metres past the collision scene.

The driver’slicence was suspended at the time of the incident. He will be charged on summons for driving while suspended, failing to stay in amarked lane and careless driving.

You’ll neverguess who lives

down theroad

You’dbesurprised at the number of famous people thereare living justdownthe road, in hidden little valleys, tucked away in the bush, or in plain sight. From the super famous to the somewhatfamous, and even the famous adjacent, we bring you their stories in this regular feature.

Jade Jungwirth

This month features Doug Falconer,Hunters and Collectors drummer,who chatted with the Express about the ups and downs of being in aband, his seven years of study to to become adoctor and the pressures of running abrewery

When you look at Doug Falconer,drummer of the famous Australian rock band, Hunters and Collectors, turned brewery owner,you would not immediately assume the six-foot-something gentle giant, also trained as doctor,orentered the Air Force, before ‘running away to join the circus’.

Born in Sydney,Dougmoved to Melbourne with his family when he was 12-monthsold and spent his formative years in Hawthorn, attending Trinity Grammar School. When he finished school he headed offtojoin the Air Force....for two weeks.

“While Iwas growing up Ialways wanted to fly jet fighter planes,” Doug said.

“After afew weeks, the squad leader came over to me and said ‘You don’t belong here’.

“All I’d done in that time, was march up and down and polish my boots, so, Iwent back to school and repeated year 12.

“That was areally good thing to do. Iwas young, only 17, and that gave me abit more perspective. That’swhen Ichose to study medicine.”

Doug, who had been playing the drums since the age of 10, went to university and studied medicine for seven years, but upon qualifying, he gave up his medical career and joined Hunters and Collectors.

“I ran away and joined the circus,” Doug said.

“I didn’t like medicine from the get go and Iknew Iwasn’t really meant to be adoctor Imuch preferred being adrummer

“I still keep in touch with people from medicine and they’re so unhappy and there have been numerous suicides.

“I’d played in aband with John Archer and Mark Seymour,sowhen John rang and asked if I’d be interested in joining anew band, Isaid I’d go down and and check it out.

“The band was so good and the sound was so good –so, Ijoined the band and here we are 45 years later.”

Doug, who had played in anumber of different bands and had threatened to quit medicine and become adrummer multiple times, finally found aband worthy of chucking in his profession.

Doug’sparents hated the idea of him leaving medicine to join aband, so he didn’t tell them he was quitting, but two years after he started in Hunters and Collectors, he presented his parents with agold record.

“After that they stopped complaining,” he laughs.

Hunters and Collectors performed together for 17 years, disbanding in 1998, coming out of retirement 11 yearslater,for Sound Relief, amulti-venue rock music concert held in March 2009 to help support victims of the Victorian bushfires.

“Wedidn’t exactly get back on the horse after that, but we got an offer two years later to do the Super Cars for astupid amount of money,sowesaid yes to that.

“That didn’t go well, but they paid us anyway

“Weleft it alone for alittle while and then we got the phone call to do the Grand Final and supported Bruce Springsteen and did aDay on the Green Tour

“By that stage we were also sort of in our 60s or late 50s and kind of hadn’t made a lot of money while we were together,sowefigured, this is superannuation and that tour went really well. Really well, and we kind of knew that we still had it.”

Afew yearslater the band got the next call and said yes straight away.While they’re not together as aband right now,Dougcatches up with some of the members and when agig comes up that interests them, they dust offthe gear and jump back in.

“Being in aband is the best,” Doug said.

“Wewere known as the good boys. We were all sorts of uni-trained and reasonably intelligent, we didn’t go down the rabbit hole that several other Melbourne bands, that shall remain nameless, went down.

“Which is not to say we didn’t do the odd partying, and abit of naughty stuff, but generally speaking, we were pretty tame. It’spretty much why no one in the band has written abook, other than the singer

Doug told the Express there was no average day in the life of aperformer,but there was acycle, with blocks of rehearsing/writing music some of the time, and then blocks of recording, and of performing. Every new album, included atour and often travelling overseas.

“Weknew that we were good at it and plugged away at it and it’spaying off. It only took 40 years…

“It’sa job, and you have to treat it as ajob. Part of the reason we were successful is we took it seriously,aswork. We had awork ethic and aproduction ethic that we stuck to.

“Wedidn’t make alot of money while we were touring, in that first 17 years. It’snot a great way to make abuck, unless you’re Taylor Swift, then it’sa great way to make a buck!”

Doug said the changes in the music industry and demand for music meant they were earning more in one afternoon now than they would in an entire year when they were a full-time band.

“It used to be, we’d go play six pubs aweek, and have all the costs of travel, accommodation, crew,equipment and all the rest, and we’d pay ourselves the average weekly wage in the end.

“They call us a‘Legacy Act’ now –heritage and legacy.We’re one of the few bands of that era that can still actually play,because none of us has died and none of us are

crippled or mad. We canactually produce the music and alot of bands from our era can’t do that for one reason or another,soit’skind of special in some ways.”

“It’sgood now we’re older,you’re comfortable doing this stuff, you know that it works, you don’t over think it. When you’re ayoung band, you think you’re the best band in the world, you think everyone else is sh**, and there’sthe constant battle to prove yourself.”

Doug moved to Castlemaine in 1992 and for the past eight years has spent his days running alocal brewery,which hefinds time-consuming and all-encompassing.

“I never wake up and think, ‘what amI going to do today? I’m basically on duty 24/7, 365 days ayear,”Doug said.

“But if Ineedtodo something with the band, like we did the Mushroom 50th alittle while ago, Ihave to just park what I’m doing here and hope that people can cover for me.

“I love living in Castlemaine. It’sgot awonderful eclectic mix of things and if you need adose ofthe city,it’snot far away.”

Doug and his company Shedshaker Brewing are heavily involved in supporting local causes. He is currently chair of the Community Land Trustand he was once involved in the campaign to stopthe localcouncil selling the heritage jail.

“It was incredibly successful, except that it got sold,” Doug said. “It was the mostobjections ever received from the council on anything, it was quite remarkably successful, except that it didn’t work, but the jail is still there and it hasn’t beencovered up in apartments, who knows, we might have influenced thatinsome way.But Imet my partner Jacqueline on that campaign and naturally fell into athing and we’ve been together 12 years now

“We’re agood team becauseshe’s an energiser bunny of ideas and I’m the ‘make it happen’ guy,” he said.

Doug Falconer’s business Shedshaker Brewing, located in Castlemaine, is apopular watering hole for locals and tourists alike.

Sixteen-year-old Doug playing drums in his band Zenith

Counting thesetwo womenin

In celebration of International Women’sDay, asmall group gathered last Friday at the historic Castlemaine Cemetery,tounveil amemorial dedicated to local artist Anne Paulson nee Dawn (1808-1866) and her half-sister Sarah Dawn (1800 –1859), who had been laid to rest in unmarked graves.

The art easel and plaque, handcrafted by Lance Bell, avolunteer at the cemetery,isa fitting tribute to awoman who was ahead of her time.

After the death of her husband John Paulson in 1842, Anne, aged 35, succeeded in supporting her son George and her half-sister Dawn, as an artist and teacher,inatime when female artists had no serious role to play

Despite prejudice, she worked hard and became highly regarded for her oil portraits and still-life work.

In 1858, Anne and her sister Sarah made the journey to Australia to be with Anne’sson who had arrived in 1852 and established asuccessful ginger beer factory in Castlemaine.

Anne fell in love with the Australian bush and became acollector for the National Herbarium as well as an accomplished botanical artist, winning many accolades and exhibiting nationally and internationally.In1859, Anne did aseries of sketches of the local Castlemaine flora. That sketchbook is now held by the National Gallery of Victoria and one of Anne’s paintings is held by the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Museum. Anne died aged 57 at her home in Hargraves Street, Castlemaine, on September 17, 1866, of chronic rheumatism.

Anne’sfinal posthumously exhibited paintings took place at The Great International Exhibition held in Paris between October 11, 1866, to January 15, 1867.

Local MP Maree Edwards unveiled the plaque and said Anne was strong, tenacious and determined in atime when the art world was dominated by men.

“Life was difficult for many women at this time, as they faced numerous challenges including, achieving financial independence and not being able to vote,” Ms Edwards said.

“On International Women’sDay,Ihave great pleasure in unveiling this important plaque commemorating two local women who significantly contributed to our region -the artist Anne Paulson and her sister Sarah Dawn.

“I believe it is important for all of us to learn about and recognise the contribution of colonial

women in the early European settlement of our region, and sadly to date this has been limited,” she said.

“I congratulate the Castlemaine Cemetery Trust on redressing this.

“And in the spirit of this year’sIWD theme, which is Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress, Iam– you are –weare ……counting these two women in! …and when we value women’sinclusion, we forge abetter world.”

Darraweit’s improved connections

Intersection and footpath upgrades have been completed in Darraweit Guim.

The intersection of Bolinda-Darraweit Road and Darraweit Valley Road has seen improvements to its surface and drainage.

The roadway also has a new raised pedestrian crossing for safer connections to the nearby Darraweit Guim Primary School.

Anew 150-metre concrete footpath was completed along BolindaDarraweit Road to refresh a deteriorating asphalt section of footpath and provide better connectionbetween the school and Darraweit Guim Town Hall

Theintersection works were supported by funding through Phase 4ofthe Australian Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program.

Both the intersection and footpath works were identified as priorities in Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s 2023-24 Capital Works Program.

Council officers are now progressing works investigation and design works for the Darraweit Valley Road bridge internally.Community consultation on potential options is expected laterthis year

Castlemaine Cemetery Trustee, John Dennithorne, MP Maree Edwards and Castlemaine Cemetery chairperson Deborah Tranter celebrate the unveiling of Anne Paulson’s plaque.

Photo: Jade Jungwirth

Poultry auctions auccttions

Kyneton and District Poultry Club Helmsman style auctions are very popular and so once again the club is excited to be holding another of these auctions on Sunday March 24.

As with previous auctions, this auction will be held in the Horace Don Poultry Pavilion, Kyneton Agricultural Showgrounds, Mollison Street, Kyneton.

between the buyer and seller and are usually in cash.

The club attracts sellers from across Victoria and once again up to 400 pens of poultry will be upfor sale.Young pullets and cockerels to older hens and roosters will bepenned, but there will not be fertile eggs for sale at this auction. Fertile eggs are only available at the club’sSeptember auction. The club has araffle and club merchandise will be available for sale.

Go along and discover what aHelmsman auction is all about. This low-pressure auction method is like a‘silent action’. It gives buyers and sellers, who have an interest in keeping poultry,the opportunity to come together to share acommon interest.

Registering as abuyer will only cost you $2.

On the day each pen of poultry has acardattached, including details of the bird/s for sale, their breed, approximate age, seller name and reserve price. Between 10am and 1pm you can peruse the shed at your leisure. When you find the birds you want, from 12.30 you may write your bid on the card. At 1pm sharp, all bidding stops, the shed is emptied and all is revealed with the highest bids being declared by the stewards. All negotiations are

Asausage sizzle all morning will keep everybody fed, watered and happy.Stewards around the shed will be more than willing to assist you with advice about breeds or how to go about maintaining your henssuccessfully

These hard-working volunteers/stewards, who freely giveof their time expertise and energy,run this event. They are more than happy to assist those in need of advice. It is always agreat day Go along and get involved, be there and ask. And if youare happy with what you see, whynot become amember.Membership fees are just $20 single and $25 for family

Problem gorse out of control

Gorse (often referred to as furze) is probably the most invasive weed of economic significance in the Macedon Ranges Shire.

It has the capacity to exclude all other plants, hindering access for livestock and waterways, significantly reducing the value of land and is aserious fire hazard from both radiant and direct heat. And it’s‘out of control’ in much of the shire.

That’snot to say it can’t be ‘controlled’, particularly on apersonal and neighbourhood level. To do nothing certainly won’t help. To do something on apersonal level, in aplanned and strategic way,will.

Given aseed viability of 30 years and about six million seeds per hectare produced annually in amature infestation, gorse spread is insidious, rapid and unrelenting. Soil disturbance and burn-offs trigger germination and rainfall run-offmoves viable seed over awide area around existing stands.

The principal component of any ‘control’ measure is along-term, strategic plan utilising acombination of control measures and most particularly acommitment to follow up, year after year for several years. This almost ‘passionate’ approach to gorse control won’t appeal to everyone but seen in the context of normal land management practice and environmental responsibility,weed control in general is simply part of the mix. Pipers Creek Landcare and Victo-

rian Gorse Taskforce member,Peter Sporle, is astrong advocate of multiple control strategies, not just chemical spraying.

“Initial knockdown of mature growth is muchmore cost effective using mechanical mulching and slashing followed by spraying regrowth in subsequent years,” Peter said.

“Spot spraying seedlings and cut and paste of small plants is effective albeit labour intensive but spraying large bushes in clumps is often awaste of time and money.”

DEMONSTRATION DAY

TheVictorian Gorse Taskforce in conjunction with the Macedon Ranges Shire and Pipers Creek Landcare will host agorse control demonstration daywithan emphasis on mechanical knockdown in Kyneton on Sunday March 24.

Several contractors will showcase the cost effectiveness of using heavy equipment on large infestations with little soil disturbance and providing easy access for follow up control in future years.

Registration is essential and numbers are limited www.trybooking.com/COXDW

If you’re unable to make it, you can follow up via the VGT at www.vicgorsetaskforce.com.au or contact Peter Sporle at ~ piperscreeklandcare@gmail.com

Frizzle chickens are curly little bundles of fun!

THE WHATDAY IS IT BIT

Victoria’s bathing experiences area shorttrip from home,but light years from the real world. Don’t be alarmed by that strange feeling–that’sjust your stress melting away.

Unwind at revitalisingplaceslike Alba Thermal Springs &Spa VISITVICTORIA.COM

Discovermore about RitesofPassage

Castlemaine Rites of Passage is holding an information evening next Monday for those interested in participating in its April Women’sRite of Passage event.

Cath South, one of the 11 organisers, said moving from teenage-hood to adulthood could be apretty chaotic time.

“Weoften struggle away at home, alone with the challenges, and forget to celebrate adolescence as asignificant time,” Cath said.

“By putting special time aside, and by bringing in the support of community,wehave seen how powerful this can be for young people and their families.”

One of the young people who attended last year said, “I think this rite of passage is about belonging, being part of my community,belonging to myself and the environment”.

Over an extended weekend in nature, 14-17-year-olds and their mother/aunty mentors, are invited to connect with themselves, each other and the natural world.

“Our aim is to celebrate and explore this time in ways that nurture, challenge and spark our inner selves to flourish,” said Lucy Young, another organiser.“We are all learning all the time.”

Feedback sought

It is proving beneficial for the adults as well as the teenagers, as parent Lisa, one of last year’sparticipants explained.

“The WROP was something my daughter wanted to do, however initially Iwasn’t so keen,” Lisa said.

“Any doubts Ihad however were swiftly dispelled.

“The experience was not only deeply loved by my daughter,it moved me in ways Idid not expect, and gave me an appreciation of this community and an experience Iamsoglad Ishared.”

Cath said nurturing and recognising our inner qualities at this time was away our whole community benefited from these events.

“Hearing the testimony of the participants is pretty extraordinary and tells us we are doing something special!” she said.

There are still places available for the April 18-21 event. Costs are kept as low as possible to allow participation, and all involved are volunteers. If you are interested in learning more, go along to the information evening for parents and young people at the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens TeaRooms on March 18 at 7pm. All are welcome. For more information, head to the website at castlemainerop.org/womens-rites-of-passage

Rites of Passage participants are pictured during the 2023 event.

Parenting workshop

Thursday

The next instalment in the Parenting in the Modern World series this Thursday will discuss young people's emotions 'Under the Surface'.

The talk by Dhelkaya Health community health nurse Bron Grieve and family services worker Carolyn Barr will explore young people'semotions, relationships and school attendance from different angles.

This information session will cover what is going on under the surface.

It looks at how these emotions affect their online and real life relationships, and how it plays apartin reluctance to attend school.

Go and learn some strategies, tips and tricks to help you create apositive relationship with your young person.

The event at Castlemaine Library will begin at 5.30pm sharp on Thursday March 14 and is supported by Dhelkaya Health, Mount Alexander Shire Council and Goldfields Libraries. To register visit goldfieldslibraries.com

The artofeurythmy

In eurythmy the artist and the instrument are one. Working with the creative forces of speech and music, eurythmy is apowerful means of connecting.

Mark has been practising eurythmy for half of his 66 years and says he first tried the practice at age three.

"I had some experiences of eurythmy through my Steiner Education and later undertook formal training in Germany with European master Else Klink, receiving adiploma to both teach and perform eurythmy."

After graduation, Mark formed the Wander-Light Eurythmy Company in 1991 and has performed more than 600 shows throughout Australia and overseas.

While continuing to perform, he is also training others through workshops and the new book aims to reach awider audience and share the benefits of the practice.

Mark said the book came about after achance meeting with awoman in acafe.

"She said 'you're magnetic, Ican't take my eyes off you. What do you do?' When Iexplained my eurythmy practice she demanded aworkshop on the spot and later urged me to write abookonthe subject," he said.

"I sat down and tried to write the book and had no success for 12 months. Then Itravelled overseas to stay with friends at Scuol in the Swiss Alps and it poured out of me exactly as it is written."

Mark said the performing artform focused on the nerves (brain), harnessing the larynx (breath) and creating action through will (the limbs).

"The practice centres around 12 consonants/sounds, the 12 senses, virtues and abilities. It is about freeing negative energy and transforming to discover your true self," he said.

"Learning to use our body as alarynx transforms stress, anxiety and antipathy into expression of Self...your journey clearer, strengthened," he said.

As for the title – You Are The Cloud –Markfeels the cloud is agood metaphor for the human condition.

"Clouds are continually changing shape. Do we not also wish to be continually changing shape?" he said.

Mark thanked Genis Wylde at Legion Office Works Castlemaine for helping him bring the unique project to life.

The new book will be officially launched at Castlemaine's Blackbird Cafe at 325 Barker Street this Friday March 15 at 10am.

If you miss the launch you can pick up acopy of the book at Legion Office Works in Mostyn Street, Castlemaine or via the website at youarethecloud.com.au

Abasket of songs

Castlemaine artist and author Trace Balla has teamed up with songwriter, singer and guitarist Andrew McSweeney to create abeautifully illustrated new book, ABasket of Songs

Trace said ABasket of Songs was asingalong book and included song lyrics, the stories behind the songs, beautiful illustrations, music sheets, and alink to the songs online so you can listen to each song and enjoy an interactive experience.

Trace has written the lyrics and stories behind the songs, and illustrated the book. Songman Andrew McSweeney has made them into songs.

"ABasket of Songs is designed to be used as a singalong book with songs for all ages and many life events. These are songs about things that matter on themes of community, environment, seasons, and grief," Trace said.

"Songs for celebrations, ceremonies, schools, sunsets, around fires and kitchen tables, at memorials, on your bike, anywhere asongcan be sung," she said.

Trace is well known for her graphic novellas and children's books including titles such as Rivertime, Landing With Wings and more recently Leaf-light

on Saturday.

With adiscography that includes collaborations with Susanna Espie, Kutcha Edwards, Paul Hester, Mundaway Yunapingu and more, Andrew McSweeney is aprolific songwriter, singer and guitarist who is passionate about creating magic with music.

The book will be launched at The Good Op Shop at 4Lewis Drive, Castlemaine on Saturday March 16 at 11am and will be available after the launch as an ebook ($6) or in print at The Good Op Shop ($20).

The event is asingalong, for all ages and abilities. To find out more visit traceballa.com

Longtime Castlemaine eurythmist Mark Neill has penned anew book, You Are The Cloud,which explores the practice in detail and is amust for those intrigued by the social artform.

Castlemaine eurythmist Mark Neill is set to launch his fascinating new book, You Are The Cloud, on Friday.

ABasket of Songs will be launched

Practical and affordable solutions

There is aconfusing array of 'do this, and don’t do that’ advice out there for families and households trying to do their best in the ‘think globally –act locally’ world.

The Riddells Creek Cool Changes Action Group (a member of the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group) is holding an EnviroEnergy Expo at the Riddells Creek Primary School on Saturday March 16 from noon to 4.30pm.

The expo aims to help build community knowledge about climate change effects and increase skills and abilities so that we can collectively,and individually,make achange to the community and the environment.

There will be keynote speakers; Dan Cass from Rewiring Australia and Tamara Dimattina from The New Joneses, along with panel sessions, one-on-one time with knowledgeable practitioners in the field and ahost of displays and promotions.

There will be EVs on display,e-bikes of all sizes and types to try out, energy efficient affordable home information, mobile solar trailer for the farm or tiny house and solar power systems and innovative recycling and waste reduction techniques on display

On the fun side you can win ayear's supply of toilet paper and put your name in the draw for a$1000 offane-bike –just by going along!

Do you have alittle one with alove of music? Well, you will be delighted to learn that RazzBerry JAMZ is offering weekly 'ToddlerJAM' workshops at the Uniting Church Hall in Castlemaine.

'ToddlerJAM' is the brainchild of passionate local performer and composer, Emma 'Razz' Rasmussen, and aims to foster aloveofmusic and movement in little ones aged 0-5.

Razz has aBachelor of Music from Melbourne Polytechnic and aDiploma of Public Art from RMIT

She began her popular ToddlerJAM classes at Footscray Community Arts and on moving to the Castlemaine region was delighted to find aspace to host the sessions right here on Wednesdays during school terms from 9.30am-10.15am.

"Weexplore singing, dancing, percussion, mindfulness and self-expression," Razz said.

With nearly 15 years of teaching experience and alove of working in early years, Razz packs atonne of fun into this unique and fresh class, playing diverse and sophisticated tunes.

"I am apassion curator of arts experiences for pre-school and primary schoolaged children," she said.

"I include arange of musical genres in the sessions with everything from pop, punk, rock, country,blue-grass, jazz, drum n’ bass, electro, glitch and post-punk to traditional music from all around the world.

"With abroad range of music, the sessions are fun for both adults and children and everyone can sing, dance and play along."

Razz said they began with abit of singing and played some percussion, building to acrescendo with some high-energy dancing and then winding down with a quiet song and agoodbye song to wrap

up.

"The sessions are agreat way to begin preparing little ones for the kinder and primary school years," she said.

"Firstly,Iaim to expose children to a wide array of music styles and secondly, Iaim to provide agreatdegree of flexibility where children are encouraged to be themselves."

After the classes families are welcome to stay for acuppa, abickie and achat providing agreat opportunity to socialise with other families with young children.

Local mum Bec said her daughter Gemma was loving the classes.

"She has lots of energy and the workshops really help her to channel that. It's 100 per cent what she needs," she said.

All families are welcome.

The workshops are $20 child (adults free) with discounts available for siblings.

To book visit razzberryjamz.au

Razz, Rose, Elsie, Bali, Tyrone and Gemma enjoy some music fun at ToddlerJAM.

Malmsbury rezoning

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has adopted Amendment C157macr,which will see 12 parcels of land at Mollison Street, Malmsbury,rezoned from the current Commercial 2Zone to the Neighbourhood Residential Zone. Specifications around minimum lot sizes, maximum building heights, minimum street setbacks and site coverage aim to ensure any new development reflects the character of the township.

Community feedback was invited in November last year.Noobjections were received, and no outstanding issues were identified, meaning aplanning panel was not required.

MRSC will now submit Amendment C157macr to the Minister for Planning for approval.

The 2024 Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service will take place on April 25 at the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross.

Officer mechanic for the Royal Australian Navy during Vietnam and was alife member ofthe RSL, serving as president and secretary of the Gisborne sub-branch.

This year’sservice is expected to be aspecial one, according to president of the Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service committee, Leona Latcham.

Clarke Reserve and afree bus service will also run from Gisborne, Woodend, Sunbury,Kyneton, Riddells Creek, Lancefield and Romsey.The timetables for the townbuses will be available closer to the date.

The local community is invited to attend and help acknowledge this year’s theme, ‘Honouring Every Role, Every Sacrifice’, showcasing the different ways that Australians have served, and continue to serve, in wartime, conflict or peacekeeping.

As part of the service, school students will read excerpts from the accounts of local veterans, including 99-year-old Joy Daymon from Woodend North who served as aflight mechanic in the Women’sAuxiliary Australian Airforce from 1943-1946, and 102-year-old Joyce Strawhorn from Kyneton who served as acook, cleaner and ambulance driver during her period of service, which included the Women's Air Training Corps, the WAAAF and the Australian Women'sArmy Service.

There will also be aspecial tribute to late Gisborne-based veteran Robin Funston who had served as aChief Petty

“Wehavefound some wonderful stories that show the diverse ways that our local veterans have contributed to protecting ourcountry and we really look forward to sharing them with the community on Anzac Day," Leona said.

"There’ssomething so special about the dawn service at the Cross –it’san iconic location that sets avery moving scene for the morning’sproceedings.”

The service begins at 6am and runs for about an hour.Free shuttle buses run from Tony Clarke Reserve in Macedon from 4.15am as roads to the Cross are shut to public traffic for the morning for the safety of attendees.

Plenty of parking is available at Tony

Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring awater bottle, torch and cash to purchase asnack or drink on the day,with any donations also appreciated.

MMADDS thanks its sponsors including the Victorian Government through Victorian Veterans Council, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Bendigo Community Bank Gisborne and Region, Public Transport Victoria, Gisborne Region Events Activities and Tourism and KGMG Creative. Thanks also goes to the organisations that help the service come together and run smoothly on the day including CFA, SES, Victoria Police, Parks Victoria, Woodend Scouts and the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross Reserve Committee of Management.

The Mount Macedon Memorial Cross is an iconic location that sets avery moving scene for the Anzac Day Dawn Service.

Filmreview– Force

Lloyd Dodsworth

The concept of being lost in the bush rings throughout the Australian psyche. Picnic At Hanging Rock and various highprofile cases of missing persons loom ominously in the background of any given hike,so Robert Connolly's Force of Nature had some big gumboots to step into. That's not even considering its prequel, The Dry, which broke box-office records to become one of the top 15 highest-grossing Australian films of all time.

While The Dry took viewers to astark, tinderbox outback where the smallest stray ember could be catastrophic, Force of Nature brings the action to the wetland brush of Victoria's unforgiving forests, where one wrong turn can lead to disaster down the track.

Investigating the disappearance of a woman lost on acorporate team-building hike, Eric Bana's Detective Aaron Falk is a welcome return to cinemas, joined this time by afeast of Australian talent, including Anna Torv (Mindhunter, The Last of Us) and Deborra-Lee Furness (Jindabyne), and reuniting with Richard Roxburgh for the first time since 2007's locally-shot Romulus, My Father

As we're drip-fed information from the four remaining women, ashaky picture emerges, one which Detective Falk must piece together before the survival rate of the lost Alice drops to zero. Flashbacks to the doomed trek show atension-filled journey devolving into outright hostility, with Torv and Furness dominating, stealing scenes back and forth any time they share the screen. Similarly, Bana and Roxburgh's corporate CEO display two actors trading barbs at the top of their game, and one only wishes we had more of them together.

Robert Connolly continues his stellar streak of impeccable cinematography and sound design, his meld of Otways, Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges forests bringing the Victorian landscape to life like never before.

From its characters being rained on by guano to the dozens of leeches suffered by the actual cast and crew on lo-

cation, the effect on the film is palpable, creating an atmosphere that suffocates as often as it stuns with its jaw-dropping imagery.

Like its predecessor, the film can be a slow-burn.

The first act especially does alot of heavy-lifting when it comes to exposition, but once it all gets going Force of Nature

lives up to its name, becoming ataut, pressurised thriller with satisfying twists and turns, engaging performances, all set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Victorian forest landscape.

Screening at Castlemaine's Theatre

Royal until March 26. Visit www.theatreroyalcastlemaine.com.au/films/thedry2 for details.

Eric Bana stars in The Dry 2, now screening atthe Theatre Royal in Castlemaine.

Ambo branch forTrentham

Construction is now under way to deliver an ambulance facility in Trentham.

Upon completion of works later this year,the current Community Emergency Response Team at Station Street will transition into an Ambulance Community Officers facility

Since 2020, the Trentham community has been served by dedicated local volunteer members of the CERT, but with increased demand across the region, the upgrade to an ACO branch will employ paid ‘on call’ first responders –making it easier to recruit more local members and expand the current team.

ACOs are locally based first responders trained to provide advanced first aid in small rural and remote communities where ambulance caseloads are generally lower

These officers are dispatched at the same time as Ambulance Victoria’s Advanced Life Support or MICA paramedics to aTriple Zero call –due to their location and proximity within the local community,they can generally always provide the fastest response.

Unlike CERTvolunteers who use afour-wheel drive vehicle, the ACO branch will also be home to anew ambulance vehicle that can transport patients.

Trentham CERTvolunteers will all be offered positions within the new ACO team to continue to play an important role in supporting their community when the new branch becomes operational later this year

To help with the transition, the refurbishment will deliver abigger facility,including atraining room, rest and recline areas for crews to recuperate, space for anew ambulance vehicle, parking and security upgrades.

TheCompost Conversation

–Compost too dense?

Imagine you live at the very bottom of acompost pile. As the pile is added to every week or so, the volume above you gets larger and heavier with every new compost making session. Before too long you are living under afew hundred kilos of breaking-down compost, the air getting squished out and the pressure building.

Does this sound like conditions at the bottom of your compost pile? This is a compost where the ‘density’ is too high.

What can we do as composters, as custodians of the pile (be it abin or abay), to make life alittle sweeter for the helpful creatures that do all that hard composting work and have to live in these conditions?

We can turn our compost, or do in-situ aeration with acompost screw –and there are times to do those things –but if our pile is short of oxygen and things are getting heavy and sludgy down there, we really need to change our compost recipe.

Iwish more compost educators spread this word, but the most effective aeration is done by the very ingredients we build the pile out of.

If our compost is heavy and lacking oxygen, it’s because we haven’t added enough porous and 'air-pocket creating' carbon-rich and textured materials. Things like well-rotted woodchips, coarse straw or the chopped up woody stems of plants like artichokes, corn and sunflowers are full of air spaces, and also create air pockets around them, all this adds to the aeration of the whole pile.

At YIMBY*, our composters add these air-inducing ingredients right though their pile, but we also encourage them to build

the bottom third of their piles even alittle richer in these porous and air-pocket creating materials than the rest of the pile. This helps to counteract the effect of the weight of the pile above.

If your compost is like the description at the start of this article, next time you start building anew pile, try leaning abit harder into those porous and air-pocket creating carbon-rich materials in the bottom third of your pile, and keep agoodamount of them though the rest of your pile too.

By the time you come to turning or

spreading your compost, Ithink you’ll like what you see down there. If there are woody residues you can just put them back in your active compost, they will eventually break down.

If your pile is already too woody and dry, this advice is not for you. We’ll have alook at woody and dry piles next week.

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

Diss, James

Pauline

Many thanksto Paula Seivers for her help organising bookwork.

The team thanks its supporters, Elders, Kyneton Tyre andBattery,Geoff and Kerrin, Kyneton Spares, The Pig and Whistle Hotel, Andy Ridoni, Seivers family,O'Brien family,John Robson, Verna

This year's rally went around East Gippsland.

Atotal of 1500 kilometres was covered, going as far as Bairnsdale, Walhal-

Right: Freshly chopped woody stems ready to areate the pile they are added to. Left: Similar material sieved out of afinished compost, ready to go back in again.

Theimperative of enrichment

In recent years, the conversation around pet care has evolved beyond mere sustenance and exercise to encompass amore holistic approach to the wellbeing of our beloved furry companions. Among the forefront of these discussions lies the concept of canine enrichment –avital aspect of ensuring the mental and emotional health of our canine friends.

Canine enrichment refers to the provision of stimulating activities, environments, and experiences designed to enhance adog'soverall quality of life.

So, what does canine enrichment entail? It encompasses awide range of activities tailored to suit the individual needs and preferences of each dog. This may include puzzle toys to stimulate problem-solving skills, scent games to tap into their natural olfactory abilities, interactive play sessions to encourage socialisation, and even sensory experiences like exploring different textures and environments.

PETCARE

Read the draft, haveyour say

Youcan now have your say on proposed changes to thestate’splanning regulations for animal production.

At The Langley Luxury Dog Hotel, they understand the significance of canine enrichment in promoting the wellbeing of their guests. That'swhy they go above and beyond to provide atailored enrichment program for each dog staying with them, and what'smore, they offer this service at no additional cost. They recognise that every dog is unique, with their own set of needs and preferences, and they strive to cater to them accordingly

Canine enrichment is not just aluxury but afundamental aspect of responsible pet care. By incorporating stimulating activities and experiences into adog's daily routine, they can enhance their overall quality of life and strengthen the bond between humans and their canine companions.

At The Langley Luxury Dog Hotel, they are proud to offer personalised enrichment programs that prioritise the wellbeing of each and every guest, setting them apart as leaders in pet hospitality

Catdesexingtargeted

Councils can now apply for grants ofup to $25,000 to deliver targeted cat desexing programs within their communities.

It comes from the state government committing $300,000 to run atrial program to increase cat desexing rates, address cat overpopulation and support vulnerable cat owners. The focus will be to desex cats for little to no cost, in areas with problem cat populations and cats owned by vulnerable people in these locations. Applications can be made through the Agriculture Victoria website.

The changes willexist as anew clause in the VictoriaPlanning Provisions and apply to all planning schemesinVictoria.

The clauseprovidesguidelinesfor the location, design andmanagement of new and expanded animal productionfacilities suchaspig andpoultryfarms,intensive dairy farmsand feedlots, but does not apply to grazing animalproduction

Agriculture Victoriaexecutive director, Sarah-Jane McCormack, saidthe proposal aimed to provide primary producers withclearer and more consistent planning requirements.

"Theproposed changes have been designed to provide atransparent and enforceableclausethatsets best-practice benchmarks fordevelopmentsand provides certainty for investmentinthe animal production industry," Ms McCormack said

"Agriculture Victoria has been working withlocalgovernment, thecommunityand the agriculture sector to improve planning processesfor animal industries.

"Wehope to hear from abroad range of people to ensure this proposal provides the bestpossibleoutcome for industry and the wider community."

Submissionsonthe new land useplanningregulations for animal productioncan be made on theEngageVictoria website until April 22.

Canine enrichment encompasses awiderange of activities tailored to suit the individual needs and preferences of each dog.

Local knowledge (1 point)

1. In which town would you find Barkly Square?

2. Kate Ceberano is visiting which Mount Alexander Shire town this month?

3. Castlemaine’s new Parkinsons support group is called what?

4. Where is the RDFNL team Western Rams based?

(3 points)

5. Which Macedon Ranges stone has been recognised as aGlobal Heritage Stone Resource?

General knowledge (1 point)

6. Simone Biles is best known which sport?

7. “Let’s go girls,” is the opening line of which Shania Twain hit?

8. Who is the artist behind the famed 1931 painting The Persistence of Memory?

9. Michael Lee Aday is better known by which stage name?

(3 points)

10. Where in the world would you find the ancient capital of Luang Prabang?

Autumn hasarrived –but where is council?

Elizabeth Alexander, Mount Macedon

Autumn has arrived, but where is Macedon Ranges Shire Council?

Rumours are rife across the Macedon and Mount Macedon communities that this year,council will go back on years of work and not provide any support to manage the influx of tourists who do so much to support our local tourism economy throughout autumn. This includes not providing the tourist hub at Centennial Park, not part-closing Honour Avenue and not providing shuttle buses to gardens along Mount Macedon Road. There is no information available on council’swebsite. Doing nothing is not an option. Nor is allowing endless private gardens to open without any restrictions being imposed on them.

Any council across the country would die to have the number of tourists we see each year arrive on their doorstep without having to spend adollar on advertising. It’s not rocket science –tourist hotspots like the Cotswolds deal with this every year Equally,fining tourists because ofcouncil laziness ensuring they never return is also not the answer nor agreat visitor experience.

If council can’t see the golden opportunity this presents the state government should step in, sack the council and appoint administrators.

Growthneedsservices

Richard Cantwell,Gisborne

Gisborne is atown creaking at the seams with so much development. The mammoth Willowbank development plus so many other smaller developments going ahead begs the question about alack of services with this burgeoning expansion.

The new developments have adequate lighting and much wider roads, however, driving north in Station Street after leaving the shopping area in darkness there are no lights as you climbthe hill towards the freeway

The older original narrow streets have little or no street lighting. There are no dog bags or bins for those increasing numbers of people walking their dogs. People spend time with their dogs tethered walking around Sankey Reserve and Jacksons Creek Reserve however there are nodog bags. Councils north and south of Gisborne have facilities to provide dog bags and some even supply them free of charge. This ensures the bags are the correct environmental grade for disposal. Goode Street has asection with kerbing and the southern section, where there is abus run many times aday,issimilar to agoat track with no kerbing, no proper surface, potholes and no street lights to Howey Street.

Bloomfield Street had anew surface between Willowbank and Fersfield Roads however no footpath for those who frequently walk with or without their dogs. Traffic has to come to astopiftwo vehicles pass walkers as roads are narrow People have to walk onto grassed areas to avoid conflict with passing cars.

Gisborne Transit is about to increase the frequency of the buses and the railway station in New Gisborne has been expanded to accommodate more than 100 cars.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council needs to get its act together and provide services like other councils and cater for the expansion.

Apple asset

RayPeck, Hawthorn

williams. And while apples need acertain number of 'chill hours', pink lady apples are known as low-chill-hour apples and tolerate warmer weather better than most other varieties. Because temperatures are on the rise with climate change,2023 being the planet’shottest since records began, pink lady apples might be okay

And given an apple aday keeps the doctor away,wecan be grateful we have dedicated growers atHarcourt just up the road. We can support them by buying their quality produce. And perhaps even plant an Aussie pink lady ourselves.

Thanks Kyneton growers Lenkaand Giovanni, Kyneton Backyard Growers,Dja Dja Wurrungand Taungurung Countries

Thank you to all the local growers who participated in the very first Kyneton Backyard Growers Fruit and VegShare on Sunday at the Kyneton Lion'sCommunity Stall.

It was wonderful to see everyone come offtheir land and donate the delicious produce they had grown with the rest of the community

We had alarge variety from peaches to tomato, to garlic, to pumpkin, to beetroot, to rhubarb, to the seasonal stalwart zucchini and apple, and to the glorious button squash –you are all very talented growers!

It was equally pleasing to see locals receiving the produce with heart and gusto. Everyone was so thankful to have access to such fruit and veg.

KBYG'sFruit and VegShare will be every Sunday,10am-12pm at the Kyneton Lion'sCommunity Stall, produce drop-off from 9am. It aims to bring local growers and receivers together and share in delicious, healthy produce grown right at our doorsteps –take what you need, leave what you can so it is shared graciously with the rest of our lovely community

Looking forward to seeing you at the next one.

Continuing to pollute

Huntly Barton, Greenhill

My attempt to become aparty in the dispute over the licence application granted to Coliban Water by the EPAon December 4, 2023, at VCAThas failed.

Iwas unable to convince the VCAT director that my contribution would assist the tribunal in their final decision.

My contribution was to explain the many inadequacies that exist at the Kyneton Water Reclamation Plant, which come to the fore in extreme events.

The $20m spend has not addressed these extremes as seen in October 22 when again CW released low-quality water into the river via Snipes Creek over 27 days.

Mr Wells, the managing director of CW, is on record ofsaying that when the new storage facility was in place there would never again be arelease of low-quality water into the Campaspe River.Within six months the $20m spend has failed.

Mr Wells has been managing director of CW since October 2019, he has had an extensive career managing the North Central Catchment Water Authority and Victorian EPA. Since his appointment at CW,inregard to the KWRP there has been no change in their direction as they still see low-quality water as an asset.

These events will continue to occur, and the CampaspeRiver will be used as adrain. Turpins Falls has been lost to the public, Eppalock water quality is so low due to blue-green algae it is barely accessible for public use, even after four years of above-average rainfall.

tion. They are unable to meet the requirements set down by the regulator,this is an admission that the KWRP is not up to standard.

The hearing at VCATwill be heard in May,itisnow down to the EPAteam to defend the licence they handed down on December 4, 2023. That is one wastewater to three natural river flows, this by all accounts is agenerous dilution ratio stacked in CW favour

The EPAneeds and deserves public support on this matter.IfCWissuccessful, this will set an ugly precedence that will allow all water companies to lower their discharge standards.

Maldon flourishing, but population is starving

Peggsie,Maldon

It’sofficial. Maldon is healthy and moving ahead –the culmination of masses of energy and infectious positivism. Businesses are celebrating new leases of life full of frenzied activity

BUT… when it comes to fine dining, it’s acase of ‘all dressed up, but nowhere to go’.

While Maldon has quality cafes, they close before the dinner market. Currently Maldon has one pub open at night with families enjoying good pub tucker.Enter a once-in-a-million opportunity to establish a fine diner for local smiling faces.

There is an opportunity for agun chef to carve their own name and style, they don’t have to buy abusiness, just start one!

So, there is limited outlay.Itreally is a no-brainer

There are anumber of venues with fully equipped kitchens, fitted out, ripe for the picking and ready to go.

In the past we’ve had award-winning restaurants, booked to the hilt, and that will happen again.

Iamsurprised that no one has grabbed the opportunity as Maldon is brimming on both week days and weekends with people wanting to eat out!

Maldon’sCalander of Events has more than 60 scheduled, many in their third decade of existence and booked out annually

Statistically,Maldon and surrounds has an average of more than 2000 visitors each week with all accommodation booked.

These people look for an evening restaurant/bar to engage and tantalise them They are sadly disappointed as they are here to eat, have fun and have money to spend while on their mini break.

Men still have no shed

Christine Clark,RiddellsCreek

In 2021, the then acting president of the Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House closed down the Men’sShed, which was under the auspice of the NH.

She mistakenly presumed the MS had their own bank account, which was not allowed under the auspice agreement. Also, the MS was not incorporated, therefore unable to hold abank account.

Without checking with the bank or the president ofthe MS, she called acommittee meeting that evening and they cancelled the auspice agreement. The men of the shed tried valiantly to reclaim the shed but last year the NH told the men to vacate it.

Today,almost three years on, the men still have no shed!

They have had no help from Macedon Ranges Council orcouncillors when requesting anarea of the recreation reserve to build anew shed.

Castlemaine. 3.

My favourite apples are pink lady,soI was delighted to read that they are grown in Harcourt ('A little history', March 5). Apparently they were first developed in Australia in 1973 by John Cripps, who crossed agolden delicious with alady

Coliban Water’schallenge at VCATis to gain alicence that will allow them to continue to pollute (two parts wastewater to one part natural river flow).

They need such alicence asthis is the only way they can make the KWRP functional without being convicted of pollu-

One member has since died and two more have resigned. They are depressed, they have given up. Those remaining meet each week in members’ homes for social contact.

Isee what has occurred as aviolation of accepted principles of right and wrong.

Parky Pals. 4. Rockbank. 5. Malmsbury bluestone. 6. Gymnastics. 7. Man! eelIf like oman.aw 8. Salvador Dalí. 9. Meat Loaf. 10. Laos.

Lior to perform

One of Australia’s most treasured singer/songwriters, Lior, is set to perform in Woodend on Sunday March 24

Brought to us by the Woodend Winter Arts Festival, the concert coincides with the launch of their highly-anticipated 2024 program

Renowned for his beautiful voice and songs that radiate truth and sincerity, Lior is a two-time ARIA Award winner, and has also been nominated for Triple J’s prestigious ‘J Award’ for Album of the Year

He burst on to the Australian music scene in 2005 with his debut album, Autumn Flow, and has released seven albums to date

WWAF artistic director, Jacky Ogeil, said the committee was excited to bring an artist of Lior’s calibre to the Macedon Ranges

“What better way to celebrate the launch of our 2024 program, than with an uplifting and soulful performance by one of Australia’s most beautiful voices,” she said

“It sets the tone for what is to come over the King’s Birthday long weekend in June, when we once again deliver an engaging and immersive program, featuring world-class musicians, alongside some of Australia’s greatest literary minds "

Taking place from June 7-10, the Woodend Winter Arts Festival will see concerts from acclaimed musicians, an engaging Words and Ideas program, along with the return of the community fireworks event at Buffalo Stadium

For almost 20 years, the Woodend Winter Arts Festival has brought Australian and international musicians, performers, artists and writers to Woodend The festival prides itself on bringing events to the region at an affordable price It also attracts tourism and provides a boost to the local economy during the colder winter months

There are opportunities for local people to participate as volunteers If this is of interest, get in touch with the WWAF team via email at woodendwinterarts@gmail com

The launch concert is selling fast, so don’t delay – it's on from 2 303 30pm, Sunday March 24, St Ambrose Church, Woodend Tickets can be purchased by visiting www woodendwinterartsfestival org au Lior will perform in Woodend on March 24 Photo:

Wild Parterre– New Paintings

CentralVictorian painter Liz Sullivan will be giving a floor talk at Cascade Art Gallery in Maldon on Sunday.

Sullivan is unashamedly driven to work with the substance of paint to create bold, large-scale artworks charged with visual energy.

Her paintings are about mark-making and finding and creating beauty in the unexpected.

“I have the freedom of using what is around me and the energy of my surroundings and memories to think ‘well, Iampaintingmyinterpretation and am aware of, but not answerable to, the past and to reality'," she says.

"It is the voice inside my head where reflections, the playing of light on form and shadow and the flat painting surface is not constricted by the one viewpoint.

"Lines can overlap, colour and rhythms can compete and harmonise and the mind can be an adventure.

"I have never stopped painting even during challenging times in my life. These days Ihavegreater peace of mind and Ican confidently take more risks in my work.”

Sullivan is apowerhouseofenergy, getting up at 5am to start painting in the studio by 6am. Coupled with this great joy and enthusiastic passion for painting is asense of urgent intensity that brings the paintings forward fast

and furiously. This is clear by the sheer volume of paintings executed between 2022 and 2024.

Sullivan is thoughtful and intentional in her approach to painting but still allows paint to take over from imagery.

“I am questioning the categorising of ‘flower’ to paint the weeds on our roadside, the grasses lying with their individual kind of beauty,” she says.

Instead of stopping to smell the roses, Sullivan stops to see the weeds. Always looking for the unexpected beauty in the mundane. Her paintings, like Light Around the Corner,2023, and Clearing,2023, are suggestive of deeper meditations at work.

She is interested in water changing, the interplay of lines and shadow and lively passages of light and dark.

Not aslave to nature, the artist makes immersive painterly works, drawing on memory and adeep bank of feelings, leading to compelling, poetic and intimate depictions of nature.

The Wild Parterre –New Paintings exhibition is available to view from now until Sunday, March 24 at at Cascade Art Gallery, 1A Fountain Street Maldon.

Liz Sullivan's floor talk will be held from 2-3pm Sunday, March 17. No bookings required. Allwelcome. Free event. Infamous

Embark on ajourney of decacadence

Step aboard the Victorian Goldfields Railways on Good Friday for aspecial wine and cheese soirée!

As the heritage train gracefully meanders along the tracks, immerse yourself in aworld of elegance and flavour,savouring adelightful selection of local wines, carefully curated to tantalise your palate.

Upon arrival in Maldon, revel in asumptuous dinner experience at Porcupine Village'sGolden Nugget Restaurant and awine from their extensive local house wine range.

On the return journey to Castlemaine, visitors will be served afinal indulgence with adessert wine paired perfectly with adelectable dessert.

Whether with friends, family,orthat special someone, this is an experience you won't want to miss!

Limited seats available –Book your spot now for an unforgettable journey!

Good Friday Wine and Cheese Soirée March 29, Departing Castlemaine Railway Station from Platform 3 at 4.30pm and arriving back in Castlemaine at 9.30pm. Visit www.vgr.com.au/wine-and-cheese for more information and for bookings.

Carlo Santone

feminist Germaine Greer with artist Liz Sullivan.

(03) 5472 4504

MondaytoFriday8.30 am-5.00 pm

MondaytoFriday8.30 am-5.00 pm

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

TuesdayIssue: Booking and Copy— Noon Thursdayprior

FridayIssue

Anzac prizeopens

Victorian students are encouraged to explore how Victorians came together to build the Shrine of Remembrance and other war memorials as part of the 2024 Premier’sSpirit of Anzac Prize competition.

The annual award competition has now opened and invites students in years nine to 12 in Victoria to apply for aunique international study tour opportunity

Students are asked to delve deeper into the essence of the Anzac spirit as they develop their submissions, which can take the form of written pieces, creative works, and digital presentations.

Twelve students will have the opportunity to join afully funded study tour

This year,the selected students will embark onan unforgettable journey to battlefields and commemorative sites in Türkiye, retracing the experience of Australianmen and women atwar on the Gallipoli Peninsula and surrounds.

The Spirit of Anzac Prize also offers students the opportunity toparticipate in aunique education program that fosters understanding and appreciation for our nation’sAnzac spirit. Applications are open until April 29.

To apply,orfor details, visit: vic.gov.au/premiers-spirit-anzac-prize

Venturersearn highest award

Venturer Scouts from Macedon-Woodend Scout Group, Lana Hughes, Toby Birkett, Jack Perry and Bailey Thorne, earned their Queen Scout Awards last year and had the honour of attending Government House recently

The Queen Scout Award is the highest award in the Venturer Scout section of the scouting movement (young people aged 14-18 years).

The award acknowledges hundreds of hours of work, from planning aminimum 100km and seven-night hike, to fundraising and running activities for younger members of Scouts.

"For our Queen Scout Award, we hiked all around Australia, including the magnificent Overland track in Tasmania, the formidable Nadgee Wilderness hike in south-east NSW,and around Alice Springs, visiting Uluru, and camped underground at Coober Pedy," Lana said.

"Along with hiking with heavy back packs, we also canoe hiked down the

Glenelg River many times and did night canoe hikes along the Maribyrnong in the city and the local Nursery Lake where they have taught canoe strokes to Cub Scouts (8-11-year-olds)."

Lana said another major factor of the QSA was Special Interest Areas. These projects are designed for the venturers to choose areas that they want togrow in, with the options of: Adventure and Sport, Creating aBetter World,Growth and Development, Arts and Literature, Environment, STEM and Innovation.

"These projects had aminimum time of 12 hours, but theyalways had more time spent on them," Lana said.

"Wedid six projects with arange of three different areas

"Overall the experience built teamwork, innovative and provided plenty of fun."

Lana said the Venturers thanked their leaders Dale Sutton and Mark Hughes for volunteering their time to make the achievements possible.

Toby

Midland

PR OP ER TY &L IV ING

One of akind

From the beautifully detailed front garden to the magnificent views of Mt Tarrangower,this property is undoubtedly,one of Maldon’smostsurprising. Having recently gone through a major transformation, aonce unassuming cottage has been reimagined to become an exceptional, contemporary home that oozes style and cleverly balances form with function.

From the street it looks like alovely little cottage but once through the front door,the home reveals itself. It just keeps on giving. So why is this home so special? Twoincongruously spacious bedrooms (the master with oodles of wardrobe space); Twobathrooms; Gorgeous living room with views and natural gas heating; New kitchen (induction cooktop) and dining area; Integrated entertainment system (Foxtel, Netflix); Stunning courtyard; Unparalleled outside entertainment areas; Lush, beautifully designed garden including awalled lawn, mini orchard, potting shed, greenhouse and stone pathways; Selfcontained, one bedroom cottage, with its own street entrance, private garden and mini olive grove. The cottage provides a myriad of uses and income generation; Carport; Workshop; Studio (can be used as office, business premises); Curtilage (have we got your interest?) It’sthe most amazingopportunity, but rare! Five minute walk to town; Arguably,the best views in Maldon and this is just the start of the features list. Only a private inspection can reveal the secrets of this incredible home.

Property: Major transformation includes self-contained, one bedroom cottage

Address: 21 Boundary Road,Maldon

Price: $1,450,000 -$1,550,000

Agent: Jellis Craig Woodend

Contact: Leah Panos0466 878 214 Carole Lenander 0401472 346

Your Guide to Selling in Autumn

Your GuidetoSelling in Autumn

It's time to turnanew leaf or startcollecting them as autumn arrives! We'veput together some tipsand tricks to make sureyou get themost outofthe season,likeleveraging thebeautyofautumn in your property photos andwhy it's best to avoid launching during Easter

We'vehad record breaking months already in 2024, andwe're excitedbythe potential to help youjointhe ranksofhappy sellers. Tree changers arecontinuingtomakemoves in themarket, nowmight just be theperfect time to sell

Established GardensShouldBe Showcased

“Hethatplants trees,loves othersbesides himself.”— Thomas Fuller

Thisregionisa bitspecial.We're thankful forthe earlypioneerswho selflesslyplanted trees that time wouldgifttothe future Autumn presents apicturesque backdrop andifyourpropertyhas established gardens,itisaterrific time to highlightthis

invaluable feature. Most trees starttocolour in theearly months of March, by early May they will be almost gone.Considerthiswhen timing your photographyand sale

Don'tLaunchOverEaster

We'reall aboutselling your property in autumn but let's steerclear of launching your property during theEasterperiod. This timeframe,markedbyschoolholidays in Victoria,Eastercelebrations andAnzac Day, typicallyseesmanypotential buyers travelingorengaged in other activities In ourexperience,disruptionsduringthis time will diminish theimpactand maylead to reducedvisibility andinterest in your property from inception.

Tree Changers

Wholoves theautumnaltrees in ourarea?

Tree Changers of course!70% of oursales this year have been to abuyer from outside of this region.Leveragethe influx of buyers from Melbournebyimplementing targeted advertisingstrategiesthathighlight the unique appeal of your property andthe

Open Saturday 11.00am -11.30am

5PhillipsRoad, Taradale

For Sale

EPR: $890,000-$970,000

Quintessential Australian Ranch In ABush Setting

It’s theAussiedreamtoown your ownslice of bush. Thispropertyencapsulates this andmore –anearfully renovated home on 4.04ha(approx.10acres)of around 50%clearedlandand 50%gum treecover andsaplings.The residence is aranch stylesteel frame brickveneer withtermite-proof Constructafloor, ensuringlongevity. Boasting 4bedroomsand 2bathrooms,thishomehas been thoughtfullydesignedfor family living

42 44.04ha (approx.10acres)

benefitsoflivinginthe region. Talk to us todayabout ourunique marketingapproach that appeals to this audience

NowIsThe Time To Prepare

Finally,if you're not ready to sell just yet, invest time in preparingyourgardento enhance itsappeal.Now is thetimeto plantbulbs,bare rootedtrees androses, nurture existing plants andtidyupthe outdoorspace.It'smucheasiertoundertake these jobs while thedaysare still long and temperatures begintocool.

Open Saturday 10.30am -11.00am

18 Cosmo Road, Trentham

Embla: ATimeless TreasureinTrentham

For Sale

EPR: $1,100,000 –1,200,000

Step into historywith'Embla,'abeautifully renovated 1890s cobbler’s cottage in theheart of Trentham.Boasting arenovated kitchen andbathroom, doubleglazed windowsand originalhardwoodfloors. Setona986sqmallotmentwith developmentpotential,enjoy privacy andapicturesque garden.Renovated stablesoffer aperfect home officeorbusiness opportunity(STCA).

32 2986 sqm

4BridportStreet, Daylesford

Open Sunday 12:00pm –12:30pm

For Sale

EPR: $1,275,000- $1,350,000

1Donkey Gully Road, Campbells Creek

Open Sunday 3:45pm –4:15pm

For Sale

EPR: $670,000 -$730,000

AKickAss Opportunity

Arabella Cottage,circa 1900,offersthe perfectblendofold-world charmand contemporary amenities.Highlightsinclude warm floorboards,sashwindows andacentral wood heater. Updates such as ducted heating,evaporative coolingand plantationshuttersenhance comfort. With four bedrooms, three ensuites andaspaciouskitchen,it'sperfect forhome,retreat or rental. Nearby amenities anda4-car garageamplifyits allure.

Discover1DonkeyGully Road,acharmingpropertynestled on 2titles amidst rolling hillson3084sqm. The floorplan features threebedrooms, acosyliving area warmed by awoodheaterand astylish kitchen anddiningspace.Outside, exploreasecureyardwithraisedveggie patches, maturefruit trees anda majestic gum. An adjacent retro bungalow andweatherboardoutbuilding offer potentialfor guestaccommodation or creative spaces.

1,018sqm (approx.)

Vacant Land

231 PipersCreekRoad, Kyneton

Perfectly LocatedHeritage Home -

4-5 -

For Sale

Coveted Location To Build Your Forever Home

3 -

4 2.85 ha (7.04 acres approx.)

EPR: $700,000-$770,000

Situatedon2.85hectares(7.04 acresapprox.)offertile pastureland, this parcel occupies thecoveted Rural Living Zone.Boastinga picturesque shearingshed andexpansive cleared terrain, it presentsanideal canvas forcraftingyour dream estate.Accessible viaawell-maintained bitumen road,thisproperty enjoys aprime locationjustminutes from theCalderFreeway,Kyneton Train Station, as well as localamenities including shopsand schools

1

3,084 sqm (approx)

44 Sebastopol Road, Kyneton

Fertile Central Farmlet

Vacant Land

For Sale

EPR: $400,000 -$440,000

5.68ha (approx. 14 acres) blockofzonedfarmlandwith2equal lotsof2.84Ha. Convenientlycentredbetween townships-6minutes fromMalmsbury and 6minutes fromKyneton,thispropertypresentsanexcellentopportunityfor nearby farmerslooking to expand theirlandholdings or use it fortheir stock.

1 5.68 ha (14 acres approx.)

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.

There are three generous bedrooms. The master comes with an ensuite and walk-in robe while there are built-in robes in the other bedrooms and one is complete with astudy nook.

The comfortable lounge is at the front of the home and the kitchen with meals space opens onto alarge alfresco area for outdoor entertaining and relaxing. This

area features retractable blind for all-weather usability There is ample storage throughout including asizable pantry and plenty of cupboards in the kitchen which also has an island bench and electric cooking.

The house sits on just over 1000m2 of land which features a6 x6mcarport with covered entry into the house. There’salso ashed, chook run, and veggie patch in the backyard.

Awelcome bonus is that this property has ahuge 5kw solar system to help offset energy bills.

Binghams Road is just ashort walk to pre and primary schools, Harcourt store and town amenities.

Inspect:

0488 148 358

Property: Meticulously maintained family home in aconvenient location.

Address: 7Binghams Road,Harcourt

Price: $730,000

Agent: Property Plus Real Estate

Contact: Kaylene Disher 54474088

•

Inspect:

Contact agent

Agent:

Di Selwood 0488 148 358

• Both bedrooms are carpeted & have BIRs

• Relaxed easy feel complemented by

How often does ablock of units, in the core of Kyneton, come on the market? This exceptional offering consists of eight units, one with two bedroom and seven with one bedroom and there are eight car parks.Set on asubstantial allotment of (approx.) 1700m2 and being within aone or two minute drive to the railway station and the centre of town, there is terrific potential for renovation or development. Kyneton is athriving town, and with the hospital, schools and restaurants within commuting distance to Melbourne and Bendigo has become highly sought after destination.

Property: One twobedroom unit, sevenone bedroom units eight in total!

Address: 21-23 Maxwell Street,Kyneton

Sale: Auction March 23 @11am

Agent: RayWhiteKyneton

Contact: Nathanial Briggs 0400 820 805

Helen Jens 0404 834 926

10 CatherineCourt, Campbells Creek

Midland

PROPER

Enjoying aquiet, convenient and central location, just sblocks from the shops, this super seventies brick home offers an enviable lifestyle for the downsizer who still wants space, storage and gardens.

The house features three double bedrooms with built-in robes and main has ahalf-ensuite. There is agenerous separate living room with large windows and amodern easy care kitchen with pantry,dishwasher and meal-dining area.

The family bathroom has aseparate shower and bath and aseparate toilet.

The home also has ceiling fans, ducted heating

and fresh paintwork plus the laundry,with second toilet, is accessible from outside.

There are manageable native gardens on the 504m2 block, town and tank water and concrete paths for easy access to all of the garden.

There’salso asecure carport with roller-door, adjoining verandah and adetached studioworkshop room of 5.8m x2.8m.

Address: 28 Saint Street,Castlemaine

Price: $750,000

Agent: Belle Property Castlemaine

Contact: Brett Tweed 0417 564 697

RobWaller 0418 571130

K N 2 7 6 9 5 8

Belle Property

Castlemaineand Maldon.

9Haydn Court, Castlemaine

4a 2b 2v 942r

•Modernbrick villa withexceptionally generous floor-planoffering aprivate sanctuary

•4 double bedrooms with robes.

•Private rear garden with decking

Rob Waller |0418571 130

Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733

For sale $889,000

View Saturday 16th March 12:00pm -12:30pm

9Wallace Street, Castlemaine

3a 1b 2v 350r

•Leveland lovely 3bedroomtownhousewith easy garden.

•Lounge room with baywindow outlook.

•Singlecar garage, andgarden shed

•Within easy walking distance of Castlemaine.

Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733

Rob Waller |0418571 130

Belle PropertyCastlemaine |5470 5811

167 Barker Street, Castlemaine

Belle PropertyMaldon |5475 1055

30A MainStreet,Maldon

belleproperty.com

For sale $620,000

View

Saturday 16th March 1:15pm-1:45pm

12 Roderick Street, Castlemaine

4a 2b 2v 807r

•Invitingopen dining space integrates with theliving room.

•4 generously sized bedrooms

•Largestudio/workshop &leafy rear garden.

•Easyaccesstothe CBDofCastlemaine.

Rob Waller |0418571 130

Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733

For sale $835,000

View

Saturday 16th March 11:45am -12:15pm

30 Berkeley Street, Castlemaine

5a 3b 3v 1016r

•1980s charmwiththis brickveneer gem spreadacrosstwo levels.

•Open-plan livingarea with two seperate family areas& additional downstairsretreat.

•Large backyard space and double garage.

Brett Tweed |0417 564 697

Rob Waller |0418571 130

For sale $1,200,000

View By appointment

Midland

from page 32.

Keyfeatures include

•Four buildings on three titles

•Prime location: Situated in ahighly sought-after area with high visibility

Property overview

•Commercial tenants: Enjoy the benefit of secured leases with established commercial tenants.

•Residential dwellings: Currently tenanted on aflexible month-to-month basis.

Location highlights:

•Second-to-none Location: Perfectly positioned at the entrance of Kyneton CBD, ensuring maximum exposure for businesses.

Investment potential

•Future growth: Redevelopment of this site into the future is akey focus of this offering.

Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to secure aprime piece of real estate in Kyneton’sbustling CBD.

Woodend 5Nutfield Close

On 1530m2

This architect-designed residenceisareal surprise package set within beautiful professionally designed,landscaped gardens and situatedatthe end of aquiet court.

Nutfield Close is arguably one of Woodend’s best streets

Accommodation of approximately 298m2 (32 squares) plus integrated triple garage and workshop includes,securityentrancefoyer opening to averylarge open plan living/family room and kitchen, twofurther separateliving spaces or ideal studies/home offices,3 bedrooms,main with ensuiteand walk-in robe,second bathroom and laundry.

Numerous features include double glazing,vaulted ceilings,generous storage spaces, multiple heating sources, securitysystem, solar panels with 3kW inverter,ductedvacuum system, 12m solar-heatedlap pool,and excellentoutdoor living courtyardand vine-covered pergola from which to enjoythe ambianceofthe stunning hedged gardens,irrigatedlawns, viewstoMountMacedon, plus many morefeatures an inspection will reveal

Price $1,475,000

Zone NeighbourhoodResidential Zone Schedule6

To view call John Keating 0419 880 444

Property: Important investment opportunity

Address: 139-141High Street,Kyneton

Price: Indicativeprice, $2,000,000 -$2,200,000

Expressions Of Interestclose April 4

Agent: Raine &Horne

Contact: Jennifer Pearce 0427422 508

DavidOliver 0403023 706

Woodend 3/13 UrquhartStreet

Excellentquality3bedroomunit.

Much soughtafter centraltownship location, lots of natural north-facing light and as-newpresentation.

Averyrareopportunitytosecureasurprisingly spacious 140 sqm (15 sq) plus garage 3-bedroom unit in averyprivate position at the rear of just a3-unit developmentwithin very easy walkingdistancetoColes,V-line Station, shops and all the delights of the Woodend village

Features include 6starenergyrating,double glazing,gas centralheating,split system cooling,solar HWS with gasback-up,Euro5burner range and dishwasher,WIR in main bedroom, BIRs in 2nd and 3rdbedroom and separatelaundry.

Ideal opportunityfor first home buyer,retiree or investor

Auction Saturday6April at 11am

Reserve Price $695,000

Zone Neighbourhood ResidentialZone –Schedule 3

To view call John Keating 0419 880 444

Classified DEADLINES

Vehicle Advertisers

BUCHANAN

AndrewJohn

11.09.1979 -03.03.2024

Dearly lovedson of Joy and Hugh (dec). Brother of Mary&Mick; Frankie; Fiona &Tim; and Peter (dec).

Uncle of Jake;Oscar; Ella; Georgie &Ethan and Lincoln. Will be sadly missed likehis dad &brother Aprivate family service will be held.

KN276981/L

CUSWORTH

Wallace Christopher

14 Mar 1923

26 February2024

VX116127

The president, executive &members of the Gisborne RSL mournthe passing of Wallaceour esteemed member, and thelast WW2 army veteran of our sub-branch.

Ourdeepest condolences to the Cusworth family LEST WE FORGET

KN276987/L

TONKIN

Neil Richard

We have lost our precious Neil, who died peacefully on Sunday3rd March, surrounded by his family

husband of Joss, dearly lovedfather of Anna and Roryand fond grandfather of Will and Hugh, Florence and

Dorothy May Gray

formerly Maggs, nee Carter 10.4.1935 - 7.3.2024

Passed away peacefully in ElleryHouse Aged Care Castlemaine,aged 88 years.

Dearly lovedmother to Kaye,Eric, David (dec), Ken, Lynette,Stuart, Pam, Wayne,Allannah and Jason.

Cherished Nana to 31 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 4great great grandchildren.

Words are few, thoughts are deep, memories of youwewillalwayskeep

Foreverinour hearts -RIP

KN277031/L

Funerals

DorothyGray

Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral service for Mrs DorothyGray, to be held in the Chapel of Mount Alexander Funerals, 12 Campbell Street, Castlemaine on Monday18th March commencing at 1.30pm. Following this service thecortege will leave forthe MaldonCemetery.

To join us at the service via livestream, please visit Dorothy’stribute page on the website of Mount Alexander Funerals

Castlemaine 5470 5951

KN277030/L

PERKINS

Daryl Scott

03.09.1987 -16.03.2019

5years have passed butitseems like yesterday. Your presence is missed, your memories treasured. Wish youwere here Love Mum, Dad and Aaron xxx

KN277018/L

TIM CHESHIRE

25.01.1983 -16.3.2019

Fiveyears since you were taken from us

We miss youeveryday Mum, Nick, James and Andrew

KN277024/L

50th Wedding Anniversary

Alan andLinda McGaughey

16 March 1974

KN276936/L

HC or MC driver required for casual work mostlyinterstate with some local.

Must have flat top/ drop deck/dogs chains and tarping experience this is aMUST.

Must have Vic roads print out and resume Good equipment provided.

Contact Dean: 0419 325 231

CLASSIFIEDS

Kyneton

5422 1488

Castlemaine 5472 1788

Employment

–MECHANICAL FITTER

–PLANT SERVICING ROMSEY

Due to sustained growth, we are looking foranexperienced mechanical fitter to join our workshop team in servicing and maintainingour fleet of vehicles and heavyconstruction machineryincluding:

• CATHEAVY MACHINERY

•MACKTRUCKS

•TOYOTA 4WDs

The successful candidate must have demonstrated experience in asimilar role This is apermanent position withanimmediate startand is ideally suited to someone who resides in the Macedon Ranges or Mitchell Shires or the outer northernsuburbs of Melbourne

APPLYNEWNHAM EARTHMOVING

Telephone: 5429 5288

Email: careers@newearth.com.au

KN277001/L

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The

The

The

Gisborne

The

Studentshit thesand

Six year 12 Kyneton High School students spent the day at St Kilda Beach last Friday,competing for their school in beach volleyball.

With their only experience being indoor volleyball, practising outside against students and minimal coaching, the girls were unsure how their skills would match against other schools.

“Wefelt like we were unprepared for the games, but we proved the other teams wrong,” Kisha Monleon said.

After playing four games, the Kyneton team won two and lost two, missing out on the finals by one point.

“It was an amazing day.Wehope this will put afootinthe door for younger Kyneton High School students to have as much fun playing beach volleyball as we did,” Freya Laird said.

“Considering we were up against schools that specialised in beach volleyball, had large amounts of funding and proper coaching and training sessions, our team was amazing,” Ava Coleman said.

The girls thank parent helper Mel for driving them to St Kilda along with Volleyball Victoria for supporting them on the day

CASTLEMAINE

Nigel Wilson returned Saturday’sbest score of 83-15-68 to take out the monthly medal and B-grade, with Laurie Harding 85-15-70 the next best scorer

The A-grade winner was James Vosti with 78-5- 73, and Peter Mangold 99-2772 led in the C-graders.

In last Thursday’sstableford, the best score was 40 points from Ian Shields (22).

GISBORNE

In Saturday’shot conditions Shane McPhee stood tally and took out the Agrade stableford with 40 points.

Travis VanNiekerk won B-grade with 36, and John Morganti took out the bandits’ C-grade with astaggering 47 points.

The women’sannual Gala Day last Wednesday attracted 80 players, including guests and visiting teams from around the state competing in the Gentsomes competition.

All money raised on the day was donated to the Macedon Suicide Prevention Group.

The team of Nancy Inglis, Suzanne Carroll, Kim Duffy and Virginia were the winners with 103 points (best three cards combined).

On asad note, the club lost one of its beloved members in legendary Neil Tonkin, or ‘Tonks’, during the week.

He was alover of trees and was instrumental in the plating of most of the deciduous trees currently located around the curse.

‘Tonks’ donated asignificant amount to kick-start the Tree Renewal Program, creating afoundation that will ensure the replacement and longevity of trees to beautify the golf course in future years.

He will be sadly missed, and condolences go out to his family

KYNETON

Kyneton ladies opened their season with an Irish three-person stableford last week, with 96 players from all over the stat enjoying the great course and hospitality

The trio of Judy Delaney,Donna Weller and Andrea Thompson travelled from Timboon in western Victoria and carded 83 points to top A-grade, five points clear of Robyn MacRae (Kyneton) and Irene

Town &District

GOLF results

Davey and Glenda Wood (Seymour).

Castlemaine’sMarj Lang, Swee Ho and Helen Skinner won B-grade with 82 points, from Gisborne’sMarg Ivory,MoonGordon and Ruth Wilkinson on 80.

The Kyneton-Hepburn trio of Rachael McAndrew,Michelle Harrison and Wendy Thiesz had 84 points to top C-grade, four ahead of Irene Kozicz, Lorna Beaumont and Jennifer Bailee.

NTPs went to Kyneton’sJulie Harris and Valme Smoors, Anne Cooper (Trentham) and Dawn Jackson (Bendigo).

Longest drives in the three grades came from Lynne Smith (Gisborne), Susan Shorten (Bendigo) and Swee Ho.

Amixed Ballarat/Buninyong team was chosen as the best dressed.

In Wednesday’sstableford Damian Summers (13) had the best score of 39 points, on acountback from Wally Styds> Denise Murphy (16) was the ladies winner with 32.

On Saturday,49players hit-offinanother stabeford.

The 0-15 handicap winner was David Ryan (14) with 38 points from Barry Murphy (12) on acountback.

Teaote Davies (20) was the ladies winner with 34.

LANCEFIELD

There was an exciting finish to the final of the 2024 Dorothy Hayes knockout event last Wednesday,

At no stage there was no more than +1 between Anne Robinson and Jenni Vennell, with Anne scoring by that margin on the 18th.

Some of the newer brigade are excelling, and it was pleasing to see one of our newer members in Sandra Matthews take out the monthly medal with afine 111-4566.

Sheena Flentjar 109-36-74 was runnerup, with Carole Mee 107-33-74 next best.

It was acase of the ‘early bird got the worm’ in the men’sstableford on Saturday

Most fought the heat of the day but early starter Wayne Mee (21) took the honours with 41 points, with Aaron Andrews (18) on 40 in his first competitive round for almost 12 months.

Mark Andrews (16) was third on a

MOUNT MACEDON

The midweek Steelcon Concrete March monthly stableford saw aquarter of the field achieve handicap or better

One player rewrote the record books by returning an unprecedented score of 56 points.

Be assured this is not an early April Fool’sjoke or typo error

B-grader Mili Peniamina was playing off ahandicap of 46, and was only docked 6 for his astonishing score.

Ian Flannery (11) was the A-grade winner with 38 points, from TomConnell (16) with 37.

In B-grade Neville Clarke (24) was runner-up to Pentamina with 41.

Common sense prevailed onSaturday with all groups heading out early to avoid the extreme heat.

Grade winners were: David Watt (10) in A-grade with 38; B– Tony Carter (12) 35) and C– Bubba Watson (22)on38.

ROMSEY

The Extreme Heat policy was activated on Saturday with the 4BBB stableford field hitting offat9am.

acountback for third spot Lyons (2), Rea and Simon Donovan were NTPs.

Elaine Scanlon and Darlene Baker competed in the Seymour Bowl on Thursday,with most visiting players finding the course very challenging.

ASeymour team won with 105 points, with the runners-up 19 in arrears.

Lis Manktelow (30) returned to form to win the second round of the silver spoon last week with 34 points.

The day’s winner wasthe very consistent David James (21) with 41 points, from Steve Wilkins (14) runner-up on 35.

TRENTHAM

The first round of the newly named Wombat Cup took placeonSaturday,with 10 teams competing.

Congratulations to Kevin Sheedy on winning the final of the men’ssingles knockout 3&2 against Liam Murray Mark Myers (33) blitzed the stableford field on Saturday to card 43 points.

The A-grade winner with 39 points was Mark Fisher (9) who showed awelcome return to form, and Goonawarra visitor Aaron Holmes kept the B-grade locals at bay Trentham was pleased to host successful DDGA junior events on Sunday

WOODEND

More than 50 players turned out for Saturday’sstableford.

The day’soutstanding score was 44 points from Ken Jones (22), with Will McLean (17) next best in B-grade on37. Adam Chew (10) topped S-grade with 42 points, six clear of Mick Keating (8).

On Super Tuesday,Ron Jackson (24) won the morning 18 with 40 points, and Jade Nolan (23) continued her winning form with 23 points in the afternoon nine holes. Membership renewal forms have been sent to all those whose membership expires this month. The full membership has risento$550, and restricted membership to $350. All other categories are unchanged.

countback from Dale Schmidt (18). Tuesday stroke: Steve Gilbert’sgood form continued with 89-19-70 on acountback from Peter McGill (9).

Mick Squire (6) and Rob Rea (18) were the winners with 43 points, from Luke Lyons (7) and Davey Kenney (13) on 42. Keith Hocking (25) and Mick Nicholls Snr edged out Mitch Atlas –Anthony Lakey on

Mount Macedon’s Mug o’ the Month winner Mili Peniamina had an astounding 56 stableford points.

LtoR:Jen Girvan, Leini Kingston, Ava Coleman, Grace Tremayne, Freya Laird and Kisha Monleon.

Gisborne by threeshots

The midweek bowls division one grand final played at Kyneton last week was a thriller,still ‘alive’tothe very last bowl.

Top-of-the-ladder Gisborne defeated Romsey by three shots, 62-59, in the closest match of the finals.

Gisborne has avery fine record in midweek pennant, having won astate title in recent seasons.

Woodend, thrashed in the second semifinal at Broadford in division 2, rebounded magnificently to score ahuge win by 42 shots.

Romsey made sure of the division 3flag against Diggers Rest, with both rinks up and amargin of 23 shots.

ALL THE SCORES

Division 1: Gisborne 62 dRomsey 59 –J. Evans, H. Cyrulo, I. Ball, T. Wylie26dP Dunn, R. Wilson, G. Taylor,S.Mayger 17; J. Morley,P.Nathan, G. Quaife, T. Kelly 10

lost to D. Culpin, P. Chalmers, L. Dyamond, C. Austin 24, R. Walker,D.Wesney, T. Rodgers, A. Higgins 26 dR.Schwarzenberg, J. Beaumont, G. Gascoyne, G. Templar 18.

Division 2: Broadford 36 lost to Woodend 78 –R.Campbell, I. Carboon, W. Reardon, J. Bruce 10 lost to A. Dornau, T. Sturt, M. Dornau, T. Lennie. 24 ;B.Smit, G. Goddard, B. Goddard, D. Kelly 14 lost to J. Condon, N. Fitt, M. Paterson, G. Symons 19; J. Manning, P. Donovan, P. Hoskins, W. Blackburn 12 lost to R. Smithies, D. Barber,D.Priede, N. Bickerdyke 35.

Division 3: Romsey 54 dDiggers Rest 31 –P.Higgins, J. Hemming, H. Rose, C. Dean 29 dW.Van der Werp, J. McMahon, R. Campbell, T. Odgers 9; D. Orchard, R. Kozulins, T. Brady,J.Boyce 25 dS Hauser,J.Pama, P. Mariner,J.Higgins 22.

Rocky riderstocompete at Nationals

After months of rigorous training, four young Castlemaine mountain bikers are set to compete this week at the Australian Cross Country Mountain Bike National Championships.

The event, taking place from March 13-17, is hosted at Awaba on Lake Macquarie, New South Wales.

Castlemaine Ricky Riders club members, Claire Melville, Alanna Fletcher, Max McCarthy and Angus Melville, will be competing in both the short track and the cross-country Olympic races.

Claire will compete in the U15 Women'scategory,Alanna the U17 Women's, and both Max and Angus in the Under 17 Men'scategory

These riders are no strangers to competition, having participated in local, state, and national level events both in Victoria and interstate. However,their debut at Awaba presents new challenges, with a course and competition they expect to be particularly demanding.

From ayoung age, each of these athletes found their passion for mountain biking and racing through their involvement with the local Castlemaine Rocky Riders.

The Rocky Riders pride themselves on being an inclusive, family-friendly mountain bike club offering arange of activities

for both children and adults, whether joining as abeginner or an experienced rider

The club has long served as afertile ground for young talent, supporting interests ranging from social riding and skill development to racing and even opportunities to move into coaching or participating as acommittee member

By providing regular family-friendly social rides, skill sessions led by qualified coaches from within the club, and the Summer Dirt Grit racing series for riders aged 3to15, the club has played a pivotal role in the early racing careers of Claire, Alanna, Max and Angus.

Emphasising rider safety and having fun, the club is committed to fostering a positive and engaging environment for young people of all skill levels and abilities.

As these four young riders give their all this week, their journey from the local trails of Castlemaine to the national stage is atestament to their dedication and skill while highlighting the essential role of the Rocky Riders and similar local clubs in nurturing young athletes and advocating for ahealthy,inclusive sporting culture.

Youcan find out more about Castlemaine Rocky Riders and their events and programs by visiting their website www rockyriders.com

Castlemaine Rocky Riders, Alanna Fletcher, Claire Melville, Max McCarthy and Angus Meville, are bound for the National Championships this week.

Gisborne’s winning division one team.

Woodend’s winning division two team.

Romsey’s winning division three team.

Kyneton Golf provessuperior

At the halfway mark on Saturday the Highlands division one pennant bowls premiership was up for grabs, then an impressive second-half performance gave the battle-hardened Kyneton Golf its 11th flag since the year 2000.

“Weplay for one another,” declared ecstatic Golf president Toby Barker at the after-match presentations at Lancefield.

He praised the condition of the green, and declared the standard of bowls had been extremely high.

The 24-shots all fours up victory represented a42-shot turnaround from the second semi-final when ladder-leader Romsey won by 18 shots at home and lifted hopes for afirst-ever top division flag for the club.

It was not to be, as the Redbacks had no answers as Golf applied the pressure after the break and chalked up multiple numbers to set up awinning lead.

“No excuses whatsoever the better side won,” understandably disappointed Romsey coach Garry Templar declared after the match.

He said Romsey obviously has away to go to land that elusive flag, and thanked his players for their efforts this season.

The scoreboard read 27-25 in Golf’s favour at the interval, with the decision by Highlands pennant committee to begin the grand finals at 10am in light of the extreme heat forecast welcomed.

On Saturday,Kyneton Golf clinched the second division flag by 20 shots against Romsey,and Lancefield staged astrong second-half comeback to defeat Gisborne(3) by 12 shots in the division 3grand final. These matches were played on a very quick Kyneton green.

Golf, with qualify veterans John McQualter and Richard Buckley in fine form, drew away in the second half, coming from

fourth place on the ladder

Secretary John Trounce said it was a very rewarding weekend for Kyneton Golf, which has now won 11 division one flags since 2000.

Now it’stwo in arow after abreak of seven years, and other clubs must be wondering how they combat such aflexible, experienced and versatile side with the ability to produce top bowls when it matters.

Golf selectors made some positional adjustments to their side over the finals campaign, and got the right mix.

Peter Cameron’slongevity and classy draw shots stood out, and the four players opposed the Romsey’sstrong rink skippered by Aaron Young all played their part.

Ballarat Highlands Region president Ian

Guymer handed out the individual medals to Golf players, and stated that it just wasn’t Romsey’sday”.

In the 68-44 victory,Adrian Plowman’s rink won by 15 shots, Ray Wilkinson by six, and Barker by three.

Good luck to Golf in the regional final this weekend.

GRAND FINAL SCORES

Division 1: Romsey 44 lost to Kyneton Golf 68 –G.Gascoyne, L. Dyamond, G. Taylor,M.Brundell (s) 15 lost to W. Turner, P. Cameron, P. Linehan, R. Wilkinson 21; R. Schwarzenberg, G. Templar,D.Ely,C.Austin 10; R. Turner,S.Taylor,C.Schmidt, A. Plowman 25, N. Williamson, N. Tessari, G. Edwards, A. Young 19 lost to R. Seymour, B. Plowman, B. Godbolt, A. Barker 22.

Division 2: Romsey 49 lost to Kyneton Golf 69 –G.Cuthbert, M. Marshall, K. Kirwin, J. Beaumont 17 lost to B. Kirwin, P. Wilson, J. McQualter,C.Scott 23; R. Wilson, T. Brady,S.Trodd, G. Marshall 15 lost to M. Kitanovski, P. Strang, P. Tobin, R. Buckley 26, G. Gilligan, T. Chalmers,A Laing, S. Mayger 17 lost to D. Sheppard, J. Ramsdale, J. Godbolt, J. Trounce 20.

Division 3: Lancefield 64 dGisborne 52: K. Johnson, L. Howlett, W. Brew,K.Webb 21 dB.O’Connor,R.James, R. Paterson, V. Cyrulo 15; T. Hamilton, H. Jenkins, G. Stephens, G. Stewart 24 dK.Atlas, M. Ivory,C.Jones, T. Woodlock 23; B. West, AlanShipcott, J. Smith, P. Shannon 19 dF Perich, J. Butterley,S.Lawless, C. Butterley 14.

‘Welcome mat’ out forwomen

Gisborne Football Netball Club will not be fielding a senior women’sfootball side this season due to lack of numbers.

Several clubs have publicly put out the ‘Welcome Mat’ already to try to recruit additional players from the Bulldogs, and there have probably been behind the scenes approaches as well.

“Come to the Kyneton senior women’sfootball Tigers and win aflag,” was the invitation from Kyneton president Hayden Evans.

Last season the Kyneton women’steam went through its debut season in the Riddell League unbeaten, and the club now has all its teams in the RDFNL rather than split between Bendigo and Riddell.

Gisborne’sannouncement it would not be fielding asenior women’steam may have come as ashock to

some, but the club made it abundantly clear it has not scrapped the idea of reaching ahigh level in women’s football.

The Bulldogs said they are “hard at work putting plans in place for the 2025 season” as far as asenior women’s side is concerned.

“We’re committed to coming back stronger and more determined than even before,” the club stated.

Thanks went to players, coaches, supporters and sponsors for their continued support and understanding.

The Gisborne senior women’steamcompeted in the Essendon District League.

‘UNFORTUNATE REALITY’

Woodend-Hesket’ssenior women’scoach, Scott Caton, is aGisborne local and also the Riddell League’s women’scoach for 2024.

“The unfortunate reality of women’sfootball in the region is not enough players to fill the teams as all clubs try to get aprogram up and running for fear of missing out,” he said.

Caton predicted Gisborne would return stronger in 2025, and said he would happily have achat with players who want to fill the void for the next 12 months.

“Macedon Cats are always welcoming new players for the 2024 season,” stated Amy Miles.

Macedon was runner-up to Kyneton last season.

Sunbury Kangaroos is looking for more female players as well.

Lancefield stated it was sorry to hear of Gisborne’s plight, and would love to welcome players to Tigerland, where the club will be fielding its first senior women’s team.

Division one premiers, Kyneton Golf.

Division two premiers, Kyneton Golf.

Division three premiers, Lancefield.

Final positions

Final positions of McIntyre 1sts teams in the Gisborne District Cricket Association were: Romsey –109.1 points. Gisborne –108.5.

Sun United –76.3.

Sun Kangaroos –67.3. Woodend –63.4.

Macedon –47.4.

Rupertswood –41.5.

Diggers Rest/Bulla –23.4.

GDCA scores

Results from Gisborne District Cricket Association matches completed at the weekend were:

McIntyre 1sts (Final home and away round): Woodend 9/268 c.c. lost to Gisborne 9/383 (R. Vernon 148, J.Vernon 104, M. Barake 43, L. Brennan 29 –G. Matthews 4-53, M.Stewart 3-35); Rupertswood 134 lost to Macedon 8/141 (A .Grobler 42, Cameron Howlett 38 n.o. –N.Crotty 5-28, K.Corcoran 3-53); Diggers Rest 222 lost to Romsey 5/462 (M. Milne 202 n.o., B. Way 141, J. Richardson 42); Sunbury United 9/266 c.c. dSunbury Kangaroos 244 (J. King 86, M. Fox 33, C. Woolley 30, D. Caruana 28 –A.Hannah 4-21,S. Perera 3-82).

Johnstone 1sts semi-finals: Broadford 8/311c.c.(J. Ingham 89, G. Sharp 75, A. Wood 73, B. Hickey 28 –B.Buttler 5-82) dKilmore 191 (J. Wltpn 97, L. Zeyvys 52 –T.Shell 3-23, B. Fleming 3-25); Wallan 7/368 c.c. (K. Atkin 147, B.Vance 65, T. Keenan 57 n.o., M. Clayton –M Bdesha 3-43) dAintree 157 (J. Singh 66, H. Singh 37 n.o. –S O’Donnell 5-34).

McIntyre 2nds semi-finals:

Sunbury United 8/292 c.c. (H. Knott 62, C. Strods 53, A. Billinghurst 51, J. Bottomley 40, D. Falzon 34 –W.Honner 3-44) d

Rupertswood 177 (. Sutherland 87, R. Bennett 25 –H.Knott 3-29, C. Boyes 3-34, J. Hughes 3-34); Macedon 146(I. Bobetic 47, M. Wall 21 –J.East 5-25, D. Jewell 3-24) lost to Romsey 3/150 (M. Richardson 62, J. Rees 41).

Johnstone 2nds semi-finals:

Broadford 9/236 c.c. (J. Martin

58, L. Withers 47, J. Nicholas 46 –P.Brar 4-32) lost to Aintree 5/239 (G. Singh 101 n.o., C. Kalsi 83; Rupertswood 7/256 c.c. (L. McLean 58, A. Pizaro 44, S. Adam 38 n.o., J. Hayward 35, R. Turner 32 M.Kilbane 5-62) d Wallan 243 (K. Ratnayate 105, B. Hanson 32 –Pizaro 4-81, McLean 3-28)

Jensen Shield 1sts Grand

Final: Aintree 7/255 c.c.(N. Singh 79, G. Sohal 65, K. Sandhu 25 n.o. –J.Singh 3-45) dSt Anthonys 114(G. Grewal 59 n.o., Z.Gib lett 19 –R.Smagh 3-24, L. Sandhu 3-28).

Jensen 2nds Grand Final: Sunbury 166 (A. Riggio 52 –A Morrison 3-29, N. Bond 3-38) lost to Rupertswood 4/168 (T.Hayes 97, J. Vij28n.o.).

Jensen 3rds Grand Final: Melton South 153 (K. Rajendran 35 A. Thorneycroft 3-15, A. Prewett 3-19) dTrentham 9/149 (H. Fitzpatrick 34, I. Jennings 28 –M.Garwood 3-11, G. Miller 3-18).

Club North Grand Final: Hanging Rock 9/162 c.c. (N. Maxwell 37, M. Fisher 35) dMalmsbury Green 83 (T.May 27).

Club Grade South rand Final: St Anthonys forfeited to Woodend.

Off to India –1000 runs up

Bill West

Gisborne cricket star Riley Vernon plundered the Woodend attack before afternoon tea to score 148 from 98 balls on Saturday

In doing so, Riley became the first batter to top 1000 runs in aGisborne District Cricket Association season.

He celebrated his 23rd birthday in the evening, and will soon fly to India to attend the world-renowned MH Dohni Cricket Academy for 15 days of high-level training.

Inspired by the feats of older brother Jarryd, Gisborne’scurrent captain who compiled aquick fire 104 from 62 balls to help the Dragons reach a winning 9/383, Riley is dedicated to playing abig role with the batinthe McIntyre 1sts finals.

Last season he had scored arecord-breaking 210 not out against Rupertswood in the qualifying final, before trying aramp shot that went wrong.

The result was afractured bone in an eye socket, which resulted in hospitalisation, and he missed the semi-final where eventual premiers Romsey caused an upset by bundling out the flag favourites cheaply

”We’re all extremely hungry to secure apremiership this season,” Riley said.

His 148 was his fourth century this season, and for aplayer to make over 1000 runs in aseason is aremarkable feat. Jarryd held the GDCA run record set last season, when he won the Sullivan Medal.

Riley said his batting coach, Shannon Young (Richmond Cricket Club head coach) had been instrumental in arranging his visit to the MH Dohni Academy,which is in Ahmedabad.

“I learnt alot playing in England last season and am keen to improve further it’sgreat to have this opportunity.”

Romsey on top

Milne 202 n.o., Way141

Bill West

An incredible Saturday afternoon of McIntyre 1sts cricket saw reigning premier Romsey score amassive 5/462 to leapfrog Gisborne into top spot going into the knockout semi-finals.

Opener Matt Milne batted all day for achanceless 202, and skipper Ben Way made atypical quick-fire 141.

At the same time, Gisborne scored 9/373 at Gilbert Gordon Oval to easily dispose of Woodend, with Riley Vernon 148 and Jarryd Vernon 104 continuing their superb form –but the Redbacks edged out the Dragons by 0.6 points after bonus points were tallied.

The wash-up means Romsey is at home this Saturday and Sunday to fourth-placed Sunbury Kangaroos, and Gisborne will welcome last season’s grand finalists Sunbury United to Gardiner Reserve.

Both Romsey and Gisborne have gone through the home and away season unbeaten, and are logical favourites to reach the grand final. But strange things can happen in cricket!

“We think we have got the bowlers to do the job against the Kangaroos, who have certainly improved with the bat in the latter part of the season,” Way said.

He said Milne has been a gradual improver over aperiod of time with the bat, and the double century was agreat performance leading into the finals.

“He took about 180 balls to reach his century, and his second hundred came up at arun aball rate.”

Way said the Redbacks had been closely monitoring what was taking place in the Woodend v Gisborne encounter, and knew acceleration in scoring against Diggers Rest/Bulla would give

them agreat chance of grabbing top position.

And so it proved.

The Dragons are understandably confident they have the depth and overall ability, plus the Vernon brothers’ brilliance, to more than match United in the semi-final.

Opener Riley Vernon’s 148 came from just 98 balls. It took him arecord breaking tally beyond 1000 for the season,

From 1/200 at the tea break, quick wickets fell with Woodend coach Greg Matthews making inroads.

Jarryd Vernon’s dominant 104 kept the scoreboard ticking over and the Dragonsreached 9/383 at stumps –Matthews 4-53 and Marcus Stewart 3-24 were the key wicket-takers, with Warren

Else helping to curtail scoring during his 20 overs.

Woodend finished fifth, and must still be rueing the late innings collapse that threw away the match against Sunbury United.

United had to battle hard to hold off Sunbury Kangaroos on Saturday, with 510 runs scored in the match and third-placed United scrambling home by 13 runs.

In the remaining match, Macedon won amatch dominated by bowlers with two wickets to score.

ATKIN SCORES 147

Keirin Atkin, the most feared batter in Johnstone 1sts, hit a typically flamboyant 147 to carry Wallan to asemi-final tally of 7/368 c.c. from 75 overs. Aintree could only manage 151 in reply.

In the other semi-final, Broad-

ford’s 8/311 c.c. proved too much for Kilmore to seriously challenge.

Romsey scored an easy semi-final win over Macedon in aMcIntyre 2nds semi-final, and now face up to Sunbury United in the grand final.

Gurbeer Singh’s unbeaten 101 carried Aintree into the Johnstone 2nds grand final against Rupertswood.

Trentham missed out by an agonising four runs in the Jensen 3rds grand final against Melton South.

Hanging Rock had good reason to celebrate after beating Malmsbury Green in the Club North grand final. See details in next week’s Express

Woodend won the Club South premiership as the result of a forfeit by St Anthonys.

Gisborne’s Riley Vernon after his brilliant 148 at Gilbert Gordon Reserve on Saturday.

Opener Matt Milne (right) batted all day for achanceless 202, and skipper Ben Way made atypical quick-fire 141.

Grand final contenders decided in CDCA

Castlemaine District Cricket Association sides entered the finals series last weekend with semi-final bouts in all grades. Spirited matches were battled out in the hot conditions as teams vied for aspot in the grand final.

Highlights of the round were Barkers Creek A Grade batsman Darby Semmen’s84with the bat, North Castlemaine AReserve bowler Jason Anderson’s5-13 and Newstead AGrade bowler Kayne Amiet’s5-83 with the ball. Results were: AGrade

In Semi Final 1, top-of-the-table Guildford 3-109 (Tom Reece 27 not out, Elliott Massina 25 not out, Nathan Webster 18, DS Wijemanna 17, Troy Thomas 16) won alow-scoring affair against fourth-placed Maiden Gully Lions 10-108 (Tim Bubb 44, Guy Moore 23; Cordie McKendry 4-9, Iran Indika 3-16) at Camp Reserve.

Semi Final 2saw Barkers Creek 9-325 (Darby Semmens 84, Kalan Huntly 78, Mark Noonan 70, Bailey Henderson 34; Kayne Amiet with 5-83, Louis Chapman 2-50) have aconvincing win over adetermined Newstead 10-142 (Ben Walter 49, Rhys Smith 23, Louis Chapman 13, Kris Walter 10; Mark Noonan 3-31, Sean Smith 2-14, Lewis Stabler 2-19, Nash Robinson 2-48).

Guildford will now take on Barkers Creek in this weekend’sgrand final.

AReserve

In Semi Final 1, Taradale 1-116 (Brock Fletcher 74, David Millard 34 not out) defeated Maiden Gully Lions 10-55 (Ben Hancock 16, Zac Justic 10; Leigh Bennett 4-16, Andrew Young 2-3, TimRogers 2-10).

In Semi Final 2, North Castlemaine 4-115 (John Howarth 51 not out, Nathan Anderson 35 not out, Robert Chapman 15; Harley Brereton 3-30) defeated Harcourt 10-97 (Daniel Chamberlain 46; Jason Anderson 5-13, John Howorth 3-5).

Taradale will now play North Castlemaine (TBC) in the grand final this weekend, March 16-17 at Barkers Creek.

BGrade

In Semi Final 1, Heathcote 9-137 (Tim Gleeson 43, Kyle Seidel 25 not out, Rhys Ashen 22, Alex Williamson 18; Adrian Cole 3-10, Scott Foxall 2-1) defeated Harcourt 10-101 (Adrian Cole 40 not out, Harrison Torney 15, Bill Jury 13; Nicholas Malavisi 3-16, James Baker 3-28, Rhys Ashen 2-12, TimGleeson 2-18).

In Semi Final 2, Hepburn 7-148 (Corey Shiell 44, Corey Pedley 44, Patrick Jones 18 not out, Lindsay Olver 13) lost their clash to Campbells Creek Colts 2-149 (Graeme Beith 4-27).

Heathcote and Campbells Creek Colts will now face offinaone-day grand final clash on Saturday March 16 at avenue TBC.

Women

In Semi Final 1, Newstead 107 (Dawn McNabb 16 not out, Eve Righetti 12 retired not out, Gen Butler 12 retired not out, Lisa Bruty 12 retired not out; Carol Black 2-11, Faith Reid 2-13) defeated Hepburn 92 (Lucinda Lowe 12 not out, Danni Kraak 10 retired not out; FiannaGardner 3-9) to book their place in the final.

In Semi Final 2, Guildford 91 (Ellenor Landy 11 retired not out) defeated Barkers Creek 81 (Lil Waters 15 retired not out, Gabrielle Smith 13 not out; Alexandra Manning 2-4, Molly York 2-8).

Newstead will now play Guildford in the grand final this Friday evening March 15 at avenue TBC.

CGrade

In Semi Final 1atPrinces Park Maryborough, the Maryborough side 10-90 (Oliver Cassidy 16, Lachlan Condie 14, Lachlan Roche 13; Zac Hinck 4-7, James Anderson 2-20, Alex Welch 2-26) went down to North Castlemaine/Guildford 9-121 (Max Matheson 63, Zac Hinck 20, Alex Welch 12; Jasper Trickey 4-18) in a close encounter

Semi Final 2saw Harcourt 1-154 (Koby Simmons 53 retired not out, Darcy McLachlan 35, Mason Chamberlain 19, Jack Archer18; Emma Smolak 3-14, Declan Brasher 2-26) have awin over Castlemaine United Blue 8-152 (Samantha Brasher 40, Patrick Brasher 27, Oliver Grainger 22, Harper Kneebone 12; Mason Chamberlain 4-12, Koby Simmons 2-23). North Castlemaine/Guildford will now play Harcourt in the final this weekend, March 16-17, at the Harcourt Recreation Reserve.

Maiden Gully Lions AGrade batsman Dean Drew dodges ashot from his Guildford opponent at Camp Reserve. Photo: Max Lesser

Guildford AGrade bowler Mat Manning prepares to unleash adelivery at the Camp Reserve. Photo: Max Lesser

Maiden Gully Lions AReserve batsman Zac Justice defends his wicket against Taradale at Wesley Hill. Photo: Max Lesser

View this Saturday at 10:30am

Auction this Saturday at 11:00am Web rh.com.au/kyneton

Jennifer Pearce 0427 422508 jennifer.pearce@kyneton.rh.com.au

Auction This Saturday

27 Lavenders Lane, Kyneton

“Woodside” 6.88 ha (approx)- Breath-taking setting

•Introducing Woodside, aremarkable piece of history nestledinthe heart of Kyneton. This stunning property, originally constructed in the mid-19th century by the esteemedWilliam Lavender,stands as atestament to architecturaland historical significanceinthe region.

F 2482m2 (approx.)

View By Appointment Expressions of Interest Web rh.com.au/kyneton

Jennifer Pearce 0427 422508

jennifer.pearce@kyneton.rh.com.au

Kyneton 5422 2678 rh.com.au/kyneton

Just Listed

139-141 High Street, Kyneton

Financially SensibleCommercial Opportunity

•This exceptional propertypresents aprime investment opportunityinthe heart of Kyneton CBD.Strategically locatedatthe gateway to the bustling High Street,this property offers unparalleledexposureand potential forgrowth.

•Zoning: Commercial CZ2

Gisborne 5428 4007 rh.com.au/gisborne

Sunbury97446334 rh.com.au/sunbury

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Expressions of Interest Web rh.com.au/kyneton

RodCallins 0457681 560 rod.callins@gisborne.rh.com.au

Inspect&Explore

1634 Trentham Road, Kyneton

‘Lauriston Park’ -Landmark Estateon40 Acres(Approx.)

•Stately,luxurious, and steeped in history, ‘Lauriston Park’ (circa 1853)isagrand 40-acre(approx.) estateofthe finest calibre, offering the rare combinationofa stunning traditional Bluestone homestead with modern resort-styleamenities including a15-meter mineralised saltwater swimming pool and fulltennis court.

Lease

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ForLeaseContact Agent Web rh.com.au/kyneton

DiggersRest87409666 rh.com.au/diggersrest

Lisa Walker 0448685 252 lisa.walker@gisborne.rh.com.au

76 High Street, Woodend

Potential Plus!

•Featuring an inviting shop front with open plan retail area, anumber of storage rooms, largekitchenette, 2bathrooms and rear carpark for2ormorevehicles. The spaceisbright and inviting &offers a flexiblefloor plan suitabletoavariety of business opportunities (STCA).

A 6 B 3 CF 6.88ha

A 5 B 3 C 6

C 2 F 130m2