Midland Express Tuesday March 18 2025

No more snowcam?

Alocal couple who managed the Top of the Range Tea Rooms had their tenancy terminated last week after 14 years of service.

Luke Chapman, manager of the cafe situated next to the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross, posted the news on Facebook and it received almost 125,000 impressions from the broader community. Chapman submitted atender to Parks Victoria in 2024 to have the lease renewed, but was unsuccessful.

In an email to the Express,Chapman

said, "We submitted a100-pageproposal outlining our ability to run the business, which is easy given Ihave done so since 2011, and my family for afew more years before that. In the proposal we talked about our future projects, and the importance of being akey visitor node within Macedon Regional Park. We had plans for apark discovery centre with educational components, and we had some preliminary plans to approach first nations groups to establish apublic amphitheatre space here at the summit."

In astatement to the Express,Parks Victoria said they were excited to an-

Driver airlifted to Melbourne

Adriver suffered significant injuries and had to be freed from his vehicle after he hit atree at Strangeways on Saturday afternoon.

Castlemaine SES were called to the scene on HepburnNewstead Road and worked on both sides of the ute to give paramedics better access to the trapped driver before freeing the injured man from the wreck.

The driver of the Holden ute, aged in his 20s, sustained upper and lower body injuries and was airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in aserious but stable condition.

nounce anew operator of the Mount Macedon Tearooms in the coming weeks.

"Weexpect they will commence operations later this year, after making asignificant investment in the historic building and facilities," the spokesperson said.

The cafe was known for its online snowcam and Chapman's peacock, Kenneth, who roamed outside the tearooms.

Questions remain as to whether the Tearooms will be open for the Anzac Day Memorial service at the Cross, the state's second biggest event on April 25.

More information to come.

Burglaries investigated

Police are investigating burglaries in Woodend on January 20, 2025.

It is believed the two offenders attended two businesses around 5.40am and stole alcohol and asafe.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Castlemaine SES freed the injured driver from the wreck.

Morgan Reinwald

‘A jolt to the system’

Jade Jungwirth

Last week the state government announced its intention to introduce ‘the toughest bail laws ever’ in response to rising youth crime rates.

The reforms focus on home invasions and car jackings, essentially re-classifying those crimes as more serious and lifting the threshold for bail. Those caught offending while on bail for an indictable offence will find it harder to get bailed.

Under the proposed laws, the courts will treat young people accused of series crimes as adults when considering bail –removing the principle of remand as alast resort.

Making the announcement last week, Premier Jacinta Allan apologised to victims of crime admitting “we got it wrong”.

“The tough bail laws will jolt the system: community safety above all, toughest bail laws ever,and consequences for breaking the rules,” she said.

Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said remand rates were expected to increase as aresult but that the changes were important.

“These laws are targeted squarely at the risks of young people committing serious crimes while out on bail,” she said.

While many agree with the tougher stance, anumber of individuals and organisations have expressed concerns about the ramifications.

The Australian Lawyers Alliance argues that treating children like adults when making decisions on bail will lead to more children being entrenched in the criminal justice system and an increased likelihood of reoffending.

“These proposed bail law reforms are an alarming backwards step that ignores local and international human rights principles and will not work to make the community safer,” says Greg Barns SC, national criminal justice spokesperson, Australian Lawyers Alliance.

“Taking a‘tough on crime’ political response to youth offences will not make our communities safer,itwill result in more vulnerable children being entrenched in the criminal justice system and becoming locked into adangerous cycle of disadvantage.

“The Victorian government should instead be looking hard at what is causing offending and investing more in support programs to minimise reoffending,” he said.

The bill is expected to go before parliament this week.

Build ahome forrare marsupial

Harcourt Valley Landcare is calling on locals to take part in ahands-on workshop to help protect one of Victoria’smostvulnerable marsupials —the brushtailed phascogale.

The brush-tailed phascogale, affectionately known as the ‘tuan’, is asmall, nocturnal marsupial that relies on the hollows of large, old trees for shelter and breeding. Unfortunately,many ofthese natural tree hollows have disappeared due to land clearing and deforestation.

Since it takes more than 100 years for atree to develop asuitable hollow,nest boxes are acrucial solution for providing safe spaces for phascogales to live and raise their young.

According to local ecologists, Mount Alexander is astronghold for the species, making conservation efforts in this region critical to their survival.

This event, taking place on Saturday March 22, will teach participants how to construct custom-built nest boxes designed specifically for the Phascogale, whose numbers are declining due to habitat loss. The workshop will be ledby wildlife nesting box expert Miles Geldard, who has over 20 years of experience creating habitat boxes for native wildlife.

Harcourt Valley Landcare, with the support of Landcare Victoria, is leading this initiative to raise awareness about the importance of habitat conservation.

Andrew Blake, principal of Harcourt Valley Primary School, emphasised the significance of this effort.

“Our students are fortunate to attend aschool with anatural bushland setting. This unique environment emphasises the importance of safeguarding our natural surroundings and understanding local wildlife like the brush-tailed phascogale,” he said.

Workshop Details

What: Nest Box Building Workshop for Brush-tailed Phascogales

When: Saturday,March 22 from 10 am to 12.30pm

Where: Harcourt Valley Primary School, 3Wilkinson Street, Harcourt

Cost: $30 per person (includes all materials and a delicious catered lunch)

Bookings: Harcourtnestboxes.eventbrite.com

Participants can expect to:

–Learn about phascogale habitat needs

–Build ahigh-quality nest box to take home

–Gain skills in wildlife conservation

–Enjoy adelicious locally catered lunch from The Coolstore Café

This workshop is perfect for nature lovers, families and anyone passionate about conservation. Spaces are limited to 20 participants, so early booking is essential.

Reserve your spot today: www.eventbrite.com/e/ harcourt-phascogale-nest-box-workshoptickets-1246010885099

Build anest box for abrush-tailed phascogale. Photo: William Terry

Chvastek takesonGoliath

Morgan Reinwald

At alocal cafe, the baristas know Nicole Chvastek’sorder: An extra hot almond chai latte. What they may not know,isshe has been intimidating Prime Ministers and the establishment for years, in order to, “keep the bastards honest”.

We’ve watched and listened to her hound politicians, exposes injustices, and cover historic events like the Black Saturday Bushfires, and the bloody Underworld Wars.

Chvastek, arenowned journalist, is known by her colleagues as someone who built acareer on asking the hard questions across both TV and radio. She spent years working for the ABC as an evening news reporter,anchor,chief of staff, senior producer for John Faine’sradio show,and hosting the daily ABC Radio Drive program. In her line of work she only cares about one thing; the truth.

“I don’t care if you’re from the left, or the right, or the moon. So Isort of don’t care what label you put on yourself or other people put on you. Bring me the information, show me the evidence,” she says.

“The right-wings are the ones with the power at the moment. The rightwing politicians and media owners are the ones who are contaminating the minds of mass populations, in my view,through the algorithms, through the outrage sitting on social media. And that’swhere the most serious problem lies at the moment.

“It’simportant to know that climate change is real. Youknow,

Murdoch won’t tell you that. Trump won’t tell you that. Zuckerberg won’t tell you that.

“They don’t care whether or not information has accuracy.But being informed with the truth is really important for your mental health. And for the health of your community.”

Chvastek regards her own community in the Macedon Ranges as, “peaceful for the soul”.

“I come here [to the cafe], and the owner knows me by name, keeps atablefor me, knows my coffee. Isay hello to people in the street, they say hello back. They ask me how my husband is. You realise how important it is to be treated as ahuman being in ainacommunity of human beings.”

When the media acts unethically, journalists have an obligation to call out their counterparts –it’sa self regulating industry.DrDenis Muller, apolitical scientist and aformer journalist (The SydneyMorning Herald, The Age, The Times, London) teaches this to all his journalism students who pass through the doors at the University of Melbourne. Muller and Chvastek are long-time associates and the two veteran journalists have recently started apodcast, Truth, Lies and Media

The show analyses the current political crises in Australia and the world and critiques mass media for its misleading coverage. It acts as a watchdog to bring factual information

in an otherwise Goliath-like industry full of deceitful information. The second episode goes in-depth about Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton appearing on left and right leaning podcasts to promote their own ideologies. They don’t want to speak to actual journalists, says Chvastek. It could undermine them.

“We’ve seen our profession be appropriated by bad faith actors and contaminated and used to hurt mass populations. And so in our small way,wewanttocorrect that imbalance.”

The first two episodes of the show is out now and available on Spotify,Apple Podcasts, or online at feeds.acast.com/public/shows/truthlies-and-media.

Hepburn seeks rate cap

Hepburn Shire Council is seeking approval for ahigher rate cap for the 2025/26 financial year

The council has applied for atotal rate cap of 10 per cent for 2025/26, which includes a7 per cent increase to the existing rate cap announced in December.Mayor,Councillor Don Henderson, said the movewas to ensure the financial viability and long-term sustainability ofcouncil.

“General rates and charges are council’sbiggest revenue stream, making up 66per cent in the financial year 2024/25,” Cr Henderson said.

“Operating in afinancially sustainable way can be challenging when we have asmaller population size than the average council and when we are working from ahistorically low-rate base.

“In 2023/24, we were ranked 60th out of 79 councils for average rate per property assessment (79 being the lowest rate per property).”

The council has stated, an additional 7per cent rate rise would be on average equal to $2.20 per property per week but would generate$1.36 million to invest in programsand services.

“Despite the $1.5 million in permanent savings in 2024/25, and the application for the rate capvariation, the council will need to identify afurther $2.6 million in savings for 2025/26 and ongoing through increased revenue and additional operating efficiencies, and reduction in services,” Cr Henderson said.

“Councils, and especially rural councils, do not have enough revenue sources, and this has been acknowledged by both state and federal governments who have current parliamentary enquiries into the sector’sfinancial sustainability and service delivery

“Weunderstand that there are many in the community struggling under cost-of-living pressures and this decision is not being made lightly.”

Council is working on the development of the draft Council Plan 2025-29 and the 2025/26 Budget which will detail these service changes, and savings. These draft documents will be available for public comment in May

An outcome on the council’srate cap application to the Essential Services Commission is expected at the end of April.

YOUR LOCAL MACEDON RANGESGLAZIERS FOR OVER 50 YEARS

Nicole Chvastek co-hosts the podcast, Truth, Lies and Media.

Residents say Shannons Lane is unable to withstand additional traffic but aplanfor new short stay accommodation would mean greater vehicle use.

Tiny homes,big problems?

Amy Hume

Kerrie residents have warned aproposal for four short-stay accommodation ‘tiny homes’ could create big problems if approved at 131 Shannons Lane.

Provider ‘Shacky’ has plans for group accommodation at the 35.38 hectare site but nearby residents have alerted council to road and safety risks.

Resident Helen Franklin said Shannons Lane was asingle-carriage, dirt road that was “impassable most of the year”.

“It’s aroadthatis4WD access only at the best of times,” she said.

The site is located within the Rural Conservation Zone, and the surrounding area has arural character with larger allotments used for varying forms of agriculture.

Ms Franklin said the area hadpoorphone reception and she wasfrequently called on to assist drivers who had become trapped.

“I’m notreallyupfor that happening more frequently than it already does as the result of these tiny homes,” she said.

Plans show access to the group accommodation would be provided via anew crossover from Shannons Lane with car-

parking located closer to the site entrance about 250 metres from the group accommodation.

Living opposite the applicant’s property, Andrew Chambers confirmed the road was “unable to withstand additional traffic”.

“If you are driving along Shannons Lane, and another car approaches, it isnecessary to reverse one car into adriveway in order for one of thecarstopass,” he said

“The proposal will obviously create additional traffic, together with noise and dust from guests entering and leaving the accommodation.”

Objectors were concerned about travellers using the accommodation not understanding the fire dangers, and insufficient access and emergency evacuations.

“It’s an extremely dangerous place to live and you might say –why do any of us live here?” resident David Skewes said.

Objectors also raised concern about loss of amenity, inconsistency with neighbourhood character, and impact to local wildlife. There was atotal of seven objectors to the application. The council is expected to make adecision on the application at afuture meeting.

Take control of your health today

The GPspracticing at ourclinic arehighly trained and supported by ateam of friendly receptionistsand experienced nurses.

GP servicesinclude:

•Women’s,men’s and children’s health

•LGBTQIA+ health

•FotoFinder skin checks

•Health assessments

•Hearthealth checks

•Medical body composition analyser

•Flu and COVID-19 vaccines

•Mentalhealth

•Chronic disease management.

OPENINGHOURS

Mon –Thu: 8:00am –7:00pm Fri: 8:00am–6:00pm Sat: 9:00am –3:00pm

Fringe fiesta!

The 2025 Castlemaine Fringe Festival gets under way this Saturday with afree 'Opening Night Street Party Spectacular'.

The event will kick off at 4pm with youth presentations in Mechanics Lane, and then continue until late with three stages in the Castlemaine Town Hall precinct featuring 150+ performers, dance acts, live art painting, projections, DJs and more.

Ahuge lineup of local legends will keep you dancing way into the night including The Presbyterians!

There will be food and drink and fun for all ages.

For more than 30 years, Castlemaine Fringe has been aplatformfor independent artists, musicians, performers and creatives, offering aspace for innovation and artistic expression outside the mainstream.

Fringe is rooted in inclusion, accessibility and community participation, ensuring that local talent is supported while keeping the arts accessible to all audiences.

The 2025 event runs through until April 6isset to be the biggest and best yet featuring more than 160 events spanning music, theatre, visual arts, literature, film, comedy and workshops, with amix of ticketed and free performances.

Whether you're drawn to music, theatre, film, visual arts, comedy or community conversations, this year’s Fringe program has something for everyone.

Be sure to grab your copy of the 2025 Castlemaine Fringe Festival wrap in our sister paper the Castlemaine Mail this Friday.

For more details about the festival and tickets visit www.castlemainefringe.org.au

Kitchengarden grows

Morgan Reinwald

Kyneton High School has partnered with Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health and successfully secured a $50,000 grant from the state government to grow akitchen garden.

The project is one of 84 recipients who successfully outbid over 600 applicants to receive ashare of $4.87 million from VicHealth.

Aspokesperson from VicHealth said this application stood out because of its partnership approach.

The project aims to strengthen local food systemsand hasprovided Kyneton High School students with hands onopportunities to design, build and grow their own space.

Jonathon Swan, head of technology at theschool, said the newspacewas previously overgrown. Its transformation into agardeninvolved students in the entire process, including woodwork students who built the garden beds and tables.

Mr Swan hopes science classes can use itfor experiments and English classes may find inspiration in it for their creative writing.

"We have plans to turn this into an outdoor classroom," he said.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas was at the opening and stressed the importance of school students leading healthy lives.

"Every young Victorian should have access to the resources they need to lead ahappy and healthy life. This grants program is so important, helping break down barriers to good health," she said.

Kylie Stafford, community engagement and partnerships officer at SCCH, saidtheir plans for the space were just getting started.

"This project will benefit the whole community with students cooking meals, using produce they've grown for distribution through Kyneton Community House," she said.

Future plans also include students growing and cutting flowers forKyneton's annual Daffodil Festival.

Sophie Wright, ayear10student, waters the newly built garden.

Cancer care projectappeal forfunds

Kyneton Health is calling on the community to help raise funds for ascalp cooler to enhance the care provided to their oncology patients.

An appeal launched in August last year has to date raised $10,231, with afurther $37,012 needed to purchase the much-needed equipment.

Central Highlands Rural Health is reaching out to individuals, businesses and community groups across the Macedon Ranges seeking their support for the appeal.

A‘scalp cooling machine’ can minimise the impact of cancer treatment. Patients receiving chemotherapy treatment often experience hair loss, which can be physically uncomfortable and emotionally distressing. Cold caps or scalp cooling may help reduce the amount of hair loss for some individuals. They work by narrowing the blood vessels and reducing the amount of chemotherapy reaching the scalp.

Spirit de Cure and Suncorp contributed $10,000 in Au-

gust 2024, which was agreat start to the appeal, however further donations are needed.

Susan Jennings, executive director of clinical operations, said they were truly grateful to receive funds from Suncorp and Spirit de Cure’sdonors to enhance their oncology services.

“We’re now asking our local community to consider giving agift that will make adifference to our cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment,” she said.

If you can make adonation, visit Kyneton Health’s reception and complete adonation form or you can request forms and invoices by contacting Kathryn Kosloff, engagement and fundraising manager,on0439705 039 or email giving@chrh.org.au

Youcan also give online via www.chrh.org.au/donate or you can create your own fundraiser via www.givenow.com. au/scalpcooler if you’d like to run, walk, read or bake to raise funds for this important community fundraiser

Recycling rigidplastic containers

Empty,rigid plastic containers from thekitchen, laundryand bathroom go in themixed recyclingbin.

Unless youhaveaccess to adedicated soft plastic recyclingservice,place plasticbags, polystyrene (styrofoam),foammeat trays, take away coffeecups andother soft plastics (codes 3, 4, 6& 7) in therubbish bin.

*Visitwww.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/ My-Property/Waste-and-recycling forlid recyclingprograms

Kyneton Health’s oncology nurses, Samantha Jones, Britt Poynton and Colleen McGarvey.

Fight ignites overservicecentre bid

Amy Hume

Woodend residents are fighting an application for afreeway service centre at the edge of their town, just four years after VCAT rejected asimilar proposal.

Plans include three fast-food restaurants with drive-throughs, 174 parking bays for cars/trucks/caravans, internallyilluminated signage, and construction of two new on/off freeway ramps.

The applicant, Welsh Leisure, has appealed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal following Macedon Ranges Shire Council's failure to grant apermit within the prescribed time.

READY TO FIGHT

Objector Karen Hunt said the plans were ashock but residents were prepared to put up achallenge.

"People are shocked and alarmed at what is being proposed, especially so soon after aprevious application was refused by both the council and VCAT," Ms Hunt said.

"Woodend is regarded by tourists as one of the most beautiful areas to visit and this scar on our landscape would undoubtedly ruin its beauty.

"It will be an eyesore from the freeway but also from Mount Macedon, Camels Hump and Hanging Rock.

"Tourists heading north will be deterred from calling in to the township of Woodend for fuel, therefore not wandering around the town and spending on coffee, food and other services the township already offers."

Ms Hunt is among agroup of 20 residents who launched aChange.org petition against the application last week.

Objectors have also flagged concerns about rubbish from the fast-food outlets, light and sound pollution, and the site's elevated position.

LOCATION

The current proposal is for land on the western side of the Calder Freeway, about 880 metres north of its intersection with Romsey Road.

The entire site contains two parts, one to the west of the freeway and one to the east. Together they have atotal area of 22.29ha.

Development of the eastern area is not included in this application, however, residents believe approval of the western area may trigger an application for asecond freeway service centre located opposite.

The proposed freeway service centre is located 43km north of the Calder Park BP freeway service centre and 62km south of the Ravenswood Ampol freeway service centre. Petrol stations are also located at Carlsruhe, Black Forest Drive and Woodend.

Both MRSC and VCAT rejected apermit for afreeway service centre at Barkers Road/Calder Freeway, Woodend, in 2021. That proposal attracted 152 objections. Impact on the landscape was akey part of the decision, with reference to the council's Planning Policy Framework and Municipal Strategic Statement.

Woodend residents have also successfully fought two other petrol station proposals for High Street in 2015 and 2018.

SUBMISSIONS DUE

The application can be viewed via Macedon Ranges Shire Council's website: mrsc.vic.gov.au Submissions to VCAT must be made by March 21 via: vcat.vic.gov.au/respondplanning

The VCAT hearing is scheduled for June.

Residents can sign the online petition via: change.org/p/say-no-to-freeway-service-centre-save-woodend

An artist’s impression of the proposed service centre.

Ride to raiseawareness

Aftercycling solo from Sydney to Perth and raising $5000 for Endometriosis Australia, Castlemaine tour rider Dave Stephens is getting set to take off on his next long-distance ride –a5000km unsupported journey from Wilson’s Promontory to Darwin.

Following the same spirit as his previous 2023 challenge, Dave says ‘Overland’ is about more than just covering distance.

“It’s about raising awareness for the one in seven Australians living with endometriosis and supporting better healthcare access in regional and rural communities,” he said.

The cause is one close to Dave’s heart as his partner Bella suffers from endometriosis.

Dave is hoping to raise adollarfor every kilometre travelled, with funds going to Endometriosis Australia’s Nurse Scholarship Program –aninitiative that helps healthcare professionals improve diagnosis, treatment and education in areas where specialist care is often out of reach.

Each scholarship costs $2900 and is funded by Endometriosis Australia through community donations.

Endo nurses can help to reduce the alarming delay between the onset of the first symptoms and diagnosis, which is about 6.5 years.

During the 10-week unit of study, nurses are empowered with the knowledge and

ing covid after following the adventures of Beau Miles on YouTube.

“I built my own tour bike and enjoyed my first ride to from Melbourne to the Murray River. As aresult my bike is now dubbed ‘Murray’,” he said.

Preparing for his first cross-country ride, Dave was constantly asked what he was fundraising for and upon reflection decided to raise funds to support those battling endometriosis.

“This time around Ireally want to concentrate on raising awareness. It would also be wonderful to meet some of these highly trained nurses in regional areas who are making ahugedifference,” Dave said.

The Journey

Starting on April 24 from Wilson’s Promontory, Dave will dip his rear wheel into the Southern Ocean before heading north –alone –carrying everything he needs on his bike.

The route will take him through deserts, mountains and remote highways, travelling north along the Stuart Highway through the heart of the country.

After roughly four months on the road, he will finish in Darwin, dipping his front wheel into the Timor Sea to mark the journey’s end.

“I did the last trip insix weeks, but this time Idecided to give myself more time to

will shape anumber of projects.” and support the fundraiser, endoaustraliafundraiser.org.au/overfollow Dave’s journey on @daveyourmate Nurse scholarships meeting the following strongly encouraged to apply

for ascholarship: living in regional, rural or remote areas, having diverse backgrounds (First Nations, CALD, LGBTIQ+) and academic background and interest in women’s health. To find out more, visit endometriosisaustralia.org/new-scholarship-for-nurses-tohelp-australians-living-with-endometriosis

The next round of scholarships will be announced in July 2025.

Castlemaine tour rider Dave Stephens is preparing for his next long-distance ride.

Batteries don’t go in anybins.

Smallacts make

a bigimpact.

Take used batteries to the Castlemaineand Maldon transfer stations.

Disposal for recycling is free.

Let’stalk HEALTH +

Getting thebest out of your home care

If you are looking for aHome Care Package provider,you will want to find an organisation that gives you value for money

This will enable you to get the best out of your support at home funds to help you to maximise your quality of life as you get older Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’sHome Care Package team can help you coordinate your services.

With their local knowledge and connections they offer choice and flexibility with how you use your Home Care Package and have access to arange of service providers offering supports such as personal care, nursing, gardening, meal preparation and escorted transport.

They can also connect you to Sunbury and Cobaw’sown services such as podiatry,occupational therapy,physiotherapy,exercise classes and social activity groups.

The Australian Government’sHome Care Package program provides eligible people over the age of 65 years (or over 50 if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait

Islander) with personalised support to enable you to continue living independently and comfortably in your own home and connected to your community

“Wetake the time to get to know you and understand the type of services that are important to you, and help you decide who will deliver those supports,” says Michelle Franceschi, who leads the Home Care Package team at Sunbury and Cobaw

“Wetailor the services to meet your needs and your goals.”

Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health is an approved Home Care Package provider under the Aged Care Quality Standards and has been part of the Macedon Ranges and Sunbury communities for nearly 50 years with staffbased at Kyneton, Romsey and Sunbury

To speak to someone from the Home Care Packages team, call 5421 6061, email hcp@scchc.org.au or drop into 1 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton. To apply for aHome Care Package, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit www myagedcare.gov.au.

In the heart of Gisborne, aremarkable group of seniors is proving that age is no barrier to strength, movement and community connection.

At Pilates +Gisborne, owned by Susan Mangion, older adults are not only embracing fitness but also forming strong social bonds through pilates.

Susan has been amazed by the dedication and courage of the senior participants.

Last year,aspart of Seniors Month in theMacedon Ranges, Pilates +Gisborne offered free pilates classes to older adults, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and try something new.Many seniors attended for the first time, discovering the benefits of movement, flexibility and strength. Inspired by their enthusiasm, Susan introduced apermanent discount code to make pilates more accessible to seniors who wanted to continue their wellness journey

Now,just six months later,a core group of about eight to 10 seniors aged between 65 and 90 have remained committed to their pilates practice. Their progress has been nothing short of inspiring. Not only have they improved in strength and mobility, they’ve also built friendships and astrong sense of community

But for many seniors, it’snot just about exercise, it’sabout being seen and valued.

Susan recalls amoment that deeply impacted her when one participant arrived at the studio and confided, “I feel like the community doesn’t see us anymore. It’slike nobody cares”.

It was asentiment that Susan couldn’t ignore. She reassured them that inside the walls of Pilates +Gisborne, every person mattered.

“I told them, ‘You are seen. Youare

Seniors step up at pilates

valued. And in this studio, you are part of something special’.”

That moment reinforced the deeper purpose behind the senior classes not just for physical health, but for connection and recognition. Since then, that same participant has become aregular,finding both strength and belonging within the group.

“The courage they’ve shown in stepping up to try something new is incredible,” Susan says. “It’snot just about fitness, it’s about connection, confidence and proving to themselves that they’re capable of more than they thought.”

The impact extends beyond the studio walls. These classes have helped combat social isolation, bringing seniors together in asupportive and uplifting environment. The group regularly shares laughs, encouragement and personal milestones, demonstrating that exercise is as much about fun as it is about movement.

Susan hopes their story will inspire other seniors in the community to take that first step. “It’snever too late to start,” she says. “If our 90-year-old participants can give it a go, anyone can!”

As Pilates +Gisborne continues to champion fitness and inclusivity,Susan remains incredibly proud of her senior crew

“They deserve to be recognised, celebrated and encouraged. They are proof that age is just anumber.”

For any seniors interested in joining, Pilates +Gisborne offers ongoing discounted class pass for seniors in the Macedon Ranges, ensuring that movement and social connection remain accessible to all.

For more information, visit www.pilatesplusgisborne.com.au or drop in to the studio to see this inspiring communityin action.

Photo: Chloe Smith

Let’stalk HEALTH +

offers small group powerlifting classes for older adults, designed to help you build strength safely under the supervision of an expert coach.

Whywomen over50 should liftweights

Did you know strength training is the most beneficial type of exercise for women over 50?

Forget the idea that light dumbbells and sweaty cardio are the answer.To build real strength, protect your bones and stay active for life, lifting heavy is where you get the most bang for your buck.

This is especially important for women in menopause and post-menopause, when declining estrogen levels can lead to bone loss, muscle weakness, and a slower metabolism.

Strength training —particularly lifting progressively heavier weights —helps counteract these changes by improving bone density,preserving muscle mass, and keeping joints strong and pain-free.

Some women worry that lifting heavy will make them bulky,but in reality,it builds lean, strong muscles that support daily activities —whether that’scarrying groceries, playing with grandkids, or

simply feeling more capable in your own body

Of course, lifting heavy doesn’t mean diving in without guidance. Proper technique is everything, and that’swhere a good coach comes in.

Learning the right way to lift keeps you safe, prevents injuries, and helps you get the best results.

The secret to success? Consistency Strength doesn’t happen overnight, but training regularly —ideally two times a week —creates real, lasting changes. You’ll feel stronger,move better,and gain confidence in ways you never expected. Ready to get started? Real Strength Studio in Castlemaine offers small group powerlifting classes for older adults, designed to help you build strength safely under the supervision of an expert coach. If you’re interested to learn more, you can book afree membership consultation via www.realstrengthstudio.com or call 0480 732 930.

Controlyour cravings

Hypnotherapy is asafe, available and inexpensive means to enable people to have some control over poor lifestyle choices such as unhealthy eating.

Marianne Pattinson of Kyneton Hypno Therapies says it works by eliminating 'cravings' for unhealthy foods that most overweight people have.

"Hypnotherapy works by placing you in adeeply relaxed state, whereby we can access your subconscious mind, and replace those unhelpful 'programs' with healthy programs, and it works for the rest of your life. How good is that?" Marianne says. Phone Marianne on 0437 001 065 to make an appointment at Kyneton Hypno Therapies.

Melinda is amasters-trained creative arts therapist and has worked as avisual artist and educator for over 25 years, as well as having experience in community arts and theatre. She is also an inspired gardener,avid reader,bird watcher,bread maker,dancer,mother and published writer.She lives on the unceded, ancestral lands of the Dja dja Wurrung people in central Victoria and is passionate about supporting the wellbeing of others through creative curiosity and reciprocity with the natural world and finding joy through creative possibilities.

“I offer aclient-centred, emergent approach, integrating mindfulnessbased interventions, nature therapy and therapeutic play," she says.

"A trauma-informed approach supports wellbeing and seeks to connect people to a sense of joy

Artmaking workshops as therapy

"I offer authentic guidance to others, as they inquire through different creative modalities to find meaning, withafocus on emotional wellbeing.

"A love of being in the natural world together withmyown art making practice, informs the work Iundertake as acreative arts therapist.”

Melinda facilitates artmaking workshops along with individual and group therapy sessions for both children and women and is professionally registered with ANZACATA –the peak professional association for creative arts therapists in Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific region.

She has also completed training in non-violent communication, motivational interviewing, interplay therapy,traumainformed meditation and healing trauma with guided drawing.

Areyou over 50 and want to improveyour strength, mobility and bone density so youcan enjoyanactive and independent lifestyle well into your later years?

The highly popular NeverToo Late Program at Real Strength Studio Castlemaine can help youtobuild strength from anylevel.

•Small group sessions in asupportiveand welcoming environment.

•SupervisedbyaRealStrength coach to ensuresafety

Melinda is amasters-trained creative arts therapist.

Real Strength Studio in Castlemaine

Battery storage, solar secured

Hepburn Shire Council has successfully secured a$400,000 grant for battery storage and solar PV installation at The Mechanics Trentham.

Funding was part of round two of the Victorian Government’s$42 million 100 Neighbourhood Battery Program.

Hepburn Shire mayor,CrDon Henderson, said extreme weather events posed an increasing risk to electricity infrastructure in Hepburn.

“The township of Trentham has experienced multiple severe storm events in recent years resulting in extended grid outages,” Cr Henderson said.

“With extreme weather events in the region becoming more frequent, there is agrowing need for an energy resilient emergency relief centre in Trentham.”

Hepburn council identified The Mechanics Trentham as asuitable emergency relief centre for the town and surrounding areas following extensive feasibility and business case work being conducted.

Currently,the biggest limitation to the use of this site as an emergency relief centre is the lack of suitable power generation in an emergency An energy backup system comprised of a 100kW/280kWh battery and additional 30kW solar PV system installed at The Mechanics Trentham will future-proof this site as an energy resilient emergency relief centre.

It is also expected to create acommunity energy hub for residents of Trentham and surrounding townships to access in the event of an extended grid outage.

“The proposed system is expected to provide up to three days backup power for critical power and lighting circuits from the battery alone, with capacity to charge from solar in island-mode to extended backup power duration if required,” Cr Henderson said.

The Hepburn Shire project was funded as part of ajoint project led by the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance in partnership with 10 councils across regional Victoria.

Empowering expectant dads

Kyneton-based community group Rad Dads has created an event to empower expectant dads with comprehensive birth education and community support.

Bubs and Pubs offers evidence-based sessions covering everything from the physical and emotional changes through pregnancy to the practical skills needed in the birth space—all delivered in arelaxed, pub-inspired setting.

Rad Dads founder Gabriel Carazo said merging informative content with the inviting atmosphere of apub, Bubs and Pubs redefined the traditional approach to parenting classes.

“Historically,birth education has predominantly focused on mothers, leaving many expectant dads feeling underprepared,” he said.

“With Bubs and Pubs, Rad Dads addresses this gap by ensuring that modern fathers receive the tools and confidence

they need to support their partners and care for their newborns.

“This proactive approach not only demystifies the birth process but also empowers dads to take on amore engaged role from the very start.”

Bubs and Pubs aims to creates asupportive environment where these dads can connect and share their experiences openly

“This sense of community helps reduce isolation and stress, reinforcing that fatherhood is acollective experience enriched by shared support and camaraderie,” Gabriel said.

Attendees are invited tojoin regular support groups that offer sustained guidance and community engagement after the initial event.

Bubs and Pubs will be held at Kyneton on April 1. For details, visit the website: raddads.com.au

Bubs and Pubs co-coordinator Ties Urie and Rad Dads founder Gabriel Carazo with children Sonny and Marcel

Firecrackerpoems to feature

PoetiCas'smonthly poetry gatherings in Castlemaine have become acherished part of the community since 2015.

For Castlemaine Fringe, local identities will bring us their chosen poems for an afternoon of 'Firecracker Poems' at the Northern Arts Hotel this Saturday March 22.

Who met Seamus Heaney in Ireland –and will she read one of his poems?

Hear from the only person who has recited ‘McArthur’sFart’ at areception on the 30th floor of the United Nations building in New York.

Be inspired by acommunity member who won the Victorian Premier’sliterary award for poetry

Be entertained by the woman who has atheatre named after her in Castlemaine.

The lineup of community members is exceptional. In what promises to be an unforgettable experience, they will each share poems that have inspired them.

The readers to feature will include Cate Kennedy,Harry Nankin, Siobhán Robb, Joel Meadows, Phee Broadway,Dugald McLellan, Robyn Davidson, Keith McKenry,Maggie Fooke, Bernard Slattery,Sarah Tomilson, Sam Loy,Robyn Annear and Luca Sartori.

Entry is just $5 and all are welcome. Youcan buy adrink from the bar and join the team from PoetiCas in the The Coolroom at the Northern Arts Hotel, 359 Barker Street Castlemaine from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. For more information about this event or the local group, email poeticaspoeticas@outlook.com

Awards open

Nominations have opened for Macedon Ranges Shire Council's 2025 Community Awards that celebrate inspiring people in the shire.

This year, the council is consolidating several past celebrations –including the Community Awards and the Youth Awards –and bringing them together into one event, to be held during National Volunteer Week.

To be eligible for nomination, nominees must live, work or study in the Macedon Ranges at the time of nomination. Nominated community groups must be incorporated.

Nominations are now open and close on March 28. For details and conditions of entry, or to submit anomination, visit the website:

mrsc.vic.gov.au/community-awards

Robyn Davidson, Harry Nankin and Keith McKenry will be among the poets to feature at the PoetiCas Firecracker Poems Fringe event this Saturday.

Poetsand storytellersonshow

WORDSPOKEN is alocal tradition in the making.

The event series, which will return from asummer hiatus as part of the Castlemaine Fringe program, showcases local poets, musicians and storytellers in the shell of the old Melbourne tram at Lot19.

WORDSPOKEN draws on this thread, providing aspace for experimental and experiential artistic expression, inviting audiences to feed their imaginations, hone their listening skills and reflect into the stories that all of us hold –whether spoken aloud or left unsaid.

The tram becomes astage for the theatre of the everyday: the raw, the radical and emergent and –the sometimes –uncomfortable witnessing of each other’s stories as they play out in real time.

The events are produced by locals Sam Thomas and Claudia Lang, who initially crossed paths through the Mechanics Lane events program in 2023.

Thomas grew up in the UK, son to Britain’s first storytelling Laureate Taffy Thomas, from avery young age, was immersed in street theatre, circus workshops, folk festivals in the UK and abroad. Having experienced first-hand the way that live performance can bring communities together, Thomas’s vision for WORDSPOKEN is an ongoing practice that creates atimeless intimate live experience in an attempt to understand who we are in the face of all of our imperfections and contradictions.

Lang was drawn to the project out of acuriosity in modes of connection exempt from the modern filters that shield us from raw expression and honesty. Having journeyed through adolescence at the time when Facebook was beginning to install itself in social fabric, Lang witnessed early on the startling disparity between the details of life that are shared online and the full spectrum of the lives that we actually live. Lang has since spent much of her working life engaged in community development, seeking and building connections that happen face to face, unfiltered, and those that are grounded in place, which has included developing ayouth program with Castlemaine’s backyard composting project, YIMBY Compost.

WORDSPOKEN’s Fringe shows will spotlight the dynamic trio of Patch (Patrick) Pheasant, Maggie Clare and Derry Doyle, young locals who bring heart, zest and alittle cheek to each performance.

Doyle self-describes as a“fly on the wall that rummages for romance in the mundane and spins yarns with afiercely Australian tongue”. He swears like asaint, is sensitive as a sailor, and never lets the truth get in the way of agood story.

Maggie Clare dances the borders between worlds, spooling out stories until they break and roll back to the beginning. Along the way, she’s been known to try on the guise of poet, carnie, clown, wisewoman, diva, but there’s delight in not knowing which persona

Market celebrates

Lancefield and District Farmers Market, the Macedon Ranges’ original farmers market established in 2003, is turning 22 this Saturday.

The community is invited to go along and celebrate with another bumper spread of autumn abundance across 85 stalls along the heritage-listed High Street Plantation with up to 40 per cent of stalls being primary producer (farmer) stalls and the remainder being filled by artisan foods, preserves, ready to eat street foods and other refreshments.

Free facepaint for children is provided and live music will be from popular Tallarookbased band The Skerricks (east end) plus local market darlings The Sunsets (west end). BYO bags, baskets and trolleys –9am to 1pm, High Street, Lancefield.

This authentic farmers market is proudly presented by the Lancefield Neighbourhood House.

she might drag from the dressing room next.

In contrast, Patch Pheasant offers anervine tonic for the tram travellers, sharing spacious cello tunes and song straight from the heart. He draws inspiration from folk traditions, enjoying time travelling through old tunes and bringing them to life.

Pheasant and Thomas first connected during Pheasant’s childhood at the Port Fairy Folk Festival where Thomas performed regularly as part of live art performance company

‘The Chipolatas’, which Pheasant has fond memories of as achild. Through WORDSPOKEN, the two share the stage in this sweet unfolding of events.

No two of WORDSPOKEN shows at Castlemaine Fringe will be exactly the same, featuring surprise cameos from other local artists throughout the program. Tickets can be purchased through www.castlemainefringe.org.au/tickets/wordspoken

Patch Pheasant (pictured with cello) and Maggie Clare perform in the tram. Photo: Aaron Keith

Who is Vladimir Putin –really?

Retired academic Dr Christopher Snedden will be the guest speaker at Kyneton U3A this Friday,March 21.

Snedden first went to Russia in 1977 and has delivered courses on Russia’sstrategic perceptions in his work as an academic.

This session will discuss Vladimir Putin and some of his beliefs and practices.

Who is Vladimir Putin –really? What can be said about this Russian leader? What are his intentions. How popular is he? Do we need to fear him?

Friday@U3A happens at the Redbrick Hall on Fridays during school term time. Presentations are at 2pm and finish up with acup of tea.

This program is open to the public –you don’t have to be amember of U3A Kyneton to attend.

Capture the naturalworld

Ever want to capture the natural world? That incredible bloom, magnificent bird, or the cute furry little friend, but not sure how to?

Let Martha Iserman show you how to do it in The Old Auction House’s new Nature Journaling Workshop.

Martha is aprofessionally trained scientific illustrator with works in museums around the world, including the Smithsonian Museum.

She already had the skills and knowledge to perfectly capture specimens from around the world, but as someone who believes in constant learning, she has also completed acourseinnot just creating but also how to teach Nature Journaling.

The Kyneton classroom is the ideal location for this workshop as the Kyneton Botanical Gardens are just ashort walk away, allowing students to immerse themselves

in nature to practise the skills of observation, sketching and personal reflection.

Whether you’re an artist, writer, or nature enthusiast, Martha’s Nature Journaling workshop on Saturday May 24, will inspire you to see the world through fresh eyes and create meaningful, personalised journals.

Bookings and more information via www.theoldauctionhouse.com. au/nature-journaling-workshop

Prized photographer to visit

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Theentireprocesswascompletedwithindays,thecleanupwasperfectly executed.Deepcrackswerereinforcedandfilled,finecracksdisappeared fandthewaterproofcomponentwithintherendermeansthatIshallnever Renderacesuchsavageerosionagain.

compleSolutionsliveuptotheirname.Theyofferinnovativesolutionsto xissuesanddosowithease.Fromstarttofinish,theentireprocessIhranassmoothlyastheirrenderdid. restorighlyrecommendthisbusinessforanyrenderingtask,windowframe ationorpainting.

Theyarefamilyrun,puttheirheartandsoulintotheirwork,withcustomer service(andtheendresult)ratingamongthebestIhaveexperienced.A brilliantjob,welldone. Withsinceregratitude Jeanette

The Mount Alexander Photographic Society (formerly Castlemaine Camera Club) is set to welcome award-winning freelance travel writer and photographer, Jocelyn Pride, to their next meeting on Tuesday March 25.

Jocelyn combines her eye for detail and flair for words to create travel stories for Australian and international magazines.

Jocelyn’s publication portfolio includes:

International Traveller, Signature Luxury Travel and Lifestyle, Selector, Luxury Travel, Australian Traveller, Cruise Passenger, Mindfood, get lost and Sawasdee Fellow photography enthusiasts and interested community members are welcome to attend the event, which begins at 6.45pm at Chewton Town Hall, 145 Main Road, Chewton.

Let Martha Iserman show you how to capture the natural world in The Old Auction House’s new Nature Journaling Workshop.

Dr Christopher Snedden will be guest speaker at Kyneton U3A this Friday.

Here's what one of our happy customers had to say...

Woodendartsfestivalturns 20

An interview with Woodend Winter Arts Festival founder and artistic director Jacqueline Ogeil.

Midland Express: Jacky, you are celebrating 20 festivals this year, can you tell us what it means to reach this milestone?

Amazement. It has gone so quickly. But also feels longer because the township has changed so much, as has society, and the pandemic has been disorientating. But the festival itself feels forever fresh and our audiences keep renewing.

Q: How did the idea for WWAF come about in the first place?

The idea came to me when my husband and Istopped for acup of coffee in Woodend. We were on the rebound from wanting to move to France and start up an artists commune with Paul Cox and Theo Van Gogh, when the grand c1600 property we were going to purchase together, was taken off the market. We were inspired by the French village festival model, namely Aix en Provence, which we had participated in. At the time we were both performing with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and we wanted to create something in contrast to the Arts Centre model. One where audiences were up close in the performance context and had an opportunity to socialise with artists by wandering across the street and sitting and chatting in cafes.

Looking in the real estate windows we found the house of our dreams for sale in Woodend and snapped it up. Iturned to John and said we could start afestival here, and then discovered St Ambrose Church and its glorious acoustics. All of that was in 2001. The not-for-profit company was formed in 2004, and our first festival was held in 2005. Ichose the winter long weekend because at the time, Istudied what was going on around Australia on long weekends and the winter Queen’s birthday was free. At that time, Woodend was also nicknamed 'Deadend'. Everything shut at 4pm and it rained heavily all weekend. Nothing was going on. Perfect for poetry readings, philosophical discussions and concerts!

Q: Tell us about some highlights over the years? That’s almost impossible! Iambiased and loved all of them and all the various parts. Premier baroque operas, international artists, brilliant guest speakers, intimate chamber concerts and large-scale choral and orchestral works. Seeing students' faces light up with school incursions, the fun and surprise of flash mobs, Mary Larnach Jones’s artwork on the clocktower, the fireworks in 2024, which were our best, silent film shown to live accompaniment, music marathons including 24 hours of Satie’s Vexations, and so much more.

Q: Lots of other festivals didn't survive Covid or have succumbed to cost-of-living pressures – tell us how you've not only survived, but thrived?

Amonth before the pandemic we lost one of our founding members, Sheila Drummond, and we were very shaken by her passing. Then we had to act quickly. Idrew

GVW addresses supportdelays

Greater Western Waterisoffering aface-to-face customer care session in Woodend to provide in-person support. The session is in response to some customers experiencing delays and challenges with their bills recently due to technical issues with GVW'sbilling system. Call wait times have also been high due to the large number of enquiries.

General manager for customer experience Rohan Charrett said the in-person teams would work with customers to resolve enquiries on the day

"Bring your bill along and we’ll work through it together," he said.

To guarantee adedicated time with aconsultant, GWW recommends booking an appointment online. AGWV session will be held at the Woodend Community Centre Hall on Wednesday,March 26, 11am to 3pm.

on the expertise of our highly skilled committee members. We have abusiness plan that has worked for us and we were prepared to experiment and be flexible. Our artistic content is authentic and has integrity, which is core to our purpose. At all times we are realistic and honest with what we could achieve, we pivoted yet remained focused on this core purpose. We couldn’t have done it without our amazing volunteer committee. Ireallywant to pay tribute to our incredible committee and volunteer base, some of whom have supported us from the beginning –Irene O’Duffy, Don Drummond, Tom Foote as the longeststanding members, and of course, our president John O’Donnell.

Q: Tell us what WWAF has delivered to the Macedon Ranges economy over the years?

We are highly focused in our content and delivery. We know our audiences and have brought arepeat audience rate of 82 per cent. The design of the program means there is time to stay, shop and visit. Cultural tourism has been at the centre of our business plan, which was influenced by our reimagining of the French village festival model. As aresult, economic analysis has shown that we have provided the highest grossing weekend of the year for the township of Woodend on multiple occasions and our publicity has also benefited the community.

Q: What can we look forward to in 2025?

An expanded program that is built around our classical music performances and words and ideas. We will showcase film and theatre and celebrate the 250th year of Jane Austen’s birth. We welcome back international artists to our lineup and old artistic friends who presented in our first festival. The model remains the same but it is shaded in different colours. It will be jam-packed with activities as ever!

The program for the 20th edition of the Woodend Winter Arts Festival will be launched with aspecial performance by Ensemble Gombert –Seven Centuries of Choral Music. It will take place at 3pm on Saturday March 29 at St Ambrose Church in Woodend.

Woodend Winter Arts Festival founder and artistic director Jacqueline Ogeil.

@ Y YourOPINIONS

Return it to its rightful owners

AmandaGauci,president,Federation of Environmentand Horticultureinthe

Macedon Ranges

Re: Gisborne open space push (Midland Express, March 11).

Federation of Environment and Horticulture in the Macedon Ranges would like to confirm full support of the project to return the Gisborne pine plantation to its rightful owners –the Gisborne community (via council).

At no time was this land donated to the state government. The land is seen as strategic open space, close to the heart of Gisborne and urgently required as an educational, ecological and scientific priority as the bird sanctuary.Council should not have to fund its return.

We hope that our South Ward councillors, Alison Joseph, Christine Walker and Dom Bonanno, and our local MP,Mary-Anne Thomas, will represent their community and advocate for securing 120 Aitken Street as anatural asset bird sanctuary for Gisborne in perpetuity

No

road levy please

Wayne Lens, Elphinstone

In response to the article ('Push for road levy' (Midland Express, March 4). While Isupport better funding arrangements for wildlife carers, Ido not support alevy (tax) to be placed on vehicle registration. There seems to be abelief that road users have an endless amount of money to pay for things such as fuel (tax), tolls (tax), registration (tax), and maintenance of avehicle (GST tax). Two dollars does not seem like alot to some, to others it is the cost of having food on the table. Do not get me wrong, Iamnot against more funding for wildlife

(1 point) 1. In which town is Blumes Historic Bakery located? 2. Where in the Macedon Ranges is Islay House? 3. Who won the Highlands Pennant Bowls Division One grand final? 4. Who was the 2024 winner of the Cliff Young Award? (3 points)

5. In which town was the Cool Changes Enviro Energy Expo held this month?

6. All sides of arhombus are

7. Who authored the 1925 book The Great Gatsby?

In which country was comedian Fiona O’Loughlin born? 9. Tim ‘The Toolman’ Taylor appeared on which US sitcom? (3 points)

The Simpson Desert in Australia spans which three states or territories?

carers, but this is atax Idonot support. Maybe instead of punishing the community that uses the roads with atax,provide the community with information (statistics) about the issue at hand (educate, educate, educate), (donate, donate, donate), this would be abetter way to go. For funding cannot just come from the government (the people), for these are everyone'staxes and should not be spent carelessly

Here we go again

Alan James, Woodend

In response to the article 'Push for road levy' (Midland Express, March 4). Ihave great admiration for the volunteers and professionals who selflessly go out of their way to help preserve the lives of animals and birds injured by motor vehicles. But, while reading the article, Ithought “here we go again”, another tax that the everyday motorist has to help fund. We can’t even get the roads repaired! We are losing traffic lanes offperfectly good dual-lane roads to bike lanes, increasing commuting times and increased surveillance, in what is supposed to be acost-of-living crisis, all at the cost to the motorist!

The good old car owner is treated as acashcow for the government, just like the tobacco smokers and alcohol consumers.

The princely sum of $2 per year doesn’t sound like alot of money,but on top of that is the cost of insurance, the excess fee with the insurance claim, then the time our vehicle is offthe road being repaired, plus the personal stress of hitting the wildlife. With about 5,400,000 vehicles registered in Victoria each year,this would equal afund of $10,800,000. I suppose minus abit of ahandling fee from our state government, to help with the costs… still avery tidy sum!

There are alot of people who volunteer their time to something, which can cost us personally.Take, for

example, the great work done by the SES andCFA volunteers who are, in alot of cases, putting their own lives and wellbeing at risk without any thought ofrecompense. These volunteers actually are saving the lives of animals and more importantly HUMANS. This is regarded as part of our community service, which is not compensated. If anew piece of equipment is required we have to fund raise for it.

Hitting the easy target motor vehicle owners with another tax, is alack of thought solution. It'sonly $2.00 ayear,they won't notice it,but aswe keepgetting told, things are grim out there!

We all need to makean effort

TrevorScott, CentralVic Climate Action, Castlemaine Frank Sartore, ('A dystopian fantasy world', Opinions,February 18) accuses those who blockade coal ports, orthose who protest against the continued use offossil fuels, of being “delusional”.

Iamproudtosay that Ihave been involved in two blockades of Newcastle port and in 2023 Iwas arrested and charged with obstructing a shipping channel.

My kayak is inflatable, is not “made from petrochemicals”, and Idonot believe for one moment that Iam“delusional”.

You say “without fossil fuels, large-scale farming wouldstop”. This is very likely true but it would be agood thing because the world needs to move away from large-scale and get back to small. We all need to make abig effort in our own communities to reduce food miles and packaging, and increase our recycling and re-use wherever possible.

Asfor your second letter Frank ('Is that an inconvenient truth', Opinions,March 4), you say that Australia only produces 0.5 per cent of total global emissions. This is incorrect. The figure from the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel onClimate Change) is 1.2 per cent. If, however, we include the emissions from all the coal and gas that we are exporting, as we should, the figure is close to 4.5 per cent, aper capita figure that all Australians should be ashamed of.

Foryour information Frank, and for our readers, 80 per cent of these emissions, otherwise incorrectly added tothe emissions of the importer country, are attributable to our fossil fuel exports in the form of coal and gas; and Newcastle is the largest coal port in the world.

You also say“polar ice caps haven’t melted”. Ibeg to differ. Since the IPCChas been monitoring this, about 50 per cent of the polar ice cap has gone, and this contributes tosea levelrise.“Stopping oil”, which you shrug off and say should never happen, will not happen overnight; but if we do not put these transitional plans in place and work towards achieving these goals, we willnot stop runaway climate change which,asIam writing this, is changing life onEarthasweknowit. If we care about saving this beautiful planet for future generations then we need to take action immediately.

It is apriority

Rohan Wightman,McKenzieHill

UnlikeNigel Meeks ('Non-priority issues', Opinions, March 11), Iapplaud the council and federal government for funding abikepath from McKenzie Hill to Parker St via the station.

As along-term resident of McKenzie Hill who was hit by acar on McKenzie Hill, resulting in head trauma, massive grazes from my neck to my ankle and ashattered helmet, and Iknow I’m not the only cyclist who’s been seriously injured, this is something Ihave long been campaigning for

The ever-expanding housing developments along Diamond Gully Road, coupled with very little public transport and no bike/footpaths linking the development to town, will bring ahuge increase in cars onto the Pyrenees Highway

Acycle/walking path from Ireland Street to the railway station and town will enable commuters, families and students to safely ride to the station, schools and shops. This is great for the environment, public health and the community.Myonly complaint is that it doesn’t extend from Sawmill Road to the Steiner School, which would enable even more people to safely ride to and from town.

Facilitating safe and healthy options for people to get from the edge to the centre of town is apriority and will help embed long-term behavioural change. Well done Mount Alexander Council.

Farfromsatisfactory

Suzan Redlande, Castlemaine

Iappreciate that Mount Alexander Shire Council, in presenting its Urban Nature Strip Guidelines, is paying attention to the fact that some people are not effectively maintaining their urban nature strip to enable safe and effective access, to allow services, water and people to move freely

Ido not agree at all with the limited selection ofplants being offered by the council, nor the limitations of size. We have to maintain our plantings and we should be free to make our own selections as long aswe do not infringe on the road, the footpath access, the power lines, access to service points and the drainage. Your document goeswell beyond "not infringing". It restricts and limits our rights. We have to live with the physical responsibility and the aesthetics of the plantings, not council, so we should have the right and power to make our choices, albeit responsibly –not noxious, nor invasive plants etc. Your document is so far from satisfactory it must go tocommunity consultation so we can gather together and discuss asacommunity what we believe are our rights and responsibilities.

Council'spurpose is to enable what acommunity wants, not to dictate it'sown views. We choosetolive here, your purpose and responsibility is to enable us to meet our needs whilst considering the effect it mayhave on others. These guidelines go well beyond this remit.

Ibelieve the Guidelines should be publicly negotiated and rewritten in consultation with everyone in the community affected by them.

The CompostConversation

Over the warmer months it is not uncommon, when turning our compost piles, to uncover aparticular fly’s larvae (or maggots) in our compost. They are long, segmented grub-like creatures, ranging in colour (white –dark brown) and length (5mm –20mm), depending on where they are at in their life cycle when we discover them. What are they doing there, and should we be worried?

The simple answer is no. They are black soldier fly larvae and when it comes to compost they are friend, not foe.

Black soldier fly larvae feast on organic material such as food scraps and decomposing plant matter. They like warm temperatures (28-32 degrees Celsius) and anicely damp (50-80 per cent humidity), dark environment, so during the warmer months our compost piles are the perfect nursery for these little friends.

Not only do they help out with the breaking down of the organic matter in our compost, if you have chooks they have the added benefit of being agreat addition to their diet as they are high in calcium so help with healthy egg shell production.

The life cycle of asoldier fly is approximately 38 days. Firstly eggs are laid. We can encourage adult soldier flies to lay eggs on our compost pile by placing apiece of corrugated cardboard on top, as they don’t lay their eggs on their food source but just above. These eggs hatch, drop down into the compost and spend the next two to three weeks as larvae eating and growing in our compost pile. As they mature they get bigger and darker in colour until they are ready to pupate and emerge as adult flies.

While the adult flies look abit scary, like awasp, their bark is certainly worse than their bite. In fact, they have no bite.

During the adult stage of their life cycle (about five to eight days) they actually

Covering the Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires

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

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don’t have mouth parts capable of biting or even eating. This means they are harmless to our living plants and vegetables, as well as us. Life as an adult soldier fly is all about mating and laying eggs, no time to eat.

In ahealthy and happy compost pile, black soldier fly larvae will be the only maggots there. In asluggy, stinky ‘dump and run’ nacho-like compost pile, it is possible to attract the common house fly maggots, which can spread disease by vomiting their way around the place.

Healthy compost piles attract the helpful soldier fly larvae, it’s awin-win situation.Yet another good reason to keep our compost pile sweet and happy.

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

Trees forSchoolsreturns

GreaterWestern Water is inviting schools across its service region to participate in this year’sTrees for Schools program.

The program provides local primary and secondary schools with up to 50 tube stock of native trees, along with stakes and guards to help them establish and grow.Itaims to increase tree canopy cover and create more green spaces across Melbourne’swest.

GWW’sgeneral manager of strategy and partnerships, Kessia Thomson, said the program was agreat way for students to contribute to agreener future while learning about the benefits of trees.

“By planting new trees with the help of our local schools, we’re improving air quality,providing urban cooling and creating valuable habitats for local birds and wildlife,” Ms Thomson said. The Trees for Schools program is delivered by GWW with the support of the Victorian Government through the More Trees for aCooler Greener West Program and Greening the West.

Expressions of interest are open now until April 4. Schools can learn more and apply via GWW’swebsite: gww.com.au/about/ community/trees-schools

Students from Riddells Creek Primary School are pictured taking part in the program.

Ablack soldier fly larva from ahappy compost.

Issollarsttillwortthitiftherebbates keepgoingdown?

Thisisacommonquestionthatweare alwayshappytoclarify.Themainthingthat is“goingdown”isthecreditforexcesssolar goingbacktothegrid,whichiscalledthe ‘Feed-inTariff’.Thesecreditsareadifferent thingtotherebate,andtheyarereducing fromnotmuch,toevenless.Therebate inVictoriacurrentlyis$1400,andit’snot goingdownatall.AlthoughtheFeed-in Tariffisreducing,thisisnotthemainway thatsolarsavesyoumoney.Themainway istopoweryourhomeforfreewithsolar, andthosesavingsaregoingupmassively becausepowerpricesaregoinguprapidly. Also,panelpricesarecomingdownsteadily. Overall,solarreturnsoninvestmentare generallyalwaysgettingbetter!

Callustoday: CentralSparkVictoria 3AMarketStreet,Kyneton Phone54625516 sales@central-spark.com

Q: A AmIItooyoungtohhaveaWill?

A: Everyoneovertheageof18shouldhaveaWill Youngpeopleusuallythinktheydonothavemuch toleave.However,theyoftenhavesuperannuation benefitswhichalmostalwaysincludesignificantlife insurance,equityintheirhome,digitalassets(eg. onlinebankingaccounts,socialmediaaccounts), animals,motorvehicles,personalpossessions.If thereisnoWillitisoftendifficulttodealevenwith assetsofinsignificantvalueasthereisnotanexecutor andthenextofkinhastoapplytotheSupremeCourt tobeappointedadministratoroftheirestate.Ifthere isnoWilltheIntestacyRuleswillapply,dictatinghow theestatewillbedividedandtowhom.Thismay meanthatyourassetsgotosomeonewhoyoudid notwanttogetthem.HavingaWillcanmakeiteasier foryourfamilybyhavinganexecutorandguardianof yourminorchildrenappointed.

ContactVesnaPocucatoday: Phone54721588or157BarkerSt.Castlemaine Formoreinformationrobertsonhyetts.com.au

OwnerBuildersandInsurance

ThepopularityofTVshowslikeTheBlock hasseenasurgeinpeoplelookingto ownerbuildand/ordorenovations. When anownerdoesn’tengageinalicenced builderandinsteadmanagestheworks themselves,theymayfindtheyneedto arrangeOwnerBuildersWarrantyInsuranceshouldtheychosetosellthepropertywithinacertaintimeframe. Ifyouare lookingtoembarkonanykindofowner builderworktoanexistingproperty–makesureyoualsothoroughlycheckyour Home&ContentsInsuranceastheremay besomeexclusionsorsublimitsinvolved. Ifindoubt,giveusacalltodiscuss. Giveusacallon54223333

TheadviceprovidedisGeneralinNature–ForPersonalAdvicepleasecontactyourInsuranceBroker

Callustoday:

45BMollisonSt,Kyneton Phone54223333 www.simplexinsurance.com.au

Whatiscommonlawcompensation inrelationtoatransportaccident?

Commonlawcompensationorcommonlaw damagesisalumpsumpaymentforloss ofpastandfutureincomeandforpainand suffering.Itismadeinthecaseofserious injuriesandseekstorecognisethelong termimpactatransportaccidenthason yourlife.Thecompensationispaidbythe TransportAccidentCommission(TAC)on behalfoftheperson,partyororganisation whowasatfaultforthetransportaccident. Itispaidinadditiontoanytreatmentand supportservicesyoumayreceivefromthe TAC.

CallCarolineGraingerat: GraingerLegal Castlemaine|Sunbury|BacchusMarsh Phone54070161 www.graingerlegal.com.au

Q: Canyoucopy/restoreourold FamilyPhotos?

A: WecancopyandrestoreyouroldB/W& Colourphotos,slides,andnegativesand thenprintthemashardcopiesorsend themtoyouindigitalformat. Withyearsofexperienceusingphotoshop, youwillbesurprisedhowgoodwecan makethemlook

Callustoday: Chapman’sofCastlemaine Phone54705302 77MostynSt.Castlemaine

Why shouldI registerfor MyMedicare?

My Medicareisa new voluntary patient registration model that will formalise our doctor-patient relationship with you, and will giveyou access to moreMedicare rebates, including funding for longer phone consultations.

Registering withMyMedicarewillinitially provide the most benefit if youare an older Australian, if youneed mental health care from your GP,orifyou have chronic and complex health conditions.

Thereisnocharge to register for MyMedicare. Formoreinformation, visit https://www health.gov.au/our-work/mymedicare

MatthewWilson

Q:

A:

EmmaSwinden

Q: A:

MIDLAND Property &Living

MIDLAND Property &Living

Relaxed living andentertaining Re

Step into aworld where light dances through every window and the warmth and light of the sun envelops you.

Inside you will find ahome that not only embraces the beauty of seasonal changes but also offers aflexible living space designed for both relaxation and connection, providing versatile spaces for living and entertaining perfectly connected to the established and private garden.

This charming residence is asanctuary for you and your guests. With separate living and sleeping wings, it provides the ideal balance of communal areas to gather and private nooks to retreat. Whether you are hosting friends or enjoying aquiet evening at home, there are ample spaces to suit every mood and moment throughout the day and year.

Your main suite has luxurious living in mind with its lovely proportions, stunning ensuite complete with afree-standing bath and pretty garden views of the Japanese-inspired courtyard from this space as abackdrop. Enjoy the convenience of adedicated domain that can be closed off in the hallway, creating an intimate atmosphere when desired.

Your guests will appreciate their own entrance and bathroom, ensuring comfort and privacy during their stay. The thoughtfully designed powder room and laundry area cater seamlessly to day visitors and overnight guests alike. By day, simply keep the laundry door shut; when guests arrive for an overnight stay, they can easily access their own private bathroom.

The main living spaces are lofty, large and bright, opening effortlessly onto the garden providing easy access between the interior and the ‘outdoor rooms’. Meanwhile, in your spacious living room, imagine basking in the warm glow of a wood fire during mid-winter.

Impeccably finished, this architecturally designed home has been beautifully executed and stylishly appointed, which

culminates in averycrisp and sophisticated example of country living with astreamlined and stylish edge.

The smart, sleek, black kitchen cabinetry, accentuated beautifully by gunmetal toned stone benchtops, is perfectly complemented by quality appliances. The entire space is framed by garden vistas via banks of doors and picture windows.

The kitchen seamlessly connects with the open plan living and dining spaces, creating the perfect environment for relaxed living and entertaining. Burnished concrete floors feature throughout the home, lending acontemporary feel.

This property is conveniently located just afive-minute walk from High Street shops along Lancefield’s tree-lined heritage streets, and within easy reach of all that the Macedon Ranges offers, including the nearby villages of Woodend and Kyneton, and Hanging Rock is almost at your doorstep.

Property: Architecturally designed privateoasis

Address: Address: 2/45 DunsfordStreet, Lancefield

Price: $730,000 -$760,000

Agent: Raineand Horne Gisborne

Contact: Jason Woodford-Smith 0478 000 441

MountMacedon 715 MountMacedon Road

Only 250 metres from the MountMacedon Hoteland Trading Post Café “Nofrills or cover-ups”on 950m2

Aclassic mid-centuryweatherboardresidence ripe foratotal renovation or demolish and build your dreamhomeonaprime sitewithbeautiful established shrubs and trees

Accommodation includes entrance, sitting room,dining room,kitchen, 3bedrooms,bathroom and laundryand thereisasteel garage

Thesitefeaturesseveral maturespecies of camellias,rhododendrons, azaleas,dogwood,whitespruce, liquid amber and ash trees

Auction Saturday 12 April2025at11am Reserve Price $775,000 View Saturday22March 12.30pm-1pm or Call John Keating 0419 880 444

MIDLAND Property &Living

Supremecomfort andconvenience

This eco-inspired, low-maintenance three-bedroom home offers alifestyle of supreme comfort and convenience. Set back from the street, it provides an ideal lockand-leave option with privacy and tranquillity,all on a753 sqm (approx.) block. Just afew minute’sdrive from central Castlemaine, with its modern design and energyefficient features, this property is perfect for those seeking abalance of practicality, year-round comfort and style.

The home is double-glazed throughout and highly insulated with hydronic floor heating. The open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas create aspacious and functional flow,with the industrial-style kitchen being ahighlight. Equipped with top-of-theline appliances that include aBosch induction cooktop, SMEG gas cooktop, Miele dishwasher and AEG double oven, the kitchen also features stone benchtops and agenerous handmade hardwood island

bench that allows for casual dining. The dining has access to the alfresco area for year-round entertaining. Adjoining the living space is astudy/ home office with abuilt-in desk with storage.

Offering three bedrooms, the main bedroom has awalk-in robe, ensuite and private access to the alfresco area. Asecond spacious bedroom with barn-style sliding doors offers versatility with external access, making it an excellent home studio or secondary living space. Agenerous bathroom has ashower over aback-to-wall bath, a vanity and atoilet.

Alaundry has storage and external access to acovered area. Additional design details include polished concrete flooring, ceiling fans, split systems, extra high

square set ceilings and privacy windows. The kitchen has access to arear enclosed courtyard and aremote secure garage/workshop with astorage room. The generous 6.6m x15.9m garage has a2.4m high roller door access, aworkbench, a solid wood heater and two external doors, and offers vast opportunities for the keen hobbyist or craftsman. The property also provides anexposed aggregate driveway and extra off-street car parking.

This thoughtfully designed eco-friendly home offers aseamless blend of sustainable living and modern comfort. With its energy-efficient features, low-maintenance design and functional layout, this property has the perfect balance of style, privacy and convenience.

Property: Eco-inspired home in a private setting

Address: 81BMainRoadCampbellsCreek

Price: $879,000

Agent: Cantwell Property

Contact: BiancaWiegard 0439 939 619

corner allotment, the property combines the allureofabygoneera with the comforts of modernliving.

Sutton Grange,sited at the foothills of the majestic Mount Alexander.With its idyllic location, this two-bedroom home on 4046sqm (approx) offers alow-maintenance country lifestyle. $695,000

Walmsley 0411 043 324

MIDLAND

1960sgrace and style

Step back in time while enjoying modern luxury with this beautifully maintained 1960s classic cream brick home.

Nestled among stunning landscaped gardens, this property offers atranquil lifestyle with aperfect blend of timeless elegance and contemporary convenience.

Inside, the home is flooded with natural light, showcasing spacious living areas that capture picturesque garden views, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere. Aformalentryway leads you to three generously sized bedrooms, anear-new bathroom, separate laundry and two toilets. The contemporary kitchen is atrue highlight, featuring crisp white cabinetry, asleek black and white 900mm Smeg oven, integrated fridge and dishwasher, and an adjoining casual dining and living area with acosy gas log fireplace.

The expansive lounge area is perfect for both relaxation and entertaining, offering large windows overlooking lush garden vistas. Glass doors open up to aprivate covered alfresco barbecue area –ideal for entertaining family and friends all year round.

The meticulously landscaped gardens offer vibrant colour, shade and privacy, and hold exciting potential for subdivision or even asecond dwelling (STCA). Additionally, the property has been updated with a solar energy system to promote sustainability and efficiency.

For those needing extensive space for cars or projects, the 18m x7.6m four-car garage with acircular driveway provides ample room. The original single garage has been thoughtfully converted into astylish office/studio-perfect for working from home or indulging in creative pursuits. Plus, a10kWsolar system adds to the home’s green credentials.

Just ashort stroll from the vibrant Castlemaine town centre, this exceptional property presents an outstanding opportunity. Enquire today to secure your slice of grace, style and space!

Property: 1960s classiccream brick home with beautiful gardens

Address: 66 Elizabeth Street,Castlemaine

Price: $1,075,000

Agent: Belle Property

Contact: RobWaller 0418 571130

Blasi Mulholland 0417 311 733

Belle Property Castlemaineand Maldon.

1LawrenceParkDrive, Castlemaine.

5 a 2 b 5 v 1349r

•Set on agenerous corner block with beautiful gardens, this elegant homestead offers expansive living space and timeless style.

•Four bedrooms, separateoffice,open-plan living with bay window, contemporary kitchen and ample storage

•Large alfresco, extensive gardensand abundant vehicle storage.

For Sale

$1,090,000 View

Saturday 22nd March: 1:00pm-1:30pm

RobWaller |0418571 130

BlasiMulholland |0417 311 733

265Pullans Road, Gower.

2 a 1 b 2 v 20w

•20-acreproperty with bushland, birdlife and two large dams

•Charming 2-bedroom cottage with off-grid living,timberfloors, sundeck andspacious workshop.

•Direct accesstoMuckleford Nature Conservation Reserve, just 8km from Maldonand 10 km from Newstead.

For Sale

$530,000 View

Saturday 22nd March: 3:00pm-3:30pm

BlasiMulholland |0417 311 733

Rob Waller |0418571 130

321StrathleaRoad, Strathlea.

3 a 1 b 4 v 1860r

•Set on nearly halfanacre,this country farmhouse offers afantastic renovationopportunity.

•Featuring three bedrooms,cosy lounge, central kitchen and sunroom with scenic views

•Located 5minutes from Newstead,25 minutes from Castlemaine.

For Sale

$350,000 View

Saturday 22nd March: 2:00pm-2:30pm

BlasiMulholland |0417 311 733

Rob Waller |0418571 130

Scan to viewour currentlistings

0438 361 861 Repairing washing machines, dryers anddishwashers. LocatedInKyneton and servicing the surrounding areas, Including Castlemaine and the Macedon Ranges.Trustedserviceagentsfor topbrandslike Miele,Asko, Speed Queen, Electrolux, Bosch, Omega, Simpson, Dishlex, and Westinghouse. Simp www.kentappliancerepair.com.au kynetonappliancerepairs@gmail.com

&Paving

Neil Francis 18.1.1938 -7.3.2025

Died peacefully at Maldon Hospital.

Adrianus ‘Adrian’

29.9.1936 -11.3.2025

Passed peacefully at Bupa Kyneton. Lovedfather of Brenda and Geoff and daughter-in-lawJodi Opa to Macey Jasmine,Chelsea, Liam and Nate Aprivate farewell to be held with thefamily

ORGAN

Maxine Gayle

On 12th March, 2025

Lovedniece of Neil and Gwen Cousin of Colin and Blanca, Bruce andCarmon and their families Alwaysremembered.

ORGAN Maxine Gayle

Passed away after along illness on 12th March 2025. Aged 58 years Much loveddaughter of Geoff &Betty (dec). Loving sister of Rod. Peace at last. Always in our hearts. Please see alater paper forfuneral arrangements

Phillip Daniel 18 February2025

My darling Phil, for6years youkept me in your backpocket. Iloved youthen and alwayswill. Sleep peacefully sweetheart.

-21.3.2014 Much lovedwife of Syd. Mother of Georgina, Robert, Sydney, Alexandra, William and Emma Grandm of 6

and Remembered

Arthur Edward Thomas 15.08.1937 –08.03.2025

Arthur passed away peacefully aged87. Lovedeldest son of Jess and Noel Jenkins. Brother to Arnold, Nola (both dec) and Helen. Brother-in-lawtoGarry.

Uncle to Narelle,Matthew, Deb,Mandy and Carolyn.

Great Uncle to Aimee and Dillon, Olivia and Ben, Ari, Elaena and Imogene Devoted, loving partner to Pat(dec), Stepfather to Mark and Reshmi(dec) and Wendy andDavid. Grandpa to Andrewand Britt, James,Eliza, Elizabeth, William, Bryanand their families No more pain.

Will be sadly missed. Rest In Peace Deaths

JENKINS

AFuneral Service to celebrate the lifeof Arthur Edward Thomas Jenkins will be held at the Thomas JScott Memorial Chapel on (WEDNESDAY), 19th March, 2025 commencing at 10.30 am. Burial at the KynetonCemeterytofollow.

Forthoseunable to attend theservice the family warmly invite you to join viathe livestream at tjscottandson.com.au

&A TRUCK Deceased estates, specialists, shed cleanouts. Removals &single items -pickedup and delivered. Clearance forhouse sales Resonable rates -freequotes

NOTICE TO ALL ADVERTISERS

Section 29 of the FairTradingAct 1999 requires the inclusionofafullnameand address (not PO BoxNumber) –inall advertisements for the supplyofgoods and services.

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

IMPORTANT NOTICE DISCRIMINATION

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful foranadvertiser to showany intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy,race, age,marital status,political or religious belief or activity,industrial activity,parental or carer status physical features,disability,lawful sexual activity/ sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with aperson with one of theabove characteristics,unless covered by an exception or granted an exemption under the Act. As we could be legally liable if we print an unlawful advertisement, we will not accept advertisements that appear to

or

Is your family Celebrating?

• Anniversary, • Birth,

• Birthdays,

• Engagement,

• Wedding

Kyneton 5422 1488

Castlemaine 5472 1788

classifieds@midnews.com.au

WHEELS DEALS

SONIC

SPRAYUNIT ‘GOLDACRES’ 100litre tank, 30m spray hose/gun. Honda engine.GC. Runswell. $800 PH: 0418 381 474

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economical. (Cannot driveanymore) YCQ 074, $5,500. Ph 0418 362 667

HOLDEN RODEO 4x2 twin cab,petrol auto,A/C,CD. elec. windows/mirrors, towbar,tub liner 128,000 kms Rego &RWC.Vin# MPATFR27H6H550026 V.G.C.$10,000 ono John 0428 527 346

KYNETON

Collins Newsagency -MollisonSt

Express Office -Market Street

Fika Café

Kyneton Home Hardware

Kyneton IGA

Kyneton /Daylesford Drycleaners

Watts Fresh -Mollison Street

EG Ampol Petrol Station

MALMSBURY

General Store

REDESDALE /LANGLEY

General Store

TRENTHAM /TYLDEN

IGA Country Store

General Store

WOODEND /CARLSRUHE

IGA Woodend

Woodend Newsagency

Carlsruhe Roadhouse

GISBORNE

Foodworks

Gisborne IGA

RIDDELLS CREEK

Riddells Creek Newsagency

MACEDON

Macedon IGA

Macedon Newsagency &Post Office

MT.MACEDON

Mt Macedon Trading post

ROMSEY

Coles Romsey

LANCEFIELD

Lancefield IGA

Liberty Service Station

Property Management Macedon Ranges

CASTLEMAINE

Ampol Service Station -Johnstone Street

Belle Property -BarkerStreet

Caravan Park Big -Doran Street

Castlemaine IGA -BarkerStreet

Castlemaine Property Group

Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar

Cumberland -Barker Street

Daily Express -C/M Railway Station

Das Coffee House -Mill -Walker Street

Hot &Crusty -Barker Street

Jellis Craig -MostynStreet

Lyal Eales -Barker Street

Maxi IGA -HargreavesStreet

Newsagency -MostynStreet

Regional Enterprise -Halford Street

Tingays smash repairs -Elizabeth Street

CHEWTON /TARADALE

ELPHINSTONE

Grist Bakery -Wesley Hill

East End Servo -Main

Chewton Post Office

Elphinstone Post Office

Taradale Metro Fuel

HARCOURT

Post Office

Harcourt BP

CAMPBELLS CREEK /GUILDFORD

Mt Alexander Timber &Hardware

Campbells Creek Post Office

Five Flags Merchants

Guildford Post Office

NEWSTEAD

Newstead Grocer/Bakery

Post Office/RSD

Newstead Country Store

MALDON

Newsagency -MainStreet

Maldon Information Centre

Baringhup Store

CASTLEMAINE

There was atight finish in Saturday’s par competition, with Matthew O’Brien (5) edging out Megan Carroll for the overall prize on acountback after both carded +3. O’Brien topped A-grade by one from Peter McCombe (10), and Carroll was best in B-grade from Jason King (13) on +2.

C-grade also required acountback, with Andrew Dzioba (21) the winner from Paul Miller with both on +1.

NTPs went to McCoombe and Grant Thomas, and Rob Prendergast had three birdies.

Fresh offher win in the women’s monthly medal, Julie Cross (41) claimed the morning nine-hole event with 19 points, with runner-up Genevieve Cantwell (36) on 19.

B-grader Ron Jenkins (18) topped Thursday’sstableford field with astellar 39 points, beating A-grader Gavin Lang (7) on acountback.

NTPs went to Leigh Campbell, who also had three birdies, and Jen Dyer GISBORNE

In perfect conditions, the second-best bare foot bowler in the Bowled Over team took out the A-grade in Saturday’s stableford with 42 points.

Dave Erskin won B-gradewith 41 points andthe manwith his names around the wrong way,Jackson Lee, won C-grade with the day’sbest score of 43 points.

Roberta Henry was the women’s winner with 40 points. On Thursday, the women again dominatedthe open competition with 112players

The best golfer in the Lock household, Dao, won with 43 points on a countback from Moon ‘Flash’Gordon.

The course was closed on Wednesday sosomeofthe women headed to Trentham. Dao Lock continued her fine form and won the two-person Ambrose with Elizabeth Moran, shooting anet 64.75.

Don’t forget the AGM on this Wednesday at the Gisborne Bowling Club at 7.30pm.

KYNETON

Summer might be over but Damian Summers is still bringing the heat, carding asizzling 44 points to win Saturday’s stableford. Summers (14) had aone under 34 offthe stick on the back nine, including three birdies to finish four clear of fellow B-grader Ivn Smolcic (16).

David Moore (8) played his last five two under par to finish with 38, one clear of James Elston (12), while seven players beat their handicap in C-grade, Col Hanna (25) continuing to shine by beating Connor Munro (25) on acountback.

In her last Saturday round before returning home to Scotland, Barb Grant (20) won the women’sdivision with 34 points, on acountback from Rob MacRae (18).

NTPs were Summers, Daniel Dubens, Simon Rosenberg, Glenn Cook and Jesper Hansen (also super pin).

The week began with the Labour Day two-person ambrose, and Terry Gamble —Ross Martin had eight birdies in their 62-3.25-69.75, half ashot ahead of Glen and Jonah Harris.

Julie McKellar (27) scored on every hole to win the women’ssection with 39 points.

MOUNT MACEDON

Congratulations to Mark Burrage on winning the final of the summer match play series. He was square with the card on the first nine, and ended up with a4/3 margin over Rob Taylor.

Themidweek event was the club’s first ever trial of astroke maxcompetition.

Mike Gorman (17) nett 71 won from Walrus (14) 73 on acountback from Shooter Dawson (15) in A-grade, and Karl Pongracic (22) had anett 63 to be four clear of Gerry Timmins (27) in B-grade.

NTPs went to Snags Sinclair and Mike Smitheram.

The two Brians, Freestone and Walsh, won Saturday’smultiple stableford with 81 points, from Mike Hoiles and Bubba Watson 78.

Smitheram’spersistence was rewarded with an eagle 2onthe 14th Due to pennant competition, the course will be closed this Sunday,March 23, and again on April 13.

ROMSEY

The heat rule was activated on Saturday so a9am start applied for the stroke event. Many of the pennant players took the chance to play on courses to feature in round one of pennant, thereby reducing the field.

Veteran John Freestone was the winner with 97-29-68, from Steve Wilkins 88-18-70 and Zac Scales 102-30-72. Wilkins (2) and Steve Hehir were NTPs, and Anthony Lakey had the longest drive.

Wednesday stroke: Lis Manktelow 9727-70 on acountback from David Jones 86-16-70, with Hugh Williams 89-17-72 third and best putter (30).

Twohit-offtimes applied for the Labour Day stableford, with hot conditions and hard fairways.

Anthony Lakey (23) had afine 40 points, to win from Bob McLennan (15) on 35 and Mick Squire (6) on 34.Lakey and Scales were NTPs, and Luke Lyons had the longest drive.

TRENTHAM

On avery hot Wednesday,34teams played in awomen’sguest day.

Best scratch score was a74from Bev Smith —Lisa Caines, from Paula Britton —Glenda Wood 76.

Gisborne’sDaosari Lock and Elisabeth Moran had the best nett tally of 64.75, with Jennifer Baillie —Paula Britton on 75.

On Saturday,70turned out for the first day of the Autumn Tournament.

Men’s4BBB stableford: Sam Carroll —Alex Purvinas 48 points, from Mrk Woodall (Tocumwal) and Dale Height 45 on acountback from the unlucky Colin Wilson —John Hudson.

Women: Gisborne’sJudith Elliott and Suzanne Velk won with the day’sbest tally of 48 points, from Rhonda Holcombe —Terri O’Callaghan 46.

Mixed: Crinne and Kevin Dalach (Royal Park) 45 points, from Trish Mann —Austin Doherty 43.

WOODEND

Terry Morley —Teaote Davies had anett 69 to narrowly beat Julie Harris —Barb Grant, with Connor Munro Valme Smoors having anett 62 in the mixed to easily beat Woodend’sJamie and Leighan Owen.

In the Macedon Ranges Glass monthly medal on Tuesday,JudyAldred 92-27-65 won the medal, but Castlemaine’sMary-Louise Fitzpatrick 90-2664 won B-grade.

Julie Harris 86-18-68 won A-grade, and Julie McKellar 95-28-67 topped C-grade. Harris, McKellar and Fitzpatrick were the NTPs.

Ed Kennedy (18) celebrated his return to the town and club with seven pars and 39 points in Wednesday’sstableford.

Another large field on Saturday, including visitors from Gisborne, Lancefield and Romsey.The course is in top condition, and youngster Will McLean (7) topped A-grade with 37 points, one clear of Romsey’sSimon Donovan.

Nathan Moroney (18) from Romsey topped B-grade with 38 points, and the day’sbest score came from C-grader Marc Hatch (30) with 43 points, two clear of Larry Davis (22) on 41.

There were 39 competitors in Tuesday’sstableford, and Veronica Sullivan (24) spreadeagled the field with 41 points. The next best was 38 points, from Luke Schuliga, Daniel Sipthorpe and Matthew Stevens.

Kyneton region champions!

Anever-say-die attitude and some great bowling under pressure led to Kyneton winning the Ballarat-Highlands Bowls Region Champions of Champions final by three shots in atense finish on Sunday afternoon.

The Kyneton side, which defeated Romsey by 21 shots in the Saturday pennant division one final, travelled to play the strong Victoria (Ballarat) side that won the last three Ballarat pennants.

Eventually Kyneton prevailed 65-62, after trailing overall by 10 shots at one stage following afternoon tea.

The Champion of Champions pennant final was played under the dome at Sebastopol Bowling Club due to inclement weather,with the Kyneton players welcoming support from the sidelines.

Kyneton now represents BHBR at the Champions of State Pennant event at Moama from April 26 to 29.

Kyneton and Victoria traded shots early,and John O’Donnell’srink opened up ahandy lead over Aaron Wood to keep Kyneton in contention.

Greg Podesta led Marc Oswin narrowly for most of the afternoon.

When Victoria’sCraig Ford surged ahead of Anthony Mathison after the break, there were danger signs for Kyneton.

To their credit, Mathison’srink clawed back to win vital ends in the latter stages to cut their deficit to six shots.

Overall Kyneton led narrowly when it mattered and players and supporters were elated with the performance.

Kyneton 65 dVictoria 62: John O’Donnell’srink 27 beat Aaron Wood 20, Greg Podesta 23 dMarc Oswin 21, Anthony Mathison 15 lost to Craig Ford 21.

Note: Today (Tuesday) the BHBR final of midweek division 1pennant will be played at Sebastopol between the Kyneton and Victoria BC premiership sides.

Kyneton dominate in midweek

Kyneton Bowling Club’spennant dominance this season continued last week when the Highlands midweek finals were played.

Buoyed by Saturday division 1and 3pennants already,Kyneton swept to victory in Tuesday (midweek) finals for divisions 1and 2.

The winning margins were very large, despite the best efforts of the opposition in the finals played at Lancefield.

In division 1, Kyneton secured an emphatic 95-50 victory over Kilmore, before the division 2side downed Broadford 85-47, reversing the second semi-final result.

In the top division, the ever-reliable skipper Greg Podesta and his team secured a 40-12 margin over Luke Spargo, Anthony Mathison’srink combined well for a32-16 result against Steve McNamara, and Conrad Dawson and co. held offDanielNoonan by ashot.

In division 2, Kyneton skip Mick Bermingham steered his four to a23-20 victory,and Mick Plowman’sfourhad a32-10 margin.

Kisha Monleon, Paul Plowman, Ron Ackroyd and skip David Kennedy won 30-17, with their effort highlighted by an ‘8’ on one end.

After match celebrations continued back at Kyneton Bowls Club, topping offa wonderful season for Kyneton across Saturday and midweek competitions.

Many thanks went to club sponsors TJ Scott and Son, Macedon Ranges Family Law, Sizzlin’ Sensations, Mawsons, and the bowling club’sboard of management.

The division 3midweek final played at Woodend was agood contest, with Diggers Rest managing to eclipse Kyneton Golf 43-38.

FOR THE RECORD

Scores from the three midweek grand finals were:

DIVISION 1: Kyneton 95 dKilmore 50 —P.Ryan, C. Plowman, G. Gascoyne, G. Podesta (s) 40 dD.Langeweg, T. Macgrotty,W.Coyle, L. Spargo 12; J. Cooper,A,Mathison, J. Richmond, Ant. Mathison 32 dG.Tavener,L.Hawkless, M. Johnson, S. McNamara 12; B. Johnson, D. Knight, T. Kelly,C.Dawson 23 dS.Hawkless, C. Hodgson, J. Coates,D. Noonan 22.

DIV.2:Kyneton 85 dBroadford 47 —B.Hanna, L. Gent, O. Regan, M. Bermingham 23 dL.Young, W. Reardon, W. Blackburn, R. Chapman 20; S. Fenton, C. Bermingham, B.

Podesta 25-23

Kyneton bowler Greg Podesta’sextraordinary winning streak continued on Saturday when he won the Ballarat-Highlands Region Champion of Champions singles title.

In atight match at Sebastopol, Podesta defeated Colin Johnson (Central Wendouree) 25-23.

The Kyneton star is in for abusytime, advancing to State Champions Week in April where he will represent Ballarat-Highlands region in the play-offs for the Champion of Champions, singkes, and triples —with Glen Gascoyne and Graham Edwards.

Podesta joined Kyneton Bowling Club this season from Kangaroo Flat, and has played abig part in the club’sremarkable pennant success this season. He is pictured on the green with the trophy after winning at Sebastopol on Saturday

Toll, M. Plowman 32 dJ.Manning, R. Campbell, P. Stockens, L. Gleeson 10; K. Monleon, P. Plowman, R. Ackroyd, D. Kennedy 30 dP.Donovan, J. Bruce, B. Goddard, D, Kelly 17.

DIV.3:Diggers Rest 43 dKyneton Golf 38: D. Burrows, J. McMahon, R. Nancarrow,T, Odgers 13 lost to L. Vereker,P.Strang, B. McKimmie, J. Turner 21; K. Nancarrow,J.Beckett, F. Bonnici, J. Higgins 30 dS.Strang, J. Butselaar,J.Ramsdale, W. Turner 17.

Wares take titles

Maldon’sJulie and Trevor Ware only took up croquet last year but have taken to the sport with apassion.

Last weekend they were among anumber of local players who took part in the Boort Croquet Tournament, one of the most popular events for croquet players with competitors coming from as far apart as Mildura and Bairnsdale.

Competing in division 2, Julie was undefeated in her block and progressed to the best of five hoops final against David Searle from Ballarat. They were tied at two hoops each before Julie ran hoop 5totake the title.

In the doubles competition, Trevor was paired with Sid Gomes-Viera from RichRiver and winnning three of their four games was to enough to give them the division 4title.

Back Row: JRichmond, GGascoyne, CDawson, CPlowman, JCooper, AMathison (snr), AMathison (jnr). Front: GPodesta. BJohnson, DKnight, TKelly, PRyan.

Well done! Kyneton’s victorious team after their win. Photo: Anthony McCabe

CDCA premierscrowned

Castlemaine District Cricket Association sides overcame blistering heat and overnight rain to complete their grand final showdowns last weekend.

The Women kicked offthe weekend with agrand final battle at Hepburn on Friday night where the home side emerged victorious over Newstead.

AGrade and CGrade (Under 16s) began two-day contests on Saturday and AReserve and BGrade sides played rapid-fire one-day matches to decide their premiers.

Highlights of the round were Hepburn batsman Nathaniel Lowe’s 115intheirwin over Mia Mia, and Castlemaine United CGrader Gabriel O’Sullivan’s4-13 with the ball to help his side to awin over Barkers/ North/Harcourt.

Results were: AGRADE

Castlemaine United Cricket Club has won the flag after aclose battle with rivals Guildford at the Camp Reserve. Guildford won the toss on Saturday and elected to bat.

Guildford made 7-158 (Troy Thomas 68, TomReece 22, Charles Bunting 20; David George 4-33, James Chaffey 2-35).

Rain overnight threatened to wash out play but the sides battled on Castlemaine United making 7-161 (David George 66 not out, Brian Brasher 30, James Chaffey 21; Cordie McKendry 3-39, Jack Casley 2-24, Matthew Manning 2-51) to claim the prize.

ARESERVE

Taradale 7-173 (Brock Fletcher 58, Steve Learmonth 30, Andrew Vance 25, Leigh Bennett 20 not out; Levi Bruce 3-18) took the honours over North Castlemaine 7-169 (Nathan Anderson 57, Jamie Allan 32, Ken Chapman 22, Karsen Beer 16; Daniel Maerz 4-35) at Wesley Hill.

BGRADE

Mia Mia 10-263 (Nathan Sims 71, Seamus McKenna 68 not out, John O’Sullivan 42, Simon Dundas 31; Nathaniel Lowe 4-63, Isaac Pedretti 2-24, Lucinda Lowe 2-44) lost to adetermined Hepburn 3-267 (Nathaniel Lowe 115, Ashley Lovick 57, Corey Pedley 43 not out, Vineet Kumar 26 not out) at Mia Mia. The home side set agreat target for Hepburn to chase but couldn’t follow through with the ball.

WOMEN

Hepburn 107 (Jennifer Schellekens 17 retired not out, Lucinda Lowe 10 retired not out; Fianna Gardner 2-9) were victorious over Newstead 101 (Eve Righetti 17 retired not out, Gen Butler 11 retired not out).

CGRADE (Under 16)

Barkers/North/Harcourt 5-59 (Jordan Hardy 21 not out, Levi Bruce 10; Gabriel O’Sullivan 4-13) lost to Castlemaine United Golf 9-114 (Charlie Cordy 47, Louis Parsons 37; Zachary Thompson 3-19, Benjamin Jardine 2-15, Fletcher McAinch 2-23).

Woodend triples triumph

AMacedon Bowling Club team took out the annual Woodend ‘Tilley’s Triples’ Tournament last Thursday,played in honour of club legend Bill Till.

Every rink on Woodend’snew synthetic and grass greens was used with 24 teams and 72 players competing from clubs including Aberfeldie, Daylesford, Diggers Rest, Gemlife, Gisborne, Kyneton, Lancefield, Macedon, Melton, Romsey,Torquay/Deniliquin, Trentham and Woodend. Woodend Bowling Club president Mike Dornau welcomed all players in beautiful sunny conditions, and reminded them that both greens they were playing on for the day were totally destroyed in the floods of 2022.

“It is agreat credit to the club that we have been able to rebuild from that disaster,and we are now proud to boast possibly the finest grass and synthetic greens in the Ballarat-Highlands competition area,” Dornau said.

“So much so, that we have been able to attract afull field of teams, including some of the finest players in the area.”

There were multiple three-game winners, with the winning team from Macedon Bowling Club —Paul Ritchie, Steve Graham and Graham Hobbs (pictured). Runners-up were the Woodend team of Stephen Pickles, Ron Ackroyd and John Geyer,with the Diggers Rest Bowling Club team finishing third represented by BHBR board member Dave Odgers, Shane Crimmins and Frank Kremer.Best Last Game went to the Aberfeldie Bowling Club team of Ian Ferreter,Shaun Lee and Andrew Rakis.

Club celebrates

On ‘Teams Night’ at Hanging Rock on the last Thursday of the month, Woodend Hanging Rock Petanque Club members choose their own team to play in tournament-like conditions to compete against each other.Graham Cole, Shane Wellington and Ed Lowe were the winners on February 27.

The club is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year,so members kicked offtheir celebrations with along lunch, picnicstyle, at the beautiful Hanging Rock Reserve, last Thursday of the month. The sun was shining upon players as they sat down to lunch and amob of kangaroos hopped by

Each member attending the lunch was presented with a25th anniversary cap as amemento, supplied by Sign Obsession in Kyneton. Aglass of champagne started offthe lunch, with toasts to all club members for their support and encouragement. They continued the celebration with adelicious lunch and finished with alemon curd and blueberry cake from Mignon in Kyneton, which was cut by three of the long-standing club members, Louise and Clive Potter,and Shirley Marshall.

Shirley is presently in New Zealand, playing in the Trans Tasman Australian Team against Christchurch and the club wishes her well. The fun then continued with three games of competitive petanque play underneath the magical gum trees of Hanging Rock. On March 22 they will host their bi-annual Mixed Triples Tournament, with teams travelling from afar as well as from local clubs.

The Taradale AReserve side were elated with their win over North Castlemaine.Photo:Supplied

Above: An elated Castlemaine United celebrate their win in AGrade Photo: Max Lesser

Final rounds intriguing

Bill West

Gisborne District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup 1sts semi-finals take place this weekend at Woodend and Gisborne, after the completion of 14 intriguing home and away rounds.

And the four season 2024-25 semifinalists —namely Woodend, Gisborne, Romsey and Sunbury United —can all feel they have awinning chance.

It'sthe business end of the season for these four sides, and Saturday and Sunday should bring out plenty of onlookers.

The semi-finals sees first (Woodend) play fourth (Sunbury United) at Gilbert Gordon Oval, while defending titleholder Gisborne takes on Romsey at Gardiner Reserve in arepeat of last season'sgrand final.

Based on recent seasons, Woodend has been the big improver with much more depth and agoodmixture of allrounder type players, The team culture is very srong among the Woodsmen.

Josh Eastley took on the coaching role at his old club, and he and captain Marcus Stewart must be exceptionally pleased with the way the Woodsmen have applied themselves to finish on top of the ladder, gaining ahomeground semi-final in the process.

There'sbeen flow-through improvement in other ranks as well, with younger players given every encouragement to maximise their cricket skills.

Gisborne has heaps of talent, with captain-coach Jarryd Vernon and his younger brother Riley both proflic scorers with opposition teams having them as top priority to be dismissed cheaply —harder than it may sound.

The Vernons also capture wickets as well, and assistant coach and last season'sgrand final man of the match Leigh Brennan heads the pace attack for the Dragons.

Jarryd missed matches through injury, and is very pleased with the run-scoring power of the side leading into the finals.

The Dragons were 'stiff' not to finish

on top of the ladder,and many GDCA followers have them as firm favourites for the flag.

Premiers three years ago, breaking a 40-year drought, Romsey has outstanding bat Ben Wayatthe helm, and enough finals experience not to be overawed by playing at Gisborne.

The Redbacks have avariety of bowlers, with Taylor Stevenson doing well with bat and ball this season.

Chris Burkett is abig occasion player, and Thomas Boyer scores quickly Woodend will be wary of Sunbury United, with skipper Damien Edwards, Fabian and Upul Fernando, and several other players capable of making plenty of runs.

The GDCA board and executive, headed by Simon Ovenden, wish all sides well for the finals.

FINAL POSITIONS

This is how the McIntyre Cup 1sts ladder finished: Woodend 102.23 pts. Gisborne 07.34. Romsey 88.13. Sun. United 82.91. Rupertswood 70.45. Macedon 48.47. Broadford 44.27. Kangaroos 30.94.

Empowering on and off court

Gisborne Bulldogs Basketball Club recently kicked offthe first of three Athlete63 workshops designed to empower young female athletes both on and offthe court. Held at the Bulldogs’ home courts, the event attracted enthusiastic participation from girls across various age groups.

Athlete63, founded by the inspiring Layla Prince, is renowned for its holistic approach to athlete development.

Prince’svision extends beyond physical training —she aims to cultivate resilience, leadership and mental strength in young athletes, qualities that are just as valuable in life as they are in sports. By nurturing the mindset of future leaders and game-changers, Athlete63 helps young athletes excel in all aspects of their lives.

This workshop was the first in aseries of three that the Bulldogs will be hosting with Athlete63, with the remaining two scheduled for the upcoming winter basketball season. During the session, participants engaged in interactive sessions focused on personal growth. They learned about goal-setting, overcoming challenges and maintaining a positive mindset through adversity

Ahighlight of the day was Layla Prince’s motivational talk, where she shared her own journey as an athlete and emphasized the importance of resilience and perseverance. Her words inspired the girls to embrace leadership roles, celebrate their individuality and support one another both on and offthe court.

The success of the workshop was made possible thanks to the support of Bendigo Bank and Ozito DIY.Bendigo Bank known

for its dedication to investing in the community,continues to empower the next generation by backing initiatives that strengthen and inspire local youth. Meanwhile, Ozito DIY’ssponsorship is helping provide young athletes with opportunities to grow and achieve their best.

Parents and club officials were thrilled by the workshop’simpact, praising the Bulldogs for their commitment to fostering personal growth and empowerment among their young athletes.

“It’sabout more than basketball. It’s

Atight finish

On Saturday,Woodend

McIntyre Cup 1sts cricketers took 77 overs to guarantee they would finish on top of the ladder

Needing 260 for victory against atenacious Broadford, the home side began well with openers Dan Eastley 37 and Harry Lawson 28 surviving the new bal.

Captain Marcus Stewart 42 andHayden Ingleton 54put together asubstantial partnership, but the loss of Stewart and then heavy scorer WayneElse 19 left the match in an interesting stage with Broadford bowlers keeping the pressure on.

Alate flurry of runs from coach Josh Eastley,who hit three sixes and two fours to make 39 from 26 balls, accelerated the run rate.

The home side eventually reached the required target with sevenwickets down, and three overs remaining. Jack Connell 3-32 was the most successful bowler

AtGisborne'sGardiner Reserve, the home side'smassive 9/409cc was never threatened.

Paceman Leigh Brennan claimed three of the first four wickets, and Rupertswood batters failed to fire apart from alast wicket stand of 47 (Max Howell 39) which carried the total to 139.

Gisborne did not enforce the follow-on and scored 7/119 from 19.5 overs in the time remaining.

With 290 on the board, Romsey breathed asigh of relieved when danger man Alex Browne

Dan Trotta made 46, Will Bobetic 37 with wickets shared around as the Cats compiled 228.

In the remaining match, Sunbury United tuned up for the semi-finals at Woodend ith atotal of 8/332 against wooden spooner Sunbury Kangaroos.

Captain Damien Edwards 83, Liam Sherlock 53, and Upul Fernando 40 were to main scorers with Mace Green taking 3-65.

Premiersafter washout

The scheduled GDCA Kookaburra Shield grand final on Sunday could not be played because of wet weather

Bacchus Marsh women were to play Macedon, after both had won their semifinals easily

Unfortunately play was ruled out at Maddingly Park Bacchus Marsh, on Sunday Bacchus Marsh was declared as premiers for the first time without aball being bowled.

The intervention of the weather gods meant the side that finished highest on the ladder would be premiers, and Bacchus Marsh had achieved this feat.

In its 150th year,Macedon Cricket Club's end of season presentation night takes place this Friday

Rain has impact

Rain at the weekend impacted three of the four semi-finals.

In Johnstone 1sts, flag favourite Wallan demolished Aintree in one semi-final on Saturday

After dismissing Aintree for 100 (Scott O'Donnell 4-28) ,Wallan raced to 1/102 from 21 overs bystumps, with veteran Vince Cumberland slamming 70 from 51 balls.

In the other semi-final Eastern Hill scored 8/145, and East Sunbury did not bat (game abandoned).

about giving these girls the tools to be strong, confident, and capable both on and offthe court,” one of the club’srepresentatives said.

The Gisborne Bulldogs Basketball Club’spartnership with Athlete63 and Layla Prince is atestament to their dedication to building apositive, inclusive environment where young female athletes can thrive. With two more workshops on the horizon, the excitement is building for what promises to be an empowering and inspiring journey

Woodend played Sunbury United in a McIntyre 2nds semi-final, and United compiled 192(Greg Matthews 3-47, TomRobson 2-44) with skipper Lance Watts making 104 after surviving amix-up with both batters at one end.

On Sunday,rain prevented much play, and Woodend batters had totake risks with the result they were out for 139 (Lachlan Sheahan 64) in 28 overs.

In Johnstone 2nds, Eastern Hill scored 174 ,but rain meant Aintree could afford to bat defensively to reach 2/95and advance to the grand final.

The other semi-final between Wallan and Diggers Rest/Bulla was abandoned.

Participants at the Athlete63 workshop.

United also has plenty of finals experience and the Woodsmen realise they can expect strong opposition.

Woodend coach Josh Eastley very pleased with how his side had performed to finish on top.

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