The 2025 Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival wound to a close with a fabulous Grand Parade and Fair on Sunday A huge crowd lined Mollison Street to cheer on participants in the parade as music filled the street Pictured are staff and students from Our Lady of the Rosary Parish Primary School who gave an enthusiastic dance performance from start to finish
Morgan Reinwald
Local FirstNations groupsacross the region have welcomed the historic state-wide Treaty tabled in state parliamentlastTuesday. It makesVictoria the first state or territory in Australia to introducea bill of this kind in parliamentand,ifpassed, will setinstone a permanentFirst Peoples' Assembly under the name GellungWarl,meaning “tip of the spear”
TheTreatyproposes"FirstPeoples decide
FirstPeoples' issues" and lead ongoing truthtelling and healing across regional towns. This includes re-naming state landmarks to its traditional Aboriginal placename. TheAllen Governmenthas also pledgedtoinclude truth-telling into the school curriculumfrom prep to year 10 and issue aformal apology to FirstPeoples in Parliament.
TheDja DjaWurrung People of Central Victoria (DJAARA) have welcomed the developmentafter setting precedentinJune this year as the first Traditional Ownerstoseek
alocal Treaty with the stategovernment. In astatementtothe Express,DJAARA advised their involvement.
"[The state-wide Treaty]comes on the back of almost adecade of DJAARA’s involvement, from designing Treaty’sframeworks and processes through to negotiations withthe State,"the statementread.
"Treatyenables ataskforce to find practical ways to closethe gapsbetween Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in health, jobs and education, which will be
good forall Victorians."
DJAARA also confirmeditwould notdeter their ownTreatynegotiation with the state government.
Themilestone comesamid the Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil'sown draftReconciliation Plan 2025-2029 thatwas adoptedat their meeting last month.
MayorDom Bonanno votedagainst adoption of the draftoverconcerns it didn't align with the wider community'sstrategic priorities. Continued page3
Whyisitthatlocalsin‘theknow’gotoJackHigh’sBistro@theKynetonBowlingClub fortheplacetodrinkanddineyear-round?
Locatedonthe second floor,its laidback setting allows them to enjoya rooftopbalconyall summerlong, and its secluded nature brings asense of cosiness come winter. It is as much asocialdestination as adining one. Butit’snot the tap-beersthat draw Jack High’s crowd –it’sthe food
Thepub-style menu is genuine. Andthat means large-portioned meals fora price you’ll find hardtobeatanywherein2025. TheSeniorsare looked after, and so arethe memberswho receive10per cent discount on all meals year-round.
Anditjustbecamea whole lotbetterwith chefatthe helm and einvig ated
menu. Aman Singh has cooked in kitchens across the globe fora decade. He’s made meals forevery walk of lifebut decided to settle in this region just overone year ago.
He said he wasattracted to Kynetonfor its natural beauty
So,what’shis messagetothe community?
“I find joyincooking delicious meals for others, so Ifeel good to be feeding the people hereinKyneton,”Aman said.
“I want to support thelocals. We provide attentiveand respectfulservice from knowledgeable staff in aclean and comfortable environment. No one leaves her ith pt to ch.”
w
It’s worth noting if you’relooking for avenue to host your next celebration, corporateevent,orcommunity gathering, then youcan –rest assured –stoplooking. Have ameal and take in the setting hereatVictoria’s oldest continuously operating bowls club (since 1876) and you’ll understand whylocals optfor this spacetocelebratetheir importantoccasions. Andit’snot just the menu thatcatersto all needs. Thevenue ensures all walks of lifecan attend withwheelchair access available and plenty of parking in the
surrounds. It doesn’t stop there. Whether you’reafter an intimate business meeting with 10 guests in aboardroom environmentand thefeel of aprivate chefserving lunch, or an end-of-year club celebration with 266 guests, Jack High’s Bistroisthe perfect location. It’s blend of historyand stylised seating makes it the suitable choice forevery intimate and large gathering, milestone, birthday, or corporatefunction.
Addinthe food,historical significanceand atmosphere, you’ll understand whyit’s Kyneton’sbest kept secret. Iwanttosupport thelocals. ooneleaveshere withanempty stomach.
SignificantTreatylegislation introduced into the Victorian Parliamentlastweek has re-ignited speculation in certain quarters about possible changes to thenames of specific landmarks and waterwaysonstatecontrolled land.
Could it be thatthe widely known phrase 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' eventually changes to 'Picnic at Ngannelong'?
Under the legislation introduced last week by the state government, the new Treaty controllingbody could put forward traditional names forspecified geographical features.
In recent yearsinsomeother Australian statestherehavebeenchanges made that have ledtobothlong-time existing European-inspired and Aboriginal names being used jointly on maps and sign postings.
Nearly three yearsago,DaylesfordMacedon Tourism chiefexecutiveSteve Wroe penned an insightful and in-depth explanatory document, which the Express reproduces forthe enlightenmentofmanyreaders
"Ngannelong wasa sacred placefor ceremonies, meditations, and initiations forat least 26,000 years.
In aformer life, Ihad ajob thatmeantI spenta lotoftime at Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park…and even moretimeinKakadu National Park, having lived therefor ayear
It wasa greathonour to work in these iconic placesand nowI have the honour of working in aregion that’shometoHanging Rock…also known as MountDiogenes…and before that, Ngannelong…or Anneyelong.
Thevery name of this famous site raises all sorts of questions. Should we start using the Indigenous namefor this site, as has happened at Uluru and manyother sites around Australia?The answer,inmyview, is
‘yes’but it also raises further questions.
Forstarters, thereissomeconjectureas to the actual Indigenous name of the site.
AGerman naturalist createdanengraving of the rock in the mid 1850s using the name ‘Anneyelong’ but toponymistsbelieve thathemisheardthe name and it’sactually ‘Ngannelong’.Noone is sure.
Oneofthe challenges facing anthropologists, historians and, indeed, the various Traditional Owner groups around Australia, is thatIndigenous stories were passed on verbally –there wasnowritten Indigenous languagehere.
This would have been fine; afterall this culturestretches back tens of thousands of yearsand wastravelling along perfectly well until whitepeople showedup. The cataclysmic impact of European settlement on the Indigenous people and cultureiswell known.
Oneofthe manytragic outcomes of the upheavalwas thatmanyofthe richcultural stories have been lost, or areindanger of being lost, forever.
So,when Iwas asked to writeanarticle on the Indigenous history of ‘the rock’,I was surprised at the lack of available information.
What we do knowisthis: thesite –let’scall it Ngannelong –islocatednear the traditional boundary between three Aboriginal tribal groups –the WoiWurrung
From page1
"I believe in appropriate acknowledgementand certainly respect to all peoples whether you'reIndigenous or not, but Idohaveconcerns about the divisivenatureofthe path thatwe as alocal governmentand we as astate aretaking,"Bonanno said.
TheMacedon Ranges Truthand Reconciliation Group responded to themayor's"dissent" in alettertothe Express
"MRTRGlooks forwardtosupporting actions and ensuring accountability foroutcomes thathavebeencommittedto,"itread.
"MRTRGwas disappointedwith some of the views expressed by dissenting councillors, including Cr Bonanno, whose comments on reconciliation initiatives as ‘divisive’ echo political approaches that seek to undermine efforts towardstruth, treaty and justice"
(Wurundjeri), theDja DjaWurrung andthe Taungurung.
Each has its ownperspectives and stories, but evidencesuggests thatthe group were highly inter-connected and it is clear thatNgannelong wasa sacred placefor all three groups and wasused forceremonies, meditations and initiations foratleast 26,000 years…possibly morelike40,000.
Archaeologists have unearthed stone tools dating back at least 10,000 yearsat the site. Thesources of the stone used to maketools found at Hanging Rock come from aconsiderable distance, suggesting thatNgannelong wasthe siteofa much largersocial and economic network. Thereis also anatural spring thatprovided avaluable source of water
As aprominentculturally significantlandmark near tribal boundaries, therock is likely to have been used forNgargeeceremonies (Corroborrees)and other traditional business thatinvolvedgatherings between the three groups formarriages, resolution of conflicts, trade and initiation.
When youconsider thatthe threetraditional owner groups have been visiting the sitesinceatleast thelastice age, it puts into perspectivethe importanceofNgannelong as part of Indigenous history.Italsogives us some perspectiveintothe remarkable longevity of the Australian Aboriginal culture Jesus wasborn acouple of thousand yearsago.The pyramidswerebuilt 5000 yearsago.Atleast 26,000 yearsago Indigenous people were performing ceremonies at whatwehavebeencalling ‘Hanging Rock’ fora fewdecades.
Next time Ivisit Hanging Rock/Ngannelong (wetakeour kids thereoften), I’ll stop to take amomenttoreflect on this. Iencourageyou to do the same.'heconcluded.
We will have on offer:
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Do youknowanoutstanding community member who deserves recognition?
Nominate them fora2026Australia DayAward!
Theawardsacknowledge individualswho have made a differencetothe people around them by contributing their time andskillstowards theircommunity
Categories include:
•Citizen of theYear
•YoungCitizen of theYear
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Find out more at mountalexander.vic.gov.au/ Australia-Day-Awards.
Working together forahealthy, connected shire mountalexander.vic.gov.au (03) 5471 1700
The Herald Sun published astory last week thatrevealed the ''the best and worstaged carehomes in Victoria"based on survey results from residents living in these facilities. The latest statisticsrevealed about 1600 complaints were made between January and Marchthis year to theagedcarewatchdog. Thereported survey was"conductedbyanindependent team on behalf of the government" and included resultsfromagedcarefacilities across the region. Theresults arelisted in the table above
Scheme,
It hastaken months but safety measures have nowbeen restored to adangerous stretch of road at Barfold.
The300m stretch of road islocatedalong Heathcote-Kyneton Road and is sign-posted 100km/h but features a dip thatobscuresvision forovertaking.
Ahead-on crash between twocarsinApril 2023prompteddouble line road markings at the sitetoprevent overtaking shortly after.
It it is believed, about three months ago, contractorsundertaking roadworks at the location repainted the linemarkings but had been directed in their contract to paint the road lines as theyhad previously been.
This wasthe aftermath of ahead-on crash at the Heathcote-Kyneton, Barfold,inApril 2023 thatpromptedthe double line change.
NearbyBarfold residentPhillip Donsaid the stretchofroad wasdangerous withoutthe double-line road markings and wasseeking answersfromthe DepartmentofTransport and Planning.
"The road waspaintedwithdouble lines so ahead-on crash would nothappen again there,"hesaid.
"Someone who doesn't knowthe road wouldn't have aclue of the dangers.
"The departmentsaid theymay reseal the road in February next year and mayupdate the lines then. People can't wait until then. It's nota big job. If theysenta tinofpaint and a roller I'ddoitmyself."
ADepartmentofTransport and Planning spokesperson informed the Express last Thursdaythe double lines had sincebeen reinstated.
Students at HarcourtValleyPrimary School areexited to have hadthe opportunity to work on aunique arts project thanks to thesupport of aCreativeLearning Partnerships grantthrough Creative Victoria.
Over the past eightweeks twogroups of grade four students have been working on an engaging and evolving arts project titled 'Shifting Perspectives' led by visual arts teacher KellieMaddaford andBallan artist in residenceGlynis Angell.
Theproject has seen the children explorea wide rangeofart mediums around their connection with the school and moving from seeing the school as aspace to a 'place'
Theproject encouraging the children to use immersiveperformanceand multimedia to investigate perspectives of self, peersand space.
To kickstartthe project, the students journeyedtoMelbourne to theAustralian Centre of Contemporary Arttoviewan inspiring installation by Tina Stefanou 'You Can't SeeSpeed'
"This installation by aGreek-Australian artist who works with experimental forms of performance, film,sound-music, sculpture andreally inspired the children and acted as aspringboardtoget them thinking about their ownwork,"Kellie said.
In the first session the Harcourt Valley students were encouraged to find aspace within the school grounds thatspoketo them
Thetwo groups each settled on asite and have sinceenjoyedadeep diveinto investigating the spaceand their place within it.
First the students were encouraged to
select astone or rock and paintittorepresentthemselves.
Then students used materials and textiles to create symbols around feelings their spacemightevoke such as feeling lost, alone, connected, together,safe, frustrated or happy.
They followedthis up by taking textiles out into the spaceand using wool to create intricate grids and patterns to map the outdoor spaces. Thefinal result wassome stunning cobweblikestructuresthroughout the spaces.
Thestudents then recorded sounds to create soundscape and then incorporated elements of video production and finally performing arts.
"This wasthe first timeour students have hadthe opportunity to study drama, which wasfantastic," Kellie said.
Thestudents were scheduled to present their final multi-layeredart piece, which combined all six arts elements, to their families as part of aspecial performance this week.
Artist in residenceGlynis Angell said the final result would be very layeredand quite sophisticated.
"Ithas been areally deep and meaningful creativeprocess and Ihavebeen impressed with theway these young artists have approached each step,"Glynissaid. Kellie said theyhad been blown away with whatthe students had created.
"Theyhavereally immersed themselves within the experienceand it has very much opened them up to theworld of visual arts and what'spossible. We can'twait to share their works with their families and aQ&A will be held afterwards so children can sharetheir creativeprocess,"she said.
Plans have been approvedtosubdivide 121.4 hectares of Springfield farmlandfrom four lots into three lots at theVictorian Civil and AdministrativeTribunal.
VCAT approved theplans thatalter a previous grantedpermit forthe same land to be subdivided into twolots, issued in September 2023.
Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil had previously refused thepermit amendmenton the grounds of biodiversity and vegetation concerns, fragmentation of agricultural land, and failuretoretain productivefarming land.
Thefarmland is locatedat33Knights Track, Springfield, just outside of Romsey, with the proposed lots ranging from 40.02 to 40.29 hectares.
VCAT memberNick Wimbush said he
wassatisfied thatthe impactonagricultural values of the amended subdivision wasnot likely to be significantand would result in an acceptable planning outcome.
"Due to thefundamental aspects of topographyand remnantvegetation, Idonot consider the amended subdivision layout an inferior outcome from an agricultural point of view," he said.
"I do notconsider this a‘proliferation’; effectively one additional dwelling to that already approved. Thelotswill all be in excess of 40 hectares and given the location of proposed building envelopes and the topography, newdwellings should be able to integrateintothe landscape without being seen as arural living area."
Thedecision wasdelivered on August 28.
Kynetonisonceagain showing thepower of community, as it prepares to welcome a refugee family from overseas.
Friends of Refugees Kynetonisa dedicatedvolunteer group partnering withCommunity Refugee Sponsorship Australia to support this family as theybegin anew chapter— one of safety,dignity and hope —righthereinAustralia
These families have alreadybeenprocessed by the United Nations High Commissioner forRefugeesand the Australian Government. They will arrivewithpermanentresidency visas, readytocontributeand rebuild their lives.
FORK is theretoensurea soft landing. That means morethan just help with transport, housing and essential services —itmeans friendship, connection and the support that truly makes aplace feel likehome.
GetInvolved
Currently,FORK is run by asmall team of six passionate volunteers— and theywelcome anyone interested in joining them to getintouch.
Whether youcan offeryour time as avolunteer,goods to help setupahome or a financial contribution to help coveressentials, your support makes areal and lasting difference.
Thegroup has setupa tax-deductible donation pageifyou’dliketocontribute: shoutforgood.com/fundraisers/friends-of-refugees-kyneton
To offerhelp or learn more, contact Friends of Refugees Kynetonatforkyneton@gmail. comand follow Friends of Refugees KynetononFacebook.
Local environmentalists arecelebrating the tabling of abill in state parliamentlast week to create the newWombat-LerderdergNational Park.
About 24,000 hectares of the Wombat Forest will be conserved foranimals, plants and fungi and forfuturegenerations to enjoy.
WombatForestcarecongratulated the state governmentfor creating this park and the Mt Buangor and Pyrenees National Parks, all importanthabitat for endangered creaturesand plants.
Thecreation of the Hepburnand CobawConservation Parks will safeguard ecologically importantareas and the WellsfordState Forest, with its wonderful rangeofwildflowers,will be included in the BendigoRegional Park.
“WombatForestcaremembersand supporters, together with the Victorian National Parks Association, have campaigned formanyyearsfor the protection of ourunique forest and itsinhabitants," said WombatForestcareconvenor Gayle Osborne.
"Weare delightedthatthe parks will be legislated, and look forwardtothe legislation of the promised regional parks and bushland reserves in the centralwest region.
"The WombatForest provides habitat forsomanywonderful creatures including the magnificentgreater glider
"This beautiful creature, the sizeofa domestic cat, is coveredwith thickfur, with abushy tail thatishalfa metrelong and used as arudder.Theycan glide an amazing 90 metres between trees.
"Onceconsidered avery common forest animal theyare nowlisted as endangered. It is exciting thatmostofour Wombat Forest population will nowbeprotected in the newnational park."
TheWombat Forest is home to the critically endangered WombatLeafless Bossiaea. Thereare only fiveknown plants in the wild and theyare all in the forest.
Powerful owls successfully breed in the WombatForest, which is agood indicator of forest health as the owls need asteady supply of food such as ringtail possumsto sustain themselves and their chicks.
“Our community has worked so hard to have the Wombatrecognised forits incredible wildlife,"MsOsborne said.
"For morethanthe 14 yearsthatWombat Forestcarehas campaigned for‘Park’ status forour forest, so manypeople have attended protest events,writtenletters to politicians and supported the campaign in so manyways.”
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
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•Medical body composition analyser
•Flu and COVID-19 vaccines
•Mentalhealth
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OPENINGHOURS
Mon –Thu: 8:00am –7:00pm Fri: 8:00am–6:00pm Sat: 9:00am –3:00pm
There’smoretolook forwardtoinour growingriverside neighbourhood —constructionofStages 10 and 11 at KynetononRiverside hasnow begun, with completion expectedearly 2026
We’reespeciallyproud to once again be working withPrendergastEarthmoving,a long-standinglocal companythat’shelpedshape ourcommunity from the very beginning. With over 10 years of partnership,their expertise and localcarehave playedamajor part in creating thestreets, open spaces and infrastructure our residentsenjoy today.
Basedright hereinKyneton,Prendergastbrings deep knowledgeofthe land and arealcommitmenttothe people wholiveonit.
As newlotstakeshape and machines roll in,it’sanother exciting chapterinthe KORstory —creatingmore opportunities fornew neighbours to join ourconnected, one-of-a-kindcommunity
To learnmoreaboutour land releases or to booka tour -visit kynetononriverside.com.au or sayhello to oneof ourconjunctional agents:
Jade Jungwirth
The Express wasrecently given asneak peek at House 5onThe Blockand an exclusiveinterviewwith Blockheads, longtime friends Matand Robby.
Thepopular Aussie reno show, nowinits 21st season, has mixed things up this year by building fivebrand-newhomes withidentical layouts, on the outskirts of Daylesford.
Upon arriving at House 5, peering curiously around theopendoor, this journalist wasinstantly welcomed by Mat, witha huge hug, before being scared to death by Robby as he sprang around the corner
This unexpected welcome felt true to form forthe boys,everyone has grownto knowand love while watching TheBlock. Settled in frontofthe massiveoutdoor firethe pairwon aftertaking the win at the Roasting Challenge, the interviewfeltlikea chatwith old friends.
"10 yearsago Robasked me to go on the showand Iwas like, absolutely not. 10 years went past and he said, 'Over110,000 people
apply,whatare thechances?Let's giveitone shotand I'llnever ask youagain'. Thething is, he knewweweregoing to geton!" Mat said.
"Rob and I, we arereally hardworkers, we'rehustlersand grindersand we know howtomakesomething happen. We will fighttooth and nail and work our gutsout forwhateveritis, whether its personal life, career,finances, whatever, if we have agoal we will do it and we will do it well!"
Thepair have been friends for16years (their camaraderie and respectfor each other wasapparentonthe show),and they found the fact that theywerenot in arelationship to be ahugeadvantage.
"The closest we got to having thesmallest argument, would be about helping the other person, we'd go 'rah rahrah'and go at each other,and then literally 10 minutes laterwe'dbelike, do youwanta piefromthe deli?" Robbysaid.
"Whereas if Alicia, or anyofthe wives, say something to theirhusband, it cantakethem twotothree business days to getthe f**ck
overit,"Mat said.
"You'vegot to remember,you'reworking 100 hoursa week, there'snoday off, the whole time and your in this weirdbubble, wherenothing in theoutside world exists, it'sjust Matt and Iand these four walls, that's all thatmattered,"Robbysaid.
Robby, abarber and Mat, hairdresser by trade, talked about howfortunatetheyhad been to be given aonceinalifetime opportunity,one thatnot manypeople getto experience, and one thatwould potentially changetheir lives.
"Weare so gratefulfor this opportunity and the chancetochangeour lives. We learntsomuch.About ourselves. We learnt about life, and building and whole newskill sets,"Robbysaid.
"Weunderstood thatwewereona TV showand we lent into it and had fun."
"It'svery rare,asanadult, that youare celebrated forbeing silly.Inour business life, in my saloon, I'm professional, I'm on my A game. I'm this big high flyer in the hairdressing industry,whatRob does, is incredible. Thething is, we arevery sensible in our normal lives. We'renot encouraged to break danceand swear and rapand take thep**s out of the neighbours!" Matsaid.
"Wehad an opportunity to standonthe fireplaceand reenact the titanic, layonthe ground and be Raygun, playpickleball, do standup comedy,shootguns, makeacinema. Thereare so many lifechanging moments," Robbysaid.
"Weare exactlylikeweare in real life,on the show. It is TV and theycan portray you in anyway theylikeand getyou to saywhatever theywantyou to say. Matt and I, we're alittle bit smarter.Weknewwhattheywere trying to getand we didn't giveittothem.
"We're kind. Andwe're sillyand we're funny. We saythings to stir the potfor TV and be like, 'You cantell they'renot spending anymoney on the room', but we would never sayanything to hurt someone's feelings," Matsaid.
The Express asked the boys if theyhad, in fact, managed to secure theinfamous auctioneer TomPanos, while remaining with the 'Queen of Daylesford' Kim McQueen, following the scene in episode 13 with a rival real estate agent.
"Kim's knowledgeand experience,not just of real estate,but thiswhole area. We have gotthe best people working forus," Matsaid.
"WehaveKim McQueen and yeswehave TomPanos,"Robbysaid.
Throughout theshow, Robby'spartner Alyssa and little babyBrooks, also feature inthe show, andtheyevencome fora brief visit halfway through the season.
"Thatwas tough. Anew dad, anew mum and afivemonth old. Alysaisthe herohere, notustwo.She wasa newmum and she struggled. Forme, Ifelt guiltyI wasn't there to help,"Robbysaid.
"IfI'd have abad day, I'dgotothe caravan and look at aPolaroid picture of him with the words'Have aniceday daddy.Havea niceday AuntyMat'onitand think, 'That's whyI'm here.'"
Theboysare incredibly proud of the house theyhaveproduced, which is notonly beautifuland liveable, but has the added benefit of the pickle ball court,the enormous and luxurious outdoor fireplace and of course the underground wine cellar!
"It'spremium luxury.It'sbreathtaking and we changed Blockhistory doing it and we will makeBlock history with ourscores,"Mat said.
"For me, Roband Icameonthis show to push ourselves. We'venever experienced anything likethis. We got out of our comfort zone to thepointwhereitwas anxiety and awkwardand insecureand foughtthrough it and createdthe best home on thestreet."
Alittle overhalfway into theseason the audiencehas seen alot of ups and downs and disagreements between the Blockheads. So,the Express asked the importantquestion... who arethe boys faviourites?
"Sonnyand Alicia! They arethe most beautiful, kindest people youwill ever meet and theywill be ourfriends forlife!" Mat said.
"They'recoming to my son's first birthday in twoweeks. We speaktothem every day. Therehas notbeen aday we haven'tspoken to them."
"Atthe moment, thereare so many things being printedabout us online thatare just fabricated. They hear one sentenceonthe show and create thiswhole saga aboutit. We'll just screen shotitand send it to them and p**s ourselves laughing at ourselves!" Robbysaid.
Keen to takeout firstplace and getan amountwelloverthe reserve(which will be setlatenextmonth)Mat is hoping the house will sell for$4million.
"I'm amanifester," Matt said.
"I'm quite fortunate,ifI pointand shoot my mind in the direction of something, the same as Rob, it will all come to fruition. So, we'remaking amillion each."
Artist KathyLandvogtisfascinatedby rivers– specifically the immense Loddon Riverand thesystemthatconnectsher town, Castlemaine on BarkersCreek, withtributaries upstream anddownstream.
When she sawanold CFAmap,and with her interest in women’s traditional handcrafts, she began to think about howtocelebratethe river’ssignificancewith an artwork.
Teaming up with projection artist Chi-uh Star,Kathy hascreated an intricate andbeautiful installation thatmapsthe Loddon through the waterwaysand itsconnections.
Tributetothe Loddon,inpartnership with Inglewood CommunityNeighbourhood House, will be the featureexhibition forLoddon Valley Arts, which runs from October 3-5.
“Wewill transform Inglewood Town Hall’s historic projection room andinternal walkway into acreativewonderland, prompting viewers to reflect on their ownmemories and knowledgeofthe river," Kathysaid.
“I use coloured wirewrapped and twisted into three dimensions, undermining the maps’ original accuracy in search of adifferenttype of truth. These sculptures and accompanying embossings, first shown at Parallel Projects Gallery in Footscraylast year,are nowjoined by newworks: four wall hangings depicting Inglewood to Cairn Curran,and an installation of diverse materials thathavehelped me createthis body of work.”
Kathysaid Chi-uh Star’sprojection, Shadows of theLoddon took on anew character in this site.
“Chi-uh’swork notonlybrings the river and my sculptures to life, but animates the old projection room itself, interacting with its patina of ageinmysterious ways," she said.
“Here, geography meets history,bringing anew story into this iconic site.”
This is the first timethatanartwork has been installed
using both Inglewood’sheritagetownhall and the contemporary community spacealongside it.
Loddon ValleyArts Festival organiser Rosemary Sorensen said theyweresopleased to have Kathyand Chiuh's extraordinary installation coming to Loddon.
“Connecting our places is exciting, and we know that, likethese artists, manypeople have an emotional connection to waterwaysand first-hand experience of their
Acclaimed Ballarat poet Nathan Curnow will featureatthe PoetiCas reading in September
This monthly eventwill be held on SaturdaySeptember 27 at Northern Arts Hotel, Castlemaine.
Nathan is the author of six poetry collections. Over thepast 25 years, his work has been widely anthologised and awarded. As a judgehehas also adjudicatedfor the Newcastle Poetry Prize, the Woorilla Prizeand the MPU International Poetry Prize. He has taught creativewriting at Federation University In 2018 he toured Europe,opening the HeidelbergLiterary DaysFestival in Germany.
Hisnew book AHilltoDie On is nowavailable through Liquid Amber Press. It will be agreat privilegetohear Nathan perform his work.
Youcan findthe Northern Arts Hotelat 359 Barker Street,Castlemaine. Theevent runs from 2.30-4.40pm. Entryisjust $5.
importance,"she said.
“This wasone of the first exhibitions we planned forthe festival, and it’sa major eventfor the shiretohavesuch a powerful and relevant artwork installed in Inglewood.”
Tributetothe Loddon will be open 10am-4pm, October 3-5 and KathyLandvogtand Chi-uh Star will host amorning tea, walk-through and talk at 10.30am on Saturday October 4.
Residents maysee flashing lights at Hanging Rock this Fridaynightbut it is likely notcause foralarm.
Local firebrigades have alerted residents theywill be partaking in anight training exercise at the Rock.
BendigoGolden Dragon Museum is being transformed into anational Chinese landmark –showcasing the rich history of the local Chinese communityfromthe gold rush eratotoday.
TheVictorian Governmentissupporting the museum with morethan $392,000 in funding to plan the next stageofits major redevelopmentand transform it into the newNational Chinese Museum of Australia.
Themuseum is home to DaiGum Loong, the world'slongest imperial dragon, measuring 125 meters long and createdby Master Huifor the annual BendigoEaster Festival. It’s also houses Loong, the world's oldest imperial dragon, and acollection of other dragons –attracting morethan 80,000 visitorseachyear
Themuseum is one of nine organisations sharing in morethan $2 million through the Chinese CommunityInfrastructureFund.
Celebrating Chinese Victorians’rich history and culturebothinregional Victoria and across the state will bea keypart of the Premier’s China Strategy,tobe launched in Beijing on the Premier’s first trade mission to China.
Gisborne-based WildlifeVictoria volunteer SueAnderson has been honoured forher dedication over morethan 25 yearswith a Rotary Emergency Services CommunityAward
Ms Anderson serves as WildlifeVictoria's topresponder,having attended 6783 cases sincerecords began in 2007, and countless additional rescues in her earlier years.
Theaward recognises emergency servicepersonnel who have gone above andbeyond their call of duty, embodyingRotary’s mottoof'ServiceAbove Self'.
Ms Anderson told the Express,inaroom fullofamazing volunteer nominees from across the emergency services sector at the awards ceremony, she "really felt therewas no way" she would win.
Shesaidthe awardwas notjust arecognition of her contribution to wildlife rescuerescuebut of of allthe amazing wildlifevolunteers across the state
"I would especially liketothank Grant Hocking from Rotary
Woodend who lives in the Macedon Ranges area and understands the amazing work thatwildliferescuersand volunteersdointhis area,"she said.
"I also want to thank Rotary forrecognising wildliferescuevolunteersalongside other emergency services."
Ms Anderson hasvolunteered in the Macedon Ranges area rescuing and euthanising sick and injured wildlife since2000.
"Just this year alone, to date,I have been called out to almost 700 cases being acombination of WildlifeVictoria, policeand membersofthe public contacting me,"she said.
"Most reasonsfor call-outsare due to road strike,urban developmentand loss of habitatdue large numbers of people moving to the area and surrounds resulting in wildlifedisplacement."
Ms Anderson's extraordinary commitmentextends beyond rescue work as she actively trains and mentorslocal volunteers, sharing expertise to expand the network of wildlifecarers.
Jade Jungwirth
Anyone in the vicinity of the Phee Broadway Theatrelast Friday would have been witness to aconstantstreamofmiddle-aged women steadily making their wayintothe library foyerina manner somewhat reminiscentofa clandestine suffragette meeting (perhaps the women of Castlemaine areready fortheir ownuprising?).
Themeeting was, in fact, the launch of 'The Pause', anew podcast exploring all things menopause and perimenopause, with alocal twist. CreatedbyMainFM radio hosts Lucy Armstrong and KyaMoore, the series features interviews with local health practitioners, experts and passionateadvocateswho aremaking adifferenceinthe menopause space.
Theevent wasa smorgasbordofinformation with apanel discussion featuring local expertsfromthe podcast, and incredible dance number performed by local dancetroupeNudibranch Crew (who recently performed in HotMovesNoPressure) andaninformativetalk by respectedcommunityhealth nurse Bron Grieve,who, despitethe sobering facts, had the audienceinfitsoflaughter.
“Menopause isn’t abreakdown, menopause is abiological invitation to re calibrate— update inner pathways thathaveshaped who you have been /had to be up to now,"Bronsaid.
"This invitation to recalibrateissoyou canconsciously liveaswho youtruly aretodayand moving forward.”
So,whatismenopause?The averageage is 51, but it can occur anywherebetween 45 and 55. It's notjust aboutperiods. Theovaries stop releasing oestrogen and eggs and the changetoreproductive hormones can have acascade of effects.
According to Bron, the stages of menopause, perimenopause, premenopause and post-menopause canbearoller-coaster
In the pre-menopause stageyou can still be getting regular periods, but experience fluctuating hormones and symptoms (the 'AmIgoing bonkers' stage).Inperimenopause, youwill have irregular menstrual periods and symptoms due to fluctuating hormones (the 'I really am going bonkers' stage) andmenopause, which is when youhaveno period for12months and areover45years (the 'I'm officially bonkers' stage).The post-menopause stageisthe firstfiveyearsafter menopause and although theroller-coaster ride of hormones finishes, the symptoms maynot
"Hopefully,with agreater understanding of whatisgoing on inside youwill feel moreempowered to review your choices on the outside, no one sizefits all,"Bronsaid. "Any treatments should always be combined withlifestyle changes —it'snever toolatetostart exer-
Only in Castlemaine would amenopause talk begin with afabulous danceroutine!
cising and do whatmakes youhappy!"
Some of the symptoms of menopause are: brain fog, sleep issues, hot flushes and nightsweats, additionsand subtractions to hair (in all the wrong places), aches and pains, weightgain, crawling or itching sensations, irritability, mood swings, reduced sexdrive,vaginal dryness, and noise and lightsensitivity
It feels abit doom and gloom, doesn't it? ButBronsaidthatitwas importanttolearn to embracebeing perfectly imperfect.
"Start having morefun.Watch BadSisters on Apple. Dancea silly dance. Andstopcomparing yourself to others, and to your previous self, because this is nevergoing to makeyou happy,"Bronsaid.
"Learn to love andlaugh at those fatrolls, wrinkles, crying at ads, forgetting whyyou came into aroom and makesureyou surround yourself with otherswho enable youtomeetsome of the challenges."
Some suggested resourcesinclude: ThePause podcast (ofcourse), It's the Menopause Book by KazCooke, Facebook group 'Castlemaine hotflashy-peri/menopause', TheMenopause Mindfield by Beyond Blue and ahost of others. Listen to episode one featuring Bron Grieve at: thepausepodcast.com.au
Work continues to progress steadily at the MountMacedon Memorial CrossReserve, as part of amajor project to enhancethe visitor experience,improve access and safety,and protect the heritage and commemorativevalue of the iconic site.
Ledbythe MountMacedon Memorial CrossReserveCommitteeofManagement, the upgrades arebeing delivered in partnership with experienced local contractorSmart Civil, along with support from communitygroups, partners and governmentgrants.
Over recent weeks, important groundwork has been completed to preparethe reservefor the improvements ahead. This includes:
•Ground stabilisation to support saferwalking areas
•Installation of underground infrastructuretosupportupgraded lighting
•Preparations forbalustrade improvements
These upgrades arepart of a long-term master plan, shapedby expert adviceand local community input,toensurethatthe reserveremains arespectful, welcoming and enduring placeofreflection forall.
TheMountMacedon Memorial Cross is one of Victoria’s most significantwar memorials outside Melbourne’sShrine of Remembrance. Firsterected in the 1930s and to honour theAustralian DefenceForce,the siteholds deep meaning forveterans, families and the broader community.
Thecommittee thanks thepublic fortheir patienceduring works.
Trentham's Little Gallery Winter Fundraising Show achievednew heights by having one of their biggest shows ever in the14yearstheyhavebeenopen.
With record sales, the gallery made asubstantial donation to theCentral Highlands Health 'Treehouse Program' in Trentham
Thequality of the artworkinthe group showfeaturing 16 local artists wasoutstanding and cements theWinter Show as one of centralVictoria's leading art calendar events andasa destination for regional art.
Despitethe currenteconomic downturn, awhopping record amountof$43,000 in art sales wasmade, notbad fora small country town gallery! Furthermore an additional $5k wasraised from the donatedart raffle. Thegallery also received an Events Grant from TheHepburn Shire, which was abig help in aiding the expenses to execute aregional showofanexceptionally high standard.
With the commission of works sold and 100 per cent of the art raffle, the Little Gallery made awonderfuldonation of $15,000 to the'Treehouse'program, which
helps those in the communityliving with dementia.
MareeCuddihy, CEOofCHRH,and Dora Mansbridge, Treehouse manager,attended the Gallery opening.
"This fundraiser wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible artists who contributed their work and the community memberswho came along and purchased artwork and raffle ticketsatthe exhibition," Ms Cuddihysaid.
"Together,we’ve shownhow powerful it can be when art and community come together."
TheBig Cheque presentation wasattended by agroup of team members and locals associated with the program, and itwas avery proud moment forthe Little Gallery team
Ms Cuddihywas overwhelmed with the generosity
“This wonderful support will makea real differencefor people living with dementia and their carers,"she said.
"Thank youLittle Gallery and the artists and the community foryour support and generosity."
TheWinterShowhad thousands of
visitorsoverthree weeks in July,aided by Trentham being in the running and then winning the TopTinyTourism Town award forVictoria.
TheLittle Gallery is an artist-run space and prides itself on adding to thecultural identityofthe region by representing local artists. It is atruerepresentation of the strong regional arts community within Trentham, Daylesfordand the Macedon Ranges region.
Founding member and artist Rose Wilsonsaidthe artists hosted these fundraising shows to give back to theamazing community thatsupportsthem
"The generosity of our locals is heartwarming and we received manydonations from local businesses including The Cosmo, TheGeneral and the Trentham Wine and Food Co,which helped with food and wine along with art donations from ourlocal artistsfor the raffle and manyvolunteersthatassisted on the opening night,"she said.
"The gallery teamwork is extremely hard to makethese showssuccessful, and each year we sayitcan't getbetterthan this, but it does!"
TheLighthorse MonumentGroup has advised thatrepair works will continue forthe Light Horsestatue locatedoutside KynetonPoliceStation.
Thegroup movedtorepair the monumentafter noticing signs of stress around the plinth. Thestatue wasnot vandalised in anyway
Adecision wasmadetoreplacethe reinforced fibreglass with concrete Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil intervened withthe works while consulting on who was responsible formaintenanceofthe monument. Thecouncil has sincereached aresolution and repairworks of the statue will continue.
Once the concrete base has curedthe statuewill be reinstatedwith plaques
EldersKynetonisproudtoonceagainsupportBeyondBlueinraisingvitalfundsformentalhealthservices. Thankstoyourgenerosity,our2023eventraisedover$12,000,directlyproviding184peoplewithimmediate mentalhealthassistance.Itwasadayfilledwithcommunityspirit,fun,andpurpose—andwe’reaimingeven higherthisyear!
We’reincrediblygratefultoourlocalbusinesscommunity,whohavesteppeduponcemorebydonating amazingitemsforbothourliveandsilentauctions.Yoursupportmakesthiseventpossible,andwetruly couldn’tdoitwithoutyou.
Ticketsareavailablenow!
•VisitEldersKyneton,83EdgecombeRoad
•Orpurchaseonline:https://fundraise.beyondblue.org.au/fa
(ScantheQRcodeonourflyersorsite,donatetheticketamount,andincludeyourdetails)
Ticketscanbepostedtoyouorheldforcollectionontheday
Ticketsarelimited—getinearlytoavoidmissingout! Welookforwardtoseeingyouthereforanotherwonderfuldayoffamilyfun,communityconnection, andmeaningfulimpact.Let’scontinuesupportingthosefacingmentalhealthchallenges. Everyticket,everydonation,everymomentcounts Together,wecanmakeadifference.
Theregional dancecommunity will takecentrestagethis October with the launchofthe Castlemaine DanceSummit on SaturdayOctober 11.
This one-dayevent co-hosted by AusdanceVIC and MovementZone Studio Castlemaine will take placeacross twovenuesatthe Castlemaine Town Hall andPhee BroadwayTheatre
Thesummit is designed to connect students, teachers, studios, and schools, and offers the chancetolearn from leading danceindustry professionals. Participants will explorepathwaysintotraining and careers, and imagine what the futureofdancecould look like— and whatitwill taketo create thatfuture.
ACo-Designed Initiative
Thesummit has been co-designed withMovementZone, amuch-lovedlocal dancestudio, ensuring the programreflectsthe needs and aspirations of the communityitserves.
MovementZone director SasCook said she wasexcited to be co-hosting the very first Castlemaine DanceSummit
“It’sa chancefor dancersfromacross centralVictoria to come together fora big, energising dayofmoving, learning and connecting,"she said.
"We’ll exploredifferentpathwaysintodance education and professional careers, talk honestly about whatit’slike to make theleaptothe city,and open up the conversation aboutwhatour community really needs to thrive.”
Participants will learn directly from an outstanding lineup of teaching artists, which include:
–Sas Cook –award-winning danceprofessional with 25 years’ experience in performing arts, choreography, community development, youth work and business.
–Stephanie Harrison –dynamic performer,teacher and creativefacilitator.
–TobyMcKnight–emerging danceartist passionateabout accessibility and building communitiesthrough dance.
–Jayden Hicks –multidisciplinary artist, educatorand mentor, currently artistic director of Transit DanceinMelbourne.
Workshops will include everything from mocktertiary auditions and choreographic processestocontemporary practiceand professional developmentfor teachers.
“The summit is such abeautiful opportunity to come together and listen to theyoung voices in our dancecom-
munity,” said teaching artist Stephanie Harrison.
“I’m looking forwardtosharing ideas about howwe can have creative, sustainable careersinthe arts, whether that’shereinregional Victoria, moving interstate,oreven working overseas.”
WhyAttend?
TheCastlemaine DanceSummit offers something for everyone in the dancecommunity: –Students (12–18 years):urban, commercial and contemporary workshops, amock audition withTransit Dance, and an artist Q&A.
–Teachersand studio owners: choreographic and contemporary community practice, dancemovementtherapy, accredited training info andnetworking.
–Schools: insights into embedding vocational and creativeindustry programs into the curriculum.
–Communitymembers: free roundtable discussions on the futureofregional dance.
Managing director of AusdanceVIC Deborah Prentice said this eventwas about building connections, sharing knowledge, and making sureregional voices were heardin shaping the future of danceinVictoria.
“We’re delightedtowork with SasCook on this pilot programand will be thereready to listen and learn from the regional dancecommunity,”MsPrenticesaid.
Tickets: $20-$35. Roundtable ticketsare free. To book, visit ausdancevic.org.au/program/castlemaine-dancesummit
Thesuccessful CommunityPharmacist Pilotwill become apermanentprogram.
Theprogram hasmadeiteasier for Victorians to gettreatmentfor common health conditions at their local pharmacy and will nowbecome an ongoing, statewide service.
Minister forHealth, Mary-Anne Thomas, visited Woodend Pharmacy last week to seehow the expanded program washelping thelocal community
“Running out of apill prescriptionor needing to gettreatmentquickly fora UTIcan be inconvenientand expensive –that’swhy we’remaking it cheaper and easier forVictorian women to getthe care theyneed,"she said.
Under the expanded programpharmacists will continue offering services to treatUTIs, skin conditions, the resupply of oral contraceptives, and the rangeofvaccines treatments first introduced through
the pilot.
Over the next twoyears, up to 22 health conditions and wellbeing services will be available through community pharmacies.
Most consultationswill remain free, to ensureservices remain accessible.
Across the Macedon Ranges the service is available at thefollowing pharmacies:
•TerryWhiteChemmart Woodend
•RomseyPharmacy
•Priceline Pharmacy Gisborne
•KynetonWholelifePharmacy and Healthfoods
•Malmsbury Pharmacy Pty Ltd
•Terry WhiteChemmart Kyneton
•Woodend Pharmacy
•Hardy'sUFS Pharmacy Gisborne
•Trentham Pharmacy
•Riddells CreekPharmacy
•RomseyChemist
Q: What’swithallthequestionswhen Iapplyforaninsurancepolicy?
A: Insurersthesedaysaredatadriven businesses.Thismeansthatwhenyouapply foraninsurancepolicy,theywanttocollect asmuchinformationaspossibletoforma viewoftherisktheyareinsuring,iftheywant tocoveryouandhowtopriceyourpremium. Whenenteringintoa“retail”contractof insurance(thinkmotor,home,landlord),the personapplyinghasadutynottomakea misrepresentationwhenansweringinsurer questions.
Assuch,itisveryimportanttoprovide accurateanswerswhenapplyingforapolicy Otherwise,insurersmaydeclineyourclaim orcancelthepolicyasifitneverexisted. Ifyouareunsureaboutwhatyouarebeing asked,pleasereachouttoaqualified insurancebrokerforassistance.
TheadviceprovidedisGeneralinNature–ForPersonalAdvicepleasecontactyourInsuranceBroker
Callustoday: 45BMollisonStreetKyneton Phone54223333 www.simplexinsurance.com.au
Q: Canyoucopy/restoreourold FamilyPhotos?
A: WecancopyandrestoreyouroldB/W& Colourphotos,slides,andnegativesand thenprintthemashardcopiesorsend themtoyouindigitalformat. Withyearsofexperienceusingphotoshop, youwillbesurprisedhowgoodwecan makethemlook
Callustoday:
Ihaveabrokencrystalcabinetor lampshade,canitbefixed?
Unfortunately,theseitemsdooftenget damagedastheyareusedovertime,but wecanalwaysassessandquoteonthe repairworkforcrystalcabinetdoorsand Tiffanystylelampshades.Eachrepair willbedifferentwithsomerequiringa fullrestorationandotherswecanjust replacebrokenpieces.
Emailusforafreequotetoday: LeadlightByEttore Studio1,52-56MollisonSt,Kyneeton Phone54222924 www.leadlightbyettore.com.au
Asabusinessowner,howcanmy accountantactuallyhelpme day-to-day?
Accountantsdomorethanjusthelpattax time.Weworkcloselywithbusinessowners tosupporttheirlong-termsuccess.This includesmanagingyourbookkeepingand recommendingmoreefficientsystems, preparingandlodgingyourBASontime,and reviewingyourfinancialhealthusingyour profitandlossstatementandbalancesheet Wealsoidentifycashflowissuesandoffer solutions,assistwithbudgeting,andhelpplan forATOcompliance.Ourgoalistokeepyou compliantandforward-focused-soyoucan workonyourbusiness,notjustinit
Contactustoday: BentleysVictoria 17NicholsonStreetWoodend 19BourkeStreetKilmore Phone54278100 | bentleys.com.au Emailinfo@bentleysvic.com.au
DoIIhavettogottoCCourt?
GoingtoCourtcanbedaunting,but mostpersonalinjuryclaimsresolve longbeforethatstage.Legalprotocols requireseveralstepstohaveoccurred beforeCourtproceedingscanbegin, whichallowgoodopportunitiesfor informalresolution.It’svitaltoget expertadvicetonavigatethisprocess effectively.ContactGraingerLegal forafreeappointmentwithanexpert personalinjurylawyertodiscusshow wecanhelpyouachievethebest outcomeforyou,withoutgoingto Court.
CallCarolineGraingerat: GraingerLegal Castlemaine|Sunbury|BacchusMarsh Phone54070161 www.graingerlegal.com.au
What’sthisnewWhisprbatterythat you’readvertising?
Greatquestion!Ourfavouritebatterybrand, PowerPlusEnergy,basedinMelbourne,has releasedagreatnewbatteryproductthatideally suitsthenewsubsidy.It’sanall-in-onelarge formatbatterythatattracts$4700subsidywhich isgreat.Itcanhandleheapsofpanelsupto 10kWandpoweryourwholehomeovernight andduringblackouts,andisidealforfresh installationsorfullreplacements.Weknowthat batteriesandsolarandpricingandrebates arehardtounderstand,whichiswhywerun personalinformationsessionsforthecommunity Thisweekwe’reinLANCEFIELDandWOODEND NeighborhoodHouses–sopopinandattend ourfriendlyinformationsessionsfromourstaff. Bakerytreatsprovided! Seeourwebsitefordetails.
Callustoday: CentralSparkVictoria CastlemaineandKyneton Phone54625516 sales@central-spark.com
Accredited Practicing Dietitian Kyneton: 03 5422 2877
Castlemaine: 03 5470 5588
allied health space. PractitionersLucy James, Phoebe Noble and JanettePanaccio provide carethatisthoughtful, evidence-based and tailored to each individual.
Theteam at Little Windowwelcomes individuals seeking support forfertilityand IVF,cycle irregularities, sleep issues, digestivediscomfort, postpartum recovery,chronic stress, musculoskeletal injuries and nervous systemsupport.
Their practitionersare all universitytrained and AHPRA-registered. Treatments can include acupuncture,herbal medicine, cupping, massageand lifestyle advice, with tailored treatmentplans designed to support the whole individual.
Little Windowhas an established reputation foroffering spacewhereyou feel truly seen, heardand supported. They don’t rush your carebut provide an opportunity foryou to discuss your health goalsand work with youtomeetyouroutcomes
They collaborateclosely with other allied health practitionersand medical specialists to offerholistic carefor the whole family
Little WindowoperatesfromTuesdayto Saturday, offering after-hoursand early appointments to accommodate busyschedules.
Formoreinformation and bookings, visit the website: littlewindow.me
Organic Mechanic Osteo's skilled team of osteopaths provides hands-on treatment supporting your body'snaturalability to adapt, recover and move well
Osteopathyprovides gentle and effectivehandson therapy, addressing joints, muscles, posture and nervous system patterns They bring deep experience to treatfolks across all life stages with personalised, practical care
Patients can seeOrganic Mechanic Osteofor acute back or neck pain, sports injuries, headaches, fatigue, posturalstrainfromwork or parenting, and challenges relatedtopregnancy,birth recovery or childhood development.
Organic Mechanic Osteo'sfourosteopaths—Thomas Llewellyn, Taylor Ellis, ClareGreig, and Isabel Mettler—each bring unique clinical expertise
All specialise in Cranial Osteopathy:a very gentle approach fortreating children, newborns, nervous systemissues and chronic pain.
They focusonhelping people feel sup-
ported, informed and comfortable in their bodies.
Locatedinapeaceful ground-floor studio at TwentyNine, theyare part of a community dedicatedtoprofessional care withgenuine warmth.
No referrals areneeded, however, theydoaccept referrals from your GP for Medicare-funded careplans.
Learnmoreormakeabooking, visit the website: organicmechanicosteo.com or twentynine29.com/meet-our-practitioners
Elizabeth has practised acupuncture andChinese medicine for30years.In 2019, she added another dimension to her practice: equine-assisted therapy.
To do this she studied fora graduate diplomaincounselling and psychotherapy and trained in natural horsemanship. Elizabeth is NDIS-registered and funding is currently available.
At BlackHorse Therapies, sessions involveinteracting with ahorse in ayard through activities suchasgrooming and walking, then reflecting on this experience
Thesessions aredifferenttonormal therapysessions thatusually rely on sitting in an office talking. They suit people who struggle with thattypeofsetting and those who findithardtoput their feelings into words.
This approach works well with adults and children who suffer from anxiety, depression and/or stress.
Thehorses giveanexperienceoftotal
acceptanceand help peoplefind aplace of calm inside themselves.
Horsetherapyisideal forpeople who have cognitiveimpairmentorwho struggle with astronglyverbal style of communication, such as those withdiagnoses of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder,Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD.The learning is experiential and relationship-based. It can also assist people who have experienced traumaorfamily violence, or those who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Participants oftendiscover they have strengths and abilities of which theywere previously unaware and this helps to build self-esteem and confidence. Thehorses, being large and powerful yetgentle, can help to rebuild trust.Practising leadership with the horse helps withassertiveness. Elizabeth’s approach is person-centred and uses aNarrativeTherapyframework. Sheand her horses arelocatednear Castlemaine in apeaceful natural setting.
EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY
Elizabeth Hannah
NDIS registered -NDIS funding available
Helping adults and children with anxiety, stress &depression
(ASD, behavioural &emotional regulation, trauma)
Located in abeautiful setting near Castlemaine Qualified psychotherapist (GradDip Counselling and Psychotherapy) Experienced horsewoman trained in Natural Horsemanship
Registered Acupuncturist with 30 years experience Phone 0403 753 221
Email blackhorsetherapies@gmail.com
Web blackhorsetherapies.ntpages.com.au
AceAllied Health isexcited to launch its newevidence-based 'ONERO' strength training exercise program this week.
The12-week program aims to support community membersimpacted by osteoporosis to lead fuller,healthier lives.
AceAllied Health team members, accredited exercise physiologist Nicholas George andphysiotherapist DylanCrabbe, have recently completed accredited training in the ONERO program developed by the experts at TheBoneClinic in Brisbane.
ONEROisa targeted training program designed specifically to preventosteoporotic fracture by stimulating bone development and preventing fallsinat-risk individuals based on proven research and results.
Dylan said theycouldn't wait to pass on all theyhad learned to their clients through the twice-weekly strength training sessions in their in-house gymnasium.
"Osteoporosis can begin to impactpeople anytime from menopause –40s-50s –through to people in their60s, 70s, 80s and
90s,"hesaid.
"Itisnever too early or toolatetoconsider strength training. Thosewith kyphosis (back rounding) and even those who have suffered afracturecan consider the program oncetheir fracturehas healed and see improvement."
Nick said to getstarted all youneeded wasabone density test completed within the last twoyears.
"Wewill design atraining program based on these results and undertakeregular assessments to gaugeimprovement in strength and balance. Clients areencouraged to have afollowupscanafter six months to assess improvement in bone density," he said.
"The fantastic news is thatthe data from everyone who takes part in the program contributes to TheBoneClinic'songoing research and futureimprovements and enhancements in treatments."
To learn moreabout the benefits of the ONEROprogram contact AceAllied Health today
Therehas been much media hype about the newweightlossmedications Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Dietitian LeeMason said thatwhen Ozempic wasinitially released foruse as adiabetic medication, it wasdifficult to source,asitbecameinstantly popular as a weightlossinjectable medication.
"Their primary purpose wasfor use in diabetes, as along with weightlossthere is apositiveeffect on blood sugar control," Leesaid.
"Ozempic and Weygovyare ‘glucagon likepeptide-1 receptor agonists’.
"These help the body producemoreinsulin to assist with blood sugar control, as well as keeping youfeeling fuller forlonger by slowing stomach emptying.
"Mounjaroincludes GLP-1 receptor agonist as well as another hormone agonist, GIP
GIP helps withinsulin secretion and has asecond effect on fatmetabolism.These medications reducehunger signals and keeps youfeeling fuller forlonger
"These mimic howthe body work naturally."
Leesaidthese medications were not without side effects.
"The morecommon side effects can be nausea, vomiting, constipation and or diarrhoea. Other common side effects arereflux particularly if youcontinue to consume fattyfoods,"Lee said.
"The side effects usually reduceasyou
Researchhas demonstratedthatonly certaintypesofexercise
become used to themedication.
"Theymay also increase when you increase the dose.
"Thereare other less common side effects and it is essential youdiscuss the use of these medication with your doctor."
Ozempic is the only medication that is on the PBS. This is only prescribed for people with difficult to managediabetes.
Theother medications areavailable with aprescription, and areexpensive.
"Thereisresearch suggesting thatthese medications can reducecardiac risk, and maybeusefulwithsomeaddiction conditions, but further research is needed.
"These medications work formost people, when taken correctly,but they requirethe takertoalsolookattheir diet and their lifestyle. it is notaquick fix."
Leesaid thatoncethe medication was ceased, the effects stopped, which could lead to rapid weightregain.
Dietitians and exercise physiologists can support youtoreviewyou eating and exercise patterns to focusona successful and ongoing healthier lifestyle.
If youwanttowork out if thismedication would be suitable foryou,discuss with youGPand book an appointmentwith your dietitian as ensuring youare getting the nutrition your body needs is as importantasthe weightloss.
Following the advicefromthe exercise physiologist will help youprevent too muchmuscle mass.
Pollen Kynetonhas wonBest Dressed Windowfor their KynetonDaffodil and Arts Festival display.
Thewinning windowfeaturedaneye-catching yellowgold garden scene thathas broughtplenty of cheer to onlookers.
Taking second prizewas KynetonShoes and Accessories and thirdwas Hunters Motors and Mowers
Midland Express judges Kerrie Gleesonand Lynda Brew said the standardofthe displays this year wasagain "outstanding"
Criteria forjudging included daffodils present, visual design, and the themeofthe year: this year'sbeing 'Fields of Gold'
"It’salwaystough as theyall have such differentand unique designs from thebrief," thejudges said.
"It’sapleasuretobethe judges of the windows competition again this year."
Thethree prizewinnerswereawarded advertising packages with the Midland Express
Mark Mason is ateacher and ceramicartist with morethan 40 years’ experience Mark fell in love with the endless possibilities of clayinthe 1970s at teacher’s collegeinBallarat
He hasbeen making, designing, refiningand experimenting with clay, form and surfaceeversince.
While teaching, Mark gained an Associate Diploma in CeramicDesign at Frankston Chisholm and latergained aDegree in Applied Arts at Monash University
In 2018, he retiredfromteaching and movedtoCastlemaine whereheestablished hisown studio.
Mark’scommitmenttohis artistic practice andceramic design is impressiveand his unwavering devotion to primitivefiring techniques, especially Raku firing, hasculminated in an impressiveand unique body of work. Raku pottery evolved in early Japan, primarily forthe ancienttea ceremony
Sincethe 1930s, western pottershave experimented with this low-fired technique.
Mark is drawntothe immediate nature of Raku,wherea pre-fired potisglazedand heatedinasmaller kiln and taken to melting pointand, while still redhot,isplaced into areduction bin of combustibles likepaper, wood shavings and sawdust.
Thehigh copper contentofthe glazes reacts with the atmosphereinthe bin to produceamyriad of metallic coloursonthe surfaceofthe form.
This copper matteglazegenerates arainbowofmetallic lustres that furiously swirl around the pot.
Horsehair Raku, adifferent technique whereapot is burnished to ahigh sheen and wrapped in asaggar of seaweed, banana peels, salt and aluminium foil.
Thepieceisthen placed in the kiln to melting pointand onceremoved, horsehair is laid on the surfaceand etchesapattern of thin energetic black lines across the surface of the pot.
Thebillowing forms arecreated to encouragethe flames to wrap around the surfaceofthe potasitburns with the combustible materials, glazes, slips and oxides. Each potisunique in its response to the materials and creates athree-dimensional paintedsurfacethatreveals itself in competition.
Recently,one of Mark'shorse hair pots wasselected forthe Biennale Klytie Pate Ceramic AwardExhibition at Mansfield from September 19 to October 5.
Mark'swork is currently on show at Trio Art Studio and Gallery at Kyneton
Beginning with birthdayparty thank-younotes and summer camp postcards between twodorky thirdgradersMelissa Gardiner and Andrew MakepeaceLadd III, Love Letters offers amemorable and unique theatrical experience.
Set in an erawell before the adventoffaxes, texts, emails and all forms of social media,it'sacelebration of language.
Wordsare read aloud, and fly offthe pages, as theytakeusontheir 50-year personal journeyencompassing love,longing, estrangementand tenderness, revealingsomuchfromwhatiswritten, and whatisleftunspoken.
Formorethan 30 yearsthis delightful playfor twoperformershas been continually performed world-wide by an impressivelist of luminaries of stageand screen. Director BetteSartoreand experiencedCathouse membersDiAddington and Frank Sartorewill put theirown spin on A.R. Gurney'sbelovedwork.
Love Letters is playing fora strictly limited season of four matinees only on October 18, 19, and 25, 26 at their warm and cosy pop-uptheatreat the KynetonMasonic Centre,7 Yaldwyn Street West at 2pmsharp Doorsopen30minutes before showtime.
Ticketsstill at $25/$20 include sherries and programs and their legendary award-winning interval fare 'HighTea and Bubbles' Bookings via www.trybooking.com/DFLODor0494 166 257 forenquiries and special needs.
Cash is preferred if paying at thedoor Companion card is welcome and the carer'sseatmustbebookedon 0494 166 257.
KynetonTheatre Company presents TimRiceand Andrew Lloyd Webber’smulti awardwinning show: Josephand the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
Performed hundreds of times, including multiple runs in the West Endand on Broadway, and international toursinmore than 80 countries worldwide, Joseph has become one of the world’smostbeloved family musicals.
Featuring much-lovedpop and musical theatreclassics, including AnyDream Will Do, Close EveryDoor, There’sOne More Angel In Heaven and Go, Go,GoJoseph
This exciting production features twofantastic casts of local talent, including Michael vonBonin and Chris Sliwczynski as Joseph, Katy Somerville and Erin HaberechtasThe Narrator, Iain Grant andJayden Andrea as Pharoah —and lots more familiar and newfaces.
Thereare also local fami-
lies performing alongside one another and some greatyoung actorsmakingtheir KTCdebuts. ThefabulousKTC band will return oncemorewith its usual
Don'tmiss this all-singing, all-dancing spectacular!
Joseph is showing at the Bluestone Theatre, Hutton
on Friday, Saturdayand Sunday, October 3-26.
Bookings can be made via: trybooking.com/DEIJY
Jahne Hope-Williams fell in love with doll making when she wasvery young. Thebushfires took the ones thatshe and her children had made, but she neverrealisedhow much she lovedmaking them and howthe need to makethem would grow as she got older
"Each doll is an individual, and Ioften stand back and wonder whodid makethem as theyalmost come to me fully formed,"Jahne says "I am just bringing them to life, every oneofthem has a personality,a story
"Each doll is an individual, dressed with modern and prelovedvintagefabrics and trims."
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TheMacedon Ranges Council is participating in this year'sstate-wide Victorian Seniors Festival forthe month of October.The festival is in its 43rdyearand will host free or low-cost events to provide entertainmentfor older Victorians. This year’sthemeis'Connect. Create. Celebrate'.Eventsthis year for the region's seniorsinclude an art gallery tour in Bendigo, aconcert in Castlemaine, ahigh teaatDromkeen Gallery in Riddells Creek, and atour of the MCG. To book anyevents, organise free pick-up and drop offservices, or find out moreinformation, call 5422 0333 or email VillageConnect@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Spring has arrived and so has Australia’s favouritecitizen scienceevent.Anational celebration of our diverse birdlife, from magpies and fairy-wrens to cockatoos, curlews andhoneyeaters, the 2025 Aussie Bird Countistaking flightfor its 12th year,with registrations nowopen.
From October 20 to 26, BirdLifeAustralia is inviting people of all ages to take just 20 minutes out of their daytospot, identify, and countthe birds around them.
Last year,morethan 57,000 participants submitted nearly 130,000 checklistsand loggedmorethan 4.1 million birds across the country using the free Aussie Bird Countapp.Bold, adaptable species –the rainbowlorikeet, noisyminer,and Australian magpie –again topped thecharts. Will theyswoop in forthe topthree oncemorein2025?
Howtotakepart
1. Pick your spot–anywhereyou like, from your backyardto your favouritepark or garden
2. Spend20 minutes quietly observing the birds yousee
3. Submit your countusing the Aussie Bird Countapp,which will help youidentify the birds yousee and hear.You cangoout and countasmanytimes as youlikeduring Bird Week as long as each countlasts 20 minutes and is submitted separately
BirdLifeAustralia, the national birdconservation charitybehind the Aussie Bird Count, says the eventisanimportantsteptowardsconnection between people, place and purpose.
With morethan adecade of data, theAussie Bird Count results can provide BirdLifeAustralia with insights into trends in urban birdpopulations, contributing to adatasetthathelps to guide futureawareness campaigns, conservation priorities, and community education.
“Birds areindicatorsofenvironmental health. Oneinsix Australian birdspecies is nowunder threat, so taking note of the birds around us has neverbeen moreimportant,”BirdLifeAustralia CEO, Kate Millar said.
“It’salsooften afirst step on alonger journeyofcuriosity,from noticing birds to caring aboutthem,and from caring to protecting.
“Whether you’rearegular birder or someone who just enjoys the occasional kookaburralaugh or lorikeetfly-by, we’reinviting everyone across the country to pause, step outside, and count the birds thatsharetheir skies, gardens, and daily walks.”
Download the free Aussie Bird Countapp or visit www.aussiebirdcount.org.au to register
It is thattime of the year again, when U3A Castlemaine calls forapplications to lead 2026 classes.
Doesn’t timegofast when youare enjoying yourself? Or perhaps it’sjust because we aregetting older!
Following on from another very successful U3A year in 2025, the team arenow preparing for2026, including acall forapplications to lead/presentclasses.
U3A Castlemaineclass coordinator Soph Howard said theywereseeking enquiries from non-membersfromthe community interested in leading aU3A class for2026.
“Ifyou have an interest or apassion that you’dliketoshare,wecan guaranteea
receptive, enthusiastic U3A audience,”Soph said U3ACastlemaine is avolunteer-run organisation of retired and semi-retired people who both want to sharetheir experiences, passion and expertise and conversely receivethe same back from others.
"Wehavearangeofspaces available to host classes and canaccommodate classes of from 4to40informal or informal settings. Classes can be one-off, run all year,or anything in between,"Soph said.
Classes can covera diverse rangeof subjectsincluding (but notlimited to)art, computers, indoor and outdoor activities, languages, music, dance, film, currentaffairs, photographyand technology
to find outwhat2026 will offeratU3A.
Classes areavailable free to U3A members.
Thereare generally no prerequisites or exams —just opportunities to learn alittle moreinthe companyoflike-minded friends in non-threatening environments. Theapplication to runa class in 2026 is available online at tinyurl.com/27mrpxxm and on the U3A Castlemaine websiteat u3acastlemaine.org.au or by contacting the class coordinatoratu3acm.courses@gmail. com Applications received before October 24 can be included in U3A's printed2026 Class Prospectus,which will be available in early December Enrolmentfor 2026 will begin in January
MountAlexander ShireCouncil is excitedtosupport Worn Again Youth Fest, an eventfor young peopletoshowoff their fashion creations made from pre-lovedclothing this SundaySeptember 21.
This family friendly eventwill be held from 11am to 1pm at the outdoor events spaceinMechanicsLane, Castlemaine.
Entrants canchoose from four themes using upcycled clothes: Spring, Dressyour pet, Come as your favouritecharacter,and Minecraft.
Eventpartner,The Good Op Shop, is helping young fashionistas with their ideas by giving them a$20 voucher to spendonclothes and accessories when theyregister
TheGood Op Shop’s director TiffanyInglis said theyloved the upcycled fashion parade as it wassomuch fun!
“I am alwaysamazedathow creativeand braveeveryone is for getting up and having ago,”she said.
“The fashion parade is agreat waytoencourageyoung people to express their ownstyle and learn to appreciate the value of recycled clothes.
“The morepeople we have taking part, the moreI think we can changethe imageofsecond-hand clothes and makethem mainstream.
“There'salready enough clothes in the world, so whynot use whatwe've already got?”
It’s going to be ajam-packed daywith fashion parade catwalk, livemusic,market stalls, abarbecue, apolaroid booth and acircus skills station.
MayorRosie Annear willalsobelaunching the newly developed Youth Plan at the parade.
Theplan is an importantdocumentthatguides council's pro-
grams, activities and events over thenextfour yearswith the aim of improving social, emotional and health outcomes forthe young people of our shire.
Worn Again Youth Fest is funded by the state government'sYouth Fest grantand supportedbyAmplify and the Youth Advisory Group Learn moreand register at www.mountalexandershireyouth.com.
au/portfolio/worn-again-youth-fest-2025
Castlemaine Secondary Collegeand the Castlemaine Rocky Ridersrecently hosted a high-energy round of the Victorian Schools Mountain Bike Championship, with morethan 130 entries from schools rightacrossthe state.
Riderstackled afast, flowing course weaving through the Kalimna bushland and the CSC grounds —including themuch-lovedstairssection —withclose racing, big smiles and plenty of cheering from thesidelines.
Theevent wascoordinatedbya core team of organisers: CSC staff Julian Vearing and Cole Waters,and CSC parents SarahFletcher and SallyMelville. Their planning and on-thedayleadership ensuredsmooth logistics, awelcoming atmospherefor first-timers, and a professional experience forseasoned racers.Principal Justin Hird said the event’ssuccess wasa direct result of the town rallying around its young people.
“Our connectedness to community wasfront and centre.Local clubs, businesses, families and students all pitched in —and that shared effort is whatturnedagreat race into agreat dayfor Castlemaine,”hesaid.
To cap the action, acommunitybarbecue fundraiser —run by the CollegeCouncil and Parent Clubs—keptridersand spectators fuelled. With supplies generously donatedby Maxi IGA, DonKRand Bakers Delight, every sale went straighttothe cause.
Sincerethanks to volunteersAffrica McCarthy, AlexBurgess-Norris, Daydd Kelly, Hannah and HuwVellacott, Kate O’Sullivan, Liz Duthie and Liz Grainger, along with CSC students Jude O’Sullivan and Archie Culph, forsteppingup(including extracoverduring the mid-morning rush).
In total, the barbecue raised $1192 to support CSC’sOutdoor Education Program. CSC extends warm thanks to Castlemaine Rocky Riders, Maxi IGA, DonKRand Bakers Delightfor their support, and to the manyvolunteersand families who helped makethe championship round astandoutsuccess.
After the cameras, who’s leftout?
Tim Drylie,Daylesford
(These aremypersonal views,not those of Hepburn ShireCouncil, whereI serveasacurrent councillor).
Daylesfordisused to visitors. Ourrolling hills, mineral springs, fine food and good hospitality has alwaysdrawn people in. Butthe arrival of television juggernaut TheBlock hasshifted the spotlightina newway by filling the town withcameracrews,star contestants and glossypromisesofa tourism boom.
Theshowhas broughtpositives. Groupslikethe DaylesfordCinema and the council-owned Bathhouse have seen welcome support. Many local businesses have also benefited from theinfluxofcrews, contractorsand visitors. These contributions to our economyand communitygroups areappreciated and it’srighttoacknowledgethem.
Yetthe bigger story sits outside theframe of reality television. Daylesfordisinthe midst of a housing crisis. Families and essential workersare competing with dozens of othersfor each available rental. More than 70 per cent of newhousing supply in HepburnShireoverthe past decade has ended up in theshort-staymarket. Owners can earn farmorefroma weekend booking than from a year-long lease. Theresult? Stable homes disappear, locals arepriced out, and caravans or sparecouches become the fallback
These local pressures echo national patterns: banks post billion-dollar profits while teacherspay moretax than multinational gas corporations. The Block’s luxury homes arepart of the samestory, wherebig players thriveand ordinary households areleftstruggling.
Hepburn Shirehas already laid the groundwork with strategies on housing affordability.The chal-
Local knowledge (1 point)
1. Which town has been named Australia’s TopTinyTourism Town?
2. Whowill fillthe extraordinary vacancy forSouth Ward on Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil?
3. In which local town did VinceJones perform on September 14?
4. Whoismayor of MountAlexander ShireCouncil? (3 points)
5. Howmanypremierships has the Castlemaine Football NetballClub’s women’s football teamsecured in arow?
General knowledge (1 point)
6. Sharon Strzelecki is afictionalcharacterfromwhatAustralian TV series?
7. Howmanystrings does atypical bass guitar have?
8. Whereinthe world is Luang Prabang?
9. Of the following, which country does NOTsharea direct border with Russia: Norway,Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Kazakhstan and Poland? (3 points) 10. Whoisthe presidentofFrance?
lengenow is to put them into practice. What that looks likeisuncertain, butoptions could include stronger rules on short-stays,new affordable housing, home-shareinitiatives or communityland truststhatsecure long-term benefits forlocals.
Thesponsorships will be remembered. Butwhat will matter moreiswhether we usethis moment to deliver lasting change. When the cameras leave, Daylesford’sfuturewon’t be written by television producers. It will be decided by whether the people who liveand work herecan continue to call this placehome.
John Shaw, Woodend
Throughout the world democracies areunder pressureand authoritarians areonthe rise.
Allhumans aremotivated by self interest, but it’sthe impactofexcessive self-interest thatcauses much of our problems.
Individuals/groupspushing the envelope, disregarding their impact on others, results in the need forlaws/regulation/redtape, and the resultant increase in the scope and powerofgovernments.
Excessiveself-interest is notuniversally admired and oftenhas to be hidden from view(privatecompanies), advanced by others(lobbyists),orcloaked with well sounding motivations. E.G:
–“I only send my kids to privateschools to save the governmentmoney”– no self interest involved.
–“I attend Chinese celebrations to recognise wartimeanniversaries”– DanAndrews –noself interest involved.
–“We donate millions to both political parties to support democracy” –PrattFamily –noself interest involved.
Excessiveself-interest also means protecting the gains thatpower/political advantage/corrup-
tion has conferred on certain groups.
Ourhousing crisis has much to do withthe Howard government’sdecision to incentivise housing as an investment/speculativecategory.Negative gearing and discountedcapital gains taxhaveresulted in people naturally taking advantageofanunlevelplaying field.
Attempts to levelthe playing field result in significantopposition. Shaw’s lawapplies –“the deeper the snout is in the trough, thelouder the squeals when it is removed.”
Governing is noteasywith excessiveself-interest and is compounded by the ongoing tension of people wanting communitysuppliedservices, but also wanting to avoid/evade/minimise paying taxesthatfundthe provision of community assets.
Having awell developed B/Sdetectorofour fellow humans, and our own motivations, is an essential protectivedeviceagainst excessiveselfinterest.
Michael Garnett OAM, Romsey Iwish to commentonthe article 'Rebuilding to Remember' that appeared on page5 of last week's Midland Express.Asone who wasclosely involved in the construction of the LightHorse Statue back in 2014,I can assureyour readersthatthe structuredid notcollapse, nor did the statue cave in. There wasnodanger whatsoevertothe generalpublic.
It wasa concern howeverthatthereweresigns of stress around the plinth, which has carried the weightofthe statue formorethan10years. It wasmade of reinforced fibreglass and adecision wasmadetoreplaceit with concrete to ensureits long-term practicality.
Ireiterate, therewas nevera danger of collapse. Thank you.
Doug Miles, Riddells Creek
IamaresidentofRiddells Creekand writeregarding the recently approvedRiddells CreekDevelopmentProject.
This newproject intends to developapproximately 1400 newhomes in the small township of Riddells Creekand will have theeffect of doubling the local population size.
TheDevelopmentContribution Plan provided by the developer specifically excludes from theirDCP the additional infrastructure necessary to combine the developmentwith 'local living' in away thatwill accommodate the additional, and significant, population increasethis project will bring to the area without introducing major disruption during both theconstruction phase and beyond
Theseinclude:
1. No additional schools/education facilities
2.Noadditional public transport upgrades
3. No additional road infrastructure
4. No additional medical, emergencyorpoliceservices
As amatterofurgency,I would liketoreceive apositiveassurancefrom the responsible state governmentagency forthe following:
Prior to the commencementofany developmentworks, theresponsible state governmentagency will publish to the ShireCouncil and the residents of Riddells Creekits plans to address items one through four above
Thetiming and scope of these investments.
Theprocess by which theShire and the residents will be kept fully aware of progresstowardsthe full implementation of these investments.
An assuranceprovided by the responsible agency to all current Riddells Creekresidents thatany additional or unplanned costsincurred in completion of this development, thatmay as aconsequenceincrease the current operating costsofthe Stateand/or the Shiretoprovide the existing services afforded to the residents of Riddells Creek, thatthese costsshall notbe passed through to the existing residentsinthe form of rateincreases or any othersimilar levy
In theabsenceofa well heightenedand activecommunity response, the mostlikely outcome will be worthless political platitudes. Iurgelocal residents to have theirvoicesheardand apply thepressurenecessary to ensure our well-lovedtownis notdestroyed in the cynical pursuit of an arbitrary housing targetset by agovernmentthatwill stampede over legitimate community concerns and objections.
Gordon Collins, Kyneton
As areturned veteranofthe Second World Warwhenfreedom wasat risk in Australia, and the nation wasatthe mercyofJapanese armedforces, Australia wasable to assist our greatally USAand victory in the Pacificwas achieved.
Following demobilisation of ourarmed forces, the RSL membership escalatedand in Kynetondistrict the members had no meeting venueexcept inthe KynetonDrill Hall. As our finances grew from continuousactivities of fundraising (nopokies) we were able to purchase adilapidated house on the corner of Mollison and Donnithorne Streets. Thehousewas demolished and the RSLhome wasbuiltfor meetings with officefacilities.
Kyneton Group of BendigoLegacy Club wasinaugurated and likewise wasable to assist widows and children of veterans.This wasall provided without theaid of pokermachines.
Thepractical viewsubmitted by John Horan(Apractical view', Opinions, September 9) substantiatesmycurrentletterofdisapprovalofthe Macedon Ranges ShireCouncil notfunding trafficcontrol on AnzacDay forthe memorial serviceatthe Kyneton Cenotaph.
This serviceismadetohonour and respectthe servicemenand women who nevercamehome.
MayI commentand quote the old waradvertisement:
"WakeupAustralia, your country needs you"
Your KynetonRSL hasbecome'awake' and has donatedtovarious local clubs and organisations with profits from the pokies andrestaurant
Seton2.5 acresinaprime Kyneton location, this thoughtfully designed family home combines space, comfort and outstanding lifestyle appeal. The roundabout driveway provides awelcoming entrance, leading youtoaresidencethat offers both practicality and charm Thetrue highlightisthe expansive entertaining deck,fully enclosable with retractable blinds and large enough for separatecooking, dining and loungeareas, allowing youtohost gatherings in every season while enjoying beautiful borrowed views of the dam, Post Office Creek and surrounding acreage. Inside, the layout is tailored formodern family living. The centralopenplan area includes awellappointedkitchen, dining and lounge, complementedbya separate living room
foradded versatility.The main bedroom, positioned privately at one end, features awalk-inrobe and ensuite, while three additional bedrooms arelocatedatthe oppositeend alongside afamily bathroom, separatetoilet, and laundry.Year-round comfort is assured withcentral heating and cooling, while an attached double garageoffersinternal access. Alarge fully poweredand concretedshed adds further practicality,and the generous grounds strikethe perfect balancebetween open spaceand low-maintenanceliving. The property offers 67,500Ltoftank waterand abore. Just minutes from Kyneton'svibrant township and withthe freewayclose by, youcan reach Melbourne or Bendigoinjust over 50 minutes, making this property as convenientasitisinviting.
With gardens in bloom, longer days, and more buyers actively searching, your property will never look better Talk to us today and make the most of this spring market If you would like some advice or for free market appraisal, please reach out to one of our experienced sales consultants Spring is
Seton7,260m²oflandscaped land, this 2018 Glen Loddon Homes-built residence blends luxuryand function.Featuring four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and multiple living zones, it boasts agourmetkitchen, gaslog fireplace, and raked ceilings with clerestory windows.Amastersuiteoffers aluxeensuite,walk-in robe, andlounge. Extras include twostudies, mudroom, double garage,hydronicheating, doubleglazing,20,000-gallon rainwatertank, and a6.1-starenergy rating. Outdoor highlights include arooftop deck with mountain views,alfresco area, shed, and electric gate—minutes from Woodend’stransport, shops, and amenities
Price Range: $2,050,000 -$2,200,000 Inspection: Saturday20September -11.00am-11.30am BeverleyHiggs 0448 271 222 |Jason York 0447 391089
Seton40acres justfive minutesfromKyneton, this luxuriousHensley-built home offerselegantcountry living with modern comfort. Surrounded by landscaped grounds,itfeaturesa wide wraparoundveranda, striking stone chimney, and breathtaking ruralviews.The open-plan interior boasts spotted gum flooring,high ceilings, and acentral kitchenwithwalk-in pantryand solid fuel heater. Aseparate stableand shedding complexadds functionality forhorse lovers or hobby farmers. Sustainable features include a14kW solar system, Tesla battery,and 185,000L of tank water. With quality infrastructureand aprime location, this is ararelifestyle opportunity
Price Range: $1,790,000 -$1,890,000
202 672
Inspection: Saturday20September -1.30pm-2.00pm Jason York 0447 391 089 |Travis
Seton3.66acres (approx.),this handcrafted 3bedroom mudbrick home blends individuality, character,and sustainability.Built from local Pastoria clay, it is surrounded by parkland-style gardens with oaks, crab-apple, roses, azaleas, rhododendrons,and adedicatedfauna trail. Inside, soaring 3.8m rakedceilings, exposedOregonbeams, slate floors, reclaimed doors,and stained glass create warmth and charm. The open-plan living area flows to anorth-facingalfresco under awisteria pergola. Features include amastersuite with clawfoot bath, solar panels, rainwatertanks, veggie patch, largeshed, andcarport, all just3.6km from Woodend station.
Price:$1,100,000 -$1,200,000
Inspection: Saturday20September -11.00am -11.30am Travis Cole0428 202 672 |BeverleyHiggs 0448 271 222
Beautifully presentedand maintained, this modern home features 4bedrooms, all with robes, the main withensuite & walk-in-robe, with afront lounge, adelightful open plan kitchen and dining area with sliding doorstoanundercovernorth facing alfrescoarea. The kitchen has awalk-in pantrythatconveniently connects to the integrateddouble garage.The main loungeadjoinsthe dining/kitchen area and is bathed in natural light. Outsideissecurelyfenced with private backyard, while the landscapedfront garden requires very little maintenance. Thereisalso separate side access. In conjunction with TrustedProperty, Sandi Barry-Mueller Vendor Advocate
Price Range: $795,000-$845,000
Inspection: Saturday20September -10:45am -11:15am MatthewBourke0448 271 880 |Travis Cole0428 202672
Brand newluxurytownhousefor sale in central Kyneton, closetoschools, shops and the beautiful CampaspeRiver walk. This elegantlydesigned townhouse is equipped with doubleglazing,solar hot water, electric reversecycle ducted heating/cooling,2.7mceilings, a6+starenergyrating with NBNconnected. Master bedroom with ensuite and WIR, 2nd bedroom with BIR, separate study nook area, beautifully appointedkitchenwithmarblebenchtops,900mm oven & rangehood, spacious and elegantliving area thatopens onto alandscaped courtyardwith patio,irrigatedgarden beds, separate garden shed and remotecontrolled garage
Price Range: $790,000
Inspection: Saturday20September -10.00am -10:30am
MatthewBourke0448 271 880 |Travis Cole0428 202 672
Floating laminate floorboards, baywindows, newly renovatedkitchen, stone benchtops,induction cooktop, 900mm electric oven,cornerpantryand expansive open-plan living. Floor-to-ceilingwindows,solar-heated, salt-chlorinated9x4m swimming pool, Jindarabuilt-in fireplace, ductedelectricheating, refrigeratedcooling, ceilingfans in all main living areas and bedrooms. A9x8m barn-style Colorbond shed with concretefloor,power,and side carport, 14x8m four-bayworkshop with 3remote controlledroller doors, a40ft shipping container •100,000L and 23,000L watertanks, with Puretec filtration system•42solarpanels, dual inverters, 7fenced paddocks.
Price Range: $1,695,000 to $1,795,000 Inspection: -ByPrivateInspection MatthewBourke0448 271 880 |Travis Cole0428 202672
Set within Victoria's prestigious HeathcoteShiraz district,the 102-acre(approx) McDonalds Lane Estate offers an exceptional blend of luxury,comfort and self-sufficientcountry living. Completely off-grid, this stunning and contemporarySandhurst-built home provides luxurious country living in afully selfsufficientway
Therecently constructed homesteadenjoys a commanding 360° outlook over MiaMia and the surrounding district, withrecycled brick, Colorbond steel, and double-glazed windows ensuring both style and durability.Inside, the home is filledwith naturallight, featuring threebedrooms, astudy, open-plan living with cathedral ceilings, and achef's
kitchen complete witha walk-in butler'spantry,perfectly designed forentertaining. Outbuildings include afully enclosed machinery shed and a36-panel solar systemwith battery storage, while well-maintained paddocks, dams, and awinter-fill creek provide both functionality and beauty.The estate haspotential for livestock grazing and agriculturaluse,making it ideal fora variety of country pursuits.
Conveniently locatedjust 10km from Heathcote, 41km from Bendigo, and around 90 minutes from Melbourne, McDonalds Lane Estate offers arareopportunity to enjoya premier country lifestyle within easyreachoftownamenities and the heart of Shiraz country
Property: Contemporary Sandhurst-builthome on 102 acres
Address: 267 Mcdonalds Lane, MiaMia
Price: $1,450,000
Agent: Raineand Horne Kyneton
Contact: Jason Woodford-Smith0478 000 441
JudithStevens 0438 683 484
Midway between Castlemaine and the small hamletof Guildford, Yapeen boasts ahistoric goldrush past. Although gold wasnot found on this particular site, the property presents agolden opportunity forthose wanting to settle in this historic area.
Boasting anatural bushland setting, the property covers an area of approximately 15 acres withsealed road access and meandering drivewaymakingfor the perfect country entrance.
At the topofthe drivethe views arespectacular.Perched and settocapture thoseviews arethe main house and self-contained cottage. Independent, theyeach have their ownservices –septic, rainwater storageand car parking. A perfect pairing forthe extended family,dualoccupancy or a
small business or holidaystay.
Comfortable with sleeping accommodation of three bedrooms, the main home enjoys acosylounge, galleystyle kitchen, family bathroom and large laundry. Additional living is provided by alarge sunroom thatextends across the rear, with itsown potbelly stove andbar,making it agreat space to host friends. Or when the weather is warmer spend time on the frontdeck and enjoythe views
Generous in size, the cottageisbright and lightfilled with open plan living and meals, functional kitchen, large bathroom and separatelaundry.Dedicatedparking with asemienclosed carport provides privacy from themain house. In addition,thereisa 9m x4mshed with powerconnected, atwo-car carport and caravanport. Thelarge dam,
approximately 25 feet at its deepest point, enjoys water all year round with good catchment.
This rare offering of twodwellings combines the peace of abush setting with the convenienceofbeing just ashort drivefromCastlemaine's amenities and centraltoall the Goldfield region’s attractions.
Property: Twodwellingsand 15 acres
Address: 545 Muckleford-YapeenRoad, Yapeen
Price: $749,000
Agent: Property Plus
Contact: Di Selwood 0488 148 358
ARefined Statement in Sustainable Living
28 Bull Street, Castlemaine
This expansive six-bedroom, five-bathroom residence offers ararefusion of architectural elegance and environmental consciousness. Completed in 2023, it sets anew benchmark for sustainable family living, wherecontemporary design meets everyday comfort and efficiency
Contact Nick Haslam 0422 848 662
Choice
34 Ray Street, Castlemaine
This classic 1970s brick three-bedroom home offers space, comfort, and convenience on asubstantial 1036sqm (approx. allotment. With established landscaped gardens and versatile indoor-outdoor living, this property presents an ideal opportunity for families, first-home buyers, or investors looking to secureasolid home in aprime location.
Elevated Mid-Century Living
30 Etty Street, Castlemaine
Positioned on agenerous 707sqm (approx.) corner allotment, this elevated 1950s-style three-bedroom home offers timeless character,moderncomfort, and anorth-facing garden outlook.The fully fenced backyardisaprivate haven with established gardens, agarden shed, offering scope for astudio or further enhancements (STCA).
$659,000
View
Saturday 20th Sept 11:30am-11:50am Contact TomRobertson 0473 642 644
Effortless Living in aQuiet Locale
15B Chapel Street, Campbells Creek
Set back from the street in apeaceful Campbells Creek location, this charming brick two-bedroom townhouse offers low-maintenance living with a touch of style and comfort. Sliding doors lead to aprivate side courtyard. Positioned on approx. 338 sqm, this property is ideal for
ANeat Choice –Low-Maintenance Living
43 Wilkie Street, Castlemaine
Tucked away in just moments from the heart of Castlemaine, this neatly presented two-bedroom detached home offers comfort, convenience, and plenty of potential. Sitting privately on agenerous 647sqm (approx.) allotment, the property is ideal for downsizers,first-home buyers, or those seeking an easy-carelifestyle with scope to add value.
$642,000
20th Sept 11:30am-11:50am
Megan Walmsley 0411 043 324
and
Amid the serene landscapes of Laanecoorie, just moments from theflowing watersofthe Loddon River, this striking home occupies agenerous one-acre allotment, offering abold statementincountry living. ItsblackColorbond-clad modular form commands attention, while cleverdesign and thoughtful detailing create aspacethatisbothstriking and liveable. Step inside and discovera layout that embraces spaceand light. Thelarge bedroom, complete with built-in robes, offers a privatesanctuary forrest. Thebathroom is surprisingly generous in scale, finished with acontemporary flair,while acleverly tucked-awayEuropeanlaundry ensures every inchofthe home is both practical and purposeful. At the heart, the galley-style kitchen is astriking statementinblack. With its gas cooktop, in-wall ovenand framed garden outlook, it feels as much likea design featureasafunctional hub. It flowsintothe open living and dining zone,wherecrisp lines and aneutral palettecreate the perfect canvasfor relaxation or entertaining. Large windows and sliding doorsinvitethe outside in, filling the spacewith naturallightand aconnection to thelandscape.
Outdoors, the story continues. Thefront verandah deck invites morning coffees, evening wines and time spentwatching the ever-changing sky. Nativeplantings soften the modernlines of the home, while amaturewattletreebringsseasonal colour and atouch of lush vibrancy.Birdsong is constant,underscoring the property's naturalharmony. Thelarge fire pit area becomes a gathering placeunder the stars, while shedding withextrabathroom facilities provides flexibility and convenience. Thereisa workshop/studio spacewitha barbecue area, along with container setupfor further storage. Access from two streets offers ease, whether you'reentertaining friends or storing aboatfor river adventures. This is amodern home setinone of centralVictoria's most peaceful locations. From here,the river is just moments away,while the historic towns of Maldon and Dunolly arewithin easyreach, eachbrimming with character, cafésand community.Bendigo'svibrantarts, dining and shopping scene is less than 30 minutes by car,offering the best of both worlds: peaceful seclusion by the river with regional centres close at hand.
Tucked away in awell-established and tranquil residential pocketonthe edgeofCastlemaine, this family home is nestled amid alandscaped garden of natives, paths and lawn areas. Thefamily sized home offers four bedrooms, twobathrooms and twoliving areas with awell-appointedkitchen that features alarge walk-through pantry thatcan be accessed from the spacious garage, making the household grocery run abit easier.The home is serviced by ducted heating and cooling, solar hotwater with instantgas back up, and the rear yard allows vehicleaccess from aroller door at the rear of the garage, which also provides access to alarge shed/workshop with concrete floor
Thehome features alarge family meals area offthe kitchen withaccess to an alfrescoareathatoverlooks the garden and the naturalbush beyond, and a second living area offers apeaceful retreatwith an electric wall-fitted mock firefor heating or ambience. Alovely home readytowalk straightintoand enjoy.
69ALyons Street, Newstead.
4 a 2 b 3 v 2732r
•Contemporary4-year-oldhome setwithina spacious, levelcountry garden.
•Peaceful Newstead-edgelocation with borrowed farmland views
•Two living areas, polished concrete floors, doubleglazing, 5.6kW solar,heatedplungepool, and alfresco entertaining.
ForSale
$1,045,000 View
Saturday20thSeptember: 1:45pm -2:15pm
RobWaller |0418 571 130
Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733
34 Castlemaine Road, Maldon.
3 a 2 b 1 v 738r
•Renovatedthree-bedroomcottagewith cosy lounge, separatedining, and moderncountry-style kitchen overlookingthe garden.
•Two elegantbathrooms, including amain with freestanding bath and oversized shower
•Character-filled with original floorboards, wood heaterand cellar
ForSale
$775,000 View
Saturday20th September: 11:45am -12:15pm
Narelle Waller |0408 571 131
RobWaller |0418 571 130
5BanksiaCourt, Campbells Creek.
4 a 2 b 3 v 793r
•Four bedroomhome with strikingform, refineddetail, and awarm, expansivefeel
•Light-filled open-plan living with customkitchen, soaring ceilings, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
•Luxurious main suite, versatile living zones and doubleglazing.
ForSale
$895,000 View
Saturday20th September: 12:15pm -12:45pm
Blasi Mulholland |0417311 733
RobWaller |0418 571 130
Scan to viewour currentlistings
Just afive-minutestroll from Castlemaine’s vibrantcafés, boutiqueshopping, schools and the BotanicalGardens, this expansivesix-bedroom, five-bathroom residenceoffersa rare fusion of architectural eleganceand environmental consciousness. Completedin2023, it sets anew benchmark for sustainable family living, wherecontemporary design meets everydaycomfort and efficiency
With asix-star energy rating andasuiteofforwardthinking inclusions, the homeisdesigned to reduceenvironmental impact while enhancing lifestyle. A15kWsolar systemwith 34 panels, solarhot waterwith gas backup, double-glazed windows,zoned climatecontrol and premium insulation throughout ensures year-round comfort with minimal running costs.
Set across twolight-filled levels, the residencewelcomes with asoaring 5.7m entry void and aVictorian ash staircase, astriking centrepiecethatsetsthe tone forthe home’s refined interiors. Living spaces aregenerous and versatile,
including an open-plan kitchen,dining and loungethatflows seamlessly to thelandscaped garden, aseparateTVlounge, astudy and an upstairsretreat with astudy nook, ideal for teens or ahomeoffice.
At the heart of the home, the kitchen is amasterclass in form and function. Caesarstone concrete benchtops, Casa ceramic farmhouse sinks, and afull suite of Ilve appliances, including twin ovens, induction cooktop, integrated fridges/ freezers, and awalk-in butler’spantry,createaspacethatis both beautiful and practical.The adjoining living and dining zones open directly to thealfresco, perfect foreffortless entertaining across all seasons.
Accommodation is equally impressive. Five main bedrooms each featurewalk-in robes and privateensuites, while the luxurious main bedroom wing offers aprivatelounge, a spa-inspired bathroom, ahomeoffice/dressing room,and an expansivewalk-in robe. This wing canbeconfigured as a self-contained retreat-ideal formulti-generational living. A
downstairsguest suite with external access, an ensuiteand aflexible study/bedroom adds further versatility.Aguest powder room andlaundry with external access complete the ground level.
Thefully fenced rear garden offers aprivatehaven for families and entertainersalike.A coveredalfrescobarbecue area, generous lawn and leafy surrounds create arelaxed outdoor lifestyle, while the pavedaggregate driveway and secure double garageadd convenienceand style.
Property: Expansivesix-starenergy home
Address: 28 Bull Street Castlemaine
Price: $1,975,000 –$2,100,000
Agent: Cantwell Real Estate
Contact: Nick Haslam0422 848 662
Covering the Macedon Ranges and MountAlexander Shires
Circulated throughout: Kyneton,Castlemaine,Gisborne,Malmsbury,Trentham,Woodend,Redesdale, Lancefield, Romsey,Macedon, Mt. Macedon, Metcalfe, Chewton, Harcourt, Newstead, Maldon, Taradale, Elphinstone, Campbells Creek, Guildford, Barkers Creek, Sutton Grange, Baringhup, Muckleford,Yapeen. ELLIOTT MIDLAND NEWSPAPERS
KYNETON
3MarketSt., PO Box153,Kyneton, 3444
Telephone: (03) 5422 1488
Facsimile: General (03) 5422 3173
CASTLEMAINE
13 HargravesSt., PO Box227, Castlemaine, 3450
Telephone: (03) 5472 1788
Facsimile: (03) 5472 4504
OFFICE HOURS
MondaytoFriday9.00 am-5.00 pm
EDITORIAL HOURS
MondaytoFriday8.30 am-5.00 pm
Email: Kyneton: ahume@midnews.com.au Castlemaine: ldennis@midnews.com.au
TuesdayIssue:
BIRTH
Do youknowthatfeeling, everyone is talking aboutsome ‘amazing’ thing, and youare left wondering “amI missing something here?”. That's me and bokashi.
Bokashi is asystemfor processing kitchen scraps thatispresentedasa convenient, odour-free alternativetocomposting or worm farming.
We need abokashi bucket– with awellsealing lid, agrate in the bottom and atap forthe liquid –and some bokashi ‘bran’, a proprietary source of what aresoldas'effectivemicroorganisms' or ‘EM’
Food scraps go into the bucket, bokashi bran is sprinkled to inoculate with the EM and the lid is sealed tight. In thislow-oxygenenvironment, anaerobic microbes will start to pickle the food scraps
Sounds simple enough, but thereare a fewthings to consider
Firstly,the lidneeds to stay on most of the time to maintain the low-oxygenconditions forthe pickling process to work, so we can’t be adding food scraps regularly Some sources suggest keeping akitchen caddy forcollecting food scraps in, or even asecond bokashi bin, so we only add to the activebokashi bucketevery fewdays.
Secondly,ifwefollowthe instructions, we aregoing to have to keep buying and sprinkling the bokashi ‘bran’. Thereare ‘makeyour own’ recipes out there (whey or sauerkraut liquid should also work) but this is yetanother step in this ‘convenient’ process.
Thirdly,ifbokashi smells likemanylactic acid pickles then the claim of 'odour-free' mightbealittle… overstated. In my experience, bokashi smells go from reasonably benign, through to pretty awful. Thejuice tapped offthe bottom is quitepungent, and needs to be emptied regularly,diluted with water, andused as aliquid fertiliser
Fourthly,pickling is agreat waytopreservefood and extend its shelf life, but by pickling our food scraps we have notgot rid of them, or even reduced them much, so we still have abucketof– nowpickled –food scraps, with stinky juiceatthe bottom to ‘deal with’.
Aftertwo weeks of pickling, we aretold we can bury the bokashi contents in the
garden or add them to acompost pile. So, forbokashi to work, we still need an active compost pile or garden space– or access to either –toput thepickled food scraps into.
Advocatessay thatpre-pickling helps food scraps break down faster,but if our compost is going well,fast decomposition is notusually aproblem. Going through the whole bokashi processdoes seem likea lot of extrawork fora slightly faster decomposition.
Themost appropriate placefor bokashi mightbeinflats and apartments where food scraps need to be stored before being taken out to acentral compost or garden every fewweeks.
Perhaps youhavehad some experience –positiveornot –with bokashi. We are keen to hear about it.
–Joel Meadows works with *Yes In My Back Yard,(YIMBY), acommunity-scale composting initiativeinCastlemaine and surrounds. Send questions or comments to hello@yimbycompost.com, or to book in fora compost workshop.
TheKynetonMen’s Shed has taken an exciting step into the futurewith the purchase of astate-of-the-art Creality K2 3D printer– amovethat’salready generating greatenthusiasm among members.
Traditionally known forwoodworking, metalwork and hands-on craftsmanship, the Shed is nowexpanding into digital fabrication and opening the door to a whole newworld of creativity,learning and innovation.
“This isn’t just atool –it’sagateway,” said Shed president, IanCurnow.
“With the Creality K2,wecan nowcreatecustom components, replacementparts, prototypes and artistic pieces thatwould be impossible or prohibitively expensive using traditional methods.”
Thenew 3D printeradds to theShed’s growing suiteofmodern technology,which already includes alaser engraver/cutting machine, twolarge-screen computersand full internetaccess. These resourcesmake theShed acreativehub forbothtraditional hands-on skills and cutting-edgedigital design.
“The Creality K2 isideal forbothbeginnersand experienced users,”MrCurnow said.
“It’spowerful, butalsoeasyenough for someone with no prior experiencetostart creating with just somebasic training.”
TheShed plans to host introductory workshops and collaborativeprojects wherememberscan learn howtodesign and printtheir owncreations. Thepossibilities rangefrommaking model trains and drone partstocreating assistivetools
printer.
forpeople with disabilities –acause close to theheart of manyinthe Men’sShed network. With the arrival of the CrealityK2, the Kyneton Men’sShed is actively encouraging newmemberstoget involved. Whether they'reanexperienced tinkerer,anartist, an engineer,orsimply curious about3D printing, there’saplace foryou at oneof the Shed’s numerous work benches –or now, in frontofa screen.
TheKynetonMen’s Shed is locatedat2 Riverwalk Boulevard,and is afriendly and inclusivespace formen to work on meaningful projects, learn newskills and build social connections.
Looking foranexperienced arborist? LeeGuppy of Cut and Climb is your local fully-qualified arborist with over10years of experience. Leespecialises in tree removals, pruning and stump grinding as well as contract climbing, consultancyand report writing.
Cut and Climb is alocally ownedand operated business in the Macedon ranges, and offers both commercial and domestic tree services.
Services include: tree pruning, tree removal, cable and bracing, stump grinding, and tree reports and assessments.
We also have mulch available Contact Leetodaytoschedule aconsultation and receivetop-quality tree carefromanexpert arborist.
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
NICHOLLS (Snr)
John Patrick The Requiem Mass for the
CastlemaineTechnical College Past StudentsAssociation would like to acknowledge Gordon Stevens for his dedication and commitment and was an active andlong-time committee member for many years of service.Gordon was president for the CTCPSAin the following years 1984-1985, 1990 &2001.
Gordon would supply the meat for the barbecue and brought with him the ice box and ice to keep things cold at our reunion.
Sincere condolences to his wife and family He will be sadly missed.
-President Bill Sikora &committee members.
FINCHER -Shirley(néeDrury)
Born 1930, Dunolly,Victoria. Passed away peacefully at Romsey CommunityAged Care on Friday 5September 2025.
Beloved wife of the late Maxwell George Fincher
Dearly loved mother of Keith Bearman, Suzanne Cassio, and the late Joanne Bearman. Treasured stepmother of Kellie Cunningham, mother-in-law of Philip Cunningham. Grandmother to Caitlin &Christopher Chelsea &Grace, Jessica &Tom, Grace&Will. Great-grandmother to Luka &Hugo, Lucy &Bella, and Suki Violet. Remembered always for her kindness, her love of gardening and animals, and her gentle, loving heart. Forever in our hearts.
&HANGINGROCK RACING CLUB
ADVANCENOTICEOF
ANNUALGENERALMEETING KYNETON&HANGINGROCKRACINGCLUB
1) Date and Location
Notice is hereby given of the Annual GeneralMeeting of the Kyneton &Hanging Rock Racing Club to be heldon Sunday October 26, 2025, at 10.30aminthe Members bar at the Kyneton Racecourse 44 Campaspe Drive Kyneton.
ORDINARYBUSINESS
1. Declare the election of members of the Committee. In line with the Club’sRules andStatement of Purpose, three (3) Committee Members are required to vacate their positions and all three (3)may offer themselves for re– election for the three (3) vacant positions should they wish to. The members up forre-electionare.
•MrGary O'Meara
•MrJohnScott
•MrGreg Janky
Full Members of the Club may nominatefor aposition.
nomination form which can be obtained by contacting the general manager (Jon Dight) at j.dight@countryracing. com.au.
Nominations must be received bynolater than 5pm on Friday October 10, 2025
Meeting
3. To appoint the Auditor of theClub
4. Receive reports upon the transactions of the Club during the last precedingFinancial Year
Members are invited to submit any business for consideration at the meeting by 5pm on Friday October 10, 2025.
Jon Dight.
General Manager
Section 29 of the FairTradingAct 1999 requires the inclusionofafullnameand address (not PO BoxNumber) –inall advertisements for the supply of goods and services.
ELLIOTT MIDLAND NEWSPAPERS advises
The 2025Annual General Meeting of the KynetonAero Club Inc. (A0028479Z) will be held at the Club Rooms 1503 Kyneton-Metcalfe Rd, KynetonVIC 3444, Saturday, 12 th October,2025 commencing at 11am in the KAC training room.
Newspaper media reaches 93% of Australians every month
On Saturday, 21 teamscompetedfor the honour of lifting theannual BudAnnand 4BBB trophy.
Forthe thirdtime, the O'Brien brothersprovedunbeatable, with amagnificent 48 points.
Lachlan and Liam O'Brien's names will nowbeinscribed on the trophy, adding to their previous wins in 2020 and 2021.
Runners-up were PeterVerlaan and Leon Thomas with asolid 43 points.
NTPswenttoLiam O'Brien and Rob Prendergast.
Glenda Jefferies (36) wonthe morning 9@9 stableford with 16 points, twoclear of HelenMcEwen(29).
Gavin Lang (7) wasThursday's stableford winner with 35 points, witha countback showing Leon Thomas (13) wasrunner-up on 33.
ElliotStyles had twobirdies and was also NTP along with Harald Domanski.
GISBORNE
It's been fivemonths sinceConnor Murphy— theIrish Terminator—won the A-grade competition, buthesaid he would be back.
Well, he returned on Saturdaytowin A-grade with 42 points.
Mark Sacco wonB-grade with 37 points, and Sean Dillion, playing likea rolling stone, took outC-grade.
It wasan'L' of aday forthe women, with Louise Le Lievreleading the wayby beating Linda Lanham on acountback.
In trying damp conditions on Wednesday, Maryanne Mocnik took outthe women's eventonacountback from Leanne Delaway.
TimMaddern is still in form, and won Thursday'sopenevent with 38 points.
BrettCampbell took asickie and won
B-grade with 35 points, andPeterKozicki took out C-grade.
Next week, the good-looking Robinson RoostersinaUte takeonthe Play from anyTee BoxStoreyKnights in the Golf Premier League Grand Final.
If the Roosters win, asalary cap investigation will be initiated.
KYNETON
Damian Summers had awinning double last week, spiced with some drama.
He took offthe two-person Ambrose with Rachael McAndrew on Wednesday, and then theB-grade on Saturdaywith the day'sbest score.
Summersand McAndrew fired7610-66 in strong windstowin by astroke from brothersGeoff and LesTurner(11) with DavidAustin and David Pilcher third.
On Saturday,Pilcher setthe pacewith 22 points on the frontnine before going offthe boil, and enabling Regan Williams (10) to claimA-grade with 35 points, two clear of Simon Rosenberg(11).
Summershad eightparsonhis way to 38 points to topB-grade by four from Jonathan Beachey(14).
Tony Borg (29) had his second successiveSaturdayvictory with 36 points, a shotclear of Bert Cottingham (27).
RobMacRae(22) led in the women with 33, and NTPs went to Tony Gamble, Brad Duncan, Beachey, Neville Yatesand Pilcher (alsosuper pin).
Captain Julie Harris led the wayinthe women's competition last Tuesdaywith 97-21-76 to take out A-grade by three from Vicki Nettleton(22).
GraceParkinson wonB-grade with 101-27-74 from ValmeSmoors, and Namik Akkurt wasbestofthe men with 84-10-74.
NTPs went to Yates, Denise Murphy
and Marian Orr.
Thursday'sfront nine shootout was aslaughter,with Craig 'Killer' Fitzpatrick burying the field with 22 points, seven ahead of his nearest rival.
LANCEFIELD
Saturdaywas Medal of Medallists Day, with'practicemakes perfect' believer Dean Budde the winner with 84-15-69, from DarcyCreer 97-26-71 and David Morgan 91-17-74.
It waspleasing to seesome of the old facesenjoying ahit.
Tuesdaynumbersare growing and Ed Godek wasthe winner with 82-14-68, withBudde and Leefeinthe minor placings.
Wednesday's13-hole Ambrose went to the trio of Di Rohde, Janine Notman and GlendaBentleywith49.9, from Lyn Murchison, BronwynWilson and Fran Beard53.
In favourable conditions on Saturday, Paul Burrows(10) wasthe overall and Agrade stableford winner with 40 points.
Terry Bonello (14) took outB-grade with37 points, on acountback from Hayden Phillips (13), and David Lee(19) had 36 points to finish twoclear of Saurabh Singh (28) in C-grade.
NTPs were M. Shepherd, M. Assive, C. Obst and T. Littman.
Very cold forWednesday'spar event tee-off,asWalrus(13) -3 beatM.Assive and Oils Flannery on acountback in Agrade.
Keith Miles (23) +1 and Karl Pongracic (19) were the toptwo in B-grade, with NTPs going to Miles and Joel Scanlon.
Davie Kenney(11) wonSaturday's stableford with 39 points, on acountback
from Dean Kohler (7).
Dylan Harris had 36 points to finish thirdonacountback from MalMottram (10).
NTPswenttoKohler and Mick Squire, and Kenneyhad the longest drive.
Greattosee Trentham ranked number one TopTinyTourism Town in Australia! Whether it'sthe stunning natural beauty,warm community spirit, or the brilliantgolf course, it is easytosee whyTrenthamshines so brightly on the map.
Also,congratulations to the town's football club on its first senior premiership for31years.
Thursday's mixed 4BBB stableford on Thursday waswon by RobEllis and Jock MacLeod withatremendous 45 points.
Julie Bartholomewwon the women's stableford on Saturday with 35 points, one ahead of Alison Borchers and Caroline Johnston.
Trulyspectacular spring conditions for thefirst round of themixed championships on Saturday
Therewas fierce competition between the 13 pairsinthe American foursomes format.
Gross winnerswereCheryl Garner and Adam Chew with 75, while nett winners were Jannaya James and AndrewDavies with60.875 from a16.125 handicap. Round 2isCanadian foursomes with the title well and truly open.
Therewere45players in Saturday's stableford,with Tony Gepp (10) edging out Mark Hilton (9)inA-grade with 36 points.
BenThompson (15) wonB-grade with 40 points, from JamesO'Brien (12) on 38.
Castlemaine Secondary College'syear11-12 Senior Girls soccerside washighly competitiveatthe 2025 School SportVictoria Secondary Football StateFinals on Tuesdayatthe Darebin International Sports Complex.
Thelocal side finished thirdin2023, second in 2024, and were hoping to go one better in 2025 against some of the most talentedstate schools and private school sides in the state.
Thegirls had received some terrific coaching support from severalmembersofthe Castlemaine Goldfields FC Women's teams in the lead up and were pumpedand ready to go!
Theside foughthardwithtwo wins against Shepparton 2-1 and Ballarat 2-1 and one narrow1-2 loss to Brunswick.
TheCastlemaine girls placed second overall in their pool and just missed out on the final with Brunswick taking on TaylorsLakes.
Allinall, it wasa very positiveday,evenifthe girls were abit disappointedwith the end result. Lots of parents and some fellow CGFC memberscame to cheerthem on, which was fantastic!
This image wascaptured at the opening of the newclubhousein1961.
On aperfect dayfor playing croquet, Macedon Ranges mayorDom Bonanno opened the new croquetseason at the KynetonCroquetClub earlier this month. With agood turnout of KCC membersand accompanied by his son Marcus, both fresh from afishing eventatthe reservoir, Domwas definitely in weekend mode –no mayoralchains or robes to be seen.
KCCpresidentLen Bakerwelcomed the mayor to theclub, noting that the club would celebrate its 150th Anniversary next year in 2026.
"The KynetonCroquet Club wasoriginally associatedwiththe Kyneton Bowling Club, but moved to the currentpremises in the 1920's,"Baker said. He also highlighted thatthe club would run a series of events throughout 2026 to celebratethis 150th milestone.
Harcourt Bowling Club will host an afternoon teathis SaturdaySeptember 20 in celebration of the club's 70th Anniversary
Thespecial eventwill run from 1pm to 3pm. Theopening of the newbowling season and the annual President’sDay aretobeincorporatedintothe celebrations. Past and present membersare warmly invited to attend.
From asimple conversation at alocal football matchin1955, ameeting wascalled on May2,1955 and the Harcourt Bowling Club wasestablished.
Mr BBingham generously donateda quarter acreoflandjust offthe highwayto establish the club grounds.
From January 1956 to December 1959, the dedication and hardwork of membersand the local community were nothing short of inspiring.
Much of the labour,materials, and expertise were donated. Starting from scratch, they carted bluestone, prepared the land, organised approvals, and ultimately built thevery bowling green and clubhouse membersenjoytoday.
On October 24, 1959, membersplayedon the green forthe first time. Aoriginal building
"Croquetkeeps you young, evidenced by the fact thatwehave four club members over90yearsofage,still playing regularly,and all arepresenthere today,"hesaid.
MayorDom wasvery impressedthat croquetenabled elderly people to remain physically and socially active, and highlighted the benefits of involvementfor all ages. After afew instructions on thebasics of croquet, the mayorhad no problem in scoring the
first hoop of the season at his first attempt. He andMarcusthen took part in asocial game with LenBaker and John Tead, one of the nonagenarians present. John is alegend around the KynetonCroquetClub, having wonthe Club Championship so oftenthat thetrophyhas been named afterhim. No oneismentioning thefinal scorefor the mayoralgame, butall were happyto adjourn foranother excellentafternoon tea afterwards.
wassecured from MrsLang at Blight’sQuarry Mr E. Peeler &Sons were contracted to move the building to thebowling green. By December,the building wasinposition and electricity had been connected.
In October 1960, work commenced on anew clubhouse; aclub badgedesign was prepared which included the apple, pear and cherry reflecting local industries; JByrns donatedthe frontgatesign; MrsAlice Richards donateda flag pole; andinNovember 1961, the brand newclubhouse wasofficially opened by Cr AFinning.
Throughout thedecades, Harcourt Bowling Club has steadily grownand evolved, overcoming challenges and celebrating numerous achievements both on and offthe green.
As they celebrate70years,the clubremembersand honoursall those founders, volunteers, sponsorsand memberswho brought their vision to lifeand who have helped the club flourish overthe last sevendecades. Their legacy is the Harcourt BowlingClub'sfoundation, and with the same spirit of community, memberslook forwardtomanymoresuccessful yearstocome.
Afterbeing runner-up at Wodonga and Wangaratta, Kyneton-trained CountIda brokethrough fora win at Donald on Saturday. Trained by Michael Jones, the fiveyear-old marewas having her 12th race start. Ridden by Ryan Hurdle in the 1350m Bet365 BetBoost Handicap, the$2.50
favouriteraced near the lead throughout. CountIda held offthe fast-finishing Hidden Witness to win by 0.35 lengths. Themareisraced by the PotofGold Racing syndicate,and her stakeearnings arenow $46,415. –Bill West.
Reserves football flag favouriteWallan produced the goodsinthe grand final on Saturday. In avery low-scoring encounter, Romsey could only producefivescoring shots forthe entirematch on theRedbacks' home ground. Wallan finished up winning 5.6 (36) to 3.2 (20) with Magpie Blaide Dickson receiving the best on ground medal. Romseywas best served by Nathan Stephens, Kane Brinkhuis, William Di Pietro,Charlie Jedwab, Mitchell Adamson, and Aaron Paterson.
TheTrentham Saints have claimed the 2025 Maryborough Castlemaine DistrictFootball Netball League premiership cup aftera gutsy performanceagainst the powerhouse Carisbrook Redbacks at the Carisbrook Recreation Reserve.
TheSaints were outfor redemption after last year'sdisappointing grand final loss at the hands of NatteBealiba and certainly did notfail their loyalSainters fans on Saturday– rising to the occasion to defeat the Redbacks in alowscoring battle.
Both sides took awhile to settle the finals nerves and register ascore on the board.
At quarter-time Trentham 1.1 trailed Carisbrook 1.3 by twopoints.
TheSaints liftedinthe second kicking three goals to theBrooks one to lead by eightpoints at half-time.
Trentham kicked three moreinthe thirdand held the Redbacks to one to extend their lead to 18 points at the final change.
Carisbrook kicked twomoregoals in the final term in abid to claw their wayback, but the Saints found another and ranout deserving winnersby11points.
Onethe big success stories forTrentham was the mid-season recruitmentofformer North Melbourne star Brent'Boomer' Harvey,who has an all-timerecord432 AFL games behind him
The47-year-old kicked four goalsinTrentham's narrow preliminary final win, and kicked twointhe grand final against Carisbrook.
Agreat 'out of retirement' story forthe Saints who wontheir last flagbybeating Talbotback in 1994.
Saints veteranMark Strickland wasalso outstanding kicking twocrucial goalsfrom40 metres out in thecritical stages in whatmay be his final Senior game forthe club.
Best forthe Saints were Alister Ferrier,JoelDovaston, Taylor Ford,Brent Harvey,Zachary Gervasoni, Joel Cowan.
Best forthe Redbacks were Jackson Bowen, Adam Hurse, Andrew Toan,Nicholas Wright, Todd Bryant and Brady Neill.
In the Reserves the TalbotHawks defeated Carisbrook Redbacks to claimthe ultimate prize
Carisbrook gotonthe frontfootearly andled the matchright up to half-timewherejustone point separated the teams.
Butthe Hawks found that something extrainthe thirdterm kicking twogoals to theredbacks one to snatch the lead.
At three-quarter-time Talbotled by one straightkick.
TheHawks kicked twomorecritical goalsthe final term, while holding the home side to asolitary pointtorun out winnersby18 points and claim the flag.
Despitethe disappointmentofthe First and Secondslosses, the Carisbrook 17.5s side stood tall and claimed premiership glory against local rivals Maryborough Giants to thetuneof33points.
The14.5s premiership match between Carisbrook and Trentham wasasee-sawing affair from starttofinish withthe Redbacks eventually running out winnersby14points.
Best forCarisbrook were Billy Rumpff,Isaac Jennings, Hunter Tatchell, JimmyHurse, Rory Sandersand Mason Farrugia.
Best forthe valiantSaints were Jackson Wales, JayLeong,Darcy Thompson, Luke stringer,Hayden Kost and HarleyThompson.
The11.5s footychampions were Talbot who defeated Navarre in atightcontest.
On the netball court the AGrade champions for2025 were the Avoca Bulldogs 72 who recorded astrong victory over Talbot55.
In the BGrade showdownCarisbrook 31 just edged out Maryborough Giants 29.
CGrade sawNatte Bealiba 51 have abig win overMaryborough Giants 25.
The17&Under Netballchampions areMaryborough Giants 40 which defeated Avoca 16.
In the 15 &Under Netballa valiantNewstead side 23 lost to a determined Avoca 31. Best forthe Steadersina wonderfulteam effort were Goal Attack Sophia Britt and Goal ShooterScarlett Ramseywho gave their all until the final whistle.
In the 13 &Under NetballNewstead 30 turned thethe tables defeating Talbot16tobring home thetrophy! This wasthe third premiership forthese Junior Joeys! Thefutureiscertainly bright forNewstead netball! Best forthe Steadersinanincredible final performancewereScarlett Ramsey, Remi Barker and PipSheedy
In the 11 &Under Netballthe young NatteBealiba Swans 13 had anarrow win overthe TalbotHawks 10.
Gisborne senior footballersbowedout of the Bendigo League finalsonSaturday, as Eaglehawk stormed hometo win the preliminary final by 33 points.
TheBulldogs led by four points at half-time, but the Hawks had agrand final spotintheir sights, eventually winning 12.13 (85) to 7.10 (52).
In the last term, Eaglehawk monopolised theball, scoring 4.3 to asolitary point.
Gisborne's best were ZacVescovi, Brad Bernacki, Lachlan Evans, Jake Normington, Dylan Johnstone and Kane Minns. Sandhurst will go into the grand final as one of the
hottest BFNL favourites on record,having wonthe semifinal against the Hawks by 10 goals.
Gisborne's premiership hopes this season nowrestwith the B-grade and B-Reservenetball sides.
TheA-grade netballerswereeliminated44-39 by Sandhurst, who playKangaroo Flat in thegrand final.
TheGisborne B-gradersdefeatedStrathfieldsaye 51-44 in the preliminary final.
MEDAL SUCCESS
TwoGisborne netballershavejust wonthe league's best and fairest awards.
Holly Brewer wonthe Sing Medal forthe best playerin the 17&Under grade, scoring amassive 27 votes.
Reese Sutton wonthe B-grade Bingham Medal with 19 votes.
The2025 Michelsen Medal forsenior football went to Eaglehawk midfield Billy Evans, with 23 votes.
TheA-grade Betty Thompsonnetball medal went to Sandhurst star Shae Clifford.
Whether or notGisborne Football Netball Club remains in the BendigoLeague in 2026, or crosses to Ballarat League, is nowinthe hands of the AFL fora final decision.
Bill West
Therewas plenty of hype and speculation about what mayhappen on Saturdayinthe Riddell League's A-grade netball grand final with powerhouse Woodend-Hesket chasing three premierships in succession.
Obvious title challenger Riddell had heaps of incentive, but as the end-of-season match progressed it became clear the Bombersweregoing to be struggling to match their slick moving and talentedopponents.
"This is an amazing club, and everyone stepped up today,"Hawks' playing coachTayissa Coppinger said after the 57-39 victory at Romsey
Coppinger and fellow defender Georgia Bowkett were hardtocombat, and the playing coachwas given the umpires' nod as best on court.Coppinger also wonthe awardin2023 when theHawks finally brokethrough at the highest level.
It was10 goalsthe differenceathalf-time,and Riddell coach Emily Ktona urgedher players to turnina strong second half
Fora period, Riddell produced some bursts of system and goal scoring, but to no avail.
Themoreconsistentside steadied and drew away as Abby Gedgeshowedgoal scoring expertise late in the match.
Therecruitmentofquality shooterRebecca Hicks
provedtobeamasterstrokefor the Hawksafter young dynamo Charlee Duff-Tytler wasnot available mid-season.
Hicks has agreat scoring percentage: one onlooker queried in jest "Why can't she miss."
Playing forSunbury Lions, Hicks has thechancefor another premiership this season.
Coppinger also praised teenager NatalieMcDonald on her splendid performanceinattack.
Thedepth available to Hawks' selectorswas certainly on show.
TheHawks have re-appointedCoppinger as coachfor next season.
Co-coach Kellie Duff wasimpressed howthe Hawks positively responded following ashock loss to Romsey in the last home and away round.
Riddell can look ahead to 2026 withhigh hopes, and quick and talentedMady Brownisanexample of alocal doing extremely well
UNBEATEN IN B-GRADE
Riddell'sB-gradeside went through the season unbeaten, afterfinishing strongly to defeat aLancefield side which led in the first half.The margin was55-40.
Experienced goal shooterShelbyHolterwas the best on court medal winner,having displayedfine form forthe Bombersinthe finals.
TWOTOGIANTS
Gisborne Giants have enjoyedatremendous season
Bill West
TheRiddell League's Under 19.5s football grand final wasalow-scoring contest that saw the result in doubtuntil the very last stanza of play.
Macedon, who finished in second placeon the ladder,ended up defeating Kynetonby fivepoints despitebeing restricted to just two goals over thelast three quarters.
TheCats, coachedbyTom Hildebrand, combined well in the first term to kick four goals straight.
Kynetonfinished in fourth place,and looked to be abig chanceontheir finals form, hoping to makeamends forbeing runner-up last season.
Bothsides have anumber of very talented players,and Kynetoncoach Brad Ryan looked
foranimprovedperformancefromhis side in the second half.The young Tigers lifted and produced 4.4 to asolitary pointina thirdquarter,which enabled players to show their talents. Loyalsupportersatthe Romsey ground urgedonbothsides in the last term, and the only goal came from Macedon at a crucial stage.
TheCatswereelated, and Kynetondeflated, but there'salwaysnextseason.
Macedon 6.6 (42) dKyneton5.7 (37).
Best players forthe winnerswerelisted as Adam Horton, Jude Wills, Kohen McLaughlin, Fintan Burnell, CallumPowerand Jackson Alabaster —afine midfielderwho received the Noel RaineyMedal forbestonground.
Kyneton'sbest were DempseyRoberts, BaileyRyan, Lachlan Thompson, JacobGrinter, Alex Thomson and Bradley Dobell.
and went home withtwo netball premierships.
TheGiants setthe ball rolling witha thrilling 32-31 victory over Melton South in theD-grade final. Keira Simpson (Giants) wasthe best on court medal winner Buoyed by this success, the Giants racedtoa 34-18 victory over Macedon in the C-grade final, withRebecca Newbery (Giants)the medal winner
In the Under 19s, the Giants found an accomplished Wallan toostrongwitha 34-23 scoreline. Alannah Judd wasbest on court forthe Magpies.
THE PREMIERS
TheWoodend-Hesket A-grade netball team that gave the Hawks their thirdsuccessiveRDFNL A-grade premiership on Saturdaywas:
Goal shooter— Rebecca Hicks.
Goal attack —Natalie McDonald.
Wing attack —Laura Carland.
Centre —Sarah Duff
Wing defence— HayleyRogers.
Goal defence— Tayissa Coppinger
Goal keeper —Georgia Bowkett
Reserves —Jessica Martin, Mackenzie Brown, Abby Gedge.
Reserves (part of squad and did notplay) —Angelique Doherty,Charlee Duff-Tytler
Coach —Tayissa Coppinger
Co-coach —Kellie Duff
West
What agrand final! FavouriteRiddell looked to have the 2025 senior football premiership almost sewn up aftera dominating first term on Saturday and then things changed.
Macedon regrouped and took control of general playfor long periods to actually lead by three goalsearly in the last quarter,with ahugeupsetclearly on the cards.
It's hard to keep agood side down, and the never-say-die Bombersrallied and kicked the last fivegoals to win by 13 points —amargin which did notreally reflect howclose the Cats had come to victory
It's Riddell'ssecond RDFNLflaginsuccession, and the Bombersare expected to be prime contenders againnextseason.
Remarkably,across the second and thirdquartersRiddell could only managea meagre2.10 while Macedon kicked 10.3
as the very large crowd at Romsey became fully absorbed in whatwas taking place.
Thereweresome very relieved Riddell supportersatfinal siren time, withthe boardshowing 13.13 (91) to 12.6 (78).
Some admitted theyhad "given it away", while someMacedon fans made atoo early call of "We're home"only to finish up completely lost forwords.
It wasone of those amazing grand finals which comesalong on odd occasions.
Riddell coachArron 'Skip' Bray told the large throng at the after-matchpresentations thatthe well-coached Macedon is "clearly the second-best side"inthe competition, as proveninthe finals.
Macedon led formuch of the qualifying final against the Bombers, eventually losing by eightpoints.
'GREAT GAME OF FOOTBALL'
"Itwas agreat game of football,"Bray asserted.
Bray reflected thatthe Cats mayhave "runout of legs" very late in the match,
while the Bombershad theadvantageof earlier earning aweek offand came into the matchwith the benefit of arest.
He also heaped praise on his side for fighting the match rightout and being rewarded.
He addedthatthe present group of players arevery easy to coach, andthe win was"asuper effort"
Last year Bray delivered aflag in his first season in charge of the Bombers. could therebeathree-peatcoming up in 2026?
Macedon coachAlMeldrum said he was "very proud" of all his team memberswho had foughtsohardafter an ordinary first quarter
He also generously praised Riddell playersfor their very late comeback.Meldrum has been re-appointedfor next season.
Theruck battle between Bomber skipper Josh Grabham and theCats' talented recruit Charlie Rossettiwas one of the match highlights.
Riddell strengthened its side with the
inclusion of dynamo utility playerDylan Tarczonand Dylan Podolczak; while being tackled, Tarczonkicked avital last term goal which bounced through.
Inspiring legendary champion goalkicker Dean Galeafinished with fivegoals forthe Bombers, including twovery late in the match.
Macedon's aceforwardJason Cooke went into the matchunder an injury cloud and finished with twogoals. SamIndian and Michael Rutledge each kickedthree.
MEDAL WINNER
Strong utility playerZac Saad has enjoyedafine finals series, and he wasawarded the Doug McIntyreMedal forbeing best on the ground.
Saad, Galea, TommyAlkemade, Lachlan Hay— recruited from Macedon —Grabham and Tarczonwerelisted as the Bombers' best.
Captain Hamish Govan, BrodieHoyne, JacobGough, LeoWebb, Xavier Morgan and Indian were listed as the Cats' best.
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