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Tuesday, September 29, 29, 2026 2026

Cairn Curran Sailing Club is offering a series of free, beginner-friendly sailing experiences designed to help people of all ages discover the joy of sailing. Photo: Sandy Scheltema

Set sail at Cairn Curran

If you’ve ever imagined gliding across the water with the breeze in your hair, Cairn Curran Sailing Club is ready to make that moment happen. This season, CCSC is offering a series of free, beginnerfriendly sailing experiences designed to help people of all ages discover the joy of sailing. Participants will be guided by trained, friendly instructors who will introduce the essentials — from rigging a dinghy to sailing around a course — all in a supportive, safety focused environment. Helmets, life jackets and equipment are provided. Whether you’re curious about

sailing or ready to build confidence at the helm, CCSC’s experienced instructors will guide you through the basics: learning the parts of a boat, rigging, launching and retrieving, understanding safety procedures, and sailing around a simple course. All equipment — including helmets and life jackets — is provided. On October 25 and November 15, CCSC will host two dedicated Sail Our Way sessions for women and girls. These supportive, safe events offer a relaxed introduction to sailing, with plenty of encouragement and hands on learning. The club is also running Discover Sailing Events

on October 24 and January 30, 2027. After your sail, enjoy light refreshments, meet club members, and learn how you can continue your sailing journey. “These events are all about giving people the chance to try something new in a safe, welcoming space,” said Andrew Keane from the club. “Bring your enthusiasm and we’ll help introduce you to the joys of sailing.” Funding for these free events is provided by Australian Sailing and the Australian Government. Bookings are essential. Visit www.ccsc.org.au/events to secure your place and for more info.

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MIDLAND EXPRESS

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Discover your next adventure at the Macedon Ranges Travel Expo Dreaming of your next holiday? From European adventures and scenic rail journeys to river cruises, luxury escapes and family-friendly tours, the inaugural Macedon Ranges Travel Expo is bringing the world of travel to Gisborne this October. Hosted by locally owned Helloworld Travel Gisborne, the free event will bring together up to 20 leading travel brands from Australia and around the globe, giving locals the chance to discover new destinations, meet travel experts and access exclusive holiday deals – without having to travel to Melbourne. Helloworld Travel Gisborne managing director Paul Pearman said the expo would offer something for every kind of traveller. "To our knowledge, it's the first of its kind in the region," Paul said. "People used to have to travel to Melbourne for an expo like this." Visitors will be able to speak directly with travel suppliers specialising in touring, accommodation, adventure travel, youth travel, rail journeys, river cruising, ocean cruising and more. Featured brands will include Contiki, Trafalgar, Collette, Intrepid, Scenic, Costsaver and APT, offering plenty of inspiration for planning a memorable getaway. Best of all, entry is free, and those who register and attend will have access to exclusive travel deals through Helloworld Travel Gisborne. "We'll have exclusive travel deals through Helloworld Travel Gisborne," Paul said. "There's also four $250 travel vouchers up for grabs for those who register." A Celebration of Travel and Local Community More than a traditional travel expo, Paul and his partner Karina are creating a welcoming day that brings together travel, lifestyle and local community. The couple have partnered with a range of local businesses and producers, including a distillery, brewery, artist and pilates practitioner. Gisborne Rotary will also be on hand, cooking a barbecue for visitors, with proceeds supporting the organisation's ongoing community work. It's a chance to enjoy a day out, connect with local businesses and gather inspiration for future holidays, all in one location. Local Expertise You Can Trust Helloworld Travel Gisborne has quickly established itself as an award-winning agency, taking home Best New Helloworld Travel Agency in Australia for 2026. The agency is also one of just 20 across Australia nominated for a national travel industry award. With more than 60 years of combined travel agency experience between them, Paul and Karina are proud to operate a locally owned and run business, helping customers turn their travel dreams into reality. Whether you're planning your next big overseas adventure, looking for a relaxing cruise or simply curious about where to travel next, the Macedon Ranges Travel Expo is the perfect opportunity to explore your options.

Macedon Ranges Travel Expo Sunday, October 25, 10am–3pm Gisborne Primary School stadium Free entry – registration required Don’t miss this exciting day of travel inspiration, exclusive offers, local talent and community connection. Come along, meet the experts and start planning your next adventure. Register today at bit.ly/4ycQlu4 or via the QR code in the advertisement below.

Helloworld Travel Gisborne’s Amela Davie, Paul Pearman, Karina Pearman and Ella Barton are looking forward to the inaugural Macedon Ranges Travel Expo this October.

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Tuesday, September 29, 2026-3

News

Push for Grahams Road continues Amy Hume

A fight for road safety speed reductions at Lancefield has highlighted potential gaps in consideration needs for roads across shires like the Macedon Ranges. Macedon Ranges Shire Council will advocate to the Department of Transport and Planning to reduce the speed on Grahams Road, Lancefield, from 100km/h to 80km/h, however, the request falls outside of standard criteria. The move follows a 27-signature petition to council in June, calling for a speed limit reduction to 60km/h, and to "rectify the unsafe intersections of Mahers/Racecourse/ Forbes roads with Grahams Road". While councils can advocate for speed limit changes, DTP ultimately determines all speed limits and speed zoning policies in Victoria. Last week, council officers advised that under DTP's Speed Zoning Policy, "Grahams Road does not meet the criteria required to formalise the speed limit to 60km/h, and the default 100km/h rural speed limit will remain". Last week, Macedon Ranges Shire councillors debated three motions on the subject, including a 60km/h speed reduction on Grahams Road, and the officer's recommendation of no speed reduction based on DTP's criteria. Cr Kate Kendall's motion to advocate to DTP to reduce the Grahams Road speed limit to 80km/h was adopted in a near split vote. She said she understood the frustration of the local residents campaigning for safety changes. "Community members have told me that they frequently have to use tractors and 4WDs to assist people that have come off this road. One resident said they had personally assisted five cars in 12 months," she said. "There's so much evidence I am seeing here that this road is unique. It needs something custom." Cr Andrew Scanlon agreed that traffic data could not and might never fully show the level of danger and unpredictability of certain roads and its users in the shire. "The near misses and minor accidents are not recorded. They are however recorded in the minds of the local people using the roads on a daily basis," he said. Applying the safety measures available, the council

has already organised installation of 'winding road' warning signs with 60km/h advisory plates, installed 'give way' infrastructure, and tree and vegetation trimming at the Racecourse Road and Forbes Road intersections. Council officers also sought to undertake further investigation and consultation on the potential closure of Mahers Road at Grahams Road, including creation of a court bowl to remove the conflict point at the intersection. While councillors were largely empathetic to concerns of local residents, some felt they could not support deviating from the officer's recommendation of no speed reduction, based on DTP's speed zoning criteria. Crs Jennifer Anderson, Cassy Borthwick and Rob Guthrie spoke in favour of no change. Cr Borthwick said the council officer report was clear that the road did not meet the requirement for a speed reduction. Left to Right: Concerned local residents Huxley and Grant Mockunas, "If we choose to support the alternative motion, Denis Graham, Gabby Bate and Gordon Bate have called for a speed we are stepping out of our roles as strategic goverreduction on Grahams Road at Lanceﬁeld. nors and trying to act as amateur traffic engineers," she said. "If we pass this motion simply because we have roads in the shire that faced similar problems. been contacted enough times, we're throwing out the "There have been numerous requests that have come engineering advice. We'd be establishing a precedent that to council asking for lower speed limits and there will be the way to get your speed limit changed isn't to have a more to come," she said. high-risk road, it's to collect enough people to pressure us "What I think we lack at the moment is a clear procein the room." dure and basis for making the decisions and having justifiSomething many councillors agreed on was the need able criteria on which to request DTP make the changes to consider advocating for change in the way regional residents are requesting." and rural roads are assessed, a point raised by Cr Jennifer Cr Janet Pearce agreed that many nuances were not Anderson. considered in the DTP assessment and felt changes to the She suggested council could advocate for DTP's speed way road speed limits were decided would assist rural and zoning criteria to include other considerations such as local regional areas. knowledge, photographic data and other road incidents. She said, in the meantime, it was important that coun"Rural councils are different to metro councils, and cillors continued to assess each issue as it was presented. therefore there are other things that need to be taken into A division recorded those in favour of the 80km/h consideration with these assessments, but the assessment speed reduction were: Scanlon, Kendall, Pearce, Bonanno criteria, as it is, has been followed by our engineers," she and Joseph. Those against were: Crs Anderson, Guthrie said. and Borthwick. Cr Young abstained from voting (recorded Cr Alison Joseph said there were many unmade road as opposed).

Deadly fall at Hanging Rock

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A 43-year-old Bendigo man died after falling from the summit of Hanging Rock last Friday. Police have been told the man was climbing onto a rock at the summit when he fell shortly before 1pm. Despite the efforts of several off-duty medical professionals who were at the scene, the man was unable to be revived and was declared deceased at the scene. Emergency services, including police and ambulance crews, attended the incident. Macedon Ranges Shire Council closed Hanging Rock Reserve on Friday and Saturday as a result of the incident. Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

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Parents and carers are invited to the next session in the Parenting in the Modern World series “Preparing Your Teen for a Social World: Navigating Drugs, Alcohol and Vaping”, on Thursday 15 October 2026, from 5.30 to 7.00 pm at Castlemaine Library (5.15 pm arrival for a 5.30 pm start). The session will provide practical strategies to help parents support teenagers as they navigate social situations involving drugs, alcohol and vaping. It will focus on open communication, informed decision making and building resilience to peer pressure. The session is presented in partnership with Mount Alexander Shire Council and Castlemaine Library. Bookings are available at goldfieldslibraries.com, or for more information, contact Bron on 0439 187 051 or bgrieve@castlemainehealth.org.au.

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4-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

MIDLAND EXPRESS

News

Councillors take leave

Two Macedon Ranges Shire councillors will take unpaid leave leading up to the November election as they campaign as candidates for the seat of Macedon. At least week's ordinary council meeting, Cr Kate Kendall and Cr Dom Bonanno each submitted a notice of motion requesting leave. Kendall will take leave from October 1 – concluding upon the declaration of the result for the Macedon district in the election. Kendall was formally announced the Liberal candidate for Macedon on July 18. She resigned from her role as Macedon Ranges mayor on July 17, serving her last day as mayor on July 24, and continued on as a councillor. The council has also approved a leave of absence for Dominic Bonanno from September 24, until November 30. Bonanno announced on September 17 that he would run as an independent candidate for Macedon. Kendall and Bonanno will not receive a councillor allowance during their respective periods of leave. The council said it would continue to operate as normal throughout these periods, with councillor representation and governance responsibilities maintained in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020.

IGA Kyneton up for sale Kyneton’s IGA supermarket and liquor store has traded from the site for more than 20 years.

Kyneton’s IGA supermarket and liquor store at 62 Mollison Street has been listed for sale, with commercial property agents expecting strong investor interest in the freestanding property. JLL has been appointed to sell the 1712-square-metre Commercial 1-zoned site through an Expressions of Interest campaign. The property is anchored by the long-standing IGA supermarket and liquor store, which has traded from the site for more than 20 years. It is being offered with a new five-year lease to an established multi-store operator, with further options extending to 2050. JLL said the lease included fixed rental increases and potential additional income linked to turnover. JLL Retail Investments senior executive Ro-

manor Falconer said freestanding supermarkets were rarely offered for sale. “Freestanding supermarkets are among the most tightly held assets in Australian commercial real estate,” Mr Falconer said. “This is one of only three single-tenanted offerings to come to market in Victoria this year and the first priced below the $5 million mark.” He said the property’s location and established trading history added to its appeal to investors. JLL director Tom Noonan said strong supermarket performance and growing investor interest in established regional centres were supporting demand for properties such as the Kyneton site. “Essential-service retail in strong regional towns remains a stable, low-risk asset class,” Mr

Noonan said. He described Kyneton as a major commercial hub for the Macedon Ranges, supported by a diverse economy, growing population and new development. JLL analysis forecasts the Macedon Ranges Shire population will grow by 32 per cent to more than 75,000 people by 2046. The property is about 88 kilometres northwest of Melbourne’s CBD. Mr Noonan said the region’s population growth was expected to increase customer traffic and benefit businesses in Kyneton’s town centre. The sale campaign is being managed by Mr Falconer, Mr McGrath and Mr Noonan, with Expressions of Interest closing at 4pm on Thursday, October 15.

Market marvels

Council news

RM Begg Kyneton Aged Care's craft market is on Saturday, October 3. Market-goers will find baby gifts, knitwear, beanies, scarves, rugs, toys, cakes, jams, sauces and jigsaws. The market will be held in the R M Begg Aged Care car park on Epping Street Kyneton, on Saturday October 3, from 9am to 1pm. Eftpos is available.

Move freely

The Moving Freely and Brain Health program is coming to Gisborne and Kyneton for two free sessions. Participants can enjoy movement, music and creativity in a welcoming environment followed by refreshments. Sessions will be held at Gisborne Uniting Church on Saturday October 3, from 2pm and Kyneton Mechanics Institute on Tuesday October 6, from 1pm. Enquiries to Angela on 0409 099 681.

Get ﬁre ready at Castlemaine and Harcourt CFA Open Days Meet your local Emergency Service volunteers, explore the vehicles and equipment, see demonstrations and learn how you can Get Fire Ready ahead of the Fire Danger Period. • Displays and demonstrations • Fire safety and bushfire preparedness information • Kids’ activities • Sausage sizzle Harcourt When: Sunday 4 October, 9.30am to 1.00pm Where: Harcourt Fire Brigade Station Castlemaine When: Sunday 4 October, 10.00am 2.00pm Where: CFA Fire Station

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Working together for a healthy, connected shire mountalexander.vic.gov.au (03) 5471 1700

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More info at shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/ bushfire-recovery-hub/events.

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Tuesday, September 29, 2026-5

News

Dja Dja Wurrung knowledge placed at the heart of water management

A new plan will help put Dja Dja Wurrung knowledge, cultural values and aspirations at the heart of environmental water management across central Victoria. The Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA) has released its first Environmental Water Plan for Djandak, marking a significant step towards greater Dja Dja Wurrung leadership in decisions about the region’s waterways. The plan sets out how DJAARA believes environmental water should be managed each year to support healthy waterways, cultural values and Country. It aims to ensure Dja Dja Wurrung knowledge is considered alongside Western science and monitoring when decisions are made about where and when environmental water is delivered. The plan will help guide future environmental watering decisions and contribute to healthier and more resilient waterways across Djandak for generations to come. Djandak includes waterways such as the Yaluk (Campaspe River), Bulatjal Yaluk (Loddon River) and Dindilong Yaluk (Coliban River). DJAARA Group CEO Cassandra Lewis said the plan would make it easier for environmental water managers to understand and incorporate Dja Dja Wurrung perspectives into their planning. “For many years Dja Dja Wurrung People have been asked for their perspective on environmental water and how it may support cultural values,” Ms Lewis said. “This plan provides an easy way for others to learn and appreciate Dja Dja Wurrung perspectives.”

The plan draws on research and identification of cultural values undertaken by DJAARA’s specialist water management advisory group, Kapa Gatjin. Kapa Gatjin means “to know water” in Djali, the Dja Dja Wurrung language. The group’s work, along with DJAARA’s broader strategies for caring for Country and water, has helped shape the new plan. Ms Lewis said Dja Dja Wurrung People had a cultural responsibility to care for Country, including its waterways, and needed to be involved in decisions about water. “Decisions about environmental water that are informed by both traditional and Western scientific knowledge systems will lead to better outcomes for waterways and Country,” she said. The plan is DJAARA-led and owned and is designed to work alongside existing Commonwealth and Victorian environmental water planning processes. It is a key outcome of a three-year partnership between DJAARA and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, established in 2025 to support Dja Dja Wurrung participation and leadership in environmental water planning, monitoring and delivery across Djandak. Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Simon Banks said the partnership demonstrated the value of supporting First Nations leadership in environmental water management. “We are proud to support DJAARA through our partnership and to see this significant milestone achieved,” Dr Banks said. “Working together helps ensure environ-

Campaspe River, known by Dja Dja Wurrung People as ‘Yaluk’. Photo: DJANDAK 2026

mental water management delivers outcomes that are important for waterways, First Nations peoples and communities.” The Environmental Water Plan provides a framework for bringing Dja Dja Wurrung

cultural knowledge and values into environmental water management, while supporting greater Dja Dja Wurrung involvement in decisions about the future of waterways across Country.

Charges over Clarkeﬁeld crash

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a threevehicle collision in Clarkefield on December 13, 2025. It is understood a Jeep Wrangler, a Mazda 3 and a Toyota Corolla collided on Melbourne-Lancefield Road about 11.45am. The driver of the Toyota, a 50-yearold woman, was airlifted to hospital with

critical injuries. The drivers of the Jeep and Mazda, both men aged and 33 and 35, were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Jeep, a 34-year-old Romsey man, was last week charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury. He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 30.

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6-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Concern over unpaid rates

The level of unpaid rates in Hepburn Shire approached $6 million as at June 30 this year, and that balance has grown steadily over recent years. With more than 1000 residential ratepayers overdue, the outstanding balance represents over 20 per cent more than the shire council's annual rate revenue. "This is a serious concern from two standpoints," Cr Brian Hood stated after last week's council meeting. "Firstly, some community members must be experiencing genuine financial hardship, and, secondly, council as an organisation is impeded in its service delivery and capital works program through constrained cashflows." Cr Hood said it was of significant concern that only about 200 of 8100 residential rate-paying properties were currently benefiting from payment arrangements or provision of hardship policy. He said the absence of an arrangement added the extra burden of penalty charges and highlighted the urgency in reviewing the collection policy and procedures. At last week's meeting, council received reports about its financial position, unpaid rates and charges, and an independent expert review of its long-term financial plan. A second phase of the Independent Review in November will examine opportunities for revising the long-term financial plan. HEPBURN 'NOT ALONE' Mayor Tony Clark said Hepburn was not alone in this situation of feeling significant financial pressure, it was being felt right

MIDLAND EXPRESS

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across the local government sector. "It's not just pressure due to inflation and the rising cost of providing essential infrastructure and services, there is cost shifting from other levels of government," he said. "With a low-rate base, four major townships to service, a large geographic area and few opportunities to generate additional income, achieving long-term financial sustainability is a challenge." Council's cash flow has been significantly affected by unpaid and overdue rates, as well as the timing of government grants. Rates are council's primary source of revenue and fund essential community services and infrastructure. 'NOT ALL BAD NEWS' "It's not all bad news," Cr Clark said. "Although council is under some financial pressure, it remains solvent and has sufficient cash to continue delivering essential services to the community. "However, we will need to be prudent about our priorities in the future, and engagement with our community is an essential part of these decisions." Crs Clark and Hood urged any ratepayers having difficulty in paying rates on time to reach out and discuss developing payment plans. Council will continue to explore options to strengthen its cash position beyond the measures already included in the budget. Over the next six months, each council meeting will include items focused on council's financial position. Ratepayers are encouraged to participate in the upcoming review and consultation.

Artist talk explores our fragile future

The delicate balance between consumerism and conservation will be explored at an upcoming artist talk at Kyneton’s Old Auction House. Mixed media sculptural artist Dina Goebel will discuss her current exhibition, Fragile Futures, at 2pm on Saturday, October 3. Drawing on coastal ecology, specimen aesthetics and contemporary material waste, Goebel’s work examines the impact of the Anthropocene and the increasingly fragile

relationship between human consumption and the natural environment. Visitors will have the opportunity to hear Goebel discuss the ideas, materials and influences behind her sculptural practice, and how her work reflects on the future of our planet. When: 2pm, Saturday, October 3 Where: The Old Auction House, 52-56 Mollison Street, Kyneton. Entry: All welcome.

News Dog off-leash area changes start 1 October

Free fruit net swap Some fruit tree netting is illegal in Victoria because native wildlife can become trapped and injured.

To help balance recreation, community use and environmental protection, Council has updated the locations and conditions for some dog off-leash areas across the Macedon Ranges.

What’s changing? Campaspe River Walk, Kyneton: extended morning off-leash hours (6.30am-10am daily). Campaspe Park, Woodend: off-leash area north of the creek removed; south creek area retained. Woodend Racecourse Reserve: off-leash only when horses are not present and no events are taking place. Dogs must be on leash at Park Street (Lancefield), I.R. Robertson Reserve (Gisborne South) and Macedon Ranges Netball Arena (New Gisborne).

From 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, Macedon Ranges Shire residents can swap illegal household fruit tree netting for a safer alternative through the Fruit Net Swap Program.

Swap it for free Macedon Ranges residents can exchange illegal fruit tree netting for one free replacement per household: 1 fitted insect net, or 10 fruit protection bags

Is your netting illegal? If your finger can pass through the mesh, the holes are too large and the netting is illegal. Wildlife-safe netting is: • White in colour • 5mm x 5mm mesh or smaller

Proof of residency required. Limited stock available.

Not a Macedon Ranges resident? You can still surrender illegal netting for free for recycling.

Additional changes apply at some locations, including new prohibited waterways to protect local environmental values.

For further information visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/Backyard-Biodiversity

Learn more at mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs

Your Say

Employment

Closing 2 October Closing 9 October Digital Communications Officer Accountant, Banking and Systems Fixed Term Full Time Fixed Term Full Time For more information or to apply, Coordinator Communications visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/jobs Fixed Term Full Time or call 5422 0333 Learn to Swim Instructor Casual

Tony Clarke Reserve Masterplan - will open Thursday 1 October Draft Riddells Creek Master Plan - will open Monday 5 October For more information visit yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au

Agendas are available online from 5pm the Friday before the meeting.

Watch meetings live and see past recordings at mrsc.vic.gov.au/livestream

mrsc.vic.gov.au

How to contact us Visit:

Submit a request online:

Kyneton

129 Mollison Street (8:30am-5pm)

Scheduled Council Meeting

Gisborne

40 Robertson Street (8:30am-5pm)

Wednesday 7 October, 5pm online only Wednesday 28 October, 7pm public gallery open

Romsey

96-100 Main Street (9:30am-5pm)

E: mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au T: 5422 0333

mrsc.vic.gov.au/Contact-Us

Phone:

(03) 5422 0333

Mail:

PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444

MV1606

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Council Meetings

Visit a swap location Gisborne Administration Centre Kyneton Administration Centre Romsey Hub

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8-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

News

MIDLAND EXPRESS

The science of the super oil

Macedon Ranges producers make olive oil more like medicine A Macedon Ranges olive oil producer’s focus on the potential health benefits of olive oil has been rewarded with a gold medal at the International Australian Olive Oil Awards. Quartz Hill, founded by Melissa Lococo and Deb Radford, received gold for its Q600 oil, along with silver medals for its Estate and Gilt oils. The recognition comes as the business continues to develop high-polyphenol olive oils, which contain naturally occurring plant compounds being investigated for their potential health benefits. Based in the Macedon Ranges, Quartz Hill has spent more than two decades producing olive oil. The business was formed in August 2025 through the merger of operations at Quartz Hill in Lauriston and Mt William in Goldie. Ms Lococo and Ms Radford have focused on producing oils with high concentrations of polyphenols, compounds found naturally in olives that have antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Their flagship Q600 oil contains 634 milligrams of polyphenols per kilogram, according to independent laboratory testing. Polyphenols are increasingly attracting scientific interest because of their potential role in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are associated with a range of health conditions. Research into the Mediterranean diet, which includes regular olive oil consumption, has identified associations with improved cardiovascular health and other health outcomes. However, the extent to which olive oil alone contributes to these benefits varies between studies, and further research is needed. Harvesting at the right time Quartz Hill’s production process focuses on harvesting olives early in the season, when polyphenol concentrations can be at their highest. As olives ripen, polyphenol levels generally decline, although the timing and concentration vary between olive varieties and growing conditions.

The company works with specialist laboratory Modern Olives to test its fruit throughout the season and identify the most suitable harvest time for each variety. Harvesting early can reduce the amount of oil produced from each kilogram of olives, creating a trade-off between oil volume and polyphenol concentration. Ms Lococo said laboratory testing helped the business determine when to harvest. “The testing tells us exactly where we are,” she said. Quartz Hill also uses methods designed to limit the oil’s exposure to oxygen, which can contribute to oxidation and reduce quality over time. Freshly extracted oil is transferred into stainless steel tanks proDeb Radford and Melissa Lococo are the founders of Quartz Hill olive oil. tected by argon gas, while bottling under vacuum is used to reduce air exposure. particular oil can Each batch is independently laboratory tested to prevent or treat establish its polyphenol content, allowing the company to disease. provide consumers with a measured result. Quartz Hill’s Research into olive oil compounds approach comOne of the compounds attracting scientific attention bines early is oleocanthal, a naturally occurring component of extra harvesting, laboravirgin olive oil associated with its peppery, throat-catching tory testing and sensation. oxygen-reduction methods to produce oils with high Research has found that oleocanthal can inhibit COX polyphenol concentrations. enzymes involved in inflammation, which are also targeted The company said its Q600 was launched in March and by some anti-inflammatory medications. has been well received, with its oils selling out each year. However, olive oil should not be regarded as a replaceThe latest gold medal has reinforced the business’s ment for prescribed medication, and laboratory findfocus on producing high-polyphenol oil without comproings about individual compounds do not establish that a mising flavour.

Harcourt recovery group seeks coordinator

HEY DID YOU KNOW.....

WE LOVE RESTORING MUD BRICK! BEFORE

The newly established Harcourt and District Community Recovery Association is seeking a community-minded coordinator to help lead the district’s recovery following the devastating January 9 fires. HADCRA, formally established in late July, is looking for an experienced and energetic Community Recovery Coordinator to work alongside its volunteer committee, working groups, residents, local organisations, government and funding partners. The position will play a key role in supporting the community’s recovery and helping shape a resilient and thriving future for Harcourt and district. The coordinator will be HADCRA’s principal employee, responsible for turning

BEFORE

AFTER

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MIDLAND EXPRESS

Tuesday, September 29, 2026-9

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10-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

MIDLAND EXPRESS

News

Men’s shed in race to build new home

The Woodend Men’s Shed has just 12 weeks to build a new workshop, relocate its machinery and equipment, and be ready to reopen by mid-December — and its members are rolling up their sleeves to make it happen. The Men’s Shed has been based at the old Mill site at 988 Black Forest Drive, Woodend, for the past five years. Following the sale of the property in December 2025 and the new owners taking possession in July this year, the Shed needs to vacate its existing workshop areas so the site can be repurposed for the owners’ incoming business. But rather than seeing the Men’s Shed leave the site altogether, the new owners have stepped in with an offer that president John Reynolds describes as a “lifesaver”. Recognising the important role the Men’s Shed plays in the Woodend community and its 50 members, the new owners have made about 400 square metres of space within a large onsite storage shed available for the organisation to establish a temporary new home. The result will be something the Shed members are calling a “shed within a shed” — effectively a new workshop being constructed from scratch inside an existing factory space. Members have already cleared and cleaned the area and are now preparing for the major works. These include waterproofing sections of the building, constructing internal walls and completing the electrical and lighting fit-out before the planned move in mid-December. For Mr Reynolds and the members, the clock is ticking. “For a small site, there are a lot of complexities,” Mr Reynolds said. “We are effectively building a new facility on a bare factory floor for around 30 active members, while also relocating all of our machinery, equipment and facilities — and we have about 12 weeks to make it happen.” The project will rely heavily on the practical skills of Men’s Shed members, with assistance from local tradespeople where required. “It’s a big job, but our members have a huge range of skills and we are going to put them to good use,” Mr Reynolds said. The Woodend Men’s Shed is also keen to acknowledge the generosity of the new site owners, whose decision to accommodate the organisation has allowed the Shed to remain part of the Woodend community while a longer-term home is sought.

Woodend Men’s Shed faces 12-week race to build a new home — without leaving town.

“The new owners have been incredibly supportive in providing this temporary home for us,” Mr Reynolds said. “It gives us the opportunity to keep the Shed operating and continue the work we do in the community.” HELP NEEDED TO GET THE SHED OVER THE LINE While members are providing much of the labour, the project will require materials, specialist work and funding to meet the tight December deadline. The Men’s Shed is now calling on local businesses, tradespeople, community organisations and individuals who may be able to provide financial assistance, materials, equipment or practical support. “We’re going to need some help from the community to get this project finished,” Mr Reynolds said. “Any sponsorship, donation or practical assistance would be very welcome.”

The Woodend Men’s Shed currently has about 50 members, with about 30 active members using the workshop facilities. For a group whose philosophy is built around practical skills, friendship and community involvement, the challenge of constructing a new home in just 12 weeks is proving to be another project worth getting stuck into. “It’s never boring in our Shed,” Mr Reynolds said. HOW TO HELP Anyone wishing to support the Woodend Men’s Shed’s relocation project can contact: John Reynolds President, Woodend Men’s Shed 0419 395 584 woodendmensshed@outlook.com

Little Vic’s claims best brekky pie

Riddells Creek cafe, Little Vic's, has won Best Gourmet Brekky Pie in Australia at the Official Great Aussie Pie Competition. Part-owner of Little Vic’s and creator of their Brekky Pie, Jodie Caldone, said she was shocked to hear that their pie had won. “I was completely shocked when I heard Little Vic’s from Riddells Creek announced as the winner. I honestly didn’t think I had a chance," she said. "I entered because I’m passionate about making quality, handmade pies and wanted to see how Little Vic’s pies compared with others from around Australia." The award-winning Gourmet Brekky Pie is made with their silver-medal-winning Plain Meat Pie filling, mixed with Little Vic’s in-house baked beans, parmesan cheese, bacon, spinach, egg and relish, with a puff pastry top finished with a sprinkling of pepper. “I love creating new flavours, and the group of locals who come in every Friday are often my taste testers. Their honest opinions mean a lot to me,” Jodie said. "Winning Best Gourmet Brekky Pie in Australia is an amazing achievement for our little local café. It makes all the early mornings, hard work and time spent developing new flavours worthwhile." Little Vic's also received a gold medal for their Ultimate Country Apple Pie and silver medals for their Plain Meat Pie and Chicken, Bacon and Leek Pie. Gisborne Bakery and Cafe also won Overall Plain Pie runner-up.

Health & Safety Month October ‘26

Pictured are locals Tim Gray, Ray Dowsett, Brendon Johnson and Geoﬀ Cadman with pie winner Jodie Caldone.

37 in-person events across Victoria 12 online webinars by industry experts

Health and Safety Month is back. Register now, it’s free! KN291504

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Tuesday, September 29, 2026-11

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Kyneton Bowling Club

61-79 Mollison Street, Kyneton VIC www.hqjgoldexchange.com.au

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Ph : 0481 290 411

12-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

MIDLAND EXPRESS

KN291505

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Tuesday, September 29, 2026-13

News

Firefighters attend to a campfire that was been left burning overnight on the Bluegum Track in the Lerderderg. Photos: Gisborne CFA

CFA warns of unattended campfires

Gisborne Fire Brigade is warning campers not to leave campfires burning and unattended. On Sunday September 20, Gisborne and Bullengarook CFA were called to a campfire that have been left burning overnight on Blue Gum Track in the Lerderderg State Park. With school holidays in full swing and more public

holidays to follow, the CFA is urging holiday goers to make sure any campfires are completely extinguished before you leave it or go to bed. A campfire can look like it is out, but still contain enough heat to reignite and start a bushfire. Here are some simple ways to ensure your fire is out:

Looking for the pause button?

Looking for a way to help your dog make better choices, and keep their brain in their body a little more often? Harriet Alexander from All Dogs Are Good, joined by special guest Alexis Davison, founder of Un-Chase!, is hosting small-group workshops in Fryerstown on Saturday October 10. Training will be held on a peaceful acreage property, with small groups, hands-on support and plenty of space to work with your dog. You will also get acces to relevant Un-Chase! app programs to keep practising at home. Spots are limited and kept small on purpose. To find out more or book your place, visit: alldogsaregood.com/events

Workplace or road accident?

– Douse it with plenty of water – Stir the ashes and coals to ensure nothing is still alight – Add more water and stir again – Make sure it is cold to touch before leaving Their message is to have fun, stay safe and never leave your campfire unattended.

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the kitchen shop

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14-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Discover return to work stories, tools and advice.

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MIDLAND EXPRESS

News

Tuesday, September 29, 2026-15

Runners in the 10 kilometre event take oﬀ from the start line at Camp Reserve. Photo: Max Lesser

Run The Maine a huge success

Book and visit us during your lunch break

Most appointments take less than an hour

"To our 70-plus amazing volunteers, including our friends at the Mount Alexander Falcons, Castlemaine Men's Shed and Muckleford Cricket Club. We couldn't do it without you," he said. "You set up the course, handed out bibs, cheered at every marshal point and packed down with smiles. Your energy and commitment made the day. Every runner and walker who crossed the line had a volunteer in their corner. You're the heart of Run The Maine and the reason we can keep supporting Dhelkaya Health," Krasner said. "Thanks to every supporter who cheered from the sidelines. "Thanks to our sponsors and partners, including Goldfields Medical Group, your support is invaluable. Every step supported Dhelkaya Health. That's the run for everyone," he said.

Fun for all ages. Brendan, Ralph, Grace and Sue catch up with Run The Maine mascot ‘The Bird’ aka Dr Richard Mayes. Photo: Max Lesser

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www.kynetonmedical.com.au

KN291298/K

What a day, Castlemaine! More than 1000 of you ran, walked, jogged and high-fived your way to the Run The Maine finish line at Camp Reserve on Grand Final Eve. It was a humid one, but the spirit was even bigger. This year runners were striving to raise further funds towards the establishment of a Therapeutic Garden Development at Dhelkaya Health. Race results for the 18th edition are now live at Tomato Timing tomatotiming.racetecresults. com They'll also be on the Run The Maine website soon. Run The Maine race director Gavin Krasner and team sent a huge thank you out to everyone who ran or walked it, from PB chasers to 'I did it!' finishers.

16-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

MIDLAND EXPRESS

TICKETS ON SALE

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MIDLAND EXPRESS

Tuesday, September 29, 2026-17

News

Girls to jamboree in New Zealand Frances Noonan

Monica McInerney will visit the region this weekend.

Bestseller to visit

Northern Books is excited to welcome international bestselling author, Monica McInerney, to regional Victoria for a conversation about her new book, When Sullivan Met Lola, on Sunday October 4. One of the stars of Australian fiction, McInerney is the author of 13 internationally bestselling books for adults, including most recently The Godmothers, shortlisted for the 2021 ABIA General Fiction Book of the Year, and her first children's book, Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat. McInerney grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley of South Australia. She and her Irish husband have been living between Australia and Ireland for 30 years. They currently live in Dublin. McInernery will be visiting the Kyneton Town Hall and is bringing three of her literary besties – Tess Woods, Toni Jordan and Castlemaine's Lorena Carrington – along for the ride! Audience members can expect a warm, honest and funny afternoon of bookish chat with Q&A. There will be door prizes up for grabs, and an opportunity to meet Monica at the signing table afterwards. The event will run from 2pm to 3.30pm at the Kyneton Town Hall, Mollison Street, Kyneton. To book, visit www.northernbooks. com.au/monicamcinerney

Marjorie Stratford and Ainsley Nash are headed to New Zealand for the Girl Guides Jamboree.

Gardening tips from a local legend

Local horticulturalist and plant enthusiast Paul ‘Speedy’ Ward will share his knowledge of gardening in the Castlemaine region at a special presentation next week. The talk, ‘Gardening in and around Castlemaine’, will follow the Castlemaine Society Inc annual general meeting at the Northern Arts Hotel on Wednesday, September 30. Known for his expertise in horticulture, mycology, economic botany and plant growing, Mr Ward will discuss plants suited to the region’s changing climate, as well as the best edible plants to grow locally. The presentation will begin at 6.30pm, following a brief 15-minute AGM at 6pm to appoint the committee for the next 12 months. CASSOC is also seeking Local legend Paul ‘Speedy’ Ward will speak on ‘Gardening in members interested in helping with its bulletin and WordPress and around Castlemaine’ at hte Castlemaine Society Inc’s AGM tomorrow. website. Supper will be provided, with drinks available for purchase at the bar. Entry is free, but bookings are essential as places are limited. Visit castlemainesociety.org.au for bookings and further information.

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Two local Girl Guides will jet set to New Zealand in January 2027, to represent Australia at the Girl Guides Jamboree. During their sevenday adventure they will have the opportunity to make new friends, enjoy the outdoors with activities such as hiking, camping and horse riding, but also challenge themselves and develop new skills. Marjorie Stratford and Ainsley Nash, from the Castlemaine Girl Guides, applied for the Jamboree by a process of written application, interviews and reference reports. This will be Marjorie's first Jamboree and international trip, which she is very eager for. "I am very excited to be chosen as not many girls are going," she said. "I'm looking forward to meeting new people and doing activities with them and sharing a tent with them, as well as developing new skills. I am also grateful to be going with a friend." Ainsley, who will be attending her third Jamboree, is excited to meet more new people, but to also reunite with her pen pal from New Zealand, whom she met at a previous Jamboree. She also says she would like a career that will lead to travel and learning more about New Zealand in general and their culture. The Jamboree will be held on the North Island near Hamilton from January 14-20.

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18-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

MIDLAND EXPRESS

PSOs NOW PATROLLING TRAINS AND PLATFORMS. Informed by police intelligence, PSOs are patrolling earlier and longer where needed.

Get tips to stay safe and ﬁnd out where PSOs are Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. KN291568

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Tuesday, September 29, 2026-19

News

Pollen Cafe.

Linen House.

Kyneton Shoes & Accessories.

This year's Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival window competition saw many amazing and creative entries. Voters were able to choose from four categories to nominate their favourite window: Most Unique, Funniest, Most

Colourful and Best Use Of Theme 'The Bulb and the Beautiful'. The winner of most colourful window – Linen House. The winner of best use of the theme 'The bulb and the beautiful' window – Pollen

The winner of most unique and funniest window – Kyneton Shoes & Accessories Congratulations to the winners, and well done to everyone who entered in this year's window display.

KN290830

Creative festival windows win over voters

New Season now at Vanessa Powell, active member for 30 years, shows a photo of herself as a junior volunteer, now on display at the museum. Picture: Supplied

Come meet the brigade

firefighting in Castlemaine. The collection includes memorabilia, artefacts, photographs and books documenting the brigade's long history, from its early days to the modern emergency service. That history is now being preserved through a digitisation project involving University of Melbourne cultural historian and former Castlemaine resident Dr Fiannuala Morgan and Trove at the National Library of Australia. The project is helping safeguard the brigade's extensive archive for future generations while making its stories and records more accessible. Whether you're interested in emergency services, local history or simply looking for a free family outing, the Open Day offers something for everyone. Castlemaine Fire Brigade Open Day When: Sunday, October 4, 10am–2pm Where: Castlemaine Fire Station, 383 Barker Street Entry: Free Go along, meet the brigade, explore its historic collection and pick up valuable fire safety information before the fire season begins.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm Sunday 11am-3pm

54A Piper St, Kyneton Phone 4404 8740

kyneton@missmaisie.com.au

KN291301/K

Castlemaine Fire Brigade will throw open its doors this Sunday, October 4, inviting the community to discover its history, meet local emergency service volunteers and brush up on fire safety ahead of summer. The free annual Open Day comes as the region continues to reflect on the devastating January 9 fire, which affected communities across Ravenswood South, Walmer, Harcourt, Sutton Grange and surrounding areas. Against that backdrop, the knowledge, experience and dedication of local CFA volunteers remain an important part of community preparedness. Visitors to the Castlemaine Fire Station in Barker Street can expect a day of live demonstrations, fire truck displays, family activities and practical advice to help households prepare for the coming fire season. Representatives from the CFA, Forest Fire Management, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Castlemaine SES and Mount Alexander Shire Council will also be on hand, providing an opportunity for residents to meet the people who play a vital role in protecting the community. History buffs will have plenty to explore, with the brigade's historic museum offering a fascinating glimpse into 172 years of

20-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Castlemaine musicians strike a chord with Bendigo Symphony Orchestra

Castlemaine’s rich musical tradition is helping bring ambitious orchestral performances to audiences across central Victoria, with more than a dozen local musicians playing in the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra. The 80-player ensemble brings together professional musicians, experienced performers, teachers, students and community musicians, with Castlemaine players represented across sections of the orchestra. Local musicians are also involved in the recently formed BSO Chorus, further strengthening the connection between the two communities. Castlemaine musicians featured prominently in the orchestra’s Fate concert at Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre on September 13. Conducted by Luke Severn, the concert culminated in Tchaikovsky’s powerful Symphony No. 4, renowned for its bold opening theme representing fate. Leading the BSO strings is Castlemaine-based concertmaster Lizzy Welsh, an internationally recognised performer specialising in baroque, contemporary and experimental music. Lizzy has led the orchestra’s string section for the past three years and will also lead the newly formed BSO Chamber Orchestra in a performance of Handel’s Messiah on December 12. “Castlemaine’s famous creative community includes an extraordinary number of musicians, and it’s wonderful to see so many of them contributing to the BSO,” Lizzy said. “The orchestra has grown enormously since I first played with them as a young musician growing up in Harcourt. “We now bring together musicians from across central Victoria who share a commitment to performing ambitious orchestral repertoire to a very high standard.” The involvement of Castlemaine musicians reflects the town’s strong culture of music-making and teaching, where opportunities to learn and perform begin at school and continue throughout life. Music programs at Castlemaine Secondary College and RedGum, formerly Castlemaine Steiner School, help young musicians develop their skills, while local teachers, ensem-

Castlemaine musicians Heather Cummins, Susie Burke and Heather Rowlands perform with the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra at the Beethoven Festival. Photo: Mark Beever

bles and orchestras provide opportunities for musicians at every stage. Among them is Resonance String Orchestra, which has branches in Castlemaine and Woodend. Resonance players joined forces with the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra last year, with several musicians now performing in both ensembles. The connection demonstrates how local music education and participation can lead to opportunities to perform major orchestral repertoire with a high-level symphony orchestra. From first lessons at school to performances on the Ulumbarra stage, Castlemaine’s musicians are helping classical music flourish across central Victoria.

The BSO returns to the Ulumbarra Theatre on Sunday, November 15, with a program featuring works by Elena Kats-Chernin, Dvorak and Mussorgsky. Make 2027 a year of live music The Bendigo Symphony Orchestra’s 2027 season will offer audiences another year of ambitious orchestral repertoire, performed by musicians from Castlemaine, Bendigo and across central Victoria. Season tickets provide an opportunity to enjoy the full program, secure preferred seats and support one of Victoria’s leading community orchestras. They also make a gift for music lovers or anyone keen to discover the experience of live orchestral performance. Season tickets are on sale until October 19.

Rock and Roll Bolobek Garden Fair returns dance lessons

Rock and Roll dance lessons are coming to Woodend. Macedon Ranges Rockers are looking for beginners to join them for last term for the year. Starting October 8 and finishing December 3, classes run on Thursdays 6.45-7.45pm. Classes are $10 each, and will be held at the Woodend State School, enter via Buckland Street entrance. No experience or partner needed. Come and learn the basics, build your confidence and get out on the dance floor! For more information or to book your spot contact Vicki on: 0409 434 101.

Fashion Swap is back

Trentham Sustainability Group's Fashion Swap is back. Whether you have some pre-loved clean clothes or are looking to grab some new gear for your summer wardrobe, the Fashion Swap is for you! Bring up to eight clean and wearable items, all genders and sizes. From clothing, shoes, hats, bags and accessories. A free door raffle and afternoon tea will be available on the day. No clothing to swap? No problem, go along and join in, gold coin donations are appreciated. Join the fun on Saturday October 10 from 1-3pm, at the Trentham Mechanics, 66 High Street. Save money and save the planet by keeping clothes out of landfill. For more information or to get in touch, email: trenthamfashswap@gmail.com

This October, one of Macedon’s most cherished garden events is back and better than ever! The Bolobek Garden Fair returns for its 12th year, inviting visitors to explore, indulge and connect in a setting that’s as rich in history as it is in horticultural beauty. Bolobek is a private garden that opens annually, specifically to host the Garden Fair. With more than 50 specialist stallholders, the Bolobek Garden Fair offers everything from rare plants and bulbs, garden tools, gourmet food and wine as well as the chance to experience the historic garden individually or on a guided tour. This year’s keynote speaker is Jo Lawson, head gardener at the highly acclaimed Victorian, regional restaurant Brae. A dynamic individual very much devoted to the soil, Jo brings her passion, philosophy, planning and vision on garden cultivation, cooking from the garden and eating seasonally. She reveals the flavour and satisfaction that the simple life can bring, not to mention keeping a small army of chefs supplied with the bounty surrounding the restaurant. Bolobek, a First Nations word meaning 'undulating', reflects the gentle rhythm of the land and its layered story nestling in the foothills of the Macedon Ranges. First settled in 1839, the property was once home to Oswald Syme, son of The Age newspaper founder. Today, it’s lovingly cared for and curated by Brigid and Hugh Robertson, who have renovated and rejuvenated the gardens, incorporated a large vegetable and picking garden and planted tens of thousands of trees on the surrounding farm. The Bolobek Garden Fair is a fair that gives back. All profits are donated to community groups and horticultural, botanical,

With more than 50 specialist stallholders, the Bolobek Garden Fair offers everything from rare plants and bulbs, garden tools, gourmet food and wine as well as the chance to experience the historic garden individually or on a guided tour.

environmental projects in the Macedon Ranges community. For the past three years these donations amount to more than $120,000. In a time when many events feel transactional, Bolobek offers something refreshingly different: a genuine celebration of community, nature, and generosity. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a curious cook, or simply someone who loves beautiful places and good company, the

Bolobek Garden Fair is your invitation to slow down, dig in, and be part of something meaningful. Where: 370 Mount Macedon Road, Macedon When: Saturday and Sunday October 3 and 4 Time: 10am – 4pm Tickets: $20. Available for purchase at the gate or online at www.bolobekgardenfair.com.au. Children under 16 free.

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Tuesday, September 29, 2026-21

Handmade beauty on show at Trio

The beauty of handmade pottery lies not in perfection, but in the evidence of the person who made it. That idea is at the heart of Woodfired, a new exhibition and sale of wood-fired pottery and sculpture at Trio Art Studio and Gallery, Kyneton. Running from October 4 to November 8, the exhibition brings together work by some of Australia’s leading makers, celebrating the distinctive marks created when clay, fire, ash and human hands come together. Among those featured is woodfire ceramic artist Sergei Shatrov, whose studio practice spans 34 years across Australia, Japan and the United States. Shatrov says handmade objects offer something increasingly rare in a world dominated by mass production – evidence of a person. A slight asymmetry, a thumbprint or an uneven glaze is not necessarily a flaw, he says, but a record of a decision made in a particular moment. “Spending three hours throwing a single, wonky, unremarkable bowl is a small act of resistance,” Shatrov writes. “It teaches patience, and it leaves you with an object that could only have been made by you, on that day.”

Wood firing takes that philosophy a step further, with potters surrendering some control to the unpredictable nature of the process. Kilns can burn for many hours or even days, with ash, flame, temperature and the position of each pot creating effects that cannot be precisely replicated. For Shatrov, that uncertainty is part of the appeal. “Some of the best things we make are the ones we eventually stop trying to fully dictate,” he says. The exhibition also reflects a long tradition of Japanese and English studio pottery, influenced by the friendship between English potter Bernard Leach and Japanese potter Shoji Hamada, and the philosophy of Soetsu Yanagi and the mingei, or folk art, movement. Woodfired will offer visitors the chance to appreciate this tradition while also taking home a piece, with a ‘Cash and Carry Corner’ included in the exhibition. The opening event will be held on Sunday, October 4, from 2-5pm. Woodfired, Trio Art Studio and Gallery, 98 Trio Road, Kyneton, October 4-November 8. Open Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, 10am-4pm. Phone 0467 025 354 or visit trioartstudiogallery.com.au

ceramic artist Sergei Shatrov says handmade objects oﬀer something increasingly rare in a world dominated by mass production – evidence of a person.

Family ﬁshing day casts a line at Upper Coliban

Families, veterans and fishing enthusiasts are invited to cast a line at the Kyneton Angling Club’s Family Fishing Day at Upper Coliban Dam Wall Reserve on Sunday, October 18. The free community event, running from 8am to 2pm, will offer a fun day of fishing, activities and family entertainment. The club will provide bait and tackle for those who need it, along with assistance for beginners and people requiring special support. Every child will receive a prize, while children’s activities will include Spice and Lure painting. Tom Ballard is set to perform at the Phee Broadway Theatre on October 17.

Tom Ballard brings comedy to Castlemaine

Tom Ballard presents an unforgettable night of sharp, intelligent and laugh-out-loud stand-up comedy at Castlemaine’s Phee Broadway Theatre in October. Known for his quick wit and incisive social commentary, Ballard has performed at comedy festivals around the world; co-hosted the triple j breakfast show; acted in hit comedies Fisk and Deadloch; and now co-hosts a weekly podcast about green-left politics in Australia, Serious Danger. The event is a fundraiser for The Greens’ Bendigo West campaign for the upcoming Victorian state election, which Greens candidate Liza Shaw is contesting. "I can't wait to bring my dumb jokes and a funny slideshow to beautiful Castlemaine for this special event," Ballard said. "I encourage every farmer, tree-changer and artist/witch in the surrounding area to come along for a night of big laughs and good fun, all in aid of winning a better future for our progressive state." Tom Ballard: Live in Castlemaine 6.30pm on Saturday, October 17 at the Phee Broadway Theatre. $49 Committed; $32 Full; $20 Concession; Mob Free. contact-vic.greens.org.au/civicrm/event/register?id=25804

KN291693/K

Visitors can enjoy morning tea, coffee and tea from early in the day, followed by a barbecue from 11am. Paul Fry from Central Victorian Kayak and Lure Fishing will also be on hand to introduce visitors to kayak fishing. Families, friends and community members are welcome, with no cost for veterans. The event is supported by the Victorian Fisheries Authority and Kyneton RSL. WHERE: Upper Coliban Dam Wall Reserve, 1114 Springhill Rd, Tylden. WHEN: Sunday, October 18, 8am–2pm. CONTACT: John on 0419 397 936 or visit the Kyneton Angling Club Facebook page.

22-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

West Enders to gather

Everyone is invited to gather with friends, family and neighbours for the West End Spring Fair this Saturday October 3. Organised by the volunteers of West End Resilience, the fair will run from 11am to 1pm at West End Hall, at the corner of Woodman and View Streets. The free community event will feature live music and entertainment, children’s activities and face painting, along with stalls showcasing some of the groups working across the local area. Visitors can learn about emergency preparedness with the CFA, explore electric vehicles at the WER Energy Group’s EV Expo, and discover how Wilderhoods is creating wildlife corridors through local nature strips. The fair aims to introduce residents to local groups and activities while creating an easy, welcoming opportunity for neighbours to connect.

MASDAG welcomes upgrade Works to upgrade the public disability toilet in Francis Street, Maldon, are now complete. Mount Alexander Shire Disability Advocacy Group has welcomed the upgrade near the Maldon Post Office, which they say provides an accessible facility for people with special mobility needs as well as their support person. MASDAG had advocated for the upgrade and thanked the council for an excellent result.

News

Growers and gardeners join forces

Local growers and garden specialists will unite at the monthly Castlemaine Farmers Market for special Garden Market this Sunday October 4. The Garden Market will bring together around 20–30 local growers and garden specialists from the Mount Alexander region for a celebration of plants, horticulture and community. Held from 9am to 1pm at the Western Reserve, Forest Street, Castlemaine, the event will feature a diverse range of plant stock — from remnant Indigenous plants and cottage favourites to exotic species, seedlings and mature plants. Visitors will also find the usual array of fresh local produce, artisan foods and makers that make the Castlemaine Sunday Farmers Market a regional favourite. The special Garden Market component highlights the depth of horticultural knowledge and passion in the Mount Alexander region. It offers an opportunity for local gardeners to stock up and prepare their gardens ahead of the Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens, which runs from October 24 to Melbourne Cup Day on November 4 (gardens will be closed on Wednesday October 28). “This is a wonderful chance to showcase the skill and dedication of our local growers while supporting regional businesses and promoting biodiversity,” a Castlemaine Farmers Market spokesperson said. “By shopping locally, gardeners keep their spend in the community and gain access to plants and advice that are well-suited to our local conditions.” The event also strengthens connections between the market and the broader gardening and land-care community, including groups such as Connecting Country, Nalde-

SUPER QUIZ?

6 10

15 17

36 38

39 41

Following the success of the 2025 event The Dance returns on October 17. Photo: LeonieVan Eyk

(3 points)

supporting biodiversity and community resilience. The market will run from 9am – 1pm. Entry is free. For more information about the upcoming Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens visit festivalofgardens.org

10. What frequently-misnomered mammal has fingerprints so indistinguishable from humans that they have occasionally been wrongfully collected as evidence at crime scenes?

5 9

18 21

4. Dom Bonanno is a councillor at which local shire?

9. How many noses does a slug have?

8. What year was Jaws released?

3. Winning by 29 points, who were the 2026 Bendigo League Senior Football premiers?

7. Which astronomer’s name is called out in Bohemian Rhapsody?

2. In what year was the Taradale Viaduct completed?

6. Dubbed the Black Death, what plague swept through Europe in the 1300s?

run, the Castlemaine and District Garden Club, Friends of Campbells Creek and many more. Come along and speak with local growers about Indigenous and locally appropriate plants, sustainable gardening practices, and the role of regional horticulture in

NO. 8883 1

1. What local event took place in Castlemaine on Friday September 25?

General knowledge (1 point)

Castlemaine Farmers Market is joining forces with local garden experts for a Garden Market this Sunday October 4.

TODAY’S CROSSWORD

Local knowledge (1 point)

5. What two local CFA brigades were called out to Lerderderg last week and what was the call about?

MIDLAND EXPRESS

ACROSS 3 Become visible 7 Cut back 9 Employed 12 Pleased 14 Reel 16 Banished 17 Copy 18 Level 19 Bring up 21 Subtle emanations 23 Textile dealers 25 Wet, soft earth 26 Meantime 29 Exacted money penalty 32 Egyptian goddess 33 Conceal 34 Fate 36 Those who mutiny 37 Effaces 39 Look after 40 Army weapon 41 Slender supports 42 Assert positively 1 2 3 4 5 6

DOWN St Vitus dance Fisher Proverbs Went in Groove Part of a castle

8 Lifts 10 Gaze fixedly 11 Useless remains 13 Martial arts grade 15 German river 20 Mishap 22 Rounded vase 23 Silence 24 Fish eggs 25 Misapplies 26 Entrance 27 Saturn’s greatest satellite 28 Hoar frost 29 Highest grade 30 Required 31 Leave off 33 Strike 35 Spoken 38 Snow runner

Solution No. 8882 R O B U S T R I F T S K S H A D E S E F A R E R E V O K E D P E R S O N N E L T R I M N S L A V E U A S T E R S T A R T S P I T S U M E L S E T E N O N B A L S A X A S P E N L N E T R P R E C I P I C E S L E E V E G T E R M E R E D O N E I D R O S S S I M M E R

The Dance returns

'The Dance' returns on Saturday October 17. This year's event will be held at the Baringhup Hall. This will be an evening like no other. If you want to meet new people and vibe out on the dance floor, this is the event for you. The elegance of ballroom dancing has been forged with the spirit of a hot night in a jazz bar. You'll be whisked away to the cool blend of jazz, blues and boggie tunes performed live by The Scufflers, and guided by welcoming dance hosts who will teach you simple ballroom dances on the night. This is an interactive, 'come what may' night of fun and friendship that will get your heart beating and blood pumping. There will be a courtesy bus travelling to and from Castlemaine through Maldon, and the Loddon House Caravan Park has plenty of space if you want to pitch a tent for the night. That's Saturday October 17 from 7pm at the Baringhup Town Hall. Tickets are on sale now, and you can book your tickets online via humanitix, or check out the Facebook Page. Will you join the dance?

Trentham dance

Trentham residents are invited to a dance at the New Mechanics in High Street on Sunday October 11 from 1.30pm – 5pm. Music by Charles Pedder. Entry: $10 (includes door prize). Raffle tickets $1 each. Aﬅernoon tea (bring a plate of food to share). Novelties and prizes. BYO water bottle. Enquiries to Dianna 0418 173 920 or Noellene 0428 464 664.

Super Quiz answers: 1. Run The Maine. 2. 1862. 3. Gisborne Bulldogs. 4. Macedon Ranges Shire Council. 5. Bullengarook and Gisborne CFA, an unattended campfire. 6. The bubonic plague. 7. Galileo. 8. 1975. 9. Four. 10. Koalas.

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Tuesday, September 29, 2026-23

News

Syd’s 50 years of service celebrated

The Lancefield Equestrian Group has celebrated a remarkable 50 years of service by long-standing park committee member Syd Green. The milestone was recognised with a rally followed by a celebratory lunch, where members paid tribute to Mr Green’s enduring contribution to the Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve and the wider community. Lancefield Equestrian Group president Annie Lavelle said Mr Green had played a significant role in maintaining the reserve and supporting the club over five decades. “Today we’re here to celebrate a truly remarkable milestone – 50 years of service from a man who has quietly, consistently and wholeheartedly shaped the Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve,” Ms Lavelle said. Mr Green has served on the park committee for half a century, including many years as president, and continues to contribute his time and expertise to the reserve. Ms Lavelle also acknowledged Mr Green’s son, Robert, who has followed in his father’s footsteps by supporting the reserve and the equestrian group. “Robert has helped us countless times over the years and very often brings his machinery into the park to grade, tidy or fix whatever needs doing,” she said. “Whether it’s smoothing out surfaces, repairing areas

after weather damage or lending a hand with heavier work, Robert shows the same generosity and community spirit that Syd has modelled for decades.” Ms Lavelle said Mr Green had been one of the Lancefield Equestrian Group’s greatest supporters, regularly stepping in to resolve problems ranging from leaking pipes and blocked toilets to fallen branches and the occasional snake. “Whenever something went wrong, Syd was there. He never hesitated, never complained and never left us wondering who to call,” she said. “He simply turned up and made things right again.” Mr Green’s reliability had helped the equestrian group run events and welcome riders with confidence, knowing support was available when challenges arose. “Your 50 years of commitment have strengthened Lancefield in ways that are felt every day – in the events we run, the facilities we use and the sense of community we share,” Ms Lavelle said. On behalf of the Lancefield Equestrian Group, Ms Lavelle presented Mr Green with a commemorative plaque in recognition of his decades of service. “Your dedication, your kindness and your willingness to help have left a lasting mark on our community,” she said. “Lancefield is better because of you.”

Robert Green, Syd Green and Annie Lavelle.

Donations bring testing to the roadside Thanks to generous community donations Ambulance Victoria now has access to seven state-of-the-art portable blood chemistry analysers. The new analysers are allowing highly skilled paramedics to perform critical blood tests in the field, helping patients receive life-saving care faster. The seven new devices have been purchased thanks to almost $47,000 in community donations to Air Ambulance Victoria. Ambulance Victoria’s five air ambulance helicopters, the Air Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance fixed wing plane and a road ambulance used by MICA flight paramedics are equipped with the handheld devices, which provide laboratory quality results from just a few drops of blood in one to three minutes. The analysers allow MICA flight paramedics to rapidly assess critical biomarkers including blood gases, electrolytes and lactate at the patient's side, enhancing clinical decision making and helping patients receive the right treatments as quickly as possible. Ambulance Victoria Helicopter Emergency Medical Service senior team manager Andy McKenzie said it was a gamechanger for clinical care. “Traditionally, many important blood tests could only be performed after a patient arrived at hospital. These blood chemistry analysers make crucial clinical information available in a matter of minutes, rather than one or two hours,” Andy said. “Having such objective clinical information when treating time critical patients is a huge advantage at Air Ambulance Victoria and assists us greatly in delivering life-saving clinical interventions.” The analysers are used to assess and treat patients experiencing a range of time critical conditions including severe trauma, respiratory failure and circulatory emergencies, providing valuable diagnostic information earlier in the patient's care journey. Results can help MICA flight paramedics make more informed clinical decisions at the scene, while also giving receiving hospitals more time and a clearer understanding of the patient’s condition before they arrive. “The data the analysers provide us with includes a patient’s haemoglobin and haematocrit values, which are important laboratory markers used in trauma patients to assess blood loss, oxygen-carrying capacity and response to resuscitation,” Andy said. “When combined with our clinical assessment and on-scene ultrasound, blood chemistry analysis can help identify life-threatening conditions such as hidden internal bleeding, whether a patient may need packed red blood cells and help assess the effectiveness of resuscitation using blood products.” Highly-skilled MICA flight paramedics and air crews aboard Air Ambulance Victoria’s fleet of helicopters and fixed wing planes can reach patients in the most remote places, and with winching capabilities can perform retrievals in extremely hard to reach locations across the

MICA ﬂight paramedic Gavin Lawley holds one of the new blood chemistry analysers.

state, including land and sea. The blood chemistry analysers are a particularly valuable tool for guiding the treatment of patients in life-threatening conditions as they are treated and transported from very remote settings to metropolitan trauma centres. The analysers also support highly specialised clinical interventions performed by MICA flight paramedics, including rapid sequence intubation, where a critically injured or unwell patient is placed into medically induced unconsciousness so paramedics can manage their airway and breathing. “Arterial blood gas analysis is one of the most valuable tools for ensuring safe transfer of patients whose breathing is being managed by paramedics. This analysis provides critical information allowing ventilation to be tailored to the patient's needs,” he said. Funded entirely through generous community donations, the new equipment replaces older blood gas analysis devices and expands access to contemporary point-of-care diagnostic technology across Air Ambulance Victoria.

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More than a century of Castlemaine’ss ﬁreﬁghting history is currently being preserved and will be made publicly searchable through a digitisation project.

The shortlist for 2026 Victorian Tree of the Year has been unveiled, with another two local significant trees making the list!

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150 years later, Glenn Tracy has created a digital artistic impression of his niece, Dr Adrienne Murphy (nee Tracy), meeting George Wingfield Tracy.

Pick up your copy today or visit: castlemainemail.com.au

24-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Express

What’s Abundant mthonisth

MIDLAND

$1.10 $1 10 IINC GST

Bi rth da y

Covering the Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires Circulated throughout:

Welcome to your regular column, featuring news, tips and recipes from the Castlemaine Community House and Growing Abundance communities and networks. GA, one of CCH’s programs, encompasses sustainability and food security.

Club

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.

ABN 91 004 608 226

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KYNETON 3 Market St., PO Box 153, Kyneton, 3444 Phone: 5422 1488 Email: classifieds@midnews.com.au Office hours: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5pm

day h t r Bi

KN290546

Number 2174

CASTLEMAINE 13 Hargraves St., PO Box 227, Castlemaine, 3450 Phone: 5472 1788 Email: sales@midnews.com.au Office hours: Mon, Wed & Thurs 10am - 3pm Tue & Fri 9am - 5pm

EDITORIAL Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm Kyneton: acrawford@midnews.com.au Castlemaine: ldennis@midnews.com.au

CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING DEADLINES Midland Express (Friday by 5pm) Published weekly on a Tuesday Castlemaine Mail (Wednesday by 5pm) Published weekly on a Friday Email: classifieds@midnews.com.au

DISPLAY ADVERTISING DEADLINES Midland Express: Booking and Copy — Noon Thursday prior. Castlemaine Mail: Booking and Copy — 4.30pm Tuesday prior. Email: lbrew@midnews.com.au

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Published by Elliott Midland Newspapers Pty. Ltd. ACN 004 608 226 of 3 Market Street, Kyneton (P: 5422 1488) and 13 Hargraves Street, Castlemaine (P: 5472 1788). Printed by Express Print, 5 Jones Road, Morwell. Responsibility for Electoral comment is accepted by the publisher. Registered by Australia Post. Print Post Publication No.336268/00003.

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Seniors Festival, funded by the Victorian Government Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and Mount Alexander Shire Council, runs through October with the theme ‘Connect, Create, Celebrate’. One way to do just that is by preparing and sharing food, so why not come along to ‘Cooking for Blokes’, supporting men over 55 to build everyday cooking skills and gain confidence in the kitchen at CCH? The four-session course will be delivered by Remy Sowman for up to 10 participants, using recipes developed by Alex Perry of Bar Midland, who taught the course previously. “Big shoes to fill,” laughs Remy, who has worked in hospitality “most of my life, cafes and restaurants and all that,” as well as owning his own local businesses. Run in collaboration with Dhelkaya Health, nutrition is emphasised. “It’s about how to shop seasonally, prepare nourishing ingredients with simple recipes and enjoy the result together, for men who maybe haven’t been in a position where they’ve had to fend for themselves, “ says Remy. Remy shared one of the delicious course recipes.

Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore Serves 6 Ingredients: 4 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 4 chicken drumsticks ½ tsp cooking salt or kosher salt ¼ tsp black pepper 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely sliced 2 rosemary sprigs or 1 tsp dried rosemary 2 bay leaves (fresh preferred, or dried) 3 garlic cloves, finely minced 3 anchovy fillets (or 1 tsp anchovy paste), optional 250g mushrooms, sliced 2 medium red capsicums, sliced ⅓ cup tomato paste ¾ cup pinot noir or other dry red wine 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock 400g canned crushed tomatoes 16 whole pitted Kalamata olives, drained ¼ tsp cooking salt or kosher salt ¼ tsp black pepper 1 tsp dried oregano Method: Spread chicken onto a tray. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat one tbsp olive oil in a large, heavy-based pan over high heat. Add chicken thighs, skin side down. Cook until skin is golden brown (about six minutes). Turn and cook for one minute on the flesh side, then transfer to a tray. Add drumsticks and brown about 1½ minutes per side. Remove and set aside. Sauce: Pour excess fat from the pan, leaving about two tbsp. Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onion, rosemary leaves, bay leaves, and dried oregano. Cook for three minutes until onions begin to soften. Make a space in centre of the pan and add the minced garlic and anchovy fillets. Cook, mashing the anchovies and stirring until garlic is lightly golden. Stir into the onions. Increase heat to high. Add mushrooms and capsicum. Stir until softened (about five minutes) allowing moisture released from mushrooms to evaporate. Add tomato paste and cook for two minutes to reduce acidity. Add red wine. Stir, bring to a simmer, and allow to reduce by about 75%. Add chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Return chicken pieces (skin side up) and any juices from the tray to the pan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes. Remove the lid, add olives, and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, reducing and thickening the sauce. Serve chicken with plenty of sauce over mashed potato or polenta, sprinkled with chopped parsley if desired.

Head to the Castlemaine Community House website to sign up for this free course or call 03 5472 4842. Castlemaine Community House is a welcoming hub that supports and connects the community. Find out more at cch.org.au Find a Victorian Seniors Festival event near you: www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Tuesday, September 29, 2026-25

Central Victoria

Express MIDLAND

Property&Placee

Spring Edition

A 1970s original, quietly reimagined Private from the street, this late 1970s brick four-bedroom home sits on 1505sqm (approx.) and has been thoughtfully brought forward without losing the details that made it distinctive in the first place. Brick arches and the original tiled verandah set the tone for what's inside: a home that trusts its own character and builds on it, rather than erasing it. Step through, and the layout opens into easy, open-plan living. The kitchen has been reworked with stone benchtops, a casual dining bench, and a line-up of Miele appliances including a gas cooktop, a wall-mounted oven and a dishwasher. Windows frame the deck, the garden and the pool beyond. The north-facing dining area takes a sliding door straight out to the deck, and a Nectre wood heater sits between dining and living for the cooler months. The living room runs a split system for the rest of the year, with large picture windows looking back out to the front verandah, the arches offering glimpses of the garden beyond. Four bedrooms make up the private end of the house. Two front-facing rooms come with built-in robes, and of the remaining two, one is set up as a home office with a built-in desk. The bathroom has been updated with a bath, a walk-in shower, a vanity and a separate toilet, and a separate laundry with storage. Ducted heating, inverter AC heating/cooling and ceiling fans keep the whole home comfortable year-round. From the living areas, glass doors lead straight out to the deck, which runs the width of the house and steps down to an alfresco area finished in original breeze block, a covered lounge room that opens straight onto the pool deck and stays usable whatever the weather. A vine grown over the adjoining deck turns that space into an extra room through the warmer months, shading a long table set up for lazy lunches. The concrete, tiled and heated above-ground pool is the clear centrepiece, framed by lawn and hedge. Outside is where this property does its best work. The large, north-facing backyard has been established over time with, olive hedging, fruit trees, raised veggie beds on irrigation, garden rooms, sitting areas, a chicken pen and a composting area, all threaded and framed by ornamental trees. A carport leads through to a separate double garage, a studio and shed complex at the rear of the block, offering a six-by-seven-metre garage, a six-by-4.4-metre lined studio ready to be a workshop, art room or teenage retreat, and further shed storage beyond that. The home itself runs on an integrated solar system with solar hot water, keeping running costs sensible without any compromise on comfort. Central Castlemaine is an easy walk away, as are primary schools, the local secondary college and the train station, with services to Melbourne and Bendigo, and within reach of the specialty coffee, wine bars, galleries and live music that give the town its creative pulse. Kalimna Park and its walking tracks sit just as close. Address: 5 Farrell Avenue Castlemaine Price:

$1,295,000

Agent:

Cantwell Property

Contact:

Bianca Wiegard 0439 939 619

26-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Property&Place Stylish, contemporary living

KN291717

Discover a superb collection of four brand-new townhouses, thoughtfully designed to deliver stylish, contemporary living with an emphasis on space, privacy and effortless low-maintenance living. With a selection of considered floorplans, including a single-level design, these beautifully appointed homes offer flexibility to suit a range of lifestyles, from families and downsizers to those seeking a quality investment in a highly convenient Kyneton location. Each residence is freestanding, fully fenced and completely private, providing the feel and independence of a traditional home without the upkeep. Set within a leafy, established street, the location is particularly appealing, with Mollison Street, local cafés, shops and the township all within easy walking distance. Inside, the homes are generous in proportion, with good-sized bedrooms, elevated ceilings and large windows that draw in an abundance of natural light. The open-plan living areas provide an ideal space to relax and entertain, flowing seamlessly into beautifully appointed kitchens featuring sleek contemporary finishes and quality appliances. Adding to the appeal, every design includes a bedroom conveniently positioned on the ground floor, offering excellent flexibility for guests, family members or those looking for single-level living now or into the future. Outside, private, low-maintenance garden spaces and spacious alfresco areas provide an effortless extension of the living space. Practicality has also been carefully considered, with secure electric gate entry to the front of the property, double garages featuring additional rear roller-door access, and abundant storage throughout. Combining generous living spaces, exceptional natural light, quality finishes, privacy and a superb walk-to-everything location, these townhomes offer an enviable opportunity to enjoy modern Kyneton living with space, security and minimal maintenance.

Address:

1, 2 & 3/11 Epping Street, Kyneton

Price:

$760,000 - $890,000

Agent:

Raine & Horne Kyneton

Contact:

Jason Woodford-Smith 0478 000 441

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Tuesday, September 29, 2026-27

Spring is nesting season.

To discuss your needs chirp to us…

t: 5472 1133

KN291712

cantwellproperty.com.au

28-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Central Victoria

Property&Place Rural charm, generous space and practical living

Set on a generous 2205 m2 allotment with a rural outlook, this light-filled brick residence offers the space, flexibility and garden setting that can be increasingly difficult to find so close to Castlemaine. Enhanced through the years, the 1990s era home is comfortable and well considered, with three bedrooms, two separate living areas and a renovated bathroom. The updated white kitchen is bright and functional, equipped with electric cooking and a dishwasher, while reverse-cycle air conditioning and gas heating provide year-round comfort. Outdoor living is a genuine highlight, with an extra-large covered alfresco area overlooking the established rural style garden and views of the Chewton bushlands. Gum trees, rural fencing and the generous proportions of the allotment create a relaxed country atmosphere, while town water and water tanks add everyday practicality. For those needing space to work, create or store equipment, the property delivers with two substantial workshop spaces measuring 3.6m x 6m and 6m x 6m, complemented by a double carport. A 12 panel solar system with boosted power further adds to the home's practical credentials. With the freedom of a substantial garden, useful shedding and a peaceful rural aspect, yet only about 3.5km from Castlemaine town centre, this is a property that offers the best of both worlds – genuine country character with town conveniences close at hand.

Address:

60 Steele Street, Chewton

Price:

$785,000

Agent:

Belle Property

Contact:

Blasi Mulholland 0417 311 733 Rob Waller 0418 571 130

Rare industrial opportunity

A significant industrial opportunity is now available in Castlemaine, with a selection of vacant and established properties offering buyers the flexibility to secure land to suit a range of business, commercial and industrial requirements. Positioned prominently along the Midland Highway, the offering benefits from approximately 100 metres* of highway frontage and exposure to about 14,000 vehicles passing daily. With excellent visibility, accessibility and multiple street access points, the properties provide a high-profile position within the Castlemaine township. Six vacant parcels are available, ranging from approximately 865m²* to 7829m²*, with individual street frontage and the flexibility to accommodate a variety of future uses, subject to council approval. For those seeking established infrastructure, a further three substantial parcels are offered with existing industrial buildings and shedding. Landholdings range from approximately 2833m²* to 3510m²*, with improvements including extensive shedding of 678m²* and 2064m²*, as well as a substantial 1210m²* red brick industrial building. With purchasing options ranging from vacant land through to established industrial properties, the offering presents opportunities for owner-occupiers, investors and developers looking for a prominent Castlemaine location.

Adding further appeal, stamp duty exemptions are applicable, providing an opportunity to secure substantial industrial assets with a range of purchasing options available. Properties are offered from $485,000, with individual lot details, pricing and purchasing options available on enquiry. Opportunities combining this level of scale, highway exposure and flexibility are rarely offered in Castlemaine. Contact Castlemaine Property Group for further information. *Approximate measurements. All uses subject to relevant approvals.

Address:

381 Barker Street, Castlemaine

Price:

From $485,000

Agent:

Castlemaine Property Group

Contact:

Brett Fitzpatrick 0419 833 510

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Tuesday, September 29, 2026-29

Belle Property Castlemaine and Maldon. 437 Joyces Creek-Baringhup Road, Joyces Creek. 4a 2b 4v 8w • 8 acres of serenity with stunning Lake Cairn Curran and Mt Tarrangower views. • Spacious 4-bedroom home with pool, fireplace, beautiful gardens and country charm. • Huge 24m shed/workshop and double garage. For sale View By Appointment

Rob Waller | 0418 571 130 Blasi Mulholland | 0417 311 733

151 High Street, Maldon. 3 a 2 b 4 v 1659 r • 1,659m² private garden setting with northern aspect, just 800m from the heart of historic Maldon village. • Charming 3-bedroom home with soaring cathedral ceilings, openplan living, wood heater and ensuite. • Established gardens, deck and powered double garage/workshop. For Sale $820,000 View Saturday 3rd October 12:00pm-12:30pm

Blasi Mulholland | 0417 311 733 Rob Waller | 0418 571 130

8A Bull Street, Castlemaine. 2 a 1 b 1 v 414 r • Privately positioned yet exceptionally accessible, this home offers an easy care lifestyle • The practical floorplan includes two bedrooms, central bathroom and open plan living • Single carport, workshop and spacious garden area. For Sale $595,000 View Saturday 3rd October 12:15pm-12:45pm

Blasi Mulholland | 0417 311 733 Rob Waller | 0418 571 130

belleproperty.com

Scan to view our current listings KN291393

Belle Property Castlemaine | 5470 5811 167 Barker Street, Castlemaine Belle Property Maldon | 5475 1055 30A Main Street, Maldon

30-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

MIDLAND EXPRESS

You can now subscribe

ONLINE

to the Castlemaine Mail Digital Edition

Scan this QR code to subscribe Or visit: castlemainemail.com.au/subscribe

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Tuesday, September 29, 2026-31

Express MIDLAND

Trades & Services

TRADES& & ES SERVICES High Impact, Low Cost...

WHERE LOCALS CONNEC T!

GET NOTICED!

Trades & Services

Call David 0418 526 769

Business Profile Our Roots Run Deep. Family owned for over 25 years, we are your go to team of Arborists servicing the Macedon Ranges and surrounds. We are your local tree experts for jobs big or small with a large ﬂeet of specialised equipment to tackle your tree related needs. From pruning, and removal, storm recovery, stump grinding, mulching, land clearing, arborist reports and large mowing maintenance. We look after local residence’s, school facilities and businesses. Safe procedures, a tight knit crew and a positive, respectful culture are just the start of what we bring to every job. Because for us, its not just one job it’s a relationship. Were here for the now and into the future and we love cultivating a connection with you and your land and the region we call home. • Fully Insured • Qualiﬁed Arborists • Latest Machinery • Life Time Local Team

32-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

MIDLAND EXPRESS

TRADES&SERVICES

Trades & Services

APPLIANCE REPAIR uo

Specialising in sheds, driveways, paths and house extensions

pcconcreting@gmail.com

CASTLEMAINE ELECTRICAL

Handyman

richardbarclayservices@gmail.com www.richardbarclay.services

Phone 0438 043 345 – Commercial

Home Building

FIREWOOD

Computers OK Apple and Windows Advice, Assistance and Repairs

Call Ross on 0421 367 040 KN257766

computersokoz@gmail.com www.computersok.com.au Servicing the Macedon Ranges and Surrounding Districts

FIREWOOD

Improvement Maintenance Services

6 cub m Split — $220 per cub m 12 cub m Split — $215 per cub m 20 cub m Split — $210 per cub m 20 cub m Unsplit — $200 per cub m LOCAL WOOD 6 cub m Split — $170 per cub m

Covering Kyneton, Castlemaine and Woodend.

Services inc tiling plastering, carpentry plus much more.

Murray River Redgum

FREE DELIVERY

Ph Peter 5423 7103

KN288671

Est. 1970 FAST GLASS Replacements

QUALITY RURAL AND RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE

Phone Reece on 0438 082 997

89E Piper Street, Kyneton 6 Ladd Road, New Gisborne www.macedonrangesglass.com.au

www.countrywidebuildingservices.com.au

Are you buying a house?

Then get your foundations checked by us before you purchase the house.

KN291587

WE RESTUMP AND UNDERPIN

Houses, Schools, Halls and Sheds as well as construct or reinstall verandahs and decks REGISTERED BUILDING PRACTITIONER OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE Over 20 years experience

kgleeson@midnews.com.au

Fully Insured HIA Member

5429 1735 / 0428 322 486

RENDERING ng Creaoti y ur vision

Arboricultural and environmental Services

ADVERTISE HERE NOW PHONE KERRIE 5422 1488

admin.cbs@bigpond.com

• Forestry Mowing • Arboricultural, Bushﬁre and Ecological Reports

KN278906

5422 1724 | 5428 2899

Decorative & Access • Exposed Aggregate • Coloured Concrete • Crossovers • Walkways • Cattle Yards

for all enquiries

Tree Removals + Pruning • Land Clearing MACEDON RANGES GLASS •• Bushﬁre Preparations • Weed Eradication

• Showerscreens • Splashbacks • Double glazing • Mirrors

Concrete Services • Driveways • Shed Slabs • Tank Slabs • House Extensions • Concrete Removal

Call 0485 752 561

LAND MANAGEMENT

GLASS

CONCRETING

REBLOCKING

KN285592

COMPUTER REPAIRS

Phone 0411 246 086

KN267961/K

Cement & Acrylic Rendering Professionals

• Mudbrick Restorations • Painting Services • Cement/Acrylic Rendering • Solid Plastering • Heritage Resoration • Styrene Cladding Systems • Renovations -Domestic - Commercial • Latest styles, colours and textures • Free quotes onsite and off plans • Top Quality, Best price and on-time service

0417 479 491 www.rendersolutions.com.au

RURAL FENCING

MAINTENANCE M.J. & T.J. Maintenance Services

• Landscaping • Home Maintenance • Painting Interiors and Exteriors • Decks • Fences • Renovations • Property Maintenance • Gardening and much much more. We are the one stop handyman shop. Give us a call, we can do it all. We are locals and we care. Free Quotes No job too big or small

Contact Michael on 0457 818 188

KN288652

www.facebook.com/platinumcabinetsandjoinery

– Residential

KN284845

Servicing Central Victoria with over 30 years experience

Richard Barclay 0428 864 397

OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Adam Smith

KN281905/K

KN270704

REC 14803

Phone Ash on 0400 122 176

PROPERTY CLEAN UP

HANDYMAN

ELECTRICIAN

Platinum Cabinets and Joinery can create and manufacture everything your home needs.

E: paulaj_1998@hotmail.com

Servicing Castlemaine, Mt Alexander & Macedon Ranges Shires

KN251445

0417 014 903 (KYNETON)

2000

Vic. Lic No 42543

KN243752

PETER

KN282332

EST Contact Paul

KN283286/K

15 Years Experience.

KN270492

CABINETRY/JOINERY

PC Concreting & Paving

BECKERLEY

KN265745/K

KN282884/K

Repairing washing machines, dryers and dishwashers. Located In Kyneton and servicing the surrounding areas, Including Castlemaine and the Macedon Ranges. Trusted service agents for top brands like Miele, Asko, Speed Queen, Electrolux, Bosch, Omega, Simpson, Dishlex, and Westinghouse. www.kentappliancerepair.com.au kynetonappliancerepairs@gmail.com

PLUMBER

GUTTER CLEANING

KN276948

Phone 0438 361 861

Fr ee Q

KENT APPLIANCE REPAIR

tes

CONCRETING

RURAL FENCING Quality rural and electric fencing

0408 106 746

andrewbeckerley1@hotmail.com

ADVERTISE HERE NOW Phone Kerrie 5422 1488

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Tuesday, September 29, 2026-33

TRADES&SERVICES ROOFING

SEPTIC KN278911

We Bring Your Roof Back to Life

TREE SERVICES

WINDOWS AND DOORS

Manufactured in the Macedon Ranges

JOSH NICHOLAS 0431 764 750

KN285335/K

Trades & Services

info@thetreedavinci.com.au

Chris Whelan 0400 681 182

battendownroofing@gmail.com battendownroofing KN289648/K

Tree Pruning, Removal, Reports & Maintenance Macedon Ranges - Mt Alexander Central Victoria

KN290575

• Restoration - Tile to Tin • Storm Damage Repairs • Gutter, Driveway, Concrete Cleaning • Moss Treatment

Visit our showroom Monday - Friday

Septic Tank and Grease Trap De-Sludging

38 Beauchamp St, Kyneton or call on 0412 210 010

7 DAYS A WEEK

Phone Malcolm Tyquin

0418 507 172 TREE SERVICES KN268072

ROOF RESTORATION

BOOK YOUR FREE ASSESSMENT TODAY!

Contact Ben on 1800 677 663 www.roofrestorationwarehouse.au

Professional, efﬁcient, high quality tree services for residential and commercial. • Tree Removal • Tree Pruning • Stump Grinding • Emergency Tree Services • Arborist Reports • Hedge Trimming • Land Clearing • Large Lawn Maintenance Call David for your free no obligation quote 0418 526 769 Email: david@pmtreeworx.com.au KN288693

Mitch Keating 0448 032 003

Qualified and insured arborist providing residential and commercial tree maintenance Climbing arborists Tree removals Tree planting Cabling and bracing

Tree pruning Stump grinding Confined space removal Storm recovery

EVOLVEWINDOWS.COM.AU

03 8746 9777

KN285120K

KN279808

The Roof Restoration Warehouse specialises in expert Residential and Commercial roof restoration backed by 25+ years of experience and premium materials. We restore and protect homes and businesses. Every project is backed by written warranties, premium coatings and same-week inspections.

KN289247

Restore, don’t replace. Bring your roof back to life.

ALUMINIUM, TIMBER & THERMALLY BROKEN WINDOWS

ADVERTISE HERE NOW Phone Kerrie 5422 1488

Advertising in the Trades and Services Directory does work... Sometimes it works too well.

Would you like to be one of these businesses? It all starts here. Contact Kerrie to discuss a package that would suit your business, phone 5422 1488 or email: kgleeson@midnews.com.au.

34-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Express

classifieds

3 Market Street KYNETON ✆ 5422 1488 | 13 Hargraves Street CASTLEMAINE ✆ 5472 1788

Happy 90th Birthday

Federico (Fred) Caggiati

KN291755/L

29th September 1936 What a legend! Buon Complianno Papa From all of us

Deaths

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on September 24, 2026. Aged 88 years. Dearly loved husband of Anne (dec.). Loved father of Neil, Ian and Jamie and father-in-law of Narelle, Ange and Fiona. Cherished Pop of Ryan and Jessica, Chloe and Joel, Cody and Maxine, Tarni (dec.), Demi and Anthony, Jessie and Murray, Amy, Emily, Isabella and William. Great-grandfather to Asher, Gia, Carter, Harvey, Halle, Blossom, Ivy, Violet, Ari, Lyla, Mia, Ava, Oliver and Grace. Until we meet again, Dad (Pop) You’ll always be loved, always be missed, and never, ever forgotten. For Funeral service details please see the Mount Alexander Funerals website.

KN291776/J

HARGREAVES Brent Scott 24.01.1976 - 23.09.2026 Adored Son of Gayle and Bryan (dec.), Stepson to Steve. Brother to Shannon (dec.), Shelley & Narrah. Uncle to Thomas, Mia, Samuel and Xavier. Brent, you fought hard to stay with us until you could no-more. You were determined to beat the cancer, and you managed to push 4 to 6 weeks to 7½ months. You passed at home with your loving family surrounding you, a wish you always had. The pain has gone. At peace. My sweet boy, I already miss you with all my heart. I cherish the last months we had together. I love you forever. Mum xx I couldn’t have asked for a better big brother. Lots of hugs I wish I could give you. Shelley For Funeral service details please see the Mount Alexander Funerals website.

Castlemaine 5470 5951

Peter

We are saddened by the news of Peter’s passing. He was a keen supporter of all our hot rod events. Sincere condolences to Bubby & Swifty from all the members. “Ride Safely on those Heavenly Highways” Castlemaine Rods Inc.

BORDER COLLIE PUPS

A property in Tylden requires a horticulturist on a regular basis. Please call 0408 531 954 KN291736/L

5422 1488 Kyneton 5472 1788 Castlemaine

Deaths

CULPITT Walter ‘Burnie’

Castlemaine 5470 5951

SAINSBURY

HORTICULTURIST REQUIRED

KN291778/J

Public Notices

After a long and painful illness, Bonnie Pender has gone home to rest. Tom and Kirsten Pender sincerely thank the team at Ellery House for caring for their beloved Mumma.

LANCEFIELD GOLF CLUB

A private service will be held.

KN291782/J

ROACHE (nee Allen) Barbara Joy

Employment

GARDEN MARKET

5 males black & white 1 female black & white 12 weeks old. Microchipped, vaccinated and wormed. Source number: #230026 Microchip numbers: 956000016376727 956000016381707 956000016518894 956000016355677 956000016359650 956000016357935 $700 each Phone: 5422 2405 0439 233 859 Kyneton

PENDER Bonnie

Castlemaine 5470 5951

Public Notices

Sunday, 4th October 2026 9am to 1pm Western Reserve Free Entry

CASUAL TIP TRUCK OPERATOR required, living in the kyneton area. Must have heavy articulated truck licence. Happy to employ a mature aged, retired, semi retired person.

Castlemaine and District Garden Club Inc.

KN291626/L

New Members Welcome Membership - $20/ household/year castlemainegarden club@gmail.com

SENIOR TECHNICIAN Castlemaine - Family owned workshop since 1988 seeking an experienced Senior Technician. Cert III Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (or equivalent), min. 5 years' post apprenticeship experience required. Full-time, Mon–Fri, above-award pay.

Wanted To Buy

Apply with resume and cover letter to admin@pjstyres.com.au More info: pjstyres.com.au/careers

Annual General Meeting

October 17 @ Clubrooms at 10.00am Call for new committee members and general positions. Help build the club for its 100th year in 2027

Anything considered Watches, jewelery, pottery, toys, unusual items. Single items, estates or shed cleanouts. CASH PAID Ring Glen 0412 400 611

KN291729/L

Died peacefully on September 25th 2026. Aged 88. Adored Wife of Peter for 65 years. Devoted and loved Mum of Stephen and Claire, Anthony and Julie, Kris and Darren. Loving Noni of Rachel and Jeremy, Emma and Matt, Kean and Rainer. T Ellery House for their wonderful care over the past 2 years. A Private Funeral Service will be held.

Employment

Garage Sales

R M Begg

Kyneton Aged Care

CRAFT MARKET Sat: 3rd October 9am - 1pm

R.M. Begg Aged Care

Carpark

Epping St, Kyneton. Baby gifts, knit wear, rugs, beanies, scarves, rugs, toys, cakes, jams, sauces, jigsaws

KN291756/L

KN291784

Much loved and loving brother of Gwenda (dec). Cherished uncle of Kara & Shawn, Klai & Chanelle. Great uncle of Archie & Ella, Lexi, Lainey & Freddie. Forever in our hearts xxxx

Livestock

KN291728/L

KN291783

CULPITT

Walter “Burnie”

Employment

✉ classifieds@midnews.com.au

KN291584/L

Deaths

KN291714/L

Deaths

midlandexpress.com.au castlemainemail.com.au

Employment

Employment •

HACC-PYP Assessment Officer and Intake Assessment Officer, Part time • Coordinator Community Safety and Amenity, Full time Learn more: mountalexander.vic.gov.au or phone 5471 17

KN291745/L

CASTLEMAINE, 8 Happy Valley Rd, Sat. October 3, 8.30 am - 3pm. Garage/Yard Sale. (weather permitting).

Working together for a healthy, connected shire

Employment

KN291718/L

Birthday Greetings

Book your classified online:

EFTPOS AVAILABLE Castlemaine 5470 5951

KN291777/J

Castlemaine Artists Market

WILSON - Dawne 9.4.1931 - 22.9.2026 Loved Wife of Bill (dec). Much loved Mother & Mother-in-law of Paul (dec) & Jeanette; Neil & Sandra (dec). Loving Nan of Rick, Kylie, Mark, Penny, Crista, Luke, Alton, Corey & Jaimee. Treasured Great Nan of Ryan, Koby, Molly, Laila, Ella, Mason & Zoe. Always loved and remembered At the request of Dawne a private service will be held.

KN291757/L

Welcomes interested parties to attend our Annual General Meeting, Saturday October 10, 11.30am at the Castlemaine Library meeting room. KN291779/J

Sacred Heart College is a Mercy school situated in Kyneton and surrounded by the beautiful Macedon Ranges. The College educates approximately 920 students from Years 7-12 in 2026. Sacred Heart College is committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children. Applica for the duration of Term 4, 2026 with experience in the following teaching area.

Graduate or PPT teachers are encouraged to apply: Year 7 – 10 English (0.6FTE) Teachers looking for full-time or part-time employment are encouraged to apply with a commencement date of Monday 5 October.

Notice of AGM

Application Form is available on our website: http://www.shckyneton.catholic.edu.au

Kyneton District Tennis Club Monday October 12, 6.30 pm KDTC Victoria Street, Kyneton

Please ensure you include a cover letter addressed to the Acting Principal, Mr Sam Weir. Applications are to be uploaded to our employment website no later than Friday 2 October 2026 (9.00am)

Annual update and all positions open for nomination

A Ministry of Mercy Education Limited ABN 69 154 53 1870

KN291738/L

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Acting Principal, Mr Sam Weir by phoning 5421 1200

KN291716/L

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Tuesday, September 29, 2026-35

classifieds Earthmoving

DEMOLITION reclaimed building materials, old red pavers, corrugated iron, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical, timber, Oregon hardwood, huge amount. Ph Karl 0422 564 878.

BOBCAT SERVICES

• 5T EXCAVATOR • 2.6 EXCAVATOR • TRACK BOBCAT • POST HOLE BORING • DRIVEWAYCONSTRUCTION • SITE CUTS & TRENCHING

205 Mollison St Kyneton PH 5422 2211

Phone Colin 0417 509 699

Phone Chris O'Toole 5422 3573

• 20 years plus • Professional •

readers every week. Kyneton | 5422 1488 Castlemaine | 5472 1788 classiﬁeds@midnews.com.au

0410 622 660

SHEEP

251 i lF C i lR lt Derrynock Stud Sale

Ewes to be offered on AuctionsPlus Only - Commencing at 12pm

Thursday 8th October 2026, 1 pm - East Trentham, Vic. Showcasing: • Poll Dorset - Emphasis on early maturing sire, with good eating quality (IMF up to +0.47) - Increasing lamb survival utilising gestation length - Rams with elite performance (TCP up to 171, LEQ up to 165.8) • Maternals - Bred for even and consistent type - Elite performance – sale rams MCP +av 176 ,pfat av +0.0, Pemd av 2.6, Ywr av +0.57, Pwec av-46

KN291640/L

Commercial Focus - Commercial Results Elders Kyneton 03 5423 3000 Dean Coxon 0417 304 947 Jack Richards 0455 628 863

Public Notices

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMIT

KN291597/L

KN291217/L

MOTOR HOME

Volvo Diesel XC60 Full Service Tyres, Timing Belt, Suspension (NEW) Low 130,000 km Reg YYB 060, RWC & REG Price $9,000 PH: 0404 799 006

Castlemaine 5472 1788

1985 AMERICAN MOTORHOME Petrol/Gas, big block Chev, auto. Original American oak interior. Excellent for onsite accom or club reg. No RWC/reg. $30,000. Vin #1FF110514F1000213 PH 0403 738 801

Graeme Baker Swiss watch specialist Selected Antique pieces for sale Gold Rush Jewellers 335 Hargreaves St., (Next to JB HI-FI) Bendigo Phone: 5441 4011 KN291651/L

from $80

CLASSIFIEDS

5422 1488 Kyneton 5472 1788 Castlemaine

Thinking of selling something with wheels!

NOTICE OF 2026 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

MeMandook Galk Off Main Road CHEWTON VICTORIA 3451

The application is for a permit to:

Use and development of the land for a place of assembly

To be held at Campaspe Mill Distillery, 2 Wards Lane, Kyneton on October 28th, 2026, 6.15 pm start For inquiries please email: friendskbg@outlook.com

Planning scheme clause

Matter for which a permit is required

35.07-1

Use of the land for a place of assembly

35.07-4

Buildings and works

44.06-2

Buildings and works associated with a place of assembly

VIEW THE APPLICATION: In Person: You may look at the application and any documents that support the application free of charge at: Civic Services Building – Castlemaine Corner Lyttleton Street & Lloyd Street 8.30am to 5pm - Monday to Friday Planning Enquiries (03) 5471 1700 Scan the QR Code or visit https://masc.t1cloud.com/T1Default/CiAnywhere/Web/MASC/Public/LogOn/ONLINESERVICES

LODGE AN OBJECTION: Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to Council. An objection or submission can be lodged via the online services portal or can be sent in writing via email or post: Online: https://masc.t1cloud.com/T1Default/CiAnywhere/Web/MASC/Public/LogOn/ONLINESERVICES Email: info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au Post: Planning Department – PO BOX 185, Castlemaine VIC 3450 An objection must be made to Council in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected. If you object, the responsible authority will tell you its decision. The responsible authority must make a copy of every objection available for any person to inspect free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.

08-Oct-2026 KN291676/L

KN2917814

The land affected by the application is located at:

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before:

Omega II 2010. 233000 km Reg Jan 27, XZH 639 Dual Fuel, No RWC $2500 Ph 0493 288 092

In perfect condition, always garaged, 4 door, lady driver. Only 175,000 klms. Rego: IUZ 529 $4,800. C 5422 1409

FRIENDS OF KYNETON BOTANIC GARDENS INC.

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT REGULATIONS 2015 – Schedule 1 - Form 2 Section 52(1) (Planning & Environment Act 1987)

PA165/2025

HOLDEN UTILITY

Two years guarantee on servicing.

AGENTS – 5% rebate to outside agents in attendance settling on behalf of clients

The application reference number is:

MAZDA 1982 AUTO SEDAN

KN291286/L

OMEGA / LONGINES TAG HEUER / RADO

All lots interfaced with AuctionsPlus

NE Aboriginal Corporation

Kyneton 5422 1488

Public Notices

Bruc acc – Footrot free – MN3v All enquires welcome – catalogue’s available Ted Beattie - 0409 189 116 - Simon Beattie - 0429 330 562 Email: derrynock@outlook.com - web: www.derrynock.com.au

The applicant for the permit is:

2004 MONARO CV8R Auto 120,000 k, one owner/driver garaged and serviced per handbook, VGC. Near new tyres. Rego: WIH857 June 2027. $47,000 Call or txt 0419 311 103

CLASSIFIEDS

150 Poll Dorset Rams 85 Maternal Rams 32 Poll Dorset Ewes - 2024 Drop

A permit is required under the following clauses of the planning scheme:

USED CARS

KN291665/L

EAST TRENTHAM

Phone: Online:

50,000

Painter

PAINTER

Livestock

Advertise your pre loved items in the Midland Express and reach over

Whee Wheels heee eelelels elsls Deals Deal eal alsls als KN291572/L

ASBESTOS removals and demolition services, fully insured. Ph Karl 0422 564 878.

• Bullbars and Sidesteps • Winches and Recovery Gear • Suspension and Snorkels • Canopies and Awnings • Roof Racks & Drawers • Big Bore Exhausts • Rear Protection Bars

Large or small Cut and/or reshaped. KN287988

Wanted To Sell

HEDGES

KN287987/L

B L U E B A R N CAMPBELLS CREEK, 62 Midland Hwy, Fri, Sat. & Sun., 10-4pm. Household goods, bric-abrac, DVD's, CD's, vinyl records, books, clothing, guitars, indoor & outdoor plants.

Gardening

KN291468/L

Wanted To Sell

KN287984/L

Garage Sales

MALMSBURY PROGRESS ASSOCIATION Notice of Annual General Meeting Malmsbury Progress Association Inc. Sunday 18th October 2026 at 3.00pm Malmsbury Town Hall Light refreshments provided. The ordinary business of the annual general meeting is as follows— general meeting and of any special general meeting or general meeting held since then; (b) to receive and consider— (i) the annual report of the Committee on the activities of the Association during the preceding

Committee in accordance with Part 7 of the Associations Incorporation Reform Act; (c) to elect the members of the Committee; (d) to determine the process for setting the amounts of the annual subscription and joining fee. Philip Flanagan Secretary

from

$75

Advertise it for 4 weeks in the Midland Express and Castlemaine Mail - 8 Ads - Colour Photo - 20 words - Over 50,000 readers every week Kyneton 5422 1488 Castlemaine 5472 1788 eds@midnews.com.au

36-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Scratchmarker wins Scratchmarker Edward Carracher won the Lancefield Open on Friday with a one under par 71 off the stick. From Euroa, Carracher has been top Dalhousie golfer for years, and his win secured the major trophy by three shots from fellow A-graders Cameron Pascoe (Huntingale) and Samuel Mill (Euroa) who both shot 74. Carracher earned valuable points towards the DDGA's IP Mein Trophy. Perfect weather and course conditions helped make it a very successful tournament, with players from 22 different clubs participating.

SP PORTS WRAP Another victory: Edward Carracher (at right) accepts the impressive Open trophy from Lanceﬁeld club captain John Leefe.

In B-grade, Denis Davenport (10 handicap) was the winner with 83 from fellow Lancefield member Gary Dudderidge (12) who shot 86, with Mitch Thomas (Riverside) third with 87, on a countback from Woodend's Eric Vosbergen. Two Lancefield players fought out C-grade, with Lachlan Giles shooting a 93 to edge out Chris Enright on countback, with Woodend's Brian Paton third on 94. NTPs went to Vosbergen, Mitch Thomas (Riverside), Mick Doyle (Macedon), Justin Ryan (Quarry Hill) and Carracher.

Town n & District

GOLF results CASTLEMAINE Plenty of teams turned up on Grand Final Eve, all keen to take out the Ambrose event and also have a shot at claiming the highly sought-after hole-in-one prize. The team of Lachlan O’Brien, Liam O’Brien, Matthew O’Brien and Joshua Hopkins came out on top, finishing with an impressive 52.37 to claim first prize. Despite plenty of attempts, the elusive hole-in-one prize remained unclaimed and will live on to tempt golfers another day! Players were out early on Grand Final Day, keen to finish their stableford rounds in time to settle in and watch the big game. Garry Moore (17) was in top form, finishing with a tidy 39 points to take the honours. He finished two points clear of Daniel Pollard (4) on 37 points. Stephen Cooper was the only player to record a NTP on the 7th hole. A smaller group of early starters competed in the 9 @ 9 stableford on the back nine Saturday morning. Peter Gresswell (11) once again shone with 19 points but only after a countback from Jo Smith (18). Thursday’s competition attracted 35 players, with some excellent scores across both grades. Megan Carroll (16) produced the standout round, taking out A-grade with an impressive 44 points. Leigh Campbell was runner-up on 39. Laurie Harding claimed B-grade with 39 points, winning on a countback from Gavin Lang and Jeremy Rose. Declan Powell's NTP on the 12th was 60 centimetres from the hole. GISBORNE Wharfie Time is something golfers never do. The game of golf is never over until that last winning putt drops. Like Freo, a lot of golfers hung up their boots due to the damp conditions on Saturday. Amie Baker and Bart McDermott, who usually runs 42 kilometres carrying a backpack, won the day with 46 points. Amie said she carried McDermott this time. Gerry Booysen and Plucker Plunkett took out 2nd place with 44 points, but it doesn’t count as there were only 26 golfers; it’s like winning the chook raffle when you are the only one at the pub. However, a big field turned up on the most relevant public holiday in the world, to watch the parade of golfers play. Jamie Half Cat Bandit Watch’a Talkin’ Bout Wills, who seems to have a swollen handicap, won A-grade. Shane Walsh won B-grade and Peter Shelley won C-grade. Will Ryan won the Thursday Open A-grade, and Bobbie Tucker, who has a daughter, I think, maybe not, I can’t remember, won B-grade and Wayne Dunt won C-grade. Kathy Richards is in great form, winning the women’s stableford on Wednesday. Ruth Wilkinson won the ninehole competition. What a week for Denise Dunn! After captaining the women’s team to victory in the North West Interclub Pennant Championship, she then topped off her Grand Final week with a hole-in-one in the Par 3 competition at Kyneton. Well, “Dunn” Denise. KYNETON Two big open fields dominated play at Kyneton, almost 200 players enjoying perfect conditions and producing some spectacular golf. A cash pool of $11,000 was up for grabs in the annual David Sullivan-sponsored women’s parthree tournament, 105 players coming from near and far to go flag hunting at the legendary Vern Morcom layout. Best score was an even-par 54 by Belvoir Park’s Elizabeth Garlick (Belvoir Park) who had a birdie and a bogey on each nine and finished six strokes clear of the field. She also had two NTPs. Emma Hall (Phillip Island) was runner-up on 60, with an even-par back nine, and Carmel Bourne (Bendigo) won a countback for third on 65.

Gisborne's Denise Dunn walked away with the biggest haul, taking the A-grade first prize with 66-16-50, including a a hole-in-one on the 13th and three NTPs. Runner-up Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick (17) of Castlemaine was one shot behind despite starting and finishing with a pair of double-bogeys. Ballarat's Di Stammers (16) third two shots further back. Melton Valley's Susan Newton claimed B-grade with nett 48, two clear of Rich River’s Denise Ferrier (20), with Jenni Needs (19) of Bendigo a shot further adrift. STAGGERING 12 UNDER The nett score of the day was a staggering 12-under 42 by Woodend’s Grace Owens (28) to claim C-grade with a birdie on the 9th , four pars and nothing worse than a double-bogey. One shot back was Royal Park's Joi Coppinger (35) of Royal Park, while Vicki Hardwick (36) raised the flag for Kyneton in third place on nett 45. Suzanne Velk of Gisborne claimed two NTPs, while singles went to Ferrier, Margot Falconer (Bendigo), Heather Gunstone (Rich River), Shinobu Littman (Goonawarra), Janine Lord (Trentham), Joanne Male (Belvoir Park), Gina McVicar (Kooringal), Pam Murphy (Goonawarra), Sue O’Connor (Portarlington), Marian Orr (Kyneton), Grace Parkinson (Kyneton), Susan Shannon (Heathcote), Helen Skinner (Belvoir Park), Joedy Wallis (Trentham) and Sheryle Watson (Belvoir Park). Another 79 players turned out on the public holiday Friday for a two-person Ambrose, with Kyneton committee member Geoff Turner dovetailing perfectly with son-in-law Sam Baker (Devil Bend) for a nett 59.5 to claim the top prize of $200 each. They had three birdies and just three bogeys. A quarter of a stroke behind were Dunolly's Jamie Polinelli. They got plenty of target practice on a layout featuring nine par threes. Local footy stars Harry Huntley and Nathan Thompson bogeyed their first hole and then made five birdies for nett 61.75 and third place. The leading mixed team was club champion Col Hudgson with Rob MacRae, who made five birdies and played their last 11 holes in three under for nett 60.75. They were a quarter of a stroke clear of Goonawarra’s Jamie Herewini and Linda Toohey, who were seven under at one stage. The leading women were Kyneton stalwart Joan Gibbs and daughter Nicole Norris with nett 71.25. Toohey and Herewini were NTP on the 9th, with former captain Julie Harris claiming two and the others going to Noel Alldis, Lisa McCombe, John Sevald (Bacchus Marsh West) and Kobi Kenneth (Mt Derrimut). Neville Yates recorded the longest drive. In other competitions, greenkeeper Braeden Cottingham (19) won the Wednesday Drummond Golf stableford and earned promotion to B-grade for the upcoming club championships. The left-hander overcame a wipe on the 2nd to card 39 points, one clear of Yates (9). NTPs were Damian Summers, Noel Alldis, John Waddell and Neville Christeneson. Yates made amends with 20 points in the nine-hole Thursday shootout, making three birdies in five holes to win by two from Craig Fitzpatrick. A small field tackled cold winds and scattered rain in Saturday's stableford, Castlemaine’s Tom Walker (22) shrugging off two outs with three pars in the last five holes to win by one with 37 points. David Austin (17) put his customary two pills in the dam on the 11th but parred the last two for 36, one clear of three players: Terry Gamble (7) birdied two of his last three, Namik Akkurt (9) had two wipes but two birdies in the last four, and Pete Walsh (17), who recorded his second 'out' with victory beckoning. LANCEFIELD It was a good week for two of our newer members in

Glenda Bentley and Leanne Castle, as they teamed up with club stalwart Florence Meyer to finish as runners-up in the Kilmore short course tournament. Leanne also won the C-grade handicap award. In Wednesday's stableford at Lancefield, Glenda (42 handicap) won with 32 points, from Kaylene Cruise (27) on 31 and Di Rhode (36) with 29. Tuesday Legends: James Whitford (12) +2, from Luke Schachner (37) +1 and Steve Draper (20) - 1. Saturday stableford: Steve Gilbert (14) 32 points, from Greg Parks (11) 30 on c/b from Whitford (12). A special mention to 'young' Wayne Mee, who had his 70th birthday celebrated at Friday's tournament. Everyone was full of voice in singing to him as his lit candled cake came into the clubrooms, an atmosphere like one big happy family. MOUNT MACEDON Saturday's two-person Ambrose could not have been more of a contrast as persistent squalls swept the course. Stuart Gunnell and Sean Smyth stood atop the podium with a nett 59.75 from runners-up Matt Willis and Patrick Doyle 61.75. NTPs went to Peter Carey and Gunnell. A brilliant day for Wednesday's midweek team event four-person Ambrose. Great to see some familiar faces fronting after various medical procedures, travel escapades, taking advantage of school holidays or emerging from a winter hiatus. The roll call included Graham Marshall, Peter Hoiles, Logan Valneris, Bubba Watson, Nifty Clark, Karl Pongracic and Mike Gorman. Best gross score came from Brian Freestone, Rob Devereux, Malcolm Linn and Will Bobetic with 66. Their nett 55 also saw this team successful on a countback from Mike Hoiles, Peter Hoiles, Logan Valneris and Hamish Allen. Freestone was NTP. TRENTHAM AFL Grand Final Day attracted 15 groups for the fourperson Ambrose held in fluctuating weather conditions. The winning Gisborne team compromised Shaundon Huisman, Mark Testo, Dominic Hogan and John Orwin with 55.125, less than a stroke ahead of Adrian Fisk, Larry Prowse, Paul Kenton-Barnes and Liam Murray on 56. NTP winners were Huisman (2), Andrea Krelle and Dale Height. There was some very special scoring in Thursday's mixed par event. Not only did Alan Snowden top A-grade with a stunning +9, he broke his age by two strokes with just 73, the equivalent of 45 stableford points. A reward was pruning his handicap by two! A-grade: Snowden (12) +9, from Stuart Dunn (13) +1; B: Mark Grady (17) +3, from Colin Wilson (14) +2; C: Jack Conway (25) +2, from Peter Gilchrist (21) square. WOODEND Plenty of golf both at home and on the road across the past week. Consistent rain and drizzle on Saturday curtailed numbers in the two-person Ambrose. Grace Owens and low marker Danny Bellchambers won with an excellent 58.75, from Nash Chance — Matt Kivimets with 58.0. Woodenders have been finding events to compete in across the district/region. Last Tuesday in-form Grace won the par 3 C-grade at Kyneton with 42 points. Nyassa Payne took out B-grade at Kilmore on the short course, with the team coming third after a countback. On Grand Final Eve, the friendly rivalry at Seymour continued, with Nash teaming with Nyassa, Danny and Grace to take the honours with 52.825 nett. Two of brightest young prospects have been/are testing themselves in quality ranks at different venues, and we wish them well.

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Tuesday, September 29, 2026-37

SP PORTS WRAP Full of talent

This is the Netball Team of the Year for the Riddell League, unveiled on Thursday night. Goal shooter — Malia Seumanutafa (Gisborne Giants) GA — Rebekah Konstantopolous (Wallan), WA — Molly McGrath (Macedon. Centre — Madison Brown (Riddell. WD — Bella Collodetti (Lancefield), GD — Kristiana Manu'a (Kyneton). Goalkeeper — Georgia Bowkett (Woodend-Hesket). Subs: Abbie Conway (Romsey), Ellie Bird (Kyneton), Tayissa Coppinger (W-H) Coach — Lucas Bennett — Hullin (Wallan). Umpire — Kelly Nicholas.

Team of the Year

Winners of the Kyneton HiLo tournament, Michael Butterﬁeld (centre) and Denise McDougal (right), accompanied by Kyneton Tournament Manager Damien Hadﬁeld (left).

HiLo tournament hotly contested

While many last Friday were anticipating the Grand Final Eve public holiday and parade, a totally different activity was happening in Kyneton — the very popular HiLo Croquet Doubles Tournament, run by the Kyneton Croquet Club, now in its 150th year. The 20 tournament spots were filled within minutes of announcement, and are highly sought after all around Victoria. The popular HiLo format is where low handicap players are paired with high handicap players, thereby evening out the competition for all teams. Typically, these pairs have never played together before. With entries from Wonthaggi to Boort, Gisborne to Bendigo, it was a good spread from around Victoria, including some extremely low handicap players, some of the

best in the state. The weather was kind as play got under way, split into two groups. In the Red group, Steve Duffy (Castlemaine) and Elizabeth Payne (Macedon Ranges) were the clear winners, winning all four games convincingly with a very healthy net hoops score (hoops scored for vs. against) of +14 hoops. They looked like the team to beat. Over in the Blue group, no team had won all their games, and it came down to the final round to determine the group winners. Contenders Michael Butterfield (Wonthaggi) and Denise McDougal (Boort) were in deep trouble at 4-6 against fellow contenders Allan Breen (Golden Square) and Heather Crawley (Castlemaine), but managed to score the next two hoops with just 50 seconds before timeout to make it 6-6 hoops. This forced

a 'golden hoop' to determine the winners. Butterfield and McDougal went on to win that all-important 13th hoop, to take the game and thereby winning the Blue group overall with three wins and a net hoops score of +7 hoops. Butterfield and McDougal entered the final playoff between the two group winners as the underdogs, but very quickly took the first few hoops, and never relinquished the lead, going on to win by 7-4 hoops over Duffy and Payne. All the other teams also played off for third to ninth positions, but really, the day belonged to Butterfield and McDougal. From the jaws of defeat, they had scrambled the tournament win! After another excellent afternoon tea, the players headed home after a very satisfactory day, vowing to return again next year.

Croquet pennant under way

The second round of the Goldfields Croquet Association division 2 pennant was held last week. Kyneton Yellow playing their first match were at home to the top team, Eaglehawk Hawks. A tight first game saw Kyneton's Deborah Bosman scrape home seven hoops to six against Judy Merrett. In the other game Ken Greenway put up a good fight against the more experienced Ken Merrett before going down 5-7. In the reverse singles, Bosman's early good form deserted her as she went down 1-7 to Ken Merrett; a win to Greenway against Judy Merrett left the teams tied on two wins apiece. The Merretts proved too strong in the doubles, winning 7-3 to take the match three games to two. With their top player unavailable, Castlemaine showed confidence

in an inexperienced pair who travelled to Eaglehawk to take on the Eaglehawk Hawks. Peter Condliffe was playing only his second pennant match while Andy Garden was playing his first. Garden was possibly a bit nervous in the first game losing 3-7 but from then on it was all Castlemaine. Condliffe won his first singles games; both Castlemaine players won their reverse singles games and then combined to take the doubles and join the Hawks as the only undefeated teams. The club's confidence in the pair was well justified. Maldon can usually count on their own lawns giving them a huge home ground advantage, but that wasn't the case against Golden Square, losing two games to three. In the other match, Kyneton Yellow had a big 4-1 win over Quarry Hill.

All set for new bowls season Bill West

The stage is set for the first round of Highlands division pennant bowls for the 2026-27 season this Saturday. It does not seem long since Romsey captured its first-ever A-grade pennant title, defeating favourites Kyneton 68-62 in a dramatic double extra ends grand final played at Trentham. It's doubtful if such an astonishing happening can occur again this season. Warmer weather in recent weeks has been beneficial for Highlands clubs, with grass greens having had the time for preseason preparation.

On September 13, Gisborne Bowling Club hosted a general meeting of Ballarat-Highlands Region clubs. Re-elected region president, Lloyd Sims, and his executive, wish all 35 teams well for the ensuing season. The first-round Highlands A-grade pennant matches this Saturday are: Romsey v Trentham. Gisborne v Woodend. Kyneton Golf v Lancefield. Diggers Rest v Kyneton. Broadford v Kilmore. HEAT POLICY There has been a change to the application of the heat policy for Saturday

matches this season. The heat policy remains at 36 degrees, but if the advance forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology on the Thursday is 36 degrees or higher, all Saturday matches are to begin at 10.30am. Clubs can negotiate an even earlier start if they wish. The relevant playing area match committee will make the decision and clubs are to be notified on Thursday evening. Some clubs report the addition of new players; if there are new super stars Saturday's opening round could be a revelation.

Gisborne Community Bank Football Team of the Year is as follows: B: Bryce Williamson (Riddell, Owen Fowler (Wallan), Nathan Blair (Romsey). HB: Oleg Markov (D. Rest), Dion Hill (Wallan), Sam Darley (Melton South). C: Nash King (Wallan), Blake Souter (Melton South), Blake Watson (Macedon). HF: Lachlan Pritchard (Melton Sth), Jack Jedwab (Romsey), Mitchell Day (D. Rest). F: Lachlan Smart (Wallan), Callum Moore (D. Rest), Brad Mangan (Gis. Giants). Rucks: Charlie Rossetti (Macedon), Daniel Toman (W-H), Nathan Horvat (Riddell). I/C: Caleb Fisher (Kyneton), Callum Williamson, Zac Saad (Riddell), Marcus Calvaresi (D. Rest). Coach: Travis Hodgson (Melton South).

Women’s team on top

The Riddell League Women's Football Team of the Year is as follows: B: Jessica Sproule (Riddell), Gabrielle Smith (Falcons), Samantha Pointer (Macedon). HB: Karly O'Malley (Falcons), Brianna Woodburn (Macedon), Lauren Shaw (Riddell). C: Alex Cairney (Macedon), Ruby Watts (Macedon), Emily O'Brien (Lancefield). HF: Harmony Cassar (Lancefield), Lilli Collins (Macedon), Molly Libardi (Lancefield). F: Shakira Parker (Macedon), Charlotte Noonan (Macedon), Luzanne De Kock (Lancefield). Rucks: Ella Hayes (Falcons), Alice Bromley (Lancefield), Taya Konias (Macedon). I/C: Tessa McNair (Riddell), Lilly Bromley (Lancefield), Lily Prater (Mac.), Tamara Meeham (Falcons). Coach: Matt Laing (Macedon).

Harvey at Macedon

Genuine allrounder Ben Harvey, recruited from Northams Premier League in England, has joined Macedon Cricket Club this season. The Cats, coached by Cameron Howlett, are hoping Harvey adds to the side's depth as its McIntyre Cup side attempts to emulate its 2025-26 performance in reaching the finals. On Sunday, Macedon tuned up for the season's opening with a practice match against Benalla Bushrangers. All-rounder Cam Clayton, runner-up in last season's Sullivan Medal, is looking forward to another good season with bat and ball. The Macedon side selected for the match at Benalla comprised Daniel Trotta, Will Bobetic, Donald Mlambo, Anthony Grobler, Cam Clayton, Ben Harvey, Zavier Smitten, Henry Bobetic, Cadel Howlett, Joe Evans, Angus Page, and Henry Smith.

38-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

MIDLAND EXPRESS

SP PORTS WRAP

Wedge-Tailed Eagles enter next chapter

The Wedge-Tailed Eagles Football Club is preparing for an exciting new chapter in 2027, with the club set to expand its football program and create further opportunities for women and genderdiverse people to participate across the Macedon Ranges. Following a successful first season as an independent senior club, the Wedge-Tailed Eagles are now looking ahead to 2027, with plans to strengthen the existing senior program, establish a Women's Masters team and continue building a club that is welcoming, inclusive and accessible to the local community. As part of that next chapter, the club has announced that current senior head coach Phil Hawkes will be stepping down from the role this season. Hawkes has been an integral part of the playing groups football journey for the past six years. He joined the team at a time when they were struggling to win games and played a significant role in helping build a competitive, committed and professional football program. Wedge-Tailed Eagles president Natalie Korinfsky said Hawkes’ contribution to the club would be remembered as an important part of its history. "Phil has played a huge role in our women's football journey and has given an enormous amount to our players and our club over the past six years," Natalie said. "He has helped build a team that is competitive, resilient and proud of the way it represents itself and its community. We are incredibly grateful for everything he has done, and while we are sad to see him step away from the senior program, we know his legacy will live on at our club." With Hawke’s exit, the Wedge-Tailed Eagles are seeking expressions of interest for a new senior head coach for the 2027 season. The club is looking for someone who shares its commitment to women's football, understands the importance of strong club culture and is excited by the opportunity to work with a talented and committed playing group as the club continues to grow. The Wedge-Tailed Eagles are also seeking expressions of interest for coaching staff of the club's new Women's Masters program, hoping to be established in 2027. The Masters program will provide another opportunity for women and gender-diverse participants aged 35+ to play football in a supportive and inclusive environment, whether they are continuing from senior football, returning to the game after time away, or picking up a football for the first time. The club's expansion comes after a significant first season as an independent community club, with the Wedge-Tailed Eagles establishing themselves as a competitive senior football program while continuing to focus strongly on inclusion, community and creating opportunities for participation. "Our first year as the Wedge-Tailed Eagles has shown us just how much potential there is for the growth of women's football in our region, this season we had over 40 players on our team list," Natalie said. "We want to build on that. We have great ambitions for our club, but we also want to make sure that growth is done in a way that stays true to who we are, a community club that puts players and culture at the centre of what we do." Expressions of interest are now open for the Senior Head Coach position and coaching opportunities within the Women's Master’s program. Players, coaches and volunteers interested in being part of the Wedge-Tailed Eagles in 2027 are encouraged to get in touch with the club. For further information or to register your interest, contact the Wedge-Tailed Eagles Football Club via email contact@thewedgies.com.au

Photo: Sophie McLeod

GDCA season about to start

Bill West

Gisborne District Cricket Association's 2026-27 season gets under way this Saturday, with plenty of expectations about what will unfold as the season progresses. For starters, just have a look at the GDCA Facebook site to see some new innovations which certainly promotes the sport in a more modern way. There's plenty being going on in the off-season, with 2025-26 having been highlighted by Woodend's premiership in McIntyre Cup 1sts. Gisborne was chasing three flags in a row, and the Dragons have certainly put in plenty of work over the past eight weeks. Great to see some much improved training facilities at Gardiner Reserve. First round McIntyre Cup one-day matches begin at 12 noon. Woodend is at home to Eastern Hill, promoted to the top grade and ready to make an

impression. The Woodsmen have a very capable lineup again, and will not be taking the visitors lightly. Wallan and Macedon meet at Greenhill Reserve in an important clash for both sides. Sunbury United host Romsey, and these two sides have been involved in plenty of close tussles in past seasons. The remaining match sees Gisborne playing Rupertswood at Salesian College, with the Dragons likely to have too much depth; the very talented Riley Vernon is Gisborne's playing coach and expects to lead by example. GDCA president Simon Overden and the executive wishes all clubs well for the new season. Round one of Johnstone Shield matches on Saturday are: Diggers Rest v Riddell, Kilmore v Broadford, Eynesbury v Sunbury Kangaroos, and Merrifield v Riddell. Lancefield has the bye.

CDCA season to commence soon

Castlemaine District Cricket Association's 2026-2027 season is set to kick off shortly and the association invites interested local cricketers to reach out to their local club and be part of the action. The association features A Grade, A Reserve, B Grade, C Grade (Under 16) and Under 13 competitions and also has a strong Women's competition which plays Friday evenings. Most clubs are still on the hunt to bolster teams so there is still time to pull on your whites and hit the field. The association has options to suit all ages and skill levels from diehard players through to casual competitors who need to balance participation around work and family commitments. There are also Blasters Cricket options for the little ones 5-10 just starting out in the sport. To find out more contact your local club today at the following: Barkers Creek Cricket Club at bccc.secretary@outlook.com Campbells Creek Cricket Club at campbellscreekcolts@gmail.com Castlemaine United Cricket Club at secretarycucc@gmail.com Guildford Cricket Club at guildfordcricketclub3451@gmail.com Harcourt Cricket Club at harcourt.cricketclub@gmail.com Muckleford Cricket Club at mucklefordcc@hotmail.com Newstead Cricket Club at newsteadcricketclub@gmail.com North Castlemaine Cricket Club at northcastlemaine@club.cricketvictoria.com.au Taradale Cricket Club at taradale.taipans@gmail.com

Get out, get active, play cricket. The CDCA welcomes you.

MIDLAND EXPRESS

Tuesday, September 29, 2026-39

SP PORTS WRAP

Kyneton star earns medal

Bill West

No surprise! Kyneton netball star Kristiana Manu'a has taken out the Riddell League's top award, the Jannine Ryan Medal for 2026. The premier defender in the competition, Manu'a was in her first season with the Tigers, and has signed up as assistant playing coach for 2027. It's the third season in a row a Kyneton player has taken off the Ryan Medal, with Tilly Shepherd — now with Gisborne — securing the award in 2024 and 2025. "Kris has been a wonderful acquisition to our club, helping our netballers at all levels. We are thrilled to have her back again next season," elated KFNC president Julie Priestley said after the league's medal count at Melton on Thursday night. A strong Kyneton contingent was present to congratulate their superstar defender after she topped the vote count with 27 votes. Manu'a won comfortably from Gisborne Giants key shooter Malia Seumanutafa, who also showed her class during the season. The top two vote getters were se-

lected in the 2026 Team of the Year. Kyneton's winner also claimed the Most Valuable Player award, and the best defender award. Kristiana's netball story is an inspiring one for young netballers. Born in New Zealand, she eventually went on to play for the Australian Diamonds in 2016, and captained Samoa in 2023. Recently she has been helping Samoa qualify for the World Cup in 2027. Priestley said having the classy player at Kyneton again next season ensures the Tigers make a strong bid for a finals berth in A-grade. They finished seventh, but the departure of brilliant goal shooter Elle Bird towards the end of the season meant a finals berth became a shaky proposition, and they finished just behind Macedon. Bird made the Team of the Year, having scored 607 goals with deadly accuracy. Her height and accuracy were hard to overcome. Kyneton will welcome any new netballers for 2027. Experienced campaigner Dave O'Hare continues as senior coach at Tigerland.

Medals to show: Ryan Medal winner Kristiana Manu’a with Kyneton Reserves footballer Jacob Poyser, who won the Scarborough Medal after receiving three votes in the ﬁnal round.

Treble for Ruby! Bill West

A champion: Ruby Watts has now won three league best and fairest in succession. Photo supplied.

Ruby Watts' rating as the outstanding player in Riddell League women's football was further enhanced as she captured the league's best and fairest for the third season in a row. After winning the top award with 31 votes in 2024, and 35 last season, Watts finished ahead of her Macedon teammate Taya Konias in the 2026 league count on Thursday night. She was also the Most Valuable Player for 2026, illustrating her talent, consistency and dedication in a side that went through the season undefeated. Ruby's unflappable leadership and ball-winning qualities are a shining example to all, and from the time she was a very young player at Gisborne, to her current high status at Macedon, the name of Ruby Watts is part and parcel

of what there is to like about women's football. Versatile Taya Konias, in her first season with the Cats, was best afield in the grand final and the Macedon club was thrilled to see her poll so well. The triple medal winner's leadership extends beyond football. "Ruby is also a fantastic role model at our club, coaching our Under 18 girls and being vice-captain of our senior team," a Gisborne Cricket Club spokesman stated. Macedon FNC representatives warmly congratulated Watts and Konias after the count was completed. Macedon had nine players in the women's Team of the Year — namely Watts, Konias, Brianna Woodburn, Alex Cairney, Charlotte Noonan, Lilli Collins, Samantha Pointer, Shakira Parker and Lily Prater.

Bowen Medal by one vote

Bill West

The 2026 Bowen Medal count to decide the highest individual football award in the Riddell League hung in the balance until the last round votes were read out on Thursday evening. Winner of this season's prestigious award was Melton South dynamo Blake Souter, who was appointed the club's senior playing coach for 2027 season earlier this month. A strong ball winner who plays equally as well across half back or in the centre, Souter is in his prime at the age of 27. He finished with 24 votes, having played every match with the Panthers this season. Going into the last round, Souter was one vote clear of dual Bowen Medal winner Steven Boyall, Wallan's captain and consistent ball winner. Neither Souter or Boyall received votes in the last round, with Souter swamped by congratulating Melton South officials and players at the sell-out gala presentation night held in the Melton Entertainment Centre. In third position on 19 votes was Diggers Rest's ace goalkicker Dylan Moore, who finished the season with 106 goals. He missed several matches. As playing coach, Souter intends to convey the knowledge and guidance received from mentors and pass them on to the Panthers who are pursuing a program to be a consistent contender in 2027 and years ahead. Souter played in two premiership sides with Melton, being best on ground in one, and was a key recruit for Melton South this season. He was selected as centreman in the RDFNL's Team of the Year. Melton South has only ever won one senior flag in the RDFNL, back in 1994 when the scoreline was 13.14 (92) to Melton's 4.20 (44). Souter is only the third Bowen Medallist from the club, the others being Brett Hickey in 1983 and J. Sikorski in 1994. Woodend-Hesket's ultra consistent Daniel Toman was voted Most Valuable Player for 2026. He is a former Bowen winner.

Proud winner: Blake Souter after receiving his 2026 Bowen Medal — photo supplied.

Award winners

Individual winners from the Riddell District Football Netball League's 2026 Presentation Night held at Melton Entertainment Centre on Thursday were: FOOTBALL: Bowen Medal (seniors) — Blake Souter (Melton South), runner-up Steven Boyall (Wallan). Scarborough Medal (Reserves) — Jacob Poyser (Kyneton), joint runners-up Jordan Dyer (Macedon) and Shaun Harrison (Wallan). Charlie Watson Medal (Under 19.5s): James Kelly (Wallan) from Austin Pennefather (Woodend-Hesket). Most valuable Player — Daniel Toman (Woodend-Hesket). Buffalo Sports best defenders — Walter King (Lancefield) from Joel Hodgson (Melton South). Reserves — Josh Ruth (Wallan) from Saxon Gardner (Woodend-Hesket), and Tim Thornton (Gisborne Giants). U19.5s — Ned Michael (Melton Centrals) from Cooper Kristitz (Gisborne Giants). Leading goalkickers: Seniors — Lachlan Smart (Wallan) 83. Reserves — Lachlan Read (Macedon) 36; U19.5s — Oliver Lockens (Woodend-Hesket) and Archer Schnoor (Gisborne Giants) 47. Under 18s: Shaun ButtigiegClarke (Eynesbury). Women — Charlotte Noonan (Macedon) 45. Best defender — Tessa McNair (Riddell). Women Senior B&F — Ruby Watts (Macedon) three in a row, Taya Konias (Macedon) runner-up. Most valuable player — Ruby Watts. Rising star — Tessa McNair (Riddell). MVP (seniors) — Daniel Toman (Woodend-Hesket). Dome Security Unsung Hero -- Lancefield FNC president Chris Dynon. Steve Turner Rising Star — Nash King (Wallan). NETBALL: Ryan Medal (seniors) Kristiana Manu'a (Kyneton), from Malia Seumanutafa (Gisborne Giants). B — Tarnee Hammond (Lancefield) from Tamika Bishop (Macedon); C — Lauren Cross (Macedon) from Stacey Griffin (Gisborne Giants) and Bagena Malua (Melton South); D — Erin Kelly (Diggers Rest) from Millie Coughlan (Riddell); 19&U — Josie Lepore (Romsey), equal 2nd Angelique Doherty (Woodend-Hesket), Stella Coleman (Melton South), Amelia Haxby (Riddell) and Catherine Tabone (Diggers Rest). Leading goal scorers: Agrade — Ellie Bird (Kyneton) 607 goals; B-- Tarnee Hammond (Lancefield) 870; C — Tamika Ploog (Riddell) 511; D — Anna Edmonds (Melton South) 374; 19&U — Tilly Allen (Riddell) 607. Rising Star — Amelia Haxby (A-grade). Best defender: A — Kristiana Manu'a; B — Darcea Ellard (Lancefield); C — Stacey Griffin (Gisborne Giants); D — Ava McGrath (Gisborne Giants).

40-Tuesday, September 29, 2026

MIDLAND EXPRESS

17 Coulthard Street, Castlemaine

4 Bed 2 Bath 2 Car

35 Parkes Drive, Kyneton

4 Bed 2 Bath 5.8 acres

This imposing retro inspired residence is ideal for a large family, or for those requiring multi-generational living. Set high on the rise in one of the most sought-after streets, this warm and inviting brick veneer home sits proudly on a 1011m² block, surrounded by mature trees and beautifully landscaped gardens. The home faces south, allowing the sun to stream into the north-facing back garden, filling the living spaces with natural light.

For Sale Contact Agent

An exceptional lifestyle awaits on approximately 6 acres, where a grand contemporary residence of 72.5 squares (approx.) combines luxury, space and outstanding infrastructure. The home offers four bedrooms, multiple living zones, a theatre, executive office and premium kitchen with butler’s pantry. Expansive alfresco entertaining, a huge powered shed, extensive solar, battery storage and water capacity.

For Sale $1,998,000 - $2,190,000

View Saturday 3rd October 10:00am - 10:30am

Kyneton 5422 2678 rh.com.au/kyneton

Jason Woodford-Smith 0478 000 441

96 Baynton Road, Kyneton

4 Bed 1 Bath 4 Car

6 Pearl Court, Kyneton

4 Bed 2 Bath 3987m2

Set on approximately 6 acres (2.51 hectares), this charming red cedar home offers the perfect balance of peaceful country living and everyday convenience. Surrounded by established gardens, mature trees and open paddocks, the property enjoys a private rural setting just minutes from Kyneton township and the Calder Freeway.

For Sale $1,050,000 - $1,150,000

From the moment you arrive there is an unmistakable sense of space, privacy and country charm. Set within one of Kyneton’s most desirable locations, this impressive property offers an exceptional lifestyle on approximately one acre of beautifully landscaped and established private gardens.

For Sale $1,590,000 - $1,700,000

Jason Woodford-Smith 0478 000 441 Kyneton / Gisborne / Sunbury / Diggers Rest

View Saturday 3rd October 10:30am - 11:00am

Kyneton 5422 2678 rh.com.au/kyneton

View Saturday 3rd October 1:30pm - 2:00pm

Kyneton 5422 2678 rh.com.au/kyneton

Jason Woodford-Smith 0478 000 441 KN291251

Judith Stevens 0438 683 484

View Saturday 3rd October 12:45pm - 1:15pm