






































MALMSBURY FARMERS' AND ARTISTS' MARKET
Malmsbury Bluestone officially recognised as a Global Heritage Stone Resource (GHSR), sharing the designation with over 40 other stones from around the world.
EVERY THIRD SUNDAY, 9AM 21 APR / 19 MAY / 16 JUNE
MALMSBURY VILLAGE FAYRE AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS 10AM-PM, SUNDAY 28 APRIL ENTRY: GOLD COIN DONATION
MALMSBURY HERITAGE WALKING TOURS
SEE PAGE 3 FOR DETAILS
APR 6 / 13 / 20. $5 CASH.
Malmsbury Mail acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and waterways We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today
In a first for Australia, the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) has accepted the recommendation of their Heritage Stones Subcommission (HSS) that the nomination of Malmsbury Bluestone be approved.
The nomination was lodged by Malmsbury Historical Society’s President, Dr Susan Walter. The GHSR designation is reserved for stones that have achieved widespread utilisation in human culture
To be accepted, stones must have been used as a building material for 50 or more years, in several continents in significant private, public and industrial projects, and have recognised cultural significance Malmsbury Bluestone has been used in VIC, TAS, SA, WA, NSW and New Zealand and some shipments went to Calcutta in India
The durability and workability of the stone made it suitable for a wide range of purposes, from drains, kerbs, pavements, lintels and steps, to base courses of multi-story buildings, and ornate bank doorways The Malmsbury railway viaduct, and St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne are but two of many notable examples
The IUGS has also requested that Dr Walter sends a prepared sample of the stone to the Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources in Berlin, Germany, to add to their 150-year-old collection of natural building stones
This is currently being prepared with the cooperation and support of an owner of one of the former quarries, and Kyneton’s local stonemason, Huntly Barton Mr Barton’s business, Wm Thos Jones Stonemasons, has a long historical connection with Malmsbury bluestone William Jones established the business in Malmsbury in the 1890s, having learnt the trade from his father, John Jones, who arrived in Malmsbury in 1862
The long-term benefits of this designation will partly be determined by how locals, and members of the history, heritage and planning professions, at local, state and national levels respond to this news
Many Malmsbury bluestone sites have already been demolished over a long period of time Our local rural uses of bluestone are especially at risk, having almost no heritage protection Even the former quarry sites, where stone may one day need to be extracted for restoration or repair work, have no heritage protection
The basic level of heritage protection which protects some surviving structures doesn’t even acknowledge its presence Our stone is something we can all be proud of and deserves both preservation and celebration
To assist the celebrations and spreading the good news, Malmsbury Historical Society is running three different 1 5 hour heritage walking tours as part of the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival These will be held on Saturday 6th, 13th and 20th April 2024.
Walk one (April 6th) focusses on stone, stone use and stone workers in the Malmsbury cemetery. Walk two (April 13th) examines our natural and altered volcanic landscape and how this influences our local bluestone industry.
Walk three (April 20th) features surviving and demolished local bluestone heritage and considers its future
Cost is $5 per person, cash only on the day.
Places are limited to 20 so bookings are essential by email malmsburyhistorical@gmail.com or by phoning Susan Walter on 5423 9383.
Sustainable Malmsbury are working with the Malmsbury Village Fayre to minimise waste again this year. We are hiring the Macedon Ranges Wash Against Waste Trailer, which you may have seen in action at the Malmsbury Farmers’ Market and the 2023 Kyneton Show
The trailer supplies all the crockery and cutlery and an energy and water-efficient dishwasher, washing the dishes so they can be used again and again!
We will be organising the volunteers to wash the dishes from all of the food and drink stalls to avoid use of single use plates, bowls, coffee cups, glasses and cutlery Our goal is to save up to 6000L of waste going to landfill and recycling
That is 25 large wheelie bins! You can assist us at the Fayre by making sure you put your dirty dishes in the collection bucket
If you have any disposable waste, Council will be
providing their four-bin recycling stations. Please make sure you take your time and check the signage showing you which bin to place it into. Help us work toward a waste-free Fayre and a better future for everyone!
An action group of Macedon Ranges
Sustainability Group (MRSG), Sustainable Malmsbury is a volunteer-led group excited about creating a more sustainable and connected community For more information, visit the website: www.mrsg.org.au/sustainable-malmsbury
One of the largest fairs in regional Victoria, the Malmsbury Village Fayre attracts crowds from across the state. It’s an event that brings wonderful food, fun and family entertainment to the historic Malmsbury Botanic Gardens.
Taking place Sunday 28 April, the 2024 Fayre invites ‘chrononauts’ from all eras to celebrate the theme, ‘time travellers welcome’ Visitors of all ages are encouraged to dress up in costumes spanning the past, present and future
Highlights include free family attractions such as storytelling, face-painting and a bubble fairy, along with excellent live music, numerous food trucks offering delicious sustenance, and more than 50 stalls
Kathryn Allen, president of the Fayre Committee, says,“The Committee has worked hard to bring back this much-treasured event, and 2024 will be better than ever, celebrating Malmsbury in all its autumnal glory It’s a great day to find a spot on
the lawns, grab a glass of local wine or cider and some delicious treats from one of the many food trucks and, of course, to browse the stalls and enjoy a wealth of free music and entertainment
TIA ALYSSE FROM COUNTRY CANVASSES ANSWERS – WHY MALMSBURY?
“With its large tree-lined main street and geese in the park, I love how picturesque Malmsbury is. I live in a classic, older country home with a garden that suits it perfectly I have quite the creature collection, befitting of someone who makes a living from painting animals
Living at the end of a street means the pets are safe, there’s plenty of space for everyone who comes to my painting classes to park and it’s quiet, which is essential for me to paint “
To book one of Tia‘s fantastic classes, visit tiaalysseart.com/countrycanvases
Musical director Andy Rigby adds, "The Fayre brings a quality programme of music across a variety of styles. All acts are based in the Macedon Ranges and Central Victoria, and range from solo singer-songwriters through to community gypsy bands to jazz, Cuban and soul acts. All are top quality, with many appearing on stages all around the country "
Head to the Botanic Gardens Sunday 28 April 2024, 10am to 3pm Or if you‘d like to volunteer sign up at volunteersignup.org/EB3RK
Malmsbury now has two new platforms for residents to voice opinions, raise concerns or provide input into community issues
The first is the town’s new website, malmsbury.org where you can discover upcoming events, have your say on issues such as the future of the MYJC (see the following article) and read the latest news. The site was made possible thanks to the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Small Grants Project,
The second is Council’s new online hub that aims to enable a clearer, more engaging way of informing and obtaining valuable feedback from the community on key Council policies or initiatives Anyone can view current public consultations and respond through the new ‘Your Say’ hub which has the capacity to host surveys, interactive maps, Q&As, forums and more
Visit yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au to view current consultations, provide feedback and sign up to receive tailored alerts about future consultations as they are listed
What do you want to see happen with the former site of the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre? Your input is essential
Our local state member of Parliament, Mary-Anne Thomas, is on record stating that she wants community input into the future use of the centre. We are proposing that the Malmsbury community has the opportunity to provide input to the Minister by holding a meeting at the Town Hall on Sunday April 21 at 5pm.
Even if you can’t attend in person, we want to hear your thoughts. Go to malmsbury.org and scroll down to the form on the home page In just a few words, you can submit your ideas on what you think should happen.
All ideas will be collated and presented to the community for further opportunity to contribute and give feedback.
This is our opportunity to change the future of the Detention Centre to a positive asset for the community to use See you on Sunday April 21
The Malmsbury Town Hall is planning even more events for 2024 Already they’ve hosted a guitar concert, a free movie screening of the Tim Flannery film, ‘Climate Changers’ (organised by the Sustainable Malmsbury team) and a series of fermentation classes
This month, the Town Hall Committee proudly presents the Autumn festival musical delights from local Tim Rogers and The Mods on the 12th April Town hall doors open at 6:30pm with music to commence at 7:00pm Zig Zag Rd wines are available with drinks at bar prices Last we checked, the event was sold out, but there might be some tickets on the day
Whilst the reds of autumn in the Macedon Ranges set light to the region, and the grapes ripen on the vines at Zig Zag Rd, here in France spring is alarmingly close Much of France has experienced flooding including the Bordeaux vineyards, or at least a happily too-wet winter But not so where we are in Languedoc-Roussillon
Almond trees throw flares of pink across the landscape and clash deliciously with Myrtle wattles (called only ‘myrtle’ here) and I gulp up the yellow that reminds me of home White weedy-flowers line the vineyards and give a sweet blossom scent Here's hoping for a good autumn harvest at Zig Zag and the Macedon Ranges
Talking to local estate agent Judith Stevens, one is immediately struck by her down to earth, call a spade a friggin’ shovel attitude. She is not so much a breath as a blast of fresh air, with a passion for all things community, and a deep love of Malmsbury.
In fact, if anyone ever has doubts about their choice to live in this eccentrically goose ridden town, I urge them to speak to Judith for a reality check As a real estate agent of over 50 years, Judith knows her subject By way of emphasis, she compares the eastern suburb of Canterbury to Malmsbury, proving statistically our small town performs surprisingly well
“The lifestyle here in the Macedon Ranges, and particularly Malmsbury, is vastly superior,” she says, “To rent an equally desirable residence in Malmsbury is approximately $2,140 00 per month less expensive than Canterbury The median price for a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom house in Malmsbury is about $850k, vs $3 4 million in Canterbury ” “The CBD is an hour away from Malmsbury by car or
train – and let’s face it, motoring from the CBD to Canterbury takes over an hour in peak times Bendigo is just 40 minutes away on the Calder for ‘retail therapy’. And our restaurants, cafes, markets, public parks and churches rival anything in Melbourne.”
More importantly, Judith adds, our community is actually safer, with a much lower crime rate, something she attributes to the one theme she returns to again and again – community.
“Our local primary school is superb and the hub of the community, with many parents using it as a social start to the day Fewer children are attending ‘after school’ care than in the city, and more are from single income homes ”
As such, she adds,“There is more parental input and less juvenile crime in this town ”
“You know and I know what’s going on down the street You see a mob of kids out running riot here at night, sure as hell you’ll know their parents Kids aren’t going to start painting slogans on cars ‘ cos we all know their families ”
For those of us feeling the effects of longevity creeping in, Judith is again reassuring “There are fantastic medical and dental surgeries in close
proximity to Malmsbury, and the hospitals in Kyneton, Castlemaine and Bendigo are equally as good as their city counterparts.”
Regardless of course, old people do move on, if only to Kyneton for aged care, or to be closer to family as they age. Currently there are only 10 people 85 and over living in Malmsbury, with the demographic for 85 years and over at 1 1%, compared with 2 2% for Victoria
“I get very emotional about old people moving out to go into care That breaks my heart For most old people, their biggest concern is what’s going to happen to my pets?” she says, adding, “That’s how I’ve ended up with all my dogs!” (Her oldest, she tells me, is twenty )
Selling your home when you are terminally ill is not always the best solution either, Judith says “I prefer people to keep what’s precious to them It’s different if you have to sell it to go into aged care, but If you are terminally ill, don’t feel you have to get everything in order Don’t put yourself through the stress ”
When selling becomes a necessity, however, Judith advises not to renovate to add value to your property “Leave it to someone else Besides, most of the people buying around here
are tradies, who have their own friends They can get it done at wholesale rather than retail Let ‘ em ” Judith appreciates that in a town this size, “Every sale matters”
“I don’t deal with developers because I don’t like them They don’t have any heart They don’t care But most people – it doesn’t matter whether they’re young or old – their home is part of their life It’s part of their story, and for most people, it’s the biggest investment they’ll ever make ”
“Perhaps the most important aspect of life in this part of regional Victoria is the people who make up this wonderful supportive community The people who genuinely care about their neighbours – the neighbourhood and the environment ”
By way of explaining her often outspoken opinions, Judith shrugs, “I’m 75 If I want to shout out the window at a bad driver I’ll do it ”
It’s comforting to know that this vigilante for upholding community values is out there, doing exactly that and more, on a daily basis.
If you’re interested in hearing more, talk to Judith Stevens at Raine & Horne, 13 High St, Kyneton VIC Kyneton or phone 0438 683 484.
Phew! Just finished the novel last night, having foregone my usual tipple in order to get this review in on time The things I do for the editor, I tell you It gives me the opportunity however to rave about the novels of the late great Philip Kerr, in particular the Bernie Gunther series
I have enjoyed these books over the last 20 years I tend to look at a Philip Kerr novel the way one regards an expensive red in the wine rack, telling one self that it is too good to drink right now
The thing is Bernie Gunther is the great anti-hero of the thriller world He is a Berlin detective in World War two, every bit as decent and tough as his American forebears, Philip Marlow and Sam Spade, and with a much harder row to hoe They have surly American police sergeants to contend with, whereas Bernie has to cross paths with historical monsters like Reinhard Heydrich (brr!), Arthur Nebe, Martin Bormann and Goering
Often he’s distrusted with good reason, and avoids execution from time to time It is a brilliant character study which has contemporaries such as Lee Child (author of the Jack Reacher books) referring to him as ‘ one of the greatest anti-heroes ever written’. An equally impressed Alan Furst (another wonderful WW11 novelist) describes him as ‘ one of the greatest master story tellers in English’.
Most of his novels are set immediately within the war years but ‘Greeks Bearing Gifts’ is set in 1957, with Bernie now called Krystaf Ganz working as a mortuary attendant in a Munich hospital He is co-opted to go to Greece as an insurance investigator to check out the sinking of the Doris,
a ship owned by a German diver. Many former Nazi criminals held positions of power in post war Germany and Bernie uncovers what he thinks is a plot by some of them to smuggle stolen Jewish gold . This brings with it a dangerous brush with Mossad, who have infiltrated Europe to carry out revenge killings.
Needless to say, an Israeli female operative takes an initial dislike to him, not surprisingly, considering his background Exciting and witty, Philip Kerr’s Bernie Gunther is one not to miss
Councillors would like to congratulate Dr Susan Walter on her hard work in having Malmsbury Bluestone officially recognised as a Global Heritage Stone Resource Macedon Ranges Shire Council is supporting a bid, along with 15 other local councils, for World Heritage Listing of the Victorian Goldfields. We know how long and how much work it takes to get world recognition.
Congratulations also on getting the new Malmsbury website up and running. We love it when our grants assist in helping such important ideas come to fruition. Also well done on the return of the Village Fayre in April along with hosting events throughout Autumn at the Malmsbury Town Hall April is set to be a busy month for Malmsbury
We would like to advise you that this year the budget process has changed, as we sought submissions last year, and recently heard verbal presentations in support of them This is so we can plan to endorse the budget sooner, so projects can be ready to go from the first day of the new financial year So many great ideas! If only we could fund them all this year Many we will have to put on a list for consideration in future years as like most individuals and
businesses, council is experiencing the increased costs of doing business
Now, over to you and what you can be involved in Council has recently launched our new engagement platform where you can look for any current consultations Please check it out and don’t hesitate to provide us with feedback on how easy you found it: yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au We also often advertise in the local papers, put signs up in shop windows, inform you of things through Shire Life and you can subscribe to Council’s various electronic newsletters
Don’t forget you may also get a call from the provider of our community satisfaction survey throughout the year If by talking to them it triggers particular issues you have concerns about, please follow up with an email to mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au and we are always happy to be copied in
Jennifer: janderson@mrsc vic gov au
Janet: jpearce@mrsc vic gov au
Mark: mridgeway@mrsc vic gov au
It has been a great start to the year at Malmsbury Primary School We had a number of big events towards the end of last year but this year is looking a little more normal for us
The start of the year sees our school elect our student leaders We had a number of students present speeches to the whole school and to their school houses to put forward their case to be one of our school leaders We would like to say congratulations to Sid and Eleanor for being elected our School Captains for 2024 We look forward to seeing you both involved in community events across the year
This term also sees our school participate in our school review of our four-year strategic plan
The Macedon Ranges Thriving Villages Project Boosting tourism in the town is always a good thing
Garlic. Allium sativum. Love it or hate it, garlic is one of our most significant herbs with uses transcending culinary applications.
The longer you cook garlic, the milder the taste One of life's pleasures is to suck the centre out of a roasted garlic I have seen diners fighting for the last clove There is never enough!
Garlic features in most cuisines, but I believe the British aren't too fond of it Its history goes as far back as 2000 BC Evidence of its use has been found in Ancient Greece, Asia and Mesopotamia
There are countless recipes for garlic, but a favourite of mine is Skordalia – puree cooked
This involves the review panel discussing our previous school wide goals and targets in Learning, Teaching and Wellbeing, and sharing successes This review also helps us to identify where our next growth steps are from which we create our major goals and actions for the next four-year cycle We‘re all very much looking forward to celebrating our achievements and seeing what the future holds
In early Term 2, we will be recommencing our Community Groups Program for students. This is where our local community members and parents share their expertise with our students. Students absolutely love meeting, working and learning with our community members.
In previous groups, students took part in healthy eating, veggie gardening, mindfulness, physical health, knitting, and environmental care with river detectives If you‘d like to offer your knowledge and expertise for our next program, please get in touch with me at the school
The justice centre may be closed but it’s lit up like at football stadium at night. For whom?
potatoes, some anchovy, oil, salt and pepper, and a generous amount of garlic and a slosh of cider vinegar, scrumptious on a good crusty loaf
The other uses are countless, for example, keeping aphids from roses, lowering cholesterol or aiding peaches with leaf curl. Plant some now and you won't regret it. Choose a sunny position and a rich soil – they're not too fussy AND proven to be successfully grown in Malmsbury!
The Allan Labor Government is supporting upgrades to public cemeteries across Victoria, with more than $700,000 in grants delivered to cemetery trusts to upgrade and maintain these important facilities
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced the Malmsbury Cemetery has received a $10,000 grant under the 2023-24 Cemetery Grants Program Thomas said, “The Malmsbury Cemetery plays an important role in our local community – this grant will provide them with an opportunity to get much-needed upgrades ”
Victoria’s cemeteries are important community spaces, where people can reflect on the past and remember those no longer with them
The grants program provides financial support to help cemeteries – many of which are volunteerrun – continue to operate as peaceful and welcoming places of remembrance for the whole community. To lean more, visit, health.vic.gov.au/cemeteries-andcrematoria/cemetery-grants-program
The Malmsbury Historical Society has made a foray into the future with a QR code
Scan to connect via their Facebook page for news or learn about the services they provide including family, property and subject-matter searches You can also book the hall or sign up for membership
If you ’ re looking for a winter activity for fitness or just to stay warm, baseball might be your thing
The Malmsbury Baseball Club was started by Jamie Kincade in 2021 There are currently two teams playing at Division 2 and 3 levels and an Under 14 side
Get ready to Run the Rock at Hanging Rock on 20 April 2024 Choose a distances of either 22K, 13 5K, 5K or a Kids 2K and run alongside the native wildlife while you push yourself towards an outstanding achievement
Try-outs happened in March but there might still be a spot or better yet, turn up to a game and show support Call Jamie on 0490 824 537 or visit baseballvictoria.com.au/club/malmsbury
There will be live music, a BBQ, games for kids, as well as food trucks and drinks waiting at the finish line for you to celebrate your run
Registration closes 20 April register now at solemotive.com/pages/run-the-rock-home
In recognition of the positive outcomes for the community and business, the Macedon Ranges Shire Council is once again running its annual Events and Festival Grant Program
The program is for groups and organisations seeking funding and/or in kind support for events and festivals staged within the shire
Ideally, events should showcase the region through arts and culture, nature and the outdoors, historic villages and rural landscapes, or food, wine and ferments
For more information about grants and support opportunities, email grants@mrsc.vic.gov.au or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/grants
Malmsbury Fire Brigade Captain Linda Krive said she was proud of the way firefighters responded to the Malmsbury Railway Station fire on January 31
“Thanks to the early warning we got from the community and the quick response of our firefighters we were able to contain the fire to the old signal room and roof space and stop it spreading into the original station master’s residence,” she said
“Our initial Malmsbury response team were quickly supported by our neighbouring brigades and our second tanker and Big Fill pumping unit In quick time, we also had support from specialist volunteers, including a rehabilitation unit from Woodend, hazmat decontamination equipment from Kyneton and extra breathing apparatus from Castlemaine, as well as a Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) ladder platform and heavy pumper from Bendigo ”
In total, 13 appliances were called to the scene along with Victoria Police, Powercor and V/Line “This building is an historic landmark in our town and I’m so pleased we were able to save it,” said Captain Krive
“A great deal of the equipment we used, such as our thermal imaging camera and Big Fill pumping vehicle, were provided to us through direct support from the community ”
Drummond and Lauriston residents can collect the Malmsbury Mail from the Malmsbury Bakery or Malmsbury General Store To receive it by email, contact malmsburymail@yahoo.com.au
Landcare and District
St John’s Anglican Church
Friends of Malmsbury Gardens and Environs Historical Society
Town Hall Committee
Malmsbury Cemetery Trust
Malmsbury Community Engagement Group
First Thurday, 7.30pm, Lauriston Hall Sun, 8.45 am, Cnr Brodie/Cameron St
First Wednesday, every 3 months
March, June, September, December
Third Wednesday 7:30pm, Feb-Nov
Malmsbury Mechanics Institute
Bookings: malmsburytownhall.com.au
For community related enquiries, feedback, or suggestions
Emergency: Police, Ambulance, Fire: 000
VicEmergency Hotline: 1800 226 226
Wildlife Victoria 24hr Hotline: (03) 8400 7300
Malmsbury Cricket Club: 0408 552 805
Malmsbury Primary School: 5423 2284
Town Hall (Sue Love): 0408 336 352
Coliban Water Info Line: 1300 363 200
Malmsbury Police Station: 5423 2382
Malmsbury CFA: 5423 2745
Macedon Ranges Shire Council: (03) 5422 0333
(includes emergency after-hours and access to on-call Local Laws Rangers) or mrsc@mrsc vic gov au
Hepburn Shire Council: (03) 5348 2306 or shire@hepburn vic gov au
Animal Control (eg escaped stock): 0419 587 955
John Walter: 5423 9383
Rev W Landford: 0491 482 580
Paula Needham:
0448 401 212
Sue Walter: 5423 9383
Sue Love: 0408 336 352
Email: mct3446@gmail com
mceg@justice vic gov au
Items of interest, local news, reports on community activities, and stories are greatly valued and we welcome contributions from all members of our community
If you have any opinions, stories, photos, or for a subscription to your inbox, please contact us at malmsburymail@yahoo.com.au
This community funded, non-profit publication is produced by volunteers: Chris Davidson Sandra Fairthorne, Sue Love, Sarah Marshall, Margaret Taylor, Jim Valle and David Young
700 free copies are produced quarterly, available throughout the village at the Malmsbury Bakery, General Store & Post Office, Pharmacy, Pub, and Merchants of Malmsbury,
email: