Gisborne Gazette June 2025

Gisborne Gazette

Grants for growth

Rupert foils all opposition

Congratulations to 13-year-old Rupert Richards (left), from Macedon, who recently won the Under 15 category of the Modern Pentathlon Australian Championships held in Queensland.

See Rupert’s story on page 3.

Gisborne’s Community Bank handed out further grants to community groups and projects in May, taking the total amount returned to the community since the bank opened to $3.8 million.

More on page 5.

HOME PAGE

From the Editor's desk

This June edition sneaks into your hands in the final week of autumn before winter really sets in. The change of seasons is a special time in our area and is reflected in the content of the Gazette

We see winter sports return (see Sport in Pictures on pages 34 and 35); the weather turning – the Gisborne Botanic Gardens bridge reopening (page 7) unfortunately coincided with some much-needed rain; and an invitation to slow ourselves down, see tips from Katrina Wurm (page 18).

As always, the Gazette shows how our community comes together to achieve great things. Just to mention a few:

The Community Bank Gisborne & District handed out grants in May to many deserving local community groups (front cover and page 5)

The Bullengarook CFA held a Resilience Building day to assist residents living in such an extreme fire risk area (page 4).

The Gisborne Fire Brigade excelled in raising funds for the Good Friday Appeal (page 5)

Gisborne parkrun celebrated its second birthday (page 12).

The Gisborne Bushwalking Club teamed up with the Friends of Macedon Regional Park for a monthly working bee (page 20).

We also celebrate many amazing individuals from our community, young and old. Rupert Richards placed first in his age group in the national Modern Pentathlon Championships (cover and page 3); James Burnip, gridiron punter extraordinaire, joins the New Orleans Saints team after completing his degree in the US (page 32); and local legends Peter and Eddie Gardiner’s stories were celebrated at the book launch of Tales of Old Gisborne (page 3).

I hope you enjoy catching up on all the latest in our wonderful little part of the world.

Katrina Buttigieg

MINUTE WITH MAXINE

Katrina Buttigieg has been delivering the Gazettes to letterboxes for five years.

Katrina was born and grew up in Sunbury, met her husband Andrew at high school and they were married in 2008. She has two sons, a daughter, and a dog called Jazz.

Katrina studied Literature, Japanese and German at university and lived in Japan for six months before undertaking a teaching degree.

She and Andrew moved to Gis-

Gisborne Gazette PO Box 9, Gisborne 3437 www.gisbornegazette.org.au

Circulation 8000

Gazette Team

Editor: Katrina Buttigieg gisbornegazetteeditor@gmail.com 0401 874 441

Production Pip Butler 0439 816 278 pbutlerhistory@gmail.com

Photographer Chris Fleming 0417 322 944

Distribution Manager Maxine Barker 0438 711 138 maxineandpeter@bigpond.com

Advertising Maxine Barker 0438 711 138 gisbornegazetteadvertising@gmail.com

Social media Jenny Shipp

Distributors: Proudly distributed to letterboxes in Gisborne, New Gisborne, Macedon, Mt Macedon, South Gisborne and Bullengarook by more than 90 volunteers.

Where you can find the Gazette

Available online at www.gisbornegazette.org.au

DEADLINES FOR COPY AND ADVERTISING

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in the Gazette are not necessarily those of the Gazette or its management committee unless acknowledged as such. No endorsement of products or services is implied by the listing of advertisers or sponsors. Any advice offered is intended for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace or substitute for any professional advice. While every effort is taken in printing contributions accurately, the Gisborne Gazette takes no responsibility for errors.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Copies of the Gazette are posted to subscribers each month for an annual subscription of $33 to cover postage. Payment can made through direct deposit online. Please contact Maxine on 0438 711 138.

OBITUARIES

To submit an obituary for publication, please email bryanp2@bigpond.com. Please also provide a photo for publication and restrict the article to about 300 words.

If you do not receive the Gazette in your letter box, you can collect a copy at: Gisborne: Post Office, Village Shopping Centre, Priceline Chemist, Hardy's UFS Pharmacy, Gisborne Medical Centre Brantome Street, Foodworks supermarket, Hello World Travel, Gisborne Library.

Mt Macedon: The Trading Post. Macedon: Post Office; United Service Station on Black Forest Drive.

New Gisborne: Baringo Food & Wine, Station Road; Smithy's Cafe, 3 Ladd Road. Riddells Creek: Newsagency Woodend: Coles supermarket.

The Gisborne Gazette acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community, and pay respect to elders past, present and emerging.

borne in 2009 because they wanted to raise their children where they grew up.

Katrina is heavily involved in the local community and welcomes newcomers to the area via her Macedon Ranges Mumma blog, assists locals with their words via her copywriting business, and facilitates creative writing lessons.

Katrina has kindly taken on the role of the editor for the Gazette and still finds time to sing at the occa-

sional market and read in her free time.

Katrina enjoys bushwalking in the Ranges and catching up with friends at local cafes. Her favourite season is autumn; she loves watching the trees change colour and soaking up the last sunny days before winter sets in.

Katrina is always smiling and a valuable member of the Gazette team.

Maxine Barker

Facebook contact us at greatgisborne@gmail.com to discuss becoming a volunteer or applying for a grant

or find us

Gisborne Gazette Community Newspaper Inc. ABN 727 412 060 17

Gisborne history sells out at successful launch

Over 120 people filled St Brigid’s school hall on 4 May for the launch of Eddie and Peter Gardiner’s long-awaited book.

MCed by Gazette president Maxine Barker, the occasion began with a minute’s silence in memory of Eddie, who died in April.

Bryan Power, who compiled and edited the stories in the book, Tales of Old Gisborne, talked about the genesis of the publication; Peter’s daughter Samantha spoke movingly on behalf of the Gardiner family and Eddie’s good friend John MacWhirter formally launched the book, which he said was a fitting part of Eddie and Peter’s legacy.

Of the 200 books available most were sold at the launch and the remainder went the following day.

The Gazette ordered another 100 copies that are available either through the Gisborne Bendigo Bank, by calling Maxine on 0438 711 138, or online via credit card at pbpublishing.com.au

All profits will be used to fund an annual award at St Brigid's Primary School to be known as the Eddie Gardiner Memorial Award. The award will be made to a student who demonstrates interest and aptitude in the intellectual pursuits loved by Eddie: writing, poetry and history.

Democracy sausage on the go

A selection of Eddie’s poems are included in the book. The Gazette is arranging for the printing of all of his poems, and that book will be available shortly at cost plus $5, which will go towards the Memorial Award fund.

Thirty-eight people have already signed up for the poetry book and if you would like your name added to the list, please contact Bryan Power on 0417 140 828 or at bryanp2@ bigpond.com.

Foiling the opposition

Congratulations to 13-year-old Rupert Richards, from Macedon, who recently won the Under 15 category of the Modern Pentathlon Australian Championships held in Queensland.

Modern Pentathlon has gone through a massive change recently and Rupert has managed to get on board.

As the name suggests, pentathlon incorporates five disciplines in one sport. One of these used to be show jumping but the Paris Olympics in 2024 was the last to include equestrian as a discipline; this will be replaced by a ‘Ninja Warrior’-style obstacle course (Obstacle Course Racing).

Rupert found his way into the sport via his love of fencing. He became interested after watching the sport on television during the Tokyo Olympics. There was no fencing club locally to join but when his interest showed no sign of waning, Rupert’s parents took him to a fencing club in Melbourne. He has been fencing for two years now and found his way into pentathlon last year.

Peter Gardiner holds a copy of the book and last month's Gazette, which featured the obituary of his brother Eddie.

His mother, Kate, happened to see a school holiday camp advertised by the Australian Institute of Sport last year run by Modern Pentathlon Australia. There were few people who could do all the five disciplines at that point and the camp offered a chance to practise them all together. Rupert is a competent swimmer, runner and, obviously, swordsman. He learnt how to shoot and do the obstacle course at the AIS camp. From that point, Rupert has attended various events around the state. He competed in the National Laser Run championships (the running and shooting event) in the Yarra Valley on 15 March and came second. Rupert swims in a squad at the Gisborne Aquatic Centre and has recently joined Little Athletics for the cross country season. We look forward to hearing how Rupert continues to progress and achieve in this unique and challenging sport.

position for someone who has a good driving record and a friendly manner. Early morning availability is essential.

Katrina Buttigieg

Donna and Trent on duty at Gisborne Primary School's sausage sizzle on election day in May, run by the school Parents and Friends Association.

The extended Gardiner clan at the launch, including at far left, Eddie's widow Lyn.

Thank you to all who contributed

From 12 May to 18 May, Macedon Ranges

Further Education Centre (MRFEC) celebrated Neighbourhood House Week alongside all the other Neighbourhood Houses across Australia. With the theme ‘Ripples of Change’, we opted to celebrate with a donation drive for the Gisborne Foodbank, and our community responded we were thrilled to see students, staff and volunteers alike getting involved and supporting those in need of a little help.

Neighbourhood House Week is past now, but you can still celebrate with us by changing your routine and learning something new at MRFEC. There is an incredible range of upcoming events and courses towards the end of this term, including:

Free Community Morning Tea with Gisborne Foodbank – Monday 2 June, 10 to 11.30am.

Cosmos Space Talk with Peter Spinks – Wednesday 4 June, 5.30 to 7pm. $20 per person, 15 and under free.

Grant-writing Workshop – Thursday 5 June, 9am to 5pm. $60 per person.

‘The Inside Story: How our media manipulates’ talk with Peter Spinks – Thursday 19 June 6.30 to 8pm. $20 per person, 15 and under free.

The final 'Bingo Monday' for Term 2 – 16 June from 10am to 1pm, free (No cash prizes).

Looking at a career change? Look no further than our Careers and Digital Skills courses. This includes Barista (Mondays 23 and 30 June), Xero (starts 16 June), and MYOB (starts 23 June). Head to the website, www. mrfec.net.au, for more information and online enrolment, call us on 5428 3799, or email enquiries@mrfec. net.au, or pop in to say hello. Caitlyn Sinclair

Bullengarook CFA builds community resilience

CFA

The Bullengarook CFA, along with Macedon Ranges Shire Council and a number of community groups, hosted a “Community Resilience” day on 3 May.

The purpose was to boost community safety messages around fire safety and preparation and provide people with the information they need to live in an extreme fire risk area.

CFA’s Community Based Bushfire Management program was at the core of the initiative. This was enhanced by the council's resiliency agendas for communities like Bullengarook to be self-sufficient and prepared for the first 72 hours after a natural disaster.

The day was structured with several information sessions which included;

A debrief of the Christmas 2024 fire at Bullengarook by Incident Controller John Deering;

CFA Community Fire Safety and Preparation run by CFA volunteer Nicky Haslinghouse; Bushfire Resilient Landscaping run by Riddells Creek Captain, Gill Metz (Australian Fire Service Medal); Snakes and other hazardous wildlife run by renowned venom and antivenom expert and Bullengarook local Tim Carroll;

Ecological Vegeta tion Management and Biodiversity run by Roger MacRaild from Bullengarook Land care;

A live snake show and demonstration.

Needless to say, this was a hit with the kids.

A number of other organisations attend ed the event and had information booths to deliver their safety and support messages consistent with the CFA. These included SES, the Council of Churches, Bullengarook Rec Centre and Bullengarook Landcare. The Bullengarook Rec Centre also ran a raffle for a fire pump which was won by local resident John Bell.

It was a great day and the community has provided some great feedback about how informative it was and how they are looking forward to the next one.

One of the sessions at the 'Community Resilience' day.

Volunteer Lyndi (left) and staff member Caitlyn in front of the 'Ripples of Change' donation display.

Joanne McFadyen

Good Friday Appeal raises over $11,000

The Gisborne Fire Brigade continued its proud tradition on Good Friday (18 April) of supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, with the amazing help of the Bullengarook Fire Brigade, 1st Gisborne Scouts, and 1st New Gisborne Scouts.

Together, we raised $11,654.

A special shoutout to the following for their contributions: Moonee Valley coaches and Sunbury Coaches for supplying the buses; Russell at the Computer Company for generously covering the cost of lunch; Bakers Delight for the delicious hot cross buns; and to the local businesses who supported us year-round by hosting donation tins. This ongoing support makes a huge difference.

As Mark, our Good Friday Appeal ambassador, said: “Every dollar collected today helps change a child’s life tomorrow.”

Ian Ward, Community Safety Officer Gisborne CFA

Community celebrated at annual grant night

More than 50 community groups came together on 19 May to celebrate the impact of volunteers and community giving in Gisborne and surrounds. The event, which took place at the sports pavilion in New Gisborne, marked $3.8 million in community grants, sponsorships, scholarships and donations being awarded by Community Bank Gisborne & District since it opened 17 years ago.

The evening started with songs from the Gisborne Singers, followed by a welcome from the chair of Macedon Ranges Community Enterprises (the Community Bank), Mal Carter.

Mal thanked local volunteers for their contributions and highlighted the requirement for bank profits to be shared among the community.

“Last year we took an additional step to reinforce this commitment by gaining accreditation as a Social Enterprise, which ensures that a minimum of 80% of our profits go to the community,” he said. “So please think about the fact that banking with the Community Bank Gisborne and District is what allows us to put significant funds back into the community.” Mal said.

A senior manager at Bendigo Bank, Neil Burgess, who MC'd, shared a positive outlook for interest rates and inflation over the next 12 months.

Grant certificates were presented for over 50 community projects, with Simon Hayward from Bullengarook CFA talking about the impact that a new emergency generator will have after a tough fire season.

Two of 13 tertiary scholarship recipients, Darcy Macaulay and Caitlin Harrison, shared how these funds would help them begin their university journey without the weight of financial stress. Brendan du Kamp from Gisborne Giants Football Netball club concluded the evening’s presentations with words of thanks for a grant towards the club’s second annual Indigenous Round. Gemma Gamble, Macedon Ranges Community Enterprises Ltd (Community Bank

There was loud applause and cries of “We love you Brendan” from the students as Principal Brendan Nolan walked into his final assembly at Bullengarook Special ist School on 24 April.

viewed by a panel of six students about his career and time at the school and then three students spoke warmly about their relationship with Brendan and made presen tations to him.

draw, you can paint or use some other materials including digital technology to create an A3 or A4-sized poster," she said.

Sandra, Mark, Bruce and Ian attend the Good Friday Appeal counting rooms to drop off Gisborne's $11,654.

1st Gisborne and 1st New Gisborne scout groups, Moonee Valley Coaches and Sunbury Coaches were among those who contributed to the success of the Good Friday Appeal locally.

Brendan Nolan listens as students speak warmly about him.

Former Seekers join conversation at Macedon

A large and enthusiastic audience joined Keith and Athol for a stroll down the laneways of their memories at Jubilee Hall on 10 May.

Keith and Athol’s conversation tracked from their school days through the creation of bands and singing groups with various names until the final four of them tossed a coin to decide their latest name. Would it be The Searchers or The Seekers? Luckily the coin came down on the side of the latter and off to England they headed. On going ashore, there they found the advice they’d received about first sending a press release to a major booking firm had come up trumps because within two days of their arrival they found themselves appearing on the BBC’s most popular variety show and overnight their success was assured.

Keith and Athol with some of the appreciative audience after the performance.

Free childhood immunisations available

With measles cases on the rise across Victoria, it is more important than ever to ensure your child’s vaccinations are up to date.

The council’s immunisation service offers free childhood immunisations for eligible children under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

The council's friendly, professional immunisation staff will be in Gisborne on Thursday 5 June from 9.15 to 10.15am, and Thursday 26 June from 4pm to 7pm.

“From then on we worked every day,” said Athol, “travelling around in an old Bedford van that we’d bought for a hundred quid.”

Through their friendship and collaboration with song writer Tom Springfield they topped the British music charts multiple times. On their return to Australia their fame and popular image saw them named the 1967 Australians of the Year – the only time that a group has been recognised by the honour.

Every now and again during the conversation Keith picked up the guitar to sing The Seekers’ hits and had the audience joining in. Everyone knew the words, of course.

The afternoon was rounded off with a warm, musical tribute to the lovely and sadly missed member of The Seekers team, Judith Durham.

Gisborne cafe in 'Edgy Veg' win

Congratulations to Macedon Ranges Wholefoods in Gisborne, who won the Cafe category in the annual Edgy Veg Awards in May.

Their entry was the moreish and popular Mushroom Jaffle, described as having an “amazing flavour” by reviewers and “hands down one of the best toasties I have ever eaten”.

Another customer stated in their review, “Had one and wanted to order a second straight away”.

Katherine from Macedon Ranges Wholefoods said, “We’ve really loved being part of the Edgy Veg Awards this year!

"We created the jaffle by popular demand from last year and it was so nice to see a bunch of people com-

ing in from out of town to try it, and the locals coming back again and again.”

This is the fourth year of the awards in the Macedon Ranges and it has now also expanded to Mount Alexander Shire, with 46 venues on board.

With more than 750 scores cast for presentation, taste and likelihood of ordering the dish again, diners have praised the flavours, the imaginative ingredients and creative presentation of the Edgy Veg competing dishes. Each region was awarded separate prizes.

Harvest and Soul in Macedon was awarded third in the Restaurant, pub and bar category, just pipped by Fook Shing in Kyneton, the winner, and Social Foundry in Kyneton.

Katherine from Macedon Ranges Wholefoods in Hamilton Street celebrates the cafe's win.

Measles is highly contagious – but preventable with two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Check your child’s immunisation records are up to date and make a booking at portal.cirv.vic.gov.au today.

We’re more than just a

Hello all,

COUNCILLOR'S COLUMN

I want to begin with extending my sincere condolences to Lyn Gardiner and extended family. Eddie’s contribution and dedication to our local community through many groups and, of course, Gardiner’s Garage, was an inspiration to everyone.

After a few delays, on Saturday 17 May (after parkrun!), I had the pleasure of officially reopening the Gisborne Botanic Garden footbridge, a key pedestrian connection between Dixon Field and the Botanic Gardens, after significant damage during the October 2022 flood.

Thank you for your patience as council officers worked through insurance and design/construction issues. The new bridge certainly feels a lot sturdier.

On 19 May, I was pleased to join the Community Bank Gisborne & District at the pavilion at Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct to celebrate their community giving for 2024-25 during International Volunteer Week.

The event recognised local organisations and volunteers and heard from inspiring guest speakers.

A big thank you to the team at the bank and the many volunteers who give their time selflessly to do amazing things in our community.

Among many items Council is reviewing/progressing, I thought I’d highlight some items of interest.

Draft Budget consideration, including renovations to the western rooms of the library and the replacement of gas boilers at the Gisborne Aquatic Centre for pool

water heating with an electric alternative.

The Aquatic Centre emits 47% of all mains gas emissions attributable to council sites, and replacement of the boilers will cease these emissions.

Draft Road Management Plan 2025-29

The new draft plan includes amendments to better reflect community expectations, such as:

Increasing inspection frequencies on certain categories of sealed roads;

Reducing what is required to prompt maintenance action;

Improvements to pedestrian safety in Gisborne at Prince Street, at the roundabout at Hamilton and Aitken streets, and at the intersection of Hamilton and Brantome streets.

I encourage you all to have your say in how we shape the future of the ranges by going to www.yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au and providing feedback on any open projects.

As always, if you wish to contact me, you can reach me on 0419 829 867 or at dbonanno@mrsc.vic.gov.au.

Take care and see you around town!

With Cr Dominic Bonanno

From left: Cr Christine Walker, Marcus Bonanno, Mayor Dom Bonanno, Dixon Field parkrun volunteer Paul Campbell, and Friends of Gisborne Botanic Gardens president Amanda Gauci at the unfortunately soggy opening of the new footbridge on 17 May. The bridge connects Dixon Field with the Gisborne Botanic Gardens.

MEMBER’S MESSAGE

With Mary-Anne Thomas,

MP

Hello Gisborne community, Winter is officially here, and as the cooler weather sets in, it can feel harder to keep active. Have you heard about Get Active Victoria? It’s a State Government initiative offering a range of guided home workouts, games and ideas to inspire people to move more, every day. And best of all, it’s free to join.

The Get Active Victoria Winter Challenge has just launched. There are some great prizes up for grabs for getting active between 1 and 14 June. For more information, visit: www.getactive.vic.gov.au/winter

Things are looking brighter at the New Gisborne Tennis Club. With support from the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, the club has been able to install new LED lighting towers for courts one and two. The new competition-standard lighting is good for longer play time and will also help boost safety and accessibility.

As always, I’m here to help with any State Government matters. You can email me at mary-anne.thomas@parliament.vic.gov.au, call 5428 2138, or visit my electorate office team at Shop 14 Nexus Centre, 9 Goode Street, Gisborne.

Healthy land, healthy horse

Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network is joining Macedon Ranges Shire Council to hold a horse property management information session and discussion on 'Equine Landcare in Victoria'.

Presenter Karen O’Keefe from the Victorian Equine Landcare Community of Practice will cover horse property design and management, incorporating biodiversity and managing weeds.

Participants will hear about examples of other Equine Landcare groups and the benefits of being part of a group.

The event will be held at Jubilee Hall, Macedon, on Friday 30 May from 4pm to 6.30pm.

This is a free event but registration is essential at www.events.humanitix.com/healthy-land-healthyhorse-equine-landcare-information-session

For more information, contact Ammie Jackson, Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network, at udc.landcare. facilitator@gmail.com

GISBORNE GOSS

Proud Gisborne parents Ernie and Deborah Salay were all smiles at Oxford University when their older son Sebastian graduated with a Master’s degree in anthropology.

A new lease has been awarded for the tea rooms at the top of Mount Macedon, which have been closed since the previous operator’s lease ended in March.

Renovation works are expected to start shortly, with the building reopening late this year. While the renovations are underway, visitors will be able to grab a coffee or bite to eat from a mobile coffee van.

Plans for the landmark cafe include an expanded outdoor seating area, evening dining, and space for events and functions.

●

A section of Mt Gisborne Road is being remade with new crossings at the entrances of some properties.

Priceline Pharmacy premises are being reconstructed one half at a time. They have also installed a robotic dispensing system. Works underway on the southern end of Mt Gisborne Road.

Award finalist

The emergency management officer for Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Kiara Noonan, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Young Achiever category of the 2025 LGPro Awards for Excellence, with awards to be announced on 5 June.

Sticky Fingers Boutique in Hamilton Street is closing down its bricks and mortar store but will continue to operate online.

Mt Macedon tea rooms to be renovated

Ernie, Sebastian and Deborah at Oxford.

Priceline Pharmacy remains open for business during renovations.

Probus Club of Gisborne

Gisborne Probus offers members an outing of some kind each month. After two coach trips away from Gisborne earlier in the year, we recently enjoyed a more local lunch at Vics Food & Wine in Sunbury for which members provided their own transport.

The club also gives members the opportunity of a longer ‘away from home’ trip. This year’s tour involves travel as a group to the Hunter Valley area with a company called Trade Travel. This will be held over six days in late November.

Meanwhile, monthly meetings on the first Thursday give members the chance to enjoy each other’s company and, on most occasions, listen to a guest speaker. Our first speaker was Carl Schiller, who spoke about the history and importance of Legacy. The second speaker we welcomed was Gary McSwain who spoke about the valuable work being done by the Woodend Lifestyle Carers Group.

If you have an interest in joining the club, you are most welcome as a visitor at our next meeting on Thursday 5 June in the Gisborne Community Centre at 10am; or contact our vice-president, Gary Jones, on 0458 841 947.

Michael O’Brien

Burning off Restrictions still apply

WHAT'S ON AT THE LIBRARY

Gisborne Library was thrilled to host author Natasha Lester for a special event on April 30 celebrating her latest novel, The Mademoiselle Alliance

Natasha captivated the audience with stories behind the book and shared insights into her research process, and the real-life women who inspired the story. After the talk, she warmly signed copies and chatted with readers, making it a memorable event for local book lovers.

MACEDON MAIL

Well done to the Jubilee Hall Committee for securing a $50,000 grant from Regional Development Victoria’s Tiny Towns Fund. The planned landscaping will fulfill the original committee’s vision for the hall’s outdoor area after the 1983 fires. We look forward to watching progress.

Back in February, Australia Post Macedon LPO nominated the Macedon and Mount Macedon Community House for a $2000 grant. We are very pleased to report that the application was successful and we are sure the gardening equipment to be purchased will be well received.

A large crowd gathered at Jubilee Hall on 9 May to celebrate the life of Ron Neve, a resident of Macedon and Mt Macedon for 55 years. Ron passed away on 22 April. Our thoughts are with Lindy and family.

Longstanding Macedon residents would remember Ken and June King who owned Macedon supermarket prior to Ash Wednesday. Sadly, Ken passed away on 9 May.

While the Fire Danger Period for the Macedon Ranges officially ended in April, conditions in some parts of the shire remain dry and there is still a real risk of fire in the landscape. Local brigades have been called out to several out-of-control burnoffs since restrictions were lifted.

Depending on the size of your land, you may need to apply for a permit to burn off. Other restrictions around the size of the burn are also in place.

Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/burning-off to find out more.

Common farm waste like silage wrap, grain bunker bags, old tyres, treated timber or used chemical drums can not be added to burnoffs.

These materials can contaminate the land, waterways and the atmosphere. Smoke from waste burnoffs can have harmful effects, particularly on people with asthma or other lung conditions, older people, pregnant women, babies and young children. Avoid being a nuisance to your neighbours, causing a hazard to the environment or getting a fine from the EPA by checking what you can and can’t burn off.

The Warm Winter Read returns this winter. It is a beautiful reminder to slow down and enjoy the pleasure of reading during the colder months. Join readers across Victoria to challenge yourself, discover new titles, and track your progress. There are also cozy prizes up for grabs to keep you motivated.

Macedon Ranges Seed Library is available at the Gisborne Library. Volunteers meet on the first Monday of each month, from 1 to 2pm, to help sort and label donated seeds. Drop in, lend a hand and make some new friends!

Got seeds to share? Donations are always appreciated.

IttyBitty playdate is on Wednesdays from 2 to 3pm. Come along for a relaxed catch-up with other local families, grab a cuppa and have a chat while the little ones play together in a welcoming space.

And don’t forget you can recycle small e-waste items at the library. Bring in old phones, batteries and cords to help keep electronic waste out of landfill.

See you at the library Jacqui

After Round 5 of the RDFNL season, Macedon Seniors are sitting seventh on the ladder, the Senior Womens football team is one game clear on top of the ladder and the A Grade netballers are holding fourth spot.

Thanks to Bernie for reporting that for the period 19 April to 16 May, Victoria Street has recorded 21mm of rain. Of this figure, no rain was recorded in May.

Please leave a message for Anne at the Post Office if you would like anything included in next month's column.

The team at Macedon Post Office

Illegal waste dumping

The state Environment Protection Authority recently fined a Braybrook demolition company $5900 over a stockpile of industrial waste found on a property at Campbell Road, Gisborne.

Author Natasha Lester (left) with librarian Sarah.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Yarning Circle: hint – it's nothing to do with knitting

Last year, the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek asked us if we could build them a Yarning Circle. A what?

The first step was to learn that such a circle is the basis of a conversation process, originating from Indigenous cultures. It is a place where people gather in a circle to share stories, knowledge, and experience in a safe, respectful environment, to foster strong relationships and cultural understanding.

A place where everybody is invited to participate on equal standing and decisions are made collaboratively. There is much to learn from Indigenous culture if we take the time to understand. With everything the Montessori Preschool has endured recently we were very pleased to be able to help and hope this will assist their recovery. (A dreadful accident occurred at the preschool last year.)

Our meeting room table at the Shed is rectangular rather than round but (at a stretch!) we generally follow the same approach to storytelling, sharing knowledge

and solving problems. Feel free to drop in anytime to experience our Yarning Rectangle. We’re in Lyell Street, next door to Macedon Ranges Health and open on the mornings of Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

When are the farmers markets around the region?

There has never been a better time to connect with the people who grow and make your food. The Macedon Ranges is home to a vibrant network of accredited farmers markets, where you can shop fresh and local every weekend.

Accredited farmers markets support Victorian growers and producers by providing a direct link between farm and fork. Whether you are after fresh produce, artisan bread, small-batch preserves, or hand-crafted treats, you’ll find it at your local market.

Many stallholders travel from across regional Victo-

ria, while others are from the Macedon Ranges—including passionate producers from the Gisborne area. Upcoming Farmers Markets Macedon – Macedon Primary School, Saturday 31 May, 9am to 1pm; Woodend – Cnr Forest and High Street, Saturday 7 June, 9am to 1pm; Kyneton – St Paul’s Park, Saturday 14 June, 9am to 1pm; Riddells Creek – Rec Reserve, Saturday, 21 June, 9am to 1pm; Malmsbury – Rec Reserve, Sunday 22 June, 9am to 1pm; Lancefield – High Street Plantation, Saturday 28 June, 9am to 1pm. Simon Matthee

Gisborne Festival to celebrate its 50th year

The 2025 Gisborne Festival in December will be the 50th anniversary of this community event. Starting in 1976, this event has grown from humble beginnings into a regionally significant event.

The Festival, for the past several years organised by the Lions Club, is free and inclusive and brings the community together to celebrate the festive season.

It has a great family atmosphere, and attracts about 4500 people each year.The event consists of a street parade, and (on Gardiner Reserve) live music and entertainment, free children’s activities, market and food stalls, carnival rides and a fireworks display.

Planning by the Gisborne and District Lions Club is well underway for this year’s Festival which will be held on Friday 12 December. It will cost around $30,000 to produce this free community event, which must be raised by the Lions Club mainly from sponsors.

You can contribute to the Festival in a number of ways, such as assisting with the planning of the event, providing sponsorship funding, participating in the parade, having a market or food stall, or helping on the day of the event with its set up and the winding up at its conclusion.

If you can assist in any way, please email your details to gisbornefestival@gmail.com or contact the Lions Club president, Russell Walker, on 0419 318 615.

A big thank you to those who supported the recent Lions Mother’s Day raffle with the proceeds to be directed to students from families in need in our community. Raffle winners were Maxine Eason, Darren Kaytar, Drew Egan, Kate McKernin, Sue Borg, Arlene Johnstone, Poppy Zervos, Ryan Bunting and Christine Verliscek.

The Yarning CIrcle installation team.

COMMUNITY HOUSE

JUNE ACTIVITIES

The garden at Macedon and Mount Macedon Community House is open for anyone to visit, explore and enjoy. The gates are only there for the safety of playgroups and visiting children. Volunteers are at the House on Monday and Friday mornings – grab a cuppa and say hello to find out what is growing and happening at the House.

A big thank you to all the volunteers at the garden, on the sausage sizzles, our program coordinators and our committee of management. This amazing community space could not be provided without your help.

House hire

Speaking of which, we have a great space to hire (including the garden) for meetings or events. More information can be found on the website, www. mmmcommunityhouse.org

Regular programs

Canasta Club – Wednesdays 2pm-5pm. New players are welcome to drop in, gold coin for tea and coffee.

Permaculture Group – Permies at the House – Fridays 11am-12.30pm. See Permies@theHouse on Facebook for activities.

Community Gardening Volunteer Crew – Mondays

and Fridays 9.30am-11am. Come along and help keep the garden at its best.

Playgroup – Mondays 10am-12pm and Wednesdays 9.30am-11.30am

New families are welcome to join the free playgroups. Email playgroup@mmmcommunityhouse.org for details.

Craft Circle – Thursdays 10am-12 noon. Bring your own sewing, knitting or craft project and meet creative, like-minded locals.

Community Library – Fridays 10am-12pm

We have a little community library - find something to read or just come along and say hello and find out what is happening at the House.

Warhammer Club – every second Sunday 3pm-6pm. Play 40K, AOS and anything in between! All Warhammer players above 12 are welcome.

Macedon Produce Swap – First and third Saturday of every month, 9.30am-10.30am. Held at the front of the House.

Gentle Yoga – Wednesdays 6.30pm-7.30pm

For more information and to discuss prerequisites and fees, contact Loris at loriscassar@gmail.com

New Programs – We have room in our calendar for more programs if you are interested in running a regular group or activity. Contact hello@mmmcommunityhouse.org and we can organise one of the committee to discuss this with you.

More information about programs is available on the Macedon and Mount Macedon Community House website, www.mmmcommunityhouse.org.

Water bill queries? Greater Western Water offers face-to-face meetings

Greater Western Water says its customers have told them that face-to-face support makes a real difference – so customer care days are taking place in local communities over coming weeks.

"Whether you are unsure about your water bill, need help setting up a payment plan, support or concession, or simply want to talk things through with someone

who understands, the GWW team can help," a spokesman said.

The closest location to Gisborne will be a session at Melton Library on Saturday 12 July, from 11am to 3pm – book your place at gww.com.au/ customer-care. You can also visit the office in Sunbury, at 36 Macedon Street, during business hours.

Dealing with the effects of service

While most Australians are familiar with the service of Australian Defence Force veterans from the distant past, there remains a gap in knowledge and the longterm personal effects on ADF members in more recent conflicts.

Australia’s engagement in the Middle East area of operations is now the focus of an RSL-led study to better understand the personal impacts of operational service in this area from 2002 to 2021. This 20-year involvement was Australia’s longest-running conflict, encompassing operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The study is being undertaken by Gallipoli Medical Research in partnership with Griffith University.

The key focus will be the mental, physical and social health of veterans and their families, and will provide a much-needed evidence base to inform future veteran support services.

Findings from the first three phases of the study will be compiled into a comprehensive research proposal in July this year.

Gisborne RSL is always ready to assist ADF members and their families who may be struggling with the effects of their military service.

It is important to know that immediate and direct support is available for you and your family. For immediate crisis support, please call any of the following: Open Arms 1800 011 046; ADF Mental Health All-Hours Support Line 1800 628 036; Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467; Defence, Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608; Safe Zone Support 1800 142 072.

RSL offers care, advocacy, commemoration, and camaraderie. We are always proud to welcome new members, current and former service personnel (ADF & Allies), their families and those that support RSL. Members of Victoria’s emergency services are also encouraged to join the RSL. We need your support to ensure we sustain our range of commemorative services and welfare programs. If you’re interested, please contact our secretary via email at admin@gisbornersl.com.au or by phone on 048727868. Darren Grevis-James, president

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MACEDON & MOUNT MACEDON

Gisborne parkrun celebrates its second birthday

A huge thanks to the parkrun volunteers who have assisted Gisborne’s parkrun to grow and create a wonderful local parkrun community.

Parkrun is a weekly free, welcoming, inclusive event that caters for all levels and ages, with no time limit. It gentle run goes along a five-kilometre course that starts and finishes at Dixon Field, winds through Gisborne Botanic Gardens and along Jacksons Creek.

Participants can walk, jog, run, or simply volunteer. You’re welcome to bring family, kids, a pram, friends, and even the dog. Parkrun promotes health, a wonderful community atmosphere, and is run completely by volunteers. Participants are asked to register with Parkrun Australia (www.parkrun.com.au) to receive their personal identification number so their participation and finish times at any parkrun event can be emailed to them.

The event began in Britain 20 years ago and has since spread across the globe. Australia has over 500 parkruns and participants can visit other parkruns at Sunbury, Melton (Toolern Creek parkrun), Woodend (Campaspe parkrun) and Bacchus Marsh (Peppertree parkrun), or anywhere around the country, or around the world.

Tom Kovacs (event director), 0408 691 826

Purple bows for Elder Abuse Awareness

Sunday 15 June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and for a few days this month some trees around the shire will be wearing purple bows as a mark of respect.

Words about trees from a 93-year-old Thelma Post at the end of her movie, Thelma: "Look how gnarled they are and yet they live – What spirit!" mirror the spirit of the true-life Thelma, who is now 104 years old.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is teaming up with Kindness to Elders to present a free ‘Afternoon of Film’ at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute on 15 June; the feature is Thelma, an action comedy starring 93-year-old June Squibb as Thelma. It is a movie by a grandson about his grandmother.

Hosting the event is veteran actor Ian Rooney from The Doctor Blake Mysteries TV series.

Ian presents his own show on a life in film with a Q&A segment for young people interested in entering the industry. Ian will also be in conversation with Gisborne financial advisor Bob Nixon about how to protect your finances against scammers such as (spoiler alert!) Thelma’s, and Bob and his team will be there for anyone interested in financial matters, particularly in retirement and aged care.

Show your support on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by bringing your grandparents to the film afternoon, and whenever you see a purple tree bow, remember the elders in your life and help them to stand up against injustice whenever you can.

To reserve seats and for more information, visit www. mrsc.vic.gov.au/Elder-abuse or phone 5422 0333. Find us on Facebook/Kindness to Elders.

Upcoming Travel Events

Wednesday 25 June 5 - 7

Gisborne Collective Spaces are limited

Wednesday 30 July 5 - 7pm

Gisborne Collective Spaces are limited

Lynda McClure Cameron Kindness to Elders Initiative

Purple bows will adorn trees dotted around the shire.

What's happening in world of crochet Craft Corner

with Mary-Beth O’ Brien

I was excited to recently meet Alex, an inspiring crochet artist. Alex, an accomplished crocheter and recent RMIT fine art degree graduate, recently succeeded in applying for a scholarship to further her studies in Paris. There are no scarves, beanies or rugs in this artist's folio. Alex is a young Gisborne talent producing sculptured crochet works of art and elevating an ancient craft to a new and exhilarating level.

Crochet Guild of Australia

The National Convention this year is from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 June on the Sunshine Coast. Book early at www.crochetguildaustralia.org.au/Convention Handweavers and Spinners Guild of Victoria

For those interested in weaving and spinning by hand. The guild offers classes and opportunities to buy wool at its shop in Carlton and is particularly welcoming to any newcomer just starting out. Visit www.hwsgv.org.au. Crochet And Conversation

‘Crochet and Conversation’ group gathers at Gisborne Library on the first Monday of each month at 2pm. You are welcome to join us if you are a beginner through to the more experienced crocheters to discuss new stitches, your project's progress and crochet news. Bring along a crochet hook, ball of wool and your enthusiasm!

Sunbury Show is on 11 October keep the date in mind as items for crochet categories are very welcome.

Latest from Genealogical Group

The next meeting of the Gisborne Genealogical Group will be held on Thursday 26 June at 7.30pm, in the Family History Room, adjoining the Gisborne Library. There will be a general discussion on how our ancestors “Travelled in Australia during the 19th Century” – Many didn’t stay in the same place for long, and often travelled interstate – how did they get there? Members are invited to share personal stories. Supper will follow the discussion.

Our next Saturday Workshop is on 7 June at 10am, where we will

share details of some favourite websites that have proved useful for family history research. There are so many sites available apart from ancestry.com, find my past, and Family Search – come along to learn more and share your discoveries.

The DNA Group (DIG) will meets bimonthly on the third Saturday of July, September and November, 10am to 12 noon. All welcome.

Lyn Hall

For more information about the Group and its activities check our website www.ggg.org.au Lyn Hall

Macedon CWA branch

Congratulations to the winners of CWA Macedon's Easter Raffle – Damien from Mt Macedon, ticket #0827, and Terry from Macedon, ticket #0315. Thank you to all those who supported our raffle.

The branch held our High Tea during May, with speakers from ‘Hope In a Suitcase’ telling us about their work in providing a suitcase of new clothing and some special items to children going into or out of home care. We hope this helps to make this stressful time a little easier for them. A big thank you to all who supported this event and enjoyed this special day. We were thrilled to support this wonderful cause.

Some members attended an Association Day held by the Kyneton CWA. It is always a pleasure to catch up with friends from other branches, enjoy lunch, and hear a guest speaker.

At the end of May, some members attended the CWA of Victoria State Conference in Shepparton. Leaders at state level were elected and members voted on resolutions regarding statewide issues. The speakers were interesting.

It is very inspiring when so many CWA members come together to celebrate the association and the wonderful work done.

Stay safe and warm over winter.

Want more information on Macedon CWA? Call Anne Fyfield on 5426 2210.

Gisborne CWA branch news

There is a group-run craft day once a month, mostly held at the Macedon CWA Hall. But we did gather at the Woodend Golf Club one evening once last year to learn dry felting. Last month, an evening session was enjoyed at Macedon where 20 ladies followed Allison’s instructions to produce acrylic paintings of varying standards. It was a fun evening doing something most of us had never attempted before. Finishing off with a very tasty supper.

On Monday 23 June, 10am to 2pm, there will be card making at the Macedon Hall and on 28 July, candle making. The public are welcome to attend at a cost of $10 per session and an extra $3 for materials for candle making.

There will be more dry felting, crochet and Christmas decorations to be made before the end of the year, thanks to Christine Jessop from Kyneton and Allison from the Gisborne branch for their craft knowledge.

Each year we get to nominate a local school to which a donation is made to their library from Group funds. This year $200 will go to Holy Cross Primary School, which will be put to good use buying books for their library.

Our next meeting is Monday 2 June because of the long weekend, at Gisborne Secondary College stadium. Coffee, Craft & Chat on Monday 16 June at the same venue. Christine Edwards

Open on Wednesday and Friday 10am to 3pm

Enter via Heritage Way at the back of the Gisborne Uniting Church

Enquiries: 0492 850 520 Email: gisborneccf@gmail.com

Overseas crochet public space sculpture.

Christine Edwards

Young singers impress at Melbourne festival

The Young Voices of Macedon youth choir thrilled audiences at the Choral@ Melbourne festival at Abbotsford Convent on 4 May.

The energetic performance included stamping and clapping, keeping the audience on their toes as the choir sang through a fun selection of contemporary jazz and Australian composed songs.

In the choir's 13th year of being involved in the festival, it was a joy for the singers to raise their voices in the beautiful historical setting, alongside the other talented children’s and adult choirs.

The Young Voices look forward to the next performance on 15 June at the Kindness to Elders: Afternoon of Film, where our repertoire will continue to focus on the fun and whimsy of childhood.

If you know a young person who can’t stop singing and would love to be a part of a choir, please get in contact through our website or the Facebook page. Website: www.yvmacedon.org.au Jessica

What’s on this winter at

Duneira Estate

Winter at Duneira Estate in Mount Macedon is a cozy affair, with our program moving indoors to enjoy the warmth of the fire in the historic house and the recently renovated stables.

This winter, we’ve got some exciting events lined up. First, we are hosting a winter wreath-making workshop in the stables on 21 June to celebrate the season with beautiful foliage from the garden. The cost is $150.

Next, we have a five-week intensive “Write your own memoir" course held in the library with award-winning author Sonia Orchard. Sonia’s book, Groomed, just came out and is getting rave reviews. The course starts 24 July. The cost is $650 for the full course.

For the school holidays, we’ve got a nature art workshop for kids on 1 July or 8 July; cost $75.

The highlight of winter at Duneira Estate is the chance to take a guided Winter House Tour and learn about the history of this magnificent original hill station. We’ll also tour Stuart Stoneman’s outstanding art collection and enjoy morning tea in the stables. Tickets $35. Dates are 11 June, 9 July, 23 July, 13 August.

Book your tickets for all events online at www. duneiraestate.com.au. See you there!

Melina Goddard and Pip Shannon

Demare Happy choristers Dottie Demare and Pippa Bunter.

Australian comedy comes to Mountview in June

From 13 to 29 June, a visiting professional company, Constable Productions, will bring to the Mountview Theatre a sparkling Australian comedy that will have you laughing one minute and thinking the next. Local Mark Constable, who teaches the Mount Players Youth Theatre, will present The Appleton Ladies Potato Race starring an award-winning cast including locals Sophie Cleary and Sharni Page, and Shayne Frances, Sheila Kumar and industry legend Margot Knight. This is not a Mount Players production, so to book your tickets, go to www.trybooking.com/DAKYH

The Mount Players' May production, The Girl on the Train by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, was a sellout, which created a buzzing atmosphere for every performance. Congratulations to directors Frank Harvey and Germaine Garbutt, along with the cast and crew for putting on such a brilliant production.

This is the company’s 2025 entry to the Victorian Drama League awards, so fingers crossed we receive nominations in December. Over the years, we have been successful across the board in all categories, including best production, technical, director and actor awards. Good luck to the team.

To keep up with everything happening at tthe Mount Players go to www.themountplayers.com

Karen Hunt

The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race

The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race, by Melanie Tait, tells the story of five women navigating small-town traditions, change, and a prize pot that doesn’t quite add up.

This uplifting and hilarious production will run over three weekends in June.

“It's a wonderful cast, all at the top of their game with years and years of experience and all doing it because they love the play," said director Mark Constable.

"We can’t wait for everyone to see it. The show has been a smash hit across Australia and it’s such a coup to be able to bring it to our home town in the Macedon Ranges. It’s also the debut for our wee local company Constable Productions, so it's a very exciting time.”

Tickets are on sale now.

Performances are on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 13 June to 29 June, at 2pm and 8pm.

Spectacular Mungo National Park destination for photographers

Macedon Ranges Photographic Society explored further afield last month, the destination being Mungo National Park.

The opportunities were endless at Mungo with amazing desert landscape and rock formations. We had plenty of choices, get up early or stay out late, or both, to cover the sunrise, sunset and night astro on offer.

Our group joined the Mungo lunette sunset tour (an Aboriginal guided tour), which captured both the sun setting and the full moon rising, which was stunning.

Walking through an area of the Walls of China, hearing stories about Mungo Man and Mungo Woman and

the nomadic ways of the indigenous people was remarkable.

During winter (June, July and August) we will have one physical meeting on the first Monday of the month, and our second meeting will be a substitute option, perhaps a Zoom meeting, a daytime workshop, or an online tutorial.

Social chats start at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, Jubilee Hall, Smith Street, Macedon. For more information, please email info@macedon-ranges-photography. org.au.

Pictures from Mungo  page 18

Sue Steward

Cast and production team. From left: Mark Constable, Sharni Page, Sophie Cleary, Shayne Francis, Margot Knight, Sheila Kumar, David Heinrich.

Club members on the tour bus at Mungo National Park.

Gisborne Singers excel

The Gisborne Singers took the stage at Castlemaine Town Hall on 18 May for the first time, and what a welcome the choir received. The venue’s charm and the warmth of the local audience made the experience extra special.

Singers

The choir was also delighted to be joined once again by the Macedon Ranges Chamber Orchestra, who added depth, texture, and energy to the program.

The Gallery at Woodend Winter Arts Festival, and more...

King's Birthday weekend

This King’s Birthday weekend (Saturday 7 June to Monday 9 June), The Gallery will exhibit a wonderful array of art, mixed media, jewellery, textiles, cards and more as part of Woodend Winter Arts Festival. There will be activities for children and demonstrations from 10am to 4pm daily. We are at Woodend Neighbourhood House, 47 Forest Street, Woodend just down from the very popular Scouts’ pop-up cafe.

Art Prize 2025

The Gallery’s Art Prize 2025 was very popular, providing a wonderful range of art from the local area. The Judge’s Award went to Alexandra Cairney for her stunning textile por-

trait. Gallery member, Ashlee Santos was awarded Highly Commended and won the People’s Choice prize with her impressive pencil and graphite drawing. Community Bank Gisborne supported this event.

Exhibitions 2026

The Gallery has opened its bookings for 2026 for artists to exhibit in its Focus Room. Please check out the web page, www.thegallerymtmacedon.com.au or contact or visit The Gallery for more details.

The Gallery is at 684 Mt Macedon Road, Mt Macedon; next to the Trading Post. It is open Friday to Tuesday from 10am to 4pm.

Sue Anson 0413 581 632

The Singers' program, featuring Vivaldi’s Gloria and Purcell’s Come, ye Sons of Art, was brought to life under the skilled baton of artistic director Luke Severn. We also had the honour of performing alongside two outstanding soloists, Merlyn Quaife (soprano) and Kristen Leich (alto). As always, it was a joy and an unforgettable experience to share the stage with such incredible talent.

This performance was a glorious collaboration between regional voices and worldclass talent.

Thank you to all who attended and if you missed this performance, keep an ear out as more musical magic is coming soon!

For more information on where to find out about Gisborne Singers concerts or becoming a member, please visit the website, www.gisbornesingers.org.au.

Liv Severn

the Gisborne

Gisborne Singers during their glorious performance on 18 May.

Above: The Gallery will be hosting children's activities during the Woodend Winter Arts Festival.

Right: Alexandra Cairney, The Gallery's 2025 Art Prize winner.

Kids cut culinary teeth with healthy cooking program

One of the best ways to create healthy eating habits for kids is to get them in the kitchen.

Macedon Ranges Health recently ran some 'junior chef' cooking classes over the school holidays, led by an experienced dietitian, for children aged 8 to 13 years.

The free classes focused on everything from chopping and mixing ingredients to creating mouth-water-

ing meals, including taco bowls, fruit sticks, pizza and pancakes.

Children who participated gained valuable kitchen skills to boost their confidence while having fun.

Macedon Ranges Health will again run the program during the winter school holiday period.

For more information or to book your child’s place, phone 5428 0300.

Pony Club goes blue against bullying

Bullengarook Pony Club kicked off a fundraising month at its May rally for the anti-bullying charity #doitfordolly Dolly’s Dream.

The aim is to raise awareness, share kindness and provide support for families, schools and communities.

The kids, parents and their horses all dressed in blue to support the cause, talked all things bullying and kindness and even painted a jump in the Dolly theme.

The club is running a 'Buy a Pie' drive with orders being taken for delivery at the June Rally (Sunday 1 June). If you would like to order any, details are on the club's Facebook page.

You can also donate to the fund at any time through

the link posted below. In the meantime, enjoy a few pics of our awesome little members getting heavily involved in supporting Dolly’s Dream. www.dollysdream.org.au/fundraisers/bullengarook ponyclub

'Speak even if your voice shakes. Speak up, call it out and be kind.'

Lisa Commadeur secretary, Bullengarook Pony Club 0412 232 611

Above: Pony Club members join hands in solidarity with the cause. Right: One of the horses carries the special message.

SERVICES

• Children's health checks advice and treatment including routine childhood immunisations.

• Women's health advice and treatment on contraception, antenatal and obstetric shared care, cervical screens, and breast checks.

• Men’s health advice and treatment about concerns such as physical issues, prostate checks.

• Mental health diagnosis and treatment, care plans, and referrals to counselling services.

• Health checks, including physical check-ups and tests for lifestyle concerns such as diabetes and cholesterol levels.

• Cancer screening, spirometry testing, audiometry testing, heart health checks and ECG

• Diagnosis and management of chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes.

• Full body skin checks, individual spot checks, minor and complex excisions.

Hello from the Ramblers: Welcome to winter

Although at the time of writing (early mid-May) it has a wonderful summer’s feel, warm but oh so dry. I wonder if we may be heading towards another Millennium drought.

The Ramblers enjoyed one of the most perfect days on 9 May with a walk at Black Hill Reserve near Kyneton. For anyone unfamiliar with this gem, it is so worth the effort, offering an easy base circuit loop of about 4km and a more medium (but not hard) ridge track of about 2km.

Great views are to be had from either. I have detailed this walk separately, but at the walk start point there is usually a free map available.

Regular readers of this column will know this walk has been described previously. Many of our walks are rather complex and beyond my descriptive powers, so the simpler ones tend to get recycled!

Charles (gisramblers@gmail.com)

Mum Life – Sorted

with Katrina Wurm

Winter –embracing the slowdown

Winter is here, and with it comes a natural slowdown. The days are shorter, the air is colder, and it’s a perfect time to focus on self-care.

As mums, we often feel the need to keep going at full speed, but winter is a reminder that it is okay to slow down and rest. Take advantage of the cold weather to have cosy days indoors – reading, playing games, or just watching movies together.

These quieter moments are just as valuable as our busy days. I’ll be honest, when it’s cold outside, I sometimes find myself pretending to have a hot cup of tea just so I can hide for a few minutes! But those moments are vital. Don’t underestimate the power of a good Netflix binge – you’ve earned it, right?

Winter offers a great opportunity to embrace rest and recharge, something we all need to do to avoid burnout. You do not need to be productive 24/7, especially in these colder months. Embrace the slowdown! And if the kids want to have a pyjama day and build a fort in the lounge, let them. It buys you some much-needed time to enjoy the slower pace.

Distance: Both sections about 6km.

Level: lower circuit – easy, ridge track – medium

This is a great scenic walk. No special footwear is required, average runners are fine, and hiking poles recommended only for safety on the ridge track.

Getting there: From Gisborne: drive up the Calder Freeway taking the turn-off (C326) to Heathcote. Turn right after 7km into Ennis Road. The reserve is about 700m along with a parking area near the entrance.

At the entrance, there is information of the reserve tracks and it is well marked along the route. My preference is to complete the full lower circuit first, before attempting the ridge track. Highlights of the reserve are the granite boulders and the views from the ridge line.

A download of the Ramblers' route map is available on request.

Mungo scenes

These are two of the images captured of the stunning Mungo National Park in NSW, taken when Macedon Ranges Photographic Society members visited the site in May (story page 15).

by Andrea

To advertise in the Gazette, contact Advertising Coordinator on 0438 711 138 or email gisbornegazetteadvertising @gmail.com

But let’s face it, if you’re anything like me, slowing down isn’t easy. You’re probably thinking, “I can’t just stop!” But trust me, you need to. The world will not collapse if you take a moment for yourself. Whether it’s a 20-minute bath, a cup of tea in silence, or just five minutes of deep breathing while the kids are at school, these small moments of self-care will keep you going.

This winter, use the time to recharge, get extra rest, and focus on the things that truly bring you joy.

by Suzy

Blackhill Reserve Kyneton

Katrina Wurm

Photo

Photo

Notes from Daly Nature Reserve

This season’s dry weather has meant a lack of the usual display of fungi in Daly Nature Reserve. However, we did see this aptly named Spectacular Rustgill growing nearby in Howey Street.

The reserve is zoned Public Conservation and Resource Zone (PCRZ) to protect the natural environment. Conservation includes the nurturing of flora which has existed in the reserve for many years, well before European settlement and is known as remnant vegetation.

Our monthly working bees are spent weeding out the plants that do not fit into this category, such as ivy, blackberries, oak saplings, even agapanthus, all of which are likely to smother the native plants.

The mulched tracks through the bushland encourage visitors to enjoy the quiet space of nature whilst helping to preserve natural species which include kangaroo grass and springtime orchids and lilies. There are descriptive signs adding points of interest which also

mention that no flora, including seeds, flowers and logs, can be taken from the site.

The next working bee is 9.30am Tuesday 10 June. We advise wearing sturdy shoes but we supply gloves and tools. We enjoy a cuppa at 11ish. Newcomers are always made welcome.

Enquiries: dalynaturereserve@gmail.com

Friends of Daly Nature Reserve

Grab chance for Duneira winter house tours

The highlight of winter at Duneira Estate is the chance to take a guided Winter House Tour and learn about the history of this magnificent 1875 hill station in Officer Lane, Mount Macedon.

Visit Stuart Stoneman’s outstanding art collection and enjoy a delicious morning tea in the stables.

Tours are on 11 June, 9 July, 23 July, 13 August, from 10am to 11.30am. The cost is $35. Book online at www.duneiraestate.com.au.

Special speaker for Gardening Expo

Spend an afternoon in August with Jane Edmondson, co-presenter from the ABC television program Gardening Australia Gisborne Garden Club will be holding their Gardening Expo in August with guest speaker Jane Edmondson, well-known television presenter over many years.

Jane is well known in the garden world for her knowledge and love of gardening and has written and cowritten books on gardening and horticulture. Jane also writes regularly for the Gardening Australia magazine.

She has also led gardening tours in Australia and overseas.

When: Wednesday 13 August from 1pm to 4pm at the Macedon Ranges and District Motor Club, 10 Webb Crescent, New Gisborne.

The cost is $20 per person. Afternoon tea is provided. Please contact Edwina on 0407 576 545 or Louise on 0452 599 254 as bookings are essential.

POSSUM AND MERINO ACCESSORIES

Luxuriously soft & exceptionally warm. Lightweight insulating layers to keep you cosy all winter.

Spectacular Rustgill fungus found near Daly Reserve.

Jane Edmondson from 'Gardening Australia' is guest speaker.

Walkers put their muscle into Macedon forest

Gisborne Bushwalking Club started the month with a 14-kilometre urban walk along the Maribyrnong River. It was overcast but warm and it is always great walking along a waterway.

As we watched the clouds roll in we thought we would miss the rain but unexpectedly had to race for our wet weather gear as a sudden downpour hit hard. We all automatically looked toward the Ranges and hoped the rain was falling at home as this dry weather is taking its toll on gardens but more importantly the bush.

The club often walks throughout the Macedon Regional Park and we are strong supporters of the Friends of Macedon Regional Park, participating in the monthly working bee to improve the area for all to enjoy. Anyone can volunteer to assist at the working bee and our wonderful leader, Ken Wheeler, would welcome more volunteers to assist with the great work the Friends do with the support of Parks Victoria.

A few hours a month can make a big difference

and ensure walking trails and picnic spots are maintained for all to enjoy., Volunteers get a lot of satisfaction of seeing the improvements they make. You can email us for more information.

Our many and varied walks and activities have something for everyone so if you would like to give bushwalking a try, you can join us as a casual participant for $5 (insurance coverage) and see if it’s for you. For details about the Gisborne Bushwalking Club, please contact the secretary, Jenny, on 0438 691 801 or president, Gail,

Size not always everything in the world of fly fishing

Some considerable time ago an editor commented to me (I’m sure jokingly) that the images we submitted to her publication were all pretty much the same – another bloke holding a large fish they had caught. Well, we then aimed for a bit of variety, sometimes we even managed to submit a fly fisherwoman with a larger size catch.

Recently the reports back to the club from around the lakes, flats, and rivers have not been very good as far as size goes, however, we’re not expecting a gathering of Fly Fishers Anonymous (FFA) sitting around in their commitment and therapy meeting and despondently reporting a “blank” for their seven recent days of fishing.

Even a fingerling size can bring some satisfaction for using the appropriate gear and fly to land it before letting it go back to eat some more and grow.

I often muse on my past small catch favourites –beautiful rocky and close forested small mountain stream days: a rewarding riparian vista of dappled sunlight on grey granite rocks, green patches of grass, leaves, and twigs all cut by flashes of flowing silver joining small dark pools of water - fishing when size was rarely an issue but site, placement, and cunning were important. A fair contrast to any littoral venue.

If you are interested in fly fishing or fly tying, please visit www.calderflyfishing.com.au . We are also on Facebook and Instagram. Louis Bokor

Some of the Friends of Macedon Regional Park workers.

Left and below: Before and after the working bee.

Deborrah

Brett Johnson with his brown trout fingerling

Vet Talk Vet Talk

with Dr Caitlin Retchford Veterinarian

Avoid the wounded warrior

Get your cat a good fitting collar: not too loose, not too tight; it is an art in its own right.

I have just treated a cat with severe skin wounds around the axilla – what you might call the armpit – under the inner front leg. Left unattended, the cat tried to escape and pushed his paw through his collar from underneath. The collar – now pulled tight around his body and front leg –started rubbing then cutting like a saw into his axilla, a really difficult place for a wound to heal.

This one needed surgery and lots of time wearing a

bucket cone to stop him from causing further damage by licking at it.

Cat collars should always have a quick-release clip. This might have saved him from a painful wound.

The other issue is that he was out roaming when he did himself the injury.

The Macedon Ranges council requires cats to be contained at night. If your cat is a little too much of an explorer to want to come home, try fitting him with a harness and unleash his exploring potential more safely.

The following council web page has a lot of useful information about pet ownership: www.mrsc.vic.gov. au/Live-Work/CatsDogs-Pets/Owninga-cat

News from Obedience Dog Club

The May induction at Macedon Ranges Obedience Dog Club was not as expected: we had one new joiner... welcome to you.

People often ask me what the most common questions I am asked about dogs are, and I cannot lie, the most asked question I get is about food, and it is often in relation to something their fur baby has eaten which they did not know could cause life-threatening issues. While there are many, these are probably the top ones:

Macadamia nuts – can be fatal, causing vomiting, fever, paralysis.

Dried members of the grape family – can be poisonous for dogs. They can cause vomiting, sluggishness, kidney failure. Avocado – contains a toxin, Persin, considered poisonous for dogs.

Chewing gum – many contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener. Symptoms of poisoning include seizures, vomiting, loss of coordination. This sweetener can also be found in some peanut butter, so

beware.

Stone fruit – has seeds which contain cyanide. They are choking and digestive hazards. But most of the fruit is ok if the stone is gone

Onions/garlic – the foundation of many human meals can be a dangerous addition to canine diets. They attach to red blood cells and can leave dogs anaemic.

Ice cream – yes, sad I know... but unless it is doggy ice-cream, we should not be feeding it to our loyal companions, they are susceptible to lactose intolerance.

Chocolate – theobromine in chocolate is toxic to dogs so please do not feed it.

Coffee – will send your hound into a tailspin, make them restless, and make their muscles twitch. It can be fatal.

Alcohol – dogs were not designed to process alcohol ... please keep in a safe place as alcohol can be toxic and lethal. Visit www.macedonrangesdogclub. org.au, our Facebook page, or email info@macedonrangesdogclub.org.au and we will contact you.

Carol Instructor/Treasurer MRODC

Contemplating the catnip, contained on a leash.

SCHOOL'S IN

Holy Cross welcomes new principal

Eloise Meyer speaks of coming to Holy Cross as the new principal as akin to being embraced in a big warm hug, so welcoming have students, teachers and parents been.

“Meeting the students and their families has been a joy,” Eloise said. She comes with a vision of ‘excellence in action’ – an ethos of doing many little things with love.

Eloise grew up in Woodend and attended St Ambrose Primary and later Sacred Heart College. She taught at St Ambrose’s and Our Lady of the Rosary in Kyneton and in recent years has been a learning consultant in the Northern Region Catholic schools, working with school leadership teams. Thus, she brings a wealth of experience and educational knowledge to her role at Holy Cross.

Eloise wants the school to be better known in the community and is looking forward to reaching out to establish and strengthen partnerships such as the Kinder buddies’ program.

Eloise has made a long-term commitment to serving at Holy Cross and relishes the prospect of what can be achieved in the years ahead.

Bryan Power

Renovations at Macedon Primary School

At Macedon Primary School, big changes are happening. Renovations to the playgrounds have begun and it’s all very exciting. Some playgrounds have slight modifications, and some are being taken out and rebuilt completely.

This is making our school a safer and more enjoyable place for the students. It has been a busy few weeks. We are glad to share that the construction is now underway

outside our classroom, so we can see the progress.

We give thanks to the Department of Education for the grant of $300,000, which would not have been possible without the hard work of the former school council president, Julie Monk. We are so grateful for her efforts toward the school throughout the years.

We look forward to seeing the final product of the playgrounds.

Emily Bush and Indiana Cox

CAPTAIN'S RAP

with Thomas Barrand

Gisborne Secondary College’s Legacy Projects are college captainled initiatives designed to leave a lasting impact on the school long after graduation. These projects aim to create meaningful additions – whether physical or cultural – to enhance the school environment. Some Legacy Projects, previous or ongoing, include a wellbeing garden and a merit system, both of which have contributed to a positive student experience.

One of the latest Legacy Projects focuses on revitalising the school’s house system – Barcham, Bennett, Bishop, Cherry, Dixon, McDonald, Ross Watt, and Wurundjeri. We seek to breathe new life into the houses, making them more relevant and engaging for current and future students.

To achieve this, Gisborne Secondary is launching an exciting competition that invites all creative students to design house mascots or symbols inspired by native Australian wildlife. These designs will become the new faces of each house, giving them a unique identity and fostering a greater sense of school spirit.

The competition offers students a unique opportunity to showcase their creativity while contributing to a lasting school tradition. The best designer will be awarded a $50 Visa Gift voucher, recognising their talent and contribution to Gisborne Secondary College’s legacy.

All students are encouraged to participate and leave their mark on Gisborne Secondary. This is more than just a competition – it’s a chance to be part of something that will remain at the heart of the school for years to come.

Principal Eloise Meyer students Ava-Grace, Clarkson-Jo, Kaylee and Zoey.

Thomas Barrand

Autumn session –unlocking potential within students

Our Global Village Learning community are all abuzz after hearing the news that our second campus has been purchased. Ideas are flowing through the heads of the young, old and everyone in between. What this amazing building the Old Castlemaine Gaol could be. Watch this space as we grow from New Gisborne to Castlemaine.

Our young people have been busy across all areas of the community and have enjoyed working in the 'Make and Move' program using spoons donated by local opportunity shops, the young people got to cutting, sanding, smoothing, bending and sizing their spoons to create beautiful rings for their fingers.

Other projects have seen new challenges and new interests blossom as young people have begun works of composing music, creating traffic schools, exploring inspiring people through gaming, sports, fashions, books, arts and more, taking the lead in a drama, or public speaking through debate, as well as coding and learning the 'how' behind the games we play.

End of session solstice and later musicals are all under way, with lots of planning and discussion.

Bec – Explorations and Discovery Guide

Above: The Old Castlemaine Gaol has been acquired by the school for expansion.

Mount Macedon Primary School news

In week two of this term, the students at Mount Macedon went to school swimming at the Gisborne Aquatic Centre. We were put into different groups based on our swimming level. During the lessons, we practised different strokes and even learned some new ones.

We travel to the pool by bus. When we arrive, we are organised into our groups, ready to get into the pool. The swimming lesson lasts for 45 minutes. From what we’ve heard, most students really enjoy the lessons.

On 2 June, we are having a school excursion to Scienceworks in Melbourne. We hope everyone has a great time and learns something new.

We competed in District Footy on 7 May. To make up a full team, we joined forces with Macedon. Together, we played eight games and won five of them. It was a great effort from everyone involved!

We also have soccer and netball coming up and are looking forward to more exciting competitions.

Left: The 'Make and Move' program saw students use various tools to make rings from spoons.

On 27 May (after this column is due), Brainstorm Productions is scheduled be come to our school to run an incursion about being brave and anti-bullying. It’s sure to be an engaging and important session.

Flora and Jasper school reporters

Sporty New Gisborne Primary School

New Gisborne Primary School has always loved sports. We pride ourselves on being good teammates, encouraging others and trying our best. So far this year, we have participated in swimming, cross country, athletics and soccer. We have also sent teams to newly introduced district sports such as futsal and AFL nines.

Our school loves these sports because it is a good extra-curricular activity. They also teach us how to be “good sports” as well as helping with our fitness and stamina.

Each time we have sent a team away to play a sport it has been an awesome experience. It is so much fun to represent our school because we show that we are awesome athletes. We play with commitment, skill and team spirit. We also love to have fun. We wear our blue and yellow uniforms, with our possum emblem, with pride.

One of the best parts of doing these sports is seeing

other people from other schools and playing against them. Over and over again we have played against all the other primary schools in the Macedon Ranges and each time we come back with lots of great memories that we will remember forever.

Thank you to our PE teachers and all our other teachers who come along with us to the events. Thank you also to our parent community who often help coach us when needed and support us at home and during our competitions. Ava, Year 6 reporter

St Brigid’s Primary School Mother's Day festivities

Our entire school celebrated Mother’s Day on 9 May with our mothers as well as other special people in our lives. Students also had the opportunity to go to the Mother’s Day stall and buy a nice gift for their mum. Some gifts included face masks, bath bombs, hand cream and key chains.

We invited our mothers and other special people to join us for a picnic on

the grass. In the days leading up to the picnic, the students made gifts for their mums such as acrostic poems, fridge magnets and special badges.

The mothers were greeted by an array of food and drinks followed by a song sung by the choir, as well as some students reading a poem or things they loved about their mums. It was an awesome day. Ruby Spurling

New Gisborne Primary School’s Year 6 Girls Futsal Team recently competed in the district competition.

Ava, Year 6 reporter

Families enjoy the special Mother's Day picnic at St Brigid's.

What's been happening at Gisborne Primary

Running superstars

Some of the year 3-6 students competed in the District Cross Country back on April 24. Everyone had a blast. Many people made it through to the next level, which is the division event in Bacchus Marsh.

The weather was sunny and bright which made lots of us sweat even before our races. We competed against eight different schools, each one having immense talent in running. After everyone’s races our legs felt like they were jelly wiggling and wobbling on a plate. We were all exhausted but the teachers had more plans – we got to play on the adventure playground before heading back to school. It was an amazing day with so many runners succeeding.

Charlotte I and Lexi S, Year 5 Writers’ Club

The buddy program

Gisborne Primary School has an amazing program called “Buddies.” Every second Tuesday the year fives meet with their Foundation buddies, whom they look after during the year. Whenever the students do not meet their buddies, the Year 5s plan fun-filled activities, so they are ready to play and have fun with their buddies in the next session.

In the buddy program we have done scavenger hunts, Mother’s Day cards, sports activities and an ‘All About Me and My Buddy’ activity. The buddy program is a lovely way for Foundation students to find their way around school. It is also a great way for the Year 5s to learn leadership skills. In the end, we all have fun together, learning while enjoying ourselves.

Scarlett M and Maya S - Year 5 Writers’ Club

1st Gisborne Scout Group has busy month

1st Gisborne Scouts have had a busy month. They started by joining the CFA and going door to door collecting money for the Good Friday Appeal. The following week they set up shelters and chairs for the Anzac Day event in Gisborne and joined the march.

They went to Bounce Inc for a fun night on the trampolines and the following day went abseiling at Big Rock in the You Yangs. Their most recent activity was a Level 2 First Aid course, where a number of the older Scouts learnt to do CPR, bandage wounds and deal with asthma and anaphylaxis.

Three Venturers completed their 'Adventurous Journeys' over the recent school holidays. This is a four-day, three-night expedition planned and led by Venturers and is a significant step in completing their King's Scout Awards.

Andreas and Julia led a hike along the Great Ocean Walk from Aire River to the Twelve Apostles, accompanied by other 1st Gisborne Venturers Angus, Diani and Ben.

The second hike was planned by Emily from 1st Gisborne Venturers. She was joined on her hike by Oscar, Hugh, Rosie, Evan and Bronte from various Metro Units, completing the Canyon Circuit, Ocean Walk and Erskine Falls hikes around Lorne, before heading to Aireys Inlet and finishing in Anglesea.

Both groups enjoyed the variation in wildlife and terrain along the south--west coast.

Carolyn Goode (Joey Leader)

For more information about the fun and adventurous things that we get up to, please follow 1st Gisborne Scout Group on Facebook with the QR code at left.

Scouts learn life-saving skills.

Andreas, Julia, Angus, Diani and Ben went on a Great Ocean Road hike organised and led by Andreas and Julia.

Questions compiled by Chris Antoniou

CROSSWORD quiz

2. The name of a noble gas and the planet Superman came from

5. Most common noble gas in our atmosphere

8. The best conductor of electricity with an atomic symbol of Ag is....

12. Metal with the atomic symbol A

14. Common salt is sodium.....

15. Liquid metal at room temperature

16. Smelly metal with the atomic symbol Os

17. The main metal in our bones with the atomic number of 20 is...

18. The main element in stainless steel

19. Primary colour of paint made with cobalt is....

ACROSS DOWN

1. Element with the atomic number 84 named after Poland

3. The table of elements is called the........

4. Precious metal with atomic number 79 and atomic symbol Au

6. Cary Grant Movie called '........ and Old Lace'

7. Lightest metal with much use in batteries

9. Common name for dihydrogen monoxide

10. The process of turning Hydrogen into Helium

11. Another name for Tungsten

13. Element with the atomic symbol K is....

14. Essential in organic chemistry is.....

Answers p39

1. What is the scientific study of insects called?

2. What word begins with the letter 'C' and comes from the Greek for “beautiful writing”?

3. How many planets in our solar system have no natural moons?

4. Hemophobia is the fear of what?

5. A notorious criminal in 1920s Fitzroy was Squizzy who?

6. A 1970s ad concluded "we like football, meat pies, kangaroos, and…......................."?

7. Which is the tallest land animal on Earth?

8. Singer Helen Porter Mitchell was better known as?

9. Who wrote The Getting of Wisdom?

10. Who directed the film Taxi Driver?

Answers p39

KIDS' CORNER

Jokes & riddles

What’s the difference between an oak tree and a tight shoe?

One makes acorns and the other makes corns ache.

The cowboy wanted to die with his boots on because he had holes in his socks.

What sort of lighting did Noah use on the ark? Floodlighting.

I tried to catch some fog, but I mist.

Which knight designed King Arthur’s round table? Sir Cumference.

I stayed up all night to see where the sun went, and then it dawned on me.

What did the alien say to the petrol pump? Why have you got your finger stuck in your ear?

He went to jail for something he didn’t do. He didn’t pay his taxes.

Gisborne

Gisborne is the place to be Because there is so much to see From the sun shining, To lighting striking Birds singing, And people biking Gisborne is the place to go, You’ll always see people you know

KIDS' quiz

poets corner

Drive around the fountain, Walk in the park Climb up the mountain, What a start!

Gisborne is really cool, It’s where I go to school Many friendships have been made, My memory of Gisborne will never fade.

Daisy R, Grade 4

1. Who is Lisa Simpson’s brother in The Simpsons?

2. Proverbially, you must never judge a book by its…?

3. What is 2025 in Roman numerals?

4. Who wrote The Magic Faraway Tree?

5. Which team won the 2024 AFL Grand Final? .

6. Which car maker makes the Corolla model?

7. According to the advertisement, “Did somebody say…?”

8. Alan Border was captain of which Australian team?

9. Which is the fifth and largest planet from the sun?

10. If there are 12 birds on a tree and all but three fly away, how many are left?

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Winter

Gushing winds

Dancing trees

Snowflakes falling, floating to the ground Rain pattering hard on our tin roofs

Drip drop pit pat

Pat pit drop drip

Location and Opening Hours

5 Neal Street, Gisborne

Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 5:00pm

Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Practitioners

Louise Beer: Community Health Nurse

Rebecca Boyack: Occupational Therapist

Munise Bozkurt: Dietician

Jessica Fuller: Dietitian

Teagan Hawken: Podiatrist

Hugh Martin: Counsellor

Aleksandar Milivojevic: Physiotherapist

Ann Moore: Exercise Physiologist

Sarah Mullins: Podiatrist

Veronica Salter: Occupational Therapist

Geoff Sutherland: Physiotherapist

Our Services

We have a broad range of low or no cost community health services available at MRH, from Heart Smart Cardiac Rehabilitation, to Well Women’s Clinic, Strength For Life and many other wellbeing programs. Discover more at our website or by calling to talk to our team.

or call (03) 5428 0300

Ruby S, Grade 5

Drawing by Eliza Ransome

'Aloha' from Gisborne Oaks

Gisborne Oaks residents enjoyed their own little lu’au, celebrating a Hawaiian-themed afternoon in April.

Leis, limbo and lots of laughs were enjoyed by residents and team members throughout the celebration.

Gisborne's Bindi in topranked wineries again

From a review of 400 wineries, judges of 'The Real Review' top 20 wineries list have placed Michael Dhillon’s winery number 15 in Australia. Bindi Winery is the only representative in the top 20 from the Macedon Ranges. Judge Huon Hooke said, "It would be difficult to find a more vineyard-focused winemaker than proprietor Michael Dhillon, a true vigneron whose patchwork of small vineyard plots is as similar to a Burgundy domaine as you will find anywhere outside France.

"Capturing the essence of each plot’s terroir in the bottle is an ambitious goal that he regularly achieves."

Thread of connections at Ulysses motorbike club

Motorcycles are the common thread that weaves the fabric of friendship across the Ulysses.

The Macedon Ranges Ulysses Branch friendships begin in the picturesque Gisborne township where adventures are often planned and from there radiate outward, not just within our own country, but also abroad at times.

American trip

A few of us have just returned from a motorcycle trip across the southern states of the US, taking in sights such as the Grand Canyon, Nashville and New Orleans. Along the way we got to share countless laughs, meals and stories as our journey unfolded.

New memories were made and friendships forged that will carry us well into the future, through both the good times and the bad.

So, if 5G has not changed your life the way you hoped it would, check us out.

We accommodate a wide variety of riding styles and the members have accrued a wealth of life experience to share.

Our Ride Calendar is full of monthly Saturday lunch rides and Sunday trips, plus special annual events, and Wednesday road rides. Here’s a great chance to meet new friends with a common interest.

You’ll find us avoiding the housework and planning our next adventure at the Saturday morning Tyre-Kick in Brantome Street, Gisborne, so be sure and say hello. Check us out online at www.mrub.org.au or join us on Facebook for the latest news.

Matthew Dridan

Utah.

Above: Matthew and Michelle Dridan at Bryce Canyon,

Angelina, Stefan, Lorraine and Dare (sitting) showed off their festive attire while (left) Arthur limbered up for some limbo dancing.

Left: Michelle Dridan, Deb Freestone, Matthew Dridan at Mt Lemmon, Tuscon, Arizona. Pictures: Matthew Dridan

Michael Dhillon's Bindi Winery. Picture: Bindi Wines

Good news for Macedon Ranges Croquet Club

All our members are extremely grateful to the Community Bank Gisborne and District grant for the recent installation of a reverse cycle split system in the clubrooms. In summer the rooms can get very hot and during winter bitterly cold, so this will really help keep everyone comfortable.

The club’s AGM was held on May 14 and the wonderful people who held the executive last year will continue in their roles. Terry Goodley as president with Penny Krstev as vice-president, Sue Wild secretary and Denise Carter treasurer. Among the new appointments to the committee are Brenda and Jim Jackson, who will jointly hold the position of club captains, following in the esteemed footsteps of Gill Punshon who very ably held the captain's position for many years.

Club trophy winners were also announced at this meeting: Club Champion for 2025 is Brenda Jackson,

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Great results in petanque at national and local level

Mt Macedon Petanque Club members have continued with their successes at both national and regional level.

June Hunter and Rhonda Shears won silver medals after placing second with Roslyn Allen from Mt Martha in the National Triples competition held in Adelaide at Easter time. Players had to endure unseasonal icy rain and wind in Adelaide.

The North West Challenge Cup between teams in the north-west region of Victoria was held in Ballarat on May 4. Defending the title it won last year, Mt Macedon finished a

the Helen Shirley Trophy was won by Elizabeth Payne, Olwyn Snape achieved the most hoops run over the season, Terry Goodley had the most hoops in one (a little like a golf hole in one) and Jim Jackson was the jump champion for the season.

The new season will start in September but in the meantime social play will continue over winter, weather permitting.

Lyn Robinson

creditable third and fourth this year.

Competitions coming up include the start of the Golden Boule season of inter-club matches between NW region clubs, the first being held on Saturday May 31 at home to Maldon.

Anyone interested in trying petanque, drop into the club grounds behind the Ampol Service Station in Gisborne. Playdays are held every Wednesday from 2 to 5pm. Saturday playdays run from 10am to 1pm on the second and fourth Saturdays.

For enquiries please go to our website: mtmacedonpetanque.org

Alison Kinghorn

Busy time at Mt Macedon

The past month has been a busy one at the Mt Macedon Golf Club with several events conducted and preparations well underway for the club championship.

The club was well represented by its pennant teams with both the Scratch Division 1 and Handicap Division 1 teams making the final recently held at Woodend. Unfortunately, both teams finished as runners-up on the day but their performance over the season has made the club proud, as did the support they received from members on the day.

The April Monthly Medal served as both its own competition as well as a playoff for the March Monthly Medal, with the playoff won by Jim Hynes over Patrick Doyle. Jim continued with his successful day of golf, tying with Matt Willis for the April Monthly Medal.

The playoff for this medal will be carried out as part of the May Monthly Medal, which will also be the last round of the club championship.

The mid-week Mug of the Month was won by Terry Penney who returned a great score of 38 Stableford points.

With the membership year finishing at the end of June, a reminder is made to all members that fees for another year of golf at our unique course are due by July 1.

Sean Bassett

Mt Macedon petanque players at the North West Challenge.

From left: Elizabeth Payne, Terry Goodley, Olwyn Snape, Brenda and Jim Jackson.

Double premiership glory for Dragons

The Gisborne Dragons Cricket Club is celebrating an historic weekend, with both the 1st XI and 5th XI teams crowned Premiers in their respective competitions - highlighting the club’s remarkable depth and promising future.

The 1st XI clinched back-to-back McIntyre Cup Premierships with a commanding five-wicket win over fierce rivals Sunbury United, played at Macedon’s Tony Clarke Reserve. It was a clinical performance led by a superb bowling effort. Veteran Leigh Brennan starred with 4 wickets, while Josh Wills and the Vernon brothers grabbed two apiece to restrict Sunbury to a manageable total.

In reply, rising star Will Mackay stood tall under pressure with a match-winning 38* to guide the Dragons home. He was well supported by the ever-reliable Wazz Kelly, who added a composed thirty-one. Mackay’s efforts earned him the prestigious Gary Sanders Medal for best on ground, capping off a breakout season for the young batter.

Meanwhile, the fifth XI—a side packed with emerging talent—stormed to a premiership of their own with a dominant 111-run victory over Lancefield. Setting the tone with the bat, seasoned campaigner Steve Freeth anchored the innings with a superb 51*, while Under 15s standouts Sam Wallace (38) and Bailey Freeth (32) showed maturity beyond their years.

With the ball, Gisborne’s youth once again stole the spotlight. Bailey Freeth was unstoppable with four wickets, while Ava Hynes and Harvey Telfer each claimed two apiece, helping dismiss Lancefield for just 113.

Club vice-president Brett Vernon summed it up best: “Looking at these results and performances, it’s incredibly obvious that the future is bright for the mighty Gisborne Cricket Club.”

With premierships at both ends of the experience spectrum, the Dragons have proven they are a club built for sustained success.

Gisborne Cricket Club AGM in June

Gisborne Cricket will hold its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 12 June at 7.30pm, at the Baringo cinema room, Station Road.

The club is looking for passionate people to join the committee and help shape the future of this great club.

There are several open committee roles to fill or opportunities to be on the committee in other positions to be determined later.

Open positions are grant coordinator, junior boys’ coordinator, apparel, and vice-president. If you would like to know more, please contact the club secretary and president at email gisbornedragonscc@gmail. com

Bright future for New Gisborne Tennis Club

Another significant lighting upgrade this time at the New Gisborne Tennis Club is now completed, expanding opportunities for night-time competition and casual hits.

Mayor Dom Bonanno, State Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas MP and user group representatives were among those at Ross Watt Reserve to officially mark the project’s completion, made possible through $170,000 in funding from the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund and a $121,000 contribution from Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

With installation completed in April, the club now has high-quality LED lights on courts one and two, providing better conditions for everyone and supporting evening games, training, and ensuring more opportunities for community participation year-round.

Dom Bonanno said the upgrades were another win for the local community, and testament to what can be achieved when all levels of government work together to support grassroots sport.

“This is such a great outcome for New Gisborne and our broader tennis community," he said. "These new lights won’t just brighten up the courts, they light the way for more inclusive and accessible active communities. We know how important local sports clubs are to our community having a safe and well-lit space to play makes a big difference.”

New Gisborne Tennis Club is a small club and a little hidden away. It is in Ross Watt Reserve on Station Road, not far from New Gisborne Primary School and on the opposite side of the road.

Happy players and guests celebrate the new lights at New Gisborne on 16 May.

Official photos of the Premiership-winning seniors team...

...and the club's parent and child team.

Recognition and fun for Thunder swimmers on Presentation Night

Gisborne Thunder swimmers swapped bathing suits for streetwear for the annual presentation night recently. Joined by the coaching team and their families, they celebrated achievements from season 2024-25.

The night acknowledged results from the recent club championships and overall results of the swim season. With a pizza dinner and photo booth you can never go wrong, and the night was enjoyed by all.

Congratulations to all award recipients.

Age Group Champions: 9/10 Boys – Quinton H, 9/10 Girls – Skye K; 11/12 Boys – Samuel R, Girls – Ava H; 13/14 Boys – Caleb M, Girls – Abbie C

15yrs Over Boys: Jeff C, 15yrs Over Girls: Caitlin G

Overall Point Score Winner: Ava H

Overall Point Score 2nd Male: Quinton H

Overall Point Score 2nd Female: Scarlett H

Backstroke Champion: Male – Jeff C, Female –

Caitlin G; Freestyle Champion: Male – Jeff C, Female – Isabella C; Breaststroke Champion: Male – Jeff C, Female – Isabella C; Butterfly Champion: Male – Jeff C, Female – Caitlin G.

Coach’s Award Senior: Maverick H

Coach’s Award Junior: Samuel R

Encouragement Award Boys: Oliver L

Encouragement Award Girls: Isabella C

Swimming Victoria Performance Awards: Samuel R, Ava H

Thunder Club Committee Award: Kate H

Junior Swimmer of the Year: Samuel R

Senior Swimmer of the Year: Caitlin G

The club captains for 2025-26 have been announced and congratulations to Caitlin G and Emily W (captains), and Angus S (vice-captain) who will guide our swimmers in the upcoming season.

Next club night: Saturday 21 June from 4.45pm.

Caitlin G, Club Captain

2025 shaping as a giant season

The Gisborne Giants seniors are now five weeks into the team's first season and going from strength to strength.

Hosting Kyneton in Round 1 saw over a thousand people in attendance for the Giants' first foray into full senior netball and football affiliation.

A number of milestones have been already, with wins in every grade of netball and football by Round 5. We have also had junior players who started with the Giants in 2016 make their senior debuts in A grade netball and senior football.

On the court, Giants netballers are showing strong presence with the C grade team undefeated and the under 19 and D grade teams winning four out of five.

The under 19.5 footballers have followed last season’s success with only a single loss to date, and Round 5 against Lancefield was a historic day with wins in all three football grades, including the first senior win.

From left: Gisborne Giants Austin Burnell, Lucca Vavallo and Tom Doyle show the uniforms worn by Giants football and netball teams on Saturday 24 May for the Mundanai Indigenous Round. Picture: Chris Fleming

Round 7 on 24 May was the Mundani Indigenous Round, and Gisborne Giants hosted Diggers Rest. Mundanai is a Wurundjeri word translating to ‘embrace’

and illustrates the approach the club has towards the Indigenous Round and towards First Nations people and lands in our community.

Matthew Bourke

What is Futsal?

A simple guide to fast and fun indoor soccer game

Before accepting an invitation for my son to join a team I first had to Google ‘What is futsal?’. Fast-forward two years and I am now a committee member of Macedon Ranges Futsal and coaching a team of nine-year-olds.

While you may or may not be closely connected to futsal, due to its rapidly increasing popularity, it’s quite likely you have heard about the game.

The name futsal comes from the Spanish words, ‘Futbol Sala’, literally meaning football hall or indoor soccer. Its origins go back to the 1930s in Uruguay, when a fivea-side version of soccer was created. Australians first started playing futsal in the 1970s.

Unlike traditional soccer, futsal is played on a hard court and features just five players per side, including the goalkeeper – compared to soccer’s 11-a-side format. Substitutions in futsal are unlimited, allowing for constant player rotation, and the game uses a smaller, heavier ball. When conducted on a court comparable in size to netball court, these factors collectively result in a game that is markedly faster-paced and more dynamic than conventional soccer.

Domestically, there are opportunities for kids and adults to participate in social leagues through to regional, state and national competitions. Locally, trials for school-aged kids to represent Central Victoria are being held in Gisborne in Term 2. Contact Brett at centralvictd@australianfutsal.com or go to Central Vic Futsal Facebook page if you are interested.

On the international stage, the Australian Men’s National Futsal Team has proudly represented the country in seven FIFA Futsal World Cup tournaments and is currently ranked 52nd in the world. Making history last month, the Australian Women’s National Futsal Team competed in their first AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup. Although they did not progress to the finals, their debut earned them a world ranking of 59th.

Kristy Mutsaers Macedon Ranges Futsal committee member Futsal match pictures,  page 32

Gisborne Thunder coaching staff, above, and swimmers enjoying time in the photobooth on Presentation Night.

Kristy Mutsaers with her team of nine-year-olds, the Stingers.

Local signs with American football team

Last year in our February edition we featured James Burnip, a young man from Mount Macedon (once a ruckman for our very own Macedon Cats) who went to live and study at the University of Alabama on a scholarship in 2021.

In his time there he was the leading punter for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide gridiron team. Some highlights include his performance at the Rose Bowl, where he made five inside 20 punts; earning second-team all-SEC honours in 2023 for punting 59 times with an average of 47.6 yards (43.5 m); and being invited and accepting to play in the 2025 Senior Bowl.

This year James finished his College Football career at Alabama, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft and signed with the New Orleans Saints.

His parents Lynda and Mark back home in Mount Macedon are very proud of his achievements.

FUTSAL ACTION

Macedon Tennis club launches new program just for teen girls

The Macedon Tennis Club is introducing a new program, R2R (Ready to Rally), created especially for teenage girls aged 13 to 17 years.

Kicking off in Term 2, this fun and inclusive pilot program is part of Tennis Australia’s Women and Girls Strategy, which aims to get more girls involved in the game.

R2R is all about making tennis feel relaxed and welcoming no pressure, no intense competition, just a chance to be active, learn the basics, and have a great time with friends. Whether the girls have never picked up a racquet before, or are just looking for a casual way to play, the program is designed to suit all skill levels.

“It’s really about creating a space where girls feel comfortable to give tennis a go,” said a representative

from Macedon Tennis Club. “We want them to enjoy being active, make some new friends, and hopefully find a format of tennis that works for them and fits into their lifestyle.”

With a strong focus on social connection and enjoyment, R2R offers an easy, fun way to stay active and feel part of a team. The club hopes that after the program ends, many of the girls will continue playing locally in a way that suits them whether that is through casual social hits or ongoing programs.

To find out more or to sign up, get in touch with the Macedon Tennis Club at info@macedontennisclub.com. au or check out the club’s website, www.play.tennis. com.au/macedontennisclub. Spots are limited, so don’t wait too long!

Jodee Hurley and Angela Dridan

Katrina Buttigieg

James Burnip in action on the field, and with proud parents Mark and Lynda at a college match in the US last year.

Participants get the feel of racquet and ball at an R2R session in May.

Junior futsal, Hot Shots v Pythons.

Junior futsal, Stars v Stingers.

Junior futsal, Super Strikers v Bandits.

Golf Club thanks the volunteers

In May we celebrated National Volunteers week, when we at Gisborne Golf Club acknowledged and thanked the unsung heroes who are the heart and soul of the club.

From the committees who oversee the club and represent its members to the “green shirts” who assist with the upkeep of the course, to those who run the barbecues, assist with corporate days, promote the club through marketing, filming and reporting, manage the kangaroo tours, or tidy up the flower beds; our club would not be the establishment it is without the endless hours and commitment from our volunteers.

Over the past year, the demands on all our volunteers went up another level with the loss of the clubhouse. But the volunteers took it in their stride, putting their heads down, working harder to ensure club did not miss a beat.

There are also numerous other volunteer roles that go under the radar within the club, including pennant managers, ‘Funday Monday’ coordinators, and those

who assist with clinics to introduce new members to the club.

The general manager, Brett Campbell, said, “Every day I get to see the work and skills these volunteers provide the club across all roles and positions. Without their tremendous work we would not have this great golf club to enjoy.”

To our unsung heroes we say thank you.

Dom Hogan

Veterans put on a show to take out state final

In a gripping final, Sunbury Macedon Ranges Veterans Over 60s cricketers won the Victoria-wide cricket carnival run by Veterans Cricket Victoria on 20 March.

The team was undefeated in the home and away season and now has claimed this championship for the first

Each year around 30 teams compete in this event. The Sun-

bury Macedon Ranges team contains several Gisborne players. One, Alan Shipp, with 34 (ret) was the top scorer in the final, which was played against Geelong.

Sunbury Macedon Ranges Veterans Cricket Club has more than 80 members with two over-50s teams, a 60s team and a 70s team.

The club is always keen to welcome new players and members.

Anyone interested in joining the club can contact the secretary Bill Morison on 0458 040 800.

Small Talk

Five minutes with folk about town

This month, Phoebe Hartley heads to Gisborne skate park to chat with eight-year-old Kaspar, a busy BMX-er visiting from Melbourne.

Kaspar: I’m eight. One of my BMX friends calls me Kassie, some call me Kas and some call me Kaspar, but I don’t care which one. Today I’m at the skate park.

I like the skatepark, but the ramps are steep. One of them nearly flung me backwards the four times I went on it. It’s just very addictive.

There are mountain bike kids here today too. They’re doing 360s! I can probably do that, I can probably learn. But none of them are wearing helmets, which is pretty bad. I’m wearing a full-face helmet.

My best trick is when I’m in the air, I can turn my wheel left and right and middle, and land. I went on the dirt BMX track too. The mud wouldn’t come out of my wheels.

When I grow up I want to be a policeman or fireman or a famous BMX-er. I have a poster of one in my room. Probably a policeman would be the most dangerous job ’cause you could get killed by the criminal. I’d be good at it ’cause I’m very fast on my BMX, but I’m probably faster on foot.

Kaspar at the Gisborne skate park. Image supplied.

Golf Club volunteers, standing in front of what will be a chimney in the new clubhouse, are highly appreciated for their work.

Club president Alastair Boustead and vice-president Peter Buttigieg take part in the ceremonial turning of the first sod for the new clubhouse on 29 April.

SPORT IN PICTURES

Rafa and Neil enjoy the Seniors football

Gisborne Giants v Woodend, Under 11, April 27

Junior basketball, Bulldogs v Bulldogs

Gisborne v Castlemaine, B Grade

Saints v Rebels, Under 13, May 10

Gisborne v Giants, Under 15, May 11

Gisborne v Castlemaine, Under 19, May 10

Gisborne v Strathfieldsaye, Seniors, 26 April

Pictures by Chris Fleming

Copies may be obtained from Maddisons of Gisborne, Hamilton Street, Gisborne, at a small cost.

Pickleball at Tony Clarke Reserve, Macedon

Possums v Possums, Under 13

 Gisborne v Sunbury Kangaroos, Girls, May 10 

Giants v Wallan, Under 18

Giants v Woodend, Under 19

Gisborne v Macedon, Under 17, May 4

First win for Giants seniors, v Lancefield

Gisborne v Strathfieldsaye, B Grade, 26 April

Rookies v Kyneton, Under 13, May 18

Gisborne & Mount Macedon Districts Historical Society

LOCAL HISTORY

Gisborne Court House  4 Hamilton Street Open Wednesdays 10am to 4pm  Phone 5428 1450 e: history@gisbornemountmacedon.org.au www.gisbornemountmacedon.org.au

Von Mueller’s scientific study of eucalyptus trees

Edited by Robin Godfrey

In 1857, Baron Ferdinand von Mueller was appointed director and curator of the Melbourne Botanical Gardens. He still retained his initial post of Victorian Government Botanist. He published more than 40 books on botany, in English, Latin and German. He sent plant samples from the Botanical Gardens to more than 150 scientific societies over the world.

The following paragraphs have been selected from an article by Von Mueller published in the journal ‘Popular Science’ in 1881. At that time, the article gave facts not before published. Mueller did much to make the eucalyptus tree widely known around the world.

“Eucalyptus gum trees are the Titans of the race. In the deep ravines of Dandenong, in Victoria, a Eucalyptus Amygdalina (Black Peppermint) measured 120 metres in height; while another, on the Black Spur, measured 146 metres, thus overtopping the Pyramid of Cheops and every human achievement prior to 1881, and even beating by 47 metres the famous Sequoia gigantea, the biggest of the ‘big trees’ of the Calaveras Big Trees State Park in California.

In the Macedon Ranges was found a eucalypt which, at the height of 1.2 metres from the ground, had a girth of 25 metres, or 8 metres diameter. It is notable, too, that for the amount of timber per acre these gum trees are unmatchable.

In one of the densest parts of the Mount Macedon State Forest, an acre of Eucalyptus fissilis (named by Guilfoyle, 1877) contained 42 large standing trees and 12 saplings. Many of the largest of these trees were from 1.8 to 2.1 metres in diameter [measured about a metre from the ground], and were from 61 to 67 metres high. Nor do such tree heights necessarily indicate a very old age. Their rapidity of growth is wonderful. Saplings 15 metres high, but ten years old are remarkable.

Eucalyptus seed exported to Jamaica in 1870 and sown into ground at an elevation of 1500 metres, within six years grew into trees of 15 metres in height. Throughout an entire summer, the eucalyptus trees achieved an average growth rate of 25-mm per day.”

No one understood as well as Mueller the nature and capacities of eucalyptus.

He more than all others acquainted the world with it. He had a scientific faith that the eucalyptus was the ‘World’s Tree of Promise’. In this tree of Australia he saw the means with which to obliterate the rainless zones from the hydrographic map, to clothe with timber the desolate ranges of Tunis, Algeria and Morocco, and to render habitable parts of the Sahara by indefinitely expanding the oases, to restore fertility to the Holy Land, to give rain to the Tibetan Plateau or Chile’s desert of Atacama, and furnish timber and fuel to Natal [now KwaZulu-Natal].

sanitary, especially in malarial regions. That the Southern Blue Gum has earned by experimentation its name of ‘Fever-Tree’, as a preventive medicine, seems now to be settled. Its rapid growth must make it a great drainer of wet soils, while its marked turpentine-like odor may have its influence, and it is highly probable that the liberation of this essence into the air stands connected with its generation of ozone.

None better than Ferdinand von Mueller, however, know that, while able

But, whatever the sanatory activities of the eucalypt may be, the fact is squarely settled that spots of Italy, uninhabitable because of malarial fever, have been rendered tolerable by the planting of Southern Blue Gum, and it is believed that a more plentiful planting

to stand great heat, these rapidly growing eucalypti cannot endure extreme cold temperatures.

There is a great range of variety of the eucalypti and even an alpine species, of slow growth and of modest height. However, in the northern hemisphere, except in a few favoured spots, little can be expected of the semi-tropical varieties of eucalypti, north of latitude 30 degrees, until acclimatisation has been effected.

The environment surrounding the eucalyptus is claimed to be hygienic, or

would nearly, if not quite, remove the difficulty. A military post is mentioned in Algeria, in which the garrison had to be changed every five days, such was the virulence of the malaria. A plantation of eucalypt cleared the miasma nearly away, and rendered unnecessary the frequent changes of the garrison. In this case 60,000 trees were planted. But the eucalyptus has not just a few medicinal properties. Its oils and essences are antiseptic. Diffused in a sick room, they purify the air and generate ozone.

Already they have taken their places in the malaria medica as very important internal medicines. The leaves contain the essence eucalyptol, and a resinous solid containing a bitter principle not yet understood, and which seems to afford the means of reducing fever; hence an extract from the leaves, either aqueous or alcoholic, is used as a medicine to reduce fever. As a health restorer, water may be aromatised by a slight infusion of the leaves, a liquor similar to that of mastica can be produced, and the pharmacy gives instructions for making eucalyptol wine. Some of the species are tapped for sap, and gum-tree cider is obtained; the leaves of others yield manna (a crumbly white substance, of a very pleasant, sweet taste).

The famous East India kino, obtained from the Pterocarpus marsupium, a lofty legume growing on the mountains of India, now finds a rival in the Botany Bay kino, the congealed juice of the brown gum-tree (Eucalyptus resinifera), of which it is said a single tree is capable of furnishing 220 kilograms of kino in a year (kino is a gum obtained by tapping and is used as an astringent in medicine to control bleeding). In a word, the modern pharmacopoeia ‘Eucalyptus’, with its many preparations, occupies considerable space. A very interesting instance of what the therapist calls ‘masking’ is the application of the oil of eucalypt for the deodorising and aromatising of cod liver oil, thus rendering palatable (and even making additionally health restorative) this repulsive medicine.

Historical Society News

The Gisborne & Mount Macedon Districts Historical Society is holding a general meeting at the Gisborne Courthouse at 4 Hamilton Street, Gisborne on Sunday, 15 June at 2pm.

A presentation by Tony Azzopardi will be given on various youth sports within the district.

We invite anyone interested in the above to attend. Catering will be provided by the society. If you have any questions, please ring Frank Porter on 0417 146 584.

Eucalypts of large dimensions were found by Mueller in Mt Macedon State Forest.

Ferdinand von Mueller (1825-1896) helped spread knowledge of eucalypts to the world.

Tales of old Gisborne

The telephone exchange played a big part in the life of Gisborne of the 1950s

by Peter and Eddie Gardiner

Eddie: The centre of communications for the town was the telephone exchange in Hamilton Street. In the days of mobile phones, it’s hard to comprehend. The exchange was part of the post office. It was all under the one roof.

Through to the 1960s Gisborne’s exchange was capable of having just 200 subscribers. Peter and I must have been on the end of it when we got our own homes because my phone number was 198 and Peter’s was 199. There were 200 lights on the switchboard, which had two linking cables.

Phone No 1 was Dr Daly, phone No 2 was Gardiner’s Garage, phone No 3 was the Telegraph Hotel, and so it went on. When you rang by turning a handle at the side of your wall phone, a light corresponding to your number lit up on the switchboard. The operator plugged you in and you gave her a number. She rang it, then connected you by plugging the second cable into that number.

Peter: When No 2 rang at night, old pedal power would take over. Dad would send me off on my bike to get Harry Shaw out of bed to take the RACV call.

Peter could ride a bike but he didn’t chase cows with it. But he once led the ‘Sun Tour’ [cycle race] into town.

Peter: I wasn’t too popular. They were a bit slow in coming and people were waiting and waiting so I rode down the hill into Gisborne in my overalls. No, I didn’t get my picture on the front page of the Sun

Eddie: There were only two lines out to Melbourne. Imagine that. It was a nightmare for business – you had to wait for a line to become free.

No problems to talk locally though. Trunk calls to out-oftown numbers were timed in three-minute segments and the girls would cross the line asking, “Are you extending?” while filling in a docket by hand.

The exchange provided comfort and security to many, especially the old people – “Where’s the fire?” “I’m afraid in this storm”, “I need help,” “I feel unwell.” Just wind the handle on the phone and the girls were there to do what was needed.

The girls would relay messages, redirect calls to someone away from home visiting a friend, go outside and look for someone

in the street, especially the doctor. Like the policeman, the single doctor was at the town’s call 24/7. No rest for them – they were important.

There was a little wooden shutter that opened to the street where people could book calls to the pay phone in the red box which was outside. The pay phone took pennies.

The exchange was operated by girls from 7am until 9pm. They were usually rostered on in pairs. They were all required to sign a confidentiality agreement. The ones I remember over the years were Lyn Black, Lyn Higgins, Glenys Morrison, Anne De Lai, Aileen Comber, Moira Morris, Wendy Thomas and Lois Connaughton. How many locals courted their eventual brides through the shutter? I could name at least half a dozen –and I’m one of them.

After 9pm the night boys took over. Only one of them was rostered on at a time and they slept through the night in the exchange unless woken by a loud bell if a call came through between 9 and 7 the following morning.

Some of the night boys were Norm McKay, Danny Weller, Terry Collins, Les Brown and Dessie Higgins.

They also delivered the mail and telegrams during the day.

Eddie:

A PMG (Post Master General) phone box in the1950s.

A wall phone in the 1950s. Note the small handle at the right that was turned to contact the telephone exchange operator.

A telephone switchboard of the 1950s.

THE CHURCHES

Hope in the dry...

Some of the members of our congregation at Gisborne Uniting Church remember their Latin lessons where they learned that ‘Gaul is divided into three parts.’ That sounds much like Victoria. Our recent divisions are about rain – the lack of it. The east has had its share, sometimes even more. The Macedon Ranges has seemed blessed by balmy autumn days. To our north and west the land is parched.

One of the useful habits of congregations is to reach out to others, so now we think of ways of doing that for our northern and western neighbours. But how do we make that connection?.

First we need to listen to the farmers and others so affected, depressed and daunted by the cloudless skies and cracking earth. From them we learn something of what is needed. As Gisborne locals we cannot pretend that we can tackle the large issues but there are smaller ways of helping which might bring some glimmers of hope.

Our congregation will fundraise from 8 to 15 June for this cause. Perhaps we will fund some bales of hay or some petrol, or even some cash to fund a school excursion or football boots for a child of the farm.

This concern for others does not mean we are bound to be constantly gloomy. On Sunday June 22 from 2pm we will host those happy choristers, the Melbourne Harmony Chorus, for a time of foot tapping followed by our usual delicious afternoon tea.

Janet Wood

Harmony comes to Gisborne

After a six-year break, The Melbournaires Harmony Chorus returns to perform at the Gisborne Uniting Church on 22 June at 2pm.

Formed in 1991, this all-male chorus ranks among the top choruses nationally, and in September 2023, won the Gold Medal at the Pan Pacific Convention in Auckland for best Chorus in the Seniors Category.

Within the larger chorus, there are several quartets

Saturday 28 June

9am to 4pm (registration from 8.30am)

Venue: House of the Rock Church, 247 Station Road, Gisborne. Cost: $30

Contact: John and Jenny Barnes

Light lunch provided, or BYO Information: www.billygraham.org.au or phone 1300 799 727

Community, faith, and a bit of Bond

‘Muddy’s Musings’

The rhythm of the Church’s year offers more than just Christmas and Easter. Scattered throughout are special days that invite us to pause, reflect, and celebrate. Some mark great theological mysteries, like Trinity Sunday. Others honour faithful lives that continue to inspire us—such as the feast of St Paul.

In the Anglican Parish of Gisborne, these occasions are more than just dates on a calendar. They are moments of deep community celebration, as we come together to mark the patronal and dedication festivals of our churches. On Sunday 13 June, the Church of the Resurrection, will gather in thanksgiving for Trinity Sunday. Then, on Sunday 27 June, St Paul’s will honour its namesake on the feast of St Paul. Each service will feature guest preachers, vibrant worship, and heartfelt hospitality, reminding us that church is not just about

buildings, but the people who gather within and around them. Everyone is warmly invited to these special parish combined services. Whether you’re a regular parishioner or just curious to see what it’s all about, there’s always room for more at the table.

And speaking of tables…

Our ever-popular Annual Parish Trivia Night returns with a twist of style and suspense. This year’s theme? ‘Shaken, not stirred’ — a cheeky nod to the world of James Bond.

When: Saturday 28 June at 7pm, Jubilee Hall, Macedon. Bring a team of eight—or come solo and we’ll find you a spot. With laughs, friendly competition, and maybe even a martini pun or two, it promises to be an unforgettable night of fun and fellowship.

To book a table or reserve seats, please contact the Parish Office on 5428 3048 or email office@anglicanparishgisborne.org.au.

Fr Scott Mudd

singing four-part Barbershop harmony music, entertaining the audience with a repertoire of popular songs from musicals of the past and golden oldies.

The cost is $25 for adults and $20 for concession/student tickets tickets are available at the door. Afternoon tea will be served following the concert. Enquiries: Maree, 0423 051 318.

2025 SACRAMENTS

Registration is now open for Sacraments to be celebrated in 2025.

Please contact the office at gisborne@cam. org.au if you would like to be included in information sent out for Sacraments this year.

Holy Communion is available to Year 4 and above and Confirmation is available to Year 6 and above.

Sacrament fee is $100. Baptism details are required for registration. Baptism is available all year round on the fourth Sunday of each month. Enquiries to: gisborne@cam.org.au or 5428 2591. Parish Secretary: Tammie Dalgleish. Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 5pm. Parish website: www.melbcatholic.org/s/gisborne

Normal weekend services

Saturday 6pm St Brigid’s Gisborne

Sunday 8am St Ambrose Riddells Creek

Sunday 9:30am St Patrick’s Macedon

Sunday 11am St Brigid’s Gisborne

Everyone is welcome!

Tammie

Sponsored by Anglican Parish of Gisborne ■ Uniting Church in Australia

St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Gisborne

House of the Rock Church, Gisborne ■ Gisborne Church of Christ

St. Brigid’s Parish Gisborne – incorporating St Ambrose Riddells Creek & St Patrick’s Macedon Parish Priest: Fr. Vincent Nguyen

Melbournaires Harmony Chorus

REGULAR MEETINGS

JUNE 1925

Gisborne Shire Council The Home and Territories Department has asked for particulars of roads and points above sea level in the shire, to assist in the compiling of the International Map of the World. The Secretary said he had consulted the Engineer, who considered that some remuneration should be paid for such work. Cr Oakley said it was a pretty big order. The President said a map in the Water Trust Office contained a lot of valuable information which might be of use. Cr O’Donnell: ‘This is a big contract and asking too much of the Engineer.’ The President suggested that the Department be asked to supply maps, when the information might be written on them, provided some remuneration was made for the work. The Secretary said all towns, bridges, roads, etc., were to be shown... Decided to adopt the President’s suggestion.

The Kintrak coach service, Melbourne to Daylesford via Gisborne, started on Thursday

District News From our Riddell correspondent, we learn that a most unusual sight was witnessed with great pleasure and interest by many residents on Wednesday. It was the appearance in Riddells creek of scores of English trout near the railway bridge. These fine fish ranging from 2 to 6 lbs. in weight had evidently come up-stream and had congregated in the vicinity of some gravel beds which are popular with the trout in the spawning season. No local angler or old resident has ever seen such a sight.

Gisborne Gazette 5 June 1925

Melbourne-Bendigo Road to be a National Highway— Joy will be expressed by all users of the Melbourne-Bendigo Road at the knowledge that, in all probability, the road will be taken over by the Government on July 1st, and will be maintained as a National high-way. This will mean that an immense amount of money will be spent to make it up to date and able to carry the present day traffic and that in the future, it will be an excellent road for vehicular traffic.

Gisborne Gazette 12 June 1925

Nationalist Rally – Enthusiastic Meeting at New Gisborne. The number of branches that are being formed in connection with the National Federation is deeply significant of the very great interest that is being taken in the movement throughout the State. At New Gisborne on Tuesday night, General Forsyth addressed a large and enthusiastic gathering. It was remarked that outside the hall, the spectacle was something in the nature of a first night at the theatre. General Forsyth dealt with the problems vital to the prosperity and welfare of the Commonwealth. He referred to our defence scheme, or rather our lack of it, and showed the futility of Labor’s attitude towards this important question. One of the most gratifying features of the meeting was the number of young people present. Sunbury News 20 June 1925

If your group is missing from this list, please email gisbornegazetteeditor@gmail.com with details.

ADULT RIDING CLUB (Gis) 2nd Saturday Robertson Res, Sth Gis. ADULT RIDING CLUB (Bullengarook) 2nd Saturday Rec Reserve AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 3rd Saturday 10am Woodend RSL. www.mrarc.org.au

BADMINTON Tues 8.30pm & Thurs 9.30am, Macedon Community Centre, macedonrangesbadminton@ gmail.com or David 0419 589 425

BOTANIC GARDENS working bee every Thurs 9.30am-10.30am 0439 887 178 infogisbotgard@gmail.com

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 1st & 3rd Tues 10.30am, Canteena, Gisborne. Enquiries, call Lesley 0484 691 226 BUSHWALKING CLUB Various locations 0402 088 491 or secretary@gisbornebwc.org.au

CANASTA CLUB Macedon and Mt Macedon Community House Wednesdays 2pm CAR CLUB (Mac Ranges & District Motor Club 1st Wednesday, 8pm, Steam Park, New Gisb. secretary@mradmc.com.au CARERS GROUP (Mac Ranges) 2nd & 4th Thurs, 1pm Woodend RSL Cherry 5420 7132 (Note: 4th Thurs carers only)

COMMUNITY GARDEN Wed 9.30am Church of Christ (Facebook for updates)

CROCHET & CONVERSATIONS 1st Mon 2.30pm Gisborne Library

CROQUET CLUB Mon, Wed & Sat AM Dixon Field Terry 0493 463 357

CWA GISBORNE 2nd Monday 10am Gis Secondary College CWA MACEDON 3rd Tues 1pm & 7pm 5426 2210 662 Mt Macedon Rd

DALY RESERVE WORKING BEE 2nd Tues 9.30am Scout Hall, Daly Res dalynaturereserve@gmail.com

FILM SOCIETY 2nd Wed Norma Richardson Hall, Woodend 0402 299 153 or 0407 012 140

FLY FISHING CLUB 4th Wed 7.30pm MRFEC Gisborne info@calderflyfishing.com.au

FRIENDS of JACKSONS CREEK working bees 3rd Sun 10-noon

GARDEN CLUB 2nd Wed various venues Jeanette 5420 7303

GENEALOGY GROUP 4th Thurs 7.30 Family Hist Rm, Library GIRL GUIDES Thursdays 5pm Gis Scout Hall

GISBORNE SINGERS Wed 7.30pm Gisborne Uniting Church

HISTORICAL SOCIETY open Wed 10am-4pm Court House

LANDCARE: Gisborne Landcare working bee every 4th Sat, place to be confirmed each month, gisbornelandcare@gmail.com

LIBRARY: TODDLERS’ STORY TIME 10.30am Mon, Wed, Thurs; BABIES GROUP Fri 10.30am 5428 3962

LIONS CLUB (Gisb) 1st Thurs of month, 7.30pm 247 Station Rd

MARTIAL ARTS Thurs from 6pm St Brigid’s Hall; gisborne@junseikan.com.au

Baringo Film Club

Screening times: 3pm Wednesday 7pm Friday (NB pre-show hot snacks and drinks available at the restaurant.) 3pm Saturday

JUNE

June 4-7 Notre Dame on Fire (Documentary) 11-14 From Hilde With Love (German drama) 18-21 Paddington Bear in Peru (Family drama) 25-28 Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan (French drama) www.baringofilmclub.com

MASONIC LODGE 2nd Thurs 7pm Masonic Hall Aitken St MASTERS AFL Wed 6.30pm all year round Sankey Reserve

OBEDIENCE DOG CLUB Sun 9am Riddell Rec Res macedonrangesdogclub.org.au

PETANQUE 2nd & 4th Sat 10am behind Ampol service station, Station Rd, Gisborne 0439 887 178

PHOENIX ART & CRAFTS 1st Thursday phoenixmrac.com

PHOTOGRAPHIC SOC 1st & 2nd Mon 7pm Jubilee Hall, Macedon macedon-ranges-photography.org.au

PICKLEBALL Monday 6.30pm & Wed 10.15am, Macedon Community Centre, macedonrangesbadminton@gmail.com or David 0419 589 425

PONY CLUB Bullengarook 1st Sunday Rec Reserve

PONY CLUB Gisborne 1st Sunday Robertson Reserve

PROBUS 1st Thurs 10am Susan 0419 530 041 Gisborne Community Centre hall

QUILTERS (Gisb) Wed 7pm Room attached to Gisb Library

RAMBLERS Fridays 9.15am Tennis Club Dixon Field

ROTARY CLUB Gisborne 1st & 3rd Tues 7pm Telegraph Hotel (email gisbornerotary@gmail.com for confirmation of venue)

RUNNING GROUP Tues & Thurs 9am, 6pm, Sun 8am Gisborne Aquatic Centre Craig 0417 775 785

RSL Gis Bowling Club For dates & times contact secretary, admin@gisbornersl.com.au or call 0487 278 681

SENIOR CITS (Macedon) Tues 11am Tony Clarke Res macedonseniors@gmail.com

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCERS Thurs 1-3 Buffalo Stadium Woodend, 0409 166 783

SPINNERS & FIBRE GROUP Wed 12.30 Rec Reserve Bullengarook. Kerrie 0406 719 557

SUPPORT AFTER SUICIDE 2nd Mon each month, even if public holiday, 7-8.30pm Newham Mechanics (1292 Rochford Rd)

TABLE TENNIS Wed 7.30pm Tony Clarke Res, Macedon Stan 0437 508 338

THUNDER SWIMMING CLUB 2nd Sat 5pm Gisborne Aquatic Centre Peter 0402 088 491

TOY LIBRARY gisbornetoylibrary@yahoo.com.au Sat 9.30-11am 71 Robertson St

ULYSSES GROUP 3rd Tues 6pm Sunbur y FC secretary@mrub.org.au

VINTAGE MACHINERY Working bees 1st Sun of month, 8.30am Steam Park; meetings last Friday of month 7pm Steam Park 0419 393 023

WRITERS (Scribes & Scribblers) 2nd Tues 10am-12 Riddell Neighbourhood House 5428 7836 YOUNG VOICES Thursdays 4.15-5.45pm House of the Rock, New Gisborne; yvmacedon.org.au or sdggome@patash.com.au

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