Gisborne Gazette March 2025 by Gisborne Gazette Community Newspaper

Gisborne Gazette

Buckets of fun

Macedon Tennis Club members cool off under the water bucket before playing their next match at Country Week Tennis in Swan Hill in February. At one stage the temperature hit 38 degrees and play had to be called off for a time. More on page 33.

From left: Karen Mackwell, Heather Gilbertson, Kellie Spry, Tracy Newnham, Jenny Svendsen and Michele Narayan were so hot they jumped under the water bucket in their clothes to cool off between matches.

HOME PAGE

We welcome autumn with open arms as summer, with its erratic weather (which seemed to rise and plummet by 10 degrees on a weekly basis!) is hopefully left behind.

Our cover photo captures an extremely hot day for some local tennis representatives at the annual Country Week Tennis, played this year in Swan Hill, enjoying a cool reprieve after challenging tennis matches (read more on page 33).

Regardless of the weather, our favourite sports and clubs are one constant we rely on, with most back in full swing and sharing their enthusiastic starts to the year. Likewise school has returned and in this issue we meet our new leaders from many of our local schools as they undertake their respective positions.

We once again celebrate the new school year with a collage of our 2025 Preps from across the south ward, (see pages 18 and 19). Anyone who has sent their children off to the first day of Prep can attest to what an emotional day this can be, for the children and their caregivers! It was lovely to see many children supported by their parents, grandparents and other friends and relatives as they embarked on this new adventure.

This edition celebrates further milestones with the 90th anniversary of the opening of the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross, and the 150th anniversary of St Brigid’s Church (see pages 4 and 20 respectively).

There is also plenty for animal lovers. Learn about the tiny bearded lizards which frequent Hobbs Road in Bullengarook, the cheeky pup in Vet Caitlin’s column, and the two canines who received lifetime awards from The Mount Players they are sure to make you smile.

Happy reading and thank you for your kind feedback on the previous edition. I’m looking forward to seeing the leaves change colour soon. Hopefully we won’t need puffer jackets just yet!

Katrina Buttigieg

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.

New Gisborne: Baringo Food & Wine, Station Road; Smithy's Cafe, 3 Ladd Road. Riddells Creek: Newsagency Woodend: Coles supermarket. MEMBER 2024

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

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.

My name is Charlie and I am 14 years old and yes, I am a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. I have been supervising my owners, Robin and Lou, deliver the Gazettes to letterboxes in Gisborne for the past five human years.

We go out when it’s dry as I do not like getting wet paws and we do not want the Gazettes to get wet. As I am getting on in years, Maxine has recently kindly changed our delivery area to accommodate my ageing body.

Although I do miss the kangaroos and rabbits we used to see in the old area, each delivery brings new smells around every corner, so when we get home, there is always a treat waiting for me and then I enjoy a nap or two afterwards. As

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

Gisborne Gazette Community Newspaper Inc. ABN 727 412 060 17

told to Maxine Barker

Robin, Charlie and Lou.

Jonathan Crocket sent in this photo of Cunninghams skinks in his New Gisborne yard. He writes that this species of skink is endemic to the western part of Victoria. "The adults in this family appeared in our garden about four years ago. The juvenile appeared a year ago. We watch them with great interest. They seem to have displaced blue-tongued lizards close to our house." Another surprise lizard sighting ▶ page 25

Local veteran’s story to feature at Anzac Day Dawn Service

Dr Francis (Frank) Donovan OAM will be one of the ex-service people featured at this year’s Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service, an event he has been involved in for over 20 years.

The theme for this year’s service is ‘The Unseen Wounds of Conflict’, exploring the many impacts war has on those who serve, from the physical injuries to the mental effects and the wider repercussions for families.

As part of the service, the stories of local veterans will be shared, including that of 78-year-old Frank. Frank, who is a past member of the Gisborne RSL branch, served as a medic in an infantry unit in the Vietnam War.

“I was only 19, just like the song by Redgum,” Frank said. “I enlisted on 2 March 1964.” He has vivid memories that have stayed with him to this day.

“My unit was not involved in the battle [of Long Tan] itself but at first light on 19 August, we accompanied the remnant D Company 6RAR back to the battlefield so they could recover their wounded and count enemy dead. Decades later, I continued counting enemy dead at Long Tan in my sleep and even in waking hours."

Frank’s experiences during his time of service shaped his choice of career later in life, gaining a social work degree with distinction at age 33, and since specialising in psychotherapy, counselling and political and social change with individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities around Australia.

“My decision to go into this field was heavily influenced by my role in and survival of the Vietnam War and its impact on and implications for veterans, their partners and children including myself and my family.”

Francis is one of the founders of the national Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service, now known as Open Arms, and the WA branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia. His 2017 Order of Australia was awarded for service to Australian veterans.

He said, “I am honoured that my story will be part of the service this year.”

The service begins at 6am and runs for approximately an hour. Access to the Dawn Service is via bus only. Cameron Drive, Mount Macedon, will be closed to all private vehicles including bicycles.

People wishing to attend the Dawn Service are encouraged to book a seat on one of the free bus services that will operate from towns across the Macedon Ranges booking details will be shared closer to the

event. For more information, visit www.mtmacedondawnservice.org and follow updates at www.facebook. com/MountMacedonAnzacDayDawnService.

Community Bank seeks new engagement officer

For the past decade, Corinne Shaddock has been the heart of community engagement at Community Bank Gisborne & District and Macedon Ranges Community Enterprises, starting her journey with the bank back in July 2014.

Corinne recently made the exciting move to Glenelg, South Australia. Her absence will be deeply felt. As our Community Engagement Officer, Corinne worked tirelessly to inspire and support the people, groups, and events that make Gisborne and the Macedon Ranges such a vibrant place to live.

Her role was all about connection, bringing people together, celebrating volunteers, and helping local groups access grants, sponsorships, scholarships, and donations. From championing initiatives such as the L2P learner-driver program to supporting youth through scholarships, Corinne’s passion for empowering the community has been inspiring. Hosting the bank's community investment evenings has been another highlight of Corinne’s contributions.

Reflecting on her time, Corinne said, “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to get to know my community better through my work at the Community Bank and I thank everyone who collaborated with me along the way.”

While we know these are big shoes to fill, we are excited to start our search for a new community engagement superstar. If you are passionate about community engagement, marketing, and making a real impact, we’d love to hear from you. For more information, visit our job ad at www.ethicaljobs.com.au

For more information, please contact Jo Irwin via ceo@macedonrangescommunityenterprises.com.au.

Money for Gisborne Primary

Gisborne Primary School is to receive $106,000 this year for maintenance projects under the State Government's Planned Maintenance Program, following a ramp safety audit. The funding covers a complete rebuild of two ramps, partial rebuild of one ramp and minor works at three ramps. The grant was announced by local member Mary-Anne Thomas in February.

Frank Donovan in Vietnam, 1967

Frank Donovan speaks at the Dawn Service in 2022.

Corinne Shaddock

Joanne McFadyen

'What can I do, Watkins?'

Memorial Cross is 90

The Gazette has received information from 93-yearold Roger Watkins to alert us to the fact that the 90th anniversary of the official opening of the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross will be reached this month, on Sunday 16 March.

Roger, as a small child, was there that day in 1935 with his parents to see the Victorian Premier, Sir Stanley Argyle, lead the ceremony.

Mr Watkins’ father, Edward Colston Watkins, was employed by William Cameron at Cameron Lodge as a chauffeur and handyman from 1922 to 1939. The family lived in the cottage on the property and Roger, with his brothers Geoff and Leonard and sister Olwen, walked to Mt Macedon State School.

When Watkins (“That’s how Mr Cameron addressed my father”) drove Mr Cameron in the car he wore a uniform with a cap and leather leggings. Mr Cameron owned several cars over the years: a Stutz, Packard, Chrysler S3 and a Standard Swallow that is now owned by a man in England and is still being driven.

Roger tells how he believes the cross came about.

“My father told me when I was small that Mr Cameron asked him what did he think that he, (Mr Cameron) could do for the local people. My father had survived four years in France with the British Army serving as a truck driver and he said, ‘You could put a cross up on the Mount and dedicate it to the thousands of soldiers who were lost.’ ‘That’s a good idea’, was Mr Cameron’s reply and, as they say, the rest is history.”

Run the Rock – 22 March

Join this year's Run the Rock, to be held at Hanging Rock on 22 March. Participants can run their chosen distance of either the half-marathon (22 kilometres), 13.5km, 5km, or a kids 2km, amid the wonderful scenery at one of Victoria’s most iconic landmarks. There will be live music, a barbecue, games for kids, and food trucks and drinks waiting at the finish line for runners to celebrate their achievements.

The organisers hope to inspire the next generation of runners with a school team incentive, whereby local schools can go in a draw to win prizes when they register a team in the event.

Rare botanical sight in Kilmore Road

There has been much media coverage recently of rare plants flowering in botanic gardens around the country. Well, Gisborne can put in its claim for a long-lived plant that flowers only once in its lifetime. And that event is happening now.

An Agave americana, commonly known as the century plant, is dramatically flowering in a garden in Kilmore Road. It is a succulent native to Mexico and its towering, flowering stalk, covered in clusters of yellow flowers, is a dramatic sight.

Lots of birds have been flocking to the flowers each day and even two fruit bats have been seen feeding there.

Century plants bloom only once in their lifetime, usually after several decades, before dying back.

This year they have also introduced a Summit Walk in partnership with Macedon Ranges Shire Council. This park ranger-guided 75-minute experience of the Hanging Rock Summit Walking Trail is the perfect way to extend the Run the Rock experience. Visit Run the Rock www.solemotive.com/ pages/run-the-rock-home Register at www.raceroster.com/events/2025/ 82678/run-the-rock-2025.

A 1933 Swallow Standard SS1 like the one Roger Watkins' father drove for William Cameron of Cameron Lodge, Mount Macedon.

Picture: Jo Mott

The flowering agave americana is a mecca for parrots.

Great lineup for music festival

The Macedon Ranges Music Festival at Hanging Rock returns on Saturday 29 March, with an incredible lineup of live music.

The festival promises an unforgettable day of outstanding performances, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere—all while raising funds for the Cambodian Kids Foundation.

This year’s festival will be headlined by Emma Donovan, one of Australia’s most powerful and soulful voices, known for her deep connection to Indigenous culture and storytelling through music. Steph Strings, the dynamic fingerstyle guitarist and singer-songwriter, will captivate audiences with her internationally acclaimed show that has sold out venues around the world. The ever-energetic Hot Potato Band will transform Hanging Rock into a New Orleans-style street party with their infectious, brass-driven grooves.

Joining them will be the soulful, blues-infused ninepiece band Fools, troubadour singer-songwriter Joshua Batten, and Son Quba, bringing the irresistible rhythms of traditional Cuban dance music. And don’t forget the cowboy hat—prepare for an interactive line dancing session with Country Struts Boot Scooting.

Festival goers can enjoy a diverse range of delicious food stalls, local craft beverages, and family-friendly activities. Tickets: Adults from $40, kids under 5 free. Available via www.macedonrangesmusicfestival.org

One hundred per cent of profits go to the Cambodian Kids Foundation.

With limited capacity and a history of selling out, festival goers are encouraged to grab their tickets early to avoid missing out.

Jimmy O'Hare

Community feedback sought to help ‘Shape the Ranges’

Macedon Ranges residents are invited to share their views on rates, roads, rubbish and more, to help the council review and refresh a series of key council documents.

‘Shaping the Ranges’ will put the spotlight back on multi-year documents adopted in 2021 – the Community Vision, Council Plan, Financial Plan, Asset Plan and Revenue and Rating Plan – which act as the driving pillars for the council.

This multi-stage consultation will see revised documents informed by external feedback from the community and key organisations, internal feedback from councillors and council staff, and a focused engagement with a demographically representative community assembly.

Mayor Dom Bonanno encouraged anyone with an

opinion on what the council should prioritise over the next four years, or anyone who held a vision more broadly for the shire’s future, to take the time to review the existing documents and provide feedback.

As with the process of finalising the original documents in 2021, the council is complementing broader community consultation with a community assembly, comprising approximately 30 members independently selected to represent the broad demographics of the community.

This assembly will be asked to participate in four inperson sessions across March and April, to deliberate on the documents and provide feedback.

Visit www.yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/shaping-ranges and follow the survey link to have your say, with submissions in this first phase invited until 18 March.

Introducing Changemakers Macedon Ranges

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is partnering the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group to launch a shirewide, week-long festival of fun, practical, and interactive workshops designed to help residents try a new change.

Maybe you have been thinking about how to start a veggie patch? Or keen to learn a few ways to make your grocery shopping go further with zero waste cooking classes? Perhaps you’d like to deep dive into how the neighbours planned for a new energy-efficient home?

Or maybe you’d like to discover how you can get that old bike running smoothly again? This week-long celebration of solutions can help you get started.

Changemakers Macedon Ranges will kick off with the Riddells Creek Enviro-Energy Expo where there will be interactive stalls, expert speakers and panel discussions on Saturday 15 March, and will run through to Sunday 23 March. All events are free and family friendly.

The council’s planning and environment director, Rebecca Stockfeld, commended the Changemakers program, saying, “Changemakers provides a wonderful opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together and learn a new life skill, and work towards making a real change. The changes we make today can have a profound impact on the generations to follow.”

Workshops throughout the week will include zerowaste cooking classes (on induction cooktops), edible-garden tours, sustainable-house tours, bike maintenance for beginners, the launch of a youth climate group and a backyard biodiversity program, mending and sewing workshops, produce swaps and more.

Go to one workshop, or all of them! More information on the full program will be available soon on the 'How you can take climate action' page – /www.mrsc.vic. gov.au/See-Do/Events-and-Awards/ChangemakersMacedon-Ranges.

Check out the exciting speakers and stallholders of the Riddells Creek Enviro-Energy Expo at the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group website, mrsg.org.au.

MEMBER’S MESSAGE

With Mary-Anne Thomas, MP

Hello Gisborne community.

Do you know an extraordinary local woman? Celebrate their contribution by nominating them for the 2025 Victorian Honour Roll of Women.

Shanleigh Meldrum from SES Gisborne Unit was recognised as an Emerging Leader in 2023 for her work advocating for disability access and inclusion in the emergency management sector. I can think of many locals who would also tick all the boxes – and I encourage you to apply. Visit bit.ly/vichrw to find out more. Self-nominations are welcome.

Our work to upgrade and modernise local kinders and schools continues. We’ve just announced new funding for Swinburne Avenue Children’s Centre. The playground and outdoor spaces are being upgraded to become more inclusive and help improve supervision. I look forward to updating you soon on some exciting progress at Gisborne Secondary College.

If you have a learner driver in your family, I’ve got good news. We’ve just launched a new program called myLearners.

myLearners is a free 60-minute in-car session delivered by an accredited driving instructor.

The session will teach learner drivers essential road safety skills and help supervising drivers gain the confidence to support their learners to complete their 120 hours. Bookings are open now at: mylearnersdrive.com.au/

As always, I’m here to help on any state government matters. Get in touch via my website or call my office on 5428 2138.

Gisborne Golf Club news

Gisborne Golf Club has announced that builders are expected to begin site setup at the burntout clubhouse in the second half of March and demolition is expected early April, in preparation for building the new clubhouse.

A winning selection of entries from previous shows.

Flower and Produce Show returns to Mount Macedon

More than a century of horticultural history returns to Mount Macedon on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 March with the annual Autumn Flower and Produce Show.

The show is open to all residents in the Macedon Ranges, with no charge to submit exhibits. Entries from children are especially welcome, with separate categories available for different age groups.

This year the show will be held in the Horticultural Society’s Hall at 583 Mount Macedon Road, Mount Macedon, where it co-locates with the Mt Macedon Golf Club. Visitors are welcome on Saturday afternoon from 3pm, and on Sunday from 10am, when Devonshire teas will be available.

The Mt Macedon and District Horticultural Society was formed in 1922 and has held autumn shows almost every year since. However, the spirit of the show dates back even earlier, with a competitive show held to show off flowers and produce from many grand gardens in the area, several of which had teams of gardeners employed full-time.

While those times have gone, there are many large and small gardens in Mt Macedon and surrounding towns where the owners continue the tradition of growing a wide range of flowers, plants and produce.

The full list of categories, together details for entering, can be found at mountmacedonhorticulture.org.au or on the society’s Facebook page.

Hello All,

COUNCILLOR'S COLUMN

With Cr Dominic Bonanno

It’s been a while since our last Councillor Column and a lot has happened in the meantime!

Elections were held late last year, and I had the honour of being elected for my second term to represent the community I love. I want to acknowledge our previous councillors, Rob Guthrie and Anne Moore, for their contribution to our community and congratulate both Christine Walker and Alison Joseph on their success. I look forward to working with them both to ensure great outcomes for our community.

After the election, one of our first tasks was to elect a mayor and my fellow councillors voted unanimously for me to be mayor of the Macedon Ranges for a one-year term. A privilege and position I hold very dear and with great pride; I won’t let you down.

As a council and new mayor, we hit the ground running. I’m proud of our response to the Bullengarook fires and the way the community came together, looking out for each other and ensuring lives were saved (including livestock) and limiting damage to properties. If you haven’t got the Vic Emergency app on your phone, please download it – it may save your life or someone you love one day.

The first 12 months of council are a busy time with many key documents requiring review via deliberative engagement. They include:

Community Vision

Council Plan

Financial Plan

Asset Plan

Revenue and Rating Plan

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/shaping-ranges and completing the survey link on our existing documents.

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

Take care and see you around town!

Proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Gisborne

Gisborne CFA busy on varied fronts as juniors bring home prizes

The Gisborne CFA has had a hectic couple of months, responding to multiple fires and emergencies in the region.

Strike team deployment

On 28 January, Tanker 1 was deployed as part of a strike team to assist with the devastating fires at the Little Desert National Park. Over four days, the strike team worked tirelessly to contain the fires, covering a large area including Dimboola and Halls Gap. The crew’s efforts were outstanding, and their dedication is truly appreciated.

Local grass fires

In addition to the strike team deployment, the Gisborne CFA has also responded to multiple grass fires in the local area. These fires serve as a reminder that we are still in the fire danger period, and it is essential to take precautions to prevent fires from starting.

Important reminders

The Gisborne CFA would like to remind everyone that: Burning off is not permitted without a valid permit. No fires of any kind can be lit on a day of Total Fire Ban.

Everyone is urged to exercise caution to help prevent fires and keep our community safe.

Gisborne Junior Running Team sets the pace!

Our talented junior athletes have been making waves in competitions across the state, and their latest achievement is something to be proud of.

On February 8, the team competed at Osborne Park in Geelong, bringing home an impressive haul of medals and accolades. Here are the highlights: Marshall Event: First place, with two team members securing third and fourth places.

Hydrant Race: First and second places.

Y Coupling Event: Fourth place, with two team members taking out first place.

Wet Hose Events: Multiple podium finishes,

ncluding first place in the Wet Hose Striking and first and second in Discs event. Join the Team!

The Gisborne Junior Running Team is looking to establish an under-14s team and is seeking new members. If you have a young teenager interested in joining, please send a message to our Facebook page for more information on training schedules and locations. You can also visit us at the Gisborne Fire Station.

Congratulations to the team on their outstanding achievements! We’re excited to see what the future holds for these talented young athletes.

Ian Ward, Community Safety Officer, Gisborne CFA

GISBORNE COMMUNITY CARE FOODBANK

Food insecurity is a growing issue in Australia, and the Macedon Ranges is no exception. For more than five years, Gisborne Foodbank has been providing essential food assistance to individuals and families in need, ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry.

Thanks to the dedication of our incredible volunteers, we collect, sort and distribute food to those facing hardship, offering a vital lifeline to many.

The weekly operation of the Gisborne Foodbank is currently overseen by Lynne, our operations manager, who has been doing a sterling job of leading the team of volunteers for the past four years. Unfortunately for the Foodbank, Lynne has decided to move on to other things and so we are looking for a new operations manager to step into this important community role.

This role is crucial in ensuring the smooth day-today running of the Foodbank, including managing food distribution, overseeing inventory, ensuring food safety compliance, and coordinating volunteers. Strong organisational and interpersonal skills are essential.

If you are passionate about making a difference and can commit time, about 16 hours a week, to this rewarding volunteer role, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us at gisborneccf@gmail.com or call Lynne on 0492 850 520 or Wally on 0401 031 767.

Local member Mary-Anne Thomas (centre), visits the Gisborne Foodbank team.

MACEDON & MOUNT MACEDON COMMUNITY HOUSE

MARCH ACTIVITIES

More information is available on the Community House website, www.mmmcommunityhouse.org.

Macedon and Mt Macedon Community House AGM – Thursday March 13 at 7.30pm

Free talk 'What is the purpose of life?' by Demetrios Kakris – Tuesday 18 March 6.30pm to 7:30pm. Call 0407 057 613 for any queries.

Barista Skills Course – Monday 3 March, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, offered by Macedon Ranges Further Education Centre; book at www.mrfec.net.au

REGULAR PROGRAMS

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

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

Community Gardening Volunteer Crew – Mondays and Fridays 9.30am-11am. Come along and help keep our garden at its best!

Playgroup – Mondays 10am to 12 noon and Wednesdays 9.30am to 11.30am.

New families are welcome to join our 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 to 12 noon. 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 to

Rotary Club news

Rotary

It has been a busy start to the New Year for our members mainly making use of our wonderful BBQ Trailer raising funds with sausage sizzles.

On 9 February we had a very busy day at the Macedon Car Club car show at Hanging Rock. Our newest member, Laurel Harrison, was there to help and also brought along her husband, John, who turned out to be an excellent sausage chef.

We have other sausage sizzle days coming up and also remind all the families in Gisborne and surrounds to keep the date for our Annual Easter Egg Hunts and Festival.

Planning is well underway for this event on 12 April. As always it is to be held at the Jackson Creek Reserve behind Coles. Further information will be in next month's Gazette

Lyn Robinson

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 to 10.30am. Held at the front of the House.

Gentle Yoga – Wednesdays 6.30pm to 7.30pm. For more information and to discuss prerequisites and fees, contact Loris at loriscassar@gmail.com

Libraries change lives; we wear T-shirts that acknowledge this statement. However, every now and then we receive messages that reflect this statement so well.

"Dear library team, As a part of the lead-up to Christmas this year, we’ve been reflecting on the people who have made a difference to our family. You’re on our list because of the warm and welcoming environment you create at the library, especially for children.

Your efforts to encourage a love of reading and make the library such an inviting space mean so much to our kids and to us as parents. It’s wonderful to see them enjoy books and feel so at home in your space.

We’re sharing this small gesture of thanks to teach our kids that Christmas is about gratitude, giving to others, and recognising the importance of community. Thank you for all the work you do to inspire young minds."

Libraries do change lives in so many ways, not just for reading books: we offer programs for learning and fun, a space to meet people and so many interesting resources.

The autumn program will be released soon with some great events. Learn from Guy Robbins, a local psychologist, the practice of mindfulness. Book for the three sessions 4, 11, 18 March there are two groups, Afternoon and After Hours.

STEM club 7+ will be four Saturday mornings, 15 March to 5 April, and for the littlest of the library users, Itty Bitty Playdate is a new program on Wednesdays 2-3pm from 5 March. Check the Goldfields website, Macedon Ranges Libraries socials, or call 5428 3962 for further information.

Georgina Smith

Gisborne Library

GISBORNE

Rotary sausage sizzle at the Hanging Rock Car Show.

Lions Club members reach milestones

Over recent months, a number of Gisborne and District Lions Club members have been recognised for reaching various milestones of Lions membership.

The following members who reached the 10-year milestone are Phil Hardy, Heather Sapwell, Ross Sapwell, Russell Walker, and Sharen Wicks, while Tony Fawcett reached the 15-year milestone.

The Lions Club is continually looking for new members to assist in its numerous fundraising activities with the proceeds being directed to those in need locally

Small Talk

Introducing a new occasional series, Small Talk five minutes with folk about town. First up, Phoebe Hartley draws out Elise Gow, 48, an artist who lives and works in Gisborne.

I’ve lived in Gisborne for a little over two years. We were in Queensland for eight years before that, and Romsey before that.

Today I had a meeting with a cafe in Woodend who want to put my artwork on a mural, and I’m collaborating with another fabulous local artist.

I work digitally and she paints murals, so we’re going to work together.

and across Australia. Further, the Lions Club annually delivers the major community event for Gisborne and the surrounding area, the Lions Gisborne Festival. At its latest meeting, the Lions Club welcomed two new members, Victoria Whalen and Debra Shaw.

If you are interested in assisting in delivering great community outcomes, please contact the Lions Club via email at membership@gisbornedistrict.lions. gisnet.net.au.

Russell Walker OAM

Gisborne RSL returns

Following the summer break, Gisborne RSL sub-branch has resumed our activities for 2025.

Recently, the sub-branch lost a much admired and respected exservice member, Robert (Bob) Francis who passed away in January. Bob was a Vietnam veteran and served as a medic in the Australian Army. He was an active member of the sub-branch who readily volunteered to assist our annual appeals and commemorative services. Bob will indeed be sadly missed by his comrades. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Gisborne RSL congratulates our member Ian Arnell who was recognised as the 2024 ‘Local Hero’. A presentation was made to Ian in December at the Gisborne Community Carols, the committee of which coordinates the award. For many years, Ian has been an outstanding volunteer for RSL, Legacy, Scouts, St John Ambulance, Apex, Lions, and his church. It is a well-deserved award for a committed volunteer in our community.

Looking ahead, plans will begin soon for the annual Anzac Appeal and this year’s Anzac Day service at the Gisborne Cenotaph. Attendance at this service has grown considerably over the past few years. We believe that this reflects the community’s support and expectation that the Anzac Day service is recognised as an event of national significance.

Darren Grevis-James

The Gisborne RSL Sub Branch has been part of this community for many decades. Meetings are held at the Gisborne and District Bowling Club and we have a social get-together at our RSL welfare lunch each month. Current serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force and Commonwealth ex-service men and women are encouraged to join the sub-branch as service members. We also welcome all emergency service personnel and all members of the community who share the values of RSL to join us as affiliate members or volunteers.

If you’re interested, please contact our secretary via email at admin@gisbornersl.com.au or by phone at 0487 278 681.

Darren Grevis-James, president

Last year I drew lots of Macedon Ranges towns, and Woodend was one of them, so we’re going to use the elements from that artwork to create the mural. It’ll be a good place for people to stop and take selfies and all of that. It’s really exciting.

When I’m not creating art, I like sewing, that always makes me quite happy. I like reading and listening to audio books. Sometimes my mum will come down from Bendigo and we’ll jump on the train together and go into the city and see an art exhibition.

I’m addicted to colour, obviously, so one of my favourite things about Gisborne is autumn. It’s absolutely magical, I just can’t get enough of it. Those gorgeous autumn tones get me every time.

New members’ sponsors Marilyn Bryce and Russell Walker, and new Lions Club members Victoria Whalen and Debra Shaw.

Elise Gow. Image supplied

A fun day held to celebrate community

The GREAT organisation (Gisborne Region Events Activities and Tourism) funded a family fun day in Aitken Reserve to celebrate Australia Day 2025. Regardless of the mixed feelings around the date of Australia's national day, our wonderful community deserves to be celebrated, we need to reflect on our past, good and bad, and we need to respect all those achievements that have made this community what it is today.

GREAT planned a less formal event with minimal speeches and mayor Dominic Bonano started the day and provided acknowledgements. A speech about the history of the area from the traditional custodians to current days and the history of Australia Day followed. The day was dedicated to Graham Dickinson, a long-time member of GREAT and organiser of many Australia Day events, who sadly passed away in late 2024.

A petting zoo, live music duo, lawn games, face paint and flag tattoos provided entertainment, and a sausage sizzle and snacks were eagerly devoured by participants.

Early drizzle dampened the proceedings, but the weather cleared and everyone enjoyed the morning.

We would like to thank Bullengarook CFA for their brilliant snag wrangling

Children enjoyed the animal enclosure and the face painting.

skills, 1st New Gisborne scouts for raising the flags, and the small band of helpers from GREAT who set up the area ready for fun.

Lesleigh McCloy

MACEDON MAIL

The leaves are starting to turn in Honour Avenue and there’s a touch of autumn in the air!

Macedon Men's and Women's footballers and netballers have all recommenced preseason training with very strong participation and excitement as they prepare for season 2025. Ashleigh Woda has been appointed the new coach at the Macedon Tennis Club. We wish Ashleigh all the best in her new role.

There are babies galore in Macedon of late, and all boys! Congratulations to Dion and Haley on the arrival of Tommy, a little brother for Coby. Keiran and Megan Donovan welcomed Finley on 23 January, another grandson for proud grandmother, Joan. Melanie and Jared welcomed Roy on 29 January. Lucky Roy to have big brothers Noah and Angus to dote on him.

After 20 years of keeping everyone’s cars on the road, Nancy and Vic Gill at Macedon Automotive (corner Smith and Carrington Streets) have moved on. We wish them both all the best and hope they enjoy Gippsland. They’re sure to be paying us the odd visit.

Rainfall in Victoria Street for the period 14 January to 12 February was 68mm, 64mm of which fell on Sunday 2 February.

Come in and see us if you have anything you would like us to include in next month’s column.

The Macedon Post Office team

Gisborne Uniting Church 15th Peter Barcham Lecture –2025

Jesus and the female divine in the New Testament

We welcome you to join us for an evening with Rev Dr Sally Douglas, Senior Lecturer, Pilgrim Theological College, University of Divinity, as she demonstrates that in the earliest church Jesus was celebrated in the language and imagery of the female divine, Sophia, Woman Wisdom.

As a biblical scholar, theologian, author and Uniting Church Minister, Sally continues to investigate sacred texts as she explores questions of theology, gender, meaning, justice and spirituality in contemporary context. Sally writes for both academic and popular level audiences and regularly speaks on podcasts and radio. Her books include The Church Triumphant as Salt and Jesus Sophia: Returning to Woman Wisdom in the Bible, Practice, and Prayer.

Where: Gisborne Uniting Church, 23 Brantome Street, Gisborne When: March 31st at 7:30pm to 8:30pm, Entry is Free Followed by a light supper.

Contact: Neil on 0408 378 722

To advertise in the Gazette, email gisborne gazette advertising @gmail.com or call/text Maxine on 0438 711 138

The late Graham Dickinson

Bullengarook CFA members provide welcome snag-wrangling skills

Safe Space marks three months of operation and calls for more volunteers

The new Community-led Safe Space for Macedon Ranges residents which opened in November in Woodend is set to mark three months of supporting the community. Created and managed by the Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group, the Safe Space has acted as a welcoming, non-clinical drop-in centre for individuals experiencing emotional distress or a suicidal crisis.

A 10-minute walk from Woodend Station, the space offers a compassionate and understanding environment where people can feel heard, supported and understood over a cup of tea. There are soft furnishings, bean bags, weighted blankets and heat packs for warmth on cooler days, as well as sensory activities such as drawing, books and games available, and access to an outdoors area. The calm, safe space for reflection is also supported by peer workers who are available to offer support through shared experiences and empathy.

“At the heart of this program are our incredible peer supporters, whose lived experience and compassion are making a meaningful difference. We are excited about the opportunity to expand our reach and grow the Safe Space to be available on more days, ensuring even greater support for our community,” says Fiona Lawford, treasurer of the Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group.

The inclusive and accessible space is open to everyone, regardless of background, gender, age or belief. No referrals or appointments are required.

The Safe Space is currently open every Wednesday

evening and every second Saturday afternoon. The Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group is calling for more community members with lived experience to volunteer so that the Safe Space can extend its operating hours.

To learn more, locals are encouraged to contact the registered charity via email at safespace@mrspag.com. au. Website:www.mrspag.com.au/safe-space.

If you or someone you know needs support please phone:

Lifeline – 24/7 crisis support service – 13 11 14 or text 0477 131 114

Suicide call back service – 24/7 free professional phone or online counselling – 1300 659 467

MensLine Australia – 24/7 family and relationship concerns – 1300 789 978.

Bridge club invites learners to have a go

Do you enjoy playing cards and making friends? If so, the Macedon Ranges Bridge Club invites you to its Learn to Play Bridge classes that start on 3 March.

“Bridge is a fantastic card game that challenges the mind and keeps us mentally active," the president of the Woodend-based club, Cate Carr, said. "It can take a little effort to learn but provides years of enjoyment, social interaction and friendship.”

The Macedon Ranges Bridge Club attracts players from Woodend, Gisborne, Macedon, Kyneton, Lancefield, Romsey, Daylesford and Sunbury.

Bridge is sometimes likened to chess with cards – it requires brainpower and logic but also partnership skills and perhaps a little luck. It is both social and challenging

– so fun for all. “It is a partnership game but you don’t need a partner to come to the lessons, as we can match you up with another learner,” Ms Carr said.

The eight-week two-hour Learn to Play classes start on Monday 3 March at 12.30pm at the Woodend Neighbourhood House. The cost is $140 ($100 concession holders), which includes eight lessons, class notes, an Introduction to Bridge textbook, two free practice sessions and refreshments.

Bookings are essential. For information or to book, ring Cate on 0417 549 041 or email cate2010@live. com.au. The club plays at 12.30pm every Monday and Thursday at the Woodend Tennis Club rooms. For more information see the club website at www.mrbc.asn.au.

Social support group helps residents connect and develop new skills

Being able to meet new people in supportive environments can help residents at risk of loneliness and isolation. Socialisation not only builds relationships but also improves mental and emotional wellbeing, fostering a sense of belonging within the community.

To help address this, Macedon Ranges Health has created a new four-week social support program for residents to meet new people and learn new skills.

Participants can enjoy hands-on cooking classes, take on DIY projects, and discover helpful services, gaining confidence and a sense of empowerment.

The program is open to any Macedon Ranges resident. For more information call Macedon Ranges Health on 5428 0800.

FREE WOMEN’S HEALTH CLINIC OPTION

Central Highlands Rural Health is now taking new patients for its free women’s health clinic in Kyneton.

The clinic is for all women, from going through puberty to those navigating menopause and beyond, and includes access to gynaecologists, endocrinologists and other specialist services.

The Women’s Health Clinic provides services in:

Endometriosis – diagnosis, treatment, and management to improve quality of life.

Pelvic Pain – comprehensive care for persistent pelvic discomfort.

Menopause and Perimenopause – support for navigating hormonal changes.

Menstrual issues: diagnosis and treatment of menstrual pain and heavy bleeding.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – tailored treatment and management plans.

Continence – solutions to improve pelvic floor health and daily comfort.

The health clinic team understands the personal nature of these issues and provides a confidential, compassionate environment, whether patients are seeking a diagnosis, treatment or advice.

Women across the Macedon Ranges Shire are welcome to get in touch. To learn more, call 5422 9946 or email whc@chrh.org.au.

Further to the in-person clinic in Kyneton, a free virtual women’s health clinic, offering similar services, is planned before the middle of year.

Peer support staff at the Safe Space.

Could a Gisborne dish win Edgy Veg Awards this year?

The Edgy Veg Awards are back this April for the fourth year in the Macedon Ranges, and now expanded to Mount Alexander Shire. Given only 3% of the local population eat enough veg, the event could not have come at a better time.

With 47 venues on board, there are more delicious choices, more opportunities to support local businesses, and new cafes, restaurants, and pubs to discover. The event is a competition for the 'Most Vegelicious Dish' celebrating the skills of local chefs.

Start planning your delicious Edgy Veg Trail now –visit our website: edgyvegawards.com.au.

Starting locally in Gisborne, there are two options this year: Macedon Ranges Wholefoods’ Mushroom Jaffle is filled with a variety of fresh mushrooms cooked in herbs and non-dairy fetta, a crowd-pleaser that is back to stay, and 3 Little Pigs Cafe offer their Spiced Chickpea Curry with seasonal vegetables, topped with plain yoghurt and pappadums.

Show your support for your favourite local (and not so local) venues by tasting and scoring dishes. Each score puts you in the draw to win fabulous prizes, plus your score helps determine which dish wins the title of 'Most Vegelicious'.

These awards are organised by Veg Action of the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group and supported by various organisations including Bendigo Bank Gisborne & District and Mt Macedon Realty.

We’ll keep doing the Bunnings sausage sizzles!

Cooking (with) class

We have done a lot of cooking at The Shed ever since it opened in 2011. There’ve been regular barbecues every month along with a few extras any time we could think of an excuse, and of course many fundraising Bunnings sausage sizzles.

But thanks to the expertise of nutritionist Munice Bozkurt, next door at Macedon Ranges Health, some Shedmen have been upskilling and are no longer limited to wielding just barbecue tongs.

They now have a better understanding of food groups, nutritional value, and ingredient preparation. They’re also dab hands at menu planning and meal costing.

They have learnt that there is more to cooking than sausages and eggs, and have added many things including seafood, pastry, pasta and bread to their culinary CV. They now know there are more condiments than just tomato sauce and mustard. They’ve also learnt how to use an air fryer. And it doesn’t end there because the classes continue. If any person or group is interested in attending one of Munice’s classes, either drop in to Macedon Ranges Health or contact them on 5428 0300. You might end up in a group with a few Shedmen.

Dental Talk Dental Talk

Game on!

with Dr Jacob Chan

Why a good sports mouthguard matters

As football, basketball, and other sports ramp up after the summer break, it’s the perfect time to talk about the importance of a well-fitted sports mouthguard.

In our practice, we see a wide range of sportsrelated injuries some minor, others more severe but all causing distress. Many of the most serious injuries could have been prevented with a properly fitted mouthguard. Injuries often happen when least expected, such as during a lighthearted pre-season training session.

How do mouthguards work?

cial piece of protective equipment. While its use is mandatory in some sports, we strongly advocate for mouthguards in any activity where there is a risk of impact.

How does a dentist make one?

A mouthguard is made from a precisely moulded, semi-flexible material designed to absorb impact. It distributes the forces of a hit so that the teeth and jaw don’t take the full brunt of it. A well-fitted mouthguard should be secure, extend onto the gums, and provide a comfortable fit.

Who should wear a mouthguard?

For anyone who plays contact sports— such as football, basketball, soccer, or martial arts—a mouthguard is a cru-

A dentist will first assess the health of your teeth and gums before taking an impression of your mouth. This mould is then used to create a stone cast, over which a thermally moulded material is shaped. The final mouthguard is trimmed and polished for a perfect fit.

How

has

technology improved the process?

Anyone who has ever dreaded the discomfort of traditional moulding materials will be pleased to hear that some dental practices now use 3D scanners. This eliminates the need for gooey impressions by digitally scanning the mouth instead. A 3D printer then creates the model, making the process quicker and more comfortable.

Open on Wednesday and Friday 10am to 3pm

We are here to provide temporary food assistance for those in need

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

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

With advancing technology, protecting the teeth has never been easier. As sports season gets underway, consider investing in a custom-fit mouthguard — it is a small step that can prevent big problems.

First Choice Care Solutions: Now Accepting New Clients!

Celebrate Cultural Diversity Week

Cultural Diversity Week takes place this month (Monday 17 to Sunday 23 March) and we are overjoyed to announce that we are joining Macedon Ranges Shire Council to offer free events to celebrate the cultural diversity of our community. This includes a Chinese Brush Painting workshop (limited spots available so make sure you get in quick), as well as a free lunch. Exact dates are still to be confirmed, but keep an eye on our socials and community noticeboards for more information.

Also coming up, we have a free community morning tea in partnership with the incredible Gisborne Foodbank on Monday 24 March from 10am to 11.30am hosted in our meeting room; walk-ins welcome on the day. Our last community Bingo for Term 1 will be on Monday 31 March from 10am to 1pm. Come along and join us for some casual games of bingo and some laughs with other members of the community. We are thrilled to welcome all to these free events at the centre; we look forward to seeing you there.

For more information on any of the above, please call us on 5428 3799, email us at enquiries@mrfec.net. au or pop in to see us at 12 Hamilton Street, Gisborne (to the left of the entrance of Gisborne Fitness Centre). Caitlyn Sinclair

Are you or a loved one in need of a helping hand in life? At First Choice Care Solutions, we provide compassionate, transparent, professional support and personalised care tailored to your unique needs. Our dedicated team is ready to assist with daily living activities, companionship, and specialised care.

Why choose us?

• Experienced, qualified caregivers in a nurse led organisation

• Unique and customised care plans completed by Registered Nurses

• Commitment to your comfort and well -being is our main priority

P: 0447 400 001 E: admin@firstchoicecaresolutions.com.au

Previous community morning tea featuring coordinator Bridget Wade, manager Melissa Kroker and admin support Caitlyn Sinclair.

Singers share grand plans for new season

Singers

The Gisborne Singers have grand plans for their 2025. Committee members worked hard with artistic director Luke Severn over the summer to create their strategic plan.

The first program, scheduled for Sunday May 18, will be Vivaldi’s Gloria and Purcell’s Come, Ye Sons of Art Away. The performance will be held for the first time at the Castlemaine Town Hall, in one performance only. Switching from two performances to one necessitated sourcing a venue with larger audience capacity.

The Winter Cabaret will follow on 28 June and then the choir will travel to Hobart for the Festival of Voices in July. Choristers are eager to attend this long-running successful festival.

The final program for the year, entitled Sanctus, will be held on Sunday November 30 again at the Castlemaine Town Hall. The performance features Schubert’s Mass No. 5 in A Flat and Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy

The choir rehearses from 7.30 to 10pm on Wednesdays at the Gisborne Uniting Church in Brantome Street, Gisborne, and now is a great time to join.

We are an unauditioned community choir and welcome new members. The ability to read music, although advantageous, is not essential.

Enquiries: www.gisborne.harmonysite.com or phone 0408 156 263.

Need a little crafty inspiration?

If you are looking for some inspiration to start the new year, how about crochet?

A versatile functional hobby with multiple applications and uses.

Craft Corner with Mary-Beth O’Brien

Thinking about small or large projects to start with, why not try beginning with a crochet kit. Crochet kits can be accessed from multiple internet sites and, locally, at larger department stores. The kits range from as little as $5 to as much as $500.

Most crochet kits include all the accoutrements to complete a project and include the pattern, wool, crochet hook, scissors, and yarn needle. Additionally, most online crochet sale sites allow you to remove what you may already own i.e. scissors, crochet hook, and yarn needle.

The variety of crochet kits cater to a broad range of tastes, including a vast variety of colour, texture, pattern and level of experience and knowledge. Don’t let being a beginner dissuade you from a lifelong ambition to start a new hobby.

As always, the bare bones approach starts with a simple pattern, crochet hook and your choice of wool.

You are welcome to join the 'Crochet and Conversation' group at the Gisborne Library on the first Monday of each month at 2.30pm.

The group enjoyed the January meeting with over five in attendance, excited to start the new year by sharing progress on our latest projects, offering tips and crochet news.

Alison Kinghorn

The choir back in action for 2025

the Gisborne

A sell-out show and Life Memberships awarded

What a fantastic start to the 2025 season.

Our production of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde was a sellout a week before it’s opening night on 21 February, ensuring a wonderful atmosphere for every performance.

On 14 February we had a huge turnout for the AGM, which is never boring as it is a perfect excuse for members to gather for a social evening.

Four members received Life Memberships on the evening two of these became the first canines to be honoured with this award. Reg and Millie Taranto, who never missed a set build, working bee or social occasion, stepped on to the stage to receive their trophies for “their pawfect input over many years”.

On a more standard note, David Runnalls and Karen Hunt were humbled at receiving their honours after

many years of dedicated service to the theatre. They are both very proud to share the honour board with fellow Life Members.

Thanks to an abundance of nominees, all roles on

the 2025 committee were filled, ensuring the ongoing success for the Mountview Theatre.

Our next production, The Girl on The Train opens on 9 May, so lots about that next month or go to www.themountplayers.com for full details on this and everything happening at the Mount Players.

See you at the theatre!

A young talent unveiled at The Gallery

'VISIONS UNVEILED'

Amaya De Silva is 13 years old. This is her first solo exhibition.

When Amaya, who resides in Hume, was a little girl she developed a love of art in particular the drawing of animals.

To foster her passion for creativity, her mother Anu, sought the assistance of an old friend and art teacher, Jennifer.

Over the past four years, Jennifer has tutored Amaya in a range of art media such as oil painting, drawing, mosaics and resin, and has introduced her to Modern Art movements such as surrealism, abstraction and pop art.

Amaya is continuing to develop and refine her artistic skills with Jennifer in prepara-

tion for her artistic journey through secondary school.

Amaya’s exhibition contains a collection of artworks that she has produced over the years, revealing a perceptive understanding of art well beyond her years. In her preparation processes she uses small, fast sketches. Composition layout, conceptual meanings and, most importantly, appropriate art media are explored.

Once the artwork has been thoroughly planned, Amaya brings it to life through her mature creative skills.

'Visions Unveiled' is on display at The Gallery, 684 Mount Macedon Road, Mount Macedon from Monday 3 March to Sunday 6 April. The exhibition opening is on Saturday 8 March, from 2pm to 4pm.

The Gallery is open Friday to Tuesday, 10am to 4pm, and is situated next to the Trading Post in Mount Macedon.

Sue Anson 0413 581 632

Two special lifetime membership recipients, Reg and Milly.

Karen Hunt

Karen Hunt and David Runnalls Life Membership recipients, with committee members.

The talented Amaya De Silva

Oil painting by Amaya

New coach at Macedon Tennis Club

Club members have warmly welcomed their new coach Ashleigh Woda, who recently moved to Macedon with her husband Brenton and two young children.

Ashleigh is a talented player and coach, having graduated from pathways with Tennis Victoria and Tennis Australia to reach 'top 250' status in International Tennis Federation under age levels. She also holds the Level 3 Master Club Professional Coaching qualification.

Growing up in Newstead and Aspendale, Ashleigh was home schooled from an early age because of her tennis commitments. She completed her secondary education at Caulfield Grammar where there is an elite tennis program.

At Macedon, Ashleigh is conducting

coaching sessions from kinder through junior to adult levels, with Cardio Tennis also proving popular. As Ashleigh said, “Tennis is a sport for life.” She added, “I am super happy and so grateful for the warm welcome and help the committee and members have given me.”

Ashleigh can be contacted on 0422 240 269 or ashleigh@vidatennis.com.au

The Macedon club has a strong presence in the Gazette this month, starting with the picture on the front page from Country Week tennis last month which a number of players attended, and the accompanying story on page 33. The club has also contributed an article about their coming 24-hour tennis marathon to kick off the club's centenary celebrations see the story on page 36.

GISBORNE GOSS

The Corner Cafe in Gisborne is under new management after the popular Salwa El Amin and her family decided to change direction in their lives.

They have sold the cafe to an acquaintance, who plans to ensure the same atmosphere and type of

Gumboots Childcare Centre in Willowbank Road, Gisborne, was due to open in February.

dishes remain available for their customers. After a long time in hospitality, Salwa wishes to pursue further education in the disability area. Salwa and Saad ran the Corner Cafe for 11 years and say they enjoyed every minute of serving the community and being part of it.

The speed limit along Sheedy Road where the Gisborne Motel is situated has been changed from 50 to 80kmh.

To recycle coffee machine capsules, take them to the People shop in Brooke Street, Sunbury, which is opposite the Post Office.

Ashleigh Woda at Macedon Tennis Clubrooms: a highly credentialled coach.

SCHOOL'S IN

Student

New Gisborne Primary School’s 2025 Student Leaders are embracing the challenge and excitement of their new leadership with confidence and charisma.

Jessie: I’m feeling excited to speak in front of parents, students, and visitors at our weekly assemblies. We have already started running assemblies and it is a great opportunity to build our confidence.

Poppy: I’m looking forward to working with our Principal Mr West and Assistant Principal Mrs Boyd. I want to make the most of lots of opportunities to represent the students of NGPS and make our school the best it can be.

Esther: I’m really excited to be able to help younger kids so that they can possibly do great stuff and become student leaders of the future.

Floss: I’m looking forward to going to special events to represent the school and make sure that everyone knows our school values.

Eloise: I’m excited to be a role model to my buddy, and all the younger students, in 2025 so they can have more confidence and persist with their goals.

Tom: I’m looking forward to helping set up assemblies, working on the scripts, and practising our presentations so that everyone can enjoy the assemblies.

Ben: I’m excited to attend the leadership conference in Melbourne to learn about being a good leader at school.

Madi: I’m excited to show our school to people who are thinking about sending their children here. Our school has a variety of things for all students, especially our big oval.

CAPTAINS' RAP

Hello everyone!

We are honoured and excited to introduce ourselves as the Gisborne Secondary College school captains for this year, Tess Ely and Thomas Barrand.

We are both passionate about our school community and eager for an exciting year ahead. While year 12 can be stressful at times, we and our team of college captains look forward to updating you and engaging with the broader community.

To start the year, the Year 12s attended the annual Apollo Camp at Portsea. This camp was an absolute delight, filled with fun activities, with the captains running beach games, musical chairs, shapeshift and an incredibly fun (but exhausting) "Just Dance" competition! We had some wonderful workshops and speakers, such as the Reach Foundation, which helped us to reconnect with our peers ahead of the school year. By the end of camp, a feeling of readiness for the trying year ahead had swept our cohort.

Year 7s started their high school journey with a super exciting trip to Funfields Theme Park at Whittlesea.

It has been great to watch them settle in and get into the rhythm of high school. The Year 9s have begun the RAID program (Respect, Achievement, Innovation and Diversity), which is an opportunity to build on life skills and expand on knowledge of the city.

The college has just concluded swimming sign-ups as our carnival approaches. The swimming carnival is always a blast and competing students give their all. Looking forward, this year’s school production is Into The Woods, a musical fantasy which will be an opportunity to showcase our performing arts talent. We look forward to updating you as the production grows closer. We look forward to the year ahead and can’t wait to see what we achieve.

New Gisborne Primary School’s new student leaders.

with Tess Ely and Thomas Barrand

PREPARED FOR PREP

Willowbank: Madeleine, Indy, Ivy and Jackson with mum, Karly

Macedon: Crystal and Noah with mum Moh and dad Tom

New Gisborne: Lilah with big sister Mia and mum and dad Katrina and Steven

New Gisborne: Miss Wencel with daughter Zoey Fedoruk

Willowbank: Melissa and Serena

St Brigid's: brothers Oliver and Owen

St Brigid's: Mia and Ariana with parents Megan and Nathan

Thumbs up from Theo on his first day at Willowbank

Willowbank: Reuben, Bethany and Ned

Mt Macedon: Lenny, Alisa, Sarah, Spencer, Florence and Hamish

The first day

Starting school is exciting, and as these pictures show, it's a big day for families as well as for the new Prep students.

Holy Cross: Max, Sidney and Henry Mintern

Macedon: Preps Marlow and Poppy with Kirbie (mum), Melissa (aunt and teacher) and Brodie (mum), an Kirstie (teacher).

Mt Macedon: Katherine, Xavier and Darcy

Mt Macedon: Ashton with Sophie and Nicole

New Gisborne: Reed Pearce with sisters Ever and Rain, parents Leesa and Kyal, and principal Shane West

St Brigid's: Louise with dad Andrew

Gisborne: Anastasia and Rapha with Dad, Mum and Papa.

Gisborne: Prep Jack with sister Charlotte, parents and grandparents

Gisborne: Jeremy with his sister Grace, Emily (mum), Andrew (dad), Ann (Nana), Tess and Allen (Nanny and Grandad)

Macedon: Aubrey and Lauren

Mt Macedon: Claire and Amber

St Brigid’s 150th anniversary

On Sunday 9 February, St Brigid’s community gathered to celebrate the 150th anniversary of St Brigid’s Church.

Many exciting things were happening, such as Mass in the Church, a sausage sizzle, and choir performances. We even had the pleasure of Archbishop Peter Comminsoli attending to commemorate the special anniversary and bless some important items such as the commemorative pavers, beautiful garden, and spectacular mixed media collage by artist Kathryn Morgana-Aprile.

He even got to cut the cake (and maybe pick out the biggest piece too). As well as the Archbishop we had Fr Gerry Spillane, Fr Vincent Nguyen and Fr John Healy attend as well.

Everyone queued up waiting for the delicious sausages and drinks before the St Brigid’s and Holy Cross choirs sang some songs.

All in all, it was a great day, celebrated perfectly. Eleni Schneider, Year 6, St Brigid's Primary School

Live, learn and lead at GVL

Our young people have all returned and ready to head straight into our summer session. There have been some changes that have our young people excited and curious, with questions to ask and ideas to convey.

Gisborne Primary introduces new school captains

Hello, I’m Jet and I feel honoured to be Gisborne Primary School’s school captain for 2025. I’ve always wanted to be a school captain, ever since I’ve known who they were and what they did.

We have welcomed many new faces to our little village, including some amazing young foundation friends just beginning their journey at Global Village Learning. From our foundations and play hub to our pathways and futures hub and everyone in between, days at GVL are looking great and young people are finding their place within the community as well as new connections and old friends, happy to catch up and hang.

Projects, clubs, and core focuses have been sorted with the voices of our young people first and foremost – 2025 is sure to see an abundance of growth, confidence, and new leaders to GVL. There have been many new interests, passions, and connections brought forward, and everyone is eager to get to work and make things happen. 'Edventures' and huddles are all coming up and the excitement is building.

Through hands-on projects, self-determination, and real-world contributions, we cannot wait to share more updates as we cross so many learning experiences off our list.

Bec – Explorations and Discovery Guide

Reconnecting (Levi, Maurice and Lachlan).

I love sports and dogs and I always try my best. I can’t wait to get into the groove of being school captain and I’m happy with the other captains who are helping me with the role. I like school because that’s where you meet most of your friends and you can use knowledge that can help you in your everyday life.

Everyone who goes to Gisborne PS is kind and caring and I can’t wait to lead Gisborne Primary School!

Hi, I’m Louisa and I’m so excited to be one of the 2025 Gisborne Primary School captains. I can’t wait to represent and lead our school to the best it can be. I enjoy playing netball and doing maths. I hope to be the best I can be in my time as school captain and have a positive impact on the school. GPS get ready, because 2025 is going to be the best year ever

Hey Gisborne, I am Olivia, one of the GPS new school captains. I’m very proud to be representing my

school in 2025. I love playing basketball in my free time and I’m always respectful towards my peers. I’m so excited to lead our school alongside my other captains. I’m looking forward to seeing and implementing new changes for Gisborne Primary School.

I would love to thank Mrs Forest, our principal, for the amazing opportunity for this role. I’m wishing you all the best in 2025!

Hi, my name is Sam and I am one of four new school captains at Gisborne Primary. My favourite thing to do is to play basketball. I am very passionate about sport and I love a good team game. I am looking forward to working with the school and my peers. I am determined to be the best I can be. I’ve always wanted to be school captain and now’s my time to shine. I know GPS is going to love this year.

Starting 2025 with a bang

This year our grade sixes each have a leadership role, and our school captains are Mirra Newlove and Raphy Crawford. The house captains are Pearl S, Daniel W, Will Z and Chloe P. The photographers and reporters are Flora Q and Jasper E. The Junior School captains are Eleanor D and Clementine S. Wellbeing leaders are Emily W and Matilda L. The green leader is Ethan H. Our buddy leaders are Sybil T and Ivy G, and the art and library monitor is Sofia K. They are all looking forward to making a positive mark on Mount Macedon Primary School in their final year here.

Wellbeing: Last month we had the first session of the Mindfulness Club which will take place at lunchtime every Monday. A big thanks to Emily and Matilda (our Wellbeing Leaders) for setting this up.

New Flags: This year we have a few things that have changed, such as the placement of our flags; we have moved them to the front of the school above the office. Flora Q and Jasper E, school reporters

School captains Mirra and Raphy under the repositioned school flags.

Summer is for fun (Milla).

Introducing our school captains Jet, Sam, Olivia and Louisa

SCOUTING

1st New Gisborne Joeys find the core appeal of scouting

Scouting for 2025 has begun well at New Gisborne. Soon, Scouting’s Founders Day will be marked with ceremony and celebrations.

Cub Scouts recently had their first “Water” night with lots of wetness. Their next big activity is the Pirate-themed District Camp at Anglesea.

Joeys are celebrating nine years of the fun offered by the Joey program. Nothing quite like apple bobbing! Thanks to leader Kanga who has been there from the start.

Scouts are still smiling after the fun of the Jamboree in Queensland. Thanks to a great fundraising effort we were able to financially support our contingent including Leader Cam.

This year we will begin fundraising to fit out our scout hut with insulation, toilets, kitchen, and meeting rooms. Donations

are tax-deductible and welcome.

Anyone wanting to come and just have a look at New Gisborne are welcome to call or just drop in.

Scouting offers proven programs for young people and leadership opportunities for parents. We meet Wednesdays, 6.30 to 8pm, at the Church of Christ in Saunders Road. Venturers on Fridays. Contact Group Leader Russell Barker 0400 297 025 or russell@jeem. com.au. For Venturers call Tracey on 0407 098 032. John Frearson 0450 922 787

Joey Scout James is happy after coming up trumps in the apple bob.

News from 1st Gisborne

The theme this term for Joeys is ‘Movies and Books’ which opens the door to lots of interesting programs.

For 1st Gisborne Scouts' first night back we welcomed some new Joeys and were pleased to see lots of the ‘old’ familiar faces as well. We talked about what Scouting is all about having fun while discovering adventure and played lots of fun games.

We are preparing for the state-wide Kangaree in September by having a sleep-over at the scout hall, with the aim of having all the Joeys prepared for a fantastic three-day camping adventure with lots of Joeys from across the state and beyond.

The Cubs began the term with a game of ‘Minesweeper’ which helped them work as a team and tested their memories. The ‘minefield’ was the scout hall and the ‘mines’ were paper plates. Lots of fun was had by all.

Scouts finished Jamboree with an awesome closing ceremony which included a huge fireworks display and a fantastic concert with Australian band Sheppard. They had a couple of weeks to recover from the Jamboree excitement and the 29-hour bus ride home. To start the year they joined the scout rock climbing team for a fun night climbing 20-metre high walls at Camels Hump, Mount Macedon. If you think you would like to join in the fun and give scouting a go, either as a leader or a scout, please email us at info@1stgisborne.com.au.

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

Carolyn Goode (Joey leader)

Scouts

Musical finale at the jamboree.

Camel's Hump climb.

A

place to bee happy

Bees love the garden at Maxine Barker's home, and Maxine was able to snap this lovely closeup of one parked on a flowering mint on 21 February.

DALY NATURE RESERVE

This month’s indigenous plant feature is the kangaroo apple – Solanum laciniatum. This beautiful shrub can grow to between one and three metres tall and wide. It has stunning purple flowers throughout spring and summer, followed by yellow to orange berries. The name derives from the shape of mature leaves, which may resemble a kangaroo footprint.

The group has been researching and compiling resources relating to Gisborne’s indigenous plants and animals using records from the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas, iNaturalist, council documents, and other references. It is a rewarding project and one we hope to share widely with the community when complete.

We are looking at plants around Gisborne which are indigenous, native, and introduced. One of the key findings from the Australian State of the Environment report 2021 says: “Australia is burdened by thousands of non-native species introduced deliberately or by accident over the past 200 years. There are now more foreign terrestrial plant species in Australia than natives.” Daly Nature Reserve has many indigenous plants, which have evolved with our soils, climate, wildlife, and other plants. Well worth preserving.

Next working bee is on Tuesday 11 March at 9.30am, cuppa and chat at 11am.

Enquiries: dalynaturereserve@gmail.com

Garden Club digs into new year

Garden Club members met at the Malmsbury Botanical Gardens in February to kick off 2025.

While it was a very warm day, the large trees and beautiful lake made it a cool and comfortable setting.

The March Garden Club meeting is at Cooinda Gardens, Mount Macedon. Cooinda is a stunning property which features a historic garden with some trees that reach 60 metres tall.

It provides a glimpse into the past while

incorporating a more modern touch, with a mud brick homestead surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Entry fee is $15 which includes a guided tour by Stephen Ryan.

The club welcomes new members to come along to meet other gardening enthusiasts and enjoy the day.

If you would like to know more about the club’s activities, please contact Edwina on 0407 576 545.

Cooinda Gardens

Colourful flower of the kangaroo apple in Daly Reserve.

A spot of tennis helps the spirits balloon

Gisborne Oaks residents and employees recently served up some summer sport, getting into the spirit of the Australian Open. The home’s collective hand-eye coordination was honed as residents sliced, volleyed and lobbied, emulating their favourite tennis stars.

Gisborne Genealogical Group

The next general meeting of the Gisborne Genealogical Group will be our AGM. It will be held at 7.30pm in the Family History Room adjoining the Gisborne Library on Thursday 27 March. A new Committee will be elected, reports read, and the 'Member of the Year' announced who will it be this year?

The AGM will be followed by members sharing highlights of attending national and international genealogical conferences a wonderful way of broadening knowledge and meeting other family historians.

The first meeting of the DNA Group ‘DIG’ will be held on 15 March at 10am. Genealogical Group members

Gisborne CWA news

Our craft retreat in Daylesford was enjoyed by all. Apart from the serious side of quilting being produced it was good to hear lots of laughter and happy banter the whole weekend. The meals brought along by everyone were a treat, especially Kay’s roast chicken and Joanne’s scones.

Our country of study for the year is Sri Lanka and our product/resource is industrial hemp, so I am looking forward to learning more about these during the year.

We have a Bunnings barbecue coming up in May and Helen W will be organising some day trips during the year. Helen H is encouraging us to participate with items for the Group Creative Arts at Lancefield in April. The

will be in attendance to help you understand your DNA results and know what to do next. Contact Julie Dworak for more information on 0400 099 159. The first Saturday Workshop will be held on 1 March at 10am. Julie will demonstrate the genealogy program Family Tree Maker. And our first outing for 2025 will be a walking tour of Melbourne on Saturday 29 March. Call Mary Ritchie for more information on 5428 3887.

Lyn Hall

The Family History Room is open for research each Tuesday 10am to 1pm, and Thursdays 2pm to 5pm. Check our website for further details on upcoming events: www.ggg.org.au. Lyn Hall

compulsory item from each branch is a shopping bag and we submit one to be judged and as many as we can make to the local foodbanks.

Our next meeting is Monday 3 March, a week earlier than usual because of the long weekend, at 10am at Gisborne Secondary College Stadium, after which we will have lunch at Castellos to say goodbye to Chris Caddaye who is leaving us, with her husband Les, to live closer to their children in northern NSW. Chris has been an active and valuable member of our branch, and we will miss her.

Coffee, Craft and Chat will be on Monday 17 March which any local ladies are welcome to attend.

Christine Edwards

A Gisborne Oaks residents aces Australian Open activity.

Vet Talk Vet Talk Not safe!

with Dr Caitlin Retchford

There must be a list a mile long of “things that are not safe to feed your dog”. Today’s case tops it. High on my usual list are food items we can relate to; like corn cobs and mango pips. If your vet has never properly explained why, let me tell you that both these items are just exactly the right size to get halfway down the gastrointestinal tract, then entirely block the intestines, causing serious damage. They are also delicious (think a buttery cob of corn, or a sweet juicy mango), chewy, and infinitely indigestible Highly desirable to your dog, and to be avoided at all costs.

If swallowed, they will sit in the stomach until they are (hopefully) vomited up, or will try to make their way further down, wreaking havoc as they do. Unfortunately, then, it’s usually a surgical discussion.

Today though, Samba was innocently pinning down a different item. His owner caught him mid-play, and he panicked, swallowing the sharp open safety-pin you can see in the X-ray. Luckily for him, it was an easy decision to simply retrieve the pin with a gastroscope (same as we use in human medicine), and he headed home, scot-free.

Or “safe and sound” you might say.

Dr Caitlin Retchford BVSc Local veterinarian

Rarely seen lizard found in Bullengarook

Specimens of the recently discovered central Victorian mountain dragon have turned up in bushland at Bullengarook. Only formally discovered and named in 2015 as 'Rankinia hoserae', this is the smallest species of dragon lizard found in Victoria and one of a handful of species known only to this state.

Raymond Hoser, aka the Snake Man, is the scientist who discovered and formally named the species a decade ago. He turned up specimens while checking out the fauna in bush near Hobbs Road at Bullengarook in December.

Most people in the Gisborne district would be unaware of this rare and unique species on their doorstep. Raymond Hoser says this is because of their tiny size and excellent camouflage.

They live in dry sandy bushland with a relatively specific combination of soils, rocks and vegetation.

When active, they typically bask in the shade on ground that has been exposed to the sun earlier in the day, but in the shade due to shadows moving through the day. Very occasionally they are seen early in the morning basking in direct sunlight, but if so, they cannot do so for more than a few minutes before they overheat and die.

Their dull grey colour matches their surroundings so well that they are usually not noticed by people. They usually run away only when almost under foot and then they look like a bit of dirt being kicked away. They are usually not seen as the person walking is looking ahead and not at their feet where the moving lizard may be.

Raymond has worked with these lizards and their relatives for over 50 years and is an expert at finding this elusive species in areas where they are not known. He recently uncovered another big population of them near Kinglake.

One species is restricted to the Grampians, one to the central part of Victoria, including between Gisborne and Ballarat, and the third is found in the Upper Goulburn River Valley near Taponga River and Still Creek as well as the upper Thompson Dam area.

Outside Victoria, there are two species of mountain dragon found near Sydney and Dubbo in NSW, and a much larger species in Tasmania.

Raymond noted that species like Rankinia hoserae are under threat from habitat alteration by people and the habitat changes favouring other competing native species, such as larger and more aggressive dragon species. As a cold-climate specialist, all six species of mountain dragons are under threat from long-term global warming.

Proof that our pets “looks” don’t always pin down the truth.

Raymond Hoser with the central Victorian mountain dragon he found at Bullengarook.

Samba looking way too cute to eat a safety pin...

The central Victorian mountain dragon is very tiny, so small that it is rarely spotted in the wild.

LOCAL HISTORY

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

Jessica Fuller: Dietitian

Munise Bozkurt: Dietician

Zuha Gilani: Provisional Psychologist

Teagan Hawken: Podiatrist

Aleksandar Milivojevic: Physiotherapist

Ann Moore: Exercise Physiologist

Sarah Mullins: Podiatrist

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.

mrh.org.au or call (03) 5428 0300

At the heart of a healthy community

Gisborne & Mount Macedon Districts Historical Society

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

GISBORNE PARK

HOMESTEAD AND ITS CREATOR

Researched by Phyllis Boyd OAM

‘Gisborne Park’ is one of the most eminent properties in the Macedon Ranges, with the homestead standing at the end of a long driveway, situated at South Gisborne, formerly Cabbage Tree and later called Couangalt.

Peter John Martin, an Irishman from County Galway, arrived in Victoria on the ‘Lorena’ in 1853. As did many new arrivals, he set off towards the goldfields to try his luck. However, en route he found work as a road maker in the Gisborne area and soon took up contracts for road making in this district.

By 1855, Martin had successfully contracted for the collection of road tolls at Gisborne, Aitken’s Gap, Black Forest and Woodend.

To help maintain main roads, tolls could be imposed. The main toll gates had adjoining toll keepers’ cottages and were usually constructed of timber. Secondary or check gates were sometimes constructed on adjacent minor roads and tracks to persuade wheeled vehicles onto the main roads. The toll gate at Gisborne was erected immediately north of the Jackson Creek bridge in Aitken Street but was later moved

north to a position near the swamp at New Gisborne. Frederick Chesterman erected the toll gate and house at Black Forest in the district of Gisborne for 203 pounds 14 shillings.

Toll keepers went to great lengths to collect the tolls to which they were entitled. Samuel Thomas and William Edmondson were among a number brought before Gisborne Court charged by toll keeper Peter Martin with evading the toll at Gisborne. In this case Martin alleged that he saw horse drays and a wagon on the hill near the toll gate and sent his assistant to ask if the drivers intended coming into the town of Gisborne. The assistant followed the drivers until he caught up with them halfway between the toll gate and the Mount Macedon Hotel. The drivers told the court that they had camped on the hill and intended to pay later. Each was fined one pound.

Having paid the toll at Aitken’s Gap, wagon drivers George Wilkinson and John Synes complained at Gisborne Court that Peter Martin had demanded tolls when they delivered the flat-pack Anglican iron church from Melbourne to its first site in Rodney Street. (Three pre-

continued next page

Gisborne Park homestead was built about 1866.

Peter John Martin of Gisborne Park.

GISBORNE PARK

continued

fabricated church buildings had been shipped to Melbourne.) Many travellers were fined for refusing to pay tolls when they passed through Gisborne without using the metalled road.

In 1858, Peter Martin married Mary Wheeler in Kyneton. He prospered as the proprietor of the Australian Brewery in Flinders Lane, Melbourne, enabling him to eventually buy approximately 1300 acres (approx 525 hectares) in the Gisborne district and making it possible for him to have constructed the substantial ‘Gisborne Park’ residence and outbuildings c.1866 on 496 acres (200ha).

These buildings, with slate roofs, were constructed almost entirely of bluestone that was quarried nearby.

The homestead in more recent years comprised two entrance halls, sitting room, library, dining room, study, large kitchen, breakfast room, pantry, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, laundry and a bluestone- lined cellar, still retaining its 3.5-metre high ceilings, its archways, decorative cornices, ceiling roses, cor-

belling, and its five marble fireplaces.

The entrance gates to this famous driveway were a later addition and came from a Toorak property, whereas the pine trees lining the driveway were ordered by PJ Martin and transported from Melbourne in a spring cart by Robert Short, who owned the National Hotel opposite Gisborne Park, and were planted in 1877.

After selling Gisborne Park and moving to Queensland for a few years, Peter John Martin returned to Melbourne where he died in 1896, his wife Mary having predeceased him in 1881. They were both buried in Melbourne General Cemetery.

They had five children, Peter John jr (known as Jack), Francis, Margaret, Laura and Annie.

Community Bank invites grant applications

Does your community group have a project in mind but not enough money to make it a reality? Community Bank Gisborne & District’s autumn grant round is open from 1 to 31 March and groups are invited to apply for funding for projects designed to make Gisborne and surrounds an even better place to be.

Funding for projects of all types and sizes will be considered. For eligibility criteria and to apply, please visit www. communitybankgisborne.smartygrants. com.au. You can also email communityengagement@macedonrangescommunityenterprises.com.au with any questions.

Youth leadership scholarships open

The bank will be offering scholarships to local 14- to 17-year-olds to attend the Magic Moments Youth Leadership and Business Summit in Sydney during the July school holidays. Applications open in March. Interested students should contact their school for more information.

Bluestone coachhouse at Gisborne Park.

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.

Walk leaders' forum a great success

Gisborne Bushwalking Club recently held a forum for all of our walk leaders to assist the club in providing a great variety of walks, ensure the safety of all participants, and guidance and support for new members.

Our walk leaders volunteer their time to discover new walks and hidden gems to explore. They undertake prewalks and risk assessments, so walkers know what to expect. We would not have such a great club without their dedication and we are enormously grateful for their work.

The weather has interrupted a few of our walks lately, being too hot or dangerous in extreme heat conditions. However, our sunrise and sunset walks have kept us active. A sunrise walk around Mount Macedon was a big hit last month, walking through some of the secluded bush areas that many had not experienced before. Birds and

Hello from the Ramblers

Hopefully, by the time you get around to reading this, we may have had some rain to freshen up the gardens and bush.

Sometimes the dry can make bushwalking easier, but the dry dusty conditions tends to take the freshness of the bush away. No doubt we will at some future point be complaining about the mud and rain!

The ramblers have had another steady month, the highlight being the Lerderderg River walk at Blackwood. However there was little water in the river due to the dry, mainly just a string of connected pools.

This is not an easy walk to describe but details can be obtained by request by joining the mail-out list (see email address below) there is no charge.

Feel like a local walk?

Why not try Burns Lane in South Gisborne? This easy walk is described at right.

Cheers

Charles

(gisramblers@gmail.com)

other wildlife were in abundance, and we finished off with a morning tea at the local cafe.

If you want to try our many and varied walks and activities, the club has something for everyone. 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 our secretary Jenny on 0438 691 801 or our president Gail on 0419 374 603. Our website is www. gisbornebwc.org.

Keep active and stay safe.

WALK

Lane is effectively a

ends at the gate of a private property.

On the way, the walk transitions from tree lined to open country with some attractive views. The walk has gentle inclines. The gate is about 2.7km along the lane and with the return, the full walk is about 5.5km.

Directions:

From Gisborne, drive Mt Gisborne Rd to Couangalt Rd, turn left towards Sunbury. Turn right into Blackhill Rd. After about 3km, the bitumen ends and the gravel surface begins. Burns lane is on the right about 500m along. Park off-road at the junction and begin the walk from here.

Some of Gisborne Bushwalking Club's great walk leaders.

Burns

cul-de-sac, in that the walk

Burns Lane South Gisborne

Deborrah

View from Burns Lane

Tales of old Gisborne

Remembering the old Gisborne Gazette

with Eddie Gardiner

Next door to our home in Aitken Street was the red brick printing office of the old Gisborne Gazette. What a magical world it was! How many local kids had the job of ‘flying’ the sheets of printed paper from the press roller. The big roller on the press would flick the page up and it had to be caught one-handed and ‘flown’ onto the stack an operation that needed much practice.

Countless kids over the generations stood on the box and flew the papers as the counter spun over with the wheel running behind them. Some of them I can remember, apart from myself, Peter and Alec, were Tony Dawson, Irene Morrison and Val Engellener. Occupational Health and Safety was not highly regarded in those days!

The Boardman brothers, like their father before them, ran the paper. Both meticulous in their work but so different. Eric was on the big stage he ran the Gisborne Gazette, Sunbury News, Romsey Examiner and the Lancefield Mercury, and it’s said that he was involved in every worthwhile event that ever happened in Sunbury in his lifetime. He ran moving pictures in Sunbury during the 1940s. That was a long time ago. They were advertised as the Sunbury Talkies so I guess that says it all. For more than 30 years he was the president of the Riddell Football League.

Alan, on the other hand, stayed close to home. He was a long-time secretary of the Gisborne Fire Brigade. He was by trade an electrical repairer, a whiz. He knew about radio and appliances at a time when no one else did. He provided the microphone, amplifiers and loudspeakers for every function 70 years ago. His eye for detail, spelling, grammar and turn of phrase was exemplary. The old Gisborne Gazette covered everything from council business and sport to weddings and funerals. All recorded chapter and verse. His life’s work is on display for future generations in copies of the old Gazette at the court house.

Alan worked the linotype machine – it is impossible to describe. Basically, molten lead went into one side of the 1896 machine and soft lead slugs came out the other to be stamped and set for the press. Molten lead, not to mention the fumes, a blow torch, unprotected pulleys and belts - what could go wrong! The linotype and the huge printing press had to be maintained.

Alan could do it all. I thought he could do everything. He had a big effect on my life.

When his bungalow (behind what is now the Station Road service station) burnt down in the 1944 bush fire, he lived next door to us in the printing office and he was a constant in our lives, often having late suppers with us.

All his life Alan made model planes from the 1920s and earlier. They hung on cords from the high-pitched ceiling of the office. And they were a fascination for anyone who ever saw inside the office. Unfortunately, when Alan passed away the models disappeared and we wondered what had happened to them. Next day we found

The linotype machine that produced the lead

Alan Boardman, and believed to be Eric Boardman behind him.

them smashed on the Gisborne tip. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The Gazette ended in 1965 when Eric sold the business and the local papers were replaced by papers from the Leader group.

On 14 September 1977 Ken and Kerry Patton started up a new paper they named the Gisborne and Macedon Telegraph. They set up in the old Gazette office but by

then the old printing press had gone. The new paper’s first editorial explained: “Unlike the Gisborne Gazette which circulated for many years, The Telegraph is produced by modern computer typeset and offset printing.”

The printing office was a truly wondrous place to visit: the ever-present smell of printer’s ink; the whirring, clanking, rattling of the old machines. My memories of the men of the papers will live with me forever.

slugs.

A printing press very similar to the one used by Alan Boardman.

When plans come together

As a club, Calder Fly Fishing Association has been actively targeting bream on fly for a number of years. We have had guest speakers talk about the species, dedicated flytying nights demonstrating the patterns they will eat and various estuary club trips away all in search of bream.

As the third-year president, it’s somewhat embarrassing that my track record has seen hits and misses, hook-ups and missed opportunities; I was starting to feel like always the bridesmaid and never the bride.

At the January AGM I confided in our vice-president and resident ‘Bream King’ Will Healy about the one that got away over the Christmas break. He delivered some timely advice on striking and fly patterns that would give me a better chance at staying connected to a bream.

Four days later I was down in Gippsland celebrating the long weekend with the family when I decided to try my luck again. I was only fishing for 30 minutes when I felt the first tap, then I paused, then I stripped, then I struck. It was like a freight train, albeit a small one, but I knew I had a bream firming hooked, and this was my time. It was a great feeling to finally tick off another species caught on fly but even more enjoyable to do it in front of the kids.

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

What the Probus group is all about

Probus is a network of social clubs that are open to anyone that is retired or semi-retired. Gisborne Probus provides our members with the opportunity to stay engaged, connected, and active. We get together on the first Thursday of each month. We start with a meeting first, followed by a shared morning tea, giving us the opportunity to catch up with our fellow members, meet visitors to the club or any new members. After morning tea we gather to enjoy the presentation by that month's guest speaker. The club also has monthly outings on the third Thursday of each month. This month's is a mystery bus tour around Melbourne. Others might include going to a venue for lunch or visiting interesting places, for example, March's outing is to Werribee Zoo.

Each year we go on a longer tour: last year it was a seven-day tour to Tasmania and this year it is a six-day/five-night Tour to the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens.

Our next meeting will be on 6 March, and will include our AGM. We meet in Gisborne Community Hall in Hamilton Street (next to the Mechanics Hall). So come along and check us out. If you need further information, you can contact our president, Susan Denheld, on 0419 530 041. Dianne Egan

Simon and son with Gippsland Estuary bream.

He travels far but he always come back

Local boomerang champ represents Australia

Former junior and Australian boomerang throwing champion Jarrod Byham has just returned from Saudi Arabia where he represented Australia in an international friendly championship event.

Jarrod competed alongside current and former world champions from the US, Brazil, Germany and France.

Competitive boomerang throwing is a highly technical sport, often using boomerangs with three or four blades made of plastics or carbon fibre, and tuned precisely for prevailing wind conditions.

Saudi Arabia is new to the boomerang throwing sport, recently inspired by boomerang imagery found in rock art more than 8000 years old in the World Heritage-listed Jubbah region of Saudi Arabia. The international event was held in Ha'il, about 90 kilometres from Jubbah. Jarrod was happy with his performance, which included a second placing in the Fast Catch event, and third placing in Maximum Time Aloft event.

practising

Jarrod, far right, with his competitors in Saudi Arabia.

Jarrod Byham with a variety of boomerangs he uses, and

at Dixon Field in Gisborne.

KIDS' CORNER

KIDS' quiz JOKES & RIDDLES

1. What is the third planet from the Sun?

2. Which city has the most extensive tram system in the world? .

3. What kind of tree grows from an acorn?

4. Which company makes the 737 aircraft?

5. In Australian Rules football, how many points in total do you score for four goals and seven behinds?

6. In which town did Superman grow up?

7. Which is the single most expensive property to buy in the standard British Monopoly game?

8. What is the name of Harry Potter’s owl?

9. How many millimetres are there in a metre?

10. On a weather map, isobars are lines which connect areas of equal what?

Can you find 10 differences between the pictures?

What do you call two men with a long piece of rounded wood on their heads standing in the window?

Kurt and Rod.

If two’s company and three’s a crowd, what are four and five?

Nine

This girl said she recognised me from the vegetarian club, but I’d never met herbivore.

What are two things you can never have for breakfast?

Lunch and dinner.

I have an excellent memory. There are only three things I can’t remember: I can’t remember names, I can’t remember faces, and, er, I can’t remember what the third one was.

Where do sheep get their wool cut? At the baa-baa.

27 March, 4:00pm - 8:00pm

Family-friendly bowls at Macedon

Come along and have some fun at Macedon Bowling Club barefoot bowls on Friday 7 March at 5.30pm. Adults $20, school children $10, littlies free. Build your own burger and bowls; drinks at our bar. Bare feet or flat-soled shoes please. Hope to see you there!

Please book by Wednesday 5 March. Call Helen Kennedy on 040 281 2550 or email treasurermacedonbowls@gmail.com.

1. What was Rembrandt’s surname?

2. The Quarrymen became which musical group?

3. Mrs Hudson was the housekeeper for which fictional detective?

4. Which one-word musical includes an exclamation mark in its title?

5. Which DH Lawrence novel was banned in Australia until 1965?

6. In which year did Phar Lap win the Melbourne Cup?

7. Who is currently on the US $100 note?

8. What is the chemical symbol for potassium?

9. Who wrote the book, The Da Vinci Code?

10. The saxophone belongs to which section of the orchestra?

Answers page 39

MARCH crossword DOWN

2. The earth’s layer immediately below the crust

5. The Sirocco is one of these

7. The petrified remains of animals and plants

10. The circle which lies about 66.5 degrees south of the equator

11. The earth’s largest canyon (two words)

14. The tropic in the southern hemisphere

15. The ocean in which the Grand Banks are found

16. Edmund Hillary was the first person to climb this mountain

17. The English town in which the Prime Meridian is located

19. The most common element in the earth’s crust

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Country Week tennis a longstanding tradition

Country Week is a huge tennis tournament held annually in regional Victoria often in Swan Hill or Shepparton. Macedon Tennis Club usually sends a squad and, with the tournament being held mid-February, the weather is generally hot.

This year, with temperatures rising close to 40 degrees some days, play had to be halted one day until

1. Name of the deepest trench in the ocean

3. The sound lightning makes

4. Crystallised carbon

6. The period it takes for the earth to make one orbit of the sun

7. Tallest volcano in Japan

8. The outermost gaseous layer of the earth

9. Earth’s largest ocean

12. The period it takes for the earth to make one rotation about its axis

13. Approximately 70% of the earth’s surface

18. The element which makes up most of the earth’s core

OUR EARTH

the weather cooled down. Luckily the nearby caravan park where several players were staying had a “splash park” where they enjoyed cooling off between matches. Country Week is the largest grasscourt tournament in the world, attracting more than 1300 men and women players each year playing on 100 grass courts. The host town

spreads competition around whatever permanent courts are available, but most of the action takes place on the local football oval, which is mown and painted over with lines for as many tennis courts as can be fitted in.

The tournament has a big social side with events and dinners spread throughout the week.

Questions compiled by Chris Antoniou

This team is a combination team of two Macedon Tennis Club players, Jenny Svendsen (far left) and Kellie Spry (in pink skirt) and four from Kilmore: they were runners-up in their section.

Some of the Macedon women’s squad, from left: Ju Song, Jodee Hurley, Corinne Shaddock, Angela Dryden and Debbie Fleming. No trophies, but all agreed they had a blast.

SPORT IN PICTURES

Gisborne bowler Bailey Freeth took four wickets during the game against Woodend on 8 February.

A good ball sees off an unlucky T Watson of Gisborne playing against Macedon on 15 February.

H Pender of Gisborne is bowled in the McIntyre Cup seconds match against Woodend on 25 January.

Alex Browne bowls for Macedon in their McIntyre Cup match against Gisborne on 8 February.

McIntyre Cup teammates Spencer Jones and Riley Vernon are off to play cricket in England.

J Downey with the bat in Under 15s Gisborne v Gisborne on 8 February.

Charlie Kotlar wields the bat for Gisborne in his Under 13 match against Sunbury United on 15 February.

Batter Orlando Miller is captured in a striking image during Gisborne’s match against Sunbury Kangaroos on 1 February.

Division 2 Gisborne bowler Judy Byttley, v Macedon, on 1 February.

Daisy Vernon tries the family sport

Varli has a go at shot put on 7 February.

Division 2 Gisborne bowler Ian Miller, v Macedon, on 1 February.

Gisborne Soccer Club v Docklands, 1 February.

Futsal teams Barbie v Tiki Taka on 1 February.

Gisborne Tennis Club juniors, from left: Robbie, Tommy, Skye and Daisy.

Maverick hits the heights at the Gisborne Skate Park on 2 February.

First-time player Lochlan McNair receives his cap from McIntyre Cup captain Riley Vernon.

Pictures by Chris Fleming

Anne Ciesielski bowls for Macedon against Mt Cottrell on 25 January.

Gisborne boys to represent Australia in futsal

Joe Greene and Jameson Howley represented Victoria 10 and Under boys in the National Futsal Titles held in Sydney in January.

Finnan Howley also represented Victoria in the 9 and Under boys.

The outstanding skills of Joe, Jameson and Finnan were recognised by the national selectors and

Joe and Jameson have been selected to represent Australia in the 12&U boys team in the Philippines in November, and Finnan selected to represent Australia in the 10&U boys team in Barcelona in July.

Congratulations, boys! This is a great achievement and will be a wonderful experience.

Gisborne to host inaugural regional futsal comp

Gisborne is set to become the epicentre of Victorian futsal in April as it hosts the first-ever Southern Regional Futsal Titles. With the completion of the sports precinct at New Gisborne, this region has positioned itself as a premier destination for major sporting events.

U10, U12, U14 and U16; for girls, Under 12 and U16. The cost is $55 per player.

Taking place during the Term 1 school holidays from April 14 to 16, the tournament will see teams from Ararat, Bendigo, Ballarat, Melbourne and Tasmania converge on Gisborne for three days of high-intensity competition. The age groups for boys are Under 8,

Local players and coaches will have the opportunity to test themselves against some of the strongest futsal teams in the region, making this an invaluable experience for our sporting community. Organisers are encouraging local teams to seize the chance to compete. Teams can enter by scanning the attached QR code attached. For further information email regionals@australianfutsal.com. Don’t miss this chance to be part of history as Gisborne cements its status as a hub for top-tier futsal action.

24-hour tennis marathon at Macedon Tennis Club

Macedon Tennis Club was founded in the early 1920s in the township of Macedon so the club has decided to make 2025 our year of centenary celebrations. A series of celebratory events and fundraising activities will take place during the year

The first one is a 24-hour tennis marathon, which will be starting at noon on

Saturday 29 March and concluding at noon on Sunday 30 March.

During this 24-hour period, tennis will be played continuously on at least one court at Macedon Tennis Club. There will be kids’ dotball tennis and activities, a Fast

5 round robin, a teen tournament, sausage sizzle, pizza, a sleepover in the clubhouse for the brave young members who will keep the tennis going all night, and more.

Head to the club website or Facebook page for the schedule of events and to sign up for your slot in the marathon! This

event is open to all members of the community. If you’d like to donate to the 24Hour Tennis Marathon with a cash donation or to donate a prize for the Marathon Raffle, please contact the club president on Info@macedontennisclub.com.au or 0437 032 964.

Liz O’Connell president, Macedon Tennis Club

Brett Sinnett

Futsal players Lincoln, Coen, Elijah, assistant coach Jim, Max, Aiden, Charlie and Will.

Joe Greene and Jameson Howley

Finnan Howley

Gisborne Thunder in State Country Long Course titles

In mid-January, five swimmers, with their families and coach Steph, headed to Mildura to represent Gisborne Thunder at the Victorian Long Course Country Championships. Swimmers spent months chasing qualifying times to get the chance to compete.

It was a demanding three days at the pool with temperatures over 38 degrees. Across the weekend Caitlin G, Angus S, Maverick H, Ava H, and Samuel R swam in 20 races made up of 50m and 100m events. Our swimmers' dedication in training across the summer was rewarded with 14 personal best times achieved.

When they were not racing, swimmers were cheering their teammates poolside which could be heard on the Swimming Victoria live stream by family and friends who could not make the trek.

The Country Championships are not all about swimming – they offer the opportunity for swimmers and families to have fun out of the pool, including swimming across the Murray and the traditional team dinner.

Special mentions of outstanding swims: 11-year Samuel qualified for five events, and for three events he was an emergency for the finals. Ava achieved impressive personal best times of four seconds or more faster in all four events she qualified in, and was also an emergency for a final.

Well done to all our swimmers on their successful swims.

Caitlin G, club captain

Gisborne women golfers on fire

Golf is the most equal gender sport in the world as your handicap creates a level playing field and it is not important how many X and Y chromosomes you have. Kerry Peterson proved this in December when she won the Jim Thorpe Veterans Trophy open to men and women. Then last month, Lynne Smith won the Murray Heard Board Event, another open competition held for all X and Y chromosome people.

Roberta Henry nearly won the Geord Rich Trophy, but young Ben Ferrari played like a Lamborghini, winning by one shot. It is nice the women let the men win the occasional trophy. But our women golfers do not just compete at Gisborne to win trophies.

Eight Gisborne women travelled to Warrnambool to compete in the Marjorie Robinson Bowl against 120 other women golfers. Nancy Inglis and Kim Duffy who won the Division 2 - 4 BBB on Day One. Nancy then went on to win the B-Grade on Day 2 and Marianne Stoettup, Suzanne Velk, Nancy Inglis and Kim Dufty finished third in the Marjorie Robinson Bowl Stableford team aggregate.

The Gisborne Golf club encourages women to come down and try out this great game. We also fully support the integration of men and women playing and competing against each other in this gender equal sport. Dom Hogan

Macedon Ranges Croquet Club news

The season is well under way with many players regularly attending and getting practice for the events ahead.

There is much excitement with the upcoming Club Championships which begin on 5 March and will be played over the following few Wednesdays.

A coaching session took place at the club on 23 February in preparation for the championships and also for the Watts Fresh Trophy competition that will be played on 28 March against Kyneton Croquet Club.

This is a two-match tournament played each year and although Kyneton has dominated in the past few years, we are confident that we can give them a run for their money this time. Watch this space.

A reminder if anyone is interested in finding out about this great sport, please come down to Dicon FIeld any Monday, Wednesday or Saturday morning. You will be most welcome.

Lyn Robinson

Quinton H, Maverick H, Angus S, Coach Steph, Caitlin G, Ava H and (aloft) Samuel R.

Players get in some practice on Croquet Club’s first Club Day.

Winners: the Gisborne women travelled to Warrnambool to compete in the Marjorie Robinson Bowl.

THE CHURCHES

Gisborne Uniting Church –Remembering…

Memories are surely part of our soul-food. They are so precious that even when small commemorative plaques are stolen, as happened recently here in Gisborne, we feel grief.

When Peter Barcham died in 2008 many locals mourned and remembered him. He was so significant as the first principal of Gisborne Secondary College that its hall carries his name.

At his local Gisborne Uniting Church he is remembered by an annual lecture. Peter was always curious and inquiring in matters of faith as well as music, mathematics and Murray River boats. Each year we invite a speaker to challenge us.

This year the lecturer is Dr Sally Douglas, a biblical scholar, theologian, author, and lecturer at the University of Divinity. Her subject is ‘Jesus and the Female Divine in the New Testament.’

Keep the date: 31 March, 7.30pm.

Peter Barcham, along with so many others we remember, was a supporter of those in need and a force for peace. With the international order looking distinctly disorderly, our church, along with others, is concerned with peace-building.

For more information see the Uniting Church in Australia website.

150

years

of Catholic service

On Sunday 9 February the St Brigid’s Parish community gathered to celebrate the 150th anniversary of their church with a mass service led by Archbishop Peter Comminsoli, followed by the unveiling of 220 pavers, which have been engraved with the names of past and present parishioners.

Extra seating was set up in the Parish Hall to accommodate the large crowd of parishioners who couldn’t fit into the church and the event was also livestreamed for those who were unable to be there in person.

The event culminated after many months of preparation by a parish working party. The 150th anniversary was not only celebrated with a mass but also involved the installation of three storyboards in the grounds of the church, outlining the history of St Brigid’s Church, St Colmcille’s gate (from the demolished church site in Bullengarook), St Ambrose’s in Riddells Creek, and St Patrick’s in Macedon.

St Colmcille’s gate has been erected near the St Bernadette’s grotto in the St Brigid’s Church garden alongside the pavers. Current parish priest, Fr Vincent Nguyen, past priest Fr Gerrard Spillane and Fr John Healy (parish priest of Woodend, Lancefield and Romsey) were also in attendance to bless the pavers following the mass and plant a tree.

Memorabilia was on display in the Parish Hall following the mass

Good start

and the community enjoyed a barbecue and choir performances from St Brigid’s and Holy Cross.

St Brigid’s Church was opened and blessed in 1875 and has undergone a series of alterations, additions and repairs in the years since. The parish itself is much older, with services being held at least by the 1860s and possibly in the 1850s.

The visiting priest stayed in a house built for him by a local resident until a presbytery (since demolished) was built in 1870-71.

The storyboards on the grounds include QR codes which will allow new information to be added in the years to come.

to year for Mt Macedon Men’s Group

The Men’s Group at Mount Macedon Uniting Church had a great presentation at our meeting on 4 February.

John Cross outlined the history of multinational conglomerate companies, in particular John Swire & Sons.

John talked about his experiences as a young marine engineer on the company’s ships and in the shipyards in Hong Kong. John Swire & Sons is headquartered in the UK. It is a highly diversified global group which has been operating for over 200 years. It has many core businesses in the Asia Pacific region.

We then had a good discussion of his time there as

HOUSE OF THE ROCK CHURCH

House of the Rock Church is hosting a seminar titled on ‘Sharing Hope in a Crisis’ on 15 March.

The seminar is designed to help enable people to respond with a Christian message when someone they know is hit by tragedy, or their life may be falling apart.

The one-day seminar, run by the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, is from 9am to 4pm on 15 March (registration from 8.30am) at House of the Rock Church, 247 Station Road, Gisborne. The cost is $30. For information, visit www.billygraham.org.au or call 1300 799 727. World Day of Prayer 2025 focus

well as related, and unrelated, diversions.

Our Men’s Group is a mixed lot, including fellows from around the Macedon/Gisborne/Woodend and Riddells Creek areas. Most are retired but anyone is welcome. This diversity of backgrounds provides interesting discussions relating to jobs, travel, hobbies, and sometimes just current affairs or quizzes. Of course, there is always a hearty morning tea also.

We would enjoy having some new men to join us on first Tuesdays monthly at Mount Macedon Uniting Church.

Please call me for more information.

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

Janet Wood

Sally Douglas will speak on Jesus and wisdom.

Neil Tweddle,

Members of the church’s anniversary working party at the celebration in February.

WHAT'S ON

REGULAR MEETINGS

MARCH 1925

Our Upper Macedon correspondent reports that record entries have been received for the Mount Macedon and District Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show, to be held in the Upper Macedon Hall on Saturday, March 7. Entries have come in from far distant places, including Echuca and Koo-wee-rup, and as the flowers grown at the Mount are really famous all over the state, a most unique display is anticipated.

Gisborne High School. The committee which was originally appointed to secure a Higher Elementary school for Gisborne met at 8 p.m. The school opened last year with only 38 pupils and had increased till now there were 61 scholars in daily attendance. Gisborne had sent 40 children, Bullengarook 1, Couangalt 3, Macedon 3, Upper Macedon 1, Riddell 4, and New Gisborne 9. At present the classrooms are inadequate and the committee considered that the school should be enlarged. Mr. F. Oakley explained that the Gisborne people were so deadly in earnest to maintain the high school that they had already subscribed and paid over £750 towards that purpose.

Gisborne Gazette, 6 March 1925

Upper Macedon School Notes. The school was successful in obtaining 8 firsts and two seconds at the local Flower Show on Saturday, with flowers grown in the grounds and exhibited by the Head Teacher. The wireless set supplied by Mr. W. Winter, continues to give great satisfaction. 3UZ, 3AR, Melbourne; 2FC Sydney, and 7ZL Hobart were heard on the loudspeaker last week.

Gisborne Gazette, 13 March 1925

Local Note. For some time past, someone has been busy removing rails from roadside fences, in all probability to save the price of firewood or to make it an easy matter to boil the “billy”. Anyone going to or returning from New Gisborne has only to look at the fence on the western side of the road to see the effect of the vandalism referred to.

Gisborne Gazette, 20 March 1925

Gisborne’s New Electricity Plant. On Monday evening a trial of the new Morse-Fairbanks Y crude-oil engine, which forms part of the new electricity plant now being installed by the Gisborne Shire, took place at the powerhouse in the presence of Mr Homewood, of Messrs. Homewood and O’Neill, Electrical Engineers, and Crs. McGregor, Oakley and O’Donnell, and Mr Cole, Shire Electrical Engineer. The engine ... ran perfectly satisfactorily. The second engine of the same make, of 18 horse power, is now on the sea, on its way from America, to be installed close to the one now ready for use. When the whole plant is complete, it is estimated that a saving of not less than £300 will be effected. The cost of the whole plant will run into over £900.

Gisborne Gazette, 20 March 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 Wed & Sat 10am Dixon Field Noeline 0426 500 516

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

MARCH

Mar 5-8

Charade (Classic thriller) 12-15 Bonnard, Pierre et Marthe (French biography) 19-22 Freedom Writers (English) 26-29 The Fall Guy (US comedy drama) Membership for 2025 is now closed 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, 5427 1100

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