The Local - News from Daylesford, Castlemaine, Kyneton, Malmsbury, Creswick, Clunes, Hepburn Springs and surrounds.

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To build or not to build, that was my query

May 22, 2026

As I said in the last edition, I am not for building from scratch. But one can be worn down by one’s husband – and also the promise of the new. Let me be clear, I love the Glenlyon School. It has character, it has strength, it has charm. But it also has levels which […]

Volunteer workforce stable, but under pressure

May 22, 2026

Volunteering is critical to Australian society, especially at times like this, delivering essential services from support in the care economy to food relief and shelter as well as strengthening community cohesion, improving mental health and reducing social isolation. While the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that volunteering is resilient with 9.5 […]

The quiet strength of community

May 22, 2026

In rural and regional areas, access to healthcare is shaped by things like geography, workforce availability and infrastructure. But perhaps most important are the dedicated volunteers who show up each day to cover so many roles. Volunteers bridge the gap that distance and limited resources can create, while providing companionship and friendship throughout people’s healthcare […]

Edgy Veg Awards

May 22, 2026

Returning to the Macedon Ranges for the fifth year of veggie fun, and to Mount Alexander Shire for the second year, 2026’s Edgy Veg Award winning scores are in! With the hugest number of scores yet, 946 customers tried a vegelicious dish and cast their votes this year. Mount Alexander winners In Mount Alexander, the […]

To build or not to build, that was my query

May 21, 2026

As I said in the last edition, I am not for building from scratch. But one can be worn down by one’s husband – and also the promise of the new. Let me be clear, I love the Glenlyon School. It has character, it has strength, it has charm. But it also has levels which […]

Outdoor dining

May 21, 2026

Hepburn Shire Council has received several questions and comments regarding outdoor dining and trading permits, specifically around Burke Square in Daylesford. A media release said outdoor dining was an important amenity across the shire and the council acknowledged its importance to both community and businesses. “We are preparing to complete a comprehensive review of our […]

Trentham traffic

May 21, 2026

After listening to the local community and working with Department of Transport & Planning, Hepburn Shire Council is working on a range of road safety and transport improvements across Trentham, with advocacy and planning works underway, and funding secured for upgrades to local roads. A media release said the Department of Transport & Planning had […]

Councillor Column Cr Brian Hood – May 13, 2026

May 20, 2026

“It’s that time of the year when governments at all levels turn their minds to budgeting. Councillors have been working with officers to compile a budget for 2026/27 and beyond that responds to increasing costs and a tightening economic environment. “Constraints on cashflow mean it won’t be possible to embark on an ambitious capital works […]

Castlemaine Art Show

May 20, 2026

Award-winning Castlemaine artist Rob McHaffie will be the featured artist when the 37th Annual Rotary Castlemaine Art Show opens at Castlemaine Town Hall for King’s Birthday weekend, June 5-8. “Castlemaine Rotary is delighted to have an artist of the stature and accomplishments of Rob McHaffie as our featured artist for our 37th Art Show,” Rotary […]

Celebrating 50 years of CWA

May 20, 2026

The Spa Centre Daylesford CWA Branch has celebrated its 50th anniversary. The branch held its first meeting at Olive Tucker’s home on Wednesday, May 3, 1976 with 19 members joining on that day. Mrs Tucker was president with secretary Mrs Lois Monaghan and treasurer Ms Helen Boyle. These days monthly meetings are held on the […]

Hepburn Wildlife Shelter

May 19, 2026

How to increase biodiversity in a small way…in your space. We live in an era where we increasingly hear about the loss of biodiversity due to human actions. But there is some action you can take where you live to make a difference to the small creatures that also call your block home. We are […]

Helping pets in need

May 19, 2026

Petstock Daylesford is encouraging people to adopt a pet in need this May, or donate to help with their care at Castlemaine’s Mt Alexander Animal Welfare Shelter. Animal shelters are also feeling the cost of living pressure requiring additional help to cover daily essentials such as food, vet care and housing. The Australia-wide Petstock initiative […]