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Artists of the Central Highlands…

27-11-2023

The considerable artistry of Kyneton sculptor Anne Anderson has seen her work recognised with multiple high profile arts awards including the most recent Toorak Village Sculpture Prize. For this busy professional creative the schedule ahead includes exhibiting at McClelland Sculpture Park in Narre Warren in January and at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in March. Anne chatted with Eve Lamb.

Just sayin’…

27-11-2023

The past couple of weeks have been horrendous for many people. First and foremost for the friends and family of those people who died in the Daylesford accident.

Under The Mop Top Tree

26-11-2023

Vanessa I. R. Craven is a poet, author, artist and singer-songwriter who lives in Daylesford having made a treechange from Melbourne where she worked as a health sciences librarian. She has built an eco-friendly house and enjoys living in this beautiful area.

springs medical

Deva launch at Royal Yacht Club of Victoria

26-11-2023

Former Glenlyon resident Jill de Vos has written a cat book. But this is not about any ordinary cat, nor an ordinary life.

Boots & Bling for ChillOut Festival 2024

25-11-2023

ChillOut Festival, Australia's premier regional LGBTIQ+ arts and cultural festival, is back in 2024.

How Tony takes the plunge, again and again

24-11-2023

If Tony Kelly didn’t exist, someone possibly would invent him.

Biggins scott

Call for parks and an end to logging

25-11-2023

More than 50 regional, state and national environment groups have signed an open letter to Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, calling for an immediate end to logging in the west of Victoria and the legislation of three promised national parks.

Days of the old school yard: Bullarto Primary celebrates 150 years

24-11-2023

Things were way different back in the 1940s when Graeme Orr attended the local Bullarto Primary School.

149th Daylesford Show – November 25

24-11-2023

The first Daylesford Show was held in 1865 and, apart from interruptions for world wars and Covid in 2020 and 2021, has been held annually since then.

Hepburn shire council

Town ‘open for business’ post tragedy

24-11-2023

Daylesford and Hepburn Shire are definitely open for business and for visitors, Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Brian Hood says. Cr Hood said in the aftermath of the (November 5, Daylesford) accident many traders were left wondering if they should close, remain closed or be open for visitors and the vital tourism trade.

Chorus tunes up for twilight market

24-11-2023

Those who get along to this Friday’s Creswick Twilight Market can expect to be transported, albeit temporarily, to the Seychelles, Timor and South Africa.

‘Absolutely no-one’ trains for something like that…

23-11-2023

“Absolutely no-one goes to the (police) academy and trains for something like that.” They are the words of Golden Plains Hepburn operations manager Senior Sergeant Simon Brand almost two weeks after the accident which rocked the Daylesford community.

All faith, no faith, everyone welcome…

23-11-2023

Three days after the accident, the churches of Daylesford came together to hold a Community Memorial Service. “All Faith - No Faith - Everyone is Welcome.”

Connected by grief but united by love

23-11-2023

Narelle Groenhout, a journalist of many years, including with The Local, was enjoying a drink at the Daylesford Hotel on Sunday, November 5 when her life changed.

Sometimes the universe…

23-11-2023

Sometimes the universe puts the right people in the right places – and on the day of the (tragic Daylesford) accident (Sunday, November 5) more than a dozen off-duty healthcare professionals from across the state were in the vicinity.

12-11-2023

So, the No's have it. Well it was an overwhelming No in terms of The Voice vote, and it (The Voice) is probably doomed to being kicked down the road like an unwanted can.

Walks of the Central Highlands…

12-11-2023

It’s a sterling Spring day, late October, as we set off to walk the nine kilometre Wombat Trail that sets out from Trentham’s pretty little Quarry Street Reserve.

Just sayin’…

12-11-2023

It was a real shock to hear of the sudden death just last week of Serge Kislinsky. I hope you are not just reading it now in this column.

11-11-2023

Daylesford RSL held a moving Remembrance Day service today, with two minutes' silence. One, at 11am, for those who lost their lives in World War I and one, just a little later, for those who lost their lives in last Sunday's terrible accident outside The Royal Hotel.

Enjoying and creating a ritual of listening

11-11-2023

Final Edition is the creative practice of Craig Frankland: a teacher, designer and artist based on Dja Dja Wurrung land in Daylesford.

Those halcyon days of the friendly fifties

10-11-2023

Garry Powell is a prolific author with nearly 20 published books to his credit including several local histories such as Double Gold, the History of Mount Franklin and District co-written with Janet MacDonald.

10-11-2023

Tim Hayes was a community leader and internationalist who rejuvenated the township of Clunes and saw its population double.

Responsible building on bush blocks

09-11-2023

In a region such as the Central Highlands, the natural environment is what attracts people to this area, it sustains our tourism industry and by extension, the real estate market as people seek a more permanent escape from the city.

Eganstown Cemetery: beautiful bush setting

09-11-2023

It was established in 1866 as the Blanket Flat Cemetery and in recent years, according to trust chairperson Loris Duclos, Eganstown General Cemetery has “really kicked some goals”.

Going Ga Ga at Clunes

09-11-2023

For those of us who’d never heard of a “Ga Ga Pit”, the special ribbon-cutting occasion at Clunes Primary School last week provided a quick learning curve.

Show goes on: Clunes to stage 160th country classic

09-11-2023

The 160th anniversary Clunes Show has been along time coming but it’s finally looking like all systems go for Saturday, November 18.

Community mourns loss of much-loved Serge

08-11-2023

Popular Daylesford taxi driver Serge Kislinsky often told his daughter Natasha Waters he couldn’t visit the grandchildren in Melbourne because “the village needs me”.

Pitch perfect..

08-11-2023

When it comes to playing soccer, many children learn bad habits. Lee Stevens wants to put them right. At 38, this Coomoora resident with two young children understands how some parents may struggle to coach their offspring.

Counselling services in wake of weekend tragedy, Daylesford

07-11-2023

The Daylesford Interagency Response Group is extending its condolences to families and friends of those who lost their lives in the tragic weekend accident at Daylesford and wishes to reach out to any other members of the community impacted by the event.

Ciao baby! What a Festa

01-11-2023

Locals and visitors celebrated the Hepburn region's Swiss Italian heritage over the weekend with a bumper turn-out for the Swiss Italian Festa.

Central Vic Clay Trail

29-10-2023

Central Victoria is rightly celebrated for its wonderful food and accommodation, but the arts community is the beating heart of the region.

Just sayin’…

28-10-2023

I think most people heard about the tragedy in Daylesford last week. An alleged robbery and someone dying as a consequence. I don't want to go into it more than that.

Artists of the Central Highlands…

28-10-2023

Clunes-based artist Kate Edwards is especially renowned for her personality-packed ceramic pieces. Her talents have seen her work selected multiple times among the finalists in the Clunes Ceramics Award. Kate shares her passion for art by teaching at a local secondary college and her work has won this talented local creative plenty of fans who love the joyful nature of her original creations.

Diverse landscapes, myriad towns & history

27-10-2023

Daylesford artist Brian Nash has produced a coffee table book, The Golden Shire – Locations and Surroundings of the Hepburn Shire.

Daylesford Agricultural Show

27-10-2023

Planning for the 149th annual Daylesford and District Agricultural Show is well under way and the show committee is looking forward to a fantastic day at the Daylesford Showgrounds at Victoria Park, Daylesford on Saturday, November 25.

Get ready for the Gathering…

26-10-2023

Organisers of this year’s Daylesford Highland Gathering are urging locals to get out in force and enjoy the long- running annual event.

Daylesford hosts a visitor from Venice

26-10-2023

Daylesford is a long way from Venice, Italy but for 26 year old visiting Italian Christian Scaletta it’s an intriguing place to visit and work.

Screen icon Bryan Brown heads to Daylesford

26-10-2023

Iconic Australian actor, Bryan Brown is headed to Daylesford for a cocktail event to discuss his new psychological thriller, The Drowning.

Max is one in a million

25-10-2023

Daylesford stalwart Max Primmer was recognised for his tireless work in the community at the recent Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.

Secret is out as garden lovers weekend returns

25-10-2023

Garden lovers are in for a treat over the weekend over November 11-12 as Creswick Garden Club again stages the Creswick Garden Lovers’ weekend featuring top gardens in Creswick and surrounds.

Vacancy on Macedon Ranges Shire Council

18-10-2023

A countback to fill an extraordinary vacancy on Macedon Ranges Shire Council for South Ward will be held online at 10 am on Monday 13 November. The vacancy is due to the resignation of councillor Anne Moore.

New bore to be drilled at Daylesford’s Central Springs Reserve

18-10-2023

Work at Daylesford's Central Springs Reserve starts this week to prepare the site for the drilling of a new mineral springs bore.

Fatality in Daylesford: man found dead on roadside

18-10-2023

A man who is believed to have tried to rob a muffin cafe in Daylesford has wound up dead on the side of the road.

Just sayin’…

15-10-2023

I received some mail late last week. Snail mail. A padded envelope. Small. I opened it and inside was a blank piece of A4 paper. Nothing written on it, just a USB stick taped on. Hmmm, I thought. That's going to be interesting.

Kyle’s Rant…

15-10-2023

The TV show “The Block” maybe coming to the Daylesford township, or at least it was coming to town until a few objectors, climbed onboard the “Leave our pretty town alone” train and stopped it in its tracks.

Budburst Festival returns to Macedon Ranges

15-10-2023

There could hardly be a better way to welcome the quickening pulse of the season. All who are partial to a good wine will be keen to note that the famed Macedon Ranges Bud Burst Festival is back and happening over the weekend of Friday 17-Sunday 19 November.

Artists of the Central Highlands

15-10-2023

Long established artist and observing Jew, Daylesford’s Bill Meyer can name a multitude of diverse career highlights. They range from a painting commission for the Werdiger family...

Ageing well in every colour of the rainbow

14-10-2023

A free workshop is being offered to LGBTIQA+ people to help them plan to enjoy a fabulous older age.

National human rights award for Creswick’s Tony Clark

14-10-2023

Creswick’s Tony Clark has received the inaugural Kimberley Kitching Human Rights Award at the recent ALP National Conference in Brisbane, using the opportunity to advocate strongly for a cause so dear to his heart.

Keen to clog in Creswick

14-10-2023

Mention the word “clogging” and many will immediately visualise heavy Dutch clogs and maybe pitch in a mental windmill and a few tulips as well. Wrong.

Hepburn’s Swiss Italian Festa returns

13-10-2023

Hepburn's Swiss Italian Festa is back after a three-year hiatus. From Friday, October 27 to Sunday, October 29, the region will come alive with a vibrant celebration of heritage, culture and lifestyle - with the theme Viva La Festa 23!

Church wearing the Heart on its walls

13-10-2023

A word-art installation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart is all around the walls of St George’s, Trentham. Put up by locals, it was dedicated by Bishop Matt Brain, the Anglican Bishop of Bendigo, on September 24.

Getting more women into golf at Hepburn

13-10-2023

The Hepburn Springs Golf Club is running a series of activities to encourage more women to play golf at the club.

Be part of this year’s Aussie Bird Count

12-10-2023

It's almost time to dust off your bins and head out to your fav outdoor spot with notepad at the ready for Aussie Bird Count 2023.

From Overwrought to Humoroos: entries roll in for upcoming art show

12-10-2023

Paintings. Well, on July 1 when art entries were invited, paintings began to flow in, soon afterwards however there was a hiatus. For someone new to this job that was a matter of concern despite the perpetual comments: Don’t worry they’ll all pile in on the last few days. So true – they did.

Creswick concert

12-10-2023

Creswick Woollen Mills is set to be the backdrop for a unique medley of musical styles, ranging from classical chamber music and opera arias to jazz improvisations and atmospheric soundscapes, as a selection of the region’s most esteemed musicians converge for the Musical Threads: Performers for Patients Concert.

Classic ‘win-win’: the inside story of WomenCAN

12-10-2023

Former corporate lawyer, Mikaela Stafrace, (pronounced Staffarachi) is clearly passionate as she discusses her role as founder and CEO of WomenCAN Australia. The highly motivated change-maker will be guest speaker at the upcoming U3A AGM taking place in Daylesford on October 16.

Esoteric Jessica to play the Daylesford

11-10-2023

Boundary-flipping performer Jessica Lindsay Smith plays The Daylesford Hotel, live, next Saturday evening, October 21.

Daylesford woman wins $60 million Powerball draw

11-10-2023

A Daylesford woman is an instant multimillionaire after winning last Thursday’s entire Powerball draw of $60 million.

Jenny Don’t & The Spurs play the Bridge

11-10-2023

If you've made plans for this evening - you may want to change 'em. Jenny Don’t & The Spurs play the Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine tonight, Wednesday, October 11.

Celebrated saxophonist, pianist headed to the Daylesford

10-10-2023

Local music lovers are in for a sweet treat as award-winning musician and composer Ania Reynolds plays The Daylesford Hotel on Saturday evening, October 28.

BABBA plays the Palais, Hepburn

10-10-2023

For 29 years, BABBA have been thrilling audiences with their superb re-creation of 70’s super group ABBA and the legacy of hits they gave us. Now they're headed to Hepburn to play The Palais this Saturday, October 14.

Guildford firey Will ‘always happy to help’

08-10-2023

A CFA volunteer since the age of 14, Guildford Fire Brigade Firefighter Will Dodson is always happy to help.

Jungle Jim Smith headed to the Daylesford

07-10-2023

Armed with a 3-string cigar box guitar, bottleneck slide, trusty 6-string and shed-built foot drums, Jungle Jim Smith is a one-man-electric-boogie-band based in the rolling hills of South Gippsland Prom Country.

FOGO service to start next year, Hepburn households

02-10-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council will introduce a weekly kerbside collection of food organics and garden organics (FOGO) for township residents early next year in a move aimed at diverting thousands of tonnes of organic material from landfill

01-10-2023

Initially I thought when the pandemic came into our worlds in March of 2020, it would leave by the end of that year.

Just sayin’…

01-10-2023

Konnichi wa. Finally heading back to Japan after quite a few years away. Well, not until April but time does fly.

Unearth some fine wine in Daylesford this Saturday

29-09-2023

With the Pyrenees Unearthed Festival now a must-attend annual event for many wine lovers, the region's wineries are taking the festival to the road.

Clopping on: continuing the Clydesdale tradition

28-09-2023

The early development of Australia from its roads to farms would hardly have been possible without the contribution of heavy horses.

Artists of the Central Highlands

28-09-2023

Renown for his photographic landscape studies and creation of gaze-grabbing images in the commercial realm, acclaimed Hepburn based photographer David Rosendale enjoys an ongoing love-affair with light and its transformative role in image-making. He currently has an exhibition taking place at Eastern Peake Winery Cellar Door, Coghills Creek as part of the wider Ballarat Foto Biennale happening now through to October 22.

About to bloom: Musk gardens open day nears

28-09-2023

Two of the region’s premier gardens are preparing to open their gates to visitors for a fundraising picnic day on Saturday, November 18.

Farewell to a woodchop champ: Vale Harold

28-09-2023

The state’s woodchopping sports fraternity is mourning the recent loss of one of its favourite locals, Korweinguboora’s Harold Suckling.

Red Rebels taking action on climate crisis

27-09-2023

Central Vic Climate Action is hosting a number of events to encourage creative action in response to the escalating environmental crisis: a parade of Red Rebels, and screening of the film How to Blow Up a Pipeline.

Cats coming to Creswick

27-09-2023

Cat and art lovers alike will be heading to the Creswick Town Hall this long weekend.

17-09-2023

For those of you that have heard the story of The Local’s birth, you may find this read interesting as it is amazing how fact changes to fantasy with 10 years' history and perhaps a little embellishment under the belt.

Just sayin’…

17-09-2023

Wow, 10 years. It is a cliché but it really does feel like yesterday that we put together a little Word document and wandered the streets asking if people would like to advertise in it. For some reason many did. And thanks to them the first edition came out on September 2, 2013.

Artists of the Central Highlands

16-09-2023

Glenlyon's Julie Coyle, one of the many artists taking part in the upcoming Rotary Daylesford Art Show, says her artistic style leans towards abstraction and certainly impressionism. She looks for an emotional response to the landscape. Julie spared some time to tell The Local a bit about her creative practice.

Dogs’day out at Dean Recreation Reserve

15-09-2023

For champion sheepdog trainer John Tuddenham, training winning woofers is a bit like educating smart children.

Sharing your stories

15-09-2023

Patricia Kent was born in London in the mid 1940s and spent her childhood years playing in the bombed rubble of the East End. She read the book A Town Like Alice when she was a teenager and knew that she wanted to live in Australia. She emigrated to Adelaide in 1968.

Daylesford Rotary celebrates 70 years of giving

15-09-2023

It’s been 70 great years of doing good deeds in the community – and beyond - for Daylesford Rotary and right now this longstanding local service club is getting set to celebrate in style.

Wombat State Park on its way, finally

14-09-2023

Signs are emerging that the long-promised Wombat State Park may become a reality.

Queries on charity housing

14-09-2023

A woman living in a unit owned by the Daylesford Ladies Benevolent Society, says she has been knocked back after asking for a permanently open louvre bathroom window to be replaced with something she can close.

Maverick, the Clydesdale, leaves a huge legacy

14-09-2023

Maverick, the Clydesdale, has died at the age of 25 after a long battle with cancer.

10 years Connecting the Community!

13-09-2023

The Local is celebrating 10 years of following its mantra of Connecting the Community. The first edition hit the presses for a publication date of September 2, 2013 and The Local is now up to 288 editions.

Integrate Fitness team at Kettlebell Nationals

13-09-2023

The Integrate Fitness Kettlebell Team, aka the Daylesford Swingers, headed to Brisbane for the 2023 GSAA Australian National KettlebellKettlebell, Beth Whiting, Championships held over September 2 and 3.

Oscar LaDell & the Earth Tones to play the Palais

12-09-2023

US-born blues and soul singer Oscar LaDell brings his band The Earth Tones for their first appearance at Palais-Hepburn later this month.

Art Gallery of Ballarat visitation on the rise

11-09-2023

There has been a significant rise in visitor numbers to the Art Gallery of Ballarat, showing a positive trend in audiences returning post COVID.

Distant south plays the Daylesford

10-09-2023

The Distant South plays The Daylesford Hotel next Saturday September 16.

Puppy survives 25 metre fall, rescued from Maldon mine shaft

09-09-2023

A multi-agency rescue effort has saved a puppy from a mine shaft at Maldon in recent days.

CresFest 2023 named finalist in Australian Folk Music Awards

09-09-2023

Creswick is celebrating after its comparatively new home-grown folk music festival CresFest was announced as a finalist in the prestigious Australian Folk Music Awards.

Sick pay guarantee for casuals, contractors

08-09-2023

The state government says it's helping more casual and contract workers access sick and carer’s pay, increasing the number of jobs covered by the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee and extending the pilot until March 2025.

Invite to be part of new carbon offset project

07-09-2023

Community Carbon is a new pilot project aimed at delivering local revegetation planting to generate carbon offsets while also providing environmental, social, and economic benefits to the local community. Local landholders and other residents are being invited to be involved.

Alternative sport and active recreation site proposed for Clunes

Container deposit scheme machine installed at Daylesford

06-09-2023

A Reverse Vending Machine for Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, CDS Vic, has been installed in East Street, Daylesford.

Draft masterplans released for Queens and Pioneer Parks in Clunes: feedback sought

10-09-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council has released draft masterplans for Queens Park and Pioneer Park in Clunes and is inviting the community to have a say on the future direction of these important community sites.

Just sayin’…

03-09-2023

Had some interesting chats with Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas and Mayor Brian Hood last week.

03-09-2023

Every year for the past 39 years, since I was 17, I have done a first aid course. The first one was for my skipper's ticket which involved a little bit more than your average, what is now day course, plus home study.

Artists of the Central Highlands

03-09-2023

Rose Wilson’s prodigious artistic talent for creating captivating portraiture has seen her make the finals of some of the nation’s most prestigious arts awards including the Archibald Prize. This acclaimed Trentham artist is also renown for her impressionistic paintings paying homage to the natural environment and to the living creatures that inhabit it.

Good life down on the woollen mill farm

02-09-2023

It’s a job many would envy and Creswick Woollen Mill’s Farmer Maddy says it’s one she’s not about to swap for a desk any day soon.

Here’s cheers: Great times ahead at The Pig

02-09-2023

Eammon Hamilton was determined when he set about securing kitchen maestro Joel Reilly to be head chef at the Pig&Whistle.

Creswick Chorus in concert for healthy cause

02-08-2023

The Creswick Chorus is one of several local singing groups looking forward to being part this month's Stand By Me concert happening 1.30pm-3.30pm at Ballarat’s York Street Church of Christ York Street Ballarat, Sunday September 10.

Rotary launches 2023 Daylesford Art Show

01-09-2023

Daylesford Rotary is proud to announce the launch of the 2023 Daylesford Art Show to be held between November 2 and 7 in the Daylesford Town Hall.

The Local turns 10

01-09-2023

Check out our big budget movie, the journey has been long and short...

Art of record covers: new competition launched

01-09-2023

Daylesford Records, in collaboration with The Local, is announcing a new art competition to be held under the auspices of the Daylesford Art Show.

Bad behaviour called out as council staff targetted

01-08-2023

Aggressive behaviour towards Hepburn Shire Council staff is on the increase and reaching unprecedented levels.

Warning on dog security after wildlife mauled

01-09-2023

A Daylesford resident has asked dog owners and drivers to be more aware of wildlife, after a kangaroo and its joey were found mauled to death on a local property.

Train to become a rainbow community angel

31-08-2023

Locals are being offered the opportunity to become Rainbow Community Angels to enable them to take part in peaceful actions to support community safety at LGBTIQA+ inclusive events with a special training event happening in Kyneton this Saturday.

Amanda to compete in Deaf Bowls Champs, Scotland

31-08-2023

Hepburn’s Amanda Care is heading off to Scotland to compete in the International Deaf Bowls Championships.

Perfect to make art pundits purr: cat art comes to Creswick

31-08-2023

Cats Come To Creswick Art Show, will be held at the Creswick Town Hall from Friday, September 29 to Sunday, October 1, and raise funds for a new bus for John Curtin Aged Care.

The need for speed: Pacific Airshow packs sensory overload

31-08-2023

The inaugural Pacific Airshow Gold Coast was a sensory overload. The show sported aerobatic aircraft from the mid-sized two airplanes in one, a super loud Yak 110 and the huge C-130 Hercules through to my favourite, the air ripping F/A-18 Super Hornet’s handling display.

Blues and roots-style: Manning plays the ‘maine

30-08-2023

A veteran of the music industry in Australia, Phil Manning has been at the forefront of blues and roots style music for over five decades, first coming to public attention as a member of the now legendary Chain, a rock/blues band of the sixties and seventies, which still performs to this day.

Hepburn Swiss Italian Festa back for 2023

30-08-2023

Hepburn Swiss Italian Festa returns in 2023, with a three-day celebration of community, heritage, culture and lifestyle starting Friday, October 27.

Chance to jump on board community carbon project

24-08-2023

Hepburn shire locals who are passionate about the environment and who want to take action on climate change are being invited to get involved in a significant native planting program.

Top piano talent plays Daylesford Town Hall

23-08-2023

Local music lovers are in for a rare treat as world renown pianist Leslie Howard is giving a once-off afternoon matinee concert in Daylesford next month to support Creswick Health's hospital and aged care upgrades.

State government buys Hanging Rock’s East Paddock

23-08-2023

The state government has purchased Hanging Rock’s East Paddock and released a new masterplan to further protect the cultural significance of the cherished destination.

Pacific Air Show 2023

22-08-2023

The inaugural Pacific Airshow Gold Coast was a sensory overload. The show sported aerobatic aircraft from the mid-sized two airplanes in one, a super loud Yak110 and the huge C-130 Hercules through to my favourite the air ripping F/A-18 Super Hornet’s handling display.

Grants program opens for wildlife shelters, carers

21-08-2023

The state government says it's backing Victoria’s wildlife rescue volunteers so that sick, injured and orphaned native animals get the support they need.

Artists of the Central Highlands … with Eve Lamb

20-08-2023

An enduring love affair with the Australian landscape, its power and diversity, underscores the work of much-collected Daylesford painter and printmaker Greg Mallyon. Greg’s abstract topographical images are inspired by an aerial perspective and his life story includes constant study, travel and rich exposure to European, Asian, Middle Eastern and our own Indigenous cultures. The many arts awards that this talented local creative has collected along the way include the 2021 National Capital Art Prize for Landscape and the Digital Art Award for the 2023 Queenscliff Art Prize.

Just sayin’…by Donna Kelly

20-08-2023

WORDS in Winter is coming up soon - end of August - so I thought I would take a trip down memory lane and my own love of words.

Rosendale exhibition: part of Ballarat International Foto Biennale

19-08-2023

Emerging out of the Covid ramifications of late 2021, Hepburn Shire resident and photographic artist, David Rosendale - synonymous for capturing the Alpine regions of Australia - turned his lens to the local Daylesford and Hepburn landscape, as a direct response to travel restrictions.

That’s a lot of bull!

19-08-2023

Trentham's John and Sue Harvey, on the cusp of their retirement, are delighted with the recent news that a son of their bull Torr Down Marvel 3, AI Z Providence Dr Octopus (pictured above) has won Supreme Exhibit and South Devon Breed Champion at the UK National Show.

37 plays, 97 minutes, 3 actors

18-08-2023

In the past 51 years The Mount Players have never performed any of Shakespeare's plays - but that is being quickly rectified.

Friday’s time to ‘get your uke on’ in Clunes

18-08-2023

It’s Friday on a chill mid winter afternoon in Clunes but the sounds emanating from the town’s Attitude building have a distinctly sunny edge. The weekly ukulele group gathering is in progress.

Trio to be honoured at Rotary’s 70th party

18-08-2023

Tourism stalwarts Carol White, Tina Banitska and Alla Wolf-Tasker, will be the guests of honour when the Rotary Club of Daylesford celebrates its 70th anniversary next month.

Soccer victory for Daylesford College junior girls

17-08-2023

Not to be outdone by The Matildas, Daylesford College junior girls soccer team was victorious in the Greater Western Region finals, earlier this month.

Treehouse4Two: retreat for dementia couples

17-08-2023

A diagnosis of dementia can be incredibly upsetting, and unfortunately the incidence of this lethal disease is rising across Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shires.

Words to warm up this winter

17-08-2023

In the 1990s, Em Ireland ran open mic events, combining poetry and music. Now, as director of the Words in Winter event, Em has loved calling in poets and friends "from back in the day" to be a part of the community festival, held on August 25, 26 and 27.

Keep the legend simmering

17-08-2023

In his day yesteryear Creswick identity Simon (Simmy) McDonald was something of a household name in folk music circles.

Stop the Towers rally reaches Spring Street

16-08-2023

A STOP the Towers rally went all the way to the steps of Parliament House in Spring Street, yesterday Tuesday, August 15.

Vale Graeme Johnstone 18.01.1946 – 30.07.2023

16-08-2023

The central Victorian goldfields township of Clunes is mourning the loss of community stalwart, Graeme Johnstone.

The Local Podcast August 14 edition

12-08-2023

The latest Local Podcast is now on our website where we discuss what is in the next edition of The Local

Council turns to community to drive towns’ future

11-08-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council is seeking volunteers to join a Community Engagement Pool to provide input into the future of the shire’s townships.

Wild horse shooting proposal for Kosciuszko National Park

10-08-2023

The Invasive Species Council has welcomed Monday's announcement that the NSW government is consulting on changes to the Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan to allow aerial shooting as a method to reduce feral horse numbers.

The Lyonville bake off is back

09-08-2023

It's time to hit the kitchen and get practicing for the Lyonville Bake Off.

Sense of community: rural brigade hosts open day

09-08-2023

Hepburn Rural Fire Brigade has hosted a community open day with the introduction of a new light tanker to its fleet - and a special commemoration.

The Block in Daylesford?

06-08-2023

A PLANNING application for five dwellings at 1 Raglan Street, Daylesford, has people wondering if it is the site of next year’s series of television show The Block.

Warming fare at Guildford

06-08-2023

Want to warm up for winter? Head to the Guilly. A friendly family pub just this side of Castlemaine. The pub is well back up and running after a little incident, ok, they had a small fire, and ready to receive locals and visitors alike.

05-08-2023

RE Just Sayin'… – July 3, 2023 Issue 283 I enjoy and appreciate The Local, thank you for providing this free publication. I look forward to getting to the back pages of The Local so that I can be annoyed or buoyed by Kyle’s rant, and entertained, informed and at times provoked by your Just Sayin’… column.

Threads offering fabulous free styling workshops

05-08-2023

A grant from the Empowering Communities Fund through the City of Ballarat and Department of Justice and Community Safety means Cafs (Child & Family Services, Ballarat) Thread Together is delivering two free styling workshops specifically aimed at members of the LGBTIQA+ community, offering a safe and supportive environment to celebrate and embrace individuality.

Clarksdalesfordians – a musical exchange

05-08-2023

CLARKSDALE is a town of 15,000 in the US state of Mississippi and considered by many music aficionados to be an important part of the development of blues music.

WIW’s On The Couch with Beck Lister

05-08-2023

Planning is well under way for next month’s Words in Winter and Beck Lister will be hitting the couch on Sunday, August 27 with three guest artists.

Winter sounds returns for more

04-08-2023

Following its sell-out success last year, Winter Sounds is returning to Daylesford in August with a great line-up of Australian artists performing in a range of local venues.

Artists of the Central Highlands …

04-08-2023

Daylesford’s Brian Nash has long captivated art lovers with his powerful interpretations of the world around him, particularly landscape. Right now his work, together with that of photographer Bec Walker, is part of a feature exhibition showing at the Convent Gallery. In recent days, Brian generously shared his time with journalist Eve Lamb to provide some insights into his creative process, sources of inspiration, and life as a professional artist.

The Old Heppy to become someone’s home

04-08-2023

LOVED by many for its music, eccentricity and atmosphere, the Old Hepburn Hotel upset many locals when the taps were turned off and doors shut three years ago.

Sharing your stories …

04-08-2023

TRENTHAM'S Mary Walsh describes herself as a simple Irish girl, from a farming family, in Brideswell. She doesn’t like talking about herself and her mum used to say “self praise is no praise”. Even still, we had so much to talk about and the essence and wisdom of Mary Walsh was abundant.

Good grub – gratis – beats the belly rumbles

03-08-2023

Potato and bacon soup, baked ham with roast seasonal veg, piping hot apple and rhubarb pie with cream... I could be at a cafe, pub or restaurant – or a good friend’s place about to be fed. But no I’m in the Uniting Church Hall on a Thursday surrounded by the Good Grub Club’s good deeds in action... and it’s all pretty yummo.

French festivities fill Daylesford town hall

03-08-2023

The Daylesford Town Hall was decorated in red, white and blue and alive with the festive music of France, and other parts of Europe too, for the annual Quatorze Juillet celebrations conducted by the Hepburn Shire U3A French Group and the Daylesford Community Brass Band.

Viva the vinyl retro revolution

03-08-2023

There’s a moment of aural frisson, the needle dropping, the prelude crackle just before the soundwaves hit and transport you to...

Long walk to leave limbo

03-08-2023

Keep an eye out and you may just spot him hiking along the chilly, muddy Hepburn Shire roads this week.

Researching sonic boom times at Werona

02-08-2023

THE world is a strange place. Even after most of the earth has been explored, mapped and explained there is always something weird which can rattle our peace of mind.

Those sweet strings of Klemantyne Ensemble

02-08-2023

Fans of strings music will be well pleased to see that Ballarat-based Klemantyne Ensemble, have a few performances in the Daylesford-Ballarat region on their agenda.

Words in winter gala with special guest Jon Faine

01-08-2023

It may be brrrisk out but in The Palais, Hepburn things will likely be pretty cosy as the venue hosts this month's Words in Winter Gala with special guest Jon Faine.

Podcast – The Local July 31 2023

30-07-2023

Tenzin Choegyal to play the Palais, Hepburn

29-07-2023

Tenzin’s message is uplifting and his joyfulness is infectious. Acknowledged as one of the world's finest Tibetan musicians, Tenzin Choegyal’s cantering rhythms, soaring vocals and exquisite flute solos have enchanted audiences around the globe and next month they'll enchant plenty of local music lovers at The Palais, Hepburn.

Revamped Arts Prize – Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival

26-07-2023

Enter your artwork in the Art & Photography Competition to go in the running to win $1,700 in prizes with our new categories!

Free workshops to beat the chill … and the heating bill

27-07-2023

Hepburn shire locals feeling the chill are being encouraged to get along to a workshop to find out how to cut their heating bills by making your home more thermally efficient.

Hepburn awards $500,000 road patching contract

26-07-2023

Hepburn Shire Council says it's continuing to invest in roads across the shire with a $500,000 road patching contract awarded at its Ordinary Meeting last week.

Farewell Jim Crow: gathering recognises creek renaming

24-07-2023

Around 50 people came together last Tuesday at a special event to celebrate the renaming of Jim Crow Creek to Larni Barramal Yaluk at the picturesque creek bank at Franklinford

24-07-2023

WHEN I first started turning out these rants 10 years ago, the best subject matter I could dream up was potholes, drivers and idiots.

Just sayin’…

24-07-2023

I have run a couple of briefs, back on page 11 (of the latest hard copy edition of The Local) if you want a look, about a positive ageing expo and another program called Living and Ageing Well in Hepburn. As in Hepburn Shire.

Contra Guitar Duo

23-07-2023

Queensland-based Contra Guitar Duo – Hamish Strathdee and Emma-Shay Gallenti-Guilfoyle will close the Newstead Arts Hub winter program on Saturday, July 29.

Flavour and flair at the Daylesford Bowlo

23-07-2023

It's always a great meal at the Daylesford Bowling Club. It starts with a warm welcome as you walk in, sometimes from the manager Neil, or the bar staff, and the good vibes continue.

Bills but no service

22-07-2023

COMPLAINTS about in-home aged care provider, Benetas, continue to rise with concerns the organisation is sending out bills even when a service is not provided.

A little black magic

20-07-2023

Theirs is a tale of taking a punt and following that inner vision. For Springmount couple Carmel and Brett Masterson it’s the sort of story that anyone dreaming of a new life direction and of becoming their own boss really likes to hear.

Artists of the central Highlands

20-07-2023

Castlemaine’s Neil Tait has built up an admiring following for his artistry when it comes to decorative ironwork. This local creative – ably assisted by his team – designs and creates wrought iron pieces that are aesthetically pleasing works of art which frequently also serve the most functional of purposes.

Care to tango: Ballroom dance beats the winter blues

19-07-2023

You know those couples. The ones who, when called upon, can trot out a mean foxtrot, waltz or tango at the rellies’ wedding while you – er – improvise...

A wonderful wartangu

19-07-2023

There was a fair bit of wartangu happening at the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre as part of an occasion worth celebrating recently.

Council responds to Commonwealth Games cancellation

24-07-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council is "disappointed" at the recent shock decision by the Victorian Government to cancel the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

From Motown to the Blues Bros: sweet soul music to play The Palais

17-07-2023

MOTOR CITY SOUNDS will be bringing their tribute to the greats of soul music to The Palais-Hepburn next month.

The Local Podcast July 17, 2023

16-07-2023

The Local crew talk about what to expect in the upcoming edition of The Local

Big show coming up for Little Gallery

09-07-2023

The Little Gallery in Trentham is no stranger to fundraising as over the past 11 years of its existence it has donated proceeds from its many exhibitions to local charities and interstate communities in need.

08-07-2023

Humans on mase are filthy creatures, by and large their time is taken up by the need to constantly tend to their orifices.

Just sayin’…

08-07-2023

I WAS going to write about The Voice. It seemed appropriate given this week is NAIDOC Week. I know, National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee Week. I guess one day was not enough.

Artists of the Central Highlands …

08-07-2023

Formerly Sister Maleita, serving as a nun with a French Order in New Zealand, Daylesford’s Millie Gouldthorpe came to painting later in life than many, but once she did – Oh Boy! The canvas really exploded. Millie’s style which emerged in a torrent of creativity during the time of COVID lockdowns is vibrant, abstract expressionist, and the way she revels in the sheer joy of colour is all the more fabulous for the fact that she is classified as blind due to the development of a degenerative eye condition. When she makes art, sometimes literally in the dark, this local arts talent almost seems to be channelling some higher force.

Words in Winter guest speaker Jon Faine

07-07-2023

Jon Faine left the ABC after 20 years as morning radio host in September 2019 – just a few months before Covid hit.

Warm welcome at the Daylesford Steakhouse

07-07-2023

On a recent chill winter’s evening, just after dark, the mellow light that issues from our dining destination – the Daylesford Steakhouse - is warm and inviting.

More in-home care concerns come forward

06-07-2023

More people have contacted The Local to speak out against in-home care provider, Benetas.

Produce with passion at Meraki Organic Farm

06-07-2023

Italian born Daniele Tarasco brings a personal passion for fresh, flavoursome food and his background as a high-end chef to running Meraki certified organic farm at Newlyn North.

World championship wins for Daylesford’s Beth Whiting

06-07-2023

Daylesford's Beth Whiting has returned from the World Kettlebell Sport Federation championships in Hungary - with a swag of medals.

Focus on completing capital works as council adopts $59Million budget

06-07-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council has adopted a $59 million budget for 2023/2024, with investment focused on completing major capital works and delivering services to the community.

Order of Australia for staunch advocate

05-07-2023

“Grateful” is the way Clunes local, proud Yorta Yorta and Barkandji woman, Karen Heap humbly described being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.

Local ‘gold’ shines in ABC’s Gold Diggers

05-07-2023

There’s bound be quite a few local households glued to their teev screens for this evening's premiere screening of new ABC comedy series Gold Diggers.

The Local Podcast for the July 3 edition

01-07-2023

24-06-2023

I AM seriously concerned about the price of living and the potential recession we have on our hands, and I don’t get it.

Artists of the Central Highlands

23-06-2023

Armed with a personal attitude that “life is too short” Karima Baadilla ditched professional accounting to pursue her passion for art, and swapped life in the inner city for a tree-change at Clunes on the old central Victorian goldfields. She is now a multi-media artist whose prints create a narrative of everyday life, migrant identity and community that is fresh, vibrant and tends to bring instant cheer.

Leeanne socks it to us

22-06-2023

Finding an enterprise that makes beautiful handmade socks in every colour of the rainbow in Clunes is really not so odd.

All about women who launch… and brunch

22-06-2023

Daylesford’s Women to the Front launched into the world in style on International Women’s Day back in March and is now busy preparing for it’s next local event in August.

On air: The Local podcast is back

22-06-2023

The Local is hitting the airwaves with the return of its Country Life podcast.

Being seen … for a career in ophthalmology

21-06-2023

DR SANDRA Staffieri has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to medicine as an orthoptist and vision researcher, and to paediatric ophthalmology.

King’s Birthday honour for Anneke Deutsch

21-06-2023

DAYLESFORD’S Anneke Deutsch has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the community.

The Local Podcast June 19

15-06-2023

The Latest wrapup of what's inside the June 19 edition of The Local

Service to medicine recognised

13-06-2023

Dr Sandra Staffieri has been awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to medicine as an orthoptist and vision researcher, and to paediatric ophthalmology.

Award for community service

12-06-2023

Daylesford’s Anneke Deutsch has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the community.

Greater purpose in growing clean, healthy food

WHEN Edward Benedict lived in a bedsit in East Melbourne, his neighbours called him The Farmer. He had a small patch opposite the MCG, where his veggies grew and grew and grew.

Equal the Contest to premiere at documentary film fest

09-06-2023

When documentary maker Mitch Nivalis contacted The Local a little way back requesting use of an article the paper had published in 2017, editor Donna Kelly was happy to oblige.

Artists of the Central Highlands

09-06-2023

The creations of Creswick artist blacksmith Ernie Terry are the sort of pieces that stop people in their tracks and start conversations. Forged from fire, steel and beautifully burnished copper - among other metals - they’re imposing, frequently life-sized and capture a fiery elemental energy that’s been winning this local creative plenty of fans and commissions – functional and purely aesthetic - ever since he opened his Lucky Monkey Blacksmith workshop and gallery at Creswick in fairly recent times.

New EV charge station up and running at Creswick

08-06-2023

EV drivers have been well pleased to discover that the new fast charge station at Creswick is finally up and running. For some it can make the difference between getting home – or not.

Gold in them there world heritage bids: UNESCO bid boosted

06-06-2023

The Victorian Goldfields UNESCO World Heritage bid has been given a hefty boost thanks to $3.8 million announced in the Victorian budget for championing Victoria’s outstanding heritage.

The Local Podcast

04-06-2023

We unwrap what to expect in the next edion of The Local

Council to ‘advocate strongly’ for alternative VNI West route as ‘concerns’ remain

04-06-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council will continue to 'advocate strongly' for an alternative to the route currently preferred for the Victoria New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) project, mayor Cr Brian Hood says.

A little help to de-tox the home, free event at Daylesford

03-06-2023

Hepburn shire locals are about to get a little help and added incentive to clean out those unwanted household chemicals from their sheds, cupboards and under their sinks and dispose of them safely at Sustainability Victoria’s free Detox your Home event.

Get cracking to clinch a biodiversity grant

03-05-2023

Time is running out to apply for a grant through the Hepburn Shire Council to help conserve biodiversity in the shire.

Single use plastic gets the chop at Macedon Ranges

01-06-2023

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has adopted a new Single-use Plastic Policy, among a number of significant decisions made by the councillors at last Thursday night’s May council meeting.

29-05-2023

Recently we got ChatGPT to write up a piece of editorial, which it quite frankly penned from its electronic anus. See below.

Silent film gets new life at doco fest

28-05-2023

ALMOST century-old silent masterpiece of documentary filmmaking will be given new life next month when an acclaimed singer performs a “sound-track”.

Artists of the Central Highlands

27-05-2023

Acclaimed arts couple Julie McKenzie and Malcolm King (above) have further enriched the Hepburn Shire’s rich arts scene after moving here from interstate last year. Julie is particularly renowned for her landscapes and Malcolm for his travel poster works. They are both widely collected and exhibited, and their studio has screen-printed works for some of the biggest names in Australian contemporary art.

Cheers for Hares at Denver

26-05-2023

Black-faced Suffolk sheep graze in Denver, with alpacas not far away. Nearby the grape-stripped vines are shutting down.

Hepburn shire releases $59.10 million draft budget for feedback

25-05-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council has released its $59.10 million draft budget for 2023-24, which is now open for community feedback.

Neighbourhood house begins new chapter for historic library building

25-05-2023

The permanent relocation of Clunes Neighbourhood House to the town’s former Free Lending Library Building is poised to breathe new life into one of the town’s historically significant sites, invigorating the CBD as well.

Sharing and repairing: more fixers welcome

25-05-2023

Creswick’s upcoming Repair and Share event is pretty much what the name suggests.

Creswick Theatre Co does Arsenic and Old Lace

24-05-2023

Creswick Theatre Company has been having a wickedly good time preparing to stage dark comedy Arsenic and Old Lace.

’60s Parisian detective, meets dystopian desert cowgirl…

23-05-2023

Transportive and with a penchant for drama, Taylah Carroll wants to lay the world before her listener; a world she characterises neatly as: “a 60s Parisian detective, meets dystopian desert cowgirl”.

The Local Podcast

21-05-2023

See what's making news in the latest Local Podcast

Creswick’s Hammon Park Trailhead opening

17-05-2023

In Creswick Martha Haylett MP opened the Hammon Park Trailhead in Creswick on May 5. To celebrate, the Hepburn Shire Council is now inviting local residents to "join the fun at the Dirty Pig and Whistle ride event at Hammon Park on Saturday 20 May".

To mask or not to mask – in healthcare settings.

14-05-2023

Ochre Medical in Clunes and Creswick continues with its mask wearing policy which will be reassessed after winter.

Loving aged care role

13-05-2023

Mahilpreet Singh (pictured above) moved to Australia from India in 2020 - just in time for Covid lockdowns.

LGBTIQA+ ‘swag of events’

13-05-2023

The experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) communities across Central Victoria are being highlighted through a swag of events supported by the state government.

Bee-sotted! How a backyard hobby became a business

13-05-2023

How does someone go from having just two bee hives to having 80? Don’t ask Clunes’ Graeme Grigson because he doesn’t know how it happened.

Hymn and Her will bring good vibes to old bush church

12-05-2023

Hymn and Her Ensemble will perform at Yandoit Cultural, the old church in the bush at Uniting Church Road, on Saturday, May 20 from 4pm.

Daylesford Foundation lends helping hand

12-05-2023

BACKED by a scholarship from the Daylesford Foundation, Hepburn resident 19-year-old Lucinda Lowe had the stress removed from her travel equation as she tackled a double diploma course last year.

12-05-2023

Daylesford, Creswick and Western brass bands will present Soundtrack of the Globe in Daylesford on Saturday, May 20.

Foraging free: where the wild food is found

12-05-2023

Fancy a wild pine mushroom risotto? A crisp dandelion and wild brassica salad? Or an elderberry cocktail perhaps?

Buried child: ‘one hell of a script’

11-05-2023

The Mount Players' second production for 2023 is Buried Child written by Sam Shepard. It was first presented in 1978 and won the 1979 Pulitzer Prize for drama, launching Shepard to national fame as a playwright.

Artists of the Central Highlands

11-05-2023

HEPBURN Springs artist Lisa Gervasoni is renowned for her imposing abstract landscape works. As a child she was fascinated with geographical and street maps. Her passion for cartography persisted into adulthood informing her preoccupation with land and the many layers of value it holds. Today this abiding interest informs both her professional work as a strategic and town planner and the creation of her imposing art works, some of which are about to feature in her new exhibition, Reimagining our Cultural Landscapes, held from today, May 11 to June 25, at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.

Long wait – but Nicole set to return to Statewide Drive

11-05-2023

ABC Statewide Drive presenter Nicole Chvastek is on leave but will return in six weeks, ABC spokesperson John Woodward has told The Local.

11-05-2023

Kyneton will show its support for the LGBTIQA+ community next week as it raises the rainbow flag to mark International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on Wednesday, May 17.

Beth headed to Hungary for world champs

10-05-2023

DAYLESFORD'S Beth Whiting is heading to Hungary next month to take part in the World Kettlebell Sport Federation championships.

Daylesford’s Victory Vapes owner slams new laws

10-05-2023

The owner of Daylesford Victory Vapes says the federal government decision to crack down on the sale of vapes will put him and his wife out of the family business they’ve run for a decade.

Sally and the Idiomatics play The Palais

10-05-2023

Playing live at The Palais, Hepburn Springs this Friday evening, May 12, Sally Ford and the Idiomatics sing of life, love and lived experience.

Leonard’s Hill 47th Annual Baby Show was held on Saturday, May 6.

The Local May 8 2023 Podcast

06-05-2023

Kyle Barnes and Donna Kelly take you through what to expect in the next edition of The Local

Shadey activity at Cairn Curran Sailing Club

29-04-2023

Community Bank Maldon & District chairman Ross Eggleton visited the Cairn Curran Sailing Club on Saturday to meet members and see the club’s newly installed shade sail.

Bloomin’ beautiful

29-04-2023

FLOWERS are good for the soul. So says Lyonville’s Janae Paquin-Bowden. And she should know.

Concert in the old Yandoit church

28-04-2023

Ceridwen McCooey and Darcy King, above, will return to Yandoit Cultural, the old church in the bush - for a concert on Saturday, May 6 from 6pm.

A golfing win for local health

28-04-2023

THE Harry & Peggy Maddicks Golf Day, held on April 14, raised just under $14,000 for medical equipment and facility upgrades at Daylesford Health.

Artists of the Central Highlands

28-04-2023

TRENTHAM'S Morag Turner hails originally from Lanarkshire, Scotland and it was her love of art that led to her completing a degree in textile design which then led to her moving to Australia. Today she’s inspired by the landscape and natural beauty she sees around her. But this well-established local artist is equally at home turning her talent to life drawing and portraiture, and to realism or abstractionism.

Living legend Tim Winton’s love letter to a reef

28-04-2023

BESTSELLING author Tim Winton is coming to the region with a message of hope: good information and organisation can stop destruction of our world.

Creswick EV: No movement at the station

27-04-2023

Two months after it was scheduled for activation the new public EV charge station at Creswick remains yet to be activated.

Beck’s simple message: #Checkyourboob

27-04-2023

BECK Lewis has breast cancer, but she doesn’t want your sympathy. She wants you to check your boobs. And that’s you blokes as well.

Good Friday Appeal, the wash-up

27-04-2023

The rain pelted down but the staunch team of volunteers were not to be beaten as they sloshed about, collecting for this month’s Good Friday Appeal on the main street of Daylesford.

Statewide Drive, Nicole ‘temporarily replaced’

27-04-2023

ABC Radio has “temporarily” replaced weekday regional program Statewide Drive with Melbourne Drive.

Three courses of community spirit

26-04-2023

THE 5000 Club's newly elected president, Sandy Breen, says she has big shoes to fill.

The Distance South to launch debut self-titled album at the Palais

26-04-2023

Combining the earthiness of folk, the lament of country and the authenticity of stories that you just know are true, The Distant South have been sweating it out in some of Victoria’s best venues over the last 2 years - honing their sound and their songs to the delight of a growing audience.

ANZAC Day 2023 (Daylesford)

25-04-2023

Anzac 2023 (Daylesford)

Leith brings his most requested to the Palais

25-04-2023

It's been 16 years since Damien won over Australia’s heart, taking out the 2006 series of Australian Idol.

Anzac Day Services around the shire

18-04-2023

Anzac Day commemorates the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli, Turkiye on April 25, 1915. The date was the start of the major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand troops during World War I.

17-04-2023

Some of the first gamay vines were planted in Australia by Len Evans in 1976 at his aptly named home, Loggerheads. I remember driving past the vines on the way to see him and questioning his sanity. “You obviously don’t have vision,” was his tart reply.

17-04-2023

WHEN you live in the district for a while, as with my experience living here since 2005, you see life change, particularly as people age.

Just sayin’…

17-04-2023

THIS is a public service announcement. Ladies, check your boobs.

Legends: Eastoe and Murray drop a new life track

16-04-2023

FROM supporting Pink Floyd and featuring on Countdown to doing guitar for The Wiggles, the combined experience of local musos Gilly Eastoe and Terry Murray is the stuff of legend.

Two gardens open their gates in Trentham

14-04-2023

Two private Trentham gardens will open their gates on Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16 as part of the Open Gardens Victoria scheme.

Bushwalker rescued from mine at Sailors Fall

14-04-2023

A bushwalker in his 30s was rescued after falling down a mineshaft near Sailors Falls on Sunday morning, April 2.

Artists of the Central Highlands

14-04-2023

AN ONGOING love affair with all things Italian informs the aesthetic in the much collected and admired work of Daylesford artist Brian Reberger. Each year, Brian spends time working in his studios in both Daylesford and Umbria, Italy. Now he’s preparing for a significant exhibition coming up at Steps Gallery in Carlton in May.

Community vet clinic to open this year

13-04-2023

The Regional Community Vet Clinic has been awarded $50,000 from the federal government in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal.

Clayton’s story-telling dream

13-04-2023

FILM director and producer Clayton Jacobson loves to tell a good story. And when he comes to the Central Highlands region to play double bass in the Duck Downpickers he can cultivate the emotional connections of story telling with his audience.

New public art installed at Glenlyon Dam

12-04-2023

THE Drop, a $30,000 Hepburn Shire Council public art commission by artist Yu Fang Chi, has been installed at the Glenlyon Dam.

Ground-breaking AI defamation case

13-04-2023

Gordon Legal has launched a ground-breaking defamation claim against OpenAI’s ChatGPT on behalf of Hepburn Shire Council Mayor, Cr Brian Hood.

12-04-2023

THE sky rolls wide and blue above Pig and Earth, a sustainable free-range organic pig farm set on the volcanic plains just out of Kingston.

03-04-2023

A RECENT trip to Lorne bought back some memories of 2020. You remember, the beginning of the pandemic.

Just sayin’…

03-04-2023

SOME things just make you smile. Like driving past the PISS OFF AUSNET sign mowed into the hill on the way to Creswick.

Easter Services throughout Hepburn Shire

02-04-2023

A beautiful dawn Service at St George's Lake just out of Creswick is among the various Easter time services which are scheduled in the Hepburn Shire area.

Easter @ Blackwood

01-04-2023

Easter Saturday is a special day in Blackwood. Each year, the town hosts the Blackwood Woodchop & Easter Carnival, now in its 121st year, and the second-oldest festival in Australia. The event was recently awarded the title of Moorabool Shire’s Community Event of the Year 2023.

In the ring at Wombat Fight Club

01-04-2023

AS A a paramedic, Baydon Beddoe says he picks up the injured by ambulance. As a boxer, he says, he knocks ‘em down.

Laid-back dining at the Daylesford Hotel

31-03-2023

MY dining companion (Paddy H) and I are ravenous as we enter the Daylesford Hotel for lunch, mid Monday, me having done a gruelling morning group weights class and Paddy having arisen well before 11am.

Magical birds, joyful singing & art exhibits

31-03-2023

DAYLESFORD artist and musician Vanessa Craven has just published a children’s colour picture song book, Birds in My Tree: The Magic of Birds and the Joy of Singing.

Free fashion for those in need of fine threads

31-03-2023

IT'S been said that “clothes maketh the man” – and there’s little doubt that applies for women as well. But sometimes obtaining snappy threads, so essential to making a vital good first impression, is easier said than done. That’s where Thread Together comes in...

The craft of photography in the 21st Century

31-03-2023

PHOTOGRAPHY in the 21st Century is a remarkably easy medium to engage with. Every phone has a camera and digital technology, including editing and digital filters which can generate results that satisfy most people.

Good egg! Support Daylesford and surrounds Good Friday Appeal

31-03-2023

This Easter is a great chance to support Daylesford and surrounds annual Good Friday Appeal raising funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital.

Artists of the Central Highlands

30-03-2023

DIANNE Longley’s considerable artist oeuvre depicts dreams and fantasies, weaving real and imagined figures and landscapes to create works that intrigue and beguile the viewer. Working at her Agave Print Studio in Trentham, Dianne uses both traditional and digital methods and here she chats about her prolific creative practice.

‘Awesome’ ChillOut 2023, now on to 2024

30-03-2023

CHILLOUT 2023 may be over but festival director Emma Ireland is already looking at headline acts for next year.

From furniture to philandering: a fascination with fungi

30-03-2023

FOR countless years the mysterious world of fungi has been the domain of a fairly exclusive handful of boffins.

The Path well travelled

29-03-2023

TURNS out simply hanging with horses is really good for your health and happiness. It’s a basic tenet that underscores the good things happening at The Path of the Horse, just out of Trentham.

Two years on the message remains clear

29-03-2023

IT MUST be one of the region’s most recognisable landmarks. “PISS OFF AUSNET” was mowed in huge letters into a hill two years ago this Easter.

Pub with no publicans: Smeaton hotel closed as publicans say ‘goodbye’

29-03-2023

Smeaton is again without an operating pub after a decision by the publicans to move on amidst setbacks and following a much publicised incident that left one of the publicans injured in February.

Good Friday shaping for jazz lovers at The Palais, Hepburn Springs

27-03-2023

It certainly is shaping as a good Friday for jazz lovers at The Palais, Hepburn Springs on April 7.

The Palais’ SupperClub Friday presents Matt Joe Gow

26-03-2023

Matt Joe Gow grew up in the deep south of New Zealand in a town with bad weather and good music: Dunedin.

Book it in! Clunes hosts book lover feast all weekend

23-03-2023

Clunes comes to life this weekend - Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March - as it hosts its acclaimed annual Booktown festival featuring author and artist talks, workshops and live entertainment.

EV bulk buy set to launch at Malsbury

22-03-2023

If you've ever thought about ditching your climate-change fueling petrol guzzler for an electric vehicle then now might be the time to make it happen with an EV Bulk Buy scheme set to launch in Malmsbury at the Malmsbury EV Expo on 15 April.

Americana meets the Palais for Easter Saturday evening gig

28-03-2023

Americana meets the Palais, Hepburn Springs come Easter Saturday when The Rechords take to the stage to do what they do best.

Fight club boxing trials come to Daylesford

20-03-2023

A thrilling boxing event is coming to Daylesford on Sunday, March 26 with the Wombat Fight Club Boxing Trials.

The real stories of Trentham’s history

20-03-2023

THE site of the old Trentham Police Station on Camp Street is getting a makeover.

Just sayin’…

20-03-2023

KYLE was asked an interesting question the other day. Someone was wondering why we cover some festivals/events and not others.

Clues about Russia revealed at Clunes

19-03-2023

AS AN adolescent, Sheila Fitzpatrick challenged her father, including questioning his view on the Soviet Union. Being a socialist, he was hopeful that it was achieving something like socialism...

19-03-2023

THE world has gone and gotten into a “woke” tangle of unpicking history and misunderstanding around every corner.

‘Extension of my soul’ top violinist to play Daylesford Town Hall this month

19-03-2023

"When I play, my instrument becomes the extension of my soul.” This is a quote from internationally acclaimed solo violinist, Alexandre Da Costa, currently one of the top and most sought-after violinists and soloists in the world and headed to Daylesford to perform this month.

Arty Newstead hosts open studios art trail

19-03-2023

Newstead is a dynamic centre for artists of all stripes and once again the little town that punches above its weight when it comes to creativity is inviting people to visit its studios and exhibition spaces over three weekend

Artists of the Central Highlands …

18-03-2023

WORKING in her attractive little Springmount studio, just out of Creswick, ceramicist Kim Haughie draws much of her inspiration from the region and its diversity of beautiful natural shapes and textures. This talented ceramicist creates functional pieces that are as much purposeful, practical items to be used and appreciated every day as they are unique works of art.

Out and about: puppy pride

18-03-2023

Kyneton’s Botanic Gardens will once again host Puppy Pride, an event to celebrate puppies and bring together the LGBTIQA+ community, their friends, families and fur babies.

Speak up: council urges community input on interconnector project

17-03-2023

As the April 5 deadline for submissions looms, The Hepburn Shire Council is urging the community to make a submission on the latest consultation report into the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) project.

Repair café diverts half a tonne from landfill

17-03-2023

DAYLESFORD'S Repair Café is alive and kicking after hiccups caused by Covid. Over the past 12 months the café has stopped almost half a tonne (482kgs) of household items from ending up in landfill.

Community batteries…the potentials and pitfalls

17-03-2023

COMMUNITY groups keen to get their own community battery, fed by clean renewable energy, up and going need to make sure they know their stuff first.

Lessons from Lucy book launch at Convent

17-03-2023

Elizabeth Huxtable is a former Daylesford resident and has written a memoir about her time in the town while parenting her daughter with disabilities, Lucy.

Gorgeous gardens set to open at Clunes over Booktown weekend

16-03-2023

Open Gardens Victoria will open the Presbytery at Clunes and the Vale Hill House in nearby Ullina on the weekend of March 25 and 26...

Celebrating Saint Paddy at Trentham

16-03-2023

At Trentham East, St Patrick’s Day is now an annual, modern and weekend celebration of the best of Irish culture.

Somewhere over The Big Rainbow…

16-03-2023

The Big Rainbow has been erected at Victoria Park in Daylesford.

Move over Icebergers, we’re the Polar Bears

16-03-2023

In the weeks since it was publicly floated as a thought bubble, the Calembeen Polar Bears swimming group has quickly caught on as Creswick’s inland answer to the coastal Icebergers.

Revealed: How The Local helped an ex-truckie become a demented killer

15-03-2023

FOR some time now there’s been a belief that print is dead. Many say the world is all online.

Well Chilled! ChillOut ‘finds it’s wings’ and flies

15-03-2023

Daylesford has turned on sparkling conditions for the Labour Day long weekend's ChillOut festival with many thousands celebrating and partying to the theme 'Find your Wings' across the weekend.

Ukulele Death Squad headed to the Palais for April 1 showdown

15-03-2023

They're armed, "dangerous" and said to be headed to The Palais, Hepburn Springs for an April 1 evening showdown.

Carole King hits and rarities celebrate songwriting queen’s catalogue

14-03-2023

Carole King Hits and Rarities is coming to the Palais, Hepburn Springs, Friday March 24.

Chance to make a splash as council develops indoor aquatics vision

13-03-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council is keen to receive community input as it develops its Hepburn Shire Indoor Aquatics Provision Feasibility Study and Business Case.

Another go to grab the $250 power saving bonus

12-03-2023

Local households in Hepburn shire and surrounds will be able to access a new round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus within weeks, as the state government drives down the cost of living across the state.

12-03-2023

ChillOut 2023

Some hub help to tackle the hard-to-recycle bits

11-03-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council has moved to remind residents they can take their tricky-to-recycle items, including e-waste, to their closest Hepburn Shire Customer Service hub for recycling.

Orbs and all: Creswick town hall repairs make pace

10-03-2023

Hepburn Shire Council says repairs to the Creswick Town Hall are progressing well, with recent fine weather providing ideal conditions for masonry and render restoration to the building exterior, along with replacement of roofing and spouting sections.

Goodbye Glyn!: Castlemaine State Fest director soon vacates director’s chair

08-03-2023

Glyn Roberts, current director of the Castlemaine State Festival has announced that the 2023 iteration of the premiere arts event will be his last in the director’s chair. After six years, he will be stepping down next month.

Just sayin’…

I HAD a nice compliment this week. The Powercor PR guy said my column in the last edition was the best power outage story he had read. Even showed it to his boss.

Kyle’s Rant…

04-03-2023

IT ALL started innocently enough, writing that is, when this mild-mannered photographer started banging away on the keyboard to produce this rant back in September 2013.

For great food, service: See you at the Guilly

03-03-2023

I RECKON the road to Castlemaine has probably never seen so much traffic since Megan Evans and Tom Allen took over the Guildford Family Hotel at the end of 2021.

The Great Trentham Spudfest gearing up

03-03-2023

Attention all spud lovers. The Great Trentham Spudfest is gearing up for Saturday, May 6 - and it's not just potatoes!

Artists of the Central Highlands …

03-02-2023

Creswick’s Lyn Cooke has established herself as one of Victoria’s leading wildlife artists. Her work is admired for its detail and beauty as she challenges herself to capture not just the physical appearance of her subjects but also their intrinsic nature – or “jizz” as the birdos call it. Here this talented local artist shares some insights into her love of portraying our exquisite native wildlife.

Finding a father

02-03-2023

BEAMING with pride my brother proudly showed me the most lurid tie I’d ever seen – all colour and movement. It had been a treasured Father’s Day gift and while I saw lurid – he saw beautiful because the giver was a beloved son.

Blackwood hosts Australian Gold Panning Championships

02-03-2023

BASALT grandmother Verna Baker is flexing her forearms to compete in the Australian Gold Panning Championships at Blackwood this Saturday, March 4.

Jon: A wonderful life in a country practice

02-03-2023

JON Barrell says he didn’t know what retirement looked like, so a few years back he took some time off, headed to the outback with wife Maureen and “sat under a tree” for a bit of thinking time.

Race tragedy shocks speedway community

02-03-2023

A founding member of Daylesford Speedway has spoken of the shock in the wake of last month’s tragic death of a driver following a high speed crash.

Get ready – it’s almost time to ChillOut

01-03-2023

SOME fresh faces and feel-good favourites join the line-up as ChillOut Festival approaches.

Table tennis for life

01-03-2023

IT IS comfortable to assume that local sporting clubs are a permanent part of the fabric of any town. As if they have been there since the beginning and will never disappear.

Heads up on sustainable house kits: Woodend library hosts free event

01-03-2023

This Saturday offers a unique chance to get the lowdown on sustainable house kits as the Woodend library hosts a free information event.

Open invite to celebrate international women’s day

01-03-2023

Professor Paula Gerber, a Professor from the Faculty of Law at Monash University and leading expert on international human rights law, is the special guest speaker for the evening happening Wednesday 8 March from 6pm to 8pm at Daylesford Town Hall.

Not so nice nans to host Granny Bingo at ChillOut

28-02-2023

Australia’s nastiest nans can’t wait to pull their balls out for you - apparently.

Hello Dolly! The Palais does Parton

27-02-2023

The Palais at Hepburn Springs taps its inner big hair persona next Saturday March 4 when it hosts The Dolly Parton Experience with Vanesssa and the Jealous Guys.

Kooroocheang bushfire leaves locals on alert

22-02-2023

Residents in the Koorocheang and Basalt area were on high alert over the past couple of days in the wake of a bushfire which broke out on Monday afternoon, spreading rapidly in dry conditions.

Daylesford District Community Bank awards its 2023 scholarships

21-02-2023

The Daylesford District Community Bank has awarded scholarships to two local students in recent days.

Police warning on concerning rural road trauma trend

20-02-2023

Police warning on concerning rural road trauma trend

19-02-2023

IF YOU are sick of people bagging the Hepburn Shire Council then it’s time for you to turn the page. For the rest of you I have a tale to tell that will have you saying “that would be right” under a slow, shallow exhale.

Stage plays spotlight issues of age, health care

15-02-2023

THE experience of losing her mother to a form of dementia inspired Tylden creative Dawn Bamford to pen a play highlighting some pressing issues.

Just sayin’… By Donna Kelly

18-02-2023

DINNER done and I was sitting down ready to watch, again, Mr Inbetween. It's a great Australian series, quite dark, but also very funny. The guy who wrote it is also the lead character.

Stepping back in time

17-02-2023

The Mount Players are stepping back in time with the adaption of a comedy classic.

Pick Me! Pick Me!

17-02-2023

Hi there. I’m Honey – by name and, obviously, by nature.

Chilling Out with MC Art Simone

16-02-2023

Art Simone will MC the All Ages Soundshell event on Saturday, March 11 and co-MC at Carnivale on March 12 with ABC’s favourite weatherman Nate Byrne! She chatted with ChillOut Festival’s Amy Fabry-Jenkins.

Music news with Darren Lowe

17-02-2023

CRESFEST is back again with a three-day multi-generational and inclusive celebration of music, art and culture in April.

Grassfire threatens homes: fire risk remains

15-02-2023

Several houses were threatened when a grassfire broke out on Mount Glasgow near Clunes on the border of Hepburn and Central Goldfields shires ...

Denver’s Stonefields fetches $11million+

15-02-2023

Celebrity gardener Jamie Durie has bought Paul Bangay’s famed Stonefields home and gardens in Denver for more than $11 million.

Artists of the Central Highlands with Eve Lamb

16-02-2023

The prolific creative output of Wheatsheaf artist Frances Guerin is informed by a background in philosophy and transpersonal psychology.

Victoria Park home to the Big Rainbow

15-02-2023

DAYLESFORD’S Victoria Park has been chosen as the site of Tinder’s Big Rainbow...

Wombat logging ‘threatens town’s water’

15-02-2023

LIKE a never-ending game of chase, the campaign to protect the Wombat State Forest manages to save some trees, then logging starts elsewhere in this vast area.

Aussie jazz icon Vince Jones plays the Palais

15-02-2023

He's cool. He's smooth. He's one of Australia's premier exponents of Jazz and he's coming to Hepburn Springs to play the Palais next month.

Locking in love: Happy Valentines

14-02-2023

Happy Valentines! Daylesford's Alexis Saville and Odin Jonsson, who has just moved from Trentham to Ballarat, have been dating for just one month but have known each other for 10 years and been best friends for seven.

Powercor reply to Just Sayin’… Feb 13, 2023

12-02-2023

Powercor is working to address reliability issues affecting customers in Daylesford, Glenlyon and surrounding areas.

Ausecuma Beats and ZFEX at the Palais – Hepburn

12-02-2023

Ausecuma Beats and ZFEX are poised to bring a heady concoction of West African Beats, Jazz, Soul and Funk to The Palais - Hepburn next Sunday, February 19.

Meet MC Art Simone

09-02-2023

Art Simone will MC the All Ages event Saturday Sound Shell, and co-MC at Carnivale with ABC’s favourite weatherman Nate Byrne! She chatted with ChillOut Festival's Fabry-Jenkins.

Chilling Out with Sam Lohs – one half of the Tuck Shop Ladies

09-02-2023

Sam Lohs, one half of the Tuck Shop Ladies, will be performing at a few events at ChillOut (see below). Sam chatted with the festival's Amy Fabry-Jenkins.

Sick pay, carer pay help for casual and contract workers

08-03-2023

Local casual and contract workers are expected to benefit from a new Victorian Government partnership with Neighbourhood Houses Victoria, affording them access to sick and carer's pay.

Just sayin’…

05-02-2023

IT'S the start of a new year, well just past the start, but there are a few things which seem to linger longer - and I have been thinking about them.

05-02-2023

HAPPY Australia Day. That seems wrong. Do we even celebrate Australia Day any more? And if we don't, why the public holiday?

A stitch in time: the Textile Palette Exhibition’s back

04-02-2023

If you’re a nifty needleworker with a talent for textiles then the Clunes organisers of this year’s Textile Palette Exhibition want to hear from you.

Compliments to chef Lizzy at The Savoia

04-02-2023

THE Savoia Hotel in Hepburn Springs has been a fixture of the region for 150 years in some form, or name, or another.

Central Highlands artist profiles

03-02-2023

GLENLYON artist Pam Gleeson brings her background discipline as a professional photographer to her creation of imposing landscapes that reflect her deep love of the land and its stories. Pam is no slouch when it comes to observing detail. She’s previously worked as a medical scientist. Here, she chats to The Local journalist Eve Lamb about her art.

Meet Stella Savy, conductor of the Creswick Chorus

03-02-2023

Quite a few will know her as the friendly face up front conducting the Creswick Chorus, Creswick’s own community choir for adults who like to sing.

03-01-2023

BLOOM, an exhibition of new paintings by local artist Kevin Smith is now showing at the The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Trentham

Must sees at ChillOut 2023

02-02-2023

Daylesford is a special place, and Emma Ireland would know.

Driving down emissions

02-02-2023

ELECTRIC vehicle owners are keenly watching to see when the newly installed charge station at Creswick will come online.

The doco history of the projectionists’ craft

01-02-2023

A DECADE ago, cinema complexes across Australia were going digital, dumping their old analog equipment and almost overnight, projectionists found themselves out of a job.

Community Awards recipients announced

01-02-2023

HUMBLED and “a bit surprised” is the way farmer John Drife describes discovering he’s this year’s Hepburn Shire Citizen of the Year.

An evening of Indian classical music with Manish Pingle

01-02-2023

Renowned Indian slide guitarist Manish Pingle is preparing to bring his virtuosic playing to Hepburn Spring later this month.

New citizens welcomed to Hepburn Shire

02-02-2023

Twenty-one people took the pledge to become Australian citizens at Hepburn Shire Council's civic event last Wednesday, January 25.

The French House sets a sales record for Trentham

04-02-2023

A CUSTOM-built house set on grounds of just under an acre has set a new residential sales record for Trentham, selling for $2.2 million in recent weeks

Zac Anthony does the SupperClub

31-01-2023

Zac Anthony has been performing on stages around the globe for over 20 years as the front person and songwriter for The Wellingtons.

Maggie and that NYJazz

29-01-2023

Castlemaine-based Maggie Jackson and the NYJazzQuartet are preparing to dispense their cool tunes at the Palias next month.

Brian Mannix and The Androids headed to The Palais

28-01-2023

Pop-punk legend Brian Mannix and The Androids are preparing to play The Palais at Hepburn Springs on Saturday February 1

Insider travel tips opportunity

27-01-2023

If you've ever found booking detailed travel arrangements a tad stressful, then a free event happening in Castlemaine may be just what you've wished for.

Just sayin’…

23-01-2023

SO, MYER Frankston has closed. The final shopping day was Sunday, January 15 but according to social media, most of the bargains were long gone.

22-01-2023

I AM never too sure when to stop saying Happy New Year. Is it after the first day of the New Year or do we wait about a week or so?

Carol calls time on her Lavandula property

20-01-2023

CAROL White is calling time on Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, putting the historic Shepherds Flat property up for sale.

Craig Barrett: A love of art and pared back simplicity

19-01-2023

Creswick’s Craig Barrett is one of the region’s accomplished artists whose love of landscape and the natural world and the way human endeavour has interacted with it, resonates through his creative output. He has works held in the National Gallery of Victoria, the State Library of Victoria and the Shrine of Remembrance in addition to private and corporate collections. He chatted with journalist Eve Lamb about his love of art and his personal arts practice.

We bought the Rex: a Bromley-Comelli coup

18-01-2023

CHRISTMAS '22 came a few days early for two of Daylesford's best known families who discovered they'd just become the proud new owners of The Rex.

Off to a flying start: Creswick’s new Calembeen parkrun

18-01-2023

THE new year has got off to a cracking start at Creswick with the town joining the nation’s list of locales to host a regular Saturday morning parkrun.

Ajak Kwai to perform at the Palais

17-01-2023

Ajak Kwai is preparing to bring her compulsive harmonies and rhythms to Hepburn Springs' Palais for a performance that promises to delight music lovers early next month.

Beach party at the Palais with Rufino and the Coconuts, Mikelangelo

14-01-2023

Rufino and the Coconuts and Mikelangelo come together to host the first ever Hepburn Beach Party at the Palais, Hepburn next Saturday night, January 21.

A date to celebrate our community minded winners

11-01-2023

Residents throughout the length and bredth of Hepburn Shire are being invited to attend an upcoming free community event to congratulate the shire's community award winner for 2023 - and welcome its newest citizens.

When parked cars become death traps: stay safe from the heat this summer

08-01-2023

Victorians are being urged to never leave kids or pets in hot cars and to follow simple steps to stay safe from the heat this summer, as new data reveals there has been 113 callouts to locked cars in November alone.

Just Sayin’…

06-01-2023

KYLE and I lived for a year in Karratha, WA. Below Broome, way above Perth.

They swiped right…

06-01-2023

In our June 6, 2022 edition we announced that Daylesford was in the running to be the home of Tinder's Big Rainbow.

The Rex sold to locals

04-01-2023

Welcome to 2023. As is our custom for the first edition of a new year, this edition of The Local is all about looking back. but with the story of the sale of The Rex breaking over the past couple of weeks, we felt it was one we could not miss.

A plethora of poets: Gisborne library hosts free sampler workshops

04-01-2023

Local aspiring poets will have a unique chance to hone their creative technique when the Gisborne library hosts award-winning poet and writer Lorraine Marwood for a sampler of poetry styles, techniques and inspirations later this month.

‘Sex is never just sex’: Miller to feature in library author talks series

02-01-2023

Acclaimed Castlemaine author Alex Miller will be discussing his new novel, A brief affair, with Prue Mansfield in a special event coming up at Bendigo Library.

Chop chop! Put the Lyonville Woodchop in your diary for Feb

28-12-2022

The annual Lyonville Woodchop will be held on Saturday, February 4 from 10.30am at the Lyonville Hall.

Dragon Dance: Lauren Mitchell and Geoff Hocking

01-01-2023

Dragon Dance is a story of hope, resilience and creativity, and a celebration of Bendigo's much-loved Chinese dragons and a special event is this month offering central Victorian locals a chance to hear first-hand from its creators.

Police seek dashcam footage following Christmas night incident at Bacchus Marsh

31-12-2022

A 42-year-old driver was arrested after allegedly hitting a police officer while trying to avoid a breath-testing site at Bacchus Marsh last Sunday (Christmas) night

Hot retro music items pinched in Castlemaine burglary, police appeal for assistance

31-12-2022

Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit detectives are now appealing for public assistance after rare records and music equipment worth about $150,000 were stolen during a burglary in Castlemaine earlier this year.

Dealing with those long summer days: school holiday activities scheduled

30-12-2022

The Macedon Ranges Council is inviting all young people aged between 12 and 25 to supercharge their summer holidays by participating in its 2023 Youth Holiday Program.

Climate for water security: $15M pipeline investment to ‘future-proof’ Daylesford water supply

28-12-2022

Central Highlands Water’s announcement last week of a $15 million investment in Daylesford’s long-term water supply security has been hailed as a welcome boost for the region’s future growth and climate resilience.

No 1. Ladies’ Detective Agency author, McCall Smith, headed to Kyneton Town Hall

27-12-2022

A special guest visit from prolific author Alexander McCall Smith is among the diverse highlights featured on a packed program that Kyneton Town Hall has launched to host in the first half of the new year.

A sporty way to greet the new year at Glenlyon

27-12-2022

THE Glenlyon Sports Day will be held again on Sunday, January 1, 2023.

26-12-2022

Dear Kyle, (Kyle's Rant, December 5, 2022) Yes, the geese are gone, and I note your bereavement, though it is one borne of a passé colonial attitude, that the Australian fauna is actually inferior to that of the Old World.

26-12-2022

Here is an incident that highlights Daylesford's inadequate public toilet facilities.

25-12-2022

JULY 20 1969, 3.17pm American EST, a huge shift in human history began. Neil and his band of merry men landed on the big cheese.

Just Sayin’…

25-12-2022

SO, this is our last edition for the year. But don't worry, despite repeated attempts we failed to win either Powerball or Tattslotto so will probably be back next year.

The eyes of the storm

23-12-2022

MEMORIES of the June winter storm that cut a swathe through much of Hepburn Shire last year remain strongly etched in the mind’s eye of Trentham’s Charl Parris.

Ageing with attitude and maturing in place

23-12-2022

THEIR parents may have been okay with becoming senior citizens, but as they move beyond a certain age, today’s baby boomers and the first of Gen X behind them - not so much.

Riding for Cambodia

23-12-2022

PREPARING to cycle 650 kilometres through the heat of a Cambodian January may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

New feat for Sebastian Streat: trainee award

22-12-2022

DAYLESFORD teenager Sebastian Streat has come a long way since the day a paediatrician once identified him as unlikely to ever attend school, or to read or write.

The Rex sold to locals

22-12-2022

Hepburn Shire Council has named local entrepreneurs and businesspeople Eddy and Malinka Comelli and David and Yuge Bromley as the successful bidders in the purchase of The Rex building in Vincent Street, Daylesford, following a public expression of interest process.

Holy cow! When will the potholes end?

22-12-2022

EVERYBODY has hit a pothole over the past few months as they continue to pop up, or down, all over the Central Highlands.

Full throttle ahead: bold new attraction for Daylesford

21-12-2022

WORK has begun to create a significant new attraction that’s projected to bring tens of thousands more visitors to Daylesford each year.

Creswick’s very Christmassy house

21-12-2022

When driving through Creswick on the main drag headed to Ballarat, it’s hard not to notice the abode of Dot and Laurie Porter.

Prepare for a flaming ‘DiscoINFERNO’

19-12-2022

Hepburn's Palais is preparing to bring in the New Year in style with a spectacular glitter bomb of celebration - a flaming DiscoINFERNO.

Waters and Mastwyk are headed to play the Palais

18-12-2022

Dan Waters and BenMastwyk are headed to the Palais in Hepburn later this month to dispense their unique combination of Americana and Cosmic Country music live.

CFMEU proposal to log Wombat Forest threatens iconic species: concerned locals, groups

18-12-2022

An alliance of local conservation groups is horrified to discover that the CFMEU is seeking to source sawlogs from the Wombat Forest, in addition to the destructive salvaging of wind fallen timber currently taking place; compromising the very values that ensured it was designated to become National Park.

Police to crack down on road trauma this Christmas

16-12-2022

Victoria Police say they'll be doing their best to drive down road trauma during the high-risk Christmas period as Operation Roadwise commenced last week.

Just ducking in to put on a show…Kingston stages number 153!

15-12-2022

Junior exhibits at the Kingston Agricultural Show are only open for 6-15 year olds. So things were not looking good for five-year-old Lyra and her Elizabeth duck. That's the breed, not the name...

Dirt Art clinches Creswick bike trail contract

15-12-2022

Hepburn Shire Council has awarded a contract to construct the 60-kilometre Creswick Trails Network to Australian company Dirt Art, a world leader in mountain bike trail construction.

Hepburn House: a country home

09-12-2022

PEOPLE driving past Hepburn House over the past months have watched as a large building has taken shape next door.

Cath: Magic roller coaster of emotions

08-12-2022

IT'S not your average job description but being Australia’s “leading female magician and mentalist” is a profession Daylesford’s Cath Jamison simply loves.

Defibrillator signage for Clunes, a state first

08-12-2022

CLUNES has achieved a state first, getting public signposts installed to highlight the location of every public defibrillator in the town.

Woofin’ wonderful: Trentham’s pin-up pooches

07-12-2022

DOG owners and their woofers out Trentham way are on the frontpaw for the new year ahead, releasing a doggedly handsome 2023 calendar in pursuit of a pooch-pleasing project.

Attempt to stop gold mining in Daylesford

07-12-2022

A GROUP, Don’t Undermine Daylesford, or DUD, has formed to try to stop Red Rock Australasia from mining for gold under the town.

Mining exploration concerns: council responds

04-12-2022

The Hepburn Shire Council has responded to community concerns regarding proposed mining exploration in the Daylesford area.

Splashing out: council offers free entry to pools

04-12-2022

The chance to cool off in public pools throughout Hepburn Shire - should the weather warrant it - will be free this summer season.

social enterprise shifts the menu to nutrition-rich eats

28-11-2022

FORGET the days when school lunch meant a pallid pastry followed by a fizzy saccharine chaser and a stomach ache.

Ruth leading lady in Ageing DisGracefully

27-11-2022

RUTH Irving has come a long way. Raised on a farm at Mollongghip, she is now gracing the front cover of Hepburn House's latest calendar albeit disGracefully!

Last ‘toot’ in January for RARD’s 20 years

26-11-2022

RURAL Australians for Refugees Daylesford – the group perhaps best known for its “toots for refugees” vigil at the top roundabout in Daylesford every Friday from 5pm - is finishing up in January after20 years of supporting refugees detained around Australia and beyond.

Daylesford Show: It only needs you and the heavens

26-11-2022

After a two-year break and a ton of work by a very small but very dedicated committee the Daylesford Show is scheduled to return today, November 26 at the Daylesford Showgrounds in Victoria Park.

Daylesford being explored for gold mine

26-11-2022

A MINING company granted an exploratory license for gold mining in May this year, has identified the Daylesford region as “highly prospective but well underexplored in terms of the modern exploration environment”.

Daylesford Community Op Shop: Giving back

25-11-2022

DAYLESFORD Community Op Shop team leader Sharon Michels is proud to say that every cent raised from sales at the Mink Street shop goes back into the community.

Something for everyone at Twilight Night

25-11-2022

Trentham Twilight Night happens tonight Friday, November 25 with businesses and market stalls ready to help shoppers get their Christmas list sorted.

Service with a smile …

25-11-2022

The hand-written blackboard menu of Daylesford's 5000 Club reads like an upmarket cafe.

RDA providing riding techniques for
physical, intellectual and sensory disabilities

24-11-2022

Daylesford’s Riding for the Disabled is always looking for volunteers – and loves those it already has.

The little school in the heart of the Wombat.
And the little school that could!

24-11-2022

Last Wednesday, Bullarto Primary School, the little bush school in the heart of the Wombat Forest, had a celebration.

Mark the date: December 5 is a significant day

23-11-2022

INTERNATIONAL Volunteer Day is held annually on December 5 to raise awareness of the important role volunteers play in responding to challenges facing the world.

Council seeks bright ideas to help solve the affordable housing crunch

21-11-2022

Hepburn Shire Council is inviting the community to come forward with any bright ideas or insights to help increase affordable housing across the shire.

Horoscopes with Jennifer Hart

20-11-2022

Horoscopes with Jennifer Hart

Welcome Week at Daylesford Lawn Tennis Club

17-11-2022

Daylesford Lawn Tennis Club is running Welcome Week starting Thursday 24th November 2022. We welcome any new players, young and not so young, beginners and people who haven’t played for yonks. There is something for everyone with free tennis events running all week on Daylesford’s beautifully maintained grass courts. Come down and give tennis a go! It is a week of free smashing good fun!

Big wet puts dampener on Clunes show

17-11-2022

Heavy rainfall over recent days has forced a disappointed Clunes and District Agricultural Society to cancel this weekend’s keenly anticipated Clunes Show.

Masterplan for world heritage bid

09-11-2022

Retiring Western Victoria MP Jaala Pulford has announced a $500,000 grant to the Central Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Masterplan that will support the development of a bid for the region to achieve a World Heritage listing.

Golfing royalty raises money for wildlife

09-11-2022

Whoever said doing good deeds feels like hard graft probably hasn’t met The Royal Daylesford Social Golf Crew.

Just sayin’… By Donna Kelly

START worrying white males, your time is running out.

14-11-2022

WITH Halloween done and dusted for the year, the wigs, hats, and assortment of “scary” things have been popped into landfill to be marvelled at by the apes that take over the world in 200 years.

Clunes Show hits 160 – with a modern twist

13-11-2022

WHEN it comes to classic country shows, Clunes is right up there.

Cakes, quilts, flowers, animals: all on show

13-11-2022

THE Daylesford Show, on Saturday, November 26, will again feature an exhibition of the work of local people who are proud to show off what they have produced in the past 12 months, or perhaps three years.

Wildlife fundraiser

12-11-2022

A QUIZ night at Daylesford’s Victoria Park Pavilion offers a chance to not only flaunt your general knowledge – or complete lack of it – while raising vital funds for the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter.

10-11-2022

Tickets are now on sale to all major events at ChillOut Festival 2023.

Protectorate walk

10-11-2022

THE Great Dividing Trail Association is offering a one-off opportunity for the public to walk and explore the 1840s Aboriginal Protectorate site at Franklinford this Sunday, November 13.

Cafs needs your help this Christmas

09-11-2022

This Christmas the need for support across the Central Highlands has never been greater and Cafs (Child and Family Services) is working harder than ever to support families in need.

Vet clinic a step closer

10-11-2022

Regional Community Vet Clinic, a Mt Alexander Shire based non-profit organisation, has received $50,000 from the state government’s Living Local Regional Fund.

Mountain biking coup

10-11-2022

THE state’s selection of the Creswick Trails to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games mountain biking competition has big implications for local business and the town’s future.

Mt Players’ Madagascar

09-11-2022

The Mount Players are presenting their final show for 2022.

Yandoit Cultural breathes life into church

09-11-2022

YANDOIT'S historic Uniting church is getting set to host two vibrant concerts supporting good causes this month, under its new guise as the venue for Yandoit Cultural live events.

Pick me, pick me!

14-11-2022

Hi. I’m Bella and I’m a desexed female tri-colour kelpie-border collie cross.

Horoscopes with Jenn Hart

06-11-2022

Horoscopes with Jenn Hart

Commonwealth Games coup for Creswick

01-11-2022

In a coup for the region, Creswick Trails will host mountain biking competition in the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

01-11-2022

Electronic Spring is a free concert at Hepburn Springs soundshell on November 12 from 3pm and staged by local music collective SMAM.

Agent appointed to sell The Rex

01-11-2022

Hepburn Shire Council has appointed Melbourne-based Fitzroys commercial real estate agency to sell The Rex

Thomas deflects hospital question

01-11-2022

As the state election closes in, Macedon state Labor MP Mary-Anne Thomas continues to deflect questions on whether she will support the $75 million redevelopment of the Daylesford Hospital.

Life’s best together

31-10-2022

In a world where too many people are lonely and isolated, the motto of the Trentham and Districts Life Activities Club stands like a golden beacon of possibility.

Music at Daylesford show

31-10-2022

Music to suit all tastes will be happening at this year's 148th Daylesford Agricultural Show, held on Saturday, November 26.

A plan to manage animals

31-10-2022

A four-year plan for domestic animals was adopted at a Hepburn Shire Council meeting last week.

Students go cutting-edge

31-10-2022

A group of Daylesford College students recently celebrated the launch of a cutting-edge gardening program.

30-10-2022

DOROTHEA Mackellar wrote: "I love a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains, Of ragged mountain ranges, of droughts and flooding rains.

Just sayin’… By Donna Kelly

30-10-2022

BLOODY hell, that was a busy week.

Open studios in Maldon thanks to MANet

30-10-2022

FOR more than a decade the Maldon Artist Network has provided a supportive environment and network for creatives in the regional area.

Camera win leads to love of photography

30-10-2022

ARTIST Kaye Dixon grew up in Brisbane, moved to Melbourne in 1980 and then to Yandoit in 2000. Her love of photography started when she won a camera at a school fete.

Human rights speaker

29-10-2022

Hepburn Shire U3A's AGM guest speaker is Elaine Pearson, the director of Human Rights Watch's Asia Division, overseeing the work of the division in more than 20 countries, based in Sydney.

Honouring golfer Marg: tournament tees of

29-10-2022

THE most ambitious item on the modest bucket list of Clunes local Margaret Fox was to have one more hit of golf at her beloved local Clunes Golf Club.

Truckin’ good Burras honour leader ‘Dools

29-10-2022

ONLY 54 life memberships have been awarded by the Hepburn Football and Netball Club in a century and a half. And the Burras, famously built on truck raffles, fittingly rewarded a recent president who runs a trucking firm.

Inside the garden gates: a weekend for garden lovers

29-10-2022

SHARING their own private garden with others is a source of joy for Creswick couple, Claire and Clive Chadder.

Spring art and old masters

28-10-2022

CRESWICK taps its rich vein of arts heritage this Melbourne Cup long weekend with the town hosting two concurrent art exhibitions.

Mining concerns

28-10-2022

MORE than 80 concerned residents packed St Martin's Chapel in Blackwood to discuss recent gold mining activity and salvage logging in the surrounding Wombat State Forest.

From the Mayor Cr Tim Drylie

28-10-2022

Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Cr Tim Drylie, who represents Creswick Ward, the most affected area, said the community, council and agencies had come together in an "amazing effort" in response to the October floods.

Support for producers and business

28-10-2022

The state government is supporting primary producers and small businesses across Victoria affected by the devastating floods to get back in business, with an initial package of support to help kickstart their relief effort.

Help for flood impacted locals

27-10-2022

Flood-impacted residents in Hepburn Shire will be able to dispose of flood waste free of charge until the end of December.

Meet locals from the Daylesford Art Show

27-10-2022

THE Daylesford Art Show is ready to kick off this Thursday, October 27, with the Community Bank Daylesford District Awards Night at the Daylesford Town Hall.

Hepburn Matters Launches Petition to Prioritise Community Use of The Rex

23-10-2022

Hepburn Matters has launched a petition calling upon Hepburn Shire Councillors to favourably consider bids to purchase The Rex that include provision for community use and heritage protections.

The Scotch oven is the heartbeat of the bakery

26-10-2022

COMING from a long line of bakers, it’s no surprise that Rebecca Barnett grabbed at the chance to run her own bakehouse in Maldon, and become the proud new owner of the longest running bakery in Australia: the Maldon Bakery.

Horses for courses

26-10-2022

EQUINE specialist Dr Emma Nicol knew from a very young age that she wanted to devote her life to caring for horses.

Mwerre products on sale at Opera House

15-10-2022

IT WAS probably a bit of a “pinch me” moment. Liz Liddle had been running a soap making/bath products business for about five years when she saw a callout for Uncovered at the Sydney Opera House.

Bank funds hospital

16-10-2022

COMMUNITY Bank Daylesford District has conditionally committed $750,000 over 10 years to the Daylesford Hospital upgrade.

Balancing life and sport in Korweinguboora

16-10-2022

KORWEINGUBOORA local Abigail (Abbey) Wehrung loves where she lives on the fringes of the Wombat Forest.

Glen, about the house

14-10-2022

One of the most exciting successes in gardening is creating a new plant from a small growth taken from a favourite tree or shrub.

Raising money for palliative care at home

15-10-2022

DUO, Hayden Walsh and Karen O’Sullivan, who recently launched their book If I can, you can, are teaming up once again for a special project and asking the community to participate in the Mount Macedon Realty: Wooling Hill Run 2022 this month to raise funds for Kyneton Health’s Palliative Care in the Home program.

Just Sayin’…

14-10-2022

SO, the Big Rainbow is coming to Daylesford. I kinda thought we would win. I mean the other towns were a little bit, well, not really on my gaydar. But then, maybe they are LGBTIQA+. I have been to Katherine in the Northern Territory and I can't say it glittered.

Great pub fare at The Guilly – and yabbies!

14-10-2022

LIKE all hospitality businesses, it has been a bit of a rocky road for the crew at the Guildford Family Hotel, aka The Guilly.

14-10-2022

I SPENT a couple of years in the Hepburn Shire Council, starting as a volunteer at the Visitor Information Centre, and with that my stellar career in the Tourism Department had begun. It was just one of those times in life that you find everything simply works out.

Vicki recognised for 42 years in education

A taste of Saltbush

14-10-2022

Talented musical collaborators, the Saltbush Ensemble, are next up in the Daylesford Christ Church’s popular concert series, with a mid-afternoon performance this Saturday, October 15.

Battery power to the rescue: Daylesford CFA

14-10-2022

THE value of forking out a cool $100,000 or so to upgrade the Daylesford CFA rescue truck was well demonstrated in recent days. When the truck was called in to help free a man trapped in a crushed utility following a head-on collision near Glenlyon, the new addition of battery power to run its critical lifesaving equipment proved a massive help, members of the volunteer brigade say.

Musk gardens open

Two of Musk’s most beautiful gardens will open to visitors as part of Daylesford Spa Country Railway’s special fundraising run day next month.

Italian music concert

Lauded as “one of Australia’s most angelic-voiced sopranos” Sara Macliver is headed to Daylesford this month to dispense a feast of Italian music together with the Genesis Baroque ensemble.

Bakers at the ready: Lyonville’s bake off is back

IT'S time to crack out your cake tins and whip out the wooden spoon as Lyonville gets set to host its big bake off fundraiser on Sunday, October 23.

Celebrating our seniors in 2022

08-10-2022

THE Victorian Seniors Festival is back, bigger and better and in its 40th year.

History of the Gold Rush comes alive in book

08-10-2022

OVER The Log, a tale of a pioneering woman, is a fascinating read, written by Jenny Trewhella about her great-grandmother Betsey Trewhella (nee Noal).

Garden fundraiser to stop AusNet Towers

08-10-2022

THE Kingston Old School will open its gardens to the public on Saturday, October 22 with all proceeds from the day going towards the Stop AusNet’s Towers campaign.

Not ‘local’ but loving Hepburn

08-10-2022

ADAM Ferrier makes the point that he is not a “local” to Hepburn Springs as such, but he does spend most weekends there – taking time out from his base in St Kilda.

The Big Rainbow comes to Daylesford They swiped right!

05-10-2022

DAYLESFORD has been named the home of The Big Rainbow, Australia’s first “big” landmark dedicated to the celebration of regional LGBTIQA+ pride and inclusion.

Horoscopes with Jenn Hart

25-09-2022

Horoscopes

Shepherds Flat Landcare Community Planting Day

05-09-2022

30-08-2022

FIRST we had AusNet. Proposed high voltage transmission lines across Hepburn and Moorabool shires - with a terminal station at Blampied.

30-08-2022

Archie Roach

Glen, about the house

30-08-2022

Winter's over (almost) I know. Spring has barely had time to sweep away the dark clouds, pack up, turn on the sunlight, but I’m sure, like me, you’ve had your share of the dark and dingy and can’t wait to spend some time in the great outdoors.

30-08-2022

A number of activities are being planned for R U OK? Day on September 8 to help people to be able to start a conversation that could change a life

Cat desexing due to donation

29-08-2022

THE Mt Alexander-based Regional Community Vet Clinic held its second free cat desexing day on Sunday, August 21 thanks to a donation received in May specifically for cat desexing, with a total of 28 cats desexed.

A Feast of Music

29-08-2022

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra’s A Feast of Music festival is returning to Daylesford for the first time in three years, after the pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 festivals.

ChillOut headliner

29-08-2022

ChillOut has announced its first headliner for next year - Kate Miller-Heidke! Kate will be performing at Carnival Day on Sunday, March 12.

LGBTIQA+ support

29-08-2022

The state government has invested $3 million for a new LGBTIQ+ Homelessness Support Service to assist LGBTIQ+ people who face challenges accessing housing, including young people

Water competition for kids

28-08-2022

Primary school-aged artists are being asked to create their own water story as part of Central Highlands Water’s National Water Week poster competition.

Empathy in the classroom

The bistro is back at the Daylesford Bowlo

28-08-2022

THE new chef at the Daylesford Bowling Club Bistro, Lenny Giri, has a philosophy which is that food is the way to healthier living if it's made with soulful dedication and emotions.

Horoscopes with Jennifer Hart

28-08-2022

Horoscopes with Jennifer Hart

27-08-2022

Central Highlands Water (CHW) is inviting customers to get snapping to help resolve any water or wastewater service problems, quickly and easily.

Funding recipients at Macedon Ranges

27-08-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has announced the recipients of its Community Funding Scheme (CFS) grant program for 2022-23 with twenty-one local community groups receiving a share of $174,868 in funding.

Performance at Kyneton

26-08-2022

Kyneton Town Hall will host a spectacular one-night only performance of Fred Smith and the Urban Sea Shanties Community Choir on Saturday 10 September. The not-to-be missed performance is the culmination of months of choir rehearsals under the guidance of choral leaders Andrew Price and Seija Knight.

Have your say on pets

26-08-2022

Do you have a dog or cat, or want to have a say on how pets are managed in Hepburn Shire? Council’s draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) is now open for feedback.

Changes to aged care services at Macedon Ranges

26-08-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has decided to change the way it provides aged care services as of 1 July 2023, following Commonwealth Government changes to the sector under Aged Care Reforms.

24-08-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council will begin its annual elm tree treatment program in the coming weeks as part of the yearly management program to protect the shire’s 2,700 elm trees from the Elm Leaf Beetle.

St Augustine’s Church celebrates 150 years

28-08-2022

ST AUGUSTINE'S Church Creswick will celebrate its 150th anniversary on the weekend of September 17 and 18.

FREE L’S AND P’S

23-08-2022

The State Government is slashing costs for new drivers and their families across Macedon with the abolition of learner and probationary license fees, as well as online testing fees.

Council supports community compost

21-08-2022

Hepburn Shire Council is dedicated to keeping waste and valuable resources out of landfill, and is supporting residents on their low waste journey by offering subsidised compost bins to give a new life to food scraps and garden waste. There will also be an opportunity to learn more about composting at an upcoming workshop.

Just sayin’…

18-08-2022

Went out for lunch the other day. Not locally, a sushi train restaurant. In the old days, well not so old, but older than now, they actually looked like little trains running around on the tracks. But I think people had too much sake and then tried to derail the train which sounds like fun but in reality ends up a rice and fish mess.

18-08-2022

I watched in disbelief as the newsreaders banged on about the subject of house prices to alarm the viewers and get the most valuable of all currency, ratings.

18-08-2022

Local Lines

Glen, about the house

17-08-2022

Strange fruit - and perhaps a little fear of the unknown How many of us can honestly say they have never flinched at, or even refused to sample, an unknown, or suspicious looking food item, even if it was eaten with relish by many.

Amy’s connection with Olivia

17-08-2022

WITH the news of the death of Olivia Newton-John last Tuesday, there were many shared tributes and memories.

Delicious restaurants

17-08-2022

Daylesford has not one but two restaurants on the Delicious. 100 best restaurants in Victoria list for 2022. Kadota in Camp Street was voted in at number 25 and also took out Best Japanese.

Where is the Big Rainbow?

17-08-2022

Six weeks after voting closed, there is still no word if Daylesford will be the home of Tinder’s Big Rainbow, the first big landmark celebrating regional LGBTQIA+ Pride and inclusion.

More transmission lines for shire

16-08-2022

Hepburn Shire Council has expressed concern at the newly announced overhead transmission lines proposed as part of the Victoria – New South Wales Interconnector West project.

Hub on track at Trentham

16-08-2022

Despite some concerns on social media, Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas has told The Local that the Trentham Community Hub is progressing well and is on track for completion in mid-2023.

16-08-2022

The Mount Players' third production for 2022, Reservoir Dogs opens on Friday, August 19 playing through to Sunday, September 4.

Find Your Wings theme for ChillOut 23

16-08-2022

CHILLOUT has unveiled its theme for 2023 – Find Your Wings. Festival director Emma Ireland said the theme came from the discovery of the bright-eyed brown butterfly at the Grove of Gratitude at Wombat Flat, Lake Daylesford.

Spanish flair, virtuosic Paraguayan guitar and a few goosebumps

15-08-2022

CLASSICAL guitarist Clancy McLeod grew up in Alice Springs and moved down to Victoria when he was 15. He spent quite a few years of his childhood travelling through the desert with camels and a wagon - the family were cameleers.

Police, businesses, call for CCTV cameras

15-08-2022

DAYLESFORD business owner Chris Hartigan came to work last Tuesday to find someone had tried to break into his Vincent Street business.

Trains almost back to Bullarto

15-08-2022

DAYLESFORD Spa Country Railway trains are not far from heading back to Bullarto after the track was covered by fallen trees and debris in the June 2021 storm.

15-08-2022

The Daylesford Spa Country Railway volunteers have been kept busy since the June storm last year. But they are almost back on track to Bullarto thanks to their hard work and that of Bushfire Recovery Victoria.

Hepburn Shire still can’t get no satisfaction

14-08-2022

THE 2022 Victorian Community Satisfaction Survey has found that Hepburn Shire Council has shown a decline in 14 of 16 key areas since last year including Overall council direction, Overall performance, Community decisions and Sealed local roads.

Spotlight on homelessness with Narelle Groenhout

14-08-2022

‘LET’S go far – together.’ There’s an African proverb that resonates across our local towns. “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Horoscopes August 14-28 with Jennifer Hart

14-08-2022

Horoscopes August 14-28

Meatloaf by Richard Cornish

14-08-2022

Meatloaf by Richard Cornish

Ageing with Attitude: Clunes to host a new ageing well conference

13-08-2022

On Friday October 28, the regional town of Clunes will host nationally acclaimed leaders and experts in positive ageing in the community at the Talking Ageing with Attitude conference. This new conference hosted by the Clunes community group Attitude will offer local perspective on the global conversation around strategies for ageing well in community.

The Pollinator Project – Seed Balls

12-08-2022

Seed balls consist of the seed of one species or a variety of different species rolled within a ball of clay. For the Pollinator Project, we have chosen to add a native plant soil and compost mix to the clay providing nutrients and protection for the seed during throwing and sowing!!!

Share coffee and a chat with Village Connect

11-08-2022

Village Connect is a new service for older residents and carers in the shire provided by Council. Free coffee cup events will be held at cafes across the shire for people aged over 55.

First stage of Daylesford Museum roof repairs complete

11-08-2022

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) provided funding of $337,000 to the Committee of Management for the first stage of the works identified in the museum’s conservation management plan.

Funding for creatives

08-08-2022

Independent creatives have been invited to apply for the new Creative Projects Fund, which will support them to develop, present or launch new creative content, products and experiences.

Money for pride events

08-08-2022

The state government is celebrating and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) Victorians with funding for events throughout the state.

Helping wildlife

07-08-2022

The state government is ensuring injured, sick and orphaned wildlife get the help they need, with a funding boost to support wildlife rescue volunteers.

Mental health help for kids

07-08-2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council invites parents and teachers in the Macedon Ranges to participate in an upcoming focus groups to help shape a new holistic mental health education program to support the wellbeing of grade five and six students across the shire.

Laws to protect forestry workers

05-08-2022

Strengthened laws to protect forestry workers from illegal protest activity have passed the Victorian Parliament.

Homelessness addressed

05-08-2022

Eight new homes in Daylesford and Clunes will be built as part of the State Government's Big Housing Build. More than 12,000 will be built across Victoria for those on the Victorian Housing Register.

05-08-2022

"So, there’s that one and that one", the waitress declares. She is, of course, talking about the two menus as she handed me a non-Covid-friendly, sticky laminated glimpse into the hygiene of the kitchen.

Concert delivers plenty of satisfaction

05-08-2022

A self-indulgent, bucket list trip to the other side of the world to see a (The) rock band. I guess you could absolutely argue that point.

04-08-2022

Garden expert, radio personality and nurseryman Stephen Ryan will open his private garden, Tugurium, Macedon as part of Open Gardens Victoria on Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28.

Litter fine for Tylden man

04-08-2022

A Tylden man who dropped a parking receipt after using it to open a boom gate, wound up dropping $1100 in a fine and costs, after being reported for littering.

Education staff recognised

04-08-2022

Two staff members from Daylesford College have been recognised for their long-serving dedication to students and families through the Recognition of Service to Victorian Education program.

Nature play area donation

04-08-2022

The Community Bank Creswick & District has donated $250,000 towards construction of the nature play area at the Hammon Park Trailhead in Creswick.

Powering through the storm

03-08-2022

Over the past couple of years, many people have done it tough, especially when it comes to a reliable power supply.

Subdivision at Raglan

03-08-2022

Smith Development Partnerships has put in a planning application to the Hepburn Shire Council for a housing subdivision at 9 Raglan Street, Daylesford.

03-08-2022

The Daylesford Men’s Shed is finalising a project to bring Wombat Trees to Daylesford this festive season. The Wombat Tree project will have hand-painted wombats displayed on “wombat trees” which will decorate the shopping precinct of Daylesford.

03-08-2022

Eight new homes in Daylesford and Clunes will be built as part of the State Government's Big Housing Build. More than 12,000 will be built across Victoria for those on the Victorian Housing Register.

03-08-2022

Local Lines

Glen, about the house

02-08-2022

If you share in the pleasures of a hanging garden, you won’t be desperate for garden space or need the expense of a greenhouse, unless you try your hand with a few exotics. Hanging plants take up little precious space, in fact you will enjoy the bargain of an extra layer in the garden.

Why no-one cares about your long Covid

02-08-2022

IT’S been a while since I’ve written a story. It’s also been a while since I’ve breathed freely. Or gotten through a day without a nap. Or been for a walk. Anywhere. Just for the joy of it. How long? Since Covid.

Recipes with Jen Clarke

02-08-2022

Recipes with Jen Clarke

Church concerts

02-08-2022

Daylesford’s Christ Church Anglican has launched a series of ﬁve very special concerts on Saturday afternoons from winter to spring.

Just sayin’…

01-08-2022

SO, The Rex is for sale to the highest bidder. Not really a big surprise although it did look like a last-minute reprieve might have happened thanks to Councillors Halliday, Bray and Drylie. But it was not to be. No stalling, said the other councillors, it was time to bite the bullet and put up the For Sale sign.

Inspiring Jasmine

01-08-2022

From a young age, Daylesford’s Jasmine Gruar knew she wanted to be a ballet dancer. Her memories of dancing with her sister at home cemented her love of dance.

On song with big dreams

01-08-2022

Twenty-year-old Atticus Punt-Trethewey is close to releasing his first EP while also organising a live music event in Daylesford, AltWave, with a group of fellow college students. An event by young people for young people.

Homelessness Week

01-08-2022

Free hot soup and musical entertainment will be on offer at the Mechanics Institute in Kyneton this Tuesday, August 2, as the community gathers together to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness across both Australia and more locally in regional Victoria.

Community needs to lobby for healthcare

31-07-2022

COMMUNITY stalwart Danny Moynihan, pictured, has been involved in three major community drives to get upgrades for the Daylesford Hospital but says the current campaign as the most important. That's because it's been 20 years since a serious site upgrade.

Planning permit issued for Dan Murphy’s

31-07-2022

Liquor giant Dan Murphy’s may be coming to Daylesford. And Hepburn Shire Council has already issued a planning permit.

The Rex now for sale to the highest bidder

31-07-2022

HEPBURN Shire Council will sell The Rex building to the highest bidder despite 66 per cent of survey respondents being against the move.

Horoscopes August 1st to 14th with Jennifer Hart

31-07-2022

Horoscopes August 1st to 14th with Jennifer Hart

True event stage drama

27-07-2022

A powerful stage drama based on a true event and set in a farmhouse in rural Victoria, is now in rehearsal at Castlemaine’s Phee Broadway Theatre.

New fire station at Mount Macedon

26-07-2022

Construction is underway on a new fire station in Mount Macedon, which will deliver a significant boost to fire services in the Macedon region.

Elections in a democracy

25-07-2022

IN LATE May, Australians exercised their democratic right in the 2022 federal election. Whether deciding based on policies or personalities, voters chose to remove from power the conservative Liberal-National Coalition led by Scott Morrison, in favour of the more progressive Labor Party and its partners, led by Anthony Albanese.

Keeping kids active

25-07-2022

More kids in Hepburn Shire are getting active and fostering the talents of Victoria’s future sports stars, with more support for schools to offer exciting sports programs and encourage physical activity.

Santiago, from hospitality to aged care

24-07-2022

Santiago Delasa made the move from hospitality to working in aged care at Hepburn House a year ago and couldn't be happier.

Spring flower show

24-07-2022

After an absence of nearly three years, the Kyneton Horticultural Society will host its Spring Flower Show at the Watts Pavilion, Kyneton Showgrounds on Saturday, September 4 from 1pm to 4pm and Sunday, September 5 from 10am to 4pm.

Palestinian film night

24-07-2022

Central Victorian Friends Of Palestine will screen two multi-award winning short films from leading female Palestinian directors in Kyneton - The Present by Farah Nabulsi and Like Twenty Impossibles by Annemarie Jacir.

Road safety match

23-07-2022

Last weekend, clubs in the Central Highland Football Leagues plus over 1000 clubs across Victoria banded together donning blue armbands for TAC Road Safety Round in honour of every life lost on the roads.

Bike push for games

23-07-2022

Hepburn Shire Council is working with the City of Ballarat for a mountain biking program to be included in the 2026 Commonwealth Games and for competition to be held at the Creswick Trails.

23-07-2022

A CAMPAIGN is under way to stop gold mining in Yandoit, within what is said to be among the hottest exploration areas in the world.

Sell The Rex: Council

23-07-2022

Hepburn Matters is calling on the Hepburn Shire Council to hold off on any decision to sell The Rex until the end of November and “commit in principle to a co-design process between the council and community, to explore and reach mutually satisfactory outcomes”.

Glen, about the house

22-07-2022

ld King Nebuchadnezzar II and his Babylonians certainly started something when they draped their multi-tiered citadels with lush greenery. They would, no doubt, have found success with quite a few plant species that would have barely survived out in the harsh desert below. For a start, they would certainly have faced less trouble with water supplies and maintenance of soil quality.

Gorse – research first

22-07-2022

FOR many landholders controlling gorse is an uphill or lost battle, says Ron Cosgrave, chair of the Victorian Gorse Taskforce. But it doesn't have to be, he says.

Just sayin’…

22-07-2022

FIRST we had the vaccine stroll out, now we have a new federal government and we apparently have the antivirals stroll out.

22-07-2022

I DON'T seem to have much luck with online ordering.

21-07-2022

Local Lines

21-07-2022

More than 50 people attended a snap rally in Gisborne last Friday, called by the Wombat Action Group to voice their concerns about the VicForests’ salvage logging in the Wombat State Forest.

21-07-2022

IN THE last edition of The Local, journalist Kevin Childs wrote of the sick state of the health system. He talked, anonymously, to a number of healthcare workers who outlined myriad examples of people being badly let down by the system.

Creative precinct at Kyneton

21-07-2022

The former Kyneton Primary School is being repurposed to deliver a thriving creative precinct for the local community.

Water fountains

20-07-2022

Central Highlands Water and Hepburn Shire Council have launched two new Choose Tap drinking fountains at Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve, Creswick.

Silent film night

20-07-2022

Small Space Music and Radio Springs Hotel present the Magic Lantern Sessions #4 - live improvised music scores with classic silent movies - on July 31.

Christmas in July

20-07-2022

Christmas in July, HRCC’s major fundraiser is coming up in Daylesford on Wednesday, July 27.

Money for historical society

20-07-2022

The Trentham Historical Society has been awarded a $9000 grant to install equipment that will enhance the storage and protection of the existing collection and improve the society's capability for further historical research for the community.

News Update

Dan’s maybe on its way

19-07-2022

Liquor giant Dan Murphy’s may be coming to Daylesford.

19-07-2022

Three hundred forest firefighters are being recruited to help keep Victorians safe over the upcoming fire season.

19-07-2022

Dogs on leads please

19-07-2022

Your say

18-07-2022

Your say

End of an era for Peter

18-07-2022

An advert in the local paper - and his wife’s avid reading - led Peter Matthews to the Board of Kyneton District Health. After almost a decade as a board director, including a long stint as board chair, the Woodend local is stepping down from the now Central Highlands Rural Health.

Peter’s life: Art, cricket, writing, style

18-07-2022

TRENTHAM artist and PR legend Peter Young passed away last Thursday, July 14, after a short illness. His own Twitter handle describes him as: "Former Cricket Aust head of public affairs-turned-slow-left-arm painter. Of canvases, not houses."

Vale David Endacott

18-07-2022

DAYLESFORD's David Endacott has sadly passed away after an accident on July 1, just short of his 76th birthday.

War on the willows takes its toll

17-07-2022

ON A recent morning, while approaching the once tranquil creek near her Kingston home, Virginia Imhoff, pictured with Buddy, was stopped in her tracks by this destruction.

News Update

17-07-2022

The Daylesford Parish launched its Ukraine Appeal in late April 2022 and is currently remitting close to $800 to the Anglican Diocese of Europe who are managing this appeal and the distribution of aid.

Reclaiming art and shows

17-07-2022

ALISON Parkinson was raised in a farming family and had all the space in the world to explore in the Warracknabeal district where "the lands are flat with the biggest skies".

Horoscopes with Jenn

17-07-2022

Horoscopes with Jenn

Tender for trails network

15-07-2022

Hepburn Shire Council has released a tender for construction of the Creswick Trails Network, a major milestone for the multi-million dollar project, which will see 60km of mountain bike trails built in and around the Regional Park, State Forest and plantation lands of Creswick.

Funding for skilled mental health workers

15-07-2022

Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams has unveiled the Regional Mental Health Workforce Incentives program, which aims to attract and retain workers in state-funded mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) services across rural and regional Victoria.

Funding for public space and streetscapes

14-07-2022

Applications are now open in regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne for the $20 million Living Local Fund.

14-07-2022

Property owners whose fence lines are encroaching onto a road reserve in Lancefield will no longer need to move the existing fences as part of the footpath construction process.