There are some dishes thatseem to have been designedspecifically for the tail end ofwinter, when the days are getting longer but the evenings still callfor something warm, generousand deeply comforting.This one takes its cue fromthe French bistro classic Steak au Poivre – that gloriouscombination of cracked blackpepper, beautifully brownedmeat and a rich cream saucewhich gives […]

Kevin Childs and Maia Irell have been added to the Words in Winter Roll of Honour for their work from 2016-2022. Kevin Childs said he was “honoured and grateful” to join the Roll of Honour. “Briefly, I fell into Words in Winter through being interested in helping out with publicity, since one of my earlier […]

The Local’s journalist Kate Foulds tells the tale of a familiar kookaburra insignia and how a simple story passed down by her family unlocked a “momentous” event in Daylesford’s history. A beautiful bronze kookaburra was a familiar fixture above the kitchen stove in our family home. I can’t remember the first time I asked Dad […]

Castlemaine Art Museum is hosting an exhibition honouring the Guildford Biyal (Red gum) and works created from its timber. Known locally as the Guildford Big Tree and recognised as the National Trust’s 2023 Victorian Tree of the Year, the Biyal is deeply significant to Dja Dja Wurrung People. It predates colonisation, and its grafted branch […]

Hepburn Shire Council will be hosting a variety of local events during the Victorian Seniors Festival, which runs from October 1-31 every year. The 2026 theme is ‘Connect, Create, Celebrate’. Mayor, Cr Tony Clark, is encouraging residents to come along to these free opportunities, which include cinema and music. “I strongly encourage our over-55s to […]

Victorians can prepare for next winter by collecting free firewood for personal use from state forest collection areas until November 30. Forest and Fire Management Victoria Deputy Chief Fire Officer Michael Condon said there were 21 designated firewood collection areas in state forests in the Grampians region. “Firewood for domestic use from state forests comes […]

The great political guard dog – DEECA. I have just read your “Just Sayin’…” edition 365 re – Pick me, pick me!. I’m surprised — though perhaps I shouldn’t be, given the mention of the word government — that the letter from Pet Exchange Register didn’t include a simple thank you for your efforts in […]

The Trentham Lions will host “RU OK Trentham? Finding your way through…” on Thursday, September 10 from 6.30pm – 8.30pm at the Trentham Mechanics Hall. This is a community event to promote mental health awareness in Trentham. Speakers are Tim Peck and Caroline Worth. Have a chat on ways to get through the difficult times. […]

Creswick Licensed Post Office has been shortlisted as a finalist for Australia Post’s Our AP Way Licensed Post Office of the Year award. The two other finalists are Lyndoch Post Office (South Australia)and Berrima Post Office (New South Wales). The awards will be announced this month.

Live4Life has received the 2026 Mental Health Program Excellence Award at the prestigious Mental Health Services Awards. The national recognition highlights the program’s outstanding contribution to youth mental health and wellbeing across Australia and New Zealand. Central Highlands Rural Health is a local partner in delivering Live4Life at Daylesford College, supporting young people to build […]

Hepburn Shire Council will replace the eight trees that form the Avenue of Honour at Ullina, in the shire’s west, this spring. The trees are suffering from significant stress due to their inability to thrive in the drying environment. Independent assessments undertaken by arborists recommend replacing the trees with more robust and resilient English elms. […]

Hepburn Shire Council’s Quick Response grants are designed to support community groups who may have experienced an unforeseen disruption or urgent issue, or to facilitate smaller projects that are significantly less costly than the amount specified in other grants schemes. The Local Community Events grants support community-based events and initiatives that engage local audiences and […]