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

Just sayin’…
I love being a journo but sometimes reporting is hard work. And hard to do properly. And especially hard to do as an independent publisher with not a lot of financial backing. People have sometimes said I used to go harder when I was employed at The Advocate in Daylesford. Or The Courier in Ballarat. […]
Pick Me, Pick Me
Hello, I am Missy, a staffy cross, just three years young. I am very sweet and and have a friendly nature and also love playful activities like fetch. And walks! I am also gentle and love cuddles so I would love a home where I can share my affection and playful spirit. But I would […]
Local Lines
Rajdhani Express Runs between Delhi and Varinasi in India Rajdhani Express is a travelling limbo With time standing still on both sides of the window. With goats in the hallways and chooks on the racks Jammed in between luggage small kids and backpacks, It’s wise on this journey to chain bags to seats And this […]
Kyle’s Rant
When Melbourne sneezes, the regions get a cold, although the opposite could be said during the pandemic, as Melbourne sneezed and folks decided to flock to the country. Humans are like lemmings when it comes to trends. I remember the program Sea Change, which pretty much invented the “seachange” movement, that whole idea of ditching […]
Xani @ Bullarto Hall
Xani Kolac is a violinist, composer, and improviser redefining what the electric violin can do in contemporary and improvised music. She has spent over a decade pushing the boundaries of her instrument with her unique sound shaped by influences ranging from Jimi Hendrix and Stuff Smith to art pop pioneers Camille and Bjork, alongside her […]
Songwriter shares songs, stories and life
Central Highlands songwriter Glenn Musto will present a special afternoon performance at The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Trentham, blending live music, storytelling and reflections gathered across more than 30 years of songwriting, touring and creative life later this month. Known for his work with cult Australian indie bands Showbag!, The Nordeens and College Fall, Glenn has […]
Our region’s history with Natalie Poole
Three Pig and Whistle hotels The exact origins of the name ‘Pig and Whistle’ remain a mystery, but the internet can offer a couple of explanations to ‘wet your whistle’. The Old English word “piggin” referred to a small earthenware jug, and the Old Norse phrase “ves heil” meaning “be you healthy”, was a common […]
Ivan’s time to Shine
Ivan Carter grew up in “the foggy forested hills of Drummond”, where his parents built a mudbrick house in the 1970s. The area, which was a lovely place to begin life and explore the landscape, recently gave him the inspiration to produce his first album, Shine. He chatted with Donna Kelly. Donna: How did you […]
Winter conditions increase risk of falls
As winter conditions set in, we encourage community members to take extra care to reduce the risk of falls. Urgent care services commonly see an increase in falls-related presentations during winter, particularly among older community members. Wet and slippery conditions, reduced daylight and cold weather can all increase the risk of falls both inside and […]
Men’s Health Week event in Daylesford
We would love to invite local community members to come together for a free coffee catch-up in Daylesford as part of Men’s Health Week 2026. When: Wednesday 17 June Time: 9am to 11.30am Where: 1 Camp Street, Daylesford This is an opportunity for people to connect, have a conversation and acknowledge the importance of men’s […]
Clunes Health Wellness Garden breaks ground
Work has commenced on the redevelopment of the Clunes Health Wellness Garden. Shaped by feedback from staff, community members and stakeholders, the new garden will feature accessible spaces for people of all ages to relax, enjoy the sensory garden, potter in the raised vegetable beds, and connect in a safe and welcoming outdoor environment. Stage […]
2027 Graduate Nurse positions now open
The next round of Graduate Nurse positions at Central Highlands Rural Health is now open for applications. We will offer six Graduate Nurse positions for 2027, providing newly qualified Registered Nurses with the opportunity to build their skills across a range of rural healthcare settings. Applications through the PMCV Match are open from 1 June […]







