A host of MPs visited Creswick Aged Care recently to mark the final stage of the federal government’s aged care wage increases.

Among those attending were, pictured from left, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King MP, Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles MP, Loren Phelps (Creswick Aged Care) Nicole Allan (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation assistant secretary), Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae MP, Lee Drury (Creswick Health Director of Nursing) and Member for Ripon Martha Haylett MP.
The visit underscored the significance of the milestone as registered and enrolled nurses in aged care received a further increase to their take-home pay.
The delegation toured the home, met with residents and staff, and experienced the warm and welcoming environment that has become a hallmark of the service.
The visit also provided an opportunity to showcase Central Highlands Rural Health’s person-led approach to care, which places residents’ individual needs, preferences and goals at the centre of decision-making and daily living.
CHRH deputy CEO Phil Catterson said the wage increase was a positive step for the aged care workforce and the people who rely on their care.
“This outcome is a well-deserved recognition of the important work our dedicated aged care nursing staff do every day to support older Australians.
“Nurses are the backbone of our organisation, and we want them to feel valued and fairly rewarded for the incredible care they provide.
“Supporting and retaining a strong nursing workforce is essential, not only for our health service but for the future of healthcare in our region. We want nursing to remain a career of choice, ensuring our communities continue to receive the very best care for generations to come.”

As always, residents were keen to welcome visitors and share their experiences, with many taking the opportunity to stop for a chat during the tour.

Daylesford Spirit Distillery has come away from the 2026 Melbourne Royal Australia International Spirits Awards with a trophy for the Champion Victorian Gin for its Australian Dry Gin.

And if that’s not enough, the Mt Franklin business took home three gold medals, four silver medals and a bronze medal across its range including Triple Cask Single Malt Whisky, New World/Contemporary Gin, Citrus Gin and Miner’s Gin Navy Strength.
Distillery owner Michael Samootin, who moved to the Daylesford region in 2020, said his products had “struck gold again”.
“We’re definitely the highest awarded and more importantly, awarded the most amount of gold medals and recognition as far as a distiller is concerned.
“We have strived really hard to not only get local and regional recognition, we’ve pushed for state and national recognition. And now with overseas-based recognition, we are the bartender’s choice of gin and tonics voted by Fever-Tree for the whole of Australia.
“We won the Fever-Tree Cup out of hundreds of distillers who went up against us. And now we’ve won Australian Champion Gin as well for our Australian Dry Gin.
“It’s taken us seven years to achieve this recognition from the Melbourne Royal Australia International Spirits Award, which is the most difficult and competitive competition to enter here in Australia. And we beat all the big guys.”
Michael says part of the secret is the Mt Franklin water and never taking shortcuts. “We use traditional distilling methods and don’t use any artificial flavours or colours. All our products are all natural. We use the water from Mount Franklin and that just improves the product out of sight right across the board.
“It’s the true artisan craft of distilling that we’re extremely proud of and we compete head-to-head, not just with the local distillers, but also with the national and international distillers as well. We have put Daylesford on the international map now. We are exporting too – a Daylesford-made product.”
Michael said winning the Champion Gin was the tough one.
“That has taken me seven years to win.”
For people keen to have a look behind the scenes, and make their own gin, masterclasses are on offer. And Michael – never one to rest on his laurels – has chocolate and coffee liqueurs coming up next, and another sure to be award-winning whisky.
Brigette De Poi, who has worked in sales and marketing for the company for the past year, said winning the awards had been amazing.
“We won an award for everything we entered which we were really humbled by. And you realise just how much people enjoy our products. Personally, I think the secret is the balance – that is something Michael is incredibly good at – his recipes are all balanced.
“You don’t get individual flavours overwhelming others on your palate. You get everything beautifully balanced – nothing’s fighting or competing.”
Brigette said the awards were also vindication for Michael’s recipes.
“He’s worked so hard and to get this recognition around the world is incredible. There is such a thriving gin industry in Victoria and with some amazing gins out there to be told that you are a cut above the rest is so incredibly humbling and exciting.”
Brigette, who has worked in the gin industry for 15 years, said it also made her role easy. “Once people try our product I never have a problem selling it. It speaks for itself and how good it is.”

Link: www.daylesfordspirit.com.au

Above, Michael Samootin at the awards

Words: Kyle Barnes | Image: Contributed

Advertorial

Hepburn Shire’s five councillors and former CEO Bradley Thomas have been cleared of all criminal charges.

The councillors, Don Henderson, Tony Clark, Shirley Cornish, Pat Hockey and Lesley Hewitt, are now back at work.
A council media release said last week a representative of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) attended the hearing of private criminal matters, brought against the six by a local resident and businessman, David Penman.
“The DPP took over all matters, and the charges have been dismissed. The DPP having reviewed all the evidence determined that there were insufficient grounds available to proceed with the prosecutions.
“Once the charges are formally withdrawn by His Honour Magistrate, councillors will be reinstated under section 228(5)(a) of the Local Government Act 2020.
“This is a great outcome for democracy and our community.”
Last Friday, Mayor Cr Tony Clark, pictured, said he was pleased to confirm that the councillors who were previously stood down had now been reinstated.
“We look forward to resuming council business and making the decisions needed to keep projects and initiatives moving forward.
“Following the Director of Public Prosecutions’ dismissal of the private criminal charges this week, there is no evident need for the Minister for Local Government to appoint an administrator.
“This normally applies when a council has fallen foul of its governance responsibilities, but our situation is unprecedented because council and the administration did nothing wrong.
“With councillors now returned and able to form a quorum at council meetings, governance is restored in Hepburn Shire under your elected representatives.
“I am disappointed that the Local Government Act 2020 did not afford councillors protection from such private prosecutions.
“The standing down of councillors in this way was an attack on democracy and governance in the local government sector. We look forward to amendments that protect against this type of action in the future.”
The Local believes that the councillors who were stood down will be paid retrospectively.
An ABC report said Mr Penman “was a little surprised” by the DPP stepping in.
“They [DPP] hadn’t been in contact. I thought the charges were particularly strong. But obviously, it’s politically sensitive.
“I’m not suggesting that played a role but had I elected to play my role in the [courts] then it would’ve been different.”
Mr Penman told the ABC he would accept the DPP’s decision.
“This is a democracy. I’ve always said the courts are where democracy plays out. [If] that’s the decision of the DPP, then I accept that.”
Cr Tim Drylie, in his July councillor column titled “When the system fails local democracy”, said individuals were responsible for their conduct.
“Governments and parliaments have a different responsibility. They must create laws that remain fair, proportionate and workable even when people are angry, persistent or determined to use every legal process available to them.
“Any Victorian council could be placed in the same position. Good government means accepting responsibility for the systems within its control.
“Hepburn’s community should not lose its democratic voice because those systems were not strong enough to protect it.”
Meanwhile former council CEO Bradley Thomas has been appointed chief commercial and financial officer on the Bendigo Kangan Institute’s executive team.
Its website says Bendigo Kangan Institute is the registered entity for four trading brands – Bendigo TAFE, Kangan Institute, eWorks, and VETASSESS.
Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Hepburn Shire Council

Bullarto Station has new heritage features thanks to $42,000 from the state government’s Tiny Towns Fund.
Works have seen heritage-style cabinetry installed in the Station Master’s office, new furniture for the Lamp Room waiting area and picket fencing around the station grounds. The funds are also supporting the installation of floodlighting to improve visibility and safety around the station grounds. A water tank has also been installed.The station is part of the Daylesford Railway, a fully volunteer organisation.

Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward has announced a new round of the Small Regional Presenters program.
The program brings top artists to regional venues and builds local talent. Community groups and not-for-profits can apply for grants of up to $16,750.
Applications are open at: www.visitrav.net.au

The state government has extended the time Victorians have to access a 20 per cent vehicle registration rebate.
Victorians now have until August 31 to apply. A driver with one car gets up to $186 back and a family with two cars gets up to $372 back.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has called on the Minister for Planning to pause a decision on Amendment C164 – Clarkefield Township Development.
The council wants what it calls major unresolved planning, infrastructure, safety, environmental and financial matters to be independently reviewed and addressed. “Council is seeking greater certainty that any future growth in Clarkefield is safe, sustainable, well-serviced and in the best interests of current and future residents.”

The Creswick Friendship Shed is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and is looking to reconnect with past members.
The Shedders are also seeking old photographs, newspaper clippings, memorabilia and stories that capture the history of the shed over the past 25 years. If you were once a member, or know someone who was, they would love to hear from you and help spread the word. Email: communications@chrh.org.au

Hepburn Shire residents are invited to hear from the organisations which support communities before, during and after emergencies at a free Emergency Services Panel on Tuesday, August 18, 10am to 12.30pm.
Hosted by Hepburn Shire Council, the Emergency Services Panel will bring together representatives from emergency services, essential service providers and government agencies to share practical advice, answer questions and help residents better prepare for a range of emergencies. The event will be held at the Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve in Creswick and includes lunch. Bookings: eventbrite

The Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education will close St Mary’s Primary School, Clarkes Hill at the end of the 2026 school year.
Executive director Tom Sexton said the decision had been made after the 2027 forecast of enrolments falling below the level required for non-government schools and the anticipated impact of the proposed Enterprise Bargaining Agreement. “While DOBCEL supports fair and appropriate remuneration for teachers and staff, the associated increase in staffing costs means long-term viability can no longer be assessed by enrolment numbers alone.” St Mary’s Primary School opened in 1946.

Councillor Cassy Borthwick has been elected the new mayor of Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
Cr Borthwick will serve as mayor until the November elections. Cr Borthwick said in recent days, she had been reminded that local government was at its best when it remains close to its community. “Through conversations with residents, we continue to learn from their experiences, concerns and aspirations.”

The state government will review Victoria’s serious driving laws to make sure they are clear, strong and keep Victorians safe.  

Every death on our roads is a tragedy, and Victorians expect laws that match the gravity of that loss.

Dangerous drivers should face consequences that reflect the harm they cause.

That’s why the government has asked the Victorian Law Reform Commission to review whether the current laws are properly holding offenders to account.

The review will look at whether:

• The offences are clear enough
• Penalties are tough enough
• Stronger offences are needed to better hold dangerous drivers to account.

It will also consider whether new aggravated offences or a mid-tier offence should apply when negligent driving causes death or serious injury.

We have listened to and thank the families who have courageously spoken out after losing loved ones on Victorian roads.

Their advocacy matters and if the law is not working as it should, it must be strengthened.

The high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 strain (H5 bird flu) has been detected in Victoria.

Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said this detection is a result of Australia’s response to H5 bird flu, with the Victorian Government undertaking surveillance for the disease and working closely with the Commonwealth, interstate jurisdictions and industry partners.

‘Preliminary testing has indicated H5 bird flu in a single greater crested tern found in Portland.

Further genetic testing is underway at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness at Geelong to formally confirm this result.’ Dr Cooke said.

‘This follows confirmation of the disease in seabirds in Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, and the national decision that H5 bird flu is no longer technically feasible to eradicate in wildlife.’

‘Following weeks of enhanced readiness, we have now enacted Victoria’s State Emergency Animal Disease Response Plan. Based on international experience, this H5 variant differs from previous strains and has been known to cause large numbers of deaths in wild birds and some mammals.’

‘Our plans aim to limit impacts where possible particularly on our most threatened species, while also supporting our farmers and reducing risk to domestic and commercial poultry.

‘We need Victorians to avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife, record what they see and report it.

Early reporting gives us the best chance to reduce the impacts of the disease,’ Dr Cooke said.

• AVOID contact with sick or dead birds, wildlife or their environment
• RECORD what you see and where you saw it.
• REPORT it to DEECA using the online form or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

Minister Harriet Shing has welcomed 53 new paramedics who have joined Ambulance Victoria’s ranks.

The group is the first intake of new paramedics for 2026/27 and will hit the road from 17 August.

The graduates have commenced their four-week induction to Ambulance Victoria.

The training covers areas such as clinical education, driving, manual handling and occupational violence.

The course builds on the knowledge and experience gained during their three-year university degree.

They’ll then begin their on-road training in August – in a boost to branches right across metro and regional Victoria.

13 graduate paramedics will be placed across Melbourne, including Tarneit, Cobblebank, Hadfield, Reservoir, Rowville, Brighton, Dandenong, Kew and Somerville.

A further 35 graduate paramedics and five qualified paramedics will be in regional Victoria, including Wonthaggi, Cowes, Ballarat, Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill.

The new recruits will strengthen ambulance services as Ambulance Victoria continues to experience high demand.

Between January and March this year, paramedics responded to nearly 95,000 Code 1 cases.

That’s more than 1000 lights and sirens cases every single day.

A striking exhibition of illustration and photography, telling the stories of three Victorian women who have lived through homelessness, has opened in Traralgon.

Walk In Her Shoes charts the very different paths of three women who lost their housing at separate stages of life, one as a young person, one as a mother, and one later in life, and shows how family violence, poverty and a shortage of safe homes can tip a woman into crisis.

Its arrival coincides with the latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data, which found that women and girls accounted for 59 per cent of Victorians seeking help from homelessness services in 2024-25, close to 62,000 people in all.

Within that group were more than 13,000 girls under 18 and over 6,800 women aged 55 and older, and for more than half, family and domestic violence formed part of their story.

A community forum will run alongside the exhibition, bringing together women with lived experience, frontline workers, local MPs and residents to talk through what is driving more women into homelessness in Gippsland and across the state, and what needs to change to keep them housed.

The panel includes lived experience advocate Shaini from Melbourne City Mission, alongside Wayne Farnham MP, State Member for Narracan, Mitchell Burney, Head of Children, Youth, Families and Housing Supports at Quantum Support Services, and Aleisha Olivier, Regional Homelessness Services Coordinator at Community Housing Limited.

Council to Homeless Persons CEO Deborah Di Natale said the exhibition laid bare the human cost of Victoria’s housing shortfall, and the particular toll it takes on women and children fleeing violence.

“Right across Victoria, and here in Gippsland, women are now the majority of people asking homelessness services for help, yet too often they remain the hidden face of this crisis,” Ms Di Natale said.

“These three stories show what the statistics really mean, a young woman escaping violence, a mother trying to keep her children safe, or an older woman left with nowhere to turn.

“For women in regional communities the options can be even thinner, with fewer services and greater distances to travel. Victoria needs close to 80,000 additional social housing properties over the next decade simply to reach the national average, and the government’s recent investment has to be the first step in a far bigger effort.”

The exhibition is on display at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre from Thursday 6 August to Thursday 13 August. The community forum takes place at the same venue on Thursday 6 August, 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Entry is free and catering will be provided.

The event is presented by Council to Homeless Persons and proudly sponsored by the Municipal Association of Victoria and Community Information and Support Victoria, with support from Latrobe City Council and Quantum Support Services.