Hepburn Shire Council has declared an intent to dispose of seven properties around the shire, with three suitable for affordable housing.
These properties have been deemed surplus to the council’s needs but community engagement is required prior to deciding whether to proceed with the sale of the properties.
The seven properties are: 79A Raglan Street, Daylesford (currently housing the Good Grub Club); 26 Raglan Street, Creswick; 10 Camp Street, Clunes – “Camp Hill Site”; 1 Armstrong Street, Daylesford; 10 Semmens Avenue, Creswick; 313 Clunes Road, Creswick; and 2 Creswick Road, Clunes.
The properties at 79A Raglan Street, Daylesford, 26 Raglan Street, Creswick and 10 Camp Street, Clunes – “Camp Hill Site” will be sold as Expressions of Interest with the possibility of them being used for affordable housing.
The other four properties will be sold on the open market.
It is proposed that the proceeds of the potential sales, less the costs of disposal, will be invested in the establishment of a financial reserve to support grant co-contributions to help meet co-contribution requirements associated with external funding opportunities.
Community feedback can be provided until Friday, August 29 on Participate Hepburn.
The decision whether to proceed with the disposal of the properties will be considered at the October council meeting.
Words: Donna Kelly

Well here I am penning another article for you, the reader, to enjoy…
This time I’ll be featuring botanic gardens I have had the privilege to visit and, in the case of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, work at for 10 years.
So let’s start with the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (London, England) which cover over 500 acres and is home to over 14,000 trees. It is an immensely important UNESCO World Heritage site that began life in 1759 and has the most biodiverse collection of plants anywhere in the world.
The Palm House, completed in 1848, remains one of the most amazing constructions of its kind and is home to many plants considered to be endangered or (even) extinct in the wild.
My several visits in 1992 to this wonderful gardens opened my eyes to making sure botanic gardens (and arboreta) all around the world have a vital role to play in the conservation of plant species.
Heading east, let’s grab a cab to 1 Cluny Road to have a stroll around the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Spearheaded by Sir Stamford Raffles, the gardens opened in 1859 now covering just over 200 acres and achieved UNESCO status in 2015. In June of 2016 I got out of that cab and entered a truly brilliant tropical garden set amongst sprawling lawns, water features and sculptures. Constant hot and humid conditions called out for an icy cold beer which I managed to procure at the kiosk before venturing out to record many trees I had only read about.

Boarding a plane, let’s now fly over the Pacific Ocean landing at Vancouver International Airport and on to the VanDusen Botanical Gardens which opened in 1975 after converting a 55 acre chunk of land supplied by the local golf course.
I have visited these gardens many times from the 1980s through to this year and I always find something new that hits my horticultural heart.
There are many themed-garden areas here including a Sino-Himalayan collection which is well worth the extra time with its fine collection of Asian rhododendrons, maples and magnolias.
Well, we’ve come all this way since leaving the UK, so why not explore the David C. Lam Asian Garden (as part of the University of British Colombia Gardens, not far from Vancouver city). Here you’ll find more rhododendrons, rare and endangered trees and their intriguing collection of lianas (climbers) that scale the heights of the indigenous conifers. Plenty of interpretive labels make it an educational experience like no other.
Time to head back west over the Pacific and have a well-earned stop over in Honolulu. I have come to the shores of the Hawaiian Islands many times before and after much reading am well aware of how a lot of island floras around the globe are now, in some cases, facing extinction due mainly to the introduction of (now feral) goats, pigs etc that avidly eat the native plants. But in the case of the Foster Botanical Gardens Honolulu (original plantings from 1853) we find ourselves immersed in a collection of tropical trees from all over the world that find safe haven within the city.
Think baobabs from Madagascar, kapoks from Mexico, Central and South America and Hawaii’s own special fan palms (pritchardia spp.).
And now time to head home back to Oz. After leaving ‘Tulla’ find your way into Melbourne and feel the city vibe melt away when entering this amazing city’s Royal Botanic Gardens. These are my fave gardens ever (slightly biased as I worked there for 10 years back in the day) an absolute treasure trove of species from all the continents except Antarctica. There aren’t many times when I venture back to the Big Smoke that I miss visiting this oasis in the city and navigate back to trees (in particular) that I have seen maturing and giving joy to others.
And so that’s it…another snapshot of my anecdotal horticultural life – hope you enjoyed.

Cheers JB (Trees in Australia) | Next time: Spring is coming…

In the bar my mum used to work

the smoke never shows on a ceiling that colour. decades cling to lungs like smouldering to glass. & still, i hear the men talking as if they can rewrite the prize horse with a pint, the mean bet that turned their futures to shadows, to ash.

there in the alcove i once called my childhood, an eternity wept into the coaster or clear as a looking glass on the varnish, my eyes squint through the ventilator’s haze as someone wins the feature & an old woman cries, not once but many times.

my mother knew the right beer before a note hit the bar. the twitch of an eyebrow, a threat not a courtesy. certain names, she was told, kept the coppers at bay, so she learnt to say locals. she in turn was a mother of sorts. give ‘em pride. give ‘em place. listen. that’s all they wanted like anyone else. her father was a drunk, so perhaps she knew the trick for what it was. no one called this bleating. no one called this place pews.

me, no bigger than a hangnail, 12 ounces that head-butted the rim, i watched with astonishment as these men emptied themselves with the emptying of a glass. i wish i could say i didn’t admire them—but two decades later, i’m still searching for the men who talk as if all men are granted.

• Rebecca Lister

Why I chose this poem: I have written very few poems about my mother. I suspect this is due to the gendered nature of writing production: men write about men, and women about women. All this, despite the fact that my mother has always been my ‘light in the dark’. This is an ode to the labour she endured and the places she worked—places that I once called my childhood.
Join Rebecca Lister on Saturday, August 23 from 1.30pm at Daylesford Hotel for big beautiful female theory – play reading and Saturday, August 23 from 6.30pm at Hotel Bellinzona for Words in Winter Gala.

Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters.
Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

Working from home will become a legal right.
Premier Jacinta Allan has announced legislation will be introduced to protect the ability of an employee to work from home. Under the proposed law, if a person can reasonably do their job from home, they will have the right to do so for at least two days a week – public sector or private sector. Following consultation, the government will introduce this legislation next year.

I am a recent tree-changer from Melbourne and just wanted to say how much I enjoy having a paper to read.
Where I lived in Melbourne, most local newspapers ended around the start of Covid – or went online but that is not the same.
I like reading about other locals, as I hope to be one day, all the festivals happening and just finding my way around the region with interesting stories.
I pick up my copy of The Local from Cellarbrations. They are such a friendly crew and I like to support those businesses who support you. I guess your only revenue comes from advertisers.
That’s why I also tried the bowls club, La Luna and wander around the Mill Markets and the community op shop. Well, not the only reason but The Local did point me in the right direction.
Keep up the great work.

• Louise Oldfield, Hepburn Springs

Letters to the editor are always welcome. Keep them short and sweet or long and interesting. Email donna@tlnews.com.au

Central Highlands Rural Health is not happy with me. Read their letter below.
The organisation has taken umbrage over the use of the word Ugly, as in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
It is true I used it as a sub-head in the July 14 stories on home care – which were all about raising the issues surrounding our, mostly, elderly people.
I won’t go back into the details but a woman, wishing to die at home and under the care of CHRH, had her respite hours and services cut after being moved to a higher level of care. CHRH could not explain this.

In their letter, CHRH says: “This characterisation is deeply unfair to the dedicated staff who provided exemplary care to the individual mentioned in the article, who had a home care package with CHRH. The staff who delivered this care were hurt by the way their work was portrayed, despite their dedication and compassion.” But at no time did I, or anyone else, denigrate the work of staff.
In fact, of the staff, one of the daughters said in the article: “I cannot fault the workers on the ground, the girls that come and visit mum, they’re fantastic. There’s just not enough of them.”
CHRH are also not happy with a July 28 article, which offered up the fees being charged by them.
They say they are comparable, and in some cases lower, than other agencies but any pub test would call them a tad high. And because they are comparable fees with other aged care agencies does not make them any more affordable.
Respite care fees ranged from $77 per hour on weekdays up to $185 for public holidays which fall on weekends. Registered nurse fees range from $140 an hour to $349 while enrolled nurse fees start at $117 and go up to $293.
Allied health professionals receive up to $199 per hour for Monday to Friday. For plain old property maintenance or gardening the going rate is $90 per hour. I am sure they are all dedicated people doing exemplary work, but with those kind of fees no wonder the money runs out. More a fault of the overall system, I think.
Anyway, all good. Letters are always welcome. And I hope the changes coming to home care make it more accessible and affordable for everyone.
The July council meeting was interesting. If you ever have a few hours to spare you can jump onto YouTube and have a look at our councillors in action.
Mostly they stick to the agenda but at the last meeting Cr Lesley Hewitt added a fairly random motion for the CEO to investigate whether Rea Lands Park could be sold. I must admit, they were talking about selling surplus land.
Now if it was just another piece of land, hello Hepburn Depot and Bleakley Street, whatever. But it is a park that was gifted to the people of Daylesford, not the council, by former shire president and councillor, the late Betty Rea.
For the past 14 years it has been tended by people from the Daylesford Community Food Producers. So it is not just a park, a quiet spot to sit, or bring the kids or the dogs, but also a place of food production.
Those working there say it is a bit “wild” but that’s all to do with diversity and not having to manicure every plant to within an inch of its life. There are big trees, and hidey spots for kids, and places to sit and meditate.
And on Sundays there is a steady stream of people coming and going to the market, calling in for a chat, perhaps some gardening advice.
The council will have to investigate now but I hope they find it’s not worth the trouble. Like home care, it can’t always be about the money. Just sayin’…

Letters

I write in response to your recent articles on Home Care Packages, which unfairly characterised Central Highlands Rural Health (CHRH) and the care provided by our staff.
In your first article (July 14, 2025), our service was labelled as “the ugly.” This characterisation is deeply unfair to the dedicated staff who provided exemplary care to the individual mentioned in the article, who had a home care package with CHRH. The staff who delivered this care were hurt by the way their work was portrayed, despite their dedication and compassion.
Our team often went above and beyond to support the client and their family, who in turn expressed their gratitude through heartfelt thank-you cards and gifts.
To associate such committed care with the term “ugly” disregards the efforts of our staff and the high standards of care consistently delivered by CHRH.
In your second article (July 28, 2025), it was implied that CHRH charges high fees. This is simply not true. A review of publicly available data on other Home Care Package providers in our region shows that CHRH fees are comparable and, in some cases, lower. Your article should have included these comparable figures for context, which would have provided a more balanced and accurate picture for readers.
CHRH is a publicly funded, not-for-profit organisation committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care under strict regulatory oversight.
We are fully transparent with our finances – our financial information is publicly available and published in our annual reports, which can be viewed on our website.
It is also important to note that CHRH is the only true local provider of Home Care Packages in this area. Our staff live and work in these communities, whereas other providers are based regionally, in Melbourne, and sometimes interstate.
Finally, the last thing we want is for people in our community who need a Home Care Package to hesitate in seeking support because they have read articles suggesting these services are inadequate. Inflammatory reporting risks discouraging vulnerable people from accessing the care they need and deserve. The coverage presented in your recent articles failed to fairly represent the care, commitment, and integrity of our services and staff.
We ask that future reporting acknowledges all the facts and reflects the full context of the care we provide to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

• Maree Cuddihy
  Chief Executive Officer, Central Highlands Rural Health

I hear the word government bandied around a lot. I don’t know anyone from the government, I have never seen the government so how is it that every Thursday they take their first slice of my hard-earned money?
If I don’t pay this faceless organisation, they will charge me more money and eventually throw me into one of their gaols. And it is my responsibility to keep all my receipts and pay for someone at the end of the year to prepare a tax statement to present to them. And if I’m lucky I get a tiny tax refund.
So “they” clip 30 per cent of my income before I even have it in my claw, and then there is the 2 per cent Medicare levy. If I earn $1000 per week and I am not saying I do (bloody newspapers) before I get my money I have only $680 left. And you can broadly say I will lose another 10 per cent, when I buy anything with their Goods and Services Tax. Unless of course, I am buying feminine products (fair enough), but because I am a bloke and shave every day to look presentable, I must pay the GST on my foam and shavers, and they are not cheap.

So, I’m left with $612 in my hand, but unfortunately, I must pay for fuel for work, and it looks like the little piggies have their hand out for another 51 cents per litre. I use around 50 litres a week because I live in the country so that’s another $25.50 out of my take home leaving me with $586.50 and I haven’t made it home from work yet.
Now I want to go to the pub to drown my tax sorrows, and I am only talking about five pints a week, and without boring you with the calculation this attracts $7.88 tax leaving me with $578.62 to take home to the wife. But she will want me to come home with a bottle of wine, and the good news is wine is not an excisable beverage. But, don’t break out the bubbles yet, the greedy bastards found a way around that too and slapped it with a wine equalisation tax or WET. This is typically a percentage of the wholesale value, so an average $15 bottle and one sometimes won’t do, so let’s be (sort of) honest and say six bottles a week this attracts $26.10 of WET. So, I’m down to $562.62. This is what is left to pay for power, rates, food, loans, mortgage and maintenance – should you be lucky enough to own a house.
Now the list of indirect taxes takes a lot of research so excuse me if I turn to AI to track down all the ways that “they” have dreamed up to dip into your pocket.
State taxes include: Property taxes, stamp duty, residential properties: 1.4 percent on first $25,000, then escalating rates up to 6.5 per cent on amounts over $960,000. Land tax: Progressive rates from 0.2 percent to 2.55 per cent on total taxable land value above $300,000 threshold; council rates: around $4000; Payroll tax: 5.23 percent on wages above $900,000 threshold; Motor vehicle registration: $800 annually for standard passenger vehicles; and Insurance taxes: insurance duty: currently 10 per cent.
Other Victorian charges are: Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL): annual levy on most properties for fire services funding: Metropolitan Improvement Levy: 0.125 per cent of capital improved value on metropolitan properties; and Congestion Levy: on non-residential car parking spaces in Melbourne CBD and surrounds.
I am sure I have missed out on some, but my point is there is not much left after you finish your job and put your feet up for the weekend. In fact it makes one question what it is we are paying for, sure infrastructure is one thing, but there isn’t a lot of new infrastructure in our part of the world. And when I go down to Melbourne I still get stung to use the infrastructure with parking and tolls.
I am always happy to pay my bit to live in a civilised world, but these days my bit seems bigger, while the world is not all that civilised.
Tax rant over…

Cockadoodle doooo.
I am Clucky, a young, handsome Wyandotte rooster looking for a home.

I enjoy classic rooster activities like strutting, digging in the dirt and crowing at the sunrise – no need for an alarm!
I would love a calm home with a flock to call my own.
Adoption fee: $10
MAAW Source No. BRI00938
Come and meet me at MAAWs in Castlemaine. Ph: 5472 5277.

A Hepburn Shire Council decision to ask for community feedback on selling seven of its properties around the shire, three for affordable housing, has been overshadowed by a request that CEO Bradley Thomas also look into the possibility of selling Rea Lands Park in Raglan Street, Daylesford.
Rea Lands, now a public park and food garden, was bequeathed to the people of Daylesford by former Shire President and Councillor Betty Rea.
At the July council meeting, Cr Lesley Hewitt moved a motion saying she wanted an investigation into whether the land could be sold.
“I am aware that there are a number of projects in Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and surrounds that will require co-contributions by council and this is potentially an opportunity to get that funding. So I would like to see whether or not that’s possible.”
Cr Hewitt later told The Local the land had been left by Betty Rea for the community benefit of the people of Daylesford.

“Mrs Rea, it’s clear from our understanding of the sort of person that she was, that community was at the heart of everything she did. And then the question is, what’s community benefit? And is its current usage, a community benefit?
“It’s just looking at it (and) getting more information to try to make what would be the best use of that land in line with Betty Rea’s wishes, because that’s important and I would be certainly respecting that.”
Just two of those, and there are many more voicing their protest on social media, who would be disappointed to see the site turn into housing are Robert Burrowes and Anita McKone, pictured above, and Anita, below.
The couple moved to the region in 2012 and, without their own garden, signed up to help out the Daylesford Community Food Gardeners a year later – an organisation given a lease for the land by the council in 2012.

“The public park as gifted by ex-mayor Betty Rea was still in its original form of a very large grassed area with a small number of large trees, including the two impressive pines, and the picnic table and seat, before the Gardeners took over development and management in 2011,” Anita said.
“Patrick Jones has organised many working bees at Rea Lands involving members of the Daylesford Community Food Gardeners. Since December 2013, Robert and myself have contributed between 200 and 400 hours of voluntary labour every year until now, 2025, as well as over a thousand dollars of plants, tools, trellising and organic inputs.
“Some hundreds of dollars and many practical inputs, such as rail sleepers for edging garden beds, mulch, compost and plants, have been donated by others in the community. Permaculture founder David Holmgren gave expert advice in the early years.
“The garden now boasts over 50 more trees, three hedges, a large variety of bushes, ground covers and flowers, as well as a small vegetable plot. Many of the fruit trees are just coming into their capacity for fruiting well, including the two avocados we planted in 2015 (and nursed over the winter for the first couple of years).
“There is also a lovely native Bunya pine that is now several metres tall and will eventually grow to match the Norfolk Island pine nearby. The Bunya pine holds deep cultural, spiritual, and ecological significance for many First Nations peoples.
“One of the valued features of the garden is that it is eclectic, because we have been achieving a number of different goals – it is not only a community organic food source, but a public park where visitors come to wander and enjoy – so adequate shade, colour and overall shape of the garden beds have been of concern.
“Because it is a voluntary working organic food garden, as well as a public park, Rea Lands has a somewhat ‘wild’ look about it at times. Many people who visit the garden say that this is what they like about it.
“I see Rea Lands as a significant and successful addition to the mosaic of Daylesford gardens, that also has key environmental and food sustainability aspects and heritage value. It deserves to be retained in public hands for the ongoing benefit of the community as a whole.”
Robert said depending on season and weather, people came to the park to meditate, walk their dog, pick up some gardening advice, have their kid’s birthday party or even hold an Easter egg hunt.
“And it’s got a couple of huge pine trees and a big gum tree and we’ve planted more which will take 30 years to grow. We won’t be here to see it but hopefully plenty of people in the future will.
“That was the plan. That’s why it’s a bit disappointing. You don’t plant trees to have them bulldozed down. And we thought it was generous of Betty, pictured below at a fundraiser, to give it to the community and allow it to be dedicated for the community’s benefit.

 

“It was a generous gift, and we like to think we’re using it in a way that she’d be happy about. It’s in her name, so that’s a nice memorial to her contribution.”
Words: Donna Kelly | Top: Debora Mermadeit | Middle & Bottom: Contributed

Grade five and six students from Newlyn and Hepburn primary schools took part in the Daylesford College-led, the Heart of the School Art Mural project last Wednesday at the Hepburn Primary School Campus.
With Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and visual artist, Jenna Oldaker of Murrup Art, Ballarat, the students participated in a two-hour painting workshop, creating artworks and joining in discussions around aboriginal culture and art.

Sharing her connection to country, Jenna inspired each student to develop their own individual canvases and ideas to contribute to the final design of the Heart of the School Art Mural. This ambitious work will be installed at Daylesford College at the entrance to its Wellbeing Centre. An official unveiling with representatives from each primary school will take place later in the school year.
Jenna creates works under the name Murrup Art – murrup being the Wadawurrung word for spirit, which is fitting as Jenna’s art comes from the sacred tradition of storytelling told by her ancestors and their spirits. And while the prospect of executing an expansive public art piece may be daunting to some people, it is all part of a day’s work for Jenna Oldaker.
“It’s just part of the fun,” Jenna says. “I do all forms of art from custom commissions to murals of all sizes and it has been such a privilege to go to these smaller schools and get them involved in the creation of a large piece. It is great to have their input and for them to have that ownership over the final finished work.”
The project is supported by The Daylesford Foundation, Ballarat Community Health through its School Focused Youth Service, the Department of Education and Training’s Koorie Engagement support officers and Hepburn Shire Council.
The day’s workshop, which forms part of Hepburn Primary’s grade five and six transition program at Daylesford College, incorporated a mixture of culture, yarning and art activity to encourage both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to build knowledge and pride in Aboriginal culture through art and storytelling.
Sessions will also be held at other primary schools including Creswick and Creswick North, Daylesford and Yandoit, Trentham, Bullarto, Clunes and the Dharma School.
“The main idea is to help the students facilitate their own stories,” says Jenna. “I want them to get their inspiration from the Dja Dja Wurrung country we are on. I want them to be inspired by these things that surround them everyday, the things that make this part of our country so beautiful and put that into their artworks. All these ideas and inspiration can then create the final piece: The Big Mural.”
Daylesford College principal Steve MacPhail said the college was committed to celebrating connection to community, culture and Country. “We actively include First Nations voices in our teaching and learning, ensuring that the histories, cultures and perspectives of First Nations peoples are shared authentically and respectfully. Our continued partnership with The Daylesford Foundation and SFYS allows us to have a wider reach in strengthening our relationships with our surrounding primary schools, while lifting the visibility and vibrancy of culture at Daylesford College. The Heart of the School project is a fine example of this in action.”
Words: Tony Sawrey | Images: Contributed

Some people said that it would be magic if Daylesford got its cinema back. Now magic is being used to conjure up that vision.
One of Australia’s greatest magicians is bringing her show to Daylesford for the Phoenix@The Rex Cinema.
Her displays of magic, illusion and mind-reading come with a splendid dinner, plus a seductive combo of swing, bossa and ballads.

Roving magician Cath Jamison, a critics’ favourite and multi-award winner, will weave her spell, while the jazz blues will come from Late Night Radio, comprising Cherie Bridges and friends.
The enchanting Cherie casts her spell with velvety vocals, Jeremy Challender brings the magic to life on the keys, while Bruce Millar lays down a deep, steady groove on the double bass.
Getting it all together will be the inimitable Megan Jones.
All of those involved are strong supporters of the cinema and are performing free.
Hotel Frangos is the venue, on Thursday, August 28. Doors open at 6.30pm.
Tickets are $65 a person include a two-course dinner at one long table, magic, music, razzle dazzle and a raffle with fabulous prizes.
Bookings close on August 24 and may be made by calling Hotel Frangos on 5348 2363, daily from 9am to 5pm.

Price guides for The Block homes have been revealed – $3 million to $3.3 million – for the luxury Raglan Street properties.
Belle Property Daylesford director Will Walton said The Block homes were within the Middleton Fields masterplan that included a mix of price points from one-bedroom social housing residences to premium architectural residences.
“The Block properties are substantially larger and on more land than average Daylesford residences. There are very few contemporary architectural homes of the same land size and amenity, such as a heated pool and outdoor entertainment zone, within the township itself to compare. While our region does achieve a wide price range of properties from $400,000 to upwards of $6,000,000, the average home or medium price for Daylesford is $820,000.
Mr Walton said homes outside of the township in neighbouring rural areas do command multi-million-dollar prices – owing to them being set on acreage and the quality of the home. “There’s two main things that drive people to the country – it’s either affordability or space. We’re lucky to be able to offer a choice. The Block has certainly put a major positive spotlight on our region, in particular small businesses and local community organisations. We’ve seen a major increase in interest from first home buyers considering our region. It’s important we compare the whole real estate market that consumers can consider. Currently discerning inner city quality one-bedroom are selling in the vicinity of $700,000.” Words Donna Kelly

Hepburn Shire Council rates and valuation notices will shortly begin arriving in letterboxes and email inboxes across the shire.
A council media release said general rates and charges were council’s biggest revenue stream, making up around 66 per cent of income and used to fund a wide range of essential services and infrastructure that support the local community.
“This includes the maintenance of roads, footpaths, along with waste collection, recycling, and drainage works. Rates also help provide and maintain parks, playgrounds and libraries. They support local planning and development services, and environmental sustainability initiatives.
“This year, rate notices will feature a new layout, with a clear separation between council charges and the Victorian Government’s Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF). This change aims to improve transparency and help residents better understand how their rates are allocated.
“Council continues to oppose the ESVF. Council has previously written to the Treasurer and Minister for Local Government expressing that the levy has a disproportionate financial burden on rural and regional communities, in particular primary producers.
“Council will continue to advocate for the shire and join the many other councils opposing the levy. Community members with questions about the ESVF are encouraged to contact the State Government’s State Revenue Office on 1300 819 033.
“Residents are encouraged to read their notice and accompanying material carefully. The information provided outlines total rates and charges, along with a range of payment options.”
Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said the council understood that some households may be experiencing financial hardship.
“A range of support and assistance options are available to help ensure you can manage your rates payments. We know that cost of living pressures are affecting many in our community.
“We want to assure ratepayers that help is available. If you are having difficulty, please do not hesitate to reach out as we are here to support you.”

Cr Brian Hood said despite his repeated and strong pleas, the council had chosen not to proactively forewarn ratepayers of the combined impact of the ESC-approved increase and higher property valuations.
“Instead, the narrative of a 10 per cent increase has been doggedly adhered to. The absence of informative material from the council accentuates what will be false expectations among many ratepayers and deep concerns.
“In short, 72 per cent of ratepayers will incur a year-on-year increase in rates greater than 10 per cent, 26 per cent of ratepayers will incur a year-on-year increase in rates up to 10 per cent, and 2 per cent will see a decrease.
“The average increase across the shire on rates alone is a 12.75 per cent increase.”
The council media release said the council provided eligible pensioners with a number of concessions (those holding a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Veteran’s Affairs Gold Card (TPI & War Widow)). For 2025/26 the pensioner concession is up to $358 and includes: a maximum concession of $266 for general rates; $50 for the ESVF; and $42 pension rebate by the council towards rates and charges for eligible pensioner concession cardholders.
“The waste service charges and kerbside collection fees remain unchanged in 2025/26, and residents using the food and garden organics service will benefit from a $40 reduction in their annual charges.
“The council was successful in its application for a total rate rise of 10 per cent for 2025/26 which includes a 7 per cent increase to the existing per cent rate cap that was announced on December 23 last year by the Minister for Local Government.
“The increase for each ratepayer won’t be exactly 10 per cent, as it varies based on individual property valuations.
“The additional 7 per cent rate rise will on average equate to an additional $2.20 per property per week and generate $1.36 million to invest in programs and services.”
Rates are calculated using property valuations that are independently determined by the Valuer General each year on January 1. Community members can object to the Valuer General property valuation. Link: www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/property

Words: Donna Kelly

I am a recent tree-changer from Melbourne and just wanted to say how much I enjoy having a paper to read.
Where I lived in Melbourne, most local newspapers ended around the start of Covid – or went online but that is not the same.
I like reading about other locals, as I hope to be one day, all the festivals happening and just finding my way around the region with interesting stories.
I pick up my copy of The Local from Cellarbrations. They are such a friendly crew and I like to support those businesses who support you. I guess your only revenue comes from advertisers.
That’s why I also tried the bowls club, La Luna and wander around the Mill Markets and the community op shop. Well, not the only reason but The Local did point me in the right direction.
Keep up the great work.

• Louise Oldfield, Hepburn Springs

I write in response to your recent articles on Home Care Packages, which unfairly characterised Central Highlands Rural Health (CHRH) and the care provided by our staff.
In your first article (July 14, 2025), our service was labelled as “the ugly.” This characterisation is deeply unfair to the dedicated staff who provided exemplary care to the individual mentioned in the article, who had a home care package with CHRH. The staff who delivered this care were hurt by the way their work was portrayed, despite their dedication and compassion.
Our team often went above and beyond to support the client and their family, who in turn expressed their gratitude through heartfelt thank-you cards and gifts.
To associate such committed care with the term “ugly” disregards the efforts of our staff and the high standards of care consistently delivered by CHRH.
In your second article (July 28, 2025), it was implied that CHRH charges high fees. This is simply not true. A review of publicly available data on other Home Care Package providers in our region shows that CHRH fees are comparable and, in some cases, lower. Your article should have included these comparable figures for context, which would have provided a more balanced and accurate picture for readers.
CHRH is a publicly funded, not-for-profit organisation committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care under strict regulatory oversight.
We are fully transparent with our finances – our financial information is publicly available and published in our annual reports, which can be viewed on our website.
It is also important to note that CHRH is the only true local provider of Home Care Packages in this area. Our staff live and work in these communities, whereas other providers are based regionally, in Melbourne, and sometimes interstate.
Finally, the last thing we want is for people in our community who need a Home Care Package to hesitate in seeking support because they have read articles suggesting these services are inadequate. Inflammatory reporting risks discouraging vulnerable people from accessing the care they need and deserve. The coverage presented in your recent articles failed to fairly represent the care, commitment, and integrity of our services and staff.
We ask that future reporting acknowledges all the facts and reflects the full context of the care we provide to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

• Maree Cuddihy
  Chief Executive Officer, Central Highlands Rural Health