Dozens of vulnerable pregnant women experiencing homelessness or insecure housing are being given access to a safe place to live and valuable support though maternity and early parenting services.
Minister for Health Martin Foley and Minister for Housing Richard Wynne met with Cornelia Program residents and toured the apartments in Melbourne’s inner south.
In an Australian-first between the state government, the Royal Women’s Hospital, HousingFirst and Launch Housing, the Cornelia Program aims to break the cycle of homelessness for vulnerable women and their babies.
The program aims to support up to 50 women and their babies each year with access to transitional accommodation for up to a year in 36 purpose-built apartments.
Pregnant women and new mothers will also have access to specialist maternity health services, along with access to other health and psychosocial programs. Guidance and support to find long-term stable housing is also provided.
The program is also being supported through a major philanthropic grant from private donors and long-time supporters of the Royal Women’s Hospital.

English Premier League club Manchester United is headed for Melbourne this July as part of a two-match tour.

Manchester United will take on local A-League men’s team Melbourne Victory on Friday, July 15 and Premier League rivals Crystal Palace on Tuesday, July 19 at the MCG.
The games are expected to attract more than 150,000 fans into the city and deliver an important boost to local businesses and jobs.
Manchester United is one of the most popular and successfulsportsteams in the world, winning 13 English Premier League titles since 1992 – with a legion of fans globally.
The club has a huge Australian following and there will be strong demand for tickets to the Red Devils’ first Melbourne matches since 1999.
The tour follows the success of previous English Premier League exhibition matches, including Liverpool Football Club in 2013 and Manchester City FC in 2015.
Tickets went on sale on Monday, April 4 via Ticketek.

Agriculture Victoria is working closely with both the pig and horse industries in response to Japanese encephalitis.

In the past week, there have been three new properties with pigs confirmed with Japanese encephalitis in Victoria. There is now a total of 18 properties with pig cases across the Wangaratta, Moira, Greater Shepparton, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Loddon, Greater Bendigo and Northern Grampians local government areas. A number of suspected cases are under investigation.

These detections are the result of national surveillance efforts to identify new cases and determine the extent and spread of the disease and the source of its introduction.

Japanese encephalitis has also been confirmed in piggeries in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.

Agriculture Victoria’s incident management team is working closely with industry, conducting surveillance activities and providing advice and information to farmers, livestock and horse owners.

Infection is not spread directly from pigs to people, and there is no risk to humans from eating pig meat. Only infected mosquitoes can spread infection. Pork is safe to eat.

In general, spread is through the movement of migratory water birds and through the movement of infected mosquitoes, often over long distances. It does not usually spread directly from animal to animal (i.e. it is not considered contagious).

Victorians are being reminded to protect themselves from mosquito bites particularly when spending time outdoors.

Japanese encephalitis vaccines are recommended for people at a higher risk of exposure to the virus, such as those working with pigs. All people should undertake measures to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.

For more information about Japanese encephalitis virus and animals visit Agriculture Victoria’s website: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/general-livestock-diseases/japanese-encephalitis

For more information about Japanese encephalitis virus and human health contact your GP or phone NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024, or go to www.health.vic.gov.au/jev

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is again encouraging local businesses affected by COVID-19 to apply for vouchers of up to $1000.
Funded from Council’s COVID Recovery budget, the Business Continuity and Resilience Program 2022 (BCRP2022) encourages all local businesses affected by COVID-19 to seek the services of not only local professional services businesses this time around, but also local health and wellbeing businesses.
Each business can apply for a maximum of two professional services vouchers and one voucher for health and wellbeing services across the whole BCRP program.
Planning and Environment director Rebecca Stockfeld said the council was focused on supporting local businesses and providing opportunities for growth.
“Council recognises that many businesses are still feeling the effects of COVID-19 and we are keen to continue to find ways to support them. This program aims to assist businesses wishing to upskill or explore growth opportunities,” she said.
The program will close 5pm on Friday, April 29 or when program funds are exhausted.
In addition to the vouchers, the council is also offering free mentoring sessions to businesses in the Macedon Ranges via The Small Business Bus. The government-funded mobile business mentoring service allows small business experts to provide assistance to business owners to plan, start or grow their business.
In-person mentoring sessions will be conducted from 10am-4pm, April 26 to 29 in Kyneton, Woodend, Gisborne and Romsey. Bookings are essential.
Link: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/bcrp
To book a business mentoring session on The Small Business Bus visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-events or call 5421 9616.

Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane has asked the Victorian Veterans Council to commission the third Veterans Sector Study, an assessment of the needs and priorities of veterans and their families, as well as the ex-service and community organisations that support them.

The research will focus on a range of issues, including housing, mental health, employment, education and the impact of the pandemic on the veteran sector.
Veterans, their families and ex-service and other community organisations can contribute to the study until May 8 by completing an online survey or participating in one of the in-person consultations being held across the state, including in regional hubs such as Ballarat, Bendigo, Warrnambool and Mildura.
The study’s findings will inform future government support for the veteran community. This is the third time the Victorian Veterans Council has run the research project, following previous studies in 2008 and 2015. The council’s oversight ensures the study provides an independent assessment of the needs of veterans.
To find an in-person focus group or complete the online survey, visit
victorianveteranscouncil.org.au/veterans-sector-study.
Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane: “Our veterans have demonstrated immense commitment and sacrifice for the broader community through their service – and this study will ensure their experiences remain at the heart of our work. I encourage all veterans and their families to have their say.”

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence has announced the 78 projects that will share in more than $1.6 million through the latest round of the state government’s Community Motorsport Program.
There are 66 grants that will go towards motorsport and motorcycling clubs from across Victoria to upgrade safety, train volunteers and officials, boost participation particularly for women and girls and host events.
The Castlemaine and District Motorcycle Club isreceiving $4,500 to run first responder training for volunteers while $6,000 will go towards to the Victorian Flag Marshalling Team to purchase first aid kits and upgrade their outdated club membership systems.
Eight grants totalling more than $262,000 will also go towards equipment, including more than $32,000 for an accurate race timing system at North West Victorian Motorcycle Club.
Four grants will go towards infrastructure investments, with more than $292,000 allocated for two new buildings at Bryant Park Hillclimb venue in Yallourn and more than $230,000 for a track extension and pit lane redevelopment at the Central Highlands Regional Karting Complex in Haddon home of the Ballarat Kart Club.
Applications for the fourth and final round of the Motorsport Club Assistance Category of the Program are still open and close on June 30.

Link: www.sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence: “With more and more Victorians returning to the track, we’re giving clubs the support they need to rev up participation. Better facilities and equipment help motorsport and motorcycling clubs provide a safer and welcoming community space. I encourage local clubs to take advantage of all the opportunities the Community Motorsport Program offers.”
Secretary of the Ballarat Kart Club Paul Feely: “The Club is very excited to receive this major contribution of funds from the Government, which will make a significant difference to the operation of the venue and ensure a better competitor, volunteer and spectator experience.”

The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) is calling for full sales price disclosure, standardised residential sales contracts, identity verification of buyers and sellers and the same price estimation standards that apply to estate agents, to be enforced for all residential sales.  

The recommendations form part of a broader suite of recommendations that would ensure fairness and transparency for vendors, buyers, and estate agents alike. 

They form part of REIV’s submission to Consumer Affairs Victoria’s 2022 Property Market Review that seeks to address the issue of affordability of property, and other barriers facing those wishing to enter the market in Victoria. 

REIV’s 10 key recommendations include: 

1. Enhance the Statement of Information to ensure evidence-based pricing for all residential properties. 
2. Mandatory ongoing professional development for estate agents and agents representatives. 
3. Compulsory registration of all bidders at auctions and identity verification of vendors and buyers involved in a residential sale. 
4. Adoption of an industry-wide standard for listing Material Facts, where buyers identify what is material to them.  
5. Full disclosure of the sale price for all residential sales once a contract becomes unconditional. 
6. Adoption of a standardised contract for the sale of all residential real estate. 
7. Property to be offered for public sale once supporting documentation has been completed. 
8. Ensure the sale of all new residential real estate is bound by the same price disclosure regulations as required of real estate agents. 
9. Review the Residential Tenancies Act to address housing availability issues.  

Reform the current property tax regime which contributes to the high cost of changing properties and continues to be a stumbling block for many buyers.  

In forming its response, REIV consulted its special interest groups focused on the sale of residential property, auctioneering and buyer advocacy, ensuring input from particularly relevant specialisms within the REIV membership. 

REIV CEO Quentin Kilian said that REIV wants to work with government to ensure the swift adoption of its recommendations. 

“REIV strives to work with government collaboratively, to ensure that informed regulatory policy is developed so that everyone in the sector including, buyers, vendors, and Estate Agents have a fair and transparent system”, he said.   

Cold Central Victoria-type weather seemed to sync with the end of daylight saving, perfectly setting the scene for a new, sprawling and cosy music festival – Creswick’s CresFest.

Beautiful snug and toasty venues, all within easy walking distance, ranging from open mics , intimate gigs in the fabulous Leavers Hotel venue to large scale concerts at the Town Hall, made for a successful community festival, reminiscent of the early days of Port Fairy and Apollo Bay festivals.

The opening night featured a wonderful primary school concert coordinated by Stella Savy, which provided the perfect launching pad for a beautifully curated evening. The folk/country songs of Lucy Wise in trio mode , featured the superb violin work of Kat Mear ( Cash Savage , amongst others) and some beautiful traditional Appalachian instruments.

Emma Donovan delivered a blistering set, combining a style which perfectly combines traditional soul with Indigenous themes, language and imagery. Emma’s band The Putbacks were stunning. Both weekend days combined free street events with the ticketed events of the town’s venues. (Side note, the festivals ticketing system was confusing and convoluted, it must have provided endless frustration for the hard working volunteers, explaining it to punters on repeat, it definitely needs to be tweaked to include a pass which allows entry to all events next year – enough said!)

Saturday evening at the aforementioned Leavers Hotel was magnificent. Zourouna were mesmerizing, playing a jaw dropping set which played a selection of pieces from throughout the Middle East, having the audience spellbound. Jali Byba Kuyateh played with a five-piece band well into the evening with music from Western Africa, the first of two gigs across the weekend. Over at the Town Hall, Eric Bogle played to a packed house of loyal followers, a definite drawcard.

Like all great festivals – too much to take in and spoiled for choice – and a big congratulations to all involved for getting this off the ground, the excitement of being back in venues again was palpable. Oh, and after all these years, a timely reminder to stop and try some of these venues for dinner or a drink, some of us, ahem, have driven past for years, without a second thought. Creswick, a new festival on the map.

Words & images: Darren Lowe

The state government has announced the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) is open for applications.
VESEP is an ongoing, annual program that provides emergency services volunteer groups with grants to help fund operational equipment, including the purchase of new vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft and trailers.
Volunteer groups can also put the money towards minor facility improvements, including refurbishments and amenities, such as kitchens and change rooms.
In 2022-23, more than $14.6 million in grants are available to volunteer organisations across Victoria including:
• More than $10.60 million for volunteer CFA brigades.
• More than $2.39 million for VICSES units.
• More than $350,000 for Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR) units, including the Australian Volunteer Coast
Guard Association (AVCGA).
• More than $835,000 for Life Saving Victoria clubs.
• More than $380,000 for other volunteer agencies.
Groups can apply for a grant up to $150,000 excluding GST, with the government providing $2 for every $1 of funding contributed by the local volunteer group.
The 2022-23 VESEP applications close on May 26.

Link: emv.vic.gov.au/vesep.
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes: “Our selfless emergency services volunteers are there when we need them most and these grants are all about helping ensure they have the latest equipment to do what they do best – protect communities and save lives. These grants have been going strong for twenty years and we’re proud to support the vital fundraising work that these brigades do.”

Hepburn Shire Council has received funding from the Victorian Government that will support a range of businesses to provide works, services and promotion of outdoor activation.

Part of the funding will go towards the purchase of equipment to support businesses to utilise outdoor spaces for trading. If you are an eligible business and you would like to participate in the funding for outdoor furniture you will need to fill out the EOI form on our website  – www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/eoi-business-outdoor-activation-fund.

Expressions of interest close 5pm Wednesday 13April 2022.

“It’s been a challenging few years due to COVID-19, but this funding means Council can further support local businesses by assisting to develop outdoor spaces for trading,” said Mayor, Cr Tim Drylie.

“We are also waiving obstruction fees for businesses in 2022. This includes, but is not limited to, fees for tables and chairs, moveable wind barriers, umbrellas, goods for sale, temporary signage and A frames,” said Cr Drylie.

“We’ll use part of the funds to make our main streets more welcoming, including investing in street furniture and installing new bins and planter boxes.”

This project is supported by the Victorian Government’s COVID Safe Outdoor Activation Fund.

For this, or any other business enquiries, contact Council’s Economic Development Team at business@hepburn.vic.gov.au or 5321 6122.

Following an overwhelming response to the Business Continuity and Recovery Program in 2021, Macedon Ranges Shire Council is again encouraging local businesses affected by COVID-19 to apply for vouchers of up to $1,000.
Funded from Council’s COVID Recovery budget, the Business Continuity and Resilience Program 2022 (BCRP2022) is not only open to local professional services businesses this time around, but also to local health and wellbeing businesses. Eligible professional services businesses can apply for a maximum of two vouchers, and one voucher is available for eligible health and wellbeing services.
Rebecca Stockfeld, Director Planning and Environment, said Council is focused on supporting local businesses and providing opportunities for growth.
“Council recognises that many businesses are still feeling the effects of COVID-19 and we are keen to continue to find ways to support them. This program aims to assist businesses wishing to upskill or explore growth opportunities,” said Ms Stockfeld.
The program opens at 8.30am Monday 4 April and will close 5pm on Friday 29 April or when program funds are exhausted.
In addition to the vouchers, Council is also offering free mentoring sessions to businesses in the Macedon Ranges via The Small Business Bus. The government-funded mobile business mentoring service allows small business experts to provide assistance to business owners to plan, start or grow their business.
In-person mentoring sessions will be conducted from 10am-4pm, 26 to 29 April in Kyneton, Woodend, Gisborne and Romsey. Bookings are essential.
To find out more about applying for vouchers under the Business Continuity and Recovery Program visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/bcrp
To book a business mentoring session on The Small Business Bus visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-events or call 5421 9616.

Hundreds of running prospectors are expected to strike single track gold in Victoria’s Daylesford-Hepburn Springs spa country with return of the Goldrush Trail Runs on Sunday 10 April.

Entries remain open until event day at www.goldrushrun.net

Participants in the Goldrush Trail Runs won’t be scouting for nuggets of rare metal, rather they’ll be seeking a trail runner’s equivalent:  rich seams of single track to run along.  Participants will take on 24km and 13km courses starting in the northern town of Hepburn (24km) and from Lake Daylesford (13km), before running all the way south through the Hepburn Regional Park to long-time event host, Sailors Falls Estate Winery.

There is also a 6km distance to entice more runners to explore a short highlight section of the Goldfields Track, on which all courses are set.

It will be the fifth running of the Goldrush Trail Run, which organiser Tour de Trails, is hoping can regain its popularity as runners return to the trails post-COVID.

“In past years we have welcomed up to 700 runners,” says organiser, Chris Ord. “COVID has dented things somewhat – we had to cancel an event in 202 due to the pandemic – but we are hoping local and regional runners will be excited to get back into their backyard trails which are some of the best in Victoria.”

“Also, the finishline is at Sailors Falls Estate Winery – who doesn’t want to finish a run amongst the vines of a winery!” says Chris.

Race Director, Chris Ord, said the idea of GoldRush was to introduce people to the Goldfields Track and encourage more use, but also to encourage non-trail runners – road runners, triathletes and even non-runners – to the joys of trail running.

“The great thing about the section of the Goldfields Track that we run on, apart from being stunning, is that it is very accessible, offering the inherent benefits that towns like Daylesford and Hepburn feature – like great accommodation and of course good coffee, which is very important to trail runner. Yet it also remains a good, wild, and often technical running experience, which is what we as trail runners look for.”

“Yet for those new to trail running, it is still, a very runnable trail, with a pretty mild ascent profile relative to many other trail events, so a good introduction to trail running.”

The Goldrush Trail Runs is supported by The Running Company Ballarat and Sailors Falls Estate Winery.

Gold Rush Trail Run

Sunday 10 April 2022

24km, 13km, 6km

www.goldrushrun.net

IF YOU missed out on last year’s Hepburn House movie-inspired calendar, don’t fret, the residents are already working on 2023 – and the theme is Ageing DisGracefully!

Photographer David White is working pro bono and having as much fun as the residents and staff as they all dream up ideas and images of Ageing DisGracefully.

The theme is named after the Ageing DisGracefully group started after successful lobbying of the state government by Hepburn House manager Dianne Jones and the Ageing With Pride committee.

The group meets every Wednesday at 11am at the Yardbird Cafe in Daylesford with everyone welcome. All enquires to coordinator Carmel Dennehy-Yardy on 0409 860 655 or email ageingdis3461@gmail.com or check out the Ageing DisGracefully Facebook page.
Hepburn House acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.

THE Blackwood Woodchop & Easter Carnival will be held on Saturday, April 16.
The historic gold and spa town of Blackwood is celebrating 120 years of its renowned Woodchop & Easter Carnival.

It all kicks off with the woodchoppers at 10am followed at 11am by the usual raucous street parade of costumes, floats and brass bands, leading the charge down to the Lerderderg River and “the prettiest sportsground in Victoria”.
Regarded as one of the premier woodchop events on the calendar, the day also offers traditional (and free) games and activities such as tug-o-war, gumboot throwing, novelty races, pet competition and children’s circus.
There will be a wide range of food stalls, artisan workshops and local produce. The best of the region’s musicians will kick up a storm all day with rockabilly, bluegrass, old time, Irish and country blues sessions far into the evening.
The main event lasts till 5pm, with music carrying on to about 10pm.

TRENTHAM’S Cool Country Men’s Shed was officially opened after a two year delay thanks to Covid restrictions. The shed, at 55 Mulcahys Road, opened on March 19.
President Tony Johnston said he wanted to see the shed “alive with men being together sharing skills, knowledge, life stories and companionship”.

“It’s not just about wood or metal working skills, it’s about men’s health, which can be physical or mental. Some men have a sense of loneliness; it’s the isolation that can occur after retirement or the loss of a life partner. Or they might have moved to Trentham and districts and lost their close social networks, there’s also the fear of Covid-19. If we can improve men’s health, the whole community benefits.”
Mr Johnston said the shed’s members were given permission from the Dja Dja Wurrung Corporation and the Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning to use the 1.2 hectares of land.
“Initially we were given $6000 from the Hairy Arch Art Show (part of our local art community), then we received $60,000 from the state government, our local Bendigo Bank invested $42,500, $20,000 came from the federal government, $15,000 from the Trentham Lions Club, as well as $15,000 from the Australian Lions Foundation. We’ve also received many donations from our generous community.”
Mr Johnston said the idea for a Men’s Shed in Trentham had been a long time in the making, with initial discussions in the community in 2006. But it wasn’t until 2016 that a committee was formed and in 2018 project funding began to come through and works could begin.
The shed has many donated tools, including a sliding table saw, a router table, wood and metal lathes, some welding equipment, and a wood heater. It has a well-equipped lounge, a functional kitchen, and was built with fully accessible facilities. Tony tells me that if community groups have a project they want, they can submit a Project Request Form for consideration by the Men’s Shed Committee.
Tony’s original idea to make his dream of a men’s shed a reality came from his hope to reduce the suicide risk in the community. “There’s been several suicides in the last few years that have affected our community. I hope that bringing men together in this way can help in some way to prevent further tragedies.”
With Covid-19 restrictions and lockdowns over the last two years causing social isolation, especially among the elderly, the opening of Trentham’s Cool Country Men’s Shed will help local men come together and enjoy the facilities and companionship at the Shed.

From left, Stephen Adams, Peter Gibbs,Tony Johnston, Joseph Bonnici and Charles Sherlock were thrilled to finally officially open the Trentham Mens Shed after two years of delays because of Covid-19
Words & Image: Sandy Scheltema