Hepburn Shire Council has joined more than 30 councils across Victoria in the Let’s Be Clear on Glass campaign, calling on the Victorian Government to extend the deadline for the rollout of kerbside glass collection services.

The council recently became a member of the Glass Advocacy Group, an alliance of Victorian councils advocating for practical, cost-effective alternatives to the proposed mandatory glass-only kerbside bin system, part of the Victorian Government’s kerbside waste reforms.
Mayor Cr Tony Clark said the group is urging the Victorian Government to pause the rollout and work collaboratively with councils to identify smarter, more efficient solutions.
“For many years, residents have successfully recycled household glass items, such as jars and wine and spirits bottles, through yellow-lidded kerbside bins and drop-off points at transfer stations. Financial modelling shows that introducing a separate kerbside glass service would increase costs for both council and residents, while operational and regulatory uncertainties add further risk.”
As part of the campaign, councils are calling on the Victorian Government to explore alternative approaches including expanding the container deposit scheme to include wine and spirits bottles, as in other states’ programs.
Link: www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/glass

“It’s that time of the year when governments at all levels turn their minds to budgeting. Councillors have been working with officers to compile a budget for 2026/27 and beyond that responds to increasing costs and a tightening economic environment.

“Constraints on cashflow mean it won’t be possible to embark on an ambitious capital works program as seen in recent years.
“Mindful of our obligation to ensure council’s financial sustainability the immediate focus is on setting the most beneficial priorities for investment and services across the Shire. In that regard the outlook is challenging to say the least.
“The draft 2026/27 budget is due to be released for community consultation at the 26 May Council meeting. I encourage residents to consider the budget and its priorities carefully and interact with your elected representatives.
“In what can only be described as a cynical and offensive move, AusNet has formally applied to the Victorian Government to compulsorily acquire easements from Victorian farmers to build the Western Renewables Link transmission line before the Environmental Effects Statement is completed. Watch out for a decision in the lead up to the state election.
“Changing tack, as we head into winter we have come to the end of the festival season. I extend my thanks and congratulations to the army of volunteers across the Shire who work so diligently to make Spudfest, the Swiss Italian Festa, CresFest, ChillOut and Clunes Booktown, the wonderful events that showcase our region. Next up is Words in Winter. Stay warm!”

The Spa Centre Daylesford CWA Branch has celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The branch held its first meeting at Olive Tucker’s home on Wednesday, May 3, 1976 with 19 members joining on that day.
Mrs Tucker was president with secretary Mrs Lois Monaghan and treasurer Ms Helen Boyle.
These days monthly meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at St Peter’s Community Room with a full day of activities including a morning meeting, shared lunch and craft afternoon.
To celebrate this year’s event, branch members gathered at the Daylesford Bowling Club on May 6.
Ballarat Group president Rhonda O’Brien, secretary Alex Rusmussen and treasurer Cecila Rowberry joined the committee and members for the celebration lunch.
Several awards were presented by Ms O’Brien and Spa Centre Branch president Denise Olson to celebrate long term members – Mary Richards (50 years), Charlotte Brunt (30 years), Sue Gay (22 years) and Peta Heyne (17 years).
On show was memorabilia dating back to the first meeting to the present with photos of past and present members, art/craft exhibitions, awards, and fundraising functions such as fashion parades.
The birthday cake was made and decorated by Charlotte Brunt’s grandaughter Jaymie.
New members are always welcome.
Details: Mary Richards on 0473 231 319 or spacentrecwadaylesford@gmail.com

Award-winning Castlemaine artist Rob McHaffie will be the featured artist when the 37th Annual Rotary Castlemaine Art Show opens at Castlemaine Town Hall for King’s Birthday weekend, June 5-8.

“Castlemaine Rotary is delighted to have an artist of the stature and accomplishments of Rob McHaffie as our featured artist for our 37th Art Show,” Rotary Art Show chair Robert Cordy said.
Mr McHaffie moved to Castlemaine in 2019, attracted by the relaxed lifestyle and the vibrant arts community of the district. Working across a range of mediums, including drawing, painting and sculpture, and informed by a keen observation of his everyday surroundings, his work is an eclectic mix of colour, whimsy and humour and is held in major public and private collections.
“Thirty-seven annual art shows is a record Rotary Castlemaine is rightly proud of and we look forward to showcasing artists from around the local district, the wider state and interstate,” Mr Cordy said.
The show will be judged by La Trobe University Bendigo Visual Arts Centre’s Paul Northam. Artist entries are open until May 18.
Email artshowrcc@gmail.com to request an entry form.

How to increase biodiversity in a small way…in your space.

We live in an era where we increasingly hear about the loss of biodiversity due to human actions. But there is some action you can take where you live to make a difference to the small creatures that also call your block home.
We are at that time of year where fire restrictions have been lifted and we are looking at the piles of leaves and branches that have accumulated on our property. Instead of setting fire to these branches and piles of leaves, consider who or what may have made it their home or refuge.
Jon Rowdon from the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter says that an echidna may make a burrow under these piles, and at this time of year the burrow could still contain a puggle. This puggle will most likely not survive if it is disturbed or burnt. Lizards looking for a secure place to brumate over winter may have also moved in, as also will frogs seeking moist secure places to burrow, having finished breeding.
Many different species of invertebrates will also be present breeding and hibernating. The invertebrates, which are the most numerous species on earth, are a highly desirable food source for foraging birds, reptiles, frogs and small mammals such as antechinus and phascogales.
If you leave your leaf and branch pile in place to rot down over time, you will be increasing the available food on your property for the animals that may live there or be passing through. Many different invertebrates are involved in the breakdown of organic matter and they are all a food source to something else. These invertebrates are known as decomposers, and they range in size from beetles and millipedes to earthworms and nematodes. They break the organic matter into smaller and smaller pieces by eating, digesting and then excreting it, where it then becomes a food source for other invertebrate.
Fungi and bacteria are also vitally important decomposers involved in the breakdown of organic matter. Each decomposer will have a specific role in the decomposition and once the organic matter has decomposed it will then become food for your soil, which will then provide nutrients to the plants growing in the soil. This is an important cycle that is broken when we rake up and burn our leaves and branches.
If we want to do something about our loss of biodiversity, we can start at home by not interrupting this natural cycle of life, death and decay in nature.
Dr Marita McGuirk is a field ecologist and environmental scientist, and a volunteer at the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter. Marita writes monthly columns about the shelter and the animals it cares for. If you would like to donate or volunteer, or just to find out more information, head to www.hepburnwildlifeshelter.org

Petstock Daylesford is encouraging people to adopt a pet in need this May, or donate to help with their care at Castlemaine’s Mt Alexander Animal Welfare Shelter.

Animal shelters are also feeling the cost of living pressure requiring additional help to cover daily essentials such as food, vet care and housing.
The Australia-wide Petstock initiative aims to raise $150,000 through in-store and online donations, and sales of Petstock Foundation’s very own range of Buddy plush pet toys.
Daylesford and Castlemaine Petstock co-owners Melissa and Matt Barnes are happy to be involved with the campaign.
“We do not have pets to rescue but we are doing other things such as pet donations and customers can purchase discounted cans that we can take to MAAWS,” Melissa said.
“We have food at the counter people can buy to donate and we also have the Buddy toys as well. If someone can’t make it to the store they can also donate online.
“There are so many dogs and cats looking for their forever homes and if anyone comes in looking for a pet we send them to Castlemaine. And then if they find the right adopted dog or a cat they can come back to us and we can help them with all they need.”
Melissa said she and Matt bought the Daylesford store a few years ago and it’s going well.
“We help so many people with their pets’ needs and if we can’t help then we refer them to the local vets we have here.
“We also have a lot of people from Melbourne who find their way here, on school holidays, that sort of thing. Our customer service is 100 per cent.”
Melissa said the store also got caught up in The Block fun, just over the road, providing strawbales for a bonfire night, and fish for one of the house’s pond.
“We were very busy during that time and it was a lot of fun to be involved.”
Meanwhile the rescue event is on until the end of May but even after that donations are still happily accepted.
“The Petstock Foundation has a different cause each month. It might be for guide dogs, or horse rescues, or they have even done one to help homeless people feed their pets.
“We love being a part of Petstock and all that they do.”
Daylesford Petstock has also supported The Local’s Pick Me, Pick Me article for many years. They really do treat pets like family!

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed

The Young Farmers Advisory Council is a ministerial advisory committee and non-statutory body established by the Minister for Agriculture in 2015.

Agriculture Minister Michaela Settle is seeking expressions of interest for a chairperson, deputy chairperson and eight members to serve on the council for a term of two years, starting in September. Applications close on June 14.
Link: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au

Nominations for the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s 2026 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence are now open.

The annual awards celebrate and recognise outstanding individuals and organisations who are making significant contributions to strengthening multiculturalism in Victoria. Nominations close July 13.
Link: www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au

A Maldon man has been found guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court for breaking public safety laws at Lake Boort on the closing weekend of the 2024 duck hunting season.
The man was ordered to pay $500 to the court fund and was placed on a good behaviour bond until March 9, 2027 for offences including interfering with a person hunting and taking game. Hunters and the public are urged to report illegal hunting and illegal protester activity to www.gma.vic.gov.au or the Customer Contact Centre on 136 186, or by contacting Victoria Police.

Community Bank Trentham & Districts – Bendigo Bank is hosting Trentham’s Biggest Morning Tea to raise money for the Cancer Council on Tuesday, June 2.
Bring friends, make friends, have fun, eat, drink and fundraise – lots of games and prizes on offer including the exciting major door prize.
RSVPs: www.trenthamnc.org.au/event-details/biggest-morning-tea-2

Nominations for the 2026 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards close on Tuesday, May 19.
There are six award categories: Council on the Ageing Victoria Senior Achiever Awards; Emerging Impact Award; Positive Ageing Award; Promotion of Multiculturalism Award; Veteran Community Award; and Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year. The Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year is not open for nominations. Eligible nominations from all categories will be considered for this award. People in Victoria who are 60 years or over, and First Nations people who are 50 years or over, are eligible to be nominated for these awards.

The launch of the Reconciliation Seat, crafted with timber from the fallen limb of the Guildford Big Tree (biyal tree), will be held on Sunday, May 31 from 11am to 2pm at 13 Fryers Street, Guildford.
The day will include a Welcome to Country, Djaara Women’s dancers, a free barbeque, music and First Nations stalls. All welcome.

Castlemaine’s Jeanette Pope is among five recipients of the Paul Ramsay Foundation Fellowship Program, a cohort of leaders driving systemic change to stop disadvantage in Australia through community-led innovation.
The 18-month fellowship provides each recipient up to $250,000 to pursue bold, transformative ideas around fostering self-determining First Nations communities, ensuring positive life paths for children and young people free from entrenched poverty and harm, and empowering connected communities to lead their own futures. Ms Pope is the founding director of the Castlemaine Community Investment Co-operative. Her fellowship will explore how community co-operatives can counter disadvantage in regional towns by owning local assets, building wealth, and participating in democratic decision-making.

A record 14 organisations supporting LGBTIQA+ Victorians have received a total of $1.6 million investment to strengthen and expand their services.
Among those funded is Transgender Victoria which will see its Mobile Affirmation Station travel across regional Victoria providing non-medical gender affirmation as well as one-to-one peer navigation. As well, InterAction for Health and Human Rights will expand its Intersex Peer Support Australia program’s reach into rural and regional areas of the state for the first time.

The Australian Energy Regulator has approved $2.6 billion to maintain and upgrade AusNet’s electricity distribution network across eastern and northern Victoria, along with $1.6 billion to operate the network over the next five years.
Electricity transmission and distribution network businesses are required to submit revenue proposals to the AER every five years outlining how much they intend to recover from consumers. The AER assesses these proposals to ensure consumers pay no more than necessary for safe, reliable and secure electricity services.
AER board member Lynne Gallagher said the AER’s final decisions aimed to strike a balance between keeping costs affordable for consumers and ensuring networks could invest in the capital and operating expenditure needed to support the evolving energy system.
“We have carefully considered all submissions and feedback from stakeholders and reviewed the proposed expenditure to ensure that it is clearly justified, timely and efficient. Following our assessment, we have either accepted, rejected or in some cases, identified other solutions to address consumers’ concerns and deliver the outcomes they were seeking at a lower cost,” she said.
AusNet Distribution executive general manager Andrew Linnie said while the decision was an improvement on the AER’s draft determination, it was around $800 million less than the investment AusNet proposed.
“The reduction on current spending levels falls short of what is needed to meet escalating network needs for our customers as electricity demand accelerates through electrification and population growth,” Mr Linnie said.
“This reduction will make it more challenging for our customers to unlock savings in gas and petrol bills by electrifying and for AusNet to equip the network to withstand more frequent and severe weather events.”
Mr Linnie said AusNet’s priority remained delivering safe and reliable electricity services for customers and communities across Victoria. He said the operating environment had shifted significantly, with global events contributing to faster than expected uptake of electric vehicles and increased volatility in weather conditions.
“These changes highlight just how complex it is to plan for an electricity network that must remain reliable today while also preparing for a rapidly changing future.”
Next edition: Community benefits