Two Macedon state electorate organisations have received funding from the state government.

Path of the Horse in Trentham will receive $43,166 to upgrade its facilities, enhancing support for veterans participating in equine-assisted programs. Mt Macedon Memorial Cross Council for Commemorative Services will receive $30,000 to undertake urgent restoration works at the Mount Macedon War Memorial.

Planning is underway for new female-friendly change rooms (and associated facilities and works) at Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve, Creswick.

Hepburn Shire Council received a $38,900 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria to fund the next phase of design work. The total project is estimated at $3.52 million, with $600,000 already secured from the Australian Government. Council has also committed $30,000 in the 2025/26 financial year for early planning.

Planning is underway for new female-friendly change rooms (and associated facilities and works) at Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve, Creswick.

Hepburn Shire Council received a $38,900 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria to fund the next phase of design work. The total project is estimated at $3.52 million, with $600,000 already secured from the Australian Government. Council has also committed $30,000 in the 2025/26 financial year for early planning.

Hepburn Shire Council is partnering with local business Greywoods Consulting to deliver two free online webinars aimed at helping local businesses expand their reach, strengthen their presence and grow sustainably across the region.

‘From local tradie to regional brand’, held on Wednesday, May 6 is tailored for tradespeople looking to transition from word-of-mouth work to a more established regional brand. ‘From home office to regional lead magnet’, held Monday, May 18 is designed for home-based and small service businesses. Webinars are free.

Daylesford’s Amazing Mill Markets stallholders and staff rattled their Good Friday Appeal tins and raised $386.45 for the Children’s Hospital.
Market owner Mark Ward then matched the amount raised for a total of $772.90. Market spokesperson Dani Dwyer said the plan was to do it all again next year “and raise plenty more”.

Entries for the 2026 Josh’s Rainbow Eggs Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards are now open.
The awards – held every two years in interchange with the Community Choice Awards – recognise local businesses for their outstanding service, innovation, professionalism and products, while highlighting the role they play in creating local jobs and supporting community activities. Link: mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-awards

Burke Square

I have been in town since 2018 however in my time I did not see the green used except since Covid when the hotel started with the tables.

I feel that it is positive to see people using the area now. I recognise that many of these people are tourists. However our resident population largely earns a living either directly or indirectly from visitors.
People were complaining about lost parking in the Covid years with the parklets that cafe/restaurants created. I don’t hear anyone complaining about the reduced pavement width now that many businesses have continued with tables.
I expect the council to be mindful of the economic well-being of the community.
John Gorman, Hepburn

Good health care

John and I very much appreciate this opportunity to convey our heartfelt thanks to Daylesford Hospital and the wonderful nurses and staff who looked after my dear hubby for two weeks in April.
From the moment the ambulance arrived and Austen and Glen took over we were treated with kindness and understanding.
We are indeed blessed to have such a fantastic country hospital in our shire as Daylesford Hospital. The care was amazing from the nursing staff and indeed from all areas within the hospital, and when called, for a sense of humour played its part too.
Thank you, thank you, thank you and bless your dear hearts for your wonderful contribution to all who pass your way and for sending my dear “boy”, he celebrated his 90th birthday with you, back home safe and sound.
Warmest wishes to you all.
John and Sue, Hepburn Shire

I have always been against building. Too much hassle. Easier to buy something already built. But just before the 2020 pandemic, Kyle finally convinced me to subdivide land at the Glenlyon School.
Originally the planning company we signed up with said we could divide it up into four blocks including where the school buildings are, so it seemed like a no brainer. Nice superannuation bonus.
The pandemic came along and we halted the project due to the world being upside down and restarted it six months later. Eventually, three and a half years, after an arm wrestle with Hepburn Shire Council and Goulburn Murray Water, we ended up settling on two blocks. Hmmm. Not quite what Kyle had promised.
Fast forward to October 2025 when Kyle went rogue and created a business case for a new build cutting through the noise and presenting me with one house design. I was instantly taken with not only the design but also the price point and the fact we could visit one in the flesh in Bendigo. It is a Sherridon Winslow 305, a large four-bedroom home we hope to make our forever home on the adjacent block to the school.
Lee Dern, our Ballarat-based sales guy was extremely helpful. He works for Sherridon Homes who say they are Victoria’s leading new home builder. Which is nice to know. Lee is a great bloke who has promised we will be in by October.
So, I thought it was now a great chance to write a few pieces about building in the country – good, bad or ugly. We shall see.
Late November last year we paid $3000 to secure a price which had gone up by $8000 since October that year. Lee had gone in to bat for us which was great. He also gave us a handshake deal about the October build date. At The Local most of our sales are done by handshake or a conversation – we have very little paperwork. So that is how we roll. And Lee too, obviously.
Anyway, in early January this year, after Kyle and I had changed our minds on a couple of features, Lee decided it was better to reissue the contracts so as things remained tidy. Fair enough.
Building, so far for me, seems like a lot of hurry up and wait. Over summer, Kyle put in new tanks, tore down fences, repaired fences and put in a new driveway (or at least hired people for the job) and he also seemed to push a lot of stuff from one side of the block to the other. We were doing our bit.
Late March, after extending our permit to build with the council we were able to get into the place where you “choose your colours”. A world of colour, texture and fittings in Port Melbourne where you go to select everything from bench tops to bidets, tiles to toilets. I nearly had a fit when they mentioned lunch would be on them, after an 8.30am start. Apparently it takes the whole day. FFS.
Anyway, the woman we had was great and Kyle and I were quick in decision making so we were gone by noon.
The next day we paid our five per cent deposit and the journey began. Sort of. To date there hasn’t been much more movement – I guess it’s all the things behind the scenes. We have a portal to keep us in the loop and the latest development on April 24 was that working drawings were ordered, and prior to that were the boring bits like stormwater, soil and sewerage information.
Nothing concrete yet – as in nothing on the block – but we are already paying back the loan in interest and principal. Hmmm.
The jury is out for me so far. I love the idea of a new house but I don’t like the idea of having a mortgage again. We shall see. I will keep you informed. Home Watch.
Words: Donna Kelly

Melva Parsons grew up in Melbourne and her first job was at a West Coburg milk bar at the age of 14.
She married Ian in 1959 and the couple had three children, Vicki, Louise and Michelle.
The couple moved to Main Ridge to take up life as farmers for 36 years, moving to Mt Martha when that became too much like hard work.
With two daughters living in Daylesford, and Ian passing away in 2024, Melva spent some respite time at Hepburn House nine months ago, and is back permanently after a fall. Now fully recovered, she couldn’t be happier with her new home.
“The friendliness of everybody is absolutely amazing. You feel like you’ve known people forever. Everybody is so courteous and kind and caring. I’ve never been in a place as caring as this place is. And they have special workers here to look after you, to look after your interests, keep you busy. It’s wonderful.”
Along with the farm – we’re talking up to 1000 chickens and about 50 cattle, Melva was also a potter for about 30 years selling her products across the Mornington Peninsula including the famous Red Hill Market – and to House stores around Australia.
Turning 88 next month, Melva said her view at Hepburn House reminded her of home.
“We had kangaroos everywhere and that’s why my daughter picked a room for me here, so I look out up the hill and there’s kangaroos outside my window. It’s beautiful.”
Melva said she was still keen to head back to her Mt Martha home – she has not been back since her fall – and says that will make the move more real.
“My daughters will take me home for about four days. I haven’t been back there since I literally hit the deck, so it will be nice to go back and pick up a few things and have a good look and make sure it’s still being looked after okay.
“But it’s great here. There is so much to do. Drew took us on a lovely bus ride the other day and we bought fish and chips in town and took them up to the lake. I haven’t had fish and chips out of a paper for a long time, I felt like I was a kid again. I’ve stayed in a few respite places, and there’s been nothing like this place here.
“They’re just so caring, and they don’t treat you like an idiot because we’re not, you know? Sometimes in respite places, because you’re old, they think you haven’t got a brain anymore. Well, a lot of us still have!”
Hepburn House is at 1 Hepburn Road, Daylesford.
Phone 5348 8100 or email reception@hepburnhouse.com.au Advertorial

No mention of the removal of 2-3 beautiful established trees that “apparently” need to be removed to create this safe road. So what if cars coming down have to do a three-point turn. It should only be for traffic to the tyre shop and parking. Maybe a public toilet heaven forbid.

The traffic which will be forced to use Howe St and Camp St intersection at the fountain will create a total mess which is already pretty bad.

I don’t care what they spend I will not vote for them gooses, and what about the access to tyre service ? Perhaps they could spend the $1 million on local road repairs.

How are delivery trucks going to turn around? What’re you going to do with the extra traffic on the Howe/Raglan/Camp street intersection? By the time you make room for traffic to turn around, taking away car parks you haven’t gained any space.

Black Spot? More money for Daylesford. Meanwhile the Springhill/Malmsbury Road where a lot of the Melbourne traffic comes from is a death trap. Specially the intersection where it comes out.

All this will do is move the “Black Spot” up the road to the Camp Street intersection. How much did you pay consultants to come up with this cracking idea?

Consultation with the public means letting the residents have their say. There has never been any suggestion that public opinion can change predetermined decisions. It’s a tick-box as part of ‘engagement’ policies. If residents’ opinion matches what’s already decided then a win can be claimed. If not, we get what’s already been decided.

Where is the transparency and accountability regarding this important project regardless of personal opinion re one option or the other?

The federal government’s Black Spot Program funding of over $1 million will see the closure of the Albert and Howe streets (Midland Highway) intersection in Daylesford.
Hepburn Shire Council has been advocating for funding to provide long-term safety improvements to the intersection since a fatal collision took place in 2023.
The funding will see the council close off the intersection at Albert Street and the Midland Highway to create a new green “community activation” space.
This was one of four options presented to the public during a consultation period between July and August in 2025. “After carefully considering community feedback as well as expert advice”, the council made the decision to apply for funding that would see Albert Street closed to through traffic, creating a court bowl and formalising parking to service adjacent businesses.
Mayor Cr Tony Clark said it was a great outcome for the Hepburn Shire and would greatly benefit the community. “I’m proud to acknowledge the crucial funding that makes this project possible, and thank the Albanese Government. This fully funded project will see the intersection at Albert Street and Midland Highway closed to create a vibrant new green space.
“This will enhance safety, provide easier access to the trading area, and deliver more open space for everyone. Now, with funding secured, we will move to progress detailed design and prepare to tender construction and will keep working closely with residents and businesses throughout the process.”
Meanwhile, in answer to a query about tree removal, a council spokesperson said the council recognised the environmental value of existing vegetation.
“During the detailed design phase of the project, options will be carefully assessed to avoid or reduce the impact on existing vegetation. This is a key principle of the detailed design phase and will include refining layouts, adjusting alignments and considering construction methods that lessen impacts on established trees.
“While every effort will be made to retain vegetation, the detailed design needs to be completed prior to this being confirmed to safely deliver the project and meet relevant standards. Where impacts cannot be avoided, council will look to implement appropriate measures such as replanting or landscaping to ensure the long-term enhancement of the area.” Words: Donna Kelly

Wellbeing counsellors work hand in hand with experienced financial counsellors to ensure that your mental health receives as much attention as your bottom line. 

Providing practical strategies and helping you to tailor them to your specific circumstances, across the north and south west.

Wellbeing counsellors can visit you at your property or talk over the phone to assist with:

✔ Managing stress
✔ Building resilience for tough times
✔ Balancing work and life with practical tools
✔ Getting support for big decisions and life changes.

To speak to a Wellbeing Counsellor call 1300 735 578.

Find out more at wswrcs.com.au/

For further drought support visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

The state government is helping Victorian farmers get their livestock to market quickly and safely.

Farmers are essential to our economy, our regions and our food security and we back them.

The Victorian Budget 2026/27 is investing $1.7 million in the first phase of the Bendigo Livestock Exchange roof project, strengthening a critical regional hub for the sale of lamb and sheep.

The Bendigo Livestock Exchange supports farmers across central Victoria, playing a key role in regional supply chains and local jobs.

The first stage of works will support construction of the roof for the holding yards, improving animal welfare and protecting livestock from extreme weather.

This investment is part of Labor’s strong investment in regional infrastructure that helps primary producers get their stock to market efficiently.

We continue working with the City of Greater Bendigo as planning progresses for future stages of the upgrade.

Households looking to install a solar battery are now subject to lower rebates, with rules changing today. Analysis by Compare the Market has revealed the return on investment on an example 10kWh battery could be reduced by around three years, but not for long.

In response to surging uptake, the federal government has redesigned its Cheaper Home Batteries Program to deliver more rebates by reducing the size of returns on larger systems.

From 1 May, retailers and installers will be able to claim a reduced full discount on 0-14kWh systems, but for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) between 14-28kWh (inclusive) the incentive drops to 60%, and for every kWh between 28-50kWh (inclusive) it is 15%.

The new tiered system will reduce every six months from January 2027.

Please find quotes attributable to Compare the Market’s Henry Man below.

“If you’re looking to slash your energy bills and make the most out of your solar, now is the time to consider installing a home battery,” Mr Man said.

“We’ve seen electricity retailers lower their feed-in tariffs and the introduction of the ‘sun tax’, where some plans could penalise Aussies for exporting energy back into the grid at certain times. Having a battery allows your household to use as much free solar-generated energy for yourself when the sun isn’t shining.

“The government’s rebate scheme has been so popular that it will be winding down the amount it hands out earlier and faster than initially planned from today.

“While it claims the discount will still be around 30% of the purchase price, it assumes battery product costs will decline – but this isn’t guaranteed. Bigger systems will also have a reduced rebate.

“We crunched the numbers and found an example 10kWh battery costing $10,000 will have a nine-year return on investment (ROI) based an assumed household and energy profile. However, with a 30% discount, it’s cut to 6.3 years.

“Aussies should speak to a qualified battery retailer to see if installing one is right for you and your household.”

To learn more about solar batteries, please visit: https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/energy/solar-batteries/