Hearings on the Western Renewables Link project have finished.
Hepburn Shire Council presented evidence from experts in tourism, agriculture, solutions for an underground line, and visual amenity.
Mayor, Cr Tony Clark, said the council’s legal representatives made a strong case to the panel, emphasising the unique character of Hepburn Shire and its importance to both the region and the broader Victorian community.
“Council has been working closely with the affected communities, who have remained passionately engaged throughout the process and we would like to thank them for their tireless efforts. Council and our diverse community have invested significant time and resources to oppose this project in its current form,” he said.
Meanwhile, the state government has introduced legislation allowing energy companies to compulsorily acquire private land for transmission lines before the necessary environmental assessments have been completed.
Cr Clark said this was deeply distressing for those affected. It is a decision that was made without consultation or explanation.
“The change enables companies such as AusNet and VicGrid to compulsorily acquire land before a project has even been formally approved by the Minister, and before a comprehensive environmental effects assessment process has been completed.”
“We need urgent clarification from the government on what these changes mean for our local farmers who have not had a voice in relation to this change.”
The council established a community working group five years ago to collaboratively review the WRL project and assess its potential impacts on the shire’s community.
Kain Richardson, community working group member and chair of Kingston and District Power Alliance, said the council’s representation of the community during the Environmental Effects Statement process had been vital.
“Hepburn Shire Council has highlighted key impacts on farming, tourism, fire management and community health to ensure the inquiry understands what truly matters to our community. We value the expertise and professionalism council has brought to the EES process.”

With their earthy scent and riot of colours, fungi signal the quiet arrival of autumn. They appear overnight on forest floors and garden beds – delicate mushrooms pushing through leaf litter after rain.
Many of us know them mainly as ingredients: sautéed in butter, folded into risottos, enriching the flavours of seasonal cooking. But there’s more! This visible flourish is only the smallest glimpse of a vast and vital kingdom. Beneath our feet, fungi underpin the living world.
What we notice above ground – the mushroom – is simply the sporing body, or the vessel that holds the spores. The actual fungus organism lies hidden below the surface.
There, fungi grow as intricate networks of microscopic threads called mycelia, spreading through soil like living lace. These filaments weave through organic matter, forming an underground scaffold that gives soil its structure and vitality.

Many fungi also form connections with a huge variety of plants known as mycorrhizal symbioses. In these subterranean alliances, fungi greatly extend a plant’s root systems far beyond its natural reach, helping it access water and nutrients. Fungi also improve the resilience and health of plants by increasing their drought tolerance and resistance to soil-borne disease.
In return, plants share a portion of the sugars they produce through photosynthesis – an elegant exchange of energy for resources. These symbiotic relationships are especially important in old and weathered, phosphorus-poor soils found in the Hepburn Shire, indeed throughout Australia.
In such nutrient-limited environments, mycorrhizal fungi become indispensable allies, enabling plants to survive and flourish where they otherwise might struggle.
But the story does not end with individual plants. Mycorrhizal networks extend relationships through the soil to other plants, facilitating nutrient transfer between them and uniting plant communities, promoting their growth and survival.

Fungi are also nature’s master recyclers. As organic matter falls to the ground – leaves, bark, branches, fallen trees – it begins a slow transformation back into soil. Fungi drive much of this process. By releasing powerful enzymes, they break down complex carbon compounds that most other organisms cannot digest.
While bacteria and invertebrates contribute to decomposition, fungi have a unique talent: they can degrade lignin, the tough compound that gives wood its strength. Every fallen leaf and twig is therefore part of a cycle of renewal. Healthy soils – and thriving gardens – depend on this invisible workforce.
Gardeners can support fungi by leaving organic matter in place – fallen leaves, sticks, bark, and limbs – creating a mosaic of habitats where fungi can thrive. Diversity matters: different species, ages, and sizes provide niches for different fungus species.

Equally important is minimising disturbance. Reducing stresses to fungi through physical disturbance to soils such as digging, compaction, over-watering, inappropriate use of fire, fertilisers or chemicals will allow fungi to reach their full potential in supporting your garden.
When fungi flourish, gardens do too. Beneath every vibrant landscape lies an intricate living network – an unseen fungal world supporting life from below.

Alison Pouliot is an ecologist and environmental photographer who runs fungus forays in Australia and internationally. She is the author of six books on fungi and her latest is Mushroom Day. Link: www.alisonpouliot.com.

Images, from top, author and ecologist Alison Pouliot (© Valérie Chételat)

Cortinarius austrovenetus: The stunning Green Skinhead (Cortinarius austrovenetus) grows throughout Hepburn Shire. (© Alison Pouliot)

Mycelium: Mycelia provide architecture in soils, underpinning their health and resilience. (© Alison Pouliot)

Below, Mushroom Day by Alison Pouliot

Last week’s 11mm of rain has worked its quiet magic, and right on cue the lawns and nature strips of Daylesford are dotted and ringed with mushrooms. Among them, however, lurks a familiar trickster: the yellow stainer (Agaricus xanthodermus).

Mushrooms may delight the eye and stir the instincts of foragers, but this species is a timely reminder that not everything that looks wholesome belongs in the pan.
At first glance, yellow stainers can pass for edible field mushrooms, and it’s precisely this resemblance that makes them noteworthy – and hazardous. But nature, obliging as ever, does leave us clues. For one, habitat offers an early hint. Yellow stainers favour what ecologists call ruderal environments: places shaped or disturbed by human activity.
Think lawns, garden beds, nature strips, track edges, golf courses, and managed paddocks. If you’re stepping out in such settings, then those familiar mushrooms are likely to be yellow stainers.
Then there’s the feature that gives the species its name. Gently scratch the surface of the cap or stem with a fingernail and, in fresh specimens, the flesh often turns a vivid chrome yellow, almost instantly. It’s a striking reaction – but not a foolproof one. Mushrooms exposed to wind, sun, or age may be dry, and in these cases the yellow staining can be faint or absent. As with many things in biology, variability is the rule rather than the exception.
Shape, too, tells part of the story. Young yellow stainers often present a somewhat squarish profile – like a soft, marshmallowy block – with edges that appear straighter than the rounded curves typical of many edible field mushrooms. Observe them in situ and you may notice another pattern: they tend to grow in tight, crowded clusters, frequently forming arcs or complete rings.
And then there is smell – an underappreciated but remarkably informative sense when getting to know mushrooms. The yellow stainer emits a distinctive odour often described as “chemical” or “medicinal,” reminiscent of disinfectant or adhesive bandages, with a sharp phenolic edge. This scent arises from phenol compounds, which are also responsible for the species’ toxic effects.
Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal distress – nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea. If you’re unsure, gently warming a specimen – cupped in your hand or pocket on a cool morning – can help release its telltale odour.
It’s worth noting that there are no reliable folk rules for separating edible from poisonous mushrooms. Those endearing idioms and adages rarely hold up under scrutiny. The safest approach is straightforward: assume a mushroom is toxic unless you can identify it with confidence using solid references.
If you’re learning to identify fungi, it helps to keep things simple. Focus on one species at a time and get to know it properly – how it looks at different stages, how it responds to weather, and how much it can vary. And if you’re studying an edible species, make sure you also learn its toxic lookalikes. Fungi reward patience far more than enthusiasm.
And finally, a note of perspective. While some fungi are indeed toxic to humans, all fungi play indispensable roles in ecosystems. They recycle nutrients, stabilise soils, and many form intricate mycorrhizal partnerships with plants that enhance water and nutrient uptake while improving resilience to drought and disease. So even when they’re not destined for the table, they deserve a moment of appreciation. Better to leave them where they are, quietly keeping things running beneath our feet.

Above, agaricus xanthodermus: the yellow stainer stains vibrant yellow when scratched

Words & image: Alison Pouliot

In December I wrote about a puggle (baby echidna) named Pickle, who had been brought to the wildlife shelter after its mother had been fatally injured by earthmoving machinery.
Pickle the little puggle is doing well and now has fur covering her body and is starting to develop spines. She is still entirely reliant on milk. At this stage of a puggle’s life its mother would feed it on milk from the milk patch which she has on her underside.

As mentioned earlier, (The Local Issue 348) echidnas don’t have nipples or teats but exude milk from a specific patch of pores. The baby echidna will lick and suck on this patch to fed. After the mother has fed the puggle she will seal it into the den in her burrow and go off to forage for food for herself.
The puggle will be left alone in the burrow for three or more days, where it will sleep until its mother returns. The fur it has started to grow will protect it from damp and cold.
So, if you see an echidna out and about it is best not to interfere with its movement, except of course to move it off the road. The echidna could have a puggle in a burrow awaiting its mother’s return and if its mother does not return it will most likely starve to death.
There aren’t many natural predators of echidnas, but our pets are a potential danger to these baby animals. A puggle is very vulnerable to attack by cats and dogs and disturbance of the burrow by people is also often deadly. Consequently, there is a high death rate in puggles. If you should come across a puggle in a sealed burrow, don’t disturb it, leave it there.

If you should find a young echidna with no spines call the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter. Do not apply heat to the animal, this will likely kill it. Puggles are very different to other animals and the best thing to do if you find one is to just wrap it in a towel and put it in a small open Esky somewhere quiet until you find help. It is very important not to handle these animals as the stress can kill them.
Pickle, the little puggle at the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter, spends most of her time sleeping. She wakes to feed every three days, and because of the slow nature of the feeding process it takes at least two hours for Gayle Chappell to feed her. She is then returned to her sleeping quarters. She will continue to be fed milk for at least another three months.

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

In another boost for the Creswick community, the Victorian Government has secured CresFest for another year – attracting visitors and fueling local businesses.
The festival takes over the streets and historic buildings of Creswick, including the town hall, local hotels, and the Anglican church and showcases both local and visiting professional artists in intimate heritage venues.
This year is the fifth CresFest, where audiences will enjoy three days of dance and music from a huge and diverse range of performers, from international stars to local newcomers, ready to entertain over the weekend Friday, April 10 to Sunday, April 12.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos and Ripon MP Martha Haylett announced the funding last week.
CresFest has been funded through the latest round of the government’s $38 million Regional Events Fund – which has also supported local events such as the Ballarat Marathon, Ballarat Foto Biennale and Sunnyside.
The fund is delivered by Visit Victoria and supports festivals, sporting events and art exhibitions that create local jobs, boost tourism and showcase Victoria’s regional communities.
It offers up to $500,000 for major events of national or international significance and up to $50,000 for events that draw visitors from across the state and country.
In the past year, regional events across the state have attracted more than a million attendees and led to more than 300,000 hotel nights being booked.
Minister Dimopoulos said the Regional Events Fund brought thousands of visitors to local communities, providing a huge boost for businesses and showcasing some of Victoria’s most incredible destinations..
Ms Haylett said CresFest was one of the best festivals in Victoria.
“It gets bigger and better every year and our government is proud to back it. I want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who make it all happen. They help bring thousands of tourists to our community which shines a light on our region and boosts our local economy.”

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed

If you think vegetables are boring, bland or only something you eat out of guilt, the Edgy Veg Awards 2026 would like a very polite (but firm) word with you.
Returning to the Macedon Ranges for the fifth year of vegetable-powered fun, and to Mount Alexander Shire for the second fabulous year, the Edgy Veg Awards in April is a month-long competition for the Most Vegelicious Dish, created by local chefs.
Local cafés, restaurants, bars and pubs will throw down the gauntlet to prove that vegetables can be crave-worthy, indulgent and absolutely worth travelling for. This is a full-scale culinary showdown.
Here’s how it works: local venues create a signature vegelicious dish featuring seasonal veg and compete for the coveted title of Most Vegelicious Dish. The twist? You decide the winner.
Explore 29 venues from Maldon to Gisborne, taste your way through the region, and rate each dish for a chance to win prizes. Democracy has never tasted so good.
Expect everything from smoky, saucy comfort food to surprising fine-dining moments that will make you question your whole approach to cooking veggies. Even the most devoted carnivores have been known to mutter, “I could eat this again.”
This April, skip the cooking. Instead, support your local venues and veggie farms far and wide by eating your way through the Edgy Veg Awards. Your tastebuds will thank you. Your favourite café might win. And vegetables? They’ll never be boring again. Plan your delicious Edgy Veg Trail now at www.edgyvegawards.com.au and find out who wins on May 12.

Above, from left, Gisborne’s Bowl’d Bar’s Kenzie and Zoe with the soul harvest protein bowl | Image: Tiffany Warner Photography

Daylesford Spirit, Daylesford

Late Night Radio – Jazz Swing, Bossa Ballads – Good Friday, April 3, 7.30pm. Special guest will be Jack Pantazis, pictured, a Melbourne-based jazz guitarist who regularly plays at Paris Cat. Free entry.

The Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham

Paper Jane Duo – Saturday, March 28, 1.30pm – 3.30pm (Free show)
Blue Windows – Saturday, April 4, 3pm – 5pm (Free show)
Neil Robertson – Saturday, April 11, 3pm – 5pm (Free show)
Justin Bernasconi – Saturday, April 25, 3pm – 5pm (Free show)

Christ Church Anglican Daylesford

Maundy Thursday, April 2 – 5pm
Good Friday, April 3 – 10am
Easter Sunday, April 5 – 10am

Catholic Church of Creswick and Daylesford

Holy Thursday, April 2
Creswick – 5.30pm | Daylesford – 7pm
Good Friday, April 3
Creswick – 3pm
Easter Sunday, April 5
Creswick – 9am | Daylesford – 10.30am

Bullarto

An Anzac Day Service will be held at the Bullarto Public Hall on South Bullarto Road on Saturday, April 25 at 2pm. Due to the unpredictable weather the service will be held in the hall adjacent to the flag pole. The order of service is available on the day. Everyone is welcome.

The Central Goldfields Art Gallery will host a lecture on Maryborough’s Chinese Communities: The gold rushes and beyond delivered by Dr Sophie Couchman, below, on Wednesday, April 22 at 10.30am.

This lecture is part of the Australian Heritage Festival and the gallery’s Art & Engagement Series, presented in conjunction with U3A Maryborough.
Dr Sophie Couchman is a professional historian and curator who works closely with communities to tell their stories. She has researched and published in the field of Chinese Australian history for many years and has been working very closely with the See Yup Society since a major fire at the See Yup Temple in 2024.
Dr Couchman enjoys sharing history through a range of mediums such as exhibitions, walking tours, oral histories and online resources.
The cost is $10 per person/$8 concession with refreshments provided.
Bookings to 5461 6600 or www.events.humanitix.com/maryborough-s-chinese-communitiesl-the-goldrushes-and-beyond

The Central Goldfields Art Gallery in Maryborough will host an Artist Talk & Demo on Sunday, March 29 at 2pm.

To coincide with his exhibition Pretty Much – Portraits and Stories from Real People, Andy Ferg will speak about his art practice, the artwork in his exhibition and the stories behind them and give a painting demonstration that will give you insight into the processes and techniques he uses. No bookings required.

Above, Fay, artist, illustrator & teacher, by artist Andy Ferg

Tylden was named after Brigadier-General William Burton Tylden (1790-1854) who died of cholera during the Crimean War. He is buried in St. Mary’s Churchyard, Eastling, England and words on his headstone read: “In memory of his religious and consistent character.”
Religious belief was at the forefront of life in Tylden. By the 1860s, four church denominations were – Anglican, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and Baptist churches are all identified in newspapers of the time. The district’s first school was opened at Tylden South in 1858 by the Wesleyan Church and another in 1861 by the Presbyterian Church.
The churches were centres for the community, a place for the most important events of life such as christenings, wedding and funerals. Apart from having a regular Sunday service for the parishioners, they conducted sports days, fairs, bazaars, dances, and concerts.
On April 9, 1864, the Woodside Church Bazaar was advertised in the Kyneton Guardian. Items included a seal skin, saddle straps, stuffed birds, an eight-day clock and some ginger beer. On November 24, 1892 the Presbyterian Church advertised its upcoming Cake and Apron Fair.

The following is a brief overview of the four churches in Tylden from their beginnings.
Holy Trinity Anglican Church/Church of England: The congregation began in 1860 and the trustees of the land in 1866 were the Reverend George Oakley Vance, Alfred Helder Clayton, John Chanter, James Sturges Edwards and Thomas Finnamore. The church was built before 1872 and closed in 1935. The building was moved to Merrigum in 1936, where it was used as a Sunday school and parish hall and then later demolished.
St Laurence O’Toole Roman Catholic Church: A temporary land reservation was set aside on August 10, 1863. The congregation began in 1863 and the timber church was built in 1870. In 1872, the trustees of the land are listed as the Right Reverend J. A. Goold, the Reverend Horatio Geohegan, Patrick Lyons and Patrick Fitzgerald. It closed in the 1950s after 80 plus years of service to the congregation. It is now a private residence. Pictured above left.
Woodside Interdenominational/Baptist Church: Opened in December 1859 with the Reverend Ingram Moody as pastor until his death in 1895. The church operated for over 50 years, closing in 1913. In 1922, the building was loaded onto a trailer and relocated to Altona by a steam tractor. It was used by the Altona Baptist Church for many years as their place of worship and eventually had to be demolished. Pictured above right.
St Andrews Presbyterian/Uniting Church: Land was gazetted for this church on April 3, 1865, and the trustees of the land were John Glenn, Peter Alexander Sinclair, Thomas Anderson Ewing, William Middlemiss and David Watson. In 1868, funds were being raised to erect a church via donations or subscriptions and the community rallied to provide almost enough funds to build. A small loan was secured by the church to complete the building. The foundation stone was laid December 9, 1868 with newspapers and coins being placed under the stone. In 1934 Miss Sarah Ann Glenn, who had been an organist and Sunday School teacher for 43 years, was honoured with a brass tablet laid at the church. Pictured lower right.
The members of the Tylden Uniting Church celebrated 150 years of worship and witness of the Presbyterian and Uniting churches at Tylden at a special service of worship on Sunday, November 18, 2018. Participating in the service were the Reverend George Buckle, Reverend Lorene Day and Reverend Deacon Wendy Elson. The preacher was Rev Max Woolcock. Tylden still holds a Sunday Service at 9.30am.

Images: Photos Trentham Historical Society

Get ready to dive into the vibrant world of art this Easter at Daylesford Arts’ Autumn 2026 Art Exhibition at the Daylesford Town Hall.
Daylesford Arts president Gleeson, pictured above with one of her works, Lauriston Reservoir, said it would be “a cosy, in-person event where you can stroll among stunning artworks, meet the artists and soak up some serious creativity vibes”.
“Whether you’re a casual fan or an art aficionado, there’s something here for you. Don’t miss out on this colourful celebration of imagination and talent.
“This year we are approaching the gala opening night a little differently. No more lengthy speeches and time-consuming auctions. This year it’s about enjoying yourself, mixing with friends, meeting new people and above all immersing yourself in the creative atmosphere.
“The night will be packed with great new art, plenty of good food and drink and you’ll be entertained by the dulcet tones of Cello Connection. This is your chance to purchase an artwork or two before the crowds descend on the exhibition over the long weekend.”
There will also be several raffles throughout the exhibition with proceeds going to a local charity.
And if that’s not enough to keep you entertained, they are also holding a print-making workshop run by Daylesford artist Sandy Angliss.
Attendees will explore a range of simple printmaking techniques in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. All art materials, tea and coffee are provided. BYO lunch and an old shirt or apron.
The exhibition will be held at the Daylesford Town Hall from Thursday, April 2 to Tuesday, April 7 from 10am to 4pm every day. Entry is free. Opening night is on Friday, April 3 from 5.30pm-8pm. Tickets are $25.
The printmaking workshop is at the Senior Citizens Rooms at the rear of the town hall on Monday, April 6 from noon to 3pm. Tickets are $20 with a limit of 15 attendees.

Tickets: www.daylesfordarts.com.au

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Kyle Barnes

Hi there, I am Jaya, a three-year-old boy, and a bundle of energy.
I love to get involved in spirited games, often showing my goofy and quirky side. My idea of fun includes a bit of rough play, making me a perfect companion for active play sessions. My antics will keep you entertained and smiling. If you’re looking for a lively and loving cat to add joy and playful energy to your home, I am your perfect match! But no small children please – I am a bit rough and tumble. Microchip No. 956000016306643 Come and meet me at MAAWs in Castlemaine.
5472 5277 | shelter@maaw.org.au

Now and again, I am on the ABC Ballarat with Steve Martin for a segment called Paperchase.
They call up local editors and have a chat about what is making the news in the region. So sometimes Steve calls me.
It’s pretty early, about 7.10am on Fridays, so I am not sure if you have ever listened in. I think it’s a great idea, because who knows more about the local community than the editor of the local paper?
Well, I guess lots of people know more than me, but I know how much I can say publicly without being sued and that’s handy in this game.
Steve is very nice to chat with – today we seemed to be just shooting the breeze which was really nice. In the early days I felt a bit flustered but he was very kind and never shot me down. Which wouldn’t really work because then I wouldn’t talk to him any more.
My only problem is that we don’t have a morning alarm, well we don’t set one. So when I have it set for 6.45am I usually wake up at 5am and think about what I am going to say and try to think of witty things.
This morning my witty thing was about the house fire we were the first to arrive at in December last year. I got a woman and her young child out and Kyle rescued two budgies. The police said I was a hero. I was not, of course, something anyone would do.
But when the police were taking our names I mentioned my middle name was ‘hero’ and Kyle’s was ‘budgie smuggler’. The cops thought that was quite funny although Kyle not so much. So that was going to be my witty bit, but I lost my nerve.
Anyway, instead I talked about all the good news happening around our region. Like Booktown at Clunes, the Blackwood Woodchop and Easter Carnival, CresFest and also the reopening of both Palais Hepburn and The Rex in Daylesford.
I told Steve, we at the The Local really like to become media partners with as many festivals and events as we can – and push them as hard as possible. It’s a win-win situation.
If you have a look on page 12 you will see even more – even going as far as the Ballarat Foto Biennale.
Steve asked what I thought about the fuel crisis, if that is what we are calling it now, and if the price went up to $3 a litre would people still come. I said a resounding yes. People might put off overseas holidays for a while, with the uncertainty of who you are flying over and whether the planes have enough fuel for a return trip, but people will always travel domestically.
And, I said the Central Highlands, and lots of other regional areas are just a one- tank drive away. Not even that, Steve replied.
I added that I thought we had all been locked down too long through Covid and now that everything was pretty much back up and running, people would continue to come to the regions and see all we have to offer.
The festivals, the fun, the artists, the musos, the quirky shops, the restaurants and food venues. I also said the last few weekends in town had been pumping – just the way we like the weekends.
Anyway, I thought I did a good promo role – maybe Daylesford Macedon Ranges or whoever they are could pop me on the payroll.
Only joking, I love this region, love the people and love that we get to spruik all that we have on offer. It’s a great place and while I love travelling, especially during winter, I love calling here home. Just sayin’…