The Geelong MarimbaTaters is teaching new musical skills to Creswick North and Creswick primary schools – the start of an ongoing exciting partnership.

The vibrant sounds of the MarimbaTaters, primary school students from Geelong, recently echoed through Creswick as the acclaimed youth marimba ensemble visited Creswick North Primary School and Creswick Primary School, delighting students with an energetic performance and introducing them to the exciting world of marimba music.
The marimba is an instrument similar to a xylophone, but with a deeper sound and frequently used in African music.
CresFest director Stella Savy said the visit marked the beginning of an exciting partnership between the MarimbaTaters, CresFest and Creswick North Primary School.
“Students from Creswick are now embarking on a musical journey that will culminate in a special performance at CresFest 2027. This program is part of CresFest’s long-term vision to make music an ongoing and accessible part of every primary school’s learning experience in Creswick.”
Throughout Term 4 this year and Term 1 in 2027, CresFest will provide professional musicians to work with students at Creswick St Augustine’s and Creswick North primary schools, delivering high-quality music education and inspiring young people through hands-on performance experiences.
Stella said the MarimbaTaters would work with students at Creswick North Primary School, while other professional musicians engaged by CresFest would lead music programs across the three schools.
“These collaborations are designed to build confidence, develop musical skills and foster a lifelong love of music within the local community. I am very excited to be working with these young students who are already demonstrating a real desire to embrace music in their lives.”
The program will culminate in all three schools joining together for CresFest’s community extravaganza The Big Bang, to be held on the Saturday afternoon of the first weekend in April 2027. The performance will see hundreds of local students share the stage with professional musicians in a vibrant celebration of community, creativity and live music.
During the MarimbaTaters performance, Creswick students from both schools joined in with enthusiasm, singing, clapping and dancing – the excitement and energy throughout the day were infectious.
The MarimbaTaters are talented young musicians and senior primary students from Tate Street Primary School in East Geelong who love to play the marimba.
They play rhythmically challenging, multiple-part arrangements of exciting African-inspired marimba tunes.
The band is led by teacher and Community Music leader, Dani Rocca and accompanied by Adam Burke.
The marimba is a musical instrument in the percussion family that consists of wooden bars that are struck by mallets.
Below each bar is a resonator pipe that amplifies particular harmonics of its sound. Compared to the xylophone, the marimba has a lower range.
Typically, the bars of a marimba are arranged chromatically, like the keys of a piano. The marimba is a type of idiophone.
Today, the marimba is used as a solo instrument, or in ensembles like orchestras, marching bands (typically as a part of the front ensemble), percussion ensembles, brass and concert bands, and other traditional ensembles.

Words & image: Fiona Watson

Well, as you can see, the slab is down! And the build is on its way.

Walls go up this week and then lock-up should be by the end of September. Yay. Relief…
Watch this space.
– Donna Kelly

Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds – Vilnius, Lithuania – August 18

Kalnų Parkas, in the beautiful city of Vilnius, Lithuania, an amphitheatre amidst a parkland with nearby stunning views of the city and, as we are in Europe, a castle nearby. Summer tour here, only a few dates left, this being the only one in the Baltic region, the crowd is huge, reverential and unfortunately, wet.
This is the first rainy day over the last week of glorious late summer sunshine, I’ve been told this happens a lot. The weather holds out for the over two and a half hours of this mesmerising interactive emotional concert experience.
As my mate Andy said earlier in the year in Melbourne, David Byrne is theatre, Nick Cave is church! Perfect. Over the time ( did I mention the length of gig?) we were in the presence of Nick’s sermon-like prowling of the stage, crowd surfing, joking, interacting with the crowd, and moving as one with a 10-piece band. Not afraid to try new or not recently performed material, starting again. Is that in G minor? Do I come in first?
The 21-song setlist draws from the breadth of his work, more so than in the earlier tour, which leaned more towards his latest album Wild God.
So, the highlights? After a stunning assault to the senses, Get Ready For Love, an oft-repeated ‘F***king Vilnius’ was bellowed to rapturous applause. The band are astonishing.
Warren Ellis, as always, violin, guitar, synthesizers, loops, backing vocals. Jim Sclavunos drums, percussion, and backing vocals. George Vjestica on guitars and backing vocals. Colin Greenwood bass, (Radiohead), Larry Mullins on keyboards, piano, percussion, and additional drums and Carly Paradis, keyboards, synthesisers. Backing vocalists (Touring Choir) are Janet Ramus, T Jae Cole, Miça Townsend, and Wendi Rose.
Early tracks were strongly featured on setlist. Tupelo and Train Long Suffering from The Firstborn Is Dead were standouts. Gospel/spiritual themed O Children and Joy featured the phenomenal touring choir. Warren Ellis was, as usual, visually and aurally mesmerising, but shined particularly on duo work from Carnage, dedicated to Patricija and all mothers, and of course staples such as The Weeping Song. Is it just me or is the ringing of a bell on Melbourne trams the same pitch as the familiar intro to Red Right Hand? (I know, that’s really music nerdy!)
I’ve only been here for a couple of weeks, but I already understand how significant the line “the Russians moved in” from Jubilee Street feels here — perhaps Cave gave it extra emphasis.
The ensemble is superb: a unified force that is part rock ‘n’ roll spectacle, part interactive spiritual experience. A chilling version of Henry Lee featuring Janet Ramus, stepping out from the chorus; amazing.
Nick does remarkably well to crowd surf and perform from the audience in a suit, especially at his older years. Skeleton Tree, which he admitted is difficult to include in the setlist, left the crowd gasping at its fragility and raw emotion. On a whim, the band added Cinnamon Horses with Cave asking again what key it was in and who starts. A solo keyboard intro to The Mercy Seat gave the song even more of an impact with its building crescendo. City Of Refuge with its haunting harmonica intro was a perfect opening to the encore.
The epic Hollywood from Ghosteen featured the lyrics projected in Lithuanian as a prelude the encore. Thousands of people whispering the lyrics to Into My Arms has to be heard, and seen, to be believed, re-start and forgotten lyrics adding to audience connection. Stunning. F***king Vilnius indeed.

At 84 painter-sculptor Adrian Collins holds a fascination with what he calls the “puzzle picture, art” that invites a viewer to pause, question and discover their interpretation.

His work surely does that with its jauntiness and fun as part of the overflowing work in Artful Spaces, a captivating and enterprising Hepburn gallery.
It began as a fundraiser for Daylesford’s Phoenix Cinema with Alison Robb and Tina Whitaker selling prints and evolved into an outlet for local talent, professional and amateur.
“We won’t make any money,” Alison says with a laugh. But they will show works such as those by Adrian, who was moved to tears to see them on show. He was a school teacher before giving it up because of his health, going on to study art history, museum studies and fine art.
Further health setbacks meant he had to slow down because he has limited use of his hands, although he still does life drawings, but no more woodwork or commissions. A chair and table by him were the first sale.
There’s great fun in his comic character Mikey, who turns everyday life into a theatrical spectacle.
So far, about 20 of Adrian’s 100 works have been sold. Some 25 other artists show prints, mirrors, and art objects, offering creations for all tastes.
Startling beauty is seen in work made from melted bottles, boulders, leaves and recycled glass by Yu O’Shannassy, head chef at Hepburn’s Shizuku Ryokan, celebrated as Australia’s only traditional Japanese wellness retreat.
Her compatriot, Keiko Watanabe, is self-taught, offering her portraits, as does Nadia Poliszczuk, who shows a range of celestial bodies. Nadia was reluctant to sell her work, says Alison.
Then there is local star, Millie Gouldthorpe, formerly Sister Maleita who, although classified as blind, took up art during Covid, throwing paint onto three canvases, and launched an exhibition.
Her work is being curated by Alison and Tina.
They met through volunteering and a shared love of art, interiors, people and their new community gave birth to Artful Spaces.
“We just want people to be successful in their art,” says Alison. “It is less about running a traditional gallery and more about creating welcoming spaces where local and emerging artists can get their work into the community, meet new audiences and hopefully make a few sales along the way.”
Alison and Tina each came to Daylesford looking for a different pace of life and quickly found themselves part of the local community.
Alison spent almost 30 years working in human resources, including running her own consultancy.
After significant health problems she moved to Daylesford for a new chapter and now volunteers, with Tina, at the Phoenix Cinema and the Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre.
“I have discovered a real love in connecting with local artists and helping find new audiences for their work.”
Originally from New Zealand, Tina has a background in hospitality, owning and running motels in Australia.
A lifelong horse lover and keen equestrian, retirement in Daylesford, with her horse, seemed perfect.

Above, from left, Alison Robb and Tina Whitaker at the gallery at Shop 4, 116 Main Road, Hepburn

Stop press: From next month the gallery will be at 97 Vincent Street, Daylesford.

Story and image: Kevin Childs

This August represents the third anniversary of the Schools Student Support project, initiated by The Daylesford Foundation in 2023 to work with the Hepburn Shire school community to reach those, who through no fault of their own, cannot afford basic school necessities.

The program is one which solves problems and removes barriers for students quickly and quietly. Each school manages its own funding allocation, and when that bucket of money is spent, a report is required and if everything is in order, the funding is replenished.
This simple, trusted process ensures instant solutions for situations that can otherwise be awkward or stressful for students and families, allowing help to be given by the school directly with dignity and without delay.
It was agreed this funding arrangement would continue.
The Daylesford Foundation founder Jim Foster said the gathering of the principals from all of the schools in one room was a rare event.
“It creates the opportunity to bring our school community together to share ideas on how we might improve delivery of assistance and discuss how collectively, we might improve the lives of those around us,” Jim said.
“And while the funding of learning resources such as digital reading pens, early intervention literacy programs, along with breakfasts, lunches, swimming, and camps programs was acknowledged as being extremely important, a significant theme came out of the meeting.
“That theme, which was across all schools, was the wellbeing of students and the increased need for assistance with counselling, testing, evaluations and diagnosis.
Jim said it was apparent that many families just could not afford the cost and consequently risked their child not reaching their full potential. The foundation has encouraged further dialogue to address the issue.
“A nice aside was the collective support in the room when a principal relayed her story of struggling to get transport for the students. The cost of the bus was $380 but the school could not afford it.
“We sat back and happily watched as those in the room set about offering options and solutions.
“It was wonderful to have so many people in the room sharing their ideas and communicating with their peers. We really thank them all for making the time to take part.”
Jim said the 13 schools in the shire had shared over $360,000 since the program commenced in 2023.
“To our donors, volunteers, and our school community our heartfelt thanks for supporting an initiative which really changes young lives. If you want to get involved and help The Daylesford Foundation to help our community, please consider donating via the website at www.thedaylesfordfoundation.org.au
“We would love to hear from you.”

Above, principals from Daylesford, Clunes, St Michael’s, Hepburn, Creswick North and Dharma primary schools and The Daylesford Foundation members
Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed

The first-ever Trentham Women’s Wellbeing Day will be held on Saturday, September 5 from 9.30am to 4.15pm at The Mechanics Trentham.

Made possible through the support of a Look Over the Farmgate grant, the event is a collaboration between the Trentham CWA Night Owls and the Trentham Neighbourhood Centre.
The two are bringing together leading local practitioners, educators and facilitators for a full day dedicated to women’s health, wellbeing and connection.
Participants can choose from a range of workshops and presentations designed specifically around the topics local women have told organisers matter most to them.
Sessions include: Better Sleep, Less Stress, More Life; Nutrition for Energy; Fitness and Strong Bodies; Hormonal Health: Finding Support and Relief During Perimenopause; Crafting and Basket Weaving; Yoga and Meditation. Keynote speaker, mental health practitioner and project lead, Susan Marryatt said the day was an initiative of the CWA Trentham Night Owls and something the organisation had been talking about for some time.
“It’s for women in our region who are interesting in learning about some great health topics that are relevant to women at midlife and beyond. We decided on that age group after doing a survey in April asking our networks what they would want to learn about if we had a health and wellbeing day.
“The topics that were ticked most frequently were around perimenopause and midlife health and well-being topics like post-menopause, bone and muscle health, mental health issues – particularly sleep, and dealing with stress and anxiety.
“There was also better nutrition and well-being lifestyle activities like yoga, crafting and having a fit and strong body at every age.”
Susan said September 5 kicked off National Women’s Health Week – “so spring is a good time for people to come out of winter hibernation and to start getting active and doing things for their health”.
“We have a grant from Farmers Health Victoria – and Trentham definitely ticks the box as a farming community with fourth-generation potato farmers and also smaller farms with eggs, flowers, fruit and sheep and cattle as well.
“I have been reaching out to our farming women and inviting them to come and take a day off and really focus on their health and wellbeing. They can enjoy a beautiful lunch, and we have our CWA women baking for morning and afternoon tea, showbags to take home. It’s a real treat day but also an opportunity for our women to take away some great health information.”
Susan said health issues like perimenopause and post menopause would be covered – something which has taken a long time to be realised as more than “just something women have to go through”.
Susan said the day was all about bringing information to women, in a holistic way, to help with daily living and moving into positive ageing.
“During lunch we will have local health services providing a small expo of what they offer, including two nurses from a specialised women’s health clinic in Kyneton”.
“It’s all about functional health – practical health, and women knowing where to go for the right help.We hope that it may kick off similar women’s health events for our region in the future.”
Tickets are $20 ($10 concession) with morning tea and lunch included. The Trentham CWA Night Owls are also offering a limited number of sponsored tickets for women experiencing financial challenges. Applications at the booking page.
Bookings: www.trenthamnc.org.au/event-details/womens-wellness-day
Enquiries: Susan Marryatt on trenthamwomenswellbeing@gmail.com or Kaz Williams on president@trenthamnc.org.au

The sky at Dean Recreation Reserve will be a riot of colour and shapes as the annual Dean Kite Festival gets underway for Father’s Day, Sunday, September 6 from noon to 4pm.

People from around the Hepburn Shire and beyond willl head to the Dean Reserve to run with kites of all shapes and sizes – hoping the wind will lift them away into the air.
As well as kite flying, kite making will also be popular, getting both kids and adults off their electronic devices and having some old-fashioned fun. It’s a great way to spend time with dads of all ages.
Once the Kite Festival is over, it’s time for the reserve to become the place for dog owners and trainers to head for the much-loved Old Sniff Classic Sheepdog Trials on Sunday, October 4 from 7am to 5pm.
Brian Maher, who has headed the reserve committee since 2013, said he was always keen for people to attend their first sheepdog trials. And if you don’t know what’s going on, you soon will.
“I speak to everyone that comes in the gate. And if someone doesn’t know what the rules are, I’ll introduce them to a trainer to explain everything to them and get them settled in. If anyone wants anything, they can come and see me. It’s a great family day as well, and people can bring their own dogs too, but they must be on a lead.”

There’s also a chance to win some of the goods up for raffle, and there’s also a steam engine display, and of course, home-made food.
But the day really is about the amazingly trained dogs.
“The stars of the show manoeuvre three sheep around a course on the command of their handlers, while being judged on time and ability,” Brian said.
“National, state and local champions are among the field and spectators can chat to the handlers and learn the finer points of the sport.”
And how did the name Old Sniff Classic come about? From Brian, of course.
“That’s a name I came up with 11 years ago. It’s from a Slim Dusty song – Sniff, the digger’s dog.”
Words: Kyle Barnes | Images: File

Running from August 18-27, the “Wild Wild West” route will cover more than 5200 kilometres, taking entrants through regional towns, outback landscapes and remote communities before reaching the spectacular Ningaloo Coast. Along the way, participants will raise vital funds to support children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disability.
All vehicles must be at least 25 years old and Team Wonderland is in a 1985 Mercedes Benz 280SE sedan. Renee, 45, dresses as the Cheshire Cat, Elizabeth Porter is Alice and Liz Barby is the Queen of Hearts.
Elizabeth is the partner of Renee’s cousin Paul, from PJ Harvesting, one of the major sponsors who also does a lot of the work on the car.
Renee’s mother, Anneke Pedretti said it was very much a family affair with her son Marcus selling his organically grown vegetables to help raise money for the trip along with the donation of four nights’ accommodation at the family’s retreat at Blampied for auctions along the way.
“The team is hoping to reach $20,000 and have raised $18,000 so far – it all goes towards their goal.”

Anneke said this was Renee’s second year with the event after her illness with breast cancer a few years earlier.
Unable to work while receiving chemotherapy she started walking for Peter Mac to raise money and also to support others.
This slowly turned into jogging and eventually she found a love for running marathons. This year she decided to run as the Cheshire Cat to raise money for the Variety Bash.
“Renee was getting herself better but also helping other people who were going through difficult times. And then my husband, David, passed away last year with Parkinson’s and dementia. That was a long journey for us and with the link between Parkinsons and chemicals, my son started growing his own vegetables organically under MP Farming.
“When Renee got involved in the Variety Bash, he decided to donate potatoes for sale at markets, and we all started thinking how can we help as a family.”
Anneke said the car made a pit stop at their Blampied home last Monday on the way to the start at Halls Gap on Tuesday.
“In the last few weeks before they head off they go around to their sponsors to thank them and do a photo shoot. It was great fun. And we love the Variety Bash because it’s for all families with children who are needing extra help.”
Anneke, who came from Holland with her family when she was 12, said she and David found the Blampied property more than 30 years ago after living in Melbourne.
“It was farmland and we just fell in love with it, and the girls had the horses, so we moved up here. David had already worked in the potato industry all his life, selling machines, and then he moved up here and started his own business, still with potatoes. He knew all the farmers.”
Anneke says they realised the move was meant to be in the early days when they stopped for lunch at the Swiss Mountain Hotel. “David saw a photo of the Eganstown Football Club and there were his dad and uncle in the team. We knew there were a lot of Pedrettis in Hepburn but we didn’t really see the connection with Blampied until then.”
Since its inception in 1985, the Variety Bash has raised millions of dollars for children’s programs across Australia. This year will be Team Wonderland’s 8th event in their 1985 Mercedes Benz 280SE sedan.
Variety – the Children’s Charity supports children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disability by providing practical equipment, essential services and life-changing experiences.

Links: www.facebook.com/WonderlandCar2278VarietyBash
www.instagram.com/wonderland2278/
www.fundraise.variety.org.au/fundraisers/2278wonderland

Above: from left, Renee, Elizabeth and Liz, inset: Anneke & Renee

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Contributed

Michael Seton, a former government superannuation fund chief executive, is running as an independent candidate for the Macedon electorate in the November 2026 Victorian State Election.
Mr Seton said the state government’s financial position was dire.
“We need people with financial management experience like me to put their hand up for Parliament to help fix this situation. We cannot continually increase our debt, it’s not fair on future generations,” Mr Seton said.
“The state’s debt is so high that the annual interest bill is $8.9 billion, or about $1 million every hour, 24 hours a day. That is devastating for taxpayers. Think how useful that money would be if, instead, it was used to benefit the community.”
Mr Seton said he was also concerned at what he heard from fellow residents in Woodend. “They are worried about the poor condition of roads across the state, ever- increasing energy costs and state taxes, poorly maintained public schools, businesses closing down, job opportunities being lost in regional Victoria and the mammoth state debt. Few people seem happy with the government.”
Mr Seton said it was likely to be a very close election.
“We don’t know who will win government, so voting for anyone other than an independent candidate will risk having a member for Macedon who has no access to government for the next four years.
“If I am elected, voters can be assured that I will work with the elected government to help reduce debt responsibly, resolve pressing issues ignored by the current government and promote the best interests of the Macedon electorate. Because I’m an independent, I’ll be able to do that, irrespective of which party forms government.”
Mr Seton said he is not accepting any donations and will donate $10,000 every quarter to local not-for-profit organisations in his electorate if he is elected.
“A Member of Parliament gets a very good salary, so I feel that it’s only fitting that I give back a significant part of that salary to worthy not-for-profit organisations in my community.
“I’ve had a great career. It’s time to use my significant experience to help turn Victoria around and advocate strongly for the benefit of the Macedon electorate.”
Link: www.michael4macedon.com.au

Former Macedon Ranges Shire mayor Annette Death is the Labor candidate for the seat of Macedon at November’s state election.
The Riddells Creek resident was a Macedon Ranges Shire councillor from 2020 to 2024 and mayor in 2023 and 2024.
Ms Death told media the election was never part of her plan.
“I’ve had really productive conversations with local Labor branches and I think people are pleased to have a local candidate who understands the electorate.
““I know the key issues facing people across the Macedon electorate and I feel ready to take that next step and advocate for our community in state parliament.
“This election really matters. The decisions made over the next term will shape our community for years to come, particularly around education, healthcare and infrastructure.”
Housing affordability and population growth are major challenges, she said.
“We need more housing and we’re continuing to grow. It’s about working together to achieve the best outcomes.
“My local government experience has given me a strong understanding of planning issues and how I can advocate for our community.”

Meanwhile, another former Macedon Ranges Shire mayor, Kate Kendall is the Liberal Party’s candidate for Macedon.
Ms Kendall is a mother raising her three daughters with her husband on their farm in Kyneton. She is the former president of Business Kyneton.
Her professional background includes working as a journalist, community builder, digital director and business advisor.
Ms Kendall was the founder and CEO of three companies as well as a start-up accelerator for women founders called Atto, backed by the state government.
She has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Melbourne and a Masters of Business (Marketing) from RMIT University.
Ms Kendall says she is passionate about regional entrepreneurship, innovation in government, the future of work, rural tourism, supporting families and empowering local communities.

Victoria’s Health Minister Mary Anne-Thomas announced in April that she was stepping down from her ministerial responsibilities and would not contest her seat at the Victorian election.
In a media release, Ms Thomas said representing the people of Macedon and serving as a cabinet minister had been an incredible privilege.

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Contributed

The Local has been shortlisted for two awards in the 2026 Victorian Country Press Association awards.
Just sayin’… is up for Best Opinion Editorial while a photograph on the front page of the September 22 edition, 2025, is up for Best Sports Photo.
VCPA Chair Andrea Graham said the association was delighted to recognise the outstanding work that had earned a place on this year’s shortlist.
“I congratulate every individual and every organisation named as a finalist. The standard of work submitted reflects the strength of our industry, and the competition has been exceptionally strong.”
The awards will be announced in Melbourne on Friday, November 13.
Editor Donna Kelly said it was a huge achievement for everyone at The Local for it to be chosen as a finalist in two categories.
“I sent a couple of examples of the column including some which covered the Hepburn Shire Council decision to keep Daylesford’s Rea-Lands Park a public park.
“I must admit I was surprised when a motion from Cr Lesley Hewitt came up in July regarding the possible sale of the bequeathed land.
“But the community rallied and it became very clear they wanted the land to remain a park as a legacy to Mrs Rea and everything she had done for the region.
“It was a win-win – and hopefully not a discussion we have to have again in 10 years.”
Ms Kelly said the sports photo was a no brainer for the awards.
“The story was all about the breaking of a 31-year grand final drought for the Trentham Saints – and young Mason Thompson’s face said it all.
“With the grand final won, his club ‘buddy’ and senior player, Ed Fanning hoisted him into his shoulders, where Mason got the crowd roaring.”
At the time, Mason, a Trentham Primary student, played for the under 11s and his two brothers Harley and Darcy played for the club in the under 14s.
Dad (Alistair) and Brent Holmes co-coached the under 14s, who made the grand final but lost after a close game. So it was a real family affair.

Words: Kyle Barnes

The appointment takes Ms Dore from the role of acting CEO to interim until a permanent CEO is appointed.
Mayor Cr Tony Clark said he was delighted the appointment of an interim CEO was the first decision made by the reinstated councillors.
“Appointing Janet to the interim CEO role provides the organisation with stability while we carry out the recruitment for the permanent CEO.
“Janet has been in the role of acting CEO and comes with extensive experience steering large organisations, in the private and local government sectors. She has already gained the confidence of our staff and is keen to work with our community to start a new chapter for Hepburn Shire.”
Ms Dore said the appointment would give her the opportunity to continue her work with councillors, community and staff to deliver the council’s program of projects and services.
“Hepburn Shire has been through difficult times, dealing with private criminal prosecutions leading to the standing down of five councillors. With councillors reinstated and our decision-making ability restored, we can get on with important council business.”
It was reported in the last edition of The Local that five of Hepburn Shire’s councillors and former CEO Bradley Thomas had been cleared of private criminal charges brought against them by local resident and businessman, David Penman.
The councillors, Don Henderson, Tony Clark, Shirley Cornish, Pat Hockey and Lesley Hewitt, have all returned to work.
It is anticipated the recruitment process for a permanent CEO will start in the next few weeks. Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed

With another fire season approaching, Hepburn Shire Council is encouraging property owners to begin preparing their properties now, rather than waiting until temperatures rise and fire danger increases.
Council encourages actions such as slashing long grass, removing excessive leaf litter, trimming vegetation around buildings and managing fuel loads.
As part of this year’s education campaign, the council will host a series of free online Municipal Fire Prevention Program Information Sessions throughout September and October. The sessions will explain how Council’s Municipal Fire Prevention Program operates, what property owners are responsible for and how inspections are carried out. Link: www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/Emergencies

Nine young leaders have been appointed to represent the voices of young people across the Macedon Ranges.
The shire’s inaugural Youth Council has three young people representing each ward, ensuring young voices from across the Macedon Ranges are heard and reflected in council decision making. The councillors will serve as advocates for young people aged 12-25, providing a direct connection between the council and the community’s youth.

The latest round of 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund – helping venues host paid performances by talented Victorian artists – has been announced.
The 2026 program is open for applications and will be delivered through Music Victoria. Licensed live music venues and other spaces in the Macedon electorate can apply for funding of up to $11,000 to stage up to 20 gigs from December 1, 2026 to June 30. 2027. Applications close September 2. Link: wwwmusicvictoria.com.au

Ballarat Base Hospital has entered the final phase in its $655 million redevelopment.
Stage 3 is delivering a new multi-level hospital tower, which includes: a new emergency department; 100 more inpatient and short-stay beds; a new state-of-the-art theatre suite; a new helipad; a new and expanded perinatal hub (pregnancy to post-birth services); and a new and expanded critical care floor. Once complete, the hospital will be able to treat at least 14,500 more inpatients and 18,000 more emergency patients every year.