Child and Family Services Ballarat (Cafs) stands with communities across Ballarat, Victoria and the world for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, running from November 25 to December 10.
The international campaign, led by the United Nations, calls for action to prevent violence against women and promote respect and equality. The theme this year is ‘UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls’. Cafs CEO Wendy Sturgess said Cafs is a leader in delivering early intervention responses to keep families safe and together. “Through programs like our Men’s Behaviour Change Program and Dad’s Toolkit, we provide strategies that support accountability and promote safer relationships without the use of violence.”

The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association has welcomed the federal government’s decision to abandon the proposal to reduce default speed limits on unsigned rural roads, following overwhelming public feedback.
The proposal, developed under the National Road Safety Action Plan, received more than 11,000 submissions, with strong opposition from rural communities, industry and everyday road users. ALRTA President Gerard Johnson said the decision is “common sense prevailing after a deeply flawed concept failed to address the real drivers of road safety. This was never a road safety solution — it was a distraction from the real issue”.

Linda Gallus’s Calico Ceilings – Women of the Goldfields exhibition is on display now until February 8 at the Central Goldfields Art Gallery, Maryborough.

Linda Gallus, Sustenance 2025, acrylic on canvas. 91cm x 61cm
To coincide with her exhibition, an artist talk will see Linda speak about her arts practice, the artwork in the exhibition and the inspiration behind it which includes the poetry of Susan Kruss from her book Calico Ceilings – Women of Eureka. The talk is on Saturday, December 6 from 1.30pm. Bookings are not required. Link: www.centralgoldfieldsartgallery.com.au

Bookings have opened for the Aquatics and Recreation Victoria-run VICSWIM Summer Kidz swim classes at Daylesford Outdoor Pool.

Five 30-minute lessons are provided over the course of a week in January for a subsidised cost of $43. Link: www.vicswim.com.au

People can share their views on Hepburn Shire Council’s draft Domestic Animal Management Plan, which will guide how cats and dogs are cared for and managed in the shire over the next four years.

The draft plan has been developed using insights from earlier community engagement. The community can have its say by completing an online survey, or attending a community drop-in session with council officers. Feedback is open until Friday, December 12. Link: www.participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/DAMP

On Monday, December 1, World Aids Day, people gathered to remember friends, lovers, family members and patients who have been lost to HIV/AIDS.
In Daylesford the event started at the Grove of Gratitude at the south end of Lake Daylesford at 5.30pm and will travel into the centre of Daylesford where a candlelight vigil was held 7pm. People were invited to share their stories and memories of special people in their lives, who fought, or maybe still are fighting HIV. The vigil concluded with a name-reading ceremony honouring special people lost to HIV/AIDS, who remain in the hearts of the community who live within the Hepburn Shire.

Daylesford’s Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens have been given a $500,000 upgrade.

The funding for the 150-year-old gardens comes from the state government.
The heritage-listed gardens in the centre of Daylesford are one of several locations developed during the Gold Rush. They remain a popular visitor destination, showcasing the unique history of the Central Highlands, and will benefit from re-imagined gardens, new accessible pathways and restoration works on heritage features.
Supporting 10 jobs across various stages of development, works included restoration of the central water basin to re-establish it as the venue’s centrepiece, as well as refurbishment of the conservatory to allow for art displays.
People of all ages and abilities can now enjoy the gardens, thanks to accessibility upgrades to the network of pathways that will better guide visitors to key areas of Wombat Hill and encourage people to explore the area.
A state government media release said the upgrades were one of several recent government-supported projects designed to help boost Hepburn Shire’s visitor economy, including ongoing works at Bullarto Station and the Djuwang Baring Creswick Mountain Bike Trails.
Regional Development Minister Jaclyn Symes said unique destinations like Wombat Hill played an important role in attracting visitors and boosting our regional economy.
“I’m happy to see that the botanic gardens will continue to play this role for years to come.
Macedon MP and Health Minister Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas said people had been drawn to the beauty of Wombat Hill for more than a century.
“It’s wonderful to see that the gardens have been uplifted and made accessible so that current and future generations can continue to visit.”
Pictured, Mary-Anne Thomas, second from right, with Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens
Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Contributed & Kyle Barnes (inset)

Daylesford’s Rea-Lands Park will remain a public park.
Mayor Cr Tony Clark said after significant community feedback, Hepburn Shire Council decided at its November 25 meeting that the Rea-Lands Park in Daylesford would remain a public park and not be subject to sale.
“An arrangement will be made for gardening and maintenance, and council reiterated its commitment to it remaining a public park. New signage to honour the legacy of Betty Rea will be added at the site,” he said.

The possible sale of the bequeathed Raglan Street land arose when Cr Lesley Hewitt moved a motion at the July Council meeting for an investigation into whether the land could be sold.
Cr Hewitt said at the time it was clear Mrs Rea, a former shire councillor and mayor, thought community was at the heart of everything she did. “And then the question is, what’s community benefit?”
Betty’s son Stefan Rea, a former Daylesford Police Officer for 10 years, told The Local in August that his mother asked for the land to be “bequeathed to the mayor, councillors and citizens of the Shire of Daylesford for the use and benefit of the citizens of Daylesford and for it to be named Rea-Lands Park”.
At the November meeting, the council decided it would sell seven properties across the shire, with five identified as suitable for affordable housing.
Cr Clark said the council had consulted the community. “We are pleased that five of the seven properties have been identified as suitable sites for affordable housing. Supporting accessible and affordable housing is a key priority in our Council Plan, because everyone deserves a place that they can call home.”
The seven properties are: 79A Raglan Street, Daylesford*; 26 Raglan Street, Creswick*; 10 Camp Street, Clunes – “Camp Hill Site”*; 10 Semmens Avenue, Creswick*; 313 Clunes Road, Creswick*; 1 Armstrong Street, Daylesford; and 2 Creswick Road, Clunes. * Denotes suitable for affordable housing.
Proceeds of the potential sales, less the costs of disposal, will be invested in the establishment of a financial reserve to support grant co-contributions.
Words: Donna Kelly

Hepburn Shire Council has voted against helping out the new Phoenix@TheRex Cinema, deciding a grant of $50,000 is not warranted.
Mayor Tony Clark vacated the chair at the November 25 council meeting to move that $50,000 go to cinema equipment, with a written agreement on key legal and building arrangements.
The cinema, he said, would add significant amenity to the local community and further afield, increasing the district’s lifeblood, richness and economy.
Among questions raised were disabled access (there is a lift) and interest among school students (all councillors were sent the results of a hugely supportive survey).
One question disclosed that the interest on the $1.75million in reserve for community purposes (from which the $50,000 was sought) is used for council expenses and does not go to the reserve.
Cr Shirley Cornish said the equipment valued at $50,000 would be worthless in five years. She was concerned about a private landlord and the possible waste of ratepayers’ money. Councillors Lesley Hewitt, Don Henderson, Pat Hockey and Cornish voted the move down.

Cr Brian Hood spoke to a second motion, with added financial safeguards, saying objections raised were just red herrings.
“We resolved as a council to assist the Cinema Group, and we resolved to create a reserve (fund) for community facilities. This is an appropriate use of that reserve fund…this is an extraordinary, unique application, a worthy one…
“The fact that the cinema is housed in a private building is irrelevant. Council is not contributing to the purchase of the building, but to projector and sound equipment secured against assets.
“The group has demonstrated strong fundraising success, securing significant tangible support. Council’s contribution of $50,000 represents only part of the total funding required. We’ve all been provided with all the data.”
His motion was lost on a similar vote, with councillors Hood, Clark and Tim Drylie in favour.
Group leader Jules McDonald said that while there was dismay and disappointment at the council’s rebuff, it was not entirely unexpected and would not deter the group from pressing on.
“We do know how badly the cinema is needed and the hundreds of hours put in by volunteers will not go unrewarded.”
Words: Kevin Childs

Creswick’s Magic Pudding Playground came alive last Friday with new artworks admired by officials, school kids from Creswick, Creswick North, Newlyn and St Augustine’s primary schools and their families, and even The Buninyong Bard Players.

Ripon MP Martha Haylett opened the event with The Bard Players performing characters from the story which was first published in 1918.
Author Norman Lindsay is arguably the most famous member of one of Australia’s most important artistic families who were born and raised in Creswick in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
He had a long career as an illustrator, painter and published many books including The Magic Pudding, a classic of Australian children’s literature and still in print today.
The story is set in Australia with humans mixing with anthropomorphic animals. It tells the story of a magic talking pudding named Albert, which, no matter how often it is eaten, continually re-forms to be eaten again.
Albert is owned by three companions who must defend him against pudding thieves who want it for themselves. The book is divided into four “slices” instead of chapters.
The Magic Pudding Playground working group, consisting of Jodie Goldring, Fairlee Lincoln, Margaret Giles and Chrissy Austin, was formed four years ago to raise nearly $40,000 to further develop the playground which is part of the Creswick of the Lindsays Art Trail.
New additions included bollards created by artists Penny Hetherington and Maddie Doe of the Ballarat Women’s Shed and a host of new playground fixtures.
“It goes to show what small communities can do,” Chrissy said.

“This has been from the ground up, being driven by community members who have been seeking funds from grants and fundraising. And now looking at all the kids, the things that have been done, it’s just amazing.”
Supporters included federal and state governments, Regional Arts Victoria, Hepburn Shire Council, Creswick Community Bank, Creswick Garden Club and a host of community contributions through barbeques, raffles and more, along with the donations of time and expertise by many volunteers.

Pictured top, The Buniyong Bard Players, Albert the Pudding (Zoe James), Bill Barnacle ( Tim Harris) and Sam Sawnoff (Hayley Beecham); local school children; and artist Penny Heatherington, co-ordinator Jodie Goldring and Ballarat Women’s Shed’s Maddi Doe
Scan the QR code for a short video from the day 

Words & images: Tony Sawrey

The Kingston Grandstand – and tales of travel

The Smeaton, Springhill and Bullarook Agricultural Society had its origins at Smeaton, having formed in April 1859.
Fast forward 40-odd years and the Ballarat Star newspaper, dated November 7, 1902, records details of the grandstand.

“A long-felt want has been supplied by the erection of a fine grandstand at one side of the ring, and the ladies of the district who were mainly instrumental in the raising of the necessary funds £300, deserve the warmest thanks not only of the society, but of every supporter of it, for the successful consummation of their efforts.
“There is seating accommodation provided for about 350 people, and underneath are an extensive bar and a couple of small rooms, which are sure to prove very convenient.”
In 1922, 20 years later, a new showground site had been purchased at Kingston near the railway station, and the land had been laid out by the shire engineer Mr William Henry Gore.
A meeting was called and working bees organised for the transportation to the Kingston site. They began in earnest at Smeaton Showgrounds with all buildings, fencing, animal stalls and pens being relocated to the new site, including the grandstand.
The question is how the infrastructure from the Smeaton site was transported to the Kingston site. The answer is not an easy one, or is it?
The Kingston Agricultural Society website states that the buildings were towed by a Handley Page steam engine as does Peter Butters’ article in the Ballarat Courier in 2007.
But on digging a little deeper I found that Handley Page was a British aircraft designer during both World Wars, with no links to steam engines, and therefore that theory could possibly be laid to rest.
The following appears to be a probable answer.
Newspaper articles in early August 1922 stated that a day for carting would be arranged. The Ballarat Star, dated August 19, 1922 goes into a little more detail reporting there was “a very good attendance of workers, with the result that the demolition effected was very satisfactory, there being much that could be done to get the material ready for removal by the wagon teams on a later day”.
A week later, another Ballarat Star article, dated August 26 states “arrangements have been made for the removal of the grandstand early next week, this work having been entrusted to Mr Brown of Mt Rowan, who will utilise his jinker for the purpose”.
Are there any other opinions about the move?

Now, a little detail on the grand old dame who still commands a picturesque view of the grounds and welcomes visitors onto her seats whenever needed.
The Victorian Heritage Register states the grandstand is a timber building with a corrugated iron roof partly barrel-vaulted and partly skillion.
It is of architectural significance for its unusual vernacular design and the high degree of physical intactness of its fabric. Kingston is rightly proud of her!

The Kingston Agricultural Society Show is on December 5 and 6. Saturday is the family day and the main horse show is on Sunday. There are also two days of top class working yard dog trials and don’t miss the dog jump, sheep showing and the Rural Schools Challenge. The society is always keen to hear from anyone wanting to become a part of the organisation. Link: www.kingstonagsociety.org.au

Images: Kingston Agricultural Society (top), below, Kim James

Christmas decorations are up in Vincent Street, Daylesford thanks to a group of energetic women.

Since last year, the women have got together to make hessian bows from Christmas fabric – asking businesses for a small donation to cover their costs. They then spend an afternoon decorating the street.
Pictured, from left, are Jenny Paradisi, Wendy Berry and Glenda Rozen. Jenny said local businesses which helped out were Albert St Butchers, Daylesford Harvest Cafe, Daylesford Trading Co, Daylesford Chargrill Chicken, Himalaya Bakery, Betel Boy, Larder, Magic Pudding and That Bargain Place.
“A generous local shopper also made a donation and any left over money was donated to the Daylesford Community Op Shop towards its Christmas Cheer initiative.”

Rental affordability across regional Victoria has continued to decline, falling to its lowest level on record, according to the 11th annual National Shelter-SGS Economics and Planning Rental Affordability Index.
On average, affordability has declined by 3 per cent across regional Victoria. The average renting household, earning $87,320, now spends 28 per cent of its income on a median rental. Rents in regional Victoria are now classed as Moderately Unaffordable with a RAI score of 107.
The Rental Affordability Index now includes Housing All Australians as a key partner, reflecting the critical role of business and public-private partnerships in addressing the nation’s housing crisis.
The index found a single person on JobSeeker faces Extremely Unaffordable rents, spending 61 per cent of their income on a rental. Meanwhile, single pensioners spend 38 per cent of their income on rent, and a single parent on benefits spends 43 per cent of their income, both facing Severely Unaffordable rents.
SGS Economics & Planning principal Ellen Witte said: “Affordability across regional Victoria has sharply declined since 2020, driven by large numbers of people leaving Melbourne, rising construction costs and a slower pace of new housing development.
“For a long time, regional Victoria has been seen as the pressure valve for Melbourne’s housing market, but that’s no longer the case. Rental affordability in regional cities such as Bendigo, Shepparton and Ballarat have continued to decline and are now considered ‘Moderately Unaffordable’ or worse for the average household.”
Robert Pradolin, founder and executive director of Housing All Australians, which has recently become a partner in the Affordability Index, said the rental crisis was having a major negative impact on regional economies and communities.
“From cafes and hotels to hospitals and childcare centres, Victorian businesses are struggling to find staff because there’s nowhere affordable for them to live nearby. The affordability crisis is imperiling many regional towns which are struggling to stay alive. If we want to see thriving regional economies, we need to invest in affordable homes for the people who work hard to keep our communities moving.”

Words: Donna Kelly

By Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer

After a year of grazing on shorter-than-usual pastures, many sheep across Victoria are facing higher-than-normal worm burdens. But with summer’s hot and dry conditions around the corner, producers have a timely opportunity to tackle the issue head-on.

It’s time to consider strategic summer drenching, a targeted approach involving effective treatments at the start and end of the season. The goal is to take advantage of the natural destruction of worm larvae on pastures caused by the heat and desiccation of summer.

However, not all sheep may require treatment. Pre-drench faecal egg counts (FECs) will help determine which parts of the flock actually need drenching. This deliberate step helps avoid unnecessary costs and ensures treatments are justified.

Drenching is only effective when done correctly. Using the wrong chemicals or misusing them can reduce their effectiveness and contribute to the development of resistance.

Post-drench FECs are also advisable, to assess how well the treatment worked and to detect any signs of drench resistance, a growing concern in Victoria, particularly with white and clear drenches.

To maximise results, producers should move treated sheep to low-risk pastures. Ideal options include paddocks that have been previously grazed by cattle, cut for hay or silage, or used by older wethers.

Ewes around the time of lambing and recently weaned lambs are especially vulnerable to worm infestations. Without an effective drenching program, reinfestation can occur in as little as 3 weeks.

For more advice, contact your local veterinarian, Agriculture Victoria animal health staff, or in New South Wales, your Local Land Services.

Agriculture Victoria is supporting growers moving tomato potato psyllid (TTP) host or carrier plants and plant products interstate to navigate new requirements set to be in place from 8 December 2025.

Victoria’s Chief Plant Health Officer, Dr Rosa Crnov, said new arrangements were in place for businesses to be certified under, following a new detection of tomato potato psyllid outside of the restricted area in Melbourne’s northern suburbs in October.

‘We’re working with the horticulture industry to rapidly implement arrangements to minimise trade disruptions and maintain market access to other states.

‘Restrictions are expected to be in place from Monday 8 December and growers can move their plants and produce interstate if they have the right certifications in place and follow the necessary biosecurity practices.

‘We’re here to help growers and industry with these requirements, which will vary by state and be different for host and carrier plants and products.

‘You can contact us directly for tailored technical support for your business or visit the Agriculture Victoria website for more information,’ Dr Crnov said.

Fees for plant biosecurity services (application fees, audits, non-conformance reports) are waived until 30 June 2026 as part of the Victorian Government’s Drought Support Package.