The Swiss Italian Festa returns this October, filling Hepburn and Daylesford with colour, flavour and community spirit.
Running from October 23 to 26, the Festa is a celebration of heritage, food, music and local creativity – and this year’s program is bigger than ever.

Flavours & Local Makers
Foodies will be spoilt for choice with a delicious line-up of stalls, from Cooked, Dolci Momenti Sicily and Hepburn Pizza, to Hepburn Distillery, Hepburn Brewing Co., and the ever-popular Gelato Cart. For something special, don’t miss the Makers & Creators Market, showcasing the talent of local artisans and crafters.
Family Fun – Kids Zone
The Festa has plenty to keep the little ones busy. The dedicated Kids Zone will feature rides, fairy floss, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, storytelling, and school choirs. Families can also enjoy the street parade, lantern procession, and spectacular fireworks display lighting up the Hepburn skies on Saturday night.
A Touch of Nostalgia – The Waiter’s Race
One of the most talked-about comebacks this year is the Waiter’s Race, a beloved tradition where staff from local cafes, pubs and restaurants dash to the finish line with trays in hand. It’s a chance for businesses to show their flair, speed and balance – and a great crowd favourite. The Festa committee is calling on all local businesses to get involved and revive this spirited event.
Lead-Up Events
• Disco Night – Saturday, October 4 at Stanbridge Hall. A high-energy evening with international DJ Tanzer plus local DJ support, food vans and bar service.
• Hepburn Pizza Night – Thursday, October 16. An intimate, woodfired feast with three courses and plenty of community connection.
Festa Weekend Highlights
• Thursday, October 23 – Heritage Dinner at the Farmers Arms, celebrating local history with a two-course meal and storytelling.
• Friday, October 24 – Daisy Journey Walking Tour, followed by the Opening Gala at the Mineral Springs Hotel.
• Saturday, October 25 – The big day: Street Parade at 12pm, Festa in the Reserve from 1pm to 8pm with choirs, live music, cultural activations and food stalls. Lantern Parade at 7:30pm and Fireworks at 8pm.
• Sunday, Oct 26 – Morning choir at St Peter’s Church, historical film screening, Yandoit Stone House tour, and the Open Garden Soirée at Villa Parma to close the Festa.
With its blend of heritage, food, music, and community fun, the Swiss Italian Festa 2025 is set to be a weekend to remember.

The Local is proud to be media partner with the Festa.

It’s been a huge year for Shaun Evans, and it’s not even October, which is when his first iteration of a new creative festival takes place.
The Spring Youth Festival is the first of many events coming out of the new not-for-profit Creative Ranges Foundation, which Shaun has co-founded with his past student Oscar Lenain and musician Amethyst Parlanti, to nurture, develop and promote the abundantly diverse creativity of Macedon Ranges’ inhabitants.

“Imitate, then you emulate, and then you innovate” is Shaun’s motto. He imitated great jazz pioneers as a young lad on his saxophone, then built on that in his first job as music director on cruise ships.
Now Shaun innovates with his own ideas in collaboration with other creative minds to bring new ways of learning to Macedon Ranges Shire, which has benefitted from his inspiring presence for over a decade.
Many Shire residents know Shaun via his extensive work in Ranges Music Network which he started in 2020 after seven years at Braemar as their music director. RMN aimed to bring music education through connection and creative learning to regional schools where this may not otherwise be possible.
Young performers
Shaun has also focused on the continued growth of young performers in the ranges through the Macedon Ranges Festival Youth Stage which evolved to become Macedon Ranges Youth in Music with a monthly performance.
Now the innovation continues. Through his work, Shaun saw a gap between cost and accessibility and a need to promote lifelong learning and creative connection, both at individual and community level – and no longer only through music.
Following a generous bequest from the now-defunct Macedon Ranges Music Collective, Shaun sat down in late 2024 with Oscar and Amethyst who work for Shaun as educators in RMN, with a new, broadened iteration on this model, to “create a cost-effective vehicle for everybody to pursue personal or professional growth at different stages of their life” with a “broad range of skills that apply to life and to every industry”.
Through their vast network of connections they set up the Creative Ranges Foundation earlier this year, a NFP encouraging the community, from cradle to grave, to engage in learning in the Creative Arts – Performing, Visual and Literary.
RMN has also been reborn as Creative Ranges Network, to encompass teaching in all areas of the Creative Arts, from photography to stop motion with LEGO.
New Creative Hub
The practical manifestation of the foundation is in its newly established Creative Hub Woodend at 42 Urquhart Street. Open daily from 10am to 6pm, the Hub has a burgeoning team on site to support, mentor and inspire.
Hub Facilitator Kelly Miller leads the visual arts arm, providing support and creating a sense of belonging to those who would like to flex their creativity utilising the Hub’s laser cutter, 3D printer, Cricut, and other creative tools in the maker section of the Hub.
Anyone can try their hand at making t-shirts, stickers and much more for a one-off cost, or at a discounted member price. Sunday Livingston and Talon Gostelow work at the Hub driving the foundation’s Youth Program (to 26 years) activities. Local recording artist Paul Fox is jam facilitator, running mentored jam sessions.
The Hub is a learning space for all ages, stages and abilities. Home-schooled children, primary, secondary, university students, parents, elderly. There is a music room for jamming, a podcast, video and film room.
All details can be found at www.creativeranges.org.
Spring Youth Festival
Shaun has great expectations for the Spring Youth Festival on Saturday, October 4 from 10am to 5pm, which is being sponsored by both Greater Western Water and Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
A busking event expanded to incorporate all young local creatives, performance spaces will be set up all around Woodend, emanating off the High Street and in partnership with some of the local businesses.
Artisan market
The Hub has been cleverly incorporated through the use of their outdoor space for an artisan market for makers to promote their wares, many created on site. Tokens will also be generated in the Hub, for purchase as public votes for performers/makers of attendees’ choice, to be placed in an imaginative vessel created by each artist.
These will be counted up at the Hub at the end of festival gathering, for the opportunity for all artists’ efforts to be applauded and some rewarded with prizes. Shaun, his enthusiasm, creative imagination, artistic collaborators and all the performers cannot wait to see everyone there.
“I think back to the people who gave me so much when I was coming up,” says Shaun. “It’s not just giving back or paying forward, it’s really about creating the vehicle that allows not just me, but others, to do the same for the people in our community.”

Above, from left, Kelly Miller, Talon Gostelow and Shaun Evans making music and the laser cut notes – in Woodend’s Creative Hub

Words & image: Caitlin Marks

Sixpence

On Bloomsday
in the garden
digging up rogue bulbs
a faint glint
assumes circularity

Beneath fingernail-scraped dirt
a scroll appears
– 1942 –
Split by a shield
a kanga gazes across
a seven-sided star
to an emu

On the flip
the left-facing profile
of bareheaded George VI
looking like the old
King Gee underpants image

Its loss
mid-war
would have been felt

This once gleaming
ripple-edged thrill piece –
to think
it will clink
on counters no more

Forget the tiddler trey
dour big brother Bob
and hefty father Florin
– songs were sung
of the sixpence

Pinned between thumb
and index finger
it feels as light
as a smile

– Bill Wootton

Bill is old enough to remember pre-plastic payments, when coins of the realm passed for currency.

A few things to write about this edition.
Firstly I love the front page picture of young Mason at his footy team’s first grand final win in 31 years. Go the Trentham Saints.

A bloke called Peter McBride took it – and luckily allowed us to share it. I think it sums up the passion people have for sport.
And how about Trentham? First up Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town, then Australian Top Tiny Tourism Town and now grand final winners after a drought of 31 years. Winner, winner.
I have been to very few football games in my life. I remember Dad taking me to Melbourne once to watch his Tigers…and another team. I think I was about six or seven and so was mortified when my father screamed at the umpire: “Are you blind, you bastard!” That was pretty much strike one.
I headed into Melbourne another time and watched an AFL grand final in a Collingwood pub. That was going well until the Maggies kicked a goal and Kyle called out: “Go the Crows.” As a Kiwi, he was finding not only the rules hard to follow but also the team names. Strike two and I’m out.
Next up, if you read page 3, The Local has been shortlisted for two Victorian Country Press Association awards. Woo hoo.
Kyle for his great photo of Jobbo, the Barefoot Barber in Coomoora, and me for editorial/opinion pieces. Kyle’s shot of Jobbo was great. A very chilled barber with bare feet and painted toenails, relaxing in the studio he built himself from recycled finds.

My pieces were about getting breast checks done, after I had them done myself and went through the wringer, literally, but came out all clear. There was also a piece about the upcoming council elections but I think it was the one were I got it terribly wrong about who would get in. Still, I gave it a go.
It’s great to be nominated and we will be in Yarrawonga for the awards ceremony but really every award is about the entire crew at The Local, its advertisers and readers.
Without everyone The Local would not be. The crew covering stories so I can indulge and write a column, the sub-editors picking up any typos, the delivery guy, the accounts person. And then the advertisers who pay for the news magazine, as we call it, to exist. And then if no-one was reading, the advertisers would soon pack up their bat and ball, and then no more editions.
So thank you to everyone and if we win, I will be sure to mention you in my acceptance speech. (I actually hope Kyle wins. He came to the game a bit later than me, and I remember how nervous he used to be doing front page photos. Now he is an old hand but I reckon an award for his work would be wonderful. Fingers crossed everyone!)
Finally, I had a good chat to Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas about the vitriolic social media aimed at him and his staff.
Not by many but by enough. And then piled on by others who add with a “like” or a “go for it” or whatever else keyboard warriors do.
I am not averse to having a go at the council when they don’t do their job but I don’t ambush them. I call and say what I am covering and ask them to provide their side of the story. And they always make time to do that. I have never had a “no comment” from this council which I commend, because at times I think I would really feel like doing that.
But they talk to me and we publish both sides of the story so readers can make up their own minds. We are certainly not here to tell you what to think. Just provide the start of the conversation.
So, next time you want to rant, realise these are people you are talking to/about and give them the common courtesies you would extend to your family and friends.
I don’t think anyone wants Australia to end up like America where the rants outweigh the reason. We are so much better than that. Just sayin’…

I watch The Block most nights, not to get any renovation tips but in the hope of seeing the odd local who might have made an appearance.
This year’s program is possibly the best shot in the arm that our district has ever had in terms of getting the name Daylesford out there and working the “hero destination” model, which means flow down effects for the rest of the area.
I must admit Trentham is literally kicking goals in that department with all its recent accolades. But for the rest of us an uptick in visitation and, fingers crossed property values which have taken a post-pandemic dip recently, would be a great thing.
But the most puzzling thing about The Block for mine is Shaynna Blaze and her merry men aka The Judges. They tend to bang on about what is and what isn’t “Daylesford”. But what does that mean, and what is Daylesford, and what do they actually know about the place to have such a deep understanding?
For me Daylesford is yes, a beautiful spot with history, bush and spring water, but to be honest as a local I don’t really notice the history anymore, I take the bush for granted unless I am plotting a back track from the pub and the spring water – no thanks.
Local Noel Beare, rebel postie and mad-dog motorcycle man, who many know, wrapped it up in one sentence following the tragic loss of his son. “Grief is like falling from a great height but Daylesford is the pillow at the bottom.” If they really wanted to get a handle on the brand that is where you would start.
Daylesford is about the 45-minute walk from one end of Vincent Street to the other, an easy 200 metres in most other towns. I have often swapped to the other side of the road for fear of running into someone who’s going to bail me up with a juicy, or not, bit of gossip. And it wouldn’t be Daylesford without running into people in the fruit department of Coles and then again in aisles seven through to 10.
But this is what we love about the place – it’s the people who care and if you need anything would drop everything to help, that is Daylesford. It is not a palette of colours, tactile rugs and eclectic pot plants that speak of warm evenings by the fire with mulled wine. Most of us just have the one kitchen to do the cooking in and if we had a butler’s pantry we would fill it up with gumboots, dog-mats and wine from specials at Cellarbrations.
Yes. We have more than our share of shops that stock candles, scents and bath bombs but the real locals don’t go within cooee of special fragrances, we prefer the smell of mud, fertiliser and fresh produce.
Instead of inviting the great outdoors in as they do on The Block, I prefer to keep it and all its bugs out of my house. And if you have ever been stung on the foot while slipping on your shoe, by a European wasp which has awoken from its long slumber and come to life because of the warmth of the fire, you will know what I am talking about. Oww.
Daylesford is old utes, older dogs, and some young dogs for that matter. Conversations at the bar, meat tray raffles on a Friday night and not being too worried about going into town straight from the garden.
We are not a pretentious, glammed-up, Hollywood-smiling, cushion-chopping mob, we are real people who wrap their arms around each other when the chips are down. But I suppose that is too hard to squeeze into a pot of paint.
Real people of Daylesford rant over…

Hi there, I am Kelvin. I am looking for a companion for cosy evenings where we can cuddle up together.

I love pats and warm laps to snuffle on. I will also keep you entertained with some cool fun-loving antics.
If you need a loving friend for a forever home I am your cat. I am nine – the perfect age I think.
Come and meet me at MAAWs in Castlemaine. Just call first to make sure I have not already been snapped up!
Phone: 5472 5277.
Microchip no. 956000006326866

With Trentham Saints seniors breaking their 31-year grand final drought, it seems fitting to run a story about some of their earliest players.

The Victorian Football Association began in 1877 and was the top-level club competition until the year 1896 when the Victorian Football League formed a breakaway organisation.
The new league included Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Fitzroy, Geelong, Melbourne, South Melbourne and St Kilda.
The McCashney boys, from Trentham, must have had competitive genes running through their family veins with three boys in one branch of the family playing VFL football. John Henry played for South Melbourne, Francis James played for Richmond and James Leonard pulled on the boots for Hawthorn
John Henry ‘Jack’ McCashney was born on January 21, 1884 to Henry William McCashney and Mary Anne Robson. He was the third of 10 children and commenced his football career at the Trentham Football Club. In 1903 aged 19, he played two games towards the back of the season with South Melbourne. His football career was short lived and he returned to work at the family sawmilling operation in Trentham. He died on April 23, 1952.
Francis James aka Frank ‘Griff’ McCashney was born August 9, 1890, the sixth of the 10 children. He also commenced his football career at the Trentham Football Club in 1906. He debuted in the VFL for Richmond on August 28, 1909, in Round 17 against Essendon.
He has been described as a brilliant winger and also had a great left foot stab kick which sent the ball long distances downfield. He represented Victoria against South Australia in 1913. He played 82 games for Richmond between 1909 and 1915, and hung up his boots on July 31, 1915 after Round 15 against Fitzroy. Griff returned home to play at Trentham and died on July 19, 1951.
James Leonard ‘Jim’ McCashney was born December 30, 1900, the youngest of the 10 children. He also commenced his football career playing with Trentham. He joined Hawthorn in the VFA competition in 1920 and predominately played on the wing. Jim was a member of Hawthorn’s team for their first ever VFL game, Round 1 in 1925 against Richmond.
Jim retired after the 1927 VFL season to get married and settle down. His club record had been remarkable for the time, having played 106 games in consecutive weeks before being injured. He played a total of 134 games for Hawthorn. In 1929, Jim returned to football as the captain and coach of Sandringham Football Club in its initial season in the VFA. After one season and 15 games, he retired permanently.
Jim’s name appears on the Hawthorn Honour Board for his services in the Armed Forces during WWII. He died May 26, 1967.
The McCashney name is still associated with the Trentham Saints Football Club. The football field was renamed the McCashney Oval in August 2018 honouring the family that had given the land to establish the permanent football ground.
Trentham also has a McCashney Way which is located in the new estate off Falls Road and opposite the football ground. All up it appears 11 or more McCashneys have played for Trentham over the years.
Image: Trentham’s 1956 Premiership Team – Trentham Historical Society

Gary White, newly crowned Australian Utility Sheepdog Champion, is coming to the Hepburn Shire in October.
Fully funded by the Victorian Government’s Community Recovery Hub grants program, farmers and their working dogs from around the shire will benefit from Gary’s Working Dog Training School workshops.
They will be held at: Daylesford – Victoria Park Recreation Reserve on Tuesday, October 7; Kingston – Kingston Show Grounds on Wednesday, October 8; and Clunes – Clunes Showgrounds on Thursday, October 9.
Hepburn Shire Council mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that the workshops would provide expert training to working dogs of the region and provide an opportunity for farmers to connect.
“The importance of community among our farmers cannot be overstated. We have experienced difficult times of late with drought, the proposed Western Renewables Link, the Victorian Government’s Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy and rising industry costs.
“These workshops will not just sharpen the skill of our working dogs, but will bring our farmers together to connect, share knowledge and build resilience in a supportive learning environment.”
Gary is a highly respected handler and trainer, with an impressive career that includes eight national titles and 20 state titles in sheepdog trialling, alongside a long list of other placings.
Known for his warm and inclusive teaching style, Gary leaves participants with newfound skills and a greater confidence in training and working with their dogs.
A skilled farm dog can accomplish complex tasks in minutes. Tasks that would take a human hours. More than workers, they are loyal companions who thrive on their role. But raising a great farm dog takes more than natural ability, it requires expert training.

Link: hepburn.vic.gov.au/Residents/Emergencies/Emergency-management-events

With the Father’s Day Kite Festival done and dusted, above, it’s time for sheepdogs and their trainers to head to Dean Recreation Reserve for the 12th running of the Old Sniff Classic Sheepdog Trials on Sunday, October 5.
Dean Recreation Reserve Committee president Brian Maher said the day starts early at 6am and runs through to 5pm.
Entry is a donation, $5 is a good starting point, and monies raised will go to the Dean/Newlyn Fire Brigade.

“We have raised money for lots of organisations and this year it’s the fire brigade, because they are all volunteers and are getting knocked around a bit by government departments,” Brian said.
“So we’re supporting our local fire brigade because in times of need they’re the ones you’ve got access to straight away. They are a great cause.”
Brian, who has headed the reserve committee since 2013, said he is 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.”
Brian said there would be 40 dogs competing, as many as they can get through in a day, with 20 to 25 human competitors.
New sponsors are also on board, stock agents TB White & Sons from Ballarat, who Brian says are “magnificent to deal with”.
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.
“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.”

“Old Sniff the mangy one eye dog that knocked around the loo
A digger’s dog was poor old sniff whom everybody knew
He didn’t always live down here but came from way out west
Where men are men and dogs are dogs both are the very best

“At times the dogs would gather round, Sniffs stories listened to
Of droving days with travelling sheep round the Darling and Barcoo
A drafting contest once said Sniff was held out back of Bourke
Ten dogs took part in it with me and dogs who knew their work…”

Words: Donna Kelly

Kyle Barnes chatted with REIV CEO Jacob Caine about the state of play for real estate.

Kyle: How is regional real estate doing currently?
Jacob: Regional houses recorded strong price growth in two consecutive quarters (2.9 per cent in March and 2.6 per cent in June), out-performing metro Melbourne.
The City of Ballarat and Hepburn Shire recorded modest growth over the same period compared to other regional areas since they are more established.
Over the past five years, they had 28.9 per cent and 17.9 per cent, respectively.

Kyle: What does the next year or so look like?
Jacob: Most markets across the country, particularly the major capital cities, have seen prices rise at a much faster pace than those in Victoria.
As a result, this is making Victorian housing prices look relatively more affordable and expected to drive an increase in interest, especially from interstate markets.

Kyle: There seems to be plenty of stock in the Central Highlands but not so many buyers – are they starting to come back?
Jacob: Historically, we’ve seen that reductions in interest rates lead to increased demand for housing and higher prices.
With interest rates lower than where they were last year, we expect the demand to build. The median days on market for properties for sale is also trending lower, showing buyer demand.

Kyle: Finally, does a program like The Block traditionally cause changes in the industry? Many people think they will struggle to get $3-$3.5 million which is their price guide.
Jacob: Media has always played a role in generating interest and excitement. The exposure through programs like The Block will drive attention to the region.
In addition, lower interest rates and a refresh of stock coming to market during spring is likely to increase demand for homes.
Furthermore, when compared to the rest of Australia, Victorian housing is now relatively more affordable. This fact is likely to attract the attention of interstate buyers.

Well here I am penning another article for you, the reader, to enjoy…
This time I’m featuring exotic trees with ornamental bark (I did touch on a few in the July 28, Issue #337).
So here are five varied species (in alphabetical order) native to different parts of our planet that display extraordinary bark characteristics and would be great additions to the home garden (both old and new).

1. Acer griseum (chinese paperbark maple) is quite rare in cultivation up here in the Central Highlands of Victoria, but it is worth tracking down for its exquisite orange-brown peeling bark (pictured above right) and has the added bonuses of bronze emerging foliage and exceptional autumnal colour.
It’s a medium sized deciduous tree, native to China where it is listed as endangered, which will eventually grow to about 12m.

2. Betula nigra (river birch) is a deciduous tree native to South Eastern USA that is not commonly seen in private gardens.
I have two growing in my back garden here in Hepburn that are doing famously so I say to you, reader, give it a try, particularly in damp sites where it would thrive and perhaps reach a height of around 15m.
For those of you who are keen travellers, there is a beauty (centre) growing in the Huntington Botanical Gardens, just outside Los Angeles.

3. Eucalytus deglupta (rainbow gum) is a (potentially 20m) evergreen tree yet to be enjoyed in our southern climes here in Victoria but the Climate Assessment Tool that I’ve mentioned before (see the July 14 Issue #336) gives it ratings of 6-9 from now to 2090.
Perhaps one day you might be able to add this gum with truly mind-blowing multicoloured bark (below) to your garden.

I first came across this species growing in the Ke’anae Arboretum on the island of Maui, Hawaii eons ago and later, towering specimens at both Cairns Botanic Gardens and Foster Botanical Gardens in Honolulu.

4. Parrotia persica (persian ironwood) is a deciduous tree native to Northern Iran (Western Asia) which is becoming more common in cultivation across south-east Australia where it is grown for its compact size (10m x 8m), superb mottled peeling bark and vibrant autumnal foliage.
It’s in the witch hazel family (think corylopsis, hamamelis and liquidambar) and seems to do well around the Daylesford area where I have planted several specimens which are showing rapid growth.

5. Quercus suber (cork oak) is an evergreen oak (10-12m) native to Northern Africa and Europe (south-east and south-west) that is harvested for its thick corky (ornamental) bark and used in the commercial production of corks.
There are many fine specimens to be seen around Victoria including in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens and a row of three gnarly old beauties planted in May 1871 at the Kyneton Botanic Gardens (see QR code) which were registered as significant in 1982.

So there you have it reader, a brief snapshot into the wonderful world of trees with ornamental bark which add that special wow factor to the garden, particularly after a sun shower. I do hope you’ve enjoyed my latest look at a side to trees that is often overlooked.

– Cheers JB (Trees in Australia)

Next time: Elms, oaks & pines
for the country garden.

Scan QR code to see JB’s Insta post.

Early Learning Victoria Clunes is looking for passionate early childhood professionals, administration staff and centre cooks to help local children get the best start in life in 2026.
The centre, one of 14 government-owned early learning and childcare centres opening across the state in 2026, will offer long daycare, integrated and sessional kinder programs.
Every day is different, which Early Learning Victoria CEO Darren Youngs says is “really exciting” for staff at the four centres already operating.
“Our approach is to meet each child’s learning needs and preferences in individual ways, while ensuring that children have access to nutritious food, rest and relaxation and the opportunity for uninterrupted periods of play throughout the day,” he says.
Mr Youngs says every team member plays a vital role, with play-based learning and children’s development and wellbeing the focus.
“This includes our incredible early childhood teachers and educators, room leaders, chefs, administrators, educational leaders, assistant directors and centre directors,” he says.
Community is a big part of the culture at Early Learning Victoria, with centres rapidly becoming local hubs for child and family services, often conveniently co-located with local schools.
This gives young Victorians the best start in life and means families have the opportunity to go back to work if and when they choose.
Mr Youngs says early childhood education and care is a rewarding and highly impactful career where you have the opportunity to instil a lifelong love of learning in our next generation.
“Staff at our centres have access to ongoing professional learning opportunities, including coaching and mentoring, career-development opportunities and upskilling,” he says.
“They also enjoy competitive wages and conditions.”
Urging qualified candidates to apply, Mr Youngs also has some advice for anyone who’s interested but may be unsure where to start.
“If you are not yet qualified, please reach out to the Early Learning Victoria workforce team who can advise you on your first steps. Everyone starts somewhere.”
Link: earlylearning.vic.gov.au/jobs or elv.workforce@education.vic.gov.au

A welcome rise in storage levels has seen water restrictions lifted in the Daylesford and Hepburn region.
The current Stage 2 restrictions were lifted last Friday, September 19 and the region returned to the Permanent Water Saving Rules, which apply across Victoria to support the ongoing responsible use of water.
Daylesford and Hepburn region has been on water restrictions since July, following an extended period of extremely dry conditions.
With recent rainfall and improved inflows into reservoirs, the region’s storage levels have now reached 100 per cent capacity.

Construction on the Daylesford Water Supply Pipeline Project continues, with the final stage now underway. Once completed, the pipeline will help prepare the service area from the impacts of climate change.
Central Highlands Water managing director Jeff Haydon, pictured, said CHW was grateful to the Daylesford and Hepburn region community for their efforts in minimising their water usage during this period of restrictions.
“While recent rain has boosted our storages, the ongoing impacts of climate change mean we must continue to be water wise. Our Permanent Water Saving Rules are a simple yet effective way to ensure we’re always using water responsibly.”
Permanent Water Saving Rules are a set of common-sense rules that apply year-round to help everyone save water.
The key rules include:
Handheld hoses can be used at any time but must be fitted with a trigger nozzle and be leak free;
Vehicles can be cleaned at any time with a bucket or a handheld hose;
A residential garden or lawn can be watered using a handheld hose, bucket or watering can at any time; and
A residential watering system can be used between 6pm and 10 am on any day.

Words: Donna Kelly

Train enthusiasts and garden lovers are in for a treat next month. Daylesford Spa Country Railway will take them on a journey on Saturday, October 11 through bush and farms to two renowned country house properties for an open garden fundraiser for the Phoenix@The Rex Community.
The restored heritage train runs to the highest operating railway station in Victoria at Musk, a short walk from the two gardens.
Saturday, October 11, is the day to see Musk Manor, whose garden features on the ABC’s Open Garden program this month and Musk Farm, pictured, with its astonishing and beautiful 15 “garden rooms”.
Musk Farm began as a school before closing and falling into disrepair. The late leading designer Stuart Rattle bought it in 1998 and spent 15 years transforming the grounds into a semi-formal 1.4 hectare garden with “rooms” joined by paths and hedging, each aspect having a fascinating focus.

Inspired by grand estates in France and England, the “rooms” call up different emotions, with rare and unusual plans and a vast variety of hydrangeas, rhododendrons, viburnum and bulbs.
Thousands of daffodils and bluebells are underplanted in the woodlands. Other highlights include a fernery and rose-filled summer garden.
Musk Manor is a younger garden, marked by highly scented plants such as daphne, sweet box, choisya, osmanthus, roses and scented flowering bulbs and restful mountain views. Through leaf change and the blending of tones, the colours bring to mind an artist’s view of a garden.
Free talks on the gardens, open from 10am to 3pm, will be given by horticulture authority and The Local’s botanical writer John Beetham at 10.15am and 11.15am.
Dogs are not allowed on the open day and there is no parking available.
Trains will leave from Daylesford Station every 45 minutes from 9.30am and the last train leaves at 1.45pm and will bring people back to Daylesford after the gardens close at 3.30.
Lunch can be booked at Passing Clouds Winery while coffee, wine and local food vans will be at the properties.

Trentham’s Little Gallery Winter Fundraising Show achieved new heights by having one of their biggest shows ever in the 14 years they have been open.
With record sales, the gallery made a substantial donation to the Central Highlands Rural Health Treehouse program in Trentham.

The quality of the artwork in the group show featuring 16 local artists was outstanding and cements the Winter Show as one of Central Victoria’s leading art calendar events and as a destination for regional art.
Despite the current economic downturn a whopping record amount of $43,000 in art sales was made, not bad for a small country town gallery. An additional $5000 was raised from the donated art raffle.
The gallery also received an events grant from Hepburn Shire Council which helped to execute a regional show of an exceptionally high standard.
With the commission on works sold and 100 per cent of the art raffle, the Little Gallery made a donation of $15,000 to the Treehouse program which helps those in the community living with dementia.
CHRH CEO Maree Cuddihy and Treehouse manager Dora Mansbridge said the fundraiser would not have been possible without the artists who contributed their work and the community members who came along and purchased artwork and raffle tickets at the exhibition.
The Winter Show had thousands of visitors over the three weeks in July aided by Trentham being in the run, then winning, Top Tiny Tourism Town Victoria.
That was followed this month by the national award.
Little Gallery is an artist-run space and prides itself on adding to the cultural identity of the region by representing local artists and is a true representation of the strong regional arts community within Trentham, Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges region.
Artist Rose Wilson, founding member of the Little Gallery, said: “We host these fundraising shows to give back to the amazing community that supports us.
“The generosity of our locals is heartwarming and we received many donations from local businesses The Cosmo, The General and the Trentham Wine and Food Co which helped with food and wine, along with art donations from our local artists for the raffle and many volunteers who assisted on the opening night.
“The gallery team work extremely hard to make these shows successful, and each year we say it can’t get better than this, but it does.”

From left, Treehouse manager Dora Mansbridge, CHRH Social Support program facilitator Victoria Hanson, Maria Coyle, Rose Wilson, CHRH Social Support program assistant Cathy Bloomfield, CHRH CEO Maree Cuddihy, Helen Cottle, Kim Haughie, Jimmy Rix and CHRH board member and fundraising committee chair Sally Kirkright
Words & image: Contributed