People experiencing drug and alcohol addiction are being supported with the expansion of Arrow Health’s rehabilitation clinic in Woodend.
The $2.1 million expansion featured the construction of a rehabilitation cottage, upgrades to carparking and ambulance access, and the refurbishment of existing rooms, more than doubling annual in-patient treatment capacity to approximately 240 and out-patient care from 80 to about 180 patients each year. The expansion has led to new jobs for doctors, nurses, therapists and facilities-support staff, and has allowed Arrow Health to boost the engagement of locally contracted allied health professionals, such as nutritionists and physical therapists, and support services in food, transport and maintenance.

The Small Business Bus will roll into Daylesford on Monday, September 29, offering free expert business advice to small business owners and those wanting to start a business.
The bus will be at 52 Vincent Street from 10am to 4pm. Walk-ins are welcome but bookings are recommended. For those unable to attend in person, online business advisory sessions are available through Business Victoria.
Link: www.business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/small-business-bus

Hepburn Shire Council is developing its new Domestic Animal Management Plan and wants community feedback.
The new plan will outline a range of actions and initiatives to support responsible pet ownership, including pet welfare, registration, dog attacks, cat curfews and nuisance complaints. Following the feedback period, the draft plan will be released for public exhibition next month. Submissions close on Friday, September 26.

National Police Remembrance Day is Monday, September 29 and coincides with Victoria’s Blue Ribbon Day, dedicated to honouring police officers who have died in the line of duty.
The Local, and the community, thank police members for their ongoing work in our communities and thank them for all that they do, every day of the year. Anyone who wants to support the victims of the horrific Porepunkah shootings can head to www.policelegacyvic.org.au

Child and Family Services Ballarat (Cafs) is inviting members of the Central Highlands community to consider becoming foster carers, as the region faces a growing need for safe, stable homes for children and young people.
The need is especially urgent for younger children, with recent data from the 2024 Foster Carer Census revealing that 67 per cent of children in foster care across Victoria are under the age of 10. Many carers are also supporting children with additional needs – 42 per cent care for children with an intellectual disability or impairment, and 20 per cent support children with a physical disability or impairment.

The annual Marong Picnic, held by the Federation of Veteran, Vintage and Classic Vehicle Clubs of Victoria, was held late last month.
The Goulburn Valley Motor Vehicle Drivers Club had a large contingent and fortunately they were displaying a flag which explained the different eras: veteran up to 1918, vintage 1919 to 1930, pre-war classic 1931 to WWII and post-war classic WWII to 25 years old.

Daylesford resident Stefan Nechwatal said he had planned to take his 1917 Mini Mack tribute but decided against it thanks to the weather, and attended as a visitor. And to take photos, which he has kindly shared with The Local.
The next big event is the Bendigo National Swap Meet at the showgrounds on November 15 and 16.

Hepburn Shire locals are loving, mostly, watching the challenges on The Block and last week’s Phoenix @ The Rex proved popular.
“We love a side challenge on The Block and this one delivered some shocking results,” it was reported at website, 9now.nine.com.au
“The Blockheads were tasked with bringing Daylesford’s Phoenix cinema, in the heart of the old Rex Theatre, back to life.

“For this challenge, the Blockheads were split into two bigger teams. On offer was an impressive $10,000 cash and a $10,000 voucher thanks to Stony Creek Gallery to split among the winning team.
“Steph and Gian, Emma and Ben and Britt and Taz took over the candy bar and balcony lounge. They were ‘quietly confident’ they were going to win.
“Meanwhile, Han and Can, Sonny and Alicia and Robby and Mat were the ‘Cinema Team’. They were quietly confident they had ‘second place in the bag’.
“The esteemed judges were local legends and business owners Tina Banitska (The Convent), Alla Wolf-Tasker (Lake House) and Carol White (formerly of Lavandula).
“‘Wow,’ was all the judges could say as they walked into the newly renovated cinema space. They loved the ‘intimacy and gentleness’ of the room.
“In keeping with the theme that Steph and Gian set, the cinema was painted in rich cocoa brown and accented with gold wainscoting and art deco lights.
“They also had the massive job of assembling 70 red velvet theatre seats, luckily with help from the folks at Bunnings. Moving into the foyer, the judges thought the custom Bromley wallpaper was an excellent move.
“Over at the newly renovated candy bar and the judges had one major concern: ‘That’s not suitable for Daylesford, sorry.’ Ouch. Judge Alla was referring to the wall of colourful candy that filled the glass jars. They felt it was a missed opportunity to showcase local artisan products and produce.
“‘It should be a symbol of our community,’ she said. The easiest example being Daylesford choc tops! Then came the styling. ‘I know it’s deco, but this doesn’t feel deco to me,’ Alla continued. ‘For me, it’s functional but it doesn’t match the theatre and doesn’t match the rural location.’ The judges had nothing but praise for the much-needed meeting space in the foyer though! Who won? The Cinema Team!”
Read about the next cinema fundraiser on page 14.

Last Monday, two days after the Trentham Football Club’s fantastic Grand Final win, president Nick Shearer was still celebrating in the Trentham Hotel – with many other supporters. He chatted to Donna Kelly.

Donna: So, understandably, you’re still celebrating.
Nick: Yes, it’s been a big day or a big few days. And we’re still enjoying the win. It’s 31 years since we won one and I think for a lot of people, like those who have their kids playing here and others who have been supporting this club for years, everyone in the town really, we’re all rapt.

Donna: Did you always think you were in with a chance?
Nick: Well, we finished top at the end of the year, we finished the year off really well after some close semi-finals and we got the match up. I think we were quietly confident but the past few years we’ve always had someone beat us that’s that little bit better on the day. We just needed to get it done.

Donna: How was the game on the day?
Nick: It was probably a typical country final. It’s pretty dour, pretty tough, but we kicked a couple of goals in the third quarter. The captain kicked a couple of crucial goals and that put us three in front. And then our back line just held strong all day. By half-time we were just in front, three quarter time we’d extended it. We just had to hang on in that last quarter, which we did.

Donna: So any moves for next year, or just keep celebrating for now?
Nick: We’re already looking at recruiting. We’ve spoken to a couple, which I obviously can’t say who because we haven’t said yes or no. We haven’t got them yet, but hopefully we do. Our coach has re-signed and now we can look at where we need to improve a little bit. We’re looking more at recruiting certain types rather than just sort of anybody.

Donna: What have the celebrations looked like?
Nick: We went back to the rooms on Saturday night and that was big. And then back down the ground yesterday and then the girls went on a netball bus to different pubs and we’re all back here in the Trentham pub and the night just went on. And now (Monday) we’re all in the Trentham pub again.

Donna: Trentham has been kicking some big goals lately, now literally.
Nick: Yes. We won the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town and then the Australian award. It’s just a really good place.

The Local’s front page:

Nine-year-old Mason Thompson must be one of the Saints’ most passionate players – and fans.
With the grand final won, his club ‘buddy’ and senior player, Ed Fanning hoisted him into his shoulders, where Mason got the crowd roaring.
Mason, a Trentham Primary student, plays for the under 11s and his two brothers Harley and Darcy also play for the club in the under 14s. Dad (Alistair) and Brent Holmes co-coach the under 14s, who made the grand final but lost after a close game.
Mother Mez said the club had a buddy program where under 11 players were matched with senior players. “Mason and Ed idolise each other.”

Image: Peter McBride

Hepburn Netball’s B Grade team defeated Springbank 31 to 27 at the recent grand final with best on court Summah Joyce from Hepburn.

Coach Gary Cooke, talking to The Local last Wednesday, said all three teams, A, B and C should have been in the grand finals.
“We hoped A would get in and play Daylesford again with a repeat of last year’s grand final and were gutted when that didn’t happen, but B and C both made it.
“Obviously C grade didn’t win on the day (Hepburn 26 were defeated by Bungaree 41) but B grade was a fantastic game. It was a neck and neck game. We were down by five or six at three-quarter time and then I think we shot 13 to three in that last quarter.
Gary said at the first night of training for the year the teams set themselves goals to win – train hard, get fit, make friends and achieve getting to a grand final.
“And it looked like we were all going to get there. The B grade worked their arses off, only lost the very first game in round one, and they went through and they didn’t lose a single game for the rest of the year.
“I just kept reminding them through the year that there’s something happening with this team. Something special. You’re all connecting. You’re momentum’s going. Your confidence is building. And they peaked at the right time. They truly deserved to be there and to win.”

Gary said the entire Hepburn Club had played well with, in August, three players, himself and an umpire voted to be in the Central Highlands Netball League Team of the Year.
They were: Coach of the Year – Gary Cooke, Captain/Shooter – Jane O’Donohue, Midcourt – Montaya Sardi, Defender – Katie Lindkvist and Umpire – Linley Eastick.
Gary said he was still deciding whether he would continue coaching the netballers next year.
“It is a big commitment. I’m working six days a week and coaching, holding training sessions, doing notes and then pre-planning for the year. I get to the end of the year and don’t know how I managed to squeeze it in. It’s a lot of work.”

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed

The Trentham Saints broke their 31-year grand final drought when they won the 2025 Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League premiership cup against the Carisbrook Redbacks at the Carisbrook Recreation Reserve.

Their last flag was in 1994 when they won against Talbot.
The game was slow to start and at quarter-time the Saints were 1.1, just two points behind the Redbacks.
In the second quarter the Saints kicked three goals to the Redbacks’ one, to lead by eight points.
In the third, the Saints kicked another three, again to the Redbacks’ one, to finish with a lead of 18 points.
One more goal in the final quarter, to the Redbacks’ two, left the Saints winners by 11 points.
The Saints recruited former North Melbourne legend Brent ‘Boomer’ Harvey, mid season, with the 47-year-old kicking two goals in the game.
Best for the Saints were Brent Harvey, Joel Cowan, Alister Ferrier, Joel Dovaston, Taylor Ford and Zachary Gervasoni.

Words: Donna Kelly | Top image: Peter McBride

Nature conservation groups are celebrating a win for nature, climate and community with formal legislation tabled for new national parks and conservation reserves across Victoria’s central west.
The creation of the Wombat-Lerderderg, Mount Buangor and Pyrenees national parks and other conservation reserves will protect tens of thousands of hectares of habitat. The legislation was promised in 2021 after decades of tireless advocacy to keep irreplaceable landscapes and wildlife safe from logging, resource exploitation and neglect.
The new parks will protect over 380 rare and threatened plants, animals and fungi, including Mt Cole grevilleas, brush-tailed phascogales, mountain skinks and powerful owls.

Gayle Osborne, spokesperson for Wombat Forestcare, and pictured inset, said the legislation finally gave the Wombat Forest the legal protection it deserved.
“Wombat Forest is home to threatened wildlife, rich biodiversity and vital water catchments.”
Victorian National Parks Association executive director Matt Ruchel said it was a major milestone for Victoria’s natural heritage and climate resilience.
“National parks are the gold standard of protection. After four years of advocacy, we’re thrilled the legislation is finally ready. These fragmented forest remnants are vital refuges in a landscape heavily cleared for agriculture.”
Conservation groups say the new protected areas are vital for:
• habitat connections – securing vital habitat for threatened wildlife like powerful owls and greater gliders;
• water security – protecting critical catchments supplying clean water to regional communities;
• cultural recognition – empowering Traditional owner co-management and cultural authority over country;
• sustainable tourism – supporting nature-based recreation and economic opportunities under the National Parks Act 1975; and
• climate resilience – advancing carbon sequestration and climate adaptation through restored, intact ecosystems.
The final legislation, once passed, brings these areas under the permanent care of Parks Victoria and the community.
“Legislation is just the beginning,” Ms Osborne said. “Decades of logging and neglect have left these forests vulnerable. We need substantial investment in ecological restoration, weed and feral species control.”
Conservation groups are calling on the state government to back the parks with funding that reflects their ecological and cultural significance, so future generations can experience thriving forests, flowing rivers and abundant wildlife.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said most activities were still allowed within national park boundaries.
“Horse riding, trail bike riding, four-wheel driving, camping, hiking, all those things will still be able to happen. We’re protecting and looking after what needs to be looked after for the next generations but we’re also providing access to a bunch of things people love.
“Some of these flora and species don’t exist anywhere but Victoria.”
Mr Dimopoulos said the national park plan was different from the controversial Great Forest National Park proposal. “We reckon we’ve got the balance exactly right, between state forest and national parks,” he said.
Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Sandy Scheltema

Attacks by keyboard warriors on social media, and personal attacks on staff just doing their work in the community, is impacting the mental health of Hepburn Shire Council staff.
It is also leading to staff resigning and with some jobs remaining unfilled thanks to the perceived poor reputation of working for the council, meaning the work is no longer being done in a timely manner.

Council CEO Bradley Thomas, in response to queries about the issue from The Local, said the negativity was having a massive impact on staff but there was little council could do to counteract what comes down to bullying.
“I’m doing lots of things, but we are really limited. We’ve spoken to Facebook, and written to Facebook around taking down certain posts and what they can do. But we have been underwhelmed at their overall solutions and it is really difficult to contact them.
“There’s not an Australian base or a phone number for a person to talk to. But we’ve engaged our lawyers to effectively get posts taken down – and you’ve got to do that on a post-by-post basis.
“So the problem with that is that someone posts today, someone posts last night, I come to work today, do a copy of the post, send it off to the lawyers and the lawyers send it off to Facebook. It can take weeks and the damage is basically done.
“We’ve got lawyers engaged, we have raised the matter with police, and we’ve also raised the matter with the Minister for Local Government. We’re effectively trying anything and everything to stop it. We’re really limited around what council can do as an organisation legally.”
Mr Thomas said staff are being encouraged to do what they need to maintain their mental and personal health, including not going on social media.
“We’ve supported staff taking out intervention orders. We have put in processes so that certain individuals can only engage with us in written form. We are also encouraging staff to hang up the phone (if needed). It’s disappointing that the legislation probably hasn’t kept pace with social media, so it’s really difficult to stop it. But we are trying everything, because it is absolutely having an impact on us.”
Mr Thomas said even individuals who are “quite stoic and resilient” were being impacted, along with their families.
“We’ve got great staff who are trying their best on a whole range of things and just don’t need to see this rubbish. It is probably from a select few, but the problem is the select few post and then numbers of other people get on and ‘like’ comments and add comments and it becomes more than it needs to be. Some of the worst comments are just horrific.
“There’s no accuracy to any of the information. We’re sick of it. We’ve lost staff over it.”
Mr Thomas said the recruitment market was tough and people were doing their research now about where they want to work.
“Why would you come to work at Hepburn Shire when you’re having to deal with community members like that? It’s taken up a hell of a lot of time. It’s probably taking our focus off other things as well because we’re having to deal with this and respond to this. But we’re keen to do everything that we can to stop it because it’s just difficult.”
Mr Thomas said council was willing to work formally through any issues that arose with ratepayers.
But those working on a keyboard warrior approach needed to have a think about what they’re posting and how they want to be treated, he said.
“The way some people are treating council officers is just inhumane, to be honest. And we’re sick of it and shouldn’t have to put up with it.”
Mr Thomas said some of the phone calls were also horrific along with staff, such as outdoor crews, getting sprays for things they have no involvement in.
“Look, 99 per cent of people are fine. It’s the 1 per cent who are just childish, so immature and so inappropriate. But they are having a massive, massive impact.
“I’ve had staff in tears. There’s probably not a day that I haven’t had a conversation with a councillor, a staff member or somebody in relation to some terrible behaviour.”
Mr Thomas said he believed it was an overall societal problem where people have lost the ability to treat people with respect. “We’re seeing it not just in council and not just in government. You’re seeing it right across the board.
“And something’s got to change because it can’t continue. And people will not want to do jobs where there is that public interaction. And council has a lot of amazing roles. But why would you put your hand up to take those roles on if you’re going to cop that?
“Where I’ve got really annoyed, upset and emotional about it is just the impact that it is having on staff and their family members. When you’ve got staff in tears, when you’ve got family members telling people, why the hell do you put up with this? That’s really tough.”
Words: Donna Kelly

The Local has been shortlisted for two awards in the 2025 Victorian Country Press Awards.
Photographer Kyle Barnes has been shortlisted for Best News Story for his photo of The Barefoot Barber.

Jobbo, formally Neil Jobson but now mostly answering to just the nickname, has been known in the region for a long time as an artisan builder but like many people, wanted a change.
And it happened like magic. Jobbo popped into a barber in Daylesford for a haircut a few years back and was offered a job by the owner. Career change done.
Kyle said he had been involved in photography for 20 years with newspapers and magazines. “Sometimes it is a bit of a strain to tell a story in a photo. My job is photo-journalism, to beat the editorial team to the punch.
“Jobbo was the perfect subject for this photo shoot and I really enjoyed working with him. You can also catch the movie using the QR code – we had a bit of fun doing that.”
Meanwhile, editor Donna Kelly has been shortlisted for Best Editorial/Opinion. One of her submitted pieces was about the importance of breast checks, the other was looming council elections.
“I like to mix work and personal columns up a bit. I also think if you can get a service announcement across, like breast checks, then that is a good thing.
“It’s funny, I feel like I write my column for just a few friends, as if I was talking to them. Hopefully that comes across. No airs and graces, just me chatting.”
The awards will be announced at the VCPA Conference in Yarrawonga on Friday, October 24.

The state government is making it easier for Victorians to access faster and more reliable broadband internet, with more than 100 Connecting Victoria Fibre-to-the-Premises upgrades completed across the state.

Minister for Government Services Natalie Hutchins today announced the completion of 101 projects which are boosting connectivity right across regional Victoria.

The Fibre-to-the-Premises upgrades replace existing copper with high-speed fibre optic cables that plug directly into each premise – this means residents and businesses can now access download speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per second through their chosen internet provider.

The 101 projects delivered have been jointly funded by Connecting Victoria and NBN Co. More than 99,000 households and businesses across 70 Victorian towns and suburbs can now switch to nbn Fibre-to-the-Premises technology thanks to these upgrades.

Work has taken place across the state, including Greater Geelong, Greater Bendigo, Hume, the Latrobe Valley, and most recently on the Surf Coast in Lorne.

While the Commonwealth is responsible for telecommunications services in Australia, the Labor Government is investing significantly to fast-track state telecommunications infrastructure upgrades.

Connecting Victoria has already completed 140 broadband projects. By the end of the year, Victoria is set to have the largest percentage of premises in Australia capable of gigabit speeds through nbn’s fixed line network.

Delivered by the Department of Government Services, Connecting Victoria is the single largest investment in mobile and internet infrastructure made by any state. The majority of projects are set for completion by June 2026.

Victorians can check if they’re eligible for an upgrade via the ‘check your address’ function on nbn’s website at nbnco.com.au/residential/upgrades/more-fibre, or find out more at vic.gov.au/connecting-victoria.

Every day in Australia, 58 people are diagnosed with breast cancer. It remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, with more than 21,000 new cases expected in 2025. Heartbreakingly, nine Australians die from the disease every single day.

Despite these confronting numbers, conversations about breast cancer are often avoided, leaving many women to face their fears in silence. A new national campaign from tea brand Tetley in support of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) aims to change that, by transforming something as simple as a chat over a cup of tea into what could be a life changing conversation.

The Uncomfortable Cup campaign, launched ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, encourages Australians to have difficult but vital conversations about symptoms, screening, and support. Working together, BCNA and Tetley are using a range of approaches to start meaningful conversations and provide strength through shared experiences.

As part of the campaign, Tetley is raising essential funds to support the work of BCNA through a limited-edition pink pack of Tetley Tea Cup 100s from which it will be donating 5 cents for every pack sold to BCNA. Funds raised will help ensure that every Australian affected by breast cancer has access to BCNA’s trusted information, support services, and advocacy.

To bring the campaign to life, Tetley has commissioned a series of unique artisan cups each with a sensory touch design relating to some of the physical symptoms individuals might be able to feel as part of self-examination.  The mugs form part of a social media campaign that encourages Australians to share their experiences and spark action.

“Sharing a cup of tea can be the catalyst for conversations, which no matter how uncomfortable, are deeply necessary. Whether checking in with a loved one, sharing a personal story, or learning about symptoms and screening, these moments of connection can lead to early detection, greater understanding, and stronger support,” says Divya Shrivastava, Head of Marketing ANZ.

Case Study: Reshu Basnyat, Melbourne, Victoria

When Reshu Basnyat was diagnosed with triple-positive aggressive breast cancer at the age of 33, she was pregnant with her first child.

“Near the end of my first trimester, my husband and I were overjoyed, dreaming of our life as parents – but a small lump in my breast grew more difficult to ignore,” she said.

“After a series of tests, I was told I had triple-positive aggressive breast cancer. The weight of it, cancer while pregnant, was almost too much to bear.

“I still remember the BCNA Pink Lady visit in July 2023. Seeing so many women bravely fighting breast cancer gave both me and my husband immense strength and reassurance that we weren’t alone.

“I hope the Uncomfortable Cup encourages women to listen to their bodies, speak up early, and remember that they’re never alone.”

BCNA CEO, Kirsten Pilatti, said the campaign highlights the power of talking openly about breast cancer.

“As Australia’s peak breast cancer organisation, BCNA understands that the conversations people avoid having are often the ones that can save lives. When someone has had a positive diagnosis, is navigating treatment, or is getting on with their life after treatment, they know they can turn to us for support and connection.”

Case Study: Paula Correa, Sydney, New South Wales

Sydney resident Paula Correa, 41, was diagnosed in 2020 following breast reduction surgery when the doctor found a lump.

“At my first oncologist appointment, I was sitting in the waiting room, overwhelmed and unsure of what to expect,” Correa said

“Across from me sat a little boy – also a cancer patient. We caught eyes and in that quiet moment nothing was said, but everything was understood. It was deeply uncomfortable. We were two people at opposite ends of life, him just starting, me in my 40s but facing the same terrifying road ahead.

“That silent exchange reminded me that cancer doesn’t discriminate. It forced me to confront the reality of what I was going through in a way that words never could. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.

“Campaigns such as Uncomfortable Cup start important, often avoided, conversations and remind people that early detection matters and that breast cancer isn’t always obvious. I hope it encourages more people to talk openly, get checked, and support one another through difficult journeys, because silence can cost lives.”

Pilatti said the partnership represents everything BCNA stands for – being present in the moments that matter most.

“Just as Tetley brings people together over a cup of tea, BCNA connects Australians to the information, peer support, and advocacy they need to face breast cancer with confidence. Together, we want to transform the kitchen table conversations into life-changing action,” Pilatti said.

For more information, visit https://www.tetley.com.au/theuncomfortablecup/