Suffice to say it was a tough job for the judges, but the results are in following the Leonards Hill 48th baby show fundraiser.

The historical event held in a historical building took place on Saturday April 13 and the fundraising event’s beginning dates back to 1970.

Current day organisers say the first baby show held back then was a fundraising effort toward the construction of Daylesfrd’s outdoor swimming pool. That first show was conducted by Dorothy Liversidge, (aka Miss Agriculture).

Results:
Section 1: Birth-9 Months
1st Prize – Caleb Woodward, Creswick
2nd Prize – Layla Richter, Mount Clear
Section 2: 9 Months – 18 Months
1st Prize – Ariella Scarlet Ellis, Miners Rest
2nd Prize – Jacob Smits, Daylesford
Section 3: 18 Months – 3 Years
1st Prize – Charlie Meeuwsen, Ballarat
2nd Prize – Madelyn Hollis, Blackwood
Section 4: 3-5 Years
1st Prize – Natalie Anderson, Campbells Creek
2nd Prize – Joseph Giouzelis, Creswick
Champion Baby
Charlie Meeuwsen, Ballarat
Youngest Baby
Kaylee Blackmore, Mount Clear – 7 days old
Curliest Hair
Madelyn Hollis, Blackwood
Rosiest Cheeks
Phoenix Richter, Mount Clear
Happiest Baby
Johnathan Thurstun, Kyneton
Miss Tiny Tot
Natalie Anderson, Campbells Creek
Master Tiny Tot
Joseph Giouzelis, Creswick
Princess
Adele-Jade Hill, Winter Valley
Prince
Johnathan Thurstun, Kyneton
Most Popular Baby Fundraising Competition
1st Prize – Atticus Sinclair, Black Hill
2nd Prize – Adele-Jade Hill, Winter Valley
See you next year!

Detectives from the Western Region Crime Squad have charged a man after two police vehicles were allegedly rammed in Mount Clear last week.

Officers observed a silver Ford Falcon drive into a car wash facility on Geelong Road about 8.50pm last Wednesday, April 17.

Checks revealed the Ford was allegedly stolen from Torquay in September 2023 and was bearing false registration plates.

Two police vehicles parked in front and behind the Ford with their lights and sirens activated, when the driver of the Ford allegedly began ramming both stationary police vehicles.

Two offenders were arrested at the scene and the driver fled on foot but was arrested nearby.

A homemade shot gun was located inside the driver’s side door and a fold-out knife was located on his person.

Three police members received minor injuries as a result of the collision.

The alleged driver, a 20-year-old Wendouree man, was transported to hospital with minor injuries and has since been charged with aggravated intentional exposure of police officer to risk by driving, intentional exposure of police officer to risk by driving, theft of motor vehicle as well as other driving, firearms and drug offences.

He has been remanded to face Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on 18 July.

A 43-year-old Eureka man and a 35-year-old Eureka woman have been released pending further enquiries.

The recent inclusion of the Old Daylesford School of Mines building on the Victorian Heritage Register has significant positive implications for the future of the building.

It means that the building that now houses the town’s museum will be able to attract crucial funding through Heritage Victoria for maintenance works into the future.

It also recognises the significant place that the 1890s brick building at 100 Vincent Street occupies as part of the state’s mining and education history.

The nomination was lodged by the former Daylesford Museum Reserve Committee of Management back in 2019.

Its successful listing on the register was confirmed in February this year providing much cause for celebration particularly among locals who played a key role in lodging the nomination.

Former Daylesford Museum Reserve Committee of Management chair Ken Warren is among them and delighted with the result. He notes how rare and difficult it is to have such a nomination succeed.

“We’re very, very fortunate to get this up on the register,” Mr Warren said.

“Everybody worked so hard to get there.”

Mr Warren says the listing has major implications for the ability of the current and future committees of management to attract ongoing funding required for upkeep of the building.

“It also preserves well into the future the building as significant for the shire and the state so it doesn’t disappear,” he said.

“Lots of places disappear because people don’t appreciate their sense of significance.

“This listing mean there is a sense of permanence and a line of funding into the future and it makes it even better as a site for the museum.”

Current repair and upgrade works are continuing on the building that today houses two much loved cultural institutions, the Daylesford and District Historical Society and the Daylesford Community Brass Band.

The museum building dates back to the early 1890s when it was used by the School of Mines to teach classes on science and art.

The building retains many of its original features including one of the earliest and most intact School of Mines laboratories and metallurgical laboratory interiors in Victoria.

The Victorian Heritage Database Report associated with the new listing notes that the School of Mines is historically significant as a forerunner of the technical schools that were a key part of the state’s education system for many decades.

The database records that: “The Daylesford School of Mines is architecturally significant as it retains a combination of fine features that are characteristic of an early technical school – roof lanterns for daylighting, distinctive brick assay chimney, furnaces, fume cupboards, and 1890s joinery”.

The old Daylesford School of Mines comprises the laboratory building with chimney and the art department building dating from 1890, and the technical school addition of 1914.

Local resident Graeme Orr was a student at the technical school in the late 1940s and the 1950s and said he was delighted to see the building gain heritage listing.

“I think it’s wonderful,” said Graeme who attended school there from 1949 to 1951, starting at the tender age of 12.

“This is really exciting as there are not many Daylesford buildings on the State Register,” says Heather Mutimer who was secretary with the committee of management that lodged the successful application for listing.

“A lot of work went into the nomination and was underpinned by the completion of a detailed Conservation Management Plan,” Heather said.

Words & Image: Eve Lamb

Central Victoria Response Unit officers have charged a man after allegedly locating a traffickable quantity of drugs in his possession in Kangaroo Flat over the weekend.

Police attended a property in Browning Street and located the man before he allegedly attempted to run from police.

He was only able to run a short distance before he was arrested for unrelated matters about 11am on Saturday April 20

During the arrest, officers searched the 41-year-old Kangaroo Flat man and located what is alleged to be drugs including approximately 70g of methylamphetamine.

He has been charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, as well as possess cannabis, morphine, prescription medications, and proceeds of crime.

He had been remanded to appear at the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court earlier this week, on Monday 22 April.

Lest We Forget- Images thanks to Michelle Donnelly

On a beautiful autumn day, surrounded by loved ones, friends and community, Ros and Keith Pyers, holding hands in the family home sitting room, did what they have done so well for so long – shared their love, kindness and generosity.

This article could easily have been written as a love story. Ros and Keith met as young teachers, fell in love and raised a family.

They navigated their way through Victorian schools and around the world, finally carving out a life on the outskirts of Daylesford. Ros and Keith have also dedicated thousands of hours to helping community groups, causes and committees prosper for generations.

But the real story is about Ros (pictured above) and her love and devotion to children’s education, music and local history and her desire to give back to her community.

Thanks to advice from her astute father, Ros invested in a parcel of shares which later she set aside as a gift to the community. During her long years of retirement, these shares grew to fund the four bequests, helping Ros to realise her dream of giving back to her community.

“It certainly wasn’t millions,” said Keith.

“But Ros always talked about giving back to community groups using that money and as a family we knew it was important for Ros to see it happen. It was just a matter of when.”

Of course, there were no objections from Keith and the family but there was a great deal of organising and planning that Keith has undertaken on Ros’s behalf, including bank meetings, the setting up of trust funds and liaising with the recipients.

Given how widely she has volunteered and the number of community groups she has devoted her time to over the years, it must have been quite a challenge for Ros to choose the recipients.

The grateful beneficiaries of her generosity include Hepburn Primary School, Daylesford Primary School, Daylesford Community Brass Band and Daylesford and District Historical Society.

For more than 30 years Ros was a member of the Daylesford & District Agricultural Society and the Daylesford Highland Gathering collective.

She was also a valued member of the Daylesford & District Historical Society and helped establish Australia Day celebrations in the town. A founding member of the Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, Ros also supported Keith in his role as local Mayor over a four-year period.

Her devotion to charity, community work and volunteering roles was carried out while raising a young family, continuing her studies, and working as a school principal over a 40-year period.

Recipients spoke with gratitude and outlined the contribution the funds would make to their respective organisations.

A Rosalind Pyers stamp will be included in all new library books bought with the funds for Daylesford Primary School among other essential items.

Hepburn Primary School will plant a tree in Ros’s honour and will use funds to extend the school’s annual camping program.

An academic excellence award will be set up in honour of Ros to help children transition from primary to secondary school.

The Historical Society will use its donation to help preserve its newspaper collection. Funds will also support Daylesford Brass Band members to attend music camps. In a touching tribute to Ros, the band has also commissioned a piece of music to be written in her honour.

The gathering at the Pyers home celebrated important local institutions, each with their own unique stories. They are all an important part of Daylesford’s past and, thanks to Ros’s generosity, will continue to pave the way for the future.

Ros never wanted any accolades, just the knowledge that her community was being cared for. Ros’s legacy is so important for a small community like ours.

Making sure our history is preserved, our school children are cared for, and local institutions like the brass band can continue to proudly pop up at every community event.

At 90 years of age, her memory is fading at times. But on this beautiful autumn day, her husband of 67 years sits by her side along with her three boys and three grandchildren.

There is a strong sense of Ros’s contentment and happiness, emotions that are shared by most of the people gathered to honour her and her extraordinary legacy.

The gathering honoured family bonds, long-term friendships and a woman who embodies the very essence of community and generosity. It was one of those occasions when the true meaning of the words love, legacy and loyalty to a community shone through.

Hepburn Shire Mayor, Councillor Brian Hood perfectly summed up the feeling in the room.

“This is an extraordinary event. The impact of your generosity and compassion will be felt for many years to come. This is such a wonderful gesture and one that will make an incredible difference to our children and the wider community. What an extraordinary event to be a part of.”

Words: Narelle Groenhout | Image: Contributed

The Trentham Vintage Tractor Pull is on again this Sunday, April 28.

Hosted by the Trentham Rail and Tramways Association (TRATA) and kicking off at 10am, the event will take place at the historic railway precinct in Trentham.

“We originally did the tractor pull at Tylden for 19 years,” says organiser Victoria Hanson. “But this is the fifth time the vintage tractor pull has been held at the historic Trentham Railway Station.

“Competitors will be coming from all areas of Victoria to compete on machines ranging from under 20 horsepower right through to 150 horsepower.”

Along with the roar of vintage muscle tractors, there will be a classic car display, monster raffle, snacks, Devonshire tea and plenty of fun for the whole family.

All proceeds raised on the day go towards the restoration of the Trentham Historic Railway precinct.

For enquiries phone Leigh Sutcliffe on 0484 558 333 or Ross Hanson on 0428 176 996.

File image: Kyle Barnes

Police will prepare a report for the coroner after a woman died following a collision in Ballan earlier this month.

It is understood four motorbikes collided on the Western Freeway about 1.50pm on 7 April.

Officers were told all four riders, who were riding in a convoy of seven motorbikes, came off their respective motorbikes.

Three riders were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The fourth rider, a 64-year-old Cranbourne woman, was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

She succumbed to her injuries and died in hospital on Friday (April 19).

The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, with dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website.

Dedicated upcycler, Michelle Newton is wearing a big challenge this month and she’s inviting Hepburn shire residents to be inspired by her efforts.

She’s taking on 30 upcycling projects from a mountain of jeans that were planned for landfill for the month of April, in support of Earth Month.

With a passion for sustainability and a heart for helping others, Michelle says she is on a mission to make a difference.

Each day, she aims to breathe new life into faulty jeans, transforming them from discarded garments into one-of-a-kind treasures.

But Michelle says her endeavor goes beyond just creating art. By undertaking this challenge, she is planning to raise awareness for Earth Month (www.earthday.org), an organization committed to protecting the planet.

With every pair of jeans upcycled, Michelle hopes to not only reducing waste but is also creating awareness of Earth Month.

From denim bags to patchwork skirts, Michelle’s creations are sure to captivate hearts and minds alike and she’s inviting Hepburn shire residents to follow along on her inspiring journey as she combines creativity with compassion to effect positive change in the world.

Those interested are being invited to join Michelle as she sets out to prove that small actions can lead to big results.

More details are available on www.facebook.com/in2upcycling or www.instagram.com/reawearupcycling.

From 70s jams to 80s pop hits, Second Hand News will play two huge sets of songs spanning Fleetwood Mac’s incredible career in its upcoming live show at the Palais, Hepburn.

Those who get to this upcoming Saturday evening gig on May 11 can expect to hear those signature guitar solos and vocals brought to life in songs like ‘Rhiannon’, ‘The Chain’ and ‘Everywhere’.

Locals may remember this group from their sold out Fleetwood Mac show at the Palais last year, or perhaps they also saw their special tribute to Kate Bush.

With musical backgrounds ranging from cabaret to folk, blues, rock, punk and soul, this group brings a diverse skill set to their live music experiences.

Detailed instrumentation, awesome harmonies and a deep appreciation for the Fleetwood Mac songbook make Second Hand News’ upcoming Palais gig one to catch with more details available through the venue’s website.

The cost of living is cutting into demand for property locally and further afield, the latest real estate trends indicate.

“There are a very high number of properties on the market with properties taking between four to six months to sell,” Belle Property Director Will Walton says.

“After COVID there were five buyers for every property. Now it’s the reverse.”

CoreLogic’s national Home Value Index shows that nationally property prices continue to rise, but that prices in regional Victoria have gone against the trend and declined by 0.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2024.

According to Mr Walton, properties that are realistically priced are still selling locally and there are signs of renewed interest heading towards May. Locally about half of houses are now selling above $890,000 and half below, local real estate agents report.

Renovated three bedroom, two bathroom properties on a good size block go for between $1.2 and $1.5 million.

Most economic commentators expect interest rates to remain stable during 2024 and it’s forecast that inflation will slowly decline to below three per cent heading into 2025.

In the medium term it is expected that average mortgage interest rates will fall to between five and six per cent.

Nationally, the shortage of housing remains the major reason for high property prices and rents.

The impact on local property prices is expected to be influenced by factors, including the supply of properties, the trend toward flexible work, government regulations on short term accommodation and tax policies.

And while times are tougher at the moment, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs remain attractive destinations for visitors and residents and it is likely that demand will continue to be robust over the medium term.

A 42-year-old Doncaster East man had a lucky escape after his car was left hanging over a 5m drop in Doncaster East last Monday night.

He landed himself in trouble when he allegedly reversed through a garden bed, before crashing into a fence and ending up with his car precariously balanced on the edge of a retaining wall at a Blackburn Road shopping centre about 6.25pm on Monday April 15.

The car was winched up by Fire Rescue Victoria with the man still inside and then pulled back to safety in the car park.

Officers spoke to the driver, who allegedly returned a reading of .255 on an evidentiary breath test which is more than five times the legal limit.

His licence was immediately suspended and he was expected to be charged on summons with drink driving offences.

The City of Greater Bendigo has appointed Beam Mobility as the operator for a 12-month e-scooter hire trial in urban Bendigo, beginning late May.

Beam is the largest shared e-scooter provider in Australia, with operations across every state and territory.

The company has more experience in regional cities than any other operator in Australia, with the service popular in other regional cities such as Albury, Launceston, Cairns, Townsville, and Broome.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said she was delighted Beam was on board for the trial, after a Public Request for Quotation process was held earlier this year.

“Beam is well-versed in operating e-scooter hire schemes and will bring their knowledge and expertise to Bendigo’s 12-month trial,” Cr Metcalf said.

“The e-scooters will provide an accessible and sustainable transport option for short trips that will allow residents and visitors to explore urban Bendigo in a new way, improve connectivity between significant precincts and destinations and stimulate new business and tourism opportunities.”

Beam General Manager (ANZ) Tom Cooper said the company was thrilled to be appointed as the City of Greater Bendigo’s shared micromobility partner.

“Data from our other Australian operations shows a shift from cars to a preference for e-scooters for shorter trips under 5 km, and we look forward to seeing the same trend in Bendigo,” Mr Cooper said.

“As we prepare to commence our operations in Bendigo, we are committed to forming partnerships with local community members and organisations and engaging in discussions around the safe operation of e-scooters to ensure the safety of riders, pedestrians, and other road users.

“We know e-scooters are new to the community, and we are committed to working closely with the local community to ensure riders know their responsibilities when on an e-scooter.

“We are confident that our experience across other Australian markets will ensure operations are a success.”

Beam has developed a draft roll out plan with a tentative trial e-scooter operating area, supported by a proactive and responsive customer service approach and education for riders.

The operator will undertake further consultation with the city, councillors, businesses, and landlords over the coming weeks to confirm suitable locations for e-scooter parking and placements.

The maximum travel speed for the hire e-scooters will be 20km/h for roads and on Bendigo’s established shared bike paths (they are not permitted on footpaths under Victorian e-scooter rules), and Beam will identify ‘no-go’ zones or some ‘slow speed zones’ (10km/h) where there is a concentration of activities and a high volume of pedestrians.

The City of Bendigo has set up a key external stakeholder group including representatives from Victorian Police, Bendigo Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo TAFE, Bendigo Sustainability Group, Bike Bendigo, Be Bendigo and local businesses.

There will be regular meetings with this group once the trial starts in late May to monitor how it is going and address any issues or concerns.

The Reg Cole Quartet is headed to The Palais, Hepburn Springs for a Saturday night gig on May 4.

This renown jazz/soul/Latin outfit formed in the mid 90s while its members were all studying at Melbourne University.

They were regulars at venues like The Uptop, the Nightcat and released a number of recordings.

The guys are now recording an album of new tunes which they’ll be performing alongside some of their more popular pieces from the 90s.

More details about next month’s show at the Palais can be found on the venue’s website.

Bringing smoky jazz to Palais-Hepburn, for a Friday night gig on May 10, The Valentines is a new duo in town.

Chrissy Schuler and Sarah Barlow have decades of experience between them, spanning classical, jazz, rock, soul and blues on piano, voice and horns.

Inspired by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Nina Simone, this duo is perfect for a cozy Friday evening of your favourite jazz tunes and fine wine.

Since its conception at the start of 2023, The Valentines have appeared at the Be_Hear/Now.23 Festival, the Ballarat Heritage Festival and residencies in wine bars.

The music spans swing, Latin, soul, bossa nova and R&B, played on piano, voice, flute, clarinet and saxophone.

More details about their upcoming gig at the Palais can be found on the venue’s website.