Around 1000 visitors paid a visit to the Trentham Easter Art and Craft Show, committee members say.

Organisers thanked volunteers and all of the community for “making this year’s Art and Craft Show a wonderful experience for artists and visitors”.

The committee’s Leonie Hehir reported: “the new Mechanics was a superb venue to host almost 400 art and craft works, 24% of which went to new homes.

“Around 1000 visitors came to see the variety of artworks on display over the four days of Easter,” Leonie said.

“The eight judges remarked on the high quality and breadth of art and found it difficult to choose the 17 award winners in each of the categories of art mediums.

“Children under 12 and youth 12 to 18 were also admired and bought for their talent, suggesting an exciting next generation of artists is coming up.

“Of the 163 exhibitors, 111 were locals (within 50km of the Trentham Post Office) reflecting a strong artistic community in our area.

Best Emerging Artist was won by Jeanie Dean

Best Local Artist was won by Carolyn Smyrk

Dr Gwenth Wisewould Portrait Painting Prize was won by Emma McAdam-Marmo

Stan Falloon Prize for Best Craft – soft medium was won by Anja Tusek

Stan Falloon Prize for Best Craft – hard medium was won by Yvette DeLacy

Phyllis Smith Prize for Best Watercolour was won by Judy Perfect

Best Oil was won by Shay Pappas

Best Acrylic was won by Wendy Webster

Best Drawing was won by Fred Mdamanyi

Best Mixed Medium was won by Helen McRae

Best Digital Design was won by Penelope Cato

Best Photograph was won by Pamela Kent

Best Sculpture was won by Jodi Galvin

Best Jewellery was won by Vanessa Pearl

Best Artisan under 12 was won by Jack Grant-Allan

Best Artisan 12 to 18 was won by Josephine Salanitri

The People’s Choice Award was won by Brian Nash

“The Committee would like to thank our major sponsor the Bendigo Community Bank Trentham and Districts, Trentham Lions and the Little Gallery, East Trentham Fellowship, Trentham Petrol & Stuff, Ruby Goose Foods, Cool Country Classics, Greg and Robyn Smith, Harkin Real Estate for prize sponsorships,” Leonie said.

“Also the local traders who assisted in the provision of food, coffee and alcohol for opening night (see list on the website).

“We especially appreciate Georgie Patterson for the magnificent flowers she brought us from her garden which graced the hall and foyer and were admired by the hundreds of people throughout the show.

“Save time at Easter next year to visit the Art and Craft Show and consider entering yourself.”

Recreational boaters and anglers can look forward to better access and more fish to catch at Rocklands Reservoir.

Victoria’s Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos in recent days visited the Hynes Reserve boat ramp to stock Murray cod.

Access to Rocklands has never been more important, as it continues to grow as a popular destination for catching stocked Murray cod and golden perch.

In 2022, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water received funding from the Better Boating Fund to build a concrete ramp at Hynes Reserve.

After works were paused due to high water levels, the final section will be poured in the coming weeks—making it easier for more boaters, including those with two-wheel-drive vehicles, to get out on the water.

The Better Boating Fund reinvests all revenue from recreational boating licences and registration fees back into upgrades and programs that benefit boaters.

Since 2021, over $100 million has been invested into more than 50 ramp upgrades across Victoria, including at Rocklands, Toolondo Reservoir, Lake Lonsdale, and Taylors Lake.

Rocklands Reservoir has seen a major boost in outdoor recreation, with its annual economic contribution growing by 164 per cent over the past five years to $5.5 million, and visitation up 50 per cent to more than 25,000 people.

Fishing is a major drawcard, with regular catches of golden perch to 50cm, Murray cod to 85cm and more, as well as redfin and trout.

Visitors travel from far and wide — 49 per cent from other regional areas, 17 per cent from Melbourne, and nearly seven per cent from South Australia.

In the last eight years, more than 5 million Murray cod and golden perch have been released into Rocklands, making it one of the most heavily stocked waterways in Australia and giving families even more reasons to visit.

The state government has stocked 9 million fish across the state this financial year, enroute to 10 million by July 2025.

Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos: “We know Victorians cherish time spent on the water with loved ones, which is why we continue to invest in better boating facilities including ramps.”

“Rocklands is amongst Australia’s most heavily stocked lakes and is rapidly gaining a reputation for fantastic freshwater fishing for iconic native species like Murray cod and golden perch.”

The state government is expanding access to the life-saving medication, naloxone. 

Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a drug that can reverse an opioid overdose. It is known as an opioid antagonist and can reverse the effects of opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine.

Acting Minister for Mental Health Mary-Anne Thomas in recent days announced Victoria’s Take-Home Naloxone Program will be expanded to all Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) sites ensuring more Victorians who risk, or may witness, an opioid overdose can access this medication.

Since it began in December 2023, the program has provided more than 12,000 units of naloxone to the community – with the expansion increasing access in areas experiencing high drug harms. 

Nearly 400 Victorians die from opioid overdoses each year, and the expansion of the program will give more Victorians the chance to reverse an opioid overdose and prevent friends and families from experiencing the tragedy of losing a loved one. 

Under the Take-Home Naloxone Program, naloxone is currently available at 50 Victorian NSP providers, the Medically Supervised Injecting Room, over the counter at pharmacies or via prescription from a medical or nurse practitioner.

A safe and effective medication that is easy to administer, Naloxone presents low risk of adverse effects, making it lifesaving when used in a timely manner for an opioid overdose.

This program is in direct response to the 2018 Victorian Parliamentary Committee’s Inquiry into Drug Law Reform, with these changes allowing approved workers in approved organisations to supply naloxone to people who are at risk of, or who may be likely to witness, an opioid overdose including carers, families or friends.

To help make sure Naloxone gets to those who need it most, the Take-Home Naloxone Program allows for ‘peer’ distribution, meaning it can be collected for or given to another person for the purpose of opioid overdose reversal.

In addition to the Take-Home Naloxone Program, the Labor Government’s $95.1 million Statewide Action Plan to reduce drug harm is delivering pill testing, expanded access to pharmacotherapy and a trial of 20 naloxone vending machines to ensure life-saving medication is easy to access in an emergency.

More information on Victoria’s Take-Home Naloxone Program can be found at health.vic.gov.au/victorias-take-home-naloxone-program.

Enrollments at government schools for the 2026 intake of prep students have now opened with the state government encouraging families to prepare their applications for their preferred school now. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll in recent days announced enrollment applications are open until Friday, 25 July – giving families time to plan, visit schools and get the information they need to apply. 

This includes enrollments for the 19 new government schools opening in 2026, thanks to the state government’s record investment in school infrastructure, ensuring every student can access a great local school closer to home.

Families across the state have guaranteed access to their designated neighbourhood government school for their kids. 

Parents and carers will receive offer letters back by Friday 8, August – while applications submitted after Friday, 25 July will be considered by schools as they are received.

The opening of enrollments comes after the launch of the updated Find my School website. The website includes school zones for 17 of the new government schools opening next year, and adjustments to 7 existing school zones.

The updated 2026 school zones will give families with children starting primary school next year the most up to date information.

The Find my School website allows families to find their designated neighbourhood government school and other government schools nearby – giving them clarity on what their government school options are for their children.

Schools can be found by typing in a residential address or searching by school name or categories such as primary, secondary, or specialist school.

To find your local school zone, visit findmyschool.vic.gov.au and to learn more about the Prep enrollment process, visit www.vic.gov.au/enrolling-foundation-prep.

Local children in the Macedon Ranges Shire are being given the chance to have their creativity showcased shire-wide … on the side of a council waste collection truck.

The council is calling on its young residents to take part in a new art competition that combines creativity with environmental awareness.

The winning entries will be printed on the side of the council’s waste trucks, which travel through towns and neighbourhoods, as a colourful reminder of how we can all do our bit to care for the environment.

The competition encourages children to create an artwork in one of three key waste education categories:

• the four bin system – showing how to correctly sort waste into the right bin

• hazardous waste – helping people understand how to dispose of hazardous items safely

• choose to reuse – inspiring the community to ditch single-use items and embrace reusables

Entries are open to children from early learning centres, kindergartens and schools throughout the shire.

Winners will receive a waste warrior starter pack filled with fun and practical eco-friendly goodies. Their artwork will be professionally printed and displayed on one of the shire’s waste trucks – bringing their message to the streets for years to come.

The early learning centre or school that each winner attends will also receive a delivery of organic compost for their gardens, helping to close the loop on food and garden waste.

Mayor Dom Bonanno said the initiative was a great way to engage children in the subject of sustainability through art.

“This competition gives our youngest residents a voice and a creative outlet to show the whole community how we can reduce waste and protect our environment,” he said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for children to learn about our waste system and be proud of the positive impact they can make – especially when they see their artwork driving around town.”

The competition is now open and will close on Friday 30 May 2025.

To enter and for full details, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/truck-art

The Stiff Gins are headed to Creswick to play Odessa @ Leavers on Sunday July 20.

Stiff Gins, featuring Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta woman Kaleena Briggs and Yuwaalaraay woman Nardi Simpson, form a powerful musical duo.

Their fourth studio album “Crossroads” marks the 25-year career point for Australia’s longest-performing all-female First Nations band.

It also reaffirms the band’s status as Matriarchal pioneers in the Australian Blak music scene. Produced by Syd Green (Casey Chambers, 19Twenty) “Crossroads” combines Stiff Gins signature blend of folk, roots, and First Nations language and culture with newfound depths of lyrical storytelling, intricate harmony and rich layers of instrumentation.

The result is a sonic landscape resonating with both introspection and resilience, all forged against a political backdrop that advocates for increased representation and recognition of First Nations people in Australia.

“Crossroads” not only delves into the emotional landscapes of transformation but also sings up profound belonging amidst change.

More details about the upcoming gig at Odessa @ Leavers in Creswick can be found on the venue’s website and also through Humanitix online.

Victorian families are saving up to $400 a year per child on dental checkups, with the state’s Smile Squad school dental program taking pressure off the hip pocket, the state government says.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas and Minister for Education Ben Carroll last week visited Keilor Primary School – one of the more than 900 Victorian government schools, and more than 127,000 children, to receive a visit from the van since the program began in 2019.

For families, the price of a visit to the dentist can be a deterrent to regular checkups – but with Smile Squad, maintaining oral health doesn’t need to be a financial burden.

Delivered by mobile teams of dedicated oral health clinicians who travel across the state in bright orange vans, the program provides free check-ups and follow up care, x-rays, teeth cleaning, application of fluoride and dental sealants, fillings, and root canals to school students. 

With Term 2 now underway, parents are encouraged to register their child to take part in the program – and it’s now easier than ever, with a new simplified form available in 31 languages making sure parents from any background can provide consent ahead of a visit to their child’s school.

Dental conditions are one of the highest causes of preventable hospitalisations for children. Improving access to dental care is critical, with tooth decay now five times more prevalent than asthma among children. 

Students can also access free care at Smile Squad Specialist Hubs in Geelong, Bendigo and Gippsland, while specialised dental care is available to all children referred through the program. 

Smile Squad is one of a suite of programs funded by the state government to ease the cost of living pressures on families including the $400 School Saving Bonus, Glasses for Kids program, school breakfast clubs, discounted student travel, and free swimming lessons.

The state government says it’s making sure owners and residents of apartments and units who are struggling to keep up with their body corporate fees, have access to the advice and support they need.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos last week announced new compulsory body corporate fee notices would give people more information and advice on their rights to ask for payment plans, how to access dispute resolution and what financial counselling supports are available. 

A dedicated phone channel is also now available for owners corporation queries, in addition to existing online enquires services.

An owners corporation – also known as body corporate or strata – manages the common property of a residential, commercial, retail, industrial or mixed-use property development. 

The new notices advise owners in financial difficulty that they can contact their owners corporation manager or committee to request a fee payment plan.

There is also information about the National Debt Helpline’s step-by-step guide to dealing with owners corporation fees and levies and how to talk to a financial counsellor.

The new notices are the official approved notices owners corporations must use when advising an owner they have overdue fees owing. Older versions are no longer valid.

This comes on top of significant reforms made to owners corporation laws in 2021 to better reflect the needs of Victorians living in apartments and other properties managed by owners corporations. 

For free, confidential advice from a financial counsellor, contact the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or visit the website at ndh.org.au.

Contact Consumer Affairs Victoria for owners corporation issues by calling 1300 55 81 81 and selecting option 7 then 3, or online via consumer.vic.gov.au/contact-us.

The new forms are available on the CAV website at consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/owners-corporations.

Residents across Maryborough and the surrounding region can now access healthcare closer to home with the upgrade of Maryborough and District Hospital officially completed.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Member for Ripon Martha Haylett last week officially opened the hospital’s $115 million new facility as it prepared to admit its first patients this week and announced a funding boost to bring the new facility online.

The opening is backed by an $11.7 million investment – which will help the hospital to hire more staff, install new equipment and set up the new facility.

The new state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility will mean the hospital’s dedicated doctors and nurses can treat an additional 4,000 patients every year – supporting demand in the growing region.

The upgrade has delivered a new urgent care centre, a 32-bed inpatient unit, two operating theatres and recovery spaces, and a day medical centre with imaging, pharmacy, and oncology, dialysis and infusion services.

Local mums will also be able to give birth closer to home, with the upgrade delivering a new maternity unit that includes birthing suites – meaning women with uncomplicated pregnancies no longer need to travel to nearby towns with larger hospitals to have their babies.

The modern design and layout will also improve patient flow and deliver a safer and more efficient workplace for staff and better care for patients. It also includes new consultant suites, a reception area and additional carparking.

The project was delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority and builder Fairbrother Construction and created and sustained more than 340 local jobs during peak construction.

Work is continuing on the new state-of-the-art logistics hub which will streamline logistics for the redeveloped hospital, making it faster and more efficient to distribute supplies throughout the hospital.

The $4.3 million project will enhance storage and handling capacity, improve linen services, and upgrade waste management.

The hub will also strengthen infection control measures by providing a segregated space for linen handling, hot water equipment wash bays, and an expanded space for clinical waste storage.

MDHS Chief Executive Officer Nickola Allan said the completion of the new hospital was a historic moment for the region.

“This is a once-in-a-generation transformation of our health service, and we’re incredibly proud to be standing at the doorstep of this new era for care in Maryborough,” said Ms Allan.

“This is more than bricks and mortar—it’s about improving access to the care our community needs, close to home and in a modern, purpose-built environment.”

Operations in the new facility began on Monday April 28 with services commencing in dialysis, pharmacy, outpatient appointments and medical imaging (by appointment).

Urgent Care, Maternity and the Inpatient Unit opened from 7am on Tuesday April 29 for acute care.

Visitors were welcomed into the new hospital from 4pm, with most services returning to standard operations by April 30. Planned surgeries will start from mid-May.

“We’re asking our community to bear with us as we carefully manage the transition over the coming week,” said Mrs Allan.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has committed to signing on to the North Central Goldfields Regional Library Service and Funding Agreement 2025-2027.

The document outlines library service delivery and funding arrangements that will be in place for the next two years.

Within the next two years, the current Regional Library Corporation is expected to transition to a new operating model, to comply with the Local Government Act 2020.

Residents are expected to continue to benefit from shared library services delivered in collaboration with neighbouring councils.

Hailing from the music-filled streets of Melbourne, Shaun Kirk is an award-winning blues and soul troubadour recognised for his exceptional talent as a born entertainer.

Set to perform at Odessa @ Leavers in Creswick on May 31, his unique talent has not only earned him many accolades but also much praise from fellow artists, such as three-time Grammy Award Winner Fantastic Negrito, who has declared his show as “One of the best one-man shows he’s ever seen!”

Kirk’s vocals exude a gritty, soulful depth that seems to transcend far beyond his years, with critics continually acclaiming him as “one of the finest blues voices Australia has ever heard” (Buzz Mag).

Complementing his vocal artistry, Kirk’s vintage guitar tones and raw grooves pay tribute to the timeless influences that have shaped his musical journey, resulting in a distinctive sound fast becoming his own.

Shaun’s musical journey has taken him to stages all over the world, where he’s not only performed but consistently sold out shows, leaving audiences enthralled by his magnetic presence.

From iconic festival stages like Bluesfest Byron Bay, where he’s become a familiar name, to sharing the billing with legends like Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, John Mayer, Paolo Nutini, John Butler Trio, and The Teskey Brothers; Kirk’s artistic prowess is in esteemed company.

More details about his upcoming Creswick gig are on the venue’s website.

The Macedon Ranges Shire is inviting public feedback in response to its new Draft Budget 2025-26.

Feedback submissions are being accepted for a two-week period which opened April 24 and will run through to May 8.

The council says it is a valuable opportunity for the community to provide feedback on key proposals and initiatives within the budget, which will be considered alongside any submissions received at the June 2025 Council Meeting.

“We’re proposing a balanced budget that sees an increased focus on ‘back to basics’,” Macedon Ranges Shire Mayor Cr Dom Bonanno said.

“I encourage everyone to have a look at what we’re proposing in this concise version of the Draft Budget 2025-26 and tell us what you think.”

Submissions can be made via yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/budget-2025-26

Premier Jacinta Allan and Member for Ripon Martha Haylett last week officially opened the Ararat Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub, one of six new hubs recently established across Victoria – taking the total to 20 locations, including 12 in regional Victoria.

For many women, timely, affordable and safe sexual and reproductive healthcare can be difficult to access depending on where they live.

It’s why the Labor Government is delivering more options for women in the Grampians to help with a range of health needs, including unplanned pregnancy.

According to data from Victoria’s sexual and reproductive advice line, 1800 My Options, the Grampians has the highest levels of calls seeking advice or services for unplanned pregnancy outside of Melbourne.

Operated by East Grampians Health Service within the East Grampians Community Health Centre, the hub offers free or low-cost confidential care with no referral required – including for contraception, medical abortion, referral for surgical abortion, and the testing, diagnosis and treatment of STIs.

It will also help avoid long-term health issues through treatments such as physiotherapy and education for pelvic floor issues, reducing the likelihood of incontinence and the need for ongoing care and possible hospitalisation.

The network’s workforce is also being supported through the Women’s Health Scholarship Program – with four scholarships worth more than $35,000 awarded to staff at Ararat. The scholarships offer the chance to upskill in areas like IUD insertion, pelvic physio training, and PCOS as well as offering training to promote cultural safety.

A new hub is also now open in Horsham at the Alan Wolff Medical Centre – operated by Grampians Health, it is helping to close a critical gap in service needs in the state’s west.

These initiatives are part of the state government’s $153 million women’s health package that is also delivering 20 new comprehensive women’s health clinics, mobile and virtual women’s health clinics, a dedicated Aboriginal women’s health clinic, and a doubling in the number of laparoscopies for endometriosis and associated conditions.

Geoff Achison has toured the world delivering memorable solo shows with his beloved Gibson guitar and this May he’s headed to Creswick for a gig at Odessa @ Leavers.

A master of his instrument, Geoff employs a truly stripped-back approach, using no electronic loops or gadgets, treating his old guitar like an orchestra with sweeping chords, and cascading arpeggios.

His latest album, ‘Don’t Play Guitar Boy’ held the #1 spot on the Australian Blues and Roots Airplay chart for two months running.

His upcoming gig happens May 30 and is a prime chance to witness a scintillating show and get your fix of old-school blues, fabulous fingerstyle and heartfelt songwriting.

More details are on the venue’s website and tickets are available through Humanitix online.

The state’s first public residential eating disorder treatment centre is now complete.

Victorian Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt and Federal Assistant Minister for Health Ged Kearney this week opened the new centre which is named Ngamai Wilam and located at Armadale. 

Backed by a $16.9 million investment from Victoria and $13 million from the Commonwealth, the new 12-bed centre will be operated by Alfred Health and offer a unique 24/7 residential model of care for Victorians aged 18 and over in a therapeutic, home-like environment.

As a dedicated eating disorder centre, it fills a critical gap for Victorians experiencing eating disorders – moving beyond short-term hospital stays by offering 24/7 residential care with patients expected to stay for an average of 12 weeks. 

This wraparound support will also ease pressure on emergency departments, hospitals and GPs, while improving coordination across eating disorder, health and mental health services ensuring people get the right care, at the right time.

The name Ngamai Wilam was chosen through a co-design process and reflect cultural stories that symbolise hope, renewal and the promise of new beginnings.

The centre complements the Victorian Labor Government’s Victorian Eating Disorders Strategy 2024-31, which guides work to support Victorians living with eating disorders in three key areas – prevention and early intervention, accessible evidence-based treatment, and wellbeing and recovery support.

The Victorian Budget 2024/25 invested $31 million to expand tailored services and treatment options for eating disorders, responding directly to the sharp rise in new cases and relapses following the pandemic and the growing impact of social media – trends seen both in Victoria and around the world.