The Sweet Mona’s Choir is headed to The Palais, Hepburn for a special pre-Christmas performance happening next Saturday, December 9.

The Sweet Mona’s Choir is one of Victoria’s longest running gospel and world music choirs. The Monas are famous for their world-class arrangements, created by Barry Deenick (Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Bustamento) Stella Savy, and Valanga Khoza. They’ve worked with some of Australia’s most renowned musicians, including Tim Neal, Venetta Fields, Valanga Khoza, Tony Backhouse and Vika & Linda Bull.

Thirty to forty singers, from a broad range of backgrounds, gender and ages sing together to create astounding harmonies. The choir performs a broad range of contemporary, world and gospel music, including music from the Staple Singers and the Golden Gate Quartet.

Their world music is sourced from around the globe and is often accompanied by percussionist Stella Savy (Los Locos, Ballarat Ska Union). Their sound ranges from a rich, deep resonance to a lively, energetic tone, to haunting melodies that stay with you long after the performance is over. Recent performances include Newport Folk Festival and a sold out show at Trades Hall Ballarat.

The Woodend Golf Club’s newly renovated clubrooms officially opened this month, providing a safer and more accessible facility for members and the community.

The golf club, which has been part of the Woodend community since 1908 and a place where community members have long gathered for recreation and social connection, was previously operating in an old building in a state of disrepair.

The refurbishment works amounting to $682,000 (excluding GST) were funded by the Macedon Ranges Shire council, following a submission by the club’s committee to the council’s budget process.

Works included new fit-for-purpose toilets, new carpet and lighting, refurbishment of the kitchen area, additional storage space, and external works including decking, paved concrete around the club rooms and repair of damaged brickwork.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s CEO Bernie O’Sullivan thanked the Woodend Golf Club committee members who worked closely with Council on the project to see it come to fruition.

“This is a great example of a community-led project that aligns perfectly with our Council Plan goals of gender and disability inclusion, environmental enhancement and health and wellbeing,” he said. 

“The upgrades have resulted in a wonderful safe and accessible space, that can be used by club members and the wider community to gather for many different occasions for years to come.”

The council has also contributed a further $24,000 in funding over the past two years through its Community Funding Scheme for pathway works around the golf course, and has donated recycled wood products from the Romsey storm waste facility for use by the club.

Emergency services personnel have been reunited with the man whose life they saved during an incident near Ballarat earlier this year.

Avid bushwalker Michael Mai was walking when he collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest in Buninyong Reserve in January 2023. 

Paramedics managed to get to Michael but needed support to get him out of the reserve and into an ambulance. They contacted VICSES, CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria and Victoria Police. 

Buninyong-Mt Helen Fire Brigade Captain Gareth Smith was one of those called on. He said it was difficult to rescue Michael given the rough terrain and inaccessible nature of the area. 

Up to 20 emergency services personnel walked him out for an hour, with Ambulance Victoria giving him medical treatment the whole time. 

Gareth was thrilled to learn Michael wanted to reunite with those who helped him. 

“It wasn’t the outcome we expected. When we found out he wanted to meet us and thank us we were amazed. We were also happy to hear he’s doing so well,” he said. 

Gareth said the situation highlighted the importance of a multi-agency rescue, using the different skill sets from each agency for the best possible outcome.  

Michael has since made a full recovery and is grateful for the first responders who saved his life. 

“There were a lot of people involved, and I was grateful to see them to say thanks face-to-face,” Michael said. 

Melbourne based singer-songwriter and composer Nir Tsfaty performs at The Daylesford Hotel tomorrow evening, Saturday December 2.

With his bands, Noria and Bell Always, he has released three studio albums and toured across Israel, having played twice at InDNegev festival.

Nir now plays solo shows regularly, composes for screen and produces for local artists in his studio.

In 2021 Nir presented his work About Whales in collaboration with Invictus Quartet. Together they have played two headline shows – at the Wesley Anne and Melbourne Recital Centre – both sold out.

Nir’s solo sets are often minimalist and atmospheric, influenced mainly by British and French alternative rock pop. His Daylesford Hotel gig gets started from about 6pm tomorrow.

The Ballarat Animal Shelter has announced that it has limited capacity to take on unvaccinated cats or kittens currently due to the extreme cat vaccine shortage occurring worldwide.

The global shortage has left the shelter with no provision to vaccinate cats and kittens upon entry. Having unvaccinated cats within the facility will lead to risks of outbreaks of respiratory viral disease and feline panleukopenia, which can be fatal and detrimental to the current population of cats currently at the shelter.

The Ballarat Animal Shelter is not alone in the impact of the global cat vaccine shortage, with many shelters and veterinary practices commencing similar processes to help keep cats safe and healthy.  

The situation will be closely monitored, and the Ballarat Animal Shelter will resume normal procedures as soon as it is safe to do so.  

Wherever possible, residents are encouraged to consider alternative options before surrendering unvaccinated, healthy cats. This may include speaking to your local veterinary practice regarding veterinary costs, seeking support from friends or family members, or contacting the Ballarat Animal Shelter if you are struggling to meet the costs of pet food.  

Surrendering any unvaccinated cats or kittens to the shelter places them at risk of being exposed to potentially fatal diseases.  

As any kittens that come into the facility are unable to be vaccinated, the Ballarat Animal Shelter is encouraging residents to consider other avenues prior to surrendering to council.

If you need advice around surrendering your cat or kitten, please contact the Ballarat Animal Shelter and next steps can be discussed.  

At this time, the cat trapping program is also suspended, unfortunately any cats brought in via trapping cannot be impounded at the shelter. Any cat nuisance complaints will be handled by the Animal Management team. The shelter is unfortunately unable to take any trapped cats during this period.  

These measures are to ensure what’s best for the animals currently at the shelter, to mitigate the risk of illness to all animals. It also aims to ensure that the Shelter is not condemning any new impounded cats or kittens arriving to being exposed to disease, as they are unable to be protected with a vaccination schedule.

INXS fans are headed to The Palais in Hepburn this Saturday night as the local venue hosts the Australian INXS Show.

Fronted by the Dellacoma Rio whose uncanny portrayal of Michael Hutchence has captivated audiences worldwide, this authentic 6 piece band will take you on a journey through all the classic INXS hits that have made them

A household name for decades. Touring across the globe, The Australian INXS Show has travelled to Dubai, India, Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Vanuatu, Singapore, Japan, China, Bora Bora, New Caledonia, Taipei and South Korea.

Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, this unique INXS theatre experience is expected to draw a full house to the Hepburn venue tomorrow night.

The CFA is warning farmers to take care with their upcoming harvesting activities in the wake of the warmer, drier spring conditions.

Hot and dry conditions paired with high fuel loads will see this year’s agricultural events kicking off sooner with elevated risks of fire ignition and spread.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan is reminding farmers and community members to take extra caution this harvest season and be responsive to imminent dangers.

“We are entering a more standard summer fire season this year, so we know there will be a large amount of dry fine fuel ready to burn as the vegetation continues to dry out,” CO Heffernan said.  

“Unfortunately, we encounter a large number of fires igniting from farm machinery and vehicles each year in Victoria, and last year was no different which saw CFA volunteers respond to 41 of them between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023,” CO Heffernan said.

“Many of our volunteers are farmers themselves so we understand the pressure that harvesting-related fires pose to them and the community in regard to both their safety and profits.”

CO Heffernan said awareness is key to avoiding harvester fires, ensuring farmers are cleaning-down and inspecting equipment thoroughly before use.

“We know how quickly small fires can spread to nearby paddocks, so it is imperative that our farmers are prepared before jumping on the harvest,” he said.

“Make it part of your routine to make sure your machinery is free of faults and mechanical defects, check for straw or grass build-up, as well as hot bearings.

“It is important to understand that material collecting on hot engine components in the manifold, exhaust and turbocharger are the most common causes of harvester fires.”

Farmers are particularly warned to be mindful of harvesting, grinding, welding, slashing or mowing in hot and windy conditions, as they can cause harm in a matter of minutes.

“Be sure to check weather conditions against the Grain Harvesting Operations Guide before harvesting,” he said.

“Hot and dry conditions are a particular concern for CFA, so always carry a water fire extinguisher and postpone paddock work during the highest fire-risk periods.”

“Where possible, take regular breaks when operating machinery so it doesn’t get too hot and have adequate firefighting resources available in paddocks where you are conducting harvesting.

“We also strongly recommend you avoid driving vehicles and motorbikes through dry grass as the hot exhaust system is a major fire risk.”

Farmers are often the first responders to grass fires and understand the risks of operating machinery in these conditions, however we advise this awareness is communicated more broadly to your family and neighbours.

“Being fire safe on your farm should be part of any fire plan you have.” he said.

Crop and Farm Machinery Fire Safety

• The most common cause of harvester fires is material collecting on hot engine components such as the manifold, exhaust and turbocharger. 
• Make it part of your routine to check for straw or grass build-up, and hot bearings.
• Make sure your machinery is free of faults and mechanical defects and carrying a water fire extinguisher.
• Postpone paddock work during the highest fire-risk periods. On hot, dry days, exercise extreme caution before harvesting, grinding, welding, slashing or mowing.
• The key to avoiding harvester fires is diligence in maintenance such as clean-down and inspection.
• During paddock operations have the appropriate firefighting equipment in place. You’re required by law to have a 9-litre water pressured extinguisher on hand.
• Avoid driving vehicles and motorbikes through dry grass or crop – the risk from the hot exhaust system is high.

Preparations are well advanced to mark the 169th anniversary of one of the most significant events in Australian history, in Ballarat this weekend.

Each year on the 3 December, people gather to mark the anniversary of the attack by Victorian Colonial Military Forces on protesting miners at the 1854 Eureka Stockade uprising.    

Known as Eureka Day, this occasion has a long commemorative history, being remembered across Australia, and especially in Ballarat.  

Under the auspice of the City of Ballarat, a program of events will be presented at the Eureka Centre to mark the anniversary. To encourage community involvement, entry fees to the Eureka Centre will be removed from 1-3 December.  

The Eureka Day program begins with the Peter Tobin Oration, a ticketed evening event on Friday 1 December at 6pm. This year’s guest speaker is one of Australia’s most respected and best-known writers, Thomas Keneally AO. In his talk, Thomas will position the uprising at Eureka as the last of the great European revolutions of 1848, which, despite their failure, altered the future of humankind.  

On Sunday 3 December at 8am, a Eureka Day Commemorative Service will be held at the Eureka Centre’s auditorium to remember those who died at the Eureka Stockade. A complimentary breakfast will follow the service, with the Eureka Sunday Community Day beginning at 10am.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said it was vital that the Eureka Stockade was never forgotten.

“Eureka Sunday is an annual tradition which provides an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about and reflect on the Eureka legacy and come together as a community whose identity is forged by this great historical event,” he said.

“There will be family friendly activities on the day, including kid’s craft activities, facepainting, talks and live music.”

Academic researchers from the Australian National University and Federation University will reflect on new approaches to using art and museum objects in civic education in a panel discussion, ‘Difficult Objects: museums, cultural mediation and deliberative democracy’ at 11am.  

From 12.30pm the park will come alive with music featuring Ballarat’s own, Meraki Minds and award-winning songwriter Coda Chroma (aka Kate Lucas), performing in the Eureka Stockade Memorial Gardens.

The nearby Eureka Pool will also host its Eureka Sunday Pool Party to mark the start of the outdoor pool season, with free entry from 8am-7pm, pending capacity limits.

Residents in the Macedon Ranges Shire have been urged to prepare for an increased likelihood of warmer and drier conditions over summer, with the Fire Danger Period having come into effect from Monday this week.

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) declared the Fire Danger Period for the Macedon Ranges began from 1am on 27 November 2023 and will end on 1 May 2024 (unless otherwise advised). No fires can be lit in the open air without a permit during this period.

The council’s CEO, Bernie O’Sullivan, said the Bureau of Meteorology’s declaration of two key weather events – El Niño and positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) – meant an increased risk this fire season.

“Those who have experienced fire will know how dangerous and unpredictable it can be – it is crucial that we take collective responsibility to ensure others do not have to experience it,” he said.

“There are a range of useful resources available to help you prepare for the upcoming fire season, including the CFA and Council websites, with the VicEmergency app and your local ABC radio station both working to provide the latest information on current conditions.”

The council says it’s focused on working with the community to collectively reduce the shire’s fire risk, including undertaking an annual roadside slashing program across council-managed roads to reduce the likelihood of fires starting from hot vehicle exhausts, mechanical failures and collisions.

This roadside slashing program began earlier this month and will continue throughout December, prioritising high-use roads and working within strict guidelines to complete these works safely. An annual program to slash council-owned land and reserves across the shire is also well underway.

Regional Roads Victoria undertakes its own program to maintain state-managed roadsides.

Additionally, the council’s Municipal Fire Prevention Officers are conducting private property inspections across the shire to check for fire hazards, issue Fire Prevention Notices where appropriate and work with landowners to reduce risks.

Residents were reminded of the importance of being prepared for fires, and to ensure their properties are maintained to minimise flammable fuels including stockpiles of green waste and foliage in gutters.

Free green waste disposal is available for ratepayers and tenants at the council’s transfer stations in Kyneton, Romsey and Woodend.

Following the Victorian Electoral Commission recent countback to fill a councillor vacancy in Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s South Ward, successful candidate Christine Walker was officially sworn in to her new role as councillor at a ceremony on Wednesday November 15.

Here is a brief Q&A to get to know Cr Christine Walker a little better:

Tell us a bit about your life to date

I grew up in regional Victoria, Western Australia and Papua New Guinea, as we moved for my father’s job as a local government engineer.

Following secondary school, I moved to Melbourne and studied psychology at Latrobe University. I subsequently undertook a Masters of Social Research and most recently, a Diploma of Interior Design.

I have had a very extensive career as a social and market researcher for large corporations and in consulting roles. I have lived overseas and in Sydney for short periods for work and sat on a few professional boards.

Our family moved to Macedon Ranges about 12 years ago and live in Mount Macedon. The whole family has been involved in the Mount Players and I love gardening, keeping active and playing Canasta.

What inspired you to want to run for the councillor role?

I was inspired to be a councillor because I believe local government is important – it affects the places and the way in which we live our lives.

What do you hope to be able to bring to the council, and what do you want to achieve in the next 12 months?

I hope to be a thorough and well-considered Councillor, and be able to offer up fresh perspectives coming in three years into the current term.

I’m also excited to get up to speed with what the priorities have been and are currently for Council.

East Ward councillor Annette Death has been re-elected as mayor for the final year of the current four-year council term the the Macedon Ranges Shire.

West Ward Councillor Janet Pearce has been elected as deputy mayor for the same period, which will run through to the next council elections in October 2024.

Mayor Death said: “It’s a privilege to be elected for a second term as Mayor and I’m excited to continue the great work that has already been started alongside Deputy Mayor Pearce, my fellow Councillors and our Executive team.”

“I’d like to thank my family, my fellow Councillors, Council staff and the community for their ongoing support, and I’d particularly like to acknowledge Cr Anderson for her contributions as Deputy Mayor in the last term.”

Deputy Mayor Pearce said: “I’d like to congratulate Mayor Death on her re-election and thank my fellow Councillors for the privilege of being elected Deputy Mayor.”

“I’m looking forward to working together with Mayor Death and our team of Councillors, the CEO and our Executive team, and importantly our community, to achieve some wonderful outcomes in our final year of this term.”

The tiny town of Blackwood is getting set to host an impressive line-up of live music and dance when it stages the Blackwood Festival of Music and Culture over December 2-3.

The line-up preparing to play the Blackwood Hall features the Foghorn Stringband from USA, and includes:

‘Is The Big Man Within’, Greater Glider Stringband, Johnny Can’t Dance, Mick Coates and The Shallow Gravediggers, Rhiz and The Sugarplums, Fingerbone Bill, Pete Daffy Trio, Cross-Eyed Cat, Gumbo Express, The Rummagers, The Strating Sisters, The Free Wheelers, Daffy and Rhiannon and Blue Mount Stringband

There’ll also be workshops and dance including country dance and cajun zydeco dance followed by a dance featuring Foghorn Stringband, Sound Bath meditation, a singer circle trad session, traditional bluegrass, old time, and Irish sessions

Organisers say there’ll also be food trucks and other refreshment options including a cocktail bar.

Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit detectives, with the assistance of the Farm Crime Coordination Unit are investigating the theft of approximately 600 sheep at a Lexton property in two separate incidents.

In one incident, it’s believed that 585 12-month-old merino sheep of mixed sex were stolen from a farm on Sunraysia Highway, Lexton between 23 July and 19 September.

In a second incident, it’s believed another 16 merino rams were stolen from the same farm between 4 November and 6 November.

Police were notified as soon as the missing sheep were unaccounted for.

Police suspect a livestock truck or multiple movements with a stock trailer or similar may have been used to steal the sheep.

Anyone in the farming community who notices suspicious activity, no matter how small, is now being encouraged to contact their local police station immediately or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stppers official website.

Inspector Paul Hargreaves – Farm Crime Coordination Unit: “This theft is concerning and unique as it involves a significant quantity of sheep and breeding rams of stud quality.

“Farm crime strikes at the very heart of a farmer’s livelihood, resulting in hardships that extend far beyond monetary losses.

“Every piece of information matters greatly in solving crimes. So, whether you witness something, overhear something, possess knowledge, or even harbor suspicions related to sheep theft, please don’t hesitate to report it immediately.

“By promptly reporting anything unusual to the authorities, you could be the vital link in solving crime.”

The Old Kyneton Primary School is preparing to host a range of festive season community events next month in the lead-up to Christmas.

On December 2 there will be a celebratory cardmaking workshop from 11am to 1pm followed by a live On the Couch with Beck Lister chatting with Tonia Todman, Terry Jaensch and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas.

On December 18, from 11am to 2pm, there will be an End Of Year Cheer concert with three local choirs hosting a singalong and live music for young and old. Those who plan to get along are advised to bring a chair.

The Lake Wendouree and Victoria Park Link Lighting project in Ballarat has been officially switched on in recent days.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson marked the completion of the lighting project by attending Lake Wendouree earlier this month to see the lights officially switched on.

The 225 green light poles around the lake and seven light poles along Morrison Street will now light a route around the Steve Moneghetti Track and from Lake Wendouree to nearby Victoria Park, creating a safer and more accessible environment for walkers, runners, rowers and the broader community.

Powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, the LED lighting will turn off at 10pm each night and turn on each morning at 5.30am. The lights will then turn off in the morning via a sensor in the light fitting that measures the level of natural light.

The $3,170,000 project is jointly funded by the State Government ($2,500,000) and the City of Ballarat ($670,000).  

Lake lighting was identified as the number one priority in the City of Ballarat’s Lake Wendouree Master Plan in 2017 following extensive community and local resident engagement.

The planning phase of the project considered a number of key aspects including a Heritage Impact Statement Assessment, an Arboriculture report, and a Biodiversity Impact Assessment.  

The City of Ballarat has worked with regional contractor DeAraugo and Lea Electrical, which utilised local sub-contractors and suppliers, to protect and maintain the health of trees and wildlife throughout the construction project.

The contractor’s works have complied with a Tree Management Plan and a Construction Management Plan, which also meets the Australian Standard 4970 Protection of Trees on Development Sites. The works were also guided by a project arborist.

The project also went through a consultation and approval process with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners with a Cultural Heritage Management Plan in place for the delivery of the works.

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson said it’s exciting to see the lake lighting project switched on.

“Lake lighting improves safety and encourages more people to get active year-round,” he said.

“Residents and visitors to Ballarat can now make use of our most popular recreational location for a few extra hours a day, particularly in the evenings and during the winter months.

“Thank you to the project team, including contractor DeAraugo and Lea Electrical for delivering the lake lighting project with the utmost care for the environment, wildlife, lake businesses and our community.”