Boundary-flipping performer Jessica Lindsay Smith plays The Daylesford Hotel, live, next Saturday evening, October 21.

Based in regional Victoria on Dja Dja Wurrung land, Jessica (pictured above) is a local composer who creates music that crosses generic boundaries.

This talented musician’s interests traverse intricately written chamber music to largely improvised jazz, and film music to installation soundscapes. The common thread is a quest to create novel colour palettes and an intrigue for curious textures.

Last year, Jessica’s opera, supported by the Arts Council of Australia, was performed at the Brunswick Mechanics Institute and Tempo Rubato. Esoteric is an experimental opera in one act that draws together visual art, choreography, contemporary art music, and improvisation.

Currently, Jessica is participating in Ensemble Offspring’s Hatched Composer Intensive, being mentored by the ensemble and composing a piece to be premiered at The Neilson, Sydney in November. Jessica has worked with ensembles within local and international contexts to create music with a focus on vivid colours and unusual sounds. 

Jessica holds a Bachelor of Music from Monash University and a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music studying under Miriama Young, Mary Finsterer, and Thomas Reiner, amongst others.

Last year Jessica was mentored by Aviva Endean as part of the Australian Art Orchestra Mentorship Program. In 2018 Jessica was commissioned to write for Ensemble Goldentree as part of their International Women’s Day Concert. In 2017 she completed the Tilde New Music and Sound Art Academy under the instruction of Liza Lim and Chris Dench.

In 2016 Jessica was awarded an IgniteLab grant through the University of Melbourne to create a curated concert of works that crossed the classical and jazz streams with celebrated pianists Luke Howard and Nat Bartsch.

Later in 2016 she was commissioned by the Ian Potter Museum of Art as part of their ‘Architectonics’ concert. In the same year Jessica curated and had her work performed at ‘Composure: Chroma Collective’, a concert at Arts Centre Melbourne supported by The Channel.

Next Saturday evening’s gig is free and happens from 6pm in The Daylesford’s front bar.

Agricultural Shows Australia is shining a spotlight on the nation’s top young cattle paraders at a prestigious national event taking place in Launceston over the next few days.

The national finals of Agricultural Shows Australia’s Young Judges and Paraders Competition will be held from tomorrow October 12 through to Saturday, October 14.

And the National Beef Cattle Young Paraders Championship also takes place this Saturday, celebrating the best new talent in beef cattle parading.

Australia’s most promising young beef cattle paraders were recently announced by Agricultural Shows Australia as eligible to compete in the national finals of this prestigious annual competition.

The competition brings together the best young judges and paraders aged from 15 to 25 in each state to compete at the national finals. Qualification is via success in competitive regional and state competitions. 

One young judge from South Australia, Cody Jones, will be competing in an unprecedented four events; meat sheep breeds, Merino fleece, Merino sheep, and poultry.

Carlie Macklemann, 22, from Congupna will be representing Victoria in the beef cattle young paraders competition.

The national championships are held in a different location each year. This year, the event is being hosted by Tasmanian Ag Shows and held at the Launceston Royal Show.

A Daylesford woman is an instant multimillionaire after winning last Thursday’s entire Powerball draw of $60 million.
The local woman realised she had won after checking online when her husband accidentally hung up on officials calling to break the news. The woman said she would help a lot of charities – especially those working with disadvantaged children.

If you’ve made plans for this evening – you may want to change ’em. Jenny Don’t & The Spurs play the Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine tonight, Wednesday, October 11.
Hailing from Portland, Oregon, they caused a minor sensation here late last year when they spent weeks going up and down the east coast playing tiny gigs and driving crowds wild. This
time they’re here in Australia for three weeks, after which they play New Zealand and parts of South-
East Asia. Their latest album was recorded in Castlemaine on last year’s trip.
While they’re here in Victoria, they’re playing Out on the Weekend, where the band will play with a fabulous collection of country and Americana artists.
This band plays country & western (with an emphasis on Western) meets garage rock – what was called cowpunk back in the 80s. They have their roots in the Portland punk and garage scenes. Original drummer Sam Henty (recently deceased sadly) was a member of original Portland punk band The Wipers (one of Kurt Cobain’s favourites) and bass player Kelly Halliburton was in the Pierced Arrows with Fred & Toody Cole from Dead Moon. A fun, hard rockin’ party band.

Local music lovers are in for a sweet treat as award-winning musician and composer Ania Reynolds plays The Daylesford Hotel on Saturday evening, October 28.

Reynolds has worked for over 20 years in the music and arts industries, as Musical Director for the likes of Circus Oz and Yothu Yindi and the Treaty Project and composer for numerous theatre, circus, dance and film productions.

This diversity of experience can be heard in her dynamic and cinematic original piano music, which traverses genres including contemporary classical, jazz, Latin and more.

A seasoned performer and storyteller, Ania’s theatrical solo piano performances are peppered with stories from the circus, life on the road and adventures around the globe. Her cinematic audiovisual concert installation My Shadow Is My Only Follower features music from her album of the same name set to a stunning visual score of bespoke projections by Sean Healy, and has been described as ‘like being given a big warm hug while immersed in a hot spring’.

For 29 years, BABBA have been thrilling audiences with their superb re-creation of 70’s super group ABBA and the legacy of hits they gave us. Now they’re headed to Hepburn to play The Palais this Saturday, October 14.

With glitz and glamour served up with Swedish accents and enough musical memories to fill you to overflowing, BABBA will take you on a journey through time to when satin was King and Dancing Queens ruled. Benny, Bjorn, Agnetha and Frida can be yours once again and all you have to do is believe.

BABBA is the ultimate fun time; no matter how old or how young you may be, the show, just like the music, is timeless. Audiences know when they have seen the best and been a part of something very special and they just want more; that is why BABBA audiences keep coming back, time after time after time.

The Hepburn Shire Council is updating policies that will govern how it manages council-owned and controlled property, including leases, licences, and the disposal and acquisition of land and buildings.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said the policies will provide clarity on future decisions relating to Council property.

“Council owns more than 80 properties and manages a further 50 reserves as Committee of Management. The two new policies will help to develop a practical and effective framework to guide decisions that are transparent, fair and benefit the community,” said Cr Hood.

Council has reviewed its existing Council Owned and Controlled Property Policy and has drafted two updated policies – Leases and Licences Policy and Disposal and Acquisition of Land Policy.

Feedback on the draft Leases and Licences Policy is now open for public comment until Friday 27 October.

“The Leases and Licences policy has been developed to specifically deal with the process for leasing and licensing of Council property. It can be a complex issue, particularly where there are competing interests within the community,” said Cr Hood.

“We welcome community input and encourage you to review the draft policy and provide feedback,” he said.

A policy guiding the disposal and acquisition of land is in development and will open for community feedback in November.

Those interested can review the draft policy and have input at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/council-property-policy. 

Supporting brigades to engage effectively with their community about fire safety is the responsibility of the brigade’s community safety coordinator.

Chloe Watts is the CSC for Koondrook Fire Brigade on the Murray River in the state’s north-west. She works on a range of community safety projects throughout the year, with the latest idea targeting the younger generation.

“Our brigade has self-funded a community education fire truck which is essentially a large wooden fire truck for kids,” Chloe said.

The fire truck, which cost $5,500, is being constructed now and is expected to be complete by October. It will be transported to community events in a trailer which has been provided by CFA’s local district mechanical officer.

“The truck will be purpose-built for kids to climb on. There are hose reels so they can squirt water, a steering wheel, flashing lights and a pretend radio,” she said.

“We’re excited to have this resource to further boost our interaction with kids. If we can continue to teach kids about fire education at schools and get them engaged at community events, then it helps get the parents involved too.

“I’d like to thank our 2nd Lieutenant Nathan Goble, who is super handy, for constructing this truck. It’s fantastic having members in the brigade who are passionate and willing to put their hand up and help build something that will benefit the brigade, the community and other brigades.”

Chloe is dedicated to engaging her local community about fire safety so they’re ready for any emergency.

“We plan for the worst but we hope for the best. If the community is prepared, it helps the brigade too,” she said.

Chloe has been a community safety coordinator for more than 13 years with Wandin and Koondrook brigades. She works closely with the Koondrook Development Committee which comprises volunteers who work together on local community events. The brigade also partners with cross-border NSW brigades at events such as the Barham Koondrook Show.

“These events give our brigade a great opportunity to be involved and engage with the community,” Chloe said. “Our brigade loves being the face of the community and through the work that we do we recently recruited six new members.”

A new all-abilities sculpture trail linking Telford Park with the Bacchus Marsh 1000+ Steps at Bald Hill was opened by the state’s regional development, Harriet Shing, last month.

Moorabool shire mayor, Cr Rod Ward, and local councillor Moira Berry welcomed the minister to the shire for the official opening, followed by a walk to the trail summit. The wheelchair-accessible all-weather trail includes seating, tables, a shelter and an accessible toilet.

Cr Ward encouraged residents and visitors to experience the trail and, if they’re feeling active, climb the steps to the viewing platform on Bald Hill.

“The sculpture trail is stage 2 of the Bald Hill activation project and has created a beautiful space at Telford Park,” Cr Ward said.

This project has been made possible by the Victorian Government, with $1.6 million funded by Regional Development Victoria, on top of $500,000 in state funding provided for the first stage – the construction of the steps.

The state government is encouraging all Victorian residents to learn how to help protect the state’s precious agriculture industry.

Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney visited the Melbourne Royal Show recently to launch The Great Biosecurity Quest, a new science program that will teach people how to combat against pests and diseases that threaten our environment.

Held in October, Victorians can register to join the Quest as a Watchout Warrior and access a science toolkit that explains the pests and diseases in their backyard, local garden or national park.

Watchout Warriors can also report their discoveries via Agriculture Victoria’s online portal and help keep our natural assets safe.

Ahead of the Great Biosecurity Quest’s opening, Melbourne Royal Show visitors can take part in the Junior Quest, an interactive display in the Livestock Building which will educate children on specific animals and diseases.

Visitors will also discover how to join the Great Biosecurity Quest and enter a competition to win an iPad Mini.

Pests and diseases pose a major threat to the state’s multi-billion dollar agriculture and tourism industries – so a strong biosecurity system is fundamental to the health, well-being and prosperity of all Victorians.

The government is committed to managing and preparing for key biosecurity threats, including emergency animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease or lumpy skin disease.

The government has invested $17.5 million in biosecurity as part of this year’s budget, to ensure Victoria has the skills and capability to respond swiftly to an emergency animal disease detection.

The Victorian Government is giving a former COVID-19 rapid testing lab a new lease on life – transforming it into an emergency animal diagnostics and plant disease van.

In recent days the state’s minister for agriculture Gayle Tierney has announced the new mobile diagnostic van will further strengthen Victoria’s capacity to respond to an outbreak of emergency animal diseases (EAD).

Bought from the Doherty Institute, the fit out of the repurposed van includes state-of-the-art biosecurity technology, so that scientists can undertake important work – while being easily deployable at any location across the state.

The vehicle offers enough space to process and investigate samples for testing, data entry and waste collection, while also having a hand washing station to ensure scientists work in a hygienic space.

The mobile diagnostic van will allow scientists to respond to potential outbreaks immediately and remove the need to transport thousands of samples for testing – further alleviating the pressure on existing laboratories.

Protecting the state’s biosecurity is a top priority for the government, investing $17.5 million to emergency animal disease preparedness in the Victorian Budget 2023-24, taking the total investment over the past 12 months to $43 million.

Nancy Boura is one of the early pioneers of women firefighting in CFA.

A firefighter from 1981 to the end of 2014, Nancy is believed to have attended more than 1,000 incidents during her time as an operational member, and she remains an enthusiastic member of the brigade today.

Nancy joined Upper Beaconsfield in May 1978 after seeing an ad in the local newspaper encouraging people to join the brigade’s newly-established auxiliary.  At the time she thought she would be feeding firefighters, but little did she know how involved she would become.

She would soon add Communications Officer to her belt, managing the brigade’s incoming emergency calls via what was the Fire Reporting Service, and also alerting other brigades in the area when they turned out to incidents.   

In the 1980s, Upper Beaconsfield, like many other small communities, found itself in the position where many of the brigade’s firefighters were forced to find work away from town. This left the brigade with a limited crew to respond to incidents during the day. 

Nancy was working at an apple orchard for then brigade captain Eric Bumpstead. Eric approached Nancy and a number of other women to gauge their interest in being trained to be firefighters to help bolster the brigade’s ranks. At the time, it wasn’t widely accepted that women could be firefighters, and the group initially trained in private at Eric’s orchard until they gained confidence in their abilities.

They soon gained the necessary skills to turn out to their first fire together and they were successful in controlling and extinguishing the blaze. The women would affectionally come to be known as Eric’s Angels after the popular television show Charlie’s Angels. Nancy would go on to learn how to drive the brigade’s vehicles, successfully gaining her truck licence.

“I came to Australia from England and knew no one in the area,” Nancy said. 

“Volunteering with CFA initially was a way of getting to know people. I figured I could join the auxiliary because I was capable of making sandwiches and taking them out to the fire front.

“Then it got out hand and I ended up being a radio operator and then one of the first women firefighters in Upper Beaconsfield,” she reflects, smiling. 

“When you’re with a fire brigade you always have a second family, and it’s a useful way to do something for the community.”

The 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires played a huge part in Nancy’s life and role as a CFA volunteer. On that day, Nancy was an integral part of a seven-member crew on Upper Beaconsfield’s tanker 1 which included her then 17-year-old son Jon. The crew endured a burn under in Officer and two burn overs in Mount Misery in Beaconsfield and Critchley Parker Jr Reserve in Guys Hill where they were forced to vigorously protect their own lives.

The only woman on board, she calmly reverted to her valuable training and applied the important principles that had previously been taught to her. To this day, she believes this training and principles saved their lives as fire raged around them. Fellow crews would not be so fortunate, with 12 firefighters from two other brigades losing their lives in the same fire. The town of Upper Beaconsfield was also completely destroyed.

“We heard on the radio that there was a fire to the north coming our way and decided to turn the trucks out even though the fire wasn’t on us at that point,” Nancy said.

“By the time we arrived at the station the fire was spotting down Cardinia Creek to Officer.

“From there on we just got busy. We headed down to Officer to start with and then moved back to Mount Misery and then onto Critchley Parker Jr Reserve. We were there when the wind changed.

“It was one long day of one disaster after the other. There were times when the fire caught up with us. 

“It’s not something you can describe, and I am grateful for the excellent training we had had with our captain.

“That day was the start of a month or so of turning out; I was either on the truck at the fire or manning the radio base.”

As a result of Ash Wednesday Nancy realised that there was insufficient detail in the brigade’s current map books. She set about creating a detailed and accurate local map reference book which included roads and tracks, water points (including private dams), points of interest, property boundaries and accessibility points. Nancy’s Map Books, as they are affectionately known, are still widely used today and form part of the inventory on all Upper Beaconsfield’s vehicles.

Across her volunteer career Nancy has received a National Medal, National Emergency Medal and Brigade Life Membership. She was recently honoured for her remarkable contribution, receiving the Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA) Outstanding Contribution by a Female Firefighter Award as part of the 2023 Women and Firefighting Awards.

“Across her more than 45 years of service, Nancy has been a vital part of our brigade,” current Upper Beaconsfield Captain Ian Pinney said.

“She is still usually one of the first to put her hand up or name on a roster for a fundraiser barbecue and has been instrumental in raising funds for the upgrade of operational equipment and vehicles.  

“She can also often be found at the station cleaning up, vacuuming, cutting up rags, setting up chairs in preparation for meetings, washing dishes, getting barbecue supplies ready or weeding the station garden beds.

“She may be quietly spoken but when Nancy talks you listen because it is more often than not a very wise head with many years of practical experience talking.”

An earlier hay season has Victorian farmers and CFA talking about the dangers of high moisture content in hay as they begin cutting, baling and storing it in warmer conditions.

Although the state has endured wetter than usual summers over the past three years, CFA still responded to about 50 haystack-related fires between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023.

Confirmation from the BOM that we have El Nino conditions, and a positive phasing to the Indian Ocean Dipole, means hotter and drier forecasts are expected and this year’s agricultural activities are set to kick off a lot sooner and have elevated risks of fire ignition and spread.  

With hay season running around three weeks ahead of time, and farmers in the west starting to bale their hay in late September/early October, farmers and CFA are calling on everyone to be attuned to the risks of spontaneous combustion.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernansaid if hay is baled with high moisture content and is green, it can heat up like compost which can lead to spontaneous combustion weeks or months later.

“Farmers who have decided to carry on with hay production need to be extra vigilant this year to make sure conditions are right for making hay and for the future storage and transport as well,” he said.

“Hay fires are a real threat to properties and stock in primary production areas.

“Whether you’re a seasoned hay grower or switching to hay this year, it’s imperative to take care of your hay and crops this fire season.

“Consider the storage of your hay to avoid spontaneous combustion which can lead to ignition.”

When hay is either not properly cured and dried out before baling, or not stored to protect it from rain or damp conditions, moisture content in the bales is higher than the recommended level. If stored in environments with high temperatures and little airflow, a biological reaction could lead to a fire.

Haystack fires can also start easily from lightning strikes or sparks from equipment.

“You should regularly monitor your haystacks by using a temperature probe or a crowbar to detect heating hay.

“Signs of heating hay can include steam rising from the stack or unusual odours like burning, musty smells, pipe tobacco smell or a caramel smell.

“By being vigilant, you’re protecting yourself from the financial impact of losing valuable fodder and protecting your property and family from the potential danger of hay fires.”

Haystack tips           

• Ensure hay is well cured before baling. 
• Know the history of the hay you purchase.
• Keep haystacks to a limited size and separate your haystacks.
• Monitor moisture and temperature of your hay regularly.
• Watch for unusual odours such as pipe tobacco, caramel, burning or musty smells.
• Store hay in separate stacks or sheds away from farm equipment and other buildings.
• Keep your hay dry. Protect it from rain, leaking rooves or spouts, and runoff. Cover stacks with tarps or hay caps.
• Don’t stack hay right to the top of a hay shed. Allow some air to circulate at the top – this helps to carry away moisture.

Temperature guide – what to do when your hay is overheating
Use a thermometer in a probe or insert a crowbar into the middle of the stack for two hours.

• Less than 50°C Can handle the crowbar without discomfort
  Check temperature daily.
• 50°C – 60°C Can only handle crowbar for short time
  Check temperature twice daily.
• 60°C – 70°C Can touch bar only briefly
  Check temperature every 2 – 4 hours. Move hay to improve air flow.
• Over 70 °C Bar is too hot to hold
  Potential for fire. Call 000 immediately. Avoid walking on top of haystack. At this stage pulling apart the hay may provide the oxygen it needs to ignite.

October has arrived so it’s time to pump up those tyres and get excited for a month filled with “awesome bike ride adventures”, say organisers with Ballarat’s Biketober.  

More than 100 people have already registered to take part in Ballarat’s Biketober, with more encouraged to join in for a ‘wheelie’ good time.  

Employers across Ballarat and beyond are setting up teams for some healthy, fun competition across the city.  

The competition is not about kilometres, but rather participation, so everyone can join in.

The aim of Biketober is simple – to get more people to enjoy the benefits of riding bikes.

There are many safe routes to try out in Ballarat, but if you are not sure where to start, why not try one of the Ride Ballarat loops:

• The City Ride (5km)  
• The Lake Ride (6km)  
• The Victoria Park Loop Ride (5km)  
• The Arch of Victory Ride (2.4km)  

More information about Ride Ballarat can be found on the Visit Ballarat website.

The City of Ballarat is committed to delivering initiatives designed to encourage and support the community to enjoy the many benefits of walking and cycling for commuting, exercise or just enjoying moving around Ballarat in spring.  

The Ballarat Cycle Action Plan 2017 – 2025 is key to encouraging people to jump on a bike and start to enjoy the trail network.  

The plan prioritises delivery of safe and continuous routes, which will have the greatest impact on increasing the number of everyday cyclists and give confidence to those who are interested in riding, but not confident to share the road with cars.

Ballarat is a bike-friendly city, anyone who needs a bike and cannot afford one, has access to one via a dedicated volunteer organisation the Y Ballarat’s program, Recranked. They recycle bikes and donate them back to the community.

The initiative has recycled more than 3,500 bikes since it first began in 2013 and focuses on keeping bikes out of landfill and supporting those in the community that are not able to access bikes or other transport.  

Recranked Coordinator Wallace Martin said the group has touched thousands of lives, by providing a bike to them, when they otherwise wouldn’t be able to access one.  

“Being able to provide people with the opportunity to ride a bike is incredibly fulfilling, I am an avid bike rider and being able to share it with others is amazing,” he said.  

City of Ballarat Councillor, Cr Belinda Coates said Ballarat is becoming a more attractive and enjoyable place for people to ride.  

“Ballarat has many safe routes to ride your bike along, it’s a perfect place to get back on the bike and spend some time outdoors enjoying our city on your two wheels,” she said.

“There are so many benefits to riding a bike, from improved mental and physical well-being, a healthier planet and more affordable and efficient travel.  

“Biketober is all about celebrating each of these benefits and sharing them with the world.”

So, push those pedals, spread the bike love, and join the movement to get more people riding bikes this October! Join the fun now at www.lovetoride.net/ballarat.

If you have ideas for Ballarat’s own dedicated youth hub that will make a difference to the way young people connect, grow and feel supported, then the City of Ballarat wants to hear from you.

The Youth Hub Feasibility Study surveys are now live on the City of Ballarat MySay website. People interested in attending the community consultation sessions can also register via the link on the MySay page.

Consultation closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 31 October.

The City of Ballarat is currently seeking input from young people, the youth sector and broader community to help shape the development of a potential youth hub in Ballarat.

The feasibility study will be carried out to determine what would be needed to create a potential youth hub in Ballarat’s CBD that could house multiple youth service agencies in one on-site location.

The study will investigate opportunities to improve infrastructure that supports young people having safe places for social connection, skill development, creative programs, information sharing, and bringing together key support services.

It is important to note the development of a youth hub is not yet confirmed, with the feasibility study designed to determine how a hub might look and operate if it were to proceed.

The need to further investigate and improve accessibility to youth infrastructure in the form of a youth hub has been strategically identified within City of Ballarat’s Youth Strategy 2022–2026 and Community Infrastructure Plan 2022-2037.

There is not currently a dedicated multi-purpose, multi-agency youth hub in Ballarat, although the City of Ballarat does offer youth services at facilities including the Arts Incubator on Camp Street and the Wendouree West Recreation Reserve.  

The YMCA also has offices at Barkly Square, while Headspace has offices in Camp Street.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson encouraged as many people as possible to share their thoughts about a potential youth hub in Ballarat.

“We really want to hear from all people in the community, whether you are a young person, involved in the youth sector or even if you are part of the broader community,” he said.

“Our ultimate goal is to improve the provision of infrastructure for young people in Ballarat.

“The first step is to engage with the community to determine what is needed and what might be possible, so we really do want community feedback.”

Three separate surveys have been created to gather feedback from residents and are currently hosted on the City of Ballarat MySay page throughout October.

All surveys can be taken anonymously and take about five minutes to complete.

There will also be two community consultation sessions held at the Art Gallery of Ballarat on 17 October for people to interact face-to-face. The Youth Sector consultation will be held from 10am-2pm and the session for people aged 12-25 will be held from 4.30pm-6pm.