Cafs (Child and Family Services, Ballarat) is asking people from across the Central Highlands to make the call and take the first step to becoming a foster carer.
The need for new foster carers is ongoing, with more than 1500 children staying in foster care homes across Victoria each night. The roles of foster carers vary, from providing emergency overnight shelter to weekend respite care and short- and long-term arrangements.
The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare CEO Deb Tsorbaris encourages people who have considered becoming a foster carer to make a call and find out more.
There are so many ways that foster carers support these vulnerable children and young people, from simple overnight stays, to respite care on weekends, and short- and longer-term placements, and our incredible foster care agencies are out there in the communities to help and support carers,” she says.
Cafs CEO Wendy Sturgess says foster carers make such an important contribution to the lives of children and young people who, for any number of reasons, cannot live with their biological family.
“Our primary goal, when we care for children, lies in working towards returning them home to their families. Our foster carers provide stability and keep children safe in a caring home environment. We acknowledge their tireless commitment to supporting young people in our local community.
“Foster Care Week also provides an opportunity to highlight the ongoing need for more foster carers right across the Central Highlands.
“We always need foster carers to help us care for children in our community so we’re asking people to consider taking that first step to becoming a foster carer with Cafs,” says Ms Sturgess.
Recent findings from Fostering Connections market research underscored strong community support for foster caring, with 80 per cent of Victorians saying they believe the community should provide support for children who can live with their families.
Ms Tsobaris says that despite cost-of-living difficulties, Victorians have shown they are sympathetic to the plight of children and young people.
“We know its tough out there, and its even tougher for some families, which means new carers are needed more than ever. Victorians showed during Covid that we can come together as a community and support each other. Even though these are tough times, these vulnerable kids need the support and care of their communities,” says Ms Tsorbaris.
Foster Care Week, which began on Sunday, September 10, is an annual opportunity to celebrate the vital role that foster carers play in ensuring that every child in Victoria has a loving home during times when they’re unable to live with their family.
Fostering Connections, a joint initiative between The Centre, foster care agencies across Victoria, and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, is encouraging foster carers from all walks of life to support their community by opening their homes to become part of an incredible network of people supporting local children, young people, and families.
“Foster Carers have an enormous impact on the lives of the children and young people they support. Caring is changing and we see great success in fostering from all types of people, stepping up to meet the needs of all types of children. Anyone over the age of 21 who has a spare bedroom can apply to become a foster carer,” says Ms Tsorbaris.
Those interested in becoming a foster carer can obtain more information about fostering a child by contacting Cafs on 1800 692 237 or can visit cafs.org.au.

with Eve Lamb

Glenlyon’s Julie Coyle, one of the many artists taking part in the upcoming Rotary Daylesford Art Show, says her artistic style leans towards abstraction and certainly impressionism. She looks for an emotional response to the landscape. Julie spared some time to tell The Local a bit about her creative practice.
Eve: How did you come to art?
Julie: Creativity, in so many forms, is a comfort zone for me. I’ve always been a maker and a drawer. Soon after moving to the Central Highlands, during a painting workshop in Woodend, someone suggested the Art Pathways course in Castlemaine. The teachers’ minds, and knowledge of the art world, the way they ‘lived’ creativity was incredibly inspiring. The visual arts diploma in Bendigo followed, and currently, the bachelor at Fed Uni, Ballarat. For me, being immersed in art feeds the soul.
The first painting I sold was in a group show at the Little Gallery, Trentham, about six years ago – the memory will stay with me forever. The girls are so supportive of us locals. The atmosphere of opening night, and the red dots. The idea that a painting can resonate enough with someone to bring it into their home, fills me with happiness. I’ve been painting ever since.
Eve: Where do you do most of your art work?
Julie: I work at home. I recently finished (almost) an owner-build, with my son and his partner, designing in a studio area, and a big open living space – room enough for walking around easels. I like the idea of being with works in progress. Time with them allows a new way of seeing. Being able to pick up a brush at any time can be great too.
Eve: Which artists have influenced your work?
Julie: Oh, that’s difficult. I’m constantly in awe of so many artists. Certain elements can be fascinating. I feel as though we subconsciously, to a certain degree, absorb, and are influenced by everything we surround ourselves with.
Turner is an artist who struck me in my teenage years, and continues to do so. I remember during a school National Gallery visit, being surprised when I first felt a connection to an art work. My world was smaller then, and the artists I had an awareness of, were historic giants.
My next love, later on, was Marshall Williams, a Mornington Peninsula artist, and painter of atmospheric skies meeting water, and small, still boats. I felt so drawn to his work, and my younger self couldn’t quite work out why. During an opportunity to meet him, and gush my admiration, he said: ‘They’re not really about the boats, it’s all about the emotion.’ It was a new concept for me.
Jennifer Riddle, another Peninsula landscape artist, is one whose work I’ve admired since early in her painting career. Her paintings are also beautifully still, serene, atmospheric scenes.
Eve: Are there any other particular factors that have influenced your creative practice?
Julie: I think life itself influences and informs our work, to a huge degree. Looking back at older paintings, I see my work changing, and slowly evolving. I’m searching for ways to convey a depth of calm, and I couldn’t possibly separate that from the idea of respite.
Eve: What is your media of choice?
Julie: Although there’s a richness in oils that I love, I’ve been working in acrylics for their ability to produce layers without the need for time in between.
I can work on a few canvases at once, returning to each one without pause, which is what works for me if everything is flowing well. I use a fixative between coats, to avoid disturbing the previous wash, and a gloss varnish when finished.
Eve: What are your subject matters of choice?
Julie: Our local, natural landscapes, and skies. I’m fascinated by the way we’re drawn to nature, and its restorative powers, and calming effects. I feel compelled to find a way to harness some of that.
Eve: Have you ever worked in any other areas?
Julie: Mostly I’ve worked from home, raising a family. Market stalls with wooden homewares led to making bespoke furniture through a gallery in Sorrento. I loved the design aspect, and working with timber, especially reclaimed. After moving to the highlands, renovating an old farm, then building a few years later, I’m cured of those desires, as rewarding as they’ve been.
The idea of reclaiming and reusing appeared again for me, when moving up here, in the form of a space at the Amazing Mill Markets, Daylesford.
There I’ve curated a collection of ‘gently worn’ clothing, with a few handmade linen pieces. I’ll always enjoy design. I love that these ways are kind to our planet, and that I can work around my painting.
Eve: What have been your career highlights?
Julie: I always feel enormous gratitude to buyers of my work. It’s an act of the greatest encouragement. When a viewer at an exhibition a while ago turned from my painting, put her hand to her heart, and looked at me, I felt I had achieved something of value. I’ve had some awards at local art shows, which have been so validating, and so appreciated. It all amounts to feeling worthy of continuing along this creative path!
Eve: Do you have any exhibitions or special arts events coming up?
Julie: Ideas are floating around a show with a friend next year in Ballarat, but for now, I have work hanging in the Falkner Gallery, Castlemaine, and the Clayfire Gallery, Daylesford. And there’s the Daylesford Art Show…

The Saltbush Ensemble, Reidun Turner on viola da gamba, Joy Lee on harpsichord and Tim Willis on baroque violin, will perform at Christ Church, Daylesford on Saturday, September 30 from 2.30pm.
Finding new perspectives in music of the past and utilising some of Australia’s best period instrumentalitists, The Saltbush Ensemble presents a program for the modern, baroque-curious mind with works by Couperin, Marais, Kuhnau and others.

Formed in 2017 in Melbourne, long time musical collaborators and friends Reidun Turner and Ryan Williams reunited after many years abroad, forming the Saltbush Ensemble to showcase the range and depth of early music in Australia. Visit the Christ Church Concerts facebook. Tickets: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1040691

Words: Eve Lamb. Image: Supplied.

For champion sheepdog trainer John Tuddenham, training winning woofers is a bit like educating smart children.

“You don’t give them too much too early. You’ve got to let ‘em grow up a little,” says the renowned local sheepdog trainer.

John, from Ross Creek, is among the many sheepdog trainers who’ll be heading to compete at the upcoming annual Dean and District Sheepdog trials set for Sunday October 8.

“It’s a bit like teaching a young child,” says John whose dogs have come away with the silverware at many top competitions in Victoria and interstate.

“You’ve got to form a bond with the dog.”

John trains border collies, and at next month’s famed Dean trials it tends to mainly be the collie breed that competes.

Conducted under the rules of the Victorian Working Sheepdog Association, the annual trials have become a real favourite in the diaries of many of the state’s top trainers and draws many of the very best dogs from across Victoria.

They take place at the Dean Recreation Reserve and date back to 2013, says Recreation Reserve president Brian Maher who is keenly anticipating the day’s competition.

“The dogs work three sheep at a time and we’ll have up to 40 dogs competing for the day. Each dog gets 15 minutes,” he says.

“We get competitors from all over the state and in the past we’ve had entries from Tasmania and from South Australia.”

The trials missed a couple of years during the pandemic lockdowns but have since made a very successful comeback.

Funds raised through entry donations at the gate, many raffle prize draws that are held, and onsite refreshment sales all go to support important local causes and charities.

Brian says that this year funds raised will be benefiting Creswick Anglicare.

The day offers a great chance for people who have never watched sheep dog trials before to learn a lot.

Brian says he particularly likes to introduce newbies, first-time visitors, to a trainer so they can ask questions and learn about how point-scoring works during competition.

With some loyal sponsors backing them, the trials offer some great prizes and trophies for the winners and the event has become renowned for its country hospitality and good ol’ fashioned vibe.

Homemade baked goodies and refreshments on site are all part of the atmosphere, as is the vintage engine display.

And, just quietly, those who get along can also expect to be treated to a bit of live country bush verse as well.

By way of demonstration, while chatting to The Local about the upcoming trials, Brian recited the lyrics to a favourite Slim Dusty number – word for word.

“I call this event the Old Sniff Classic,” he says. “That’s a name I came up with ten years ago. It’s the name of a Slim Dusty song,” continues Brian, reeling off a few verses, a process which serves as useful practice before hitting the crowd with a bit more of the same over the trials PA system on the day.

“We are a small committee but we are very proactive,” says Brian, who is clearly a man who enjoys his work

Brian likes to be present on the day, to personally circulate and make new visitors and competitors feel welcome. But he is quick to credit veteran trainer and competitor John Tuddenham with being “instrumental” in getting the event off the ground from the outset.

“It’s a great event,” says John, himself. “And what Brian does is unbelievable in running it. The competitors just love it because of the atmosphere. It’s a very friendly event.” John and his dogs have been competing at the Dean and District Trials ever since they first took place, and this year he’s bringing Tintagel Peta and Mia – both border collies – to take on the competition.

John and Tintagel Peta were overall winners at last year’s trials so many will be watching them particularly closely this time ‘round.

“It takes you probably 12 months to train a dog to be able to do competition,” says the master trainer.

John has also bred winning working dogs at his Ross Creek property in the past, and has competed with dogs he has trained all over Victoria

and interstate, representing Victoria four times in the Australian Supreme Sheepdog Trials.

He is a life member of the Victorian Working Sheep Dog Association and has also judged the Australian Supreme Sheep Dog Trials on five occasions.

John and his wife Mary are also busy getting ready to host a sheepdog training school at their property, Belmonte over October 21-22.

“I’ve got nothing against kelpies at all,” says John. “But border collies are a little bit more steady and tend to get on with working just three sheep a little bit better because they are so calm.”

In the past the Dean and District Sheepdog Trials have benefited a wide range of local charities ranging from the local fire brigade to Shannon’s Bridge which helps terminally ill people to pass over peacefully in their own homes.

Brian says that when people donate $5 to get in the gate at next month’s trials, they’ll receive three raffle tickets into the bargain, with some great raffle prizes to be won.

The trials happen at Dean Recreation Reserve on the Daylesford – Ballarat Road, Sunday, October 8 from 7 am.

While We Live, the analogue digital divide, by Hugh Wayland and James Healer, opened at the Newstead Arts Hub last weekend.
The exhibition explores the two worlds of analogue and digital photographs.
Some are old black and white images which have been scanned and sometimes coloured, while others are current images shot on a mobile phone.

This new body of work by Healey and Wayland explores links between analogue and digital, contrasting the urban and remote environments in which we live and move. It includes images captured spontaneously while travelling by car, walking or meeting people, as they went about their daily lives.
The exhibition is free to visit and is now open on weekends, from 10am to 4pm, until October 2. The Newstead Arts Hub is at 8a Tivey Street, Newstead.

with Simone Kaplan

Patricia Kent was born in London in the mid 1940s and spent her childhood years playing in the bombed rubble of the East End. She read the book A Town Like Alice when she was a teenager and knew that she wanted to live in Australia. She emigrated to Adelaide in 1968.
At the age of five, her father started taking her to the training hall, dojo, where he practiced judo. She sat on a mat and watched him. This is where she found her “calling”. Her purpose and life journey has been to “shine a light on the body, mind and spirit connection through her love of martial arts”. This has been central to all she does.
Nearly 40 years ago, when her children were teenagers, Patricia’s tai chi training began, with the Australian Federation of Wu Style Tai Chi. She trained extensively with Kentokan Martial Arts School and with Master Liu Wan Chun in Melbourne, as well as doing numerous trips to also train in China.
“In 2019 Master Liu took an Australian team to China to compete in an international tai chi competition with 34 teams and nearly 400 participants.
“We were awarded gold, not for technique but for demonstrating the soft, internal strength of tai chi.”
In providing service, Patricia “just shows up” but the powerful stories of her students are really that of inspiration, community and miracles. A young dad, for example, broke his back and found Patricia’s classes to help with his rehab. He was committed and practised what she taught every day. When he didn’t turn up for Term 2, Patricia followed up and found he had recovered enough to get back to work. The doctor managing his recovery was dumbfounded. She also has “mature goddesses”, students in their 80s and a 90-year-old, reporting health benefits.
Even during Covid, Patricia and the community never stopped training. One-on- one outdoor sessions by the lake, even in the snow. People knew the benefits.
Patricia has a grace and humility that is inspirational. Her philosophy trickles out to the Trentham community. She keeps an old tradition of tithe, where 10 per cent of student class fees go into a special box. Every month the class decides which charity or community business needs support. This warmth and giving is full of love and generosity. When the 2021 storm happened, Billie with the coffee cart, set up in town to offer free coffees for the SES and CFA. Patricia’s class donations were given to Billie that month. “The greatest exercise for the heart is to reach your hand into the darkness and lift someone up,” she says.
Patricia found Trentham by chance, when searching for a special gift for her daughter’s 21st present. She had a recommendation to visit Helen at Jargon who designed a cape to “wrap her daughter in a mother’s love”. It was years later, after living in Tasmania for some time that Patricia and her husband Raoul decided to move to Trentham.
Patricia and Raoul, who sadly died in 2013, certainly lived a love story for 20 years. They trained, taught and were devoted to each other. When Patricia introduced Raoul to her parents, they discovered an incredible connection. Both her father and Raoul had trained with the same sensei (teacher) in London, her dad in the 50s and Raoul in the 70s. Raoul was skilled in the hard, external karate while Patricia in the soft, internal tai chi and chi gong. They set up a beautiful cottage together which exudes warmth, humour and humanity.
“When we reach outside of ourselves that’s when we find contentment within. It’s not about needing, wanting and looking for it,” Patricia says.

It’s been 70 great years of doing good deeds in the community – and beyond – for Daylesford Rotary and right now this longstanding local service club is getting set to celebrate in style.
Daylesford Rotary members and friends slip into their finest to celebrate the club’s 70th anniversary – with guests Alla Wolf-Tasker from Lakehouse, Tina Banitska from the Convent Gallery and Carol White from Lavandula – in the Daylesford Town Hall on Saturday, September 23.

In years past, Daylesford also had a Lions and an Apex club as well but these days only the Rotary Club remains as the town’s sole community service club still standing, and new members would be very, very welcome.
Long-time member and past president Danny Moynihan (pictured above) recounts the early days when he joined back in 1985, as a 33-year-old.
Today he is among the staunch members who have stuck with Daylesford Rotary for many years and he says it’s the sense of satisfaction in getting good things done – things that you would be unlikely to achieve alone – that he enjoys.
There’s so much to celebrate for this local service club whose projects are many and diverse, and whose positive contributions ripple throughout the community.
“When I joined there were a lot of tradespeople who were members which meant we could do a lot of things. Now tradespeople are one of the hardest groups to attract and we tend to do a lot more fundraising. The farmers market and the art show are our main fundraisers.

“We’ve done a lot of things over the years. The shelter at Wombat Hill was built by Rotarians, and refurbished since then. Jointly with Lions and Apex, we got the first jaws of life for the CFA. We raised I think $15,000 for that which was a lot of money in those days.”
The Daylesford Hospital, CFA, and schools have all benefited from the work of the club over the years while beyond the immediate area the club also contributes significantly to important international health projects including the global eradication of polio and Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children.
“We got the Hepburn Kindergarten built, which is something a lot of people don’t know about anymore,” Danny said.
But as with so many service clubs in the community, getting new members to join up is a bit of a problem these days as people, particularly younger locals, are so busy just getting by. The average age of the club’s members is now around about the mid-50s and the club would really love to see some fresh faces join up.
Members meet Thursday evenings, fortnightly, temporarily in the Bendigo Community Bank branch building, but is still looking to secure the ideal site.
Jenny Hopkins has been a member of the club for four years and is coordinator of the art show that will transform the town hall over the Melbourne Cup weekend.
“This year’s art show is special because it’s 40 years since its inception so it’s ‘Cheers for 40 years’,” Jenny says.
She says a few extra volunteers would be great to help ensure the smooth running of this year’s art show.
“I would be delighted if there’s anyone who could help out. We need people to fill in gaps for one or two hours, just to make sure people feel welcome and everything is running smoothly,” Jenny says.
Beyond the big birthday bash and the art show, Danny says those who would like to consider joining the club to help ensure it can keep doing its fine work for another 70 years can chat to any of the members or jump online and find out more. Contact Danny on 0407 501 994 or Jenny on 0414 262 524.
Words: Eve Lamb | Image: Kyle Barnes

Words: Kevin Childs

Signs are emerging that the long-promised Wombat State Park may become a reality.

This comes at a time when the State Government prepares to break up its logging business VicForests. The business lost an unprecedented $52.4 million in the last financial year, blaming the cost on legal actions by community environment groups which stopped logging.
VicForests has been roundly criticised in the Supreme Court, which upheld logging bans.
The court found VicForests breached environmental protection laws by logging the habitat of endangered greater gliders and yellow-bellied gliders. A judge said “serious or irreversible harm” had been caused to the gliders.
The Wombat State Forest is also home to the vulnerable brush-tailed phascogale, carnivorous marsupials.
The government’s decision was greeted by Gayle Osborne, convenor of Wombat Forestcare, as a small step towards dismantling VicForests. “It is not soon enough for the Wombat Forests,” she said “We still have VicForests causing massive environmental damage.”
VicForests’ heavy industrial logging in Central Victoria is blamed by environmentalists for heightened bushfire danger. Research shows that fallen trees from the 2021 storm raise fire risk because of the regrowth of dangerous fire fuel, with Ms Osborne pointing to the ferocity and carnage in the fires of Hawaii, Canada and Greece.

Ms Osborne said that after the 2021 storm, 175 logging coupes were set up over the Wombat area and Cobaw, near Hanging Rock. Starting at Babbington Hill, every big tree was to be removed, beginning with 8000 square metres at Babbington.
“This was ‘overseen and regulated’, but the forest does not have a lot of protection,” she said. “Working under forest fire management, the Department of the Environment cleared 80 to 100 metres each side of every track, taking out every large tree. Piles of bark and small fuel were left, endangering the bush.”
VicForests, which harvests and sells timber, is to be split into different government departments, easing great concern over native logging. This worry grew when the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC), set up to provide independent advice, recently held three small “storm debris community meetings”, at Blackwood, Bullarto and Barkstead. The meetings were seen as an attempt to get community agreement to salvage logging and timber harvesting.
Environmental groups and scientists, including some from Daylesford and beyond, combined to set up a mobile field observation base to record any impact on endangered species. Dozens of people have been involved.
Locally, eagles’ nests at Babbington Hill, near Lyonville, have been threatened by log salvaging.

A woman living in a unit owned by the Daylesford Ladies Benevolent Society, says she has been knocked back after asking for a permanently open louvre bathroom window to be replaced with something she can close.
Cate Graceson, pictured above left, moved into the West Street, Daylesford apartments in March and asked immediately for the window, below, to be replaced or repaired so it could be opened and closed.

Ms Graceson said the open window made the small flat freezing in winter and other residents in the complex were being forced to use towels or other materials to block the windows. She was told originally the society was prepared to negotiate with her but after three weeks received a solicitor’s letter telling her the window was legal under the definition of Consumer Affairs Victoria and the Residential Tenancy Act.
“I am a tenant and I have now had three solicitor’s letters telling me to back off. The housing here is for people over 65 so to me that means they have a higher duty of care than the Residential Tenancy Act.”
Ms Graceson said the Daylesford Ladies Benevolent Society was formed in 1860 and was an incorporated group of 10 women, two from each of the Christian churches in Daylesford. She said she had also raised the issue of no air-conditioning in the units, with the 1960-style units having floor to ceiling windows facing the north and east.
“I have been told the heat is stifling in summer. And for the past two years the Victorian Government has had numerous schemes for half-price reverse cycle units.
The society had $578,243 in its bank account at June 30, 2022 – figures available from the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profit commission website.”
Ms Graceson said her other concerns were the society not publicising their annual meetings, not having rules of incorporation and originally not supplying rental receipts. She also said she paid $6000 “key money” when she moved in “and I want my money back”. She was told the money was used for maintenance because the rents were so low.
But Ms Graceson also said she loved living at the units, was busy doing her garden, knew all the other tenants “and everyone gets on well”.
Another resident, Fae Wilson, pictured above (at right) with her small dog, moved into the units five years ago and while she had no issues herself, she was supportive of Cate’s plea for the window to be fixed.
Fae’s bathroom window, below, was retrofitted with a small glass with timber surrounds opening door before she arrived, meaning she can open or close the window.
Fae said her children had been pushing for her to ask for reverse cycle airconditioning. “It is like a sauna in summer and apparently this year is going to be really hot, so we really should have it.

“Most people in the new units opposite have it so it is just the three of us still waiting. Some people have put it in themselves but it is really expensive. I offered to pay half but I was told the committee decided that if they did that for me, they would have to do it for everyone. I thought ‘yeah…’ but they just said no. We would really have to do it soon or it will become too busy for the installation.”
A third resident, Les Pitt, said he also had a fixed louvre window but had stuffed it with towels and covered it with corflute which was “unsightly” but worked in keeping the cold out. He had been told the window would be replaced two years ago but “they haven’t got around to it”. Mr Pitt said he would also appreciate reverse cycle airconditioning but had never asked for any improvements and was very happy with his unit.
Society secretary Lyn Kinghorn told The Local the units were like a retirement village and residents could stay for life. They paid just $110 a week and the $6000 upfront key money was to help with maintenance.
Ms Kinghorn said the units were not “five-star” but were “really lovely, comfy housing” and Ms Graceson had been moved in quickly with an “urgent situation”, jumping a long waiting list. She said shortly after moving in Ms Graceson had taken the society to VCAT but her case had been dismissed when she was asked if she had inspected the unit before moving in.
“Then she immediately sent me another email saying you have to fix the window anyway, but that means doing all the windows, if we do one, we do all, and we just wouldn’t put in airconditioning, that is not our role.”
Ms Kinghorn said Ms Graceson had come in and demanded changes to what had been a very happy place for many years and it was very disappointing for the society’s volunteers to try to help people and “just get it shoved in your face”.
She said the society had checked on the housing code for windows and if they could be opened and shut, they must be able to be locked but a louvre window which could not be opened or shut, complied with the code.
“She (Ms Graceson) has come along and is trying to change the rules of the happy community in there and at times been really aggressive. We have had sometimes daily emails and complaints and she has been a handful to manage, when we are just volunteers. I am sure if you asked the other tenants they would say they are very happy to be living in such a great place.”
Ms Kinghorn said she was unsure if the society was incorporated and while they did hold AGMs they did not advertise them. The volunteer committee members were just appointed to their roles, she said. “We just follow on with what we have continually been doing.”

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Eve Lamb

Words: Donna Kelly

Television show The Block will not go ahead in Daylesford because of delays in permit approvals, metropolitan media is reporting.
It was believed that The Block would build five houses at 1 Raglan Street, starting production in February. After objections, the planning application was taken to VCAT where it was then “called in” by the state Planning Minister.
But media is reporting that the producers have decided they will run out of time for permits and are now looking at potential Melbourne sites for the 20th edition of the show. They have said they may look at the Daylesford site again for a future show.
Reaction on social media has been mixed with comments from those who wanted the show to go ahead, and those who are pleased it has been dumped.
“This would have been a great thing for the town during a tough time for a lot of local businesses. It would have spurred things along just at the right time. Something will end up on the site. There could be a lot worse happen depending on who ends up with the site and land parcel sizes etc.”
“The no sayers should be careful what they wish for. They are now going to be
responsible for 50 or 60 small allotments. I’m sure they will take no responsibility for
that. I would much prefer five larger homes.”
“How disappointing, I was so looking forward to this and it would have brought a lot of money to our town I am sure all of our businesses would have been looking forward to this injection of money.”
“It would bring nothing to the town, they bring in building materials from a supplier in Melbourne the production company has accounts with, all the tradies would be brought in from elsewhere. What economic benefit would it bring, coffees in town?”
“Covid is over, the town is packed every weekend, maybe the businesses that aren’t doing well are suffering because of exorbitant rents or not selling what tourists want. The cargo cult of The Block won’t save them.”
“If businesses in town need the extra custom they anticipate from The Block juggernaut maybe they should have a long, hard talk with their accountant.”
“Perhaps they could do a social housing season. Homes for the many not the few.”

Maverick, the Clydesdale, has died at the age of 25 after a long battle with cancer.
He came to the district as a three-year-old from Echuca and immediately became a local favourite with
his community and media involvements.
Maverick first appeared on television show Postcards at the Farmers Arms in Daylesford, ridden into the front bar. From there he appeared in numerous ChillOut parades with his buddy Tom Shaw, in guises including Batman, Dolly Parton, a cowboy and “the bride”.
Their ChillOut Batman and Robin entry, pulling the milk float/Batmobile, was prize winning.
With his owner Allison Sloan, Maverick took part in Christmas Celebrations at John Curtin Aged Care,
protested on Spring Street with the Stop AusNet Towers group, paraded at the Kingston Avenue of Honour Centenary and escorted brides on their wedding days.
On Anderson’s Mill Open Days he was a favourite and would wander through the crowds for the children’s (and adults’) pats and hugs – and sometimes fairy floss.
Too quiet to work in a team, he was a gentle giant.
His final days were spent with his mate Andy on the green grass of Rocklyn. Maverick was much loved and will be missed by all. Vale.

Images: Kyle Barnes & Donna Kelly

The Integrate Fitness Kettlebell Team, aka the Daylesford Swingers, headed to Brisbane for the 2023 GSAA Australian National Kettlebell Championships held over September 2 and 3.
Coach and competitor Beth Whiting said it was an incredible weekend filled with amazing lifting, catching up with wonderful people and making new friends.
“The Integrate ladies – Shirlene Nevill, Melissa Ryan, Sue King, and myself, lifted our hearts out and produced some amazing results, many of them personal bests. As a coach I have loved watching these ladies grow into incredible lifters. The strength and resilience they each show is nothing short of amazing.”

Shirlene Nevill competed in the One Arm Jerk – 12kg – 174 repetitions and the Military Snatch – 12kg – 200 reps.
“Shirlene produced a mammoth result for her One Arm Jerk. Shirlene has been chasing the rank of Veteran Candidate Master of Sport for some time now. On Saturday this ever elusive goal was realised,” Beth said.
“Shirlene exemplifies grit and determination. She has missed the rank by mere reps in the past two competitions. Others would just walk away, however Shirlene has faced the challenge head on and this weekend she reaped the rewards for all of her hard work and resilience. Congratulations on her incredible achievement of Veteran CMS.”
Melissa Ryan competed in the Military Snatch – 18kg – 227 repetitions – Rank 1.
“Melissa is the personification of strength. The 18kg Military Snatch has become our baseline test from last year’s Nationals.
“Mel has overcome challenges in the past year that would have thwarted the training campaign of even the most seasoned athlete. She has taken everything in her stride and has come back stronger than ever to produce a personal best in this lift.
“Mel is an absolute powerhouse. I cannot wait to see what this incredible woman is lifting at the 2024 Nationals.”
Sue King competed in the One Arm Long Cycle – 10kg – 131 reps – Rank 3 and the Military Snatch – 14kg – 202 reps.”You would never have known that this was Sue’s first Nationals. She lifted like an absolute pro. Sue has been chasing a rank for her OALC and on Saturday she achieved it.
“Sue’s superpower is technique and skill acquisition. Her ability to transfer strength and skill from one mode of training to another is remarkable.
“This served her well on the weekend when she produced a personal best on the OALC by a staggering 11 reps to achieve Rank 3. Congratulations Sue.”
Beth competed in the Biathlon – 16kg – 298 points (Jerk 82 reps/snatch 134 reps) Rank 1 and the One Arm Long Cycle – 30 minute half marathon – 20kg – 291 reps Candidate Master of Sport.
“I won the Biathlon, which wasn’t hard as I was the only contestant. However what I am proud of is my first place in the Jerk. I am not fond of this lift and produced some very decent numbers under some of the most challenging conditions I have lifted under.
“I also won the inaugural Lifter of the Year Award in the Open Women’s category. This award is akin to the best all rounder award with results taken from each of the competitions throughout the year. I am super jazzed to have won this award.
“In regards to future competitions, with results from the weekend, Shirlene and I both qualify to represent Australia. Melissa has also qualified to represent Australia in a previous competition.”

The Local is celebrating 10 years of following its mantra of Connecting the Community. The first edition hit the presses for a publication date of September 2, 2013 and The Local is now up to 288 editions.

Editor Donna Kelly said it had been a fantastic 10 years with plenty of support from advertisers and readers. “Kyle and I realised there was a need for a great, local, community publication. People just love a good read – and print is not dead!”
Congratulations have come from people including Hepburn Shire CEO Bradley Thomas, Mayor Cr Brian Hood and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas.
“Congratulations to The Local on 10 years of publication. It’s great to see a local business thriving, particularly having navigated the difficult Covid period. Council advertise regularly in The Local, given its strong online presence and reach across the shire.” – Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas
“I congratulate The Local on its 10-year anniversary. For any small business to survive and flourish over a long period requires much hard work and dedication. The Local does a great job promoting and celebrating so many events, festivals, causes and especially outstanding people within our community. Through storms, bushfires, floods and pandemics, as well as the good times, local media binds the community together and helps keep us going. Well done!” – Mayor Cr Brian Hood
“I congratulate the team at The Local who have provided local news across the Hepburn Shire for the past decade. I am proud that The Local survived through Covid and continues to bring the people of Hepburn the most up to date news and information, for us all to enjoy.” – Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas.

Police have been investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash which occurred in Woodend in recent days.

Investigators have been told a motorcycle crashed into a tree near the intersection of Crows Road and Russells Lane about 1.20am on Sunday September 3.

The rider, an 18-year-old Woodend man, died at the scene.

The circumstances surrounding the crash had yet to be established and the investigation was ongoing, police said in a report released on the day of the tragic incident.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam/CCTV footage or information was being urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

The latest CFA Design Guidelines and Model Requirements for Renewable Energy Facilities have been released.

CFA’s guideline provides fire risk management and emergency planning guidance and support for planners, designers and operators of wind energy facilities, large-scale solar and battery energy storage facilities in the country area of Victoria.

CFA’s guideline complements existing Victorian government guidance for renewable energy facilities.

It details CFA’s minimum expectations for fire risk management in planning, design and operation specific to facility siting, emergency access, water supply, vegetation management and emergency planning.

CFA’s guideline is underpinned by the operational knowledge gained from fires at large-scale renewable energy facilities, engaging with leading national and international researchers and industry, and CFA’s unique experience in assessing and advising on fire risk management for hundreds of renewable energy developments across the country area of Victoria.

The latest, Version 4 of CFA’s guideline includes:

• Updated guidance for decentralised arrangements of battery energy storage systems.
• Additional guidance on fire risk management and emergency planning for battery energy storage systems in commercial and industrial applications and community/neighbourhood batteries.
• Expanded guidance on emergency response considerations for large-scale battery energy storage systems.
• A checklist to support application of the guideline.

CFA leads the sector in fire risk management guidance for renewable energy facilities.

CFA’s updated guideline reflects the latest strategies for incident response as changes in technology, increases in energy density and evolving facility designs pose challenges for responding emergency services.

To see the updated guidelines, visit https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/building-planning-regulations/renewable-energy-fire-safety.

Please contact CFA’s Specialist Risk and Fire Safety Unit at risk-info@cfa.vic.gov.au for any information regarding the CFA guidelines or fire risk management at renewable energy facilities and proposed developments.