The last day of July featured a successful training day organised by Bayswater Fire Brigade, with several CFA and FRV brigades joining forces to showcase the power of teamwork.

It was held at the GlaxoSmithKline site in Boronia and 80 personnel from numerous brigades participated, each contributing their unique expertise, strengthening our unity and boosting preparedness levels.

A notable highlight was the pumping relay exercise, where six brigades (Montrose pumper, The Basin pumper, Bayswater pumper, Ferntree Gully pumper, FRV pumper 26, FRV teleboom 27, and Scoresby Hose Layer) demonstrated their teamwork and commitment to a common goal.

The presence of Knox SES with the field operations vehicle (FOV) added to the effectiveness of the joint training. 

The training day also included search and rescue operations using breathing apparatus, which allowed participants to demonstrate their skills and communication under realistic scenarios. The office building was filled with training smoke and dummies to extricate.

Michelle Croad has called Sorrento home her entire life, and now after an impressive 26-year stint at the local brigade as a dedicated firefighter she has officially taken over the reins as captain.

While there have been a modest 11 members to lead before her, Michelle stands alone as the first woman to captain in the Peninsula Group, further etching her name in history.

“To become captain of the Sorrento Fire Brigade is an honour and a privilege.” Michelle said.

“What I hope to achieve as captain is to try and help build our brigade and just to be a good supportive member in our community.”

Growing up around the streets that surround the station since her early years, Michelle has become heavily immersed in the community and a well-known figure to lean on.  

Her interactions with residents and business owners make it clear she is a trusted leader of the community.

“I love the people. A good community spirit just resonates through the people that live here.”

The brigade has been actively trying to recruit new members through their local groups, particularly seeking responders for the summer months when tourism spikes in the region.

“A few weeks ago, we invited the Cub Scouts to the station and we showed them all the trucks and equipment.

“We had the opportunity to talk to the parents and explain what we did, and they had a lot of questions, which is always encouraging.”

While Michelle has the backing of the community, her family also plays an instrumental part of her support network – both on and off the truck. The Croad clan turn out as a united front when they can, with her son Chris being 3rd lieutenant, her husband Andrew and daughter Amy active firefighters and her son James, a non-operational brigade member. Not to mention cousins Darren and Lachlan who are also on board.

Working as a receptionist at a physiotherapist clinic, Michelle has found her diverse skillset has benefitted across both of her trades.

“Some of the skills CFA has taught me has been helpful in my job, whether that is my enhanced communication skills, first-aid or being able to remain calm while under pressure.

“My boss is quite supportive of the role that I play in the community, so I do have a bit of flexibility in my job to be able to attend calls which I’m really grateful for.”

If you’re interested in joining CFA or learning more about volunteering, head to our website to ‘Give Us a Hand’.

The Albanese Government has begun the search for Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to drive the nation’s new High Speed Rail Authority.

The Authority commenced operations last month, with its first day of operation on 13 June, to progress the Government’s election commitment of establishing a High Speed Rail Authority to plan and develop a high speed rail network along the east coast of Australia.

Now the organisation has begun recruitment for a permanent leader to steer the Authority, whose board is chaired by Ms Jill Rossouw and supported by Ms Gillian Brown, Ms Dyan Perry OBE, Mr Ian Hunt and Mr Neil Scales OBE.

The CEO will be sourced through a merit-based process with key criteria including high level leadership and a demonstrated track record in complex transport related infrastructure. The appointment will be for a period of up to five years.

The CEO will work closely with the Board to lead the newly established Authority to advise Government on the planning, construction and operation of a transformational high speed rail network with the first stop being planning and corridor works for the Sydney to Newcastle section of the network, backed by a $500 million Australian Government commitment.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King: “Advertising for a permanent Chief Executive Officer is an important new step in progressing high-speed rail in Australia. 

“With all the moving pieces starting to take shape, the High Speed Rail Authority continues to gain momentum, led by a team of rail and infrastructure experts.

‘We are on the lookout for an accomplished and respected leader, with the experience and expertise in managing large and complex transport infrastructure operations to progress high speed rail.”

The Invasive Species Council has welcomed Monday’s announcement that the NSW government is consulting on changes to the Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan to allow aerial shooting as a method to reduce feral horse numbers.

The announcement is expected to draw some strong opposition from those who believe the proposal would risk the unnecessary suffering of horses that are not killed outright, and that horses may suffer inhumane trauma as a result, with response to the proposal able to be made up until 11 September 2023.

Snowy River tour guide and Invasive Species Council Indigenous ambassador Richard Swain said:
“For far too long the most humane and effective control method for the removal of feral herbivores has not been available for feral horses in Kosciuszko National Park. 

“The senseless ecological desecration caused to Country over the last 20 years has been a travesty. 

“I commend NSW environment minister Penny Sharpe for taking this step and encourage her to make a positive decision on behalf of soil, water and native species,” he said.

Invasive Species Council advocacy manager Jack Gough: “This is a really important decision by the NSW Government and reflects that the public mood has shifted on this issue. In recent years, Australians have become better-informed about the damage feral horses are doing to our wildlife and fragile alpine streams. 

“No one likes to see animals killed, but the sad reality is that we have a choice to make between urgently reducing the numbers of feral horses or accepting the destruction of sensitive alpine ecosystems and habitats, and the decline and extinction of native animals.

“We may not like it, but culling by highly trained professionals is the only viable way of reducing numbers and saving the national park and our native animals that live there.

“Without a change to remove the arbitrary prohibition on aerial shooting, feral horse numbers will keep growing and our native wildlife will pay the price.

“Every year that the NSW government fails to take effective action means more horses must be removed, the damage to ecosystems, threatened species and Indigenous heritage will increase, and the cost to taxpayers will rise.

“When it comes to managing the out-of-control feral horse population, we need all available tools in the toolbox. That includes aerial shooting by highly trained professionals using protocols reviewed by independent animal welfare experts.

“The government’s own recent animal welfare review highlighted that aerial shooting is a humane, safe and effective way to reduce feral horse numbers.

“At the recent NSW election, both sides of politics committed to rapidly reduce the numbers of feral horses trashing and trampling sensitive alpine ecosystems in Kosciuszko National Park.

“If we want to protect the Snowy Mountains, headwaters of the mighty Murray, Murrumbidgee and Snowy Rivers and home to more than 50 threatened species like the corroboree frog and mountain pygmy possum, then we need to dramatically reduce feral horse numbers now,’ he said.

The consultation period runs until 11 September 2023.

Each year the Hepburn Shire Council pays tribute to remarkable women through nominations to the Heather Mutimer Honour Roll, and nominations are now open for 2024 inductees.

Since its inception in 2005 remarkable, courageous and inspirational women from all walks of life, past and present, have been recognised through induction to the Honour Roll which holds a central role as part of the shire’s International Women’s Day celebrations

This is an opportunity to nominate someone in the community who deserves to be acknowledged and publicly recognized for their outstanding achievements.

Nominations close on Monday 25 September 2023 at 5pm and successful inductees will be announced at an International Women’s Day Civic Function in March.

“The Heather Mutimer Honour Roll was established to pay tribute to the women in Hepburn Shire whose community contributions, courage and examples of selflessness have led to significant social change for women,” said Mayor, Cr Brian Hood.

“Each year as part of International Women’s Day successful inductees are announced and added to the Honour Roll. The Roll provides an avenue to acknowledge women who have made a significant difference in our Shire,” he said.

“Women of all ages in our community have continued to inspire, advocate, volunteer their time and lead by example. We honour women past and present and this year we also want to encourage nominations to highlight some of our amazing younger women in the Shire.”

“Acknowledging these women, past and present, enables them to become wonderful role models for generations to come,” said Cr Hood.

Community members wanting to make a nomination can visit Council’s website to access the nomination form while those who would like some assistance with the nomination process can contact events@hepburn.vic.gov.au or call 03 5348 2306.

It’s time to hit the kitchen and get practicing for the Lyonville Bake Off.

The tasty local annual fundraiser is coming back with the date set for Sunday 22 October 2023 from 10.30am – 3.30pm.

Organisers say the event will be taking place at the Lyonville Hall in Lyonville, and competitors and spectators are already licking their lips in anticipation of “another day of decadent deliciousness”. 

“Join us at the Lyonville Hall on Sunday 22 October from 10.30am to gaze in amazement at the creations of the many talented local bakers and cake makers,” one of them told The Local.

There are six competition categories: kids; decorated cakes; general cakes; cupcakes and slices; tarts and pies; special dietary.  Entries should be dropped off at the hall between 9.00 – 10.00am so the judges can do their work.

Refreshments will be available including Devonshire teas, light lunches and barista coffee.  Once the prize winners have been announced, the competition cakes will be available for purchase.

Entry is by gold coin donation.  All proceeds go to the maintenance and development of the Lyonville Hall.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Any queries: Dorothy Fuller dottifuller@gmail.com or Vicki Jackson  vickicj102@gmail.com

Hepburn Rural Fire Brigade has hosted a community open day with the introduction of a new light tanker to its fleet – and a special commemoration.

Over the last five years through COVID the brigade has been able through fundraising, generous donations and a successful application through a VESEP grant, and added a new ultra light tanker to it’s fleet. With the fire season approaching this will be a valuable asset to the brigade and the Hepburn Community.

The local community, members of the Glenlyon Group and local brigades attend the event for a chance to inspect the new tanker. Commander Gavin Hope and BASO Julie Britten from CFA District 15 were also in attendance for numerous medal presentations.

The late B. P Yanner affectionately known as Poppy was a staunch advocate for the brigade and its transition from a small tin shed to a new station with new appliances that would benefit the next generation of fire fighters and younger upcoming members. As a mark of respect and remembrance brigade members had his name inscribed onto the Ultra Light Tanker which was emotional time for the brigade.

Current and serving Captain Barry. K Yanner, Neville Yanner and John Faulkhead were all recognised with a 40 year service medal and Life Memberships . Other members to receive awards for their service were Kyle Yanner & Jed Neville 5 years service and Tim Farmer for 40 years service.
If you have contemplated or want to become a member of the Hepburn Rural Fire Brigade feel free to come to the Fire Station on Sundays 9-12am or email hepburncfa@gmail.com

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has reinforced a commitment to help locals residents make their own well informed and carefully considered choice in the nation’s upcoming Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum.

At its recent July scheduled meeting the council endorsed a notice of motion in relation to the Australian Government’s Voice to Parliament.

The move reinforces the council’s commitment to share information to enable residents to make their own considered and informed choice in the referendum.

Issuing a media statement, the council is encouraging local residents to visit the Australian Electoral Commission website to gain further information, and says its positioning statement on the upcoming Referendum aligns with its Reconciliation Action Plan 2021-23.

The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence as one cheeky Galah found out.

CFA Crews from Queenscliff Fire Brigade were surprised to find a Galah stuck high up in the fence of the Queenscliff Cricket Club on Tuesday.

A wildlife volunteer had come across the bird and wasn’t sure what to do, so she contacted CFA for assistance.

4th Lieutenant Elaine Jell, who responded to the incident said, “Sometimes when we receive a code 3, we don’t often get many details about the incident, so we were surprised to find the unlikely patient.”

Assisted by FRV and a ladder platform, crews were able to reach the bird and bring it down to safety.

“The bird was stuck quite high up the fence and it looked like it had its feet caught. It also wasn’t physically possible to reach it, so we requested for help in the form of a truck with a ladder platform.” She added.

The incident illustrates the potential dangers of netting and net-like structures to wildlife, and the desireablilty of avoiding the use of such structures in the first place.

Hey! I’m Venus and I am one cool house panther. I have a superb black coat, like black velvet really.

I’m ten years mature now so if you’re not so much up for all those kitten antics then I am the cat for you. Here at the MAAW shelter in Castlemaine the people say I’m “a really sweet girl who loves having pats and attention”.

I also heard the humans say that they think I am “a little shy in the shelter but always happy to have attention and some cuddles”. I would love to find a quiet home with a loving family who will give me plenty of love and attention. Microchip no. 95600003660505.

Adoption fee $30. More information from Mount Alexander Animal Welfare Shelter
Phone 54725277.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has endorsed several significant items at its recent July scheduled meeting.

Items that have been endorsed by councillors include the following public consultations:

• Draft Macedon Ranges Skate and BMX Strategy (Consultation period: 1 – 28 August): Informed by earlier consultation with the community and key users earlier this year, this draft strategy aims to guide the future development of existing skate and BMX facilities throughout the shire.
• Proposed closure of Raglan Street, Lancefield (1 – 28 August): Working in collaboration with Council and the Department of Transport and Planning, St Mary’s Primary School is seeking to progress a proposal that would see Raglan Street permanently closed to traffic at Chauncey Street. This would build on a current arrangement that sees gates closing the road temporarily during school hours.
• Draft Mobility and Road Safety Strategy 2023-2032 (1 August – 1 September): Informed by earlier consultation with the community and key users in 2021, this strategy aims to enhance and promote sustainable transportation choices and create an environment that prioritises safety for all road users. It covers pedestrian safety, cycling infrastructure, public transport, interaction with wildlife and overall road safety improvements.
• Proposed road discontinuance/transfer – Jackson Street, Macedon (8 August – 5 September): The section of unmade road in question has been enclosed within the property at 10 Margaret Street in Macedon for over thirty years, and this proposal aims to formalise the sale of this land – no longer required for public use – to the landowner.
• Proposed acquisition of 51 Coop Drive, Gisborne (8 August – 5 September): For the benefit of the public and consistent with the area’s approved Development Plan, Council has an opportunity to purchase this area of open space for the expansion of Gisborne Fields Park.
• Draft Romsey Structure Plan (14 August – 22 September): Building on extensive consultation between 2018 and 2022 through the Romsey Issues and Opportunities Paper and Romsey Emerging Options Paper, the draft Romsey Structure Plan provides direction for Romsey’s planning and development in areas such as housing, employment, transport, community infrastructure and the natural environment, while also determining the town’s settlement boundary up until 2050.

More information on each of these consultations can be found at Have Your Say closer to their launch dates.

Updates to a number of the council’s grant programs were also tabled and endorsed:

• 2023/24 Community Funding Scheme allocations: Following an application period between May and June 2023, Council received 30 applications for these grants totalling $250,729. With a  budget of $192,400 available including surplus carried over from last year’s grants, officers recommended 24 applications for funding with a combined value of $192,229.
• 2023/24 Events and Festivals Grant Program allocations: Following an application period between May and June 2023, Council received 15 applications for these grants totalling $103,622. With an annual allocation of $75,000, and $16,000 of that already committed to multi-year agreements, officers recommended 12 applications for funding with a combined value of $59,000.
• Environment Group Support Grants: In line with Council’s Community Grants Policy adopted in April this year, the grant guidelines have been reviewed by Council officers. The grant application process has moved online, using the SmartyGrants program. In addition, the Environment Group Support Grants have a new category – a Biolink Boost Grant, which will be co-funded with Macedon Ranges Community Enterprise Ltd (Bendigo Bank) as a community partner.

The council also endorsed a notice of motion in relation to the Australian Government’s Voice to Parliament, whereby it reinforced its commitment to sharing information to enable residents to make their own considered and informed choice in the referendum.

Residents are encouraged to visit the Australian Electoral Commission website for information. Council’s positioning statement is available here, which is aligned with Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan 2021-23.

Video recordings of past Council meetings are available at webcast.mrsc.vic.gov.au (generally available within two business days of a meeting).

By Donna Kelly
OK. THIS is my last instalment on aged care provider Benetas. Well, for a bit.
You may remember we started doing articles about three editions ago when we were contacted by a woman who said the price had gone up – and the service had gone down. The service had moved from Hepburn Shire Council to Benetas.
So we ran that story and then quite a few other people got in touch and said they were also having issues. Some had not had anyone cleaning their homes for six weeks – and some were still being charged for the service anyway.
And so we ran another story with those people and Benetas kept doing the public relations thing saying they were doing their best and were very surprised to hear that some of their clients were not happy.
Then I wondered who I could reach out to. People were reaching out to me and I was reporting on that, but that wasn’t really helping anyone, except they felt perhaps they were being heard.
The last story I ran was with comment from Ballarat MP Catherine King who said the Health Department were onto it – that’s pretty impressive – and she also provided lots of numbers where complaints could be lodged or other providers could be found. Great, I thought, at last some movement at the station.
The edition came out on July 17 and on July 18, Peter, not his real name, called. He said he had just read the story, he was one of the earlier callers, and just wanted to let me know…drum roll please…no, no good news. He just wanted to let me know he had been waiting all day for his cleaner and no-one had come.
The wait started at 9am and it was 4pm when he called me. Peter didn’t want to leave the house in case the cleaner turned up but “I did have other things I wanted to get on with”, he said.
Peter has decided to quit the service. He had been ill, very ill, but said he was on the mend and could do better himself. I mean, he is still not great, but after beating cancer he is tired of spending days inside, waiting. Perhaps his cleaner is called Godot?
Anyway, always looking on the bright side, I am blood type B positive after all, I decided that things must be looking up. The only call I had was from Peter so maybe all the other people were fine now?
I decided to write to that first woman, the one who said the prices had gone up and the service had gone down. So I found her emails and sent one saying she had done a good thing, and that as a result of all those numbers from Catherine King MP – and the Health Department being onto it and all that, that all must be mostly good in the aged care sector in Hepburn Shire.
She wrote back: “That is excellent news – as an aside I did all the things Catherine King said (prior to her saying them) and rang My Aged Care who gave me new service numbers and the names of other providers to see if I could get a new provider. None of them got back to me (and they were out of district) so I assume either they don’t have the capacity or are unable to come as this is Benetas’s territory.”
Hmmm. I have nothing to add. Unless you have read Kyle’s latest Rant …
The poor thing thinks I shop just twice a year. One day he will find a thing called online shopping and I will be done for. Or he will pick up on the surprised tone I manage when he says “is that new?” and I say “this old thing, I’ve had it for years”.
And life rolls on. Just sayin’…

LAST week I found myself in one of my worst nightmare scenarios, waiting outside a shop near the food court at Wendouree Shopping Centre.
I was waiting for Her Indoors to select, pay for and pick up some clothing. These turnouts happen a couple of times of year and regularly end with “there was nothing I really wanted in there”.
What is this woman shopper instinct that goes from the ‘oh this looks good’ to ‘I don’t really like it?’ If I decide an article of clothing looks good on me or even if it has half a chance of fitting, I am in. As long as I cover up the top and the bottom halves of my awkwardly shaped body with something, I feel like a fashionista. I mean what sort of God does that sort of cruelty to a man? Providing him with wide shoulders, a large head and a potbelly on top, being supported by a tiny bum and stick legs.
Another shopping episode with my sister in Ikea resulted in a trolley load of stuff for the house and just before the tills she parked her trolley up and instructed me to do the same. I just don’t get what had changed between the entrance of the shop and the Swiss meatball stand which we went on to enjoy for lunch.
But back to my nightmare scenario at Wendouree. I was parked outside this shop in full view of the great unwashed in the middle of a feeding session – I think they call it lunchtime.
The seated people’s mouths were full like cement mixers yelling at each other over the throng of voices in an effort to be better heard. The others were walking around stuffing their faces with burgers, souvlakis and chicken wings: ripping, gnawing and tearing while walking around the food hall hunting for more as if it was their last meal.
The sauces that flew around with the contents of their gobs were mostly ingested with the remainder being sprayed out, and Donna came back from her fruitless shop to a white-as-a-ghost, broken man.
This probably isn’t how it really went, it is just the way I saw it. After all I don’t get out much beyond our local pubs and I am not one for humanity en masse. It was probably just a food hall full of people eating and having fun with me getting a people and sensory overload.
But I have to ask, when did it become okay to walk while eating? The closest I have come is when I have been famished and just popped a tiny morsel into my mouth while walking. And yes, I can walk and chew at the same time.

The great unwashed seem to be tearing into their food while walking. It is such a vulgar display, even a jungle animal drags its food away so it can eat in peace in the one spot.
And then there is this constant need for hydration by humans. The coffee cups, water bottles and clear plastic cup containers with a bubble top and a straw/spoon thing that house a creamy dessert-type drink. The masses drag these around in the shopping centres like trophies, slurping and gulping every few metres, like their lives depend on it.
People, not a fan rant over…

Ripon MP Martha Haylett has handed out a petition to Clunes businesses and community groups encouraging locals and road users to show their support for speed reduction and safety improvements on the town’s Bailey Street bridge.
The petition seeks to reduce the speed limit from 60kmh to 40kmh over the Clunes bridge. The petition is at the Clunes Pharmacy, Widow Twankeys, Clunes Newsagents, Clunes IGA, @Fifty Two, Valley of Gold Service Station, Clunes Neighbourhood House, BOOM Clunes and O’Hara’s Café Bakery. Or sign online at www.marthahaylett.com.au.

Woodend has taken out bronze in the Top Small Tourism Town category at the 2023 TAC Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards.

The Top Small Tourism Town category celebrates townships with a population from 1500 to 5000 that demonstrate a strong commitment to tourism, offer an excellent visitor experience, and show strong collaboration with tourism operators, local businesses and the community.

Winners were revealed on July 26 with Sorrento winning gold and Heathcote taking silver. The award comes a year after Mount Macedon won gold in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town category for 2022, followed by bronze at the national awards.