The Hepburn Shire Council has awarded $25,320 to support community-led projects in the latest
round of funding through its community grants program.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, says it was gratifying to see such a diversity of recipients in this round of grants.

“Council’s community grants program aligns with our objective to support the strength and
resilience of the community,” he said.

“This funding makes a big difference to community groups when it comes to purchasing much-needed equipment or delivering a project,” said Cr Hood.
“This round we are supporting such a variety of projects. From theatrical performances and the
purchase of safety equipment, to support for community lunches, delivery of firewood and relief
for at-risk and homeless people.

“There are so many local groups doing wonderful things for our community and Council is proud
to support them.”

Successful applicants:

Lab Kelpie Inc. Theatrical Play ‘Reasons to be Invisible’ $2,500

Victoria Street Craft Group, Creswick Street Craft Group $2,500

Hepburn Netball Club Tiered Spectator Seating $2,500

Riding for the Disabled, Daylesford Safety Equipment and Saddle $2,270

Cool Country Men’s Shed Metalwork for Community Projects $1,052

Bullarto Public Hall Committee New Equipment (Improved Resilience) $2,500

Clunes Museum Digitizing Microfilm Records $2,500

Creswick Men’s Shed Pedestal Disc Sander for Community Projects $2,500

Pavilion Arts & Sustainability Inc. Small Equipment Purchase, Capacity Building $999

5000 Club Inc. Weekly Community Luncheons $2,000

Trentham Lions Club Wood for the Needy $2,000

Anglicare Ongoing Relief for at-risk and Homeless $2,000

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is inviting community feedback on a combined planning scheme amendment and planning application that would see a long-envisaged development of commercial land on Willowbank Road to service the needs of residents in Gisborne’s south.

The proponent-led application seeks to rezone vacant residential land at 101-105 Willowbank Road in
Gisborne to a small commercial zone, to provide localised shopping and services to a growth area
earmarked by Council for such a development since 2009.
Plans for the site include a small supermarket, a medical centre, office and two cafés, along with 57
car parking spaces. Sustainable features include on-site power generation through rooftop solar, use
of recycled materials, storm water capture and retention, and an electric vehicle charging station.
Council’s Director Planning and Environment, Rebecca Stockfeld, said the proposed development
would prioritise active transport such as walking and cycling, enabling residents to more easily access
basic shopping needs and reduce car dependency.
“A commercial offering has been a long-term strategic vision for this area,” she said. “Having localised
options will help service the needs of the growing population, complementing what Gisborne’s town
centre currently provides.”
The development would also complement existing services in the area, including physiotherapy and
osteopathy clinics and an early learning centre.
Plans for the proposal can be viewed at mrsc.vic.gov.au/your-say, or in-person at the council’s Gisborne
and Kyneton service centres. The closing date for submissions is 13 June.
The council says it will consider all submissions received and appoint an independent Planning Panel if
necessary, with a final decision regarding the amendment to be made by the Minister for Planning.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is preparing a master plan to guide the future management of the Woodend Racecourse Reserve and will continue to receive public input up to May 28.

Public submissions will close on 28 May 2023 at 5pm

The Woodend Racecourse Reserve plays an important role in the provision of sport and recreation opportunities for the community.

The council is inviting public feedback via short survey to help inform the development of the significant plan.

The reserve is currently the home to the Woodend Pony Club, Riddells Creek Adult Riders Club, Hanging Rock and Woodend Pentanque Club, and is also accessed by the Woodend Junior Football Club and Woodend Hesket Football Netball Club.

It was previously a racecourse, and previously home to scouts and little athletics.

Council has appointed experienced recreation consultants @Leisure to undertake the development of this plan.

There will also be further opportunities to have a say on the draft master plan once it has been developed, which is anticipated to be later this year.

The Hepburn Shire Council has launched a new quarterly Sustainable Hepburn electronic newsletter to keep the community and stakeholders up to date with progress on the Sustainable Hepburn Strategy.

Sustainable Hepburn was co-designed with the community in 2022 and is Council’s updated commitment to environmental sustainability. It acknowledges the interconnected relationship between many facets of environmental sustainability and includes four key themes:

· Beyond zero emissions

· Natural environment and biodiversity

· Low waste

· Climate resilience.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that the first edition of the quarterly e-news update went live late last week.

“During the Hepburn Together project and the development of the Council Plan in 2020/21, we heard loud and clear from our community that environmental sustainability is a key priority for our community,” said Cr Hood.

“I encourage community members and stakeholders with an interest in, or passion for, the environment and sustainability to subscribe to this informative newsletter,” he said.

“You will be able to see how we are working towards each of the four focus areas in the strategy with the icons attached to every story.”

The Hepburn Shire Council says it is supporting community-led projects to improve biodiversity
through its Biodiversity Grants program with grants now up for grabs.

Grants are now open and community groups, including environmental groups, schools and other incorporated or auspiced groups, are being encouraged to apply.

Projects for amounts up to $5,000 will be considered and applications close 5pm, Monday 5
June 2023.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that protecting biodiversity was a high priority for Council.
“These Council-funded grants will help support some of the excellent work being done by
community groups.”
“By supporting community groups who have the passion to lead these projects, we are
taking positive steps to protect, maintain and enhance biodiversity,” said Cr Hood.
“We are excited to see what kind of applications we receive during this round of grants,”
said Cr Hood.
More information on the guidelines and application process can be found at
www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/grants.

Projects funded in 2022 included:

• Daylesford Community Centre – $4,236.64 to establish an accessible indigenous
  wildlife demonstration garden
• Hepburn Gardens for Wildlife – $3,728.24 to organise training in local plant and
  weed identification for the general community including mentors of the Hepburn
  Garden for Wildlife program
• Hepburn Wildlife Shelter – $3,363.34 to revise and reprint 2012 booklet that
  outlines things we can do to minimise our impact on wildlife and share our spaces
  with the local wildlife
• Blampied Kooroocheang Landcare Group – $4,236.6 to establish stock proof
  fencing for a seed production area (SPA), aiming to grow 2,000 Silver Banksia- an
  important revegetation species for the Shire.
• Daylesford Primary School – $4,236.64 to run a program to conduct on-ground
  revegetation projects designed and implemented by student-led teams with
  associated biodiversity awareness excursions and incursions
• Wattle Flat Pootilla Landcare Group – $4,198.51 to part-fund purchase of a covered
  trailer for the safe storage, handling and transport of equipment for Landcare
  activities.

The state government will give motorists the option to carry their licence on their phone with a digital driver licence trial in Ballarat before a statewide roll-out by 2024.

The new technology will give motorists the choice to store a secure digital version of their driver licence in the popular Service Victoria app or soon-to-be-launched my VicRoads app.

From June, full licence holders in Ballarat will be able to sign up for the pilot through the Service Victoria or VicRoads websites before the trial begins in July, with those who register progressively invited to add a digital version of their licence to their phone.

Following extensive work by the Labor Government, the card will feature superior security features – with the licence updated in real time in response to any changes such as new licence conditions or a change of address.

Digital licences will automatically reveal if a licence has been revoked or suspended but will still be available for use to prove identity or age when it is not active.

The licence has a highly secure, timed QR code that can be scanned by licence validators such as police, businesses and other authorities to verify authenticity and prevent fraudulent use.

Accessibility and security of personal information is the highest priority. During the Ballarat trial, feedback will be sought from motorists, retailers, licensed venues, Victoria Police and places where a licence is used as proof of identity.

The initial pilot is for full licence holders and won’t change the obligation for L and P plate drivers to carry their physical licence with them at all times. Drivers will still have the option to use their physical licence.

In anticipation of a statewide roll-out, the Government will also begin engagement with key business and industry leaders to make sure Victorian workers and businesses are well prepared.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne: “We know Victorians want digital driver licences and that’s why this trial is such a big step before further rollout occurs”

“A digital driver licence will make it easier and more convenient for Victorian motorists and it will help businesses and authorities to verify identity with minimum time and fuss.”

Nominations are now open for the 2023 Macedon Ranges Youth Awards to help recognise the
amazing achievements of young people in the shire.

The awards are open to young people living in the shire who are aged between 12- 25 years and
have made a significant contribution to the community.
Award categories this year include:
 Willpower: young people who show real character and perseverance, especially in the face of
adversity.
 Good deeds: young people who give their time and energy to activities that support the
wellbeing of another individual, group or community.
 Pure imagination: young people pursuing their passion for creativity through the arts.
 Nicely played: young people kicking recreational and physical activity goals.
 Skilling it: young people excelling in a mentorship program, workplace or business.
 Well aware: young people who shine a light on important issues/social causes, and raise
awareness in the community.
Director Community Maria Weiss said the council was excited to once again showcase the incredible
achievements and hard work of the shire’s young people though the awards program.
“These awards provide a unique opportunity to bring all members of the community together in a
really positive way and celebrate the immense contributions that young people make in our society,”
she said.
“We encourage everyone to get involved to make this a true community event. If you know of a young
person you feel should be put in the spotlight for their achievements, make sure you visit the website
and nominate them.”
Young people in the Macedon Ranges are encouraged to nominate their peers, along with families,
friends, teachers, neighbours, employers or colleagues.
Winners will be announced at a live event to be held on 10 August at Kyneton Town Hall.
Nominations close Friday 30 June. For information and to nominate, visit www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Live-Work/Youth/Youth-Awards

High energy Woodend band Strange Trails is inviting all and sundry to get out and support local and original rock music at the town’s Vic Hotel.

The upcoming gig – Saturday June 3, will showcase some of the considerable talent on offer in the Macedon ranges rock scene.

Marlee Grace will open the night with a set from her recently released and beautifully crafted indie album Rollercoaster.

Elevated Planes will get the gig humming and the crowd moving with their bass-heavy, percussive grooves and afro psychedelic vibes.

And finally local Woodend band Strange Trails will keep the energy pumping with the final set of expansive fuzz rock with the soaring vocals of Brett Franke.

It’s shaping as a night for original music to shine and locals to cut loose.

The Shepherds Flat Landcare Group is inviting the wider community to be part of the next phase of Planting Trees for the Queens Jubilee, later this month. 

Group members say they have 200 tree tube stock ready to plant at their Mullers Lane, Shepherds Flat project site and the event is scheduled for Sunday, May 28 from 10am to 12 noon and 

They’re inviting the wider community to be part of the planting to be followed by a celebratory BBQ – all dependent on the weather conditions.  

Group members say those interested should monitor their Facebook page, Shepherds Flat Landcare, for updates.

In Creswick Martha Haylett MP opened the Hammon Park Trailhead in Creswick on May 5.

To celebrate, the Hepburn Shire Council is now inviting local residents to “join the fun at the Dirty Pig and Whistle ride event at Hammon Park on Saturday 20 May”.

Those interested are invited to get along, watch some of the races, try out
the jumps and the pump track, learn about the Creswick Trails and enjoy a
free coffee and face painting (10am to 12pm) at this fun community event.
Everyone is welcome.

Hammon Park is the trailhead for the Creswick Trails, a 60-kilometre network of mountain bike trails destined to be the site of the 2026 Commonwealth Games mountain bike events.

Hammon Park is a community-focused reserve with a cycling theme and includes cycling
jumps, pump track, cyclocross elements, children’s play area, learn to ride
bike track, BBQ area and space for a variety of events.

The reserve was funded through a grant from Regional Development Victoria’s Regional
Tourism Infrastructure Fund, a generous contribution from the Creswick
Community Bank and Council’s capital works funds.

Local irrigators are being invited to express their interest in a new pump screen that will both save native fish and stop weeds from blocking their systems.
The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is trialling two different pump screen designs
and is keen to show them off to local farmers.
North Central CMA Project Officer Will Honybun said fish movement into channels and through pumps is one of the key factors behind the decline of native fish numbers in Gunbower Creek.
“Early observations have shown about 13 native fish are lost for every megalitre pumped,” he said.
“If we apply that across the Torrumbarry Irrigation Area it means huge numbers of native fish are being lost out of the system, with most killed in pumps.
“It’s not just fish either; yabbies, platypus, turtles and water rats can all be impacted as well.
“We recently installed two types of self-cleaning pump screens on Gunbower Creek through a pilot project to understand what difference they can make.”
The pumps also have a significant benefit to farmers, stopping weeds from collecting around the intake and disrupting pumping.
“The screens are cleaned as they operate, which means they stop everything, including weeds, and pumping isn’t interrupted,” Mr Honybun said.
“There’s no back flushing required or re-priming of pumps. There’s also less wear and tear and stress on
both the intake pipe and the pump which can reduce operation and maintenance costs significantly over the life of the screen.
“At one site, early trials have resulted in increaseed pumping rates from about 12ML to almost 15ML a day.
That means it’s quicker to irrigate bays, and there are lower power costs to achieve the same volume out on the farm.”
North Central CMA held a field event to showcase the screens on May 15, and invited interested
irrigators to get along.
“The aim is to roll these screens out across the Torrumbarry Irrigation Area, but we need to gauge interest
first,” Mr Honybun said.
“If enough people express interest on the day, we can put forward a business case to government to
subsidise them across the region.”

Holes
A hole is not nothing.
It is not mere space. Space is out there.
A hole is bounded. It is defined
by its borders.
To have a hole in your heart
you must have a heart.
To dig a hole is to create
a dirt-rimmed space.
A hole may be a necessary part
of the whole.
Intactness only lasts so long.
The hole must out.
A hole in your jeans or your jumper
exposes what lies beneath.
So you don’t ever actually see
the hole itself.
Neither can a hole be touched
any more than can a feeling.
Reach for it – or in it – and all you’ll find
is your fingers – or an edge.
The whole world may in fact
be a hole
and substantiality
just what forms up around it.
Words: Bill Wootton
Ed’s Note: Bill had a hole in his poetry schedule for The Local so he wrote this. Donna filled a
hole on the page with it. Local Lines features poetry by locals about local and any other matters.
Please submit poems to Bill Wootton at cottlesbreedge@gmail.com

Indoor plants in winter
Many gardeners who have started a collection of indoor plants – like the
philodendron scandens, birds nest fern asplenium nidus and fiddle leaf ficus lyrata
– pictured above – and done well with them through summer, could be disappointed when
they suffer quite badly once the chills of winter are upon us.
Here’s why, and a few hints on how to avoid the worst of it.
Most of the plants we grow indoors originate from tropical and sub-tropical regions where winter temperatures are moderate and humidity relatively low.
Unfortunately this doesn’t apply to the greater part of Australia where
temperatures are generally rather low and the atmosphere is damp to dripping wet.
Added to this, the plants have invariably come straight from the warmth of an
often heated glasshouse, or in the case of the large chain stores, direct from NSW
or Queensland in a van, and will need some help to acclimatise. But more on that
another time.
It is under these conditions that indoor plants suffer most, usually from over-
watering and lack of light.
During the summer months the moisture content of pot soil will drop within a
few hours of watering, even in poorly drained soil, so the plant is unlikely to suffer
from wet feet.
In winter however, water stays in the soil much longer, leaving the plant open
to infection by root rot and other diseases brought about by micro-organisms.
Symptoms of over-watering are a general yellowing of the plant and drooping, and
the eventual dropping, of old leaves.
There is only one correct way to water plants during winter – or indeed
throughout the year – and that is to give them a good soaking drink when, and only
when, they are dry. Allow the water to soak right down through the soil and when the
soil is completely dry, soak it again.
When potted plants are watered lightly and frequently it is almost impossible to
assess their needs. Although the top soil is kept damp, the lower part where roots are,
could be either always dry or always wet. Both conditions are equally deadly for plant
life.
Other possible causes of leaf drop, especially at this time of year, are a sudden fall
in room temperature or fumes from gas fires.
Wherever possible, always place your plants in the best lit position away from
draughts.
Don’t feed them now, until the arrival of warmer weather because their need for
sustenance decreases until the arrival of spring. Unused fertiliser will only build up in
the soil and can cause root damage.
One of the few exceptions to this rule is the cyclamen, most of which would be
commencing growth and will need feeding as their flower buds form. Avoid repotting
until spring. They will take hold of the new soil much better when the new root
growths are developing.
A good spot to place indoor plants which appear to be suffering in some way
is in your bathroom. Here the steam from showers etc, raises the temperature and
humidity to a degree closer to that encountered in their natural habitat.
Keep their foliage clean and dust free by washing them with rain water or placing
them under the shower using the cold tap and a light pressure.
Keep a close watch for mealy bug or scale and treat them at the very first sign
because a very severe infestation can build up rapidly when plants are growing in a
warm, dry environment.
Got a gardening query? Email glenzgarden@gmail.com

with Clive Hartley

Bendigo’s Carnivale
The Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival, a couple of weekends ago, saw
sunny weather bring the crowds out en masse to celebrate harvest time. The annual
event was a success with wine, food, and music flowing seamlessly all afternoon.

Nineteen producers were represented and provided a snapshot of our next-
door neighbours. The large Bendigo wine region has a warm, dry climate with a
mean January temperature of 22°C and growing degree days of 1764, compared to
the Macedon Ranges, which stands at 19.3°C and 1289 respectively. That is a big
difference in climate, and in part explains why the wine styles are focused on full-
bodied red wines in Bendigo, and light pinot noir and chardonnay in Macedon.
Bendigo is one of the last bastions of the powerful tannic-driven high alcohol
reds. It defies the current trend for lower alcohol wines. They have their followers,
and if the crowds at the festival were anything to go by, they remain ever popular.
White wines were a tad under-represented on the day, but I was impressed
with a few viogniers. This fleshy and firm white grape is one of my favourites.
Waterwheel 2021 and Turners Crossing 2019 were good but I was most impressed
with GilGraves 2022 that displayed nice stone fruit and a creamy texture.
Grenache and blends such as GSM (grenache, shiraz, mourvèdre) were well
represented. I liked the wines from Chaperon by Grangehill. Their property, north-
west of Maldon, is on the site of a late 19th century vineyard. Owner, Russell
Clarke, makes wines out of the old cellar from his dry-grown bush vines planted
over 20 years ago. The Chaperon GM (60/40 grenache mourvèdre) 2019 was
smooth, light and elegant. His 2019 GSM was more structured and textured and
only 14% alcohol, which is on the low side, compared to the average Bendigo red.
Another recommended grenache came from Wes Vine at Mandurang Valley.
Without exception the shiraz I tasted were all well made. These wines are full-
bodied with strong tannins and high alcohol. Big on ripe blackberry fruits with
touches of black pepper, mint and eucalyptus character. Black Estate 2019 stood
out as a lovely textured, well-balanced smooth wine. Balgownie Estate 2019 was
spice driven with liquorice and black cherries. Turners Crossing’s The Crossing
Shiraz 2018 was powerful with plush tannins. Did I mention the prices? Across the
board the region produces incredibly affordable wines.
* Clive Hartley has just published the 7th edition of his book The Australian Wine Guide
and is running a two-hour master class on June 3. www.australianwineguide.com.au

G’day. I’m Arnie. I’m a very handsome silver tabby, about 13 weeks old.
I am pretty partial to pats and general adoration. I relish playtime and adventuring and will make a great
household companion. I am very keen to find a good home to call my own with some top notch humans. If you think that might be you then please get in touch with the Mt Alexander Animal Welfare shelter in Castlemaine on 5472 5277.
Microchip no. 956000016306825.
Link: www.maaw.org.au