Residents throughout the central Victorian goldfields are being encouraged to get physically active while having some fun at the same time by taking part in Adventure Bingo – an initiative from Healthy Loddon Campaspe.

Adventure Bingo invites residents to get involved, either online or via hard copy, by walking one of six trails across the Loddon Campaspe region. Through the initiative, participants spot points of interest listed on a grid during their walk and once they’ve spotted three items in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal line, they’ve got Bingo.

To launch the initiative in Maldon, families from Young at Heart Playgroup walked the Maldon Town Trail Adventure Bingo trail last month.

Healthy Loddon Campaspe is also giving residents the chance to win one of 50 $20 sports store gift cards via a series of prize draws. Entries are open from Monday 20 March until Friday 5 May, with five weekly draws starting from Tuesday 11 April. Residents simply need to complete Adventure Bingo online to go into the draw.

Healthy Loddon Campaspe Coordinator, Alicia O’Brien said Adventure Bingo encourages physical activity, especially for children and families, in our local region in a fun and simple way.

“It also provides residents and visitors alike with a free, self-guided opportunity to explore walks in our region at any time that suits them,” Ms O’Brien said.

“The 2022 Australian Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Young People indicated that whilst most children and young people in Australia have access to public open spaces such as parks and playgrounds, just one quarter are meeting the national physical activity guidelines for their age. We hope that by encouraging people to participate in Adventure Bingo, it will provide a fun, free reason for children and families to be more physically active.

“Walking is also the most popular form of physical activity in our region, according to statistics from the Active Living Census, and Adventure Bingo plays on this popularity by providing residents with a fun activity to participate in when out on a walk.

“You can get involved both during the prize period or afterwards when you can challenge friends and family to see who can get Bingo first.”

The Mount Alexander Shire Adventure Bingo walk is located in Maldon. Hard copy maps and Bingo cards are available for free at Maldon Visitor Information Centre or Castlemaine Visitor Centre or residents can participate online by scanning the QR code.

Other Adventure Bingo walks are located in Gunbower, Dunolly, Bendigo, Boort, and Romsey.

Local woman who are interested in running for local government next year are being invited to apply now for a Women Leading Locally Fellowship.

The fellowship provides women with the skills and support they need to enter local government.

Applications close on Friday 14 April with a total 65 fellowships will be offered in 2023.

The purpose of the fellowship is to assist women to stand for election in the 32 priority local government areas in October 2024.

Applications open at 9am AEST on 6th March 2023 and close at 5pm AEST on 14th April 2023. No extensions will be granted.

The “Community Leader Fellowship” is a program of Masterclasses and mentoring to support women with the skills and networks to run a successful campaign for local government election. The “Certificate in Community Leadership and Governance (Local Government)” will be awarded to those who have attended the compulsory elements of the program and any preparation for sessions which has been required to gain certification. The certificate recognises the skills developed in the program, which can be applied in many areas of community leadership.

More information is available at https://womenleadinglocally.smartygrants.com.au/WLL2023

The Hepburn Shire Council is reviewing its Outdoor Dining and Trading Policy and inviting public input from locals.

Businesses, visitors and the local community are encourged to have a say by completing a short survey at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/outdoor-trading.  If support is needed to complete the survey, Council will have printed copies of the survey at its libraries and hubs.

The survey closes at 12 noon on Friday 14 April.

Outdoor dining and trading typically includes elements such as tables, chairs, barrier screens, umbrellas, A-frame signage, display stands and planter boxes on Council owned and managed roads, footpaths and land.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that outdoor dining and trading plays a vital role in fostering a strong local economy and creating welcoming places for our community and visitors.

“Council made allowances for cafes and restaurants to offer more options for outdoor dining during the COVID-19 pandemic. Outdoor dining is included in this review and we are interested to hear from the community, business operators and visitors to hear what they think as we plan for the future.”

“We want to support our towns and communities to thrive, but we also need to ensure that these activities are done safely in our shared public spaces.  This means balancing the needs and expectations our local businesses, community and visitors, and ensuring that our approach is fair and equitable,” said Cr Hood.

On Thursday 23 March, Mount Alexander Shire Councillors visited Gem Pier in Williamstown to take a tour of the historic ship, HMAS Castlemaine.

Commonly known as a corvette, the heritage-registered HMAS Castlemaine was named after our town. Constructed during World War II, the ship undertook campaigns in wartime throughout the Pacific, Darwin and New Guinea before it was de-commissioned in 1945.

Since 1974, volunteers with the Maritime Trust of Australia have worked to maintain and restore the ship to its former historic glory.

The group now operate tours of the HMAS Castlemaine, where it is docked at Gem Pier in Williamstown. Visitors are able to experience how crews lived and worked during wartime, and learn more about aspects of Australia’s maritime history.

Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Mayor Rosie Annear said she was thrilled to be invited on board the HMAS Castlemaine, and to see the efforts being made to preserve a piece of history.

“The amount of time and effort that’s gone into restoring the ship is just incredible”, said Mayor Annear.

“Everyone involved is a volunteer, and they live and breathe HMAS Castlemaine! The ship is filled with historical items that all relate to that era – there’s original compasses, cutlasses, and a Morse code unit has even been hooked up!”

“The level of historic detail on the ship is amazing, and each of the pieces of memorabilia create an ‘authentic’ experience of what life would have been like on board, during her heyday.”

During their visit, Councillors were presented with framed historical photographs of the HMAS Castlemaine, along with a plaque made from timber from the ship’s original mast.

“It’s a real honour to receive these gifts that have been so thoughtfully and generously made for us”, said Mayor Annear.

Late last month – Friday March 31, Hepburn Shire Council raised the trans flag in Daylesford in recognition of Trans Day of Visibility. 

The day recognises and celebrates trans and gender diverse people and their important contribution to our community.

In a message from the Mayor the council reiterated its commitment to ensuring our community is a place where trans and gender diverse people feel safe and welcome. We also reaffirmed our strong stance against violence, including against the rainbow community.

Trans Day of Visibility is celebrated around the world on 31 March each year. Find out more at https://tdov.org.au/

Residents of Hepburn Shie are encouraged to have their say on the future electoral structure of Hepburn Shire Council, in response to the Victorian Electoral Commission releasing three preliminary options.

An independent electoral representation advisory panel is reviewing electoral structures across the state, including Hepburn’s, considering if the council has an appropriate number of Councillors, should be one large unsubdivided area, or should be subdivided into wards.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said “Hepburn Shire currently has seven councillors across five wards. This structure is no longer compliant with changes that were introduced as part of the Local Government Act 2020.”

“This is the community’s chance to let the advisory panel know their thoughts about how they prefer to see the electoral structure represented,” he said.

Using feedback provided via an initial investigation period, the independent electoral representation advisory panel has provided three models for residents to consider:

• Model 1 – An unsubdivided electoral structure (no wards) with seven councillors elected from across the Shire
• Model 2 – A subdivided electoral structure with a total of four wards and eight councillors (two councillors from each ward)
• Model 3 – A subdivided electoral structure with a total of seven wards and seven councillors, one councillor from each ward

“Council will also carefully consider the options,” said Cr Hood.

Submissions for Hepburn Shire Council close at 5pm on Wednesday 19 April and a public hearing will take place at 10am on Wednesday 26 April.

Stevie Rigby is a talented young local singer who loves all genres of music.

She has grown up locally, in Daylesford and surrounds.

Only 15 years old but her voice is mature beyond her years. A new young talent not to be missed, she’s getting set to perform at The Palais, Hepburn Springs on Friday April 14.

Stevie loves being on stage and singing in any shape or form.

A wide spectrum from musical theatre, to a bit of heavy metal.

Supporting young local artists is so very important…..SO!!!

Please be part of this special occasion, as one day you will see her name up in lights and say ‘oh yer I saw her when she was starting off’.

With fire restrictions easing in some parts of the state and calm autumn conditions, many planned burns are expected to take place over the coming weeks, upsetting many local residents who suffer from asthma and others who hold some concerns about the practice.
While current conditions are ideal for burning, weather patterns may cause smoke to linger over parts of the state overnight and through to early morning.
FFMVic Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said our climate is changing and that means finding the right
days for safe and effective planned burning is also changing. He believes planned burns are a “critical part” of a statewide bushfire risk management program.
“FFMVic’s number one priority is to protect life, property and the environment from the risk of bushfires, and that is what we will continue to do,” he said.“Reducing fine fuels such as grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and fallen branches means fires are less intense
and slower to spread, making it more likely that firefighters can keep bushfires small and contained before they pose a risk to communities.
“We must go ahead with the planned burning program while conditions are suitable, and it is safe to do so to avoid an increased fire risk in the future.
“Smoke could be a result of private resident burn-offs, planned burns and agricultural burns. We work
closely with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Bureau of Meteorology to keep the smoke
impact from planned burns as low as practically possible and inform the community while delivering the
program.
“Victorians can also sign up for planned burn notifications to prepare for any impact on their health or
activities.”
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan urged Victorians to conduct private burn-offs safely.
“While the Fire Danger Period has ended in some areas, it is still important that residents check the local
conditions are safe and appropriate for burning off – both on the day and the days following,” he said.
“When conducting private resident burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire.
“We ask the community to register their burn-off as this ensures if someone reports smoke, the incident can be monitored and acknowledged early.
“If possible, landowners should also notify their neighbours and others nearby who may be sensitive to
smoke so they can take necessary precautions.”
Victoria’s Chief Environmental Scientist Professor Mark Patrick Taylor said EPA understands that smoke
from planned burns and private burn-offs can cause health concerns and is monitoring air quality across
the state.
“You can check air quality for your area through our air monitoring system, EPA AirWatch,” said Professor
Taylor.
“Your nose is also an excellent smoke detector. If you can smell smoke, take the necessary precautions to
protect your health.”
For the latest information about when and where planned burns are happening near you, visit https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au/
Detailed information about current air quality throughout Victoria can be found on EPA’s website.
If you see or smell smoke outside, you should reduce your exposure to smoke by staying indoors and
closing your windows and doors – but only if it’s safe to do so. Tips for looking after your health when there is smoke can be found on EPA’s ‘Smoke and your health’ webpage – www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-
community/environmental-information/air-quality/smoke/smoke-your-health.
Keep your burn off safe and legal:
• Check fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or
by calling 1800 668 511
• Check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind
• To avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand
• Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn
• Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading
• Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration
• If your burn-off gets out of control, call ‘000’ immediately.
FFMVic Media: 03 8624 3400 or media@delwp.vic.gov.au
CFA Media: 1300 232 633 or media@cfa.vic.gov.au
EPA Media: (03) 9695 2704 or epa.media@epa.vic.gov.au

The Newstead Arts Hub is inviting people to roll up for its upcoming Newstead station open day on Saturday April 22.

The Arts Hub that has its home base at the historic station wants as many as possible to be part of the celebration. It hopes many will roll up and share memories of the working railway station and its role in the town’s history.

Members of the local The Arts Hub says they’d love to hear others’ stories, learn about their connections and see any railway memorabilia or photos to help them answer visitors’ questions.

According to the Arts Hub it’s “on a mission”. A mission to capture the history of the railway station. Some aspects of that history are known, but much more remains to be discovered.

Driven by the curiosity of visitors to exhibitions at the Arts Hub, they’re seeking answers to the question, “Tell me about this building?”.

CMRT will be hanging out at the station for the open day too. We’ll have information about the trail and news about the study that is paving the way for the trail to be built.

Need more information about the open day? Email the Arts Hub at info@newsteadartshub.org.au or contact Gordon Dowell via geordiedowell@gmail.com.

Featured image: Newstead Arts Hub // Bill Lanigan

New research shines a light on Australian farmer mental health with saddening statistics around self-harm and suicide, sparking calls for government support and industry-wide collaboration to create farmer-to-farmer support networks across the country.

New research released laste last month paints a saddening picture of the mental health of Australia’s hard-working farmers with close to third (30%) reporting a decline in their mental health over the past few years.

The National Farmer Wellbeing Report1 commissioned by Norco – Australia’s oldest and largest 100% farmer owned dairy co-operative – in partnership with the National Farmers’ Federation, has found that in recent years, nearly half of Australian farmers (45%) have felt depressed, with almost two thirds (64%) experiencing anxiety. For one in seven (14%), it’s a frequent experience.

Even more devastating, close to half of Australian farmers (45%) have had thoughts of self-harm or suicide, while close to a third (30%) have attempted self-harm or suicide.

Shining a spotlight on a national health crisis needing urgent attention, this data adds to existing bodies of research which found that one farmer commits suicide every 10 days2 and Australian farmers are twice as likely to commit suicide when compared to the general population2.

More than a quarter of farmers (27%) say feelings of loneliness or isolation, combined with limited access to mental health services have had the biggest impact on their mental health over the past five years.

Impact of natural disasters

According to the Report, the top three factors impacting farmer mental health were weather or natural disasters (47%), financial stress (36%) and inflation and cost pressures (35%).

Quantifying the impact across the country, it also found that 88% of Australian farmers have had their farming operation significantly impacted by natural disasters over the past five years, with an average cost of $1.4 million per farm.

When asked what was most emotionally taxing about the experience, more than half (54%) cited the financial burden, followed by the impact on animals and loss of stock (39%), and the physical rebuild and recovery process (37%).

One in five Aussie farmers (20%) reported feeling completely defeated and wanting to give up following an event, and of the 40% of farmers who have contemplated leaving the industry, close to a quarter cite the impact of natural disasters as the main reason why.

Michael Hampson, Norco Chief Executive Officer comments that while the research findings are incredibly saddening, it was important to be able to understand just how pronounced the issue of mental health had become, especially in light of recent natural disasters.

“We saw first-hand the devastating impacts the unprecedented flooding event twelve months ago combined with the ongoing wet weather has on our farmers, many of whom are still rebuilding physically, financially, and emotionally.

“Overlay this with years of heavy drought, bushfires and now rising input costs across all farming sectors and it’s unfortunately the reality that many farmers are doing it tough

The research has solidified an issue that we were concerned existed, however the breadth and depth of this issue is really quite profound. What we now need to do is consider how we, as an industry and a country for that

matter, can help address these challenges and work collectively to better support our highly valued and hardworking farmers well into the future,” he says.

VicHealth is partnering with community groups and organisations across Victoria to give 180 local
ideas a “jump start” in creating vibrant, active and connected communities of young people.
JumpStart! is a VicHealth initiative focused on building healthier communities through community
sport, active play, art and food programs. It’s part of VicHealth’s Future Healthy initiative – a $45
million investment over 3 years helping Victoria’s young people aged 0-25 and their families to build
back better and fairer.
As part of JumpStart! Round 2, local organisations across the state will share in more than $3.5
million to build communities that support the health of young people. Member for Macedon, Mary-
Anne Thomas was delighted to reveal a successful JumpStart! idea in the region.
“This fantastic program has been created by a local organisation in Macedon, specifically to help
improve the health and wellbeing of young people in our community, this project is a great chance
to try a new skill and make new friends along the way.” Ms Thomas said.
In Macedon, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health will work with Kyneton High School to connect
students to their local food system. Students will meet local growers, understand the environmental,
health and social impacts of the food we grow, purchase and eat. They’ll also have the chance to plant and harvest their own veggies, learning practical skills they can share with their families. VicHealth’s Executive Manager Future Healthy Group, Sarah Loh, said the exciting programs will
support children, teens, young people and their families to reach their full health potential.
“JumpStart! offers new activities for around 68,000 children and young people across Victoria. We’re
reaching far and wide across the state – from monster-themed dance workshops in Castlemaine to
circus skills in St Albans and cultural food tastings in West Heidelberg – there’s something here for
everyone,” Ms Loh said.“We can’t wait to see these programs come to life over the next 12 months.”

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council says it’s inviting public feedback on its new Local Law and Shire-wide Footpath Plan, while the long-term vision of key recreation reserves was also finalised at last month’s Scheduled Council Meeting.
Councillors at their recent meeting of March 22 endorsed master plans for the Kyneton Showgrounds, Romsey Park Sports Precinct and Gilbert Gordon Oval. These are informed by industry research, Council’s Sport and Active Recreation Strategy, and consultation with tenant clubs and the broader community
throughout 2022 and 2023.

The master plans provide a long-term road map for the future development and improvement of these
reserves in a pre-planned, strategic manner, with individual projects being subject to funding and
detailed design.
Deputy Mayor Jennifer Anderson (above) said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to provide
valuable input to these master plans, which will help us to be strategic and realistic in improving these
reserves for participants of various user groups and the wider community.”
“Officers will continue to work with the reserve user groups planning the implementation of master
plan items, subject to Council budget processes.”
Final master plans for each of the above reserves can be found on Council’s website.
Consultation on draft new Local Law: Councillors endorsed that the newly proposed Draft
Community Local Law 2023 go out to community consultation, following recent internal review.
Local Laws are renewed every 10 years, enabling councils to consider new issues and expectations
while ensuring Local Laws remain valid and suited to the needs of the community.
Deputy Mayor Jennifer Anderson said: “Everyone should love where they live and feel safe within
their community. Now is the chance to provide your feedback on what will become our own
‘community-specific’ enforceable laws for the next 10 years.”
Feedback is invited from 28 March through to 30 April 2023. For more information and to have your
say, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/Have-Your-Say
Consultation on Shire-wide Footpath Plan: Councillors endorsed that the new draft Shire-wide
Footpath Plan go out to consultation, inviting feedback on the new criteria for prioritising walking and
shared path upgrades and detailing construction designs across the Macedon Ranges.
The existing list of footpaths in the Shire-wide Footpath Plan is updated using the new prioritisation
process and is presented for information.

The state government says it’s building more amenities for people with disability, with councils,
tourism attractions and local not for profits, all encouraged to apply for grants to build changing places facilities in Macedon.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas late last month launched the latest round of grants, valued at up to $180,000 each, to help Victoria’s network of changing places facilities to continue to grow.
Each changing place has a height-adjustable, adult-sized changing bench, a tracking hoist system and
enough space for two people, making community spaces, including popular tourist destinations and
events, more accessible for people with disability.
pThe new grant round follows improvements to the national changing Places website to make it more
accessible, secure and functional for all users.
Funded by thegovernment, the redeveloped website will make it easier to find:
· The nearest Changing Places facility in Australia
· Information for organisations wanting to construct a Changing Places facility. Visit the re-developed
site at changingplaces.org.au
The state government’s 2022-2023 State Budget allocated $5.4 million to construct 30 changing places facilities.
To apply for a grant visit www.vic.gov.au/changing-places-funding-round. Applications close 14 April
2023.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “Establishing a local Changing Places facility in Macedon will support local jobs and communities by making it easier for people who rely on these facilities to visit.“

Australia’s favourite eucalypt for 2023 has been chosen on the tenth anniversary of National Eucalypt Day. For the sixth consecutive year, thousands of gumnuts cast their vote throughout last month. With competition even closer than previous years, the 2023 Eucalypt of the Year is revealed to be Angophora costata: Sydney Red Gum.

“Many Australians will instantly recognise the winner of this year’s Gum Gong: the stunning Angophora costata, or Sydney Red Gum,” says Linda Baird, Eucalypt Australia CEO.

“Angophora costata is an absolute stunner with its profusion of showy white flowers, evocative red, orange and salmon hues that capture the changing light and outstretched, contorted limbs. These limbs appear to be welcoming you with open arms. It is known by the Dharawal people of the Sydney region as ​​kajimbourra.

The Sydney Red Gum’s presence is synonymous with greater Sydney’s coastal sandstone landscape, as well as stretching inland to the Blue Mountains, further south to the NSW South Coast and further north to Coffs Harbour. Another common name for Angophora costata includes Smooth-barked Apple. It typically flowers from October to January.

“This year’s favourites are amongst our most widely recognised and commonly planted species. They are part of the Australian psyche, with many planted in suburban parklands and streets in the 70s and 80s. They evoke strong memories of childhood summers and days past.

“In second place is the Lemon-scented Gum: Corymbia citriodora native to Queensland. I’ve been awestruck by its beautiful scent while cycling around Melbourne over the last few weeks.

“In third place is the Red-flowering Gum: Corymbia ficifolia native to the Albany region of WA. It placed second last year after a battle for recognition from the passionate online Ficifolia fan club. Both firm favourites, we are already excited to see if one of these two wins next year,” says Linda

Lancefield’s Lost Watering Hole brewery is keeping tourism flowing in the Macedon Ranges with its
recently completed brewery and restaurant now open.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas last Friday visited the brewery and restaurant, which has created 24 new local jobs. The independent brewery has produced 2000 litres of beer per week since December 2022 and has served a total of 14,000 meals at its restaurant since opening.
The brewery celebrates the history of the area which is close to one of Australia’s richest fossil deposits
of extinct giant species including the giant kangaroo, the giant wombat and a giant flightless bird.
A well-digger discovered the bones of these ancient Australian species in the late 19th century which
helped scientists understand why these species known as megafauna are extinct.
Visitors to Lost Watering Hole will note the nod to these giant species that once roamed the land, with
eye-catching features, including fossils embedded in the polished concrete floor.
Megafauna also appears on Lost Watering Hole branded beers including Big Roo pale ale, Swamp Rat
dark lager, Flightless draught kolsch and a Wide Wombi IPA.
The onsite brewery can produce 100,000 litres of beer a year and is equipped to produce and package
for other labels.
The recently completed project – backed by the state government’s Regional Jobs Fund – will help meet a high demand for Victorian craft beer. The state is leading the way in Australia’s craft beer scene and is home to almost a third of the nation’s independent brewing businesses.
The Regional Jobs Fund is part of the state government’s flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure
Fund – central to the government’s investment of more than $36 billion in rural and regional
Victoria since 2015.