If you’ve got a few thoughts on the future of art and culture throughout the Hepburn Shire area, now’s your chance to make those thoughts known to the local council.

The Hepburn Shire Council is now starting the next stage of engagement for its Arts & Culture Strategy. “We’re keen to hear from the creative sector and community to further guide this strategy,” mayor Cr Brian Hood says.

The council has recently launched a new online survey which is available at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/arts-culture-strategy.

“Even if you completed the stage 1 survey last year, we’d love to hear from you,” Cr Hood said.

The survey closes 31 March.

Wheatsheaf artist Frances Guerin is holding an exhibition, Immortal Diamond, at the Southbank Vitrines on Melbourne from January 30 to February 26.

Frances said the exhibition honoured the dreamers of the first dreams.

“The language of dreams arises down the millennia at times, always unexpectedly, pointing to the great secrets written on stones and clay pots, the first music and powering the imagination of those inclined to listen and see,” the local artist said.

Frances will also hold an open studio during the ChillOut weekend. Link: www.francesguerin.com.au

With The Rex now in private hands, The Local has in recent days asked the Local Government Inspectorate what’s happening in relation to Hepburn Shire Council and the investigation into purchase of the Daylesford building in 2016.

The Local Government Inspectorate wrote back that it was the integrity agency for local government in Victoria.

“Our formal investigation into Hepburn Shire Council started in June 2019,” it responded.

“It is not appropriate to comment on specific cases until our investigation is complete. The inspectorate will follow a process to communicate the findings to councils, councillors and the community.”

Hepburn Shire locals are among Victorians now able to pick up two free packets of RATs through their local council to help with early detection and treatment of Covid-19.

State health minister and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the council RAT distribution program was
operating across more than 200 local sites, such as libraries and council customer service centres. All eligibility requirements have been removed.
Individuals can collect up to two packets for themselves plus up to two packets for each household member per visit while people with a disability or their carer can collect up to four packets of tests.

Throughout 2023–24, 39 Victorian local councils will undergo electoral structure reviews, with round one reviews for 12 rural shire councils, including Hepburn, Moorabool, Central Goldfields and Mt Alexander shire councils, beginning in recent days.

A total of 39 local councils must have their electoral structure reviewed, and residents can have their say. The reviews will be conducted via 3 rounds within the next 18 months.

Public information sessions will be held today, February 6 from noon and tomorrow, February 7 from 6pm. Preliminary submissions open on February 8 at 9am and close on March 1 at 5pm with more information is available via vec.vic.gov.au online.

The Local Government Act 2020 introduced several changes, including that all small and large rural shire councils must now have electoral structures that are either unsubdivided, subdivided with single-councillor wards, or multi-councillor wards with an equal number of councillors per ward.

Currently, the structure of 39 local councils does not meet the requirements of the Act and must be compliant for the October 2024 council elections.

To ensure all councils meet these requirements, the Minister for Local Government has formed two panels to conduct electoral structure reviews of the 39 non-compliant local councils over the next 18 months.

The panels will make a recommendation to the Minister for Local Government when they complete each review.

If the Minister accepts the recommendations, the changes will apply at the next general council election in October 2024.

Alongside the usual peaks and troughs, in 2022 the Victorian property market experienced eight interest rate rises and a confluence of pressures from the rental market.

Despite this, property in regional Victoria continues its strong performance, according to the REIV.

The REIV’s December Quarterly Median Report reveals that regional Victorian house prices grew 8.0 per cent over the year to $610,000 while the annual median for units and apartments rose 6.5 per cent to $425,000.
House prices in outer Melbourne grew 1.8 per cent to $830,000 over the 12-month period (up $14,500). From the fledgling western suburbs, Cobblebank reported one of the highest annual growths across the state – with an 18.5 per cent increase in median house price to $635,000.
Other suburbs in the west that recorded outstanding growth were Harkness, up
17.8 per cent ($625,000), Melton (up 11.5 per cent to $470,000) and Weir Views
(10.8 per cent increase to $537,000) – remaining within the affordable bracket yet
showing great investment potential for homeowners.
The standout regional suburbs for quarterly growth were Kyneton – which added an impressive $100,000 to its median house price (topping out at $1,040,000) and the historic town of Stawell, growing 8.7 per cent this quarter and 21 per cent annually (to $375,000).
The most affordable areas for hopeful house-hunters looking to lock down a unit this quarter, resided in areas such as Carlton, down 30.7 per cent to $297,250,
Dandenong (17.0 per cent drop to $357,000) and St Kilda East which saw a 12.2 per cent decrease, yet remained above the half a million mark ($511,600).
REIV president Andrew Meehan said the December data demonstrated good
buying opportunities for Victorians and a resilient real estate market across the state.
“Property prices still remain higher than they were in December 2020 – the post-
COVID real estate boom has placed Victorian property in a stronger position than
ever before, a trend we continue to see across numerous suburbs in metro Melbourne
and our regional areas.
“Now, as we enter the new year and the immigration levels return, we will no doubt see continuous demand in the market as Melbourne’s population grows and investors see strong potential for growth in our state.”

Arboricultural business The Tree Da Vinci has expanded its service and is now available to those living in Hepburn Shire and surrounds as well as the Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander shires.

The company, owned by Josh Nicholas, who is also the lead arborist offers a number of services including expert tree pruning and maintenance.
Josh is passionate about keeping his clients’ trees in their best condition and conservation is one of the main aims of his team.
“Unlike many tree companies we will not immediately advise removal of a tree unless absolutely necessary,” Josh said.
“As our environment changes we need trees more than ever to provide shade and water retention to mitigate these effects.
“And while sometimes people feel there is only one option and that is to remove
an unsightly or cumbersome tree, often they just need to be expertly pruned so you
can rediscover their beauty.
“We also lost so many trees in the June storm in 2021 – we need to keep as many
as we can now.”
Josh has a Level 3 Certificate in Arboriculture and more than 17 years’ experience
in the industry in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Along with tree conservation, The Tree Da Vinci team offers hedging, fruit tree
pruning, topping of conifers, tree cabling, formative pruning, weight reduction, dead
wooding, tree planting and general garden tidy-up.
“In the first instance, people just need to give me a call and I can talk them
through all their options,” Josh said.
“I work with my clients to ensure they are satisfied and that their garden is what
they want. We are so lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in Australia, and
I really believe that beauty extends to our own homes and surrounds.
“And having a qualified arborist does not mean breaking the bank. I can work to
most budgets and that is part of that initial chat.”

Call Josh on 0431 764 750 or email jueshuex@yahoo.com
Link: thetreedavinci.com.au
_Advertorial

Detectives from the Cybercrime Squad have charged a man following an alleged $5 million extortion.

A Queensland emergency service reported that they had received an online message demanding the money be transferred by crypto currency within three days or a bushfire would be lit back in October 2022.

No money was exchanged and the threat was not carried out, however, the investigation was handed over to the Victoria Police when it was established the message originated in Victoria.

Following an extensive investigation, detectives executed a search warrant at a Bundoora address in recent days where they seized a number of items including two computers and a phone.

A 27-year-old Bundoora man was subsequently arrested on Monday February 27..

He has since been charged with extortion with threat to endanger life, threat to destroy/damage property, possess drug of dependence and fail to provide information under warrant.

He has been bailed to face Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 1 August, 2023.

By Donna Kelly

IT’S the start of a new year, well just past the start, but there are a few things which seem to linger longer – and I have been thinking about them.
First up is the Daylesford Hospital. We all know the building is dated and not
designed for the number of people moving to the region. There is also a lack of
doctors after hours – and let’s face it, no-one likes to Zoom.

During last year’s state government election I asked Minister for Health and
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas a number of times if she was going to provide
the money needed for the hospital’s redevelopment. She’s a good pollie because she
avoided answering the question every time.
So here’s a public query – is the state government going to give us the money for
this vital community service? Or are the politicians waiting for the hospital to fall into
such disrepair, or worse, something going pear-shaped with a patient, that they just
close it down? That would be a disaster but I could see it happening.
Next up, where is the report from the Local Government Inspectorate
investigation into the Hepburn Shire Council and the purchase of The Rex? It started
in June 2019 so that is coming up to four years, and that’s a long time by anyone’s
standards. As far as I know everyone involved has long been interviewed so why the
wait? Meanwhile, the council starts another search for staff accommodation.
Related to The Rex is the provision of public toilets. The Rex was bought after a
former council CEO went for a chat in 2016 with the building’s owners about why
they had closed the public toilets inside the building. The building is now in private
hands and may, or may not, eventually offer public toilets.
But for now, and a long time, there have been no public toilets near the lower
roundabout in Vincent Street, and none even near the shops/businesses in Howe
Street. We have all been asked by visitors – generally pregnant women, people with
young kids in tow or the elderly – where the nearest toilet is. As a tourist town, where
we hope people will spend some of their money eating and drinking it’s embarrassing
to point people up the hill with a “good luck!”.
Finally…hold on, I realise this is pretty Daylesford-centric so feel free to turn back
the pages to the Clunes textile exhibition, or the French House at Trentham, or films
at Lyonville, or even the EV charging station at Creswick…or read on.
So finally, what happened to the Big Rainbow? Lots of voting went on with the
first part of the Tinder promotion and then Hepburn Shire residents got to vote on
where in Daylesford they wanted the Big Rainbow to end up, voting finished, and
then…nothing. I have asked the council and even Tinder’s PR people where the next
“big” thing will go and zilch, zip, nada.
The choices were Victoria Park, the Lost Children’s Memorial, the Daylesford
Community Skate Park or Lake Daylesford. I suspect it will be announced as part of
the ChillOut Festival in March and they will unveil it at Carnivale Day at Vic Park.
Hmmm. Personally, I think that would be a mistake.
Vic Park is nice but apart from a few events, the football and netball, and the dog
walkers, it’s pretty empty. It would also be open to vandalism. And really, if we have a
“big” thing we need somewhere with parking, amenities, lighting and people. I’d go
for the Lake. But I guess it’s a case of “watch this space” for all of the above.
Anyway, I hope your 2023 has started off well and if it hasn’t, I hope it gets
better. My New Year resolution is to get a life and think less about all of the above,
especially at 4am. As you can see, it’s not working so far. Just sayin’…

HAPPY Australia Day. That seems wrong. Do we even celebrate Australia Day any more? And if we don’t, why the public holiday?
Aren’t hospo businesses doing it tough enough without another day of paying staff an extra 30 per cent?
I saw on telly the other day they, whoever they are, were spruiking for another public holiday for the lunar new year. WTH? We even held the Grand Final public holiday in Victoria through the pandemic even though the game was held interstate.
It’s gone nuts.

Oh, and what about the Queen’s Birthday? Apparently they, again they, are going
to stick to the same day in June for the King’s Birthday. Even though King Charles
the Third (say it in an Irish voice, it’s quite funny) was born on November 14.
And what about Queen’s Counsels? According to the Australian Bar Association
“persons appointed as QCs will automatically become KCs, following the accession
to the throne of King Charles III”. I wonder if there was good trade in updating
business cards? Would KCs use Vistaprint?
We did nothing for Australia Day. Well, we worked, and we did go to a mate’s
place for a pizza evening. When I mentioned to him it was Australia Day, he added a
couple of lamb chops to the mix.
What happened to the Australia Day lamb advert with Sam Kekovich? I Googled
him and found there was one made but I never saw it anywhere. It’s all about being
un-Australian and creating a new society of various un-Australian people which is like
the new Australia. My head hurts thinking about that but it’s worth a watch.
It seems to be such a controversial day. Even Hepburn Shire held their Australia
Day event on January 25 – but maybe that was to give everyone a day off? Not sure.
But why not just change the date? It was not until 1994 that January 26 was
marked by a public holiday by all states and territories. So the public holiday side of
things is pretty light on history. And the perfect time for the change would be next
year – celebrating the 30th annual public holiday – but on another day.
Not sure what that date should be. Please don’t choose November 14, that would
be terrible because surely now we are closer to a republic than ever before. And
please stop selling Australian items – thongs, singlets, stubby holders, all made in
China. And do those sorts of items really represent Australia? Or is it just because it’s
summer?
I think it would still have to be a date in summer because nothing is more
Australian than a barby. And with Covid, being outside is so de rigueur. It’s a win-
win. But can’t be too close to Christmas. I reckon February. We have no public
holidays in February and I have a few that might work.
First up, February 14 – Valentine’s Day. A public holiday to celebrate Australia
Day and mix it up with love. Perfect. Or February 20 – World Day of Social Justice.
Just seems like it would be a good day. Finally February 27 – World NGO Day. We
get a public holiday and also recognise, celebrate and honour all non-governmental
and non-profit organisations, and also the people behind them that contribute to
society. Which is what the Australia Day awards are about already. Sorted!
Anyway, I hope you had a good day off and enjoyed being with family and/or
friends. That’s what I see Australia Day as being about. Gathering with others, having
a laugh and a bit of a feed. I think that’s very Australian. Who cares what day it is.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, What, What, What rant over.

Words & image: Eve Lamb

If you’re a nifty needleworker with a talent for textiles then the Clunes organisers of this year’s Textile Palette Exhibition want to hear from you.

After a Covid-enforced break, the Textile Palette Exhibition is back, being staged in Clunes over April 1-29, in the Clunes Warehouse for the first time.
And the date for submission of work for inclusion has now been extended from January 27 to February 10, says the exhibition’s regional coordinator, Christine Lethlean (pictured above).
Christine, a talented textile artist who moved to Victoria from WA a decade ago, has called Clunes home for the past eight years, and runs regular workshops from her Clunes studio. She also teaches textile art Australia-wide.
“I’ve always loved stitching,” says Christine who is also a former health professional with a background that includes nursing, mental health nursing and art therapy.
Christine says submissions for this year’s Textile Palette Exhibition are being accepted from interstate as well as closer to home.
“We’re really talking about textile art as a visual art-form,” she says.
“The theme for this year’s exhibition is Time for Stitch. After the past few years
navigating the changes to our lifestyle and restrictions placed on us by the pandemic,
having endured long periods of isolation and separation, what’s spoken of now is how
the quiet time for creativity helped many of us cope.
“Sitting and stitching was a lifeline to maintaining a sense of normality, and keeping a focus and our creative motivation alive.”
With this theme in mind, textile artists intending to submit work for inclusion in the exhibition are being invited to work on ideas connected to their experience during pandemic restrictions – or simply a project highlighting a love of all things connected to textiles and stitching.
Submissions considered for this year’s exhibition may include framed and unframed works, sculptural pieces, wall hangings, costumery or surface design, with artistic soft furnishings and unique upholstered furniture also considered.
As regional coordinator of the upcoming exhibition Christine makes no secret of the fact that she’s aiming to lift the profile of the annual event, and will be applying for a Hepburn Shire grant for promotion, marketing and signage.
“When we held the first exhibition in 2016 – it was a roaring success,” she says.
“We started as a group of about 15 stitching enthusiasts and we’ve had about four
or five shows since the first.
“Now it’s going to be in April every year and I’m anticipating making it a bit
more formally recognised as part of the Hepburn Shire’s events calendar, bringing
visitation from curators, collectors, artisans and anyone interested in stitching as an
art-form. I’m aiming to put it on the calendar as a must-do event.”
Those keen to know more can go to www.textilepaletteexhibition.org and there’s also an Instagram page @textilepalette.

G’day. I’m Wolfie. I’m a good lookin’ kelpie-cross male, desexed and three years young.

I love human company and would be ideal for an active family. I am well trained but also need someone who is committed to my ongoing training. Hopefully that’s you.

If you think it just might be then come on out and meet me here at the shelter. Just contact the
Mount Alexander Animal Welfare shelter in Castlemaine on 5472 5277 and we can meet up.
Microchip No: 956000007435062
Link: www.maaw.org.au

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Kyle Barnes

THE Savoia Hotel in Hepburn Springs has been a fixture of the region for 150 years in some form, or name, or another.

But it has recently undergone a major transformation and is now under the watch of manager Ross Gregory with well-known chef Lizzy Payne in the kitchen.
Stepping inside, the first thing you notice, and you can’t not, is the bar. It’s an impressive 14 metres and reaches from the bistro to the sports bar areas. And everywhere feels both spacious and welcoming.
Ross has been busy getting his team together, no mean feat at the moment, and also working through offering live local music, getting ready for functions and listening to what the locals want.
But, with the atmosphere ticked off, we are here for the food. And it is hands-down amazing. Lizzy has worked at a number of local venues and knows her stuff. There are the traditional favourites that we all know and love, as well as some very modern offerings. A big thumbs up too to our wait staffer Ashleigh – spot on.
Entrees
Kyle’s starter choice was the kingfish tartare with avocado, pomegranate and
wonton ($22). This ended up being tuna, no kingfish available, but it was just divine
and I reckon the dish of the entire meal. Presentation was delightful and the flavours
were perfect. Felt more like fine dining than a pub.
Now, everyone knows I love all things Asian-y, so I couldn’t go past the sulphur
spring mushroom with buckwheat, nori, wasabi and candied lemon ($19). Again, what
a winner. Umami flavours everywhere and again, that presentation. Delicate and robust
and mouth-watering. Compliments to the chef.
Mains
For mains Kyle had the braised lamb pita with Greek chips, pickled onion and
mustard aioli ($36). A big serve of fall-apart lamb, topped with a Greek-style salad and
with a huge side of the chips. Kyle wrapped the whole lot up, not the chips, in the pita
bread and remained quiet for quite some time.
I chose the calamari, which I often do, but this was done Szechuan-style with
tomato, chickpea, chorizo and rocket ($30). Big, oh-so-tender calamari pieces with an
amazing blend of bold, spicy, sweet and garlicky flavours – topped with a rocket salad
with pickled onions. It is really different to the “normal” calamari and definitely worth
trying. I loved it.
Dessert
Full, but determined to try just one of the many desserts on offer, we choose the
aptly named chocolate nemesis with chocolate soil, raspberries and coffee cream ($18).
OMG. Just try this for the coffee cream and then bite into that delicious chocolate slice
– so rich, so creamy, so yum. The raspberries are the perfect foil, with their tartness, but
then the chocolate soil is too tempting and you are back in chocolate heaven. Or is that
a chocolate coma happening?

Other offerings
We went on a Friday but I highly recommend heading to The Savoia on a Monday
for the Mad Monday’s Locals’ Night Feed Me ($59). It’s a shared banquet-style three-
course meal and includes a schooner of house lager, or a glass of house red/white wine.
Hearing lots of good feedback on this one. Don’t have a big lunch.
There’s also Thirsty Thursday with selected cocktails for $15 from 6pm-8pm. Also
on Thursdays is Parma Night with your choice of parma for $31 which also includes a
schooner of house lager, or a glass of house red/white wine. Can’t do better than that.
Finally, if you love your Sunday roast albeit “a slightly fancier version of your
mum’s/nan’s Sunday roast” with all the trimmings for just $25, you are sorted.
More casual
If you are after something a little more low-key, try the bar menu. Plenty of choices
for everyone, from chicken adobo wings with chilli and coriander ($14) to tempura
mushrooms with lemon aioli ($16). And you can enjoy that amazing bar!
Functions
The Savoia Hotel team prides itself on being able to offer the perfect function at an
affordable price. The menus can be packaged to suit a stand-up/cocktail style function
or a sit-down function. The function room can cater for between 80 and 100 guests
depending on the room arrangement. And really, you will be joining in 150 years of
history in Hepburn Springs. Just imagine the parties and celebrations that have been
held within these walls since the gold rush. Something special there.

Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for information after jewellery and cash valued at more than two million dollars was stolen during an armed robbery in Dandenong in late December.

Detectives have been told two men, dressed in what appeared to be tradie vests and clothes, entered a jewellery story in Dandenong’s CBD on Thursday 29 December about 6pm.

The pair assaulted and threatened the victim with a knife before he was forced at knife point to open the safe.

The victim was then tied up with his hands bound and his mouth gagged as the offenders set about robbing the store.

The offenders fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle before its believed they changed cars and were also seen driving a silver Toyota Camry.

It is believed the stolen jewellery, which can be described as 21 carat gold necklaces, bracelets, pendants and rings, and cash could be valued anywhere between $2-2.5M dollars

Investigators have released CCTV of the Toyota in the hope it will assist the investigation.

Detectives have also released computer generated images of two men believed to have been involved in the hope someone will come forward with information.

The first man is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, about 165cm tall, with a skinny build. He was wearing gloves, a green fluoro top, brown work pants, sunglasses and a balaclava or similar.

The second man is described as about 175-180cm tall, with white and black hair, is believed aged in his late 50’s. He was wearing gloves, a dark coloured cap, black sunglasses, a blue face mask, orange top and pants.

Both men have been described as being very strong.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto Crime Stoppers online.

GLENLYON artist Pam Gleeson brings her background discipline as a professional photographer to her creation of imposing landscapes that reflect her deep love of the land and its stories. Pam is no slouch
when it comes to observing detail. She’s previously worked as a medical scientist. Here, she chats to The Local journalist Eve Lamb about her art.

Eve: How do you prefer to describe your artistic style?
Pam: I would describe my style as a combination of realism and impressionism,
though at this stage I am still in the process of exploring other styles including more
stylistic representations of nature and abstraction.
Eve: How did you come to art?
Pam: I have always had an interest in art from a very young age and have pursued
some form of artistic expression over the years. I studied art at matriculation level
and later completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Tasmania. My focus
at that stage was photography which I chose to follow professionally for the next
two decades. It is only recently that I have returned to painting as an art form and
my practice of photography has informed my painting on many levels, from the
importance of light and how it can totally change the mood of a painting, choice of
subject matter, colour, composition and perspective.
Eve: Which artists – current or historic – have influenced your own work?
Pam: I have mainly been influenced so far by the works of the Heidelberg School,
namely, McCubbin, Roberts and Streeton who all captured the quintessential essence
of the Australian bush. I currently use oils and pastels.
Eve: What is/are your subject matter of choice? Why so?
Pam: My subject matter has mainly been landscapes, often including partially
derelict sheds and houses and also seascapes. This reflects my love of the Australian
landscape which has been informed by travels around Australia and is an extension of
my landscape photography. I am keen to explore more stylistic representations of the
natural and man-made worlds.
Eve: Do you work in any other area besides your arts practice?
Pam: I spent much of my life working as a medical scientist in the fields of
forensic biology, pathology and research, though art was always there for me, albeit
often in the background.
Eve: What are you working on at the moment in your current arts practice?
Pam: I am keen to start on several series, whether using oils or pastels. These
series will involve exploring a particular element that will dominate the artwork, for
example birds in flight or stormy skies. The possibilities are endless.
Eve: To date, what have been your career highlights as an artist?
Pam: Since I have only recently returned to painting, the highlights have been
exhibitions as a photographer, the high point being a major fundraising event
that I held in Tasmania where auctioned art photography of my own and other
photographers’ works raised thousands of dollars for World Vision and Rotary’s fund
following the 2004 tsunami in South East Asia.
Eve: Do you have any exhibitions or special arts events coming up?
Pam: Not at present, but I am part of the Daylesford Regional Arts Co-operative
and we will be having regular group exhibitions.
Eve: What are the challenges and rewards for artists today?
Pam: The main challenges are finding a suitable place to exhibit works and
attracting people who will truly appreciate your work. The main rewards are fulfilling
the need to be creative and having others truly see the value in your work.