By Donna Kelly  

We went to our first gay  wedding a week ago. In Sydney.  It was fantastic. Very casual,  in a cafe in Surry Hills. Great celebrant called Zoe.  

I met one of the grooms, Steve  Dow, back in Frankston Leader days, but he was always destined for bigger things. Including his  husband as it turns out.

More about that later.  Anyway Steve is a freelance  writer and author and so I have  asked his permission to run a piece from his speech on the night. It is an essay he wrote 20 years ago, in 2005, that was published in The Age, and titled All my friends are getting married.  

“There are certain delicious, subtle things about being a gay couple, out of the  range of society’s radar. Hands furtively held on the armrest in the cinema, or a covert brush against one another in the street.

“My partner – also named Steve – and  I moved house from Melbourne’s Prahran to Sydney’s Darlinghurst and, in doing  so, gained such liberties.

“Public affection between persons of matched sex is not the done thing in Chapel Street on a Saturday night. That is Oxford Street behaviour, on  dedicated Mardi Gras evenings.  

“Most intimate relationships around us already come with a tradition of public  affirmation: gifts and ribbons and cake and speeches follow solemn vows between a  man and a woman, to the exclusion of all others, for life.

“Other relationships, such  as ours, tend to inch along in a linear fashion, unmarked by pomp, although the  signifiers are clear to those who care to notice the detail.  

“Steve and I have never been much for bouquets. But contemporary same-sex  marriage debates do make me ponder if I would like that public approval, and  moreover the legal protection of a piece of paper that confirms I hug the same guy on  the couch every night.  

“Steve and I met one surprisingly sober autumn night in April 1999 at the Sir  Robert Peel Hotel in Collingwood during a men-only monthly dance party marketed  as, ahem, Throb.

“Climate is something of a conduit for fidelity: Melbourne’s winters  can be long, so gay boys begin their annual hunt to partner up against the cold.  

“It was dark in the disco, but I chose well. He was dancing tall and alone with his  shirt off in a corner, showing off his squarely constructed shoulders. Classic square  jaw. ‘Hi,’ I might have said, ingeniously. ‘Hi.’ He smiled.  

“‘Want some water?’I asked, proffering my half-full bottle, which I suddenly no  longer saw as half-empty. ‘Sure.’  

“We danced off centre stage together. A cheap date, even considering the $5  door charge. He’d seen me some weeks earlier, marching up and down Peel Street,  preparing for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, torso exposed with fairy  wings strapped to my back, a little white wrap around my butt. A Melbourne  Marching Boy in miniature.  

“We barely fitted in his small one-bedroom South Yarra flat that first year, but  we were happy. He quickly dubbed me Mini Me, after the small person in the Austin  Powers films. Naturally, I named him Bigger Me. It’s the closest we edge to tactility as  a public couple. I can’t tell you where my wings flew.”  

Fast forward 20 years and in his 2025 wedding speech Steve said:  “After 25 years together, and more than seven years since marriage equality was  achieved, the question has become, ‘Why get married now?’, with the implication  ‘what took you so long?’, to which my answer is, this is to celebrate Steve and I  making it this far.

“We want to mark the occasion with friends and family as well as  to thank you for accepting us for who we are. We want to respect and celebrate our  respective differences with one another.  

“We also have an eye to looking after one another as we get older, especially after  being reminded of our mortality with the loss of mine and Steve’s parents. So, there’s  the legal certainty that we are one another’s significant other.

“And the other question  is ‘who proposed to whom?’, to which I have no answer – it’s been a long road to get  to this point, and the detail gets lost in the martini mists of time.”  

Congratulations Steve and Steve – and many thanks for the honour of inviting us  to your wedding. We had a blast – best wedding ever. And while it’s early days, may I  say I think marriage becomes you. Just sayin’…   

More than 900 firefighters have been competing in the 2025 CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships held over the past two weekends.

Held at the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, CFA junior running teams from across the state have showcased their skills in the Urban Junior State Championships that were held on 22 and 23 March.

And over the past weekend the Senior Urban, Senior Rural and Junior Rural events were held on 29 and 30 March.

Running for the second year in a row, was Gisborne Fire Brigade’s junior team. Following a 12-year hiatus, Gisborne returned stronger than ever, under the watchful eye of former runner and coach for the brigade Bruce Harker.

Bruce is passionate about the sport and ran for almost 45 years. He has been guiding Asher, Nick, Zack and Lincoln who also recently won the under-17 aggregates at Geelong.

“This is the first time in the brigade’s history we have had a junior running team,” Bruce said.

“I’m quite pleased how they’ve gone this year and there’s a lot of pride for me in the success of the team.

“The brigade has been running since the 1960s, and we were unbeatable for a while. It’s great to have a team back competing.”

Asher Kroon one of the team’s founding members loves the sport and how many opportunities it has given him.

“I think everyone should do it, I have learnt a lot of valuable skills, especially the teamwork aspect,” Asher said.

“I love all the long drives and places I get to see as part of competing.”

Asher also wants to see more people put their hand up to participate.

“We’ve done really well this year,” Asher said.

“We only have four people which is the minimum to compete. Even though it isn’t a sport you’d normally consider we would love more people to join.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the State Championships are an important tradition for CFA members and regional communities.

“The Championships are always one of my favourite events in the calendar. They are a great display of the skills, dedication and enthusiasm of our members in a fun environment,” Jason said.

“It’s always a great place to see the camaraderie among our brigades, their families and the broader community.

Attendees also enjoyed food and drink vans, firefighting equipment and training demonstrations, CFA programs and education hubs, award presentations and much more. 

Events at the State Championships are based on practical firefighting activities, with a focus on physical fitness, teamwork and equipment skills using hoses, hydrants and other tools.

For more information and updates on results from the recent CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/champs.

This story based on a CFA report. Image: Supplied, CFA

Elizabeth Edmunds has long dreamed of opening a little shop of her own where she could step out her front door, close the gate behind her, and be inside another world.  

A house on the main road at Bullarto had potential – with room for a shop which  has become the wonderful world of Rustic Habitat.  

The shop began as an old garage of sorts – with two resident possums, who now  live in the Taj Mahal of possum boxes under the house’s verandah. Elizabeth then set  about construction of her dream, with many wheelbarrows of cement, walls, glazing,  lighting and insulation, and then got dramatic and painted the inside black.

“My overall desire for the shop was to create a place where everyone felt relaxed  and happy. Somewhere for local families and passers-by to come, and just enjoy.  

“I did spend many nights lying in bed wondering if I had chosen the right colour,  but as it was, it worked out perfectly.”  

Being a creative person, Elizabeth then filled the shop with colourful, fun and  interesting things, all with a wow factor.

“When I finally finished filling it I knew it  had all of those things in spades.”  Elizabeth has long been a collector, storing all her precious finds up until she  could finally let them shine in their cabinets and on the benches under the lights.  

“Now my beloved salt and peppers line the windows and china collectibles fill the  cabinets, all safe behind glass ready for their new owners.  

“My love of vintage toys fills the high shelf above the counter. Huge glass jars sit  on the counter top, full of lollies and chocolates, which I must admit tucking into  after long days of price tagging.  

“Down the side of the shop I made a rustic metal outdoor area which is now  chock full of interesting odds and ends, both big and small.

“The sort of things that  look great screwed onto old paint-peeling gates or picket fences, or the blank side  of a wall near a cottage garden, and bigger things that add a bit of rustic charm to a  garden.”  

And finally, rather than use the courtyard for selling, Elizabeth has turned the  space into somewhere for children to play.

She scoured Melbourne for little rides  and fun things. “I couldn’t believe it when I found my all time favourite The Magic  Roundabout carousel from the 70s complete with Dougal and Zebedee.

“A few trips later and we acquired a Mr Blobby see saw ride and a funny looking  donkey ride, and it was coming together as I had hoped.

“A Playschool rocket clock,  teepee and oversized connect four game finished off the area, and I topped it off with  a colourful parachute above and a whole tonne of coloured balls. Free rides and fun.  

“My dream was coming together. The gnomes moved in and stood to attention, ready to greet the little ones and their parents.”  

_{Rustic Habitat is open Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm.}  

Words & Image: Supplied

A group of creative, focused and determined Creswick women will soon open  Art on Albert, a not-for-profit art gallery for local and regional artisans,  including painters, woodwork, ceramics, pottery, textile artists, sculptors and  photographers.  

Creswickians have long talked about what a bonus an art gallery would be to  the town and the region.

Fortunately, a group of like-minded people have formed a committee and made this a reality.  By good fortune, the perfect space recently became available at 86 Albert Street.  

Negotiations were finalised with work commencing in record time to fit out the space.  Julie Reed is president, with Heather Ingram treasurer and Traycie Walker secretary.

Interest in the gallery has been fantastic and thanks to members of the  committee – Glenis Edwards, Christine Dobson (pictured with her work Blue Moon),  Jo Flood, Jennifer Powell and Christine Reed working together to have the gallery ready in time for CresFest – visitors will be able to purchase quality art work.  

As a not-for-profit gallery the aim is to return a surplus from sales of art back to  the community to organisations like Shannon’s Bridge or the Men’s Shed.

Exhibitors  will pay for a space and will be able to leave their work for up to three months.  Ms Dobson said they were keen to encourage young and emerging artists by  providing a wall where young people can proudly display their art.  

Art on Albert, 86 Albert Street, Creswick, will be staffed by volunteers and opens  on Sunday, March 30. It will then be open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 4pm.   

Words & image: Fiona Watson  

Affordable housing, spreading kindness, appreciating the great outdoors and peace. It’s a fairly compelling mix and it’s all part of what makes Daylesford’s Mary-Faeth Chenery tick.

Mary-Faeth is one of the newest inductees onto the Heather Mutimer Honour Roll, an accolade bestowed at the  Hepburn Shire Council’s recent  IWD event held in Trentham.

“For me it’s continuing to focus on kindness and inner peace and trying to radiate that to others,” she says as we chat about her volunteer contributions that led to this recent recognition.

Originally from North Carolina USA, Mary-Faeth retains the trace of a US accent. In her light-filled Daylesford home a Steinway grand piano is a family treasure and when quizzed she says that yes, she does play a little – “classical”.

Her little schnauzer-poodle cross dog named (Ellie in honour of Eleanor Roosevelt) snoozes alongside on the couch as we chat about the recent IWD honour, spirituality, community, and some of the challenges our world faces.

The IWD recognition in large part acknowledges Mary-Faeth’s ongoing leadership in striving to ensure affordable housing exists, particularly for the largest growing cohort of homeless Australians, older women.

Prior to “retiring” and shouldering her current voluntary roles, Mary-Faeth headed up the Department of Outdoor Education and Nature Tourism at La Trobe University in Bendigo.

She has a masters in management, a PhD in psychology and has studied theosophy and spiritual traditions and practices from around the globe.

Her work toward perpetuating global peace includes serving as a distinguished representative of Australia at numerous international events organised by the Global Peace Initiative of Women.

And, as co-founder and president of Older Women in Cohousing (WINC), Mary-Faeth has made great strides in addressing the housing security needs of older women, including older lesbians.

Under her leadership, WINC is now developing a project that will provide 31 new, small, sustainable and accessible homes within a mutually supportive community in nearby Castlemaine.

Since 2017, she has worked with her co-founder to establish the organisation, acquire the property, foster a community of older women and secure planning permission for this innovative “village”.

“We are now receiving interest from all over Australia and from the media,” says Mary-Faeth whose vision aims to help ensure older women experiencing financial hardship have the opportunity to live with dignity and agency.

She is also founding member and current president of Safe Place Homes, an incorporated society dedicated to alleviating housing challenges within the Hepburn Shire and beyond.

This work (all voluntary) has notably contributed to the inclusion of four social housing units as part of Daylesford’s Middleton Fields development.

Quietly honoured and humble in receiving her IWD honour, this well informed and erudite local pauses and reflects for a moment before thoughtfully answering the question I put to her: “how can anyone help make the world a better place in such troubled and troubling times?”

“Something my spiritual teacher Ananda Tara Shan said to me is ‘look for where the good is radiating and follow that’. That to me is a good approach.”

“And,” she adds, “I think it’s terribly important to listen to others.”

Words: Eve Lamb

with Eve Lamb

Kevin Smith’s dynamic talent has made him no stranger to  winning art prizes, including an impressive collection of  the region’s most prestigious. This Little Hampton based  artist currently has a new exhibition of his work on show at Trentham’s Cosmopolitan Hotel.  

Eve: I hear you did nicely quite recently with a certain art prize?  

Kevin: Yes I won the landscape prize in the Daylesford  Rotary Art Show. It was a surprise on the night. It was a local  scene, the Trentham Falls. Petrus Spronk was the judge. I mean  it’s nice but I’m not in it for the prizes.  

Eve: You’ve been a practicing artist for quite a while now haven’t  you?  

Kevin: Sixty years. Since I was at art school. I was 16 and it  was called the National Gallery Art School at the time. It’s now  VCA at the back of the (National Gallery of Victoria) art gallery.  

Eve: But what drew you to art in the first place?  

Kevin: I was influenced by my older brother, anything he  was into, and he was into art. In my early teens I had a good art  teacher at college. The art students were seen as being ‘out there’.  I love the expressionists, especially the German expressionists.  

Eve: Now you’ve got this new show that’s just opened here at The  Cosmo in Trentham, how long will these works be exhibited here?  

Kevin: They’ll be on show here for a couple of months.  

Eve: There’s some fantastic large paintings here. How many  individual works are there in this exhibition?  

Kevin: Thirty-three, completed over the last year.  

Eve: What media do you prefer to use?  

Kevin: Usually oil but this lot is primarily acrylic.  

Eve: Can you tell me a bit more about this recent body of work?  

Kevin: There are some pure abstract, some expressionist  landscapes and townscapes. Some are just fun, like those Ned  Kelly ones. Young Ned Kelly was arrested near here, near Little  Hampton. There are also some social commentary pieces, a bit  political.  

Eve: Have you ever worked in any other areas besides art?  

Kevin: Yes. I’ve owned book stores and worked in the book  trade. My brother and I had a book store in Bourke Street, and  I also worked at the Adelaide Art Gallery. Ran their book store  for a few years. I did all the buying. I’ve also worked at Deans  Art Supplies and also as a stage hand working on sets including A  Country Practice. It was fun for a while.  

Eve: What do you enjoy most about the process of making art?  

Kevin: Just not knowing what you’re going to end up with. Playing with  colour and materials. I play music while I work, usually contemporary jazz.  

Eve: Do you have any significant events ahead that you are working towards?  

Kevin: I’m working on sculpture which will be going into the Trentham Art  Prize at Easter.  

Eve: What’s your subject?  Kevin: Dogs. My little foxy dog Bessie often gets worked into my work. I  don’t think she has for this (Cosmopolitan Hotel) one though. Poor bugger.  

The rescue of a trapped horse earlier this month demonstrates the great range of skills that CFA volunteers have, with local CFA units in the Hepburn Shire among those keen to welcome new members.

On Monday March 10 the CFA responded to calls for a rescue about 3.13am on Chipperfield Drive in Moolap.

When crews arrived, they found a 380kg horse had become trapped in a deep mechanical pit full of water.  

The pit was inside a shed to which the horse was able to gain access.  

CFA and FRV crews worked together to try and get the horse out of the pit. They started by draining the water and then attempting to use a wooden ramp to guide the horse up.  

However, they were unsuccessful as the ramp was too steep for the horse to get up.  

Eventually CFA’S large animal rescue unit from Arthurs Creek was called to assist and were able to build an earth ramps for the horse to get out.  

Arthurs Creek Large Animal Rescue unit is one of only two CFA brigades across the state that specialises in large animal rescue, along with Macclesfield Fire Brigade.  

Brigade members undertake regular training to ensure they maintain this specialist skill, for what are some of the most dynamic rescues attended by CFA firefighters. 

A specialist trainer from the United Kingdom provides the highly specialised training that this unit needs. 

The members of the Arthurs Creek unit are also all horse owners and are passionate about providing the best care for the animals.  

The rescue took about four hours and despite being stressed the horse was deemed healthy.  

Commander Gavin Fitzgerald said the incident really showed the wide range of skills CFA volunteers have.  

“This incident highlights that while yes we are firefighters, we are really problem solvers,” he said.  

“We are faced with situations, and we have to work out the best way to handle them. 

“There were mostly young people out on this job too and they all did a great job.” 

This story based on a CFA report. Images: Supplied, CFA

Macedon Ranges Accessible Arts is calling for artists to take part in the 2025 Queerthentic Art Prize, with $2000 in prizes.  

Now in its third year, the regional LGBTIQA+ art prize will be hosted at The Old Auction House in Kyneton from May 1 to May 26 with the official opening aligning with IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia) on May 17.  

The exhibition celebrates lived experiences, amplifies under-represented voices, and builds connections within the broader community.

By creating a space where  queer artists can authentically express themselves without the pressure to conform, Queerthentic aims to foster empathy, challenge stereotypes, and spark meaningful  conversations.  

Applications are open until April 20.

Link: www.mraai.org.au/queerthentic25.  

New inductee onto the Heather Mutimer Honour Roll,  Bullarto’s Mary Harvey says her recent IWD accolade comes as an unexpected surprise.

The recent International Women’s Day gong pays homage to Mary’s impressive role in contributing to multiple community organisations and committees as a volunteer.

Both Mary and her husband Don Harvey are particularly well known for their volunteer roles with the Daylesford and District Agricultural Society and their vital contributions to helping bring the local Daylesford show back to life and making it happen in style each year.

A retired librarian and French teacher,  Mary’s volunteer contributions to the wider local community span U3A, the French Circle, the Bullarto Hall Committee, the Spa Quilters and the Trentham branch of the ALP.

Mary was keen to encourage others to get involved in volunteering and also very keen to encourage girls and women to stand up and be counted.

“Don’t underestimate yourself,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself forward.

“I’d like to encourage people to volunteer. You meet some great people out there. You meet some great people and work with some great people.

“The people I work with are fabulous. They’re selfless in a way, and somebody’s got to do it.

“These organisations and volunteers are the backbone of our communities. It can be very rewarding.”

Mary said it’s a bit concerning to see that many communities are struggling to attract a new generation of volunteers.

“There are so many organisations in our community alone, some 80 in and around Daylesford. But our volunteers are ageing. Don is 80 and I’m 78,” she said.

As to her recent IWD honour, Mary said: “It is a bit of a surprise being nominated. I hadn’t expected it. I was pleased … and proud.”

Words and Image: Eve Lamb

Many years of lobbying to see the speed limit reduced from 100km to a uniform 80km on a section of the Midland Highway at Creswick now look as though they will soon pay off for locals concerned about safety.

“We have committed to reduce the speed limit on the Midland Highway outside Creswick by the end of May,” a Victorian Government spokesperson has confirmed.

Creswick locals had long lobbied to have the short 100km section of the main road out of town on the Ballarat side of Creswick brought in line with the connecting 80km limit, amid safety concerns.

Last April, responding to the concerns, the Hepburn Shire Council resolved to contact the Department of Transport seeking the proposed speed reduction on the short stretch of Midland Highway that passes the main entrance to Creswick’s RACV Forest Resort. 

With the 100km section also passing through a pre-existing wildlife corridor, the high rate of wildlife trauma in the area has also been highlighted as devastating for wildlife, increasing the danger for motorists and frequently upsetting visitors and locals.

Until now, however, the council had not heard back from the department in response to the request it submitted for the 80km section to be extended.

But after The Local recently ran a story examining where the issue was at, and amid further inquiries lodged by locals, news came through, via the office of local MP Martha Haylett, confirming that:

“DTP (Department of Public Transport) has reviewed the speed zone on the approach to township of Creswick.

“Based on the number of access points in this location, including the RACV Resort entrance and O’Keefes Dam recreation area, it has been assessed that extension of the existing 80km/h zone is considered appropriate.

“DTP will now seek approval for the implementation of the 80 km/h speed limit extension.”

Among the many Creswick residents pleased to hear of the development, local wildlife rescuer Marg Phillips says bringing the 100km section in line with the existing 80km zone will significantly improve safety for locals, visitors and wildlife.

“There has been research done in the Geelong area that found reducing the limit by just 20km reduced kanagaroo hits by over 50 percent,” she said.

“They found it made a huge difference. I hope they get these (new 80km) signs up before winter because that’s the worse period for roo hits along there. And then the road is wet and icy and even more dangerous.”

Hepburn Shire Council mayor Don Henderson has also welcomed the news and says he expects it will now take four to six weeks to see the 100km section brought in line with the adjoining 80km section.

“It’s so important to locals and people who live and work in the (RACV) resort. They run the gauntlet all the time, and for people who use that road, and particularly for people who are visitors and who don’t know the road,” Cr Henderson said.

Words & Image: Eve Lamb

The Hepburn Shire Council has secured grant funding of $400,000 for battery storage and solar PV installation at The Mechanics Trentham.

The funding has been announced as part of round two of the state government’s $42 million 100 Neighbourhood Battery Program.

The Hepburn Shire project is being funded as part of a joint project led by the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance (CVGA) in partnership with 10 councils across regional Victoria.

Hepburn Shire mayor Cr Don Henderson says that extreme weather events pose an increasing risk to electricity infrastructure in Hepburn Shire.

“The township of Trentham has experienced multiple severe storm events in recent years resulting in extended grid outages,” Cr Henderson says.

“With extreme weather events in the region becoming more frequent, there is a growing need for an energy resilient emergency relief centre in Trentham.”

Following extensive feasibility and business case work being conducted, the council had identified The Mechanics Trentham as a suitable emergency relief centre for the town and surrounding areas.

Currently, the biggest limitation to the use of the site as an emergency relief centre is the lack of suitable power generation in an emergency.

An energy backup system comprised of a 100kW/280kWh battery and additional 30kW solar PV system installed at the Mechanics Trentham has been identified as enabling the site to serve as an energy resilient emergency relief centre for locals in the event of an extended grid outage.

“The proposed system is expected to provide up to three days backup power for critical power and lighting circuits from the battery alone, with capacity to charge from solar in island-mode to extended backup power duration if required,” Cr Henderson says.

“This grant funding is an excellent step towards making The Mechanics Trentham a more energy-efficient and sustainable space for our community.

“By implementing solar and battery storage technology, we are creating long-term environmental and financial benefits while setting a strong example for others to follow.”

Story based on a Hepburn Shire media release

There were 605,640 criminal offences recorded in Victoria in 2024 – an increase of 82,237 offences or 15.7%.

When population growth is considered, the crime rate rose by 13.2% from 2023 (8,691.6 offences per 100,000 people). This is the highest crime rate since 2016.

In 2024, Victoria Police made the most arrests since electronic records commenced in 1993 – 26,519 people were arrested a total of 73,539 times. This equates to 201 arrests per day.

By comparison, Victoria Police made 65,627 arrests in 2023 and 58,124 arrests a decade ago.

The five fastest growing crimes in Victoria are:

Theft from motor vehicle (75,731 offences, +18,929) is both the most common and fastest growing crime. More than a third of these offences relate to number plate theft (27,466 offences), as criminals target plates to carry out further serious offending in stolen vehicles.

Power tools were the second most stolen item. While police continue to patrol hotspots across the state, there are some simple measures the community can take to prevent falling victim.

With 55% of all theft from motor vehicle offences showing no sign of forced entry, police urge the community to always lock their cars, remove valuables, and park off street where possible.

Theft from a retail store (38,750 offences, + 10,512) continues to reach record levels as sustained cost of living pressures result in more people resorting to stealing items such as groceries and clothing.

Alcohol is the most stolen item from stores, contributing to around a third of all shop steal offences.

Police intelligence shows shop steal syndicates are targeting alcohol for the purchase of on selling. Victoria Police busted one of these syndicates in January this year, with three men charged for their alleged role in the theft of more than $130,000 of liquor from 120 different stores across Melbourne.

Targeted operations in retail theft hotspots, such as South Yarra, Melbourne’s CBD, Port Melbourne, and Shepparton, continue regularly.

Theft (other) offences was the third fastest growing crime (56,653 offences, +10,138), with petrol the most common item stolen in this category (+27.6%, from 4179 to 5,334).

Other common examples of theft (other) offences include a wallet or phone being stolen when the owner puts it down, as opposed to being taken during a robbery.

Motor vehicle theft (28,922 offences, +8,432) recorded the largest percentage increase of the top five fastest growing crimes (+41.2%), reaching its highest levels since 2002.

Family violence order breaches (61,522, +7,956) increased as Victoria experienced an all-time record 104,786 family violence incidents (+10,620 or 11.3%). Last year, Victoria Police arrested 8,482 family violence offenders 15,487 times.

This story based on a Victoria Police report released last week.

Daylesford’s Timeless Outdoors is taking part in the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show with a garden titled Timeless Repose.

The garden is designed by Timeless Outdoors and constructed by Latham Landscapes.

The design ties in subtle hints of old Melbourne bluestone combined with old English heritage with cleanliness and simplicity, giving a modern take on the two.

The floating elements are designed to spark curiosity, and strongly emphasise the detailing of the building process.

The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is taking place at the Carlton Gardens from March 26 to March 30.

Victoria Police detected 450 offences, including 22 alcohol and drug impaired drivers during last weekend’s road safety blitz targeting high-risk driving on the Hume Freeway.

Operation Radihus saw regional, and State Highway Patrol units saturate the freeway across the Wangaratta and Wodonga Police Service Areas, aiming to enhance road safety, enforce road rules, and deter dangerous driving through high-visibility enforcement.

Tragically, 17 lives were lost across Eastern Region Division 4 last year — eight in Wangaratta and nine in Wodonga — while 169 people suffered serious injuries from motor vehicle collisions.

The recent operation took place on Friday 21 March and Saturday 22 March, with police establishing two major checkpoints at Glenrowan Rest Area and Bentons Hill Rest Area.

Officers conducted vehicle and heavy vehicle inspections, drug and alcohol testing, and compliance checks to detect and remove high-risk drivers from the road.

The multi-agency operation involved uniform, local and state Highway Patrol officers, local detectives, Dog Squad, and partner agencies including the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Safe Transport Victoria, and the Department of Transport and Planning.

Police conducted 4900 preliminary breath tests and 584 roadside drug tests, resulting in three drink driving and 19 drug driving offences.

Concerningly, 17 drivers were clocked travelling more than 25km/h over the legal speed limit.

The total 450 offences detected during Operation Radihus included:

• 136 speeding offences
• 118 heavy vehicle offences
• 69 defect notices issued
• 28 unregistered vehicles
• 13 disqualified and unlicenced drivers
• 19 drug driving offences from 584 roadside drug tests
• 3 drink driving offences from 4900 preliminary breath tests
• 3 vehicle impoundments

Police also arrested a number of people for a range of offences including possession of illicit drugs and weapons.

Police intercepted a male driver who had a suspended driver’s licence and wanted for questioning for various alleged offences including blackmail and threatening to damage property.

During a search of his vehicle, police located and seized quantities of illicit drugs and controlled weapons. His vehicle was unregistered and later impounded by police for 30 days at a cost of $1850.

A 34-year-old South Melbourne man was charged with blackmail and threatening to damage/destroy property.

He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on 10 June 2025. He will also be summonsed to appear in court for offences including possessing a drug of dependence, possessing a controlled weapon, driving an unregistered motor vehicle, and driving whilst licence suspended.

A 40-year-old male from Bendigo was intercepted at the Glenrowan site and returned a positive result to a roadside drug test for illicit drugs. His vehicle was searched and drugs of dependence were located in the vehicle. The male will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.

A 64-year-old unlicenced truck driver from Craigieburn travelling to Sydney was intercepted by police in Cobram. He failed a Preliminary Oral Fluid Test and allegedly made admissions to police that he travelled via Cobram to avoid the police operation.

Police also located and seized methamphetamine and valium. He was charged for offences from an incident in January this year, including make threats to kill, and unlawful assault. He was bailed to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates Court at a later date. He is also facing multiple heavy vehicle national law offences and facing a possible four-year licence disqualification.

Story based on a Victoria Police report.

The Florence Thomson Tour is heading to Ballarat, and the Daylesford  Amazing Mill Markets, this weekend.  

Created in 2017, the tour is a unique rally for women drivers celebrating the  pioneering spirit and contribution of women to Australian motoring.

The tour was  aptly named after Florence Thomson, who, in 1905, was the sole female entrant in the Dunlop Reliability Motor contest from Sydney to Melbourne.

She was one of the  16 entrants who successfully completed the five-day trial, driving a six horsepower  Wolseley, over what was then nothing more than 562 miles of dirt track between the  capital cities.  

This year more than 95 vehicles have entered, ranging from veteran to vintage  then to more modern classics and over 200 people are participating as either drivers  or passengers.

All participants are encouraged to dress to match the era of the vehicle that they are driving.  The community is invited to see the tour vehicles and talk to the participants at  Windmill Drive, Ballarat on Sunday, March 30 from 9am to 11.30pm.  

The day before, Saturday, March 29, many drivers will head to Kingston and Creswick before stopping at the Daylesford Mill Markets about noon.