Clunes blokes are among those across the state expected to benefit from a new round of state funding announced in recent days for men’s sheds.

Victoria’s Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence last month visited Aberfeldie Men’s Shed to announce that 29 men’s sheds across Victoria will share in more than $850,000 as part of the 2024-25 Men’s Shed Funding Program, ensuring they have welcoming and well-equipped spaces to work on projects, enjoy some social contact and access support.  

The Clunes Neighbourhood House secured $10,000 to build a Young Men’s Shed next to the town’s established Men’s Shed in a move that’s aimed at supporting younger men to engage with their community and build hands-on skills and relationships.

In a media release announcing the funding the state government described Men’s Sheds as more than just a place to tinker.

“They’re an important support network for men right across Victoria helping them to learn important skills from woodworking to home repairs, while providing a sense of purpose and community,” the media release stated.

Aberfeldie Men’s Shed will use their grant to install a shade sail across their outdoor area, and update a variety of machinery to expand their capacity to deliver projects that benefit the local community.

Beaufort Men’s Shed will use their ($100,000) grant to rebuild after their previous shed was destroyed by floods.

The shed will also involve young people and women in some projects through partnerships with the local Neighbourhood House, Croquet Club and Apex Club, building a stronger community for members of the shed.

Monash Men’s Shed will use their grant to expand, building a new outdoor area and additional storage space allowing more locals to engage in activities.

For a full list of recipients, visit vic.gov.au/mens-shed-funding-program.

Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence: “Men’s sheds are essential community spaces where men can forge friendships, share experiences and support each other in a safe and welcoming environment, as well as working on meaningful projects.”

“These grants will make an incredible difference to communities across Victoria, providing men with the spaces and opportunities they need to develop new skills, enhance their wellbeing and strengthen social connection.”

This story based on a state government media release

Radical Fields Arts and Community, a non-profit artist organisation based on Djaara Country in Glenlyon, is holding its second annual Harvest, a one-day regional arts festival in a paddock celebrating creativity, community and  local culture.  

The event, on Saturday, March 22 from 10am to 5pm at Lyonbank Farm (259 Back Glenlyon Road) Glenlyon, is free, open for all ages and abilities and the perfect way to experience the region’s vibrant art scene.  

Creative director Ryan Kennedy said the one-of-a-kind arts festival presented artworks, artists and knowledge holders to engage the imagination and express your creative spirit.  

“Since its inception in September 2023, Radical Fields Arts has fostered collaborations with local artists, community groups, and residents – from the elderly to farmers – resulting in window installations, land art, community meet-ups, and storytelling  workshops.  

“Harvest is the culmination of these efforts, bringing together 10 regional artists and six community groups who will present performances, installations, and creative activations at the historic Lyonbank Farm.  

“Our one-day arts festival brings together regional artists and community groups to celebrate creativity in a beautiful, open-air environment. It’s an experience that invites you to explore, create,  and connect with others.”  

Festival-goers can look forward to a variety of exciting  activities, including: a meditative walk with Castlemaine Zen; a clay activation led by artist Minaal Lawn of Castlemaine Clay; a  performance by the Kyneton Dog Obedience Club; and a tractor  pull exhibition featuring athletes from Daylesford CrossFit.

The  event supports the Glenlyon Fire Brigade with a raffle offering great prizes. Featured artists include: Delia Allen (Ballarat), Tas Wansbrough (Ballarat), Martin John Lee (Castlemaine),  Hayley West (Castlemaine), Lixa Brandt (Yandoit) Gav Barbey  (Daylesford), Minaal Lawn (Glenlyon), Paul E Mason (Glenlyon),  Kim Percy (Daylesford) and Rhae Kendrigan (Mildura).  

Regional Arts Victoria CEO Jo Porter said artists were very respectful collaborators.  

“It’s not like people coming in and saying ‘we have better ideas’. They are more likely to ask ‘can we bring our ideas?’ That is actually a really important aspect of moving to a regional community. That sense of generosity and respect.”

Radical Fields has received financial support from Regional  Arts Australia and Regional Arts Victoria, Pride Foundation  Australia, Bendigo Bank, Australian Cultural Fund and a host of  private contributors.  

Link: www.radicalfields.com  

Words: Contributed  

Applications are currently opened for Victoria’s Additional Respite for Carers Program 2025-27, providing a boost for organisations that provide respite care programs for carers.

Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence last month opened applications for the Additional Respite for Carers Program 2025-27.

Applications are now open and close on March 25 with more information at vic.gov.au/additional-respite-funding.  

Carers provide essential and unpaid support in a range of ways, and many do it around the clock – making it difficult for them to access the support and services they need.

The funding supports activities such as in-home support, day or group activities, overnight or emergency respite, and camps. 

The state government is encouraging organisations such as carer support groups, peak bodies, health services, councils and neighbourhood houses to apply for the funding – particularly if they are delivering innovative services that support rural and regional Victorians, those from diverse backgrounds and First Nations carers. 

Eligible groups can apply for between $30,000 to $1 million per year over two years to enable unpaid carers to take time away, addressing the critical need for accessible respite supporting carers from all ages, backgrounds and circumstances. 

In the last round of funding, Australian Multicultural Community Services hosted a Multicultural Carers’ Wellbeing Café to bring carers together from a diverse range of backgrounds. 

Little Dreamers, who specifically support young carers up to the age of 25, received funding for additional respite activities and Uniting received funding to provide individual respite for carers in their home or community, as well as peer support groups, social activities and emergency respite across Victoria.

More than 700,000 carers in Victoria provide support to their family, friends and loved ones including people with a disability, mental illness, chronic illness or older Victorians.

Over the last two years, the Additional Respite for Carers Program has delivered more than 200,000 hours of respite across Victoria. 

Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence: “Victoria’s dedicated carers give so much to their loved ones and communities – they deserve the chance to rest, recharge and take care of their own wellbeing, which is what this funding will deliver.”

“Our investment in Victoria’s unpaid carers is a reflection of the valuable role they play in the lives of many people who rely on their support on a daily basis.”

This story based on a state government media release

with Eve Lamb

Newstead artist Roger McKindley is known far and wide for his amazing Antares Iron Art Garden. Sprawling over a picturesque patch of riverside acreage, Antares contains the amazing sculptural creations of this  compulsively talented creative. Roger takes unloved, broken and discarded materials and transforms them into fantastic and quirky pieces of original art that captivate all who visit this special place. Antares Iron Art Garden  will soon open as part of the Newstead Open Studios art trail event held over March 7-10.  

Eve: This iron art garden of yours is pretty amazing. When did you start making it?  

Roger: Seventeen years ago.  

Eve: Can you tell me a bit about your creative process, how you go about creating  these unique sculptural pieces?  

Roger: When I find the materials it inspires me to think – ‘what can I do with  this?’ – I try and start the process the same day I’m taking it (the recycled materials) off the ute. It totally thrills me and once I get started on one thing something else  yells out ‘over here’ and it just takes off. I’ll still be working at night.

Eve: Some of these sculptures involve pretty hefty pieces of metal. It looks like a  fairly physical creative process.  

Roger: Yes. It can be. See that old boiler over there. I was carrying that on  the back of the ute and the police pulled me up and said ‘where’s the rope?’ and  I said…‘try to move it!’ (chuckles). See that propeller on it…that’s been on seven different things. Things have a life of their own.  

Eve: What are some of the materials that you use?  

Roger: Metal is my main one, but I’ll also use wood, stone, old glass, bricks.  Everything is recycled…I don’t like plastic. Some people donate materials. I’ll also  go out on little pilgrimages, searching. Most of the things I get are bent or broken so there’s an abundance of stuff everywhere.  

Eve: And you’re also very into art photography too aren’t you? I have seen some of  your photographs capturing some quite amazing fleeting scenes.  

Roger: Photography is my dream. Capturing moments. I put a lot of photos  up on Insta. I’ve had people beg me to hold an exhibition of my photos. I’m thinking about it.

Eve: How did you get into this practice of creating sculpture?  

Roger: In my 20s I lived at Golden Point at Chewton and I’d find things in  the bush. I was probably 27 when one day I found a lot of metal in the bush and  made my first metal sculpture and I haven’t stopped since. I’d make sculptures in  the bush and also on the beach as well and people would stop and say ‘that’s so  beautiful’. I love metal. I love shapes, and I love the abstract because you can read more than one thing into it.  

Eve: Can you tell me a bit about your working background?  

Roger: I started my gardening apprenticeship in the Castlemaine Botanical  Gardens. They were the best days of my life, although I didn’t know it at the time. They’d trust me and leave me to work in a part of the garden by myself and it  was just wonderful being trusted like that.

Then after I completed my gardening  apprenticeship I travelled up the east coast and met blokes making art and realised  ‘oh you can be a bloke and be into art as well’. That was in the 1980s.

I also went  to the Northern Territory but it was too hot for me there. I passed out twice in the heat. Now I still work in a couple of private gardens.  

Eve: Antares has featured on TV a couple of times hasn’t it?  

Roger: Yes. It’s been on ABC’s Gardening Australia and on Better Homes and  Gardens.  

Eve: And it’s about to be part of the Newstead Open Studios Art Trail long weekend in March.  

Roger: Yes. I’ve been involved in the Open Studios event for at least seven  years now. Karen Pierce and I were the two local studios who started it, and now all these amazing artists have come on board.

I also go in the Festival of Gardens  over the Melbourne Cup week. I’ve done that six times, and I’m also on Insta and  Facebook, and I open the garden up to people by appointment.  

Eve: How do you find having people visiting your art garden and roaming about?  

Roger: I enjoy sharing my art and lifestyle. I’m totally off-grid here. I have  different clubs visit – camera clubs, car clubs, garden clubs – and a lot of people  from overseas.

I’ve had all sorts of nationalities here. I love to hear the laughter  as they walk through. Some people are shocked…and I love seeing people come back.

with Marita McGuirk

Late on a Thursday night several weeks ago a local woman was driving home from a  night out with friends.  

As her car headlights pierced the night she glimpsed a jerking movement in the ditch by  the side of the road.

She was driving on Ajax Road, Daylesford, which is bordered by state  forest on each side.  She had frequently seen kangaroos, swamp wallabies, a wombat and even an echidna crossing this road and knew that there was a very old wallaby and an ancient looking kangaroo that fed on the grass growing by the roadside.

So she stopped her car and went to  see what was in the ditch.  She found an injured kangaroo. This animal had been hit by a car, probably several hours  previously, judging by the flattened grass around it, and abandoned.

The kangaroo tried to  drag itself away as she approached; it was unable to stand as its legs were obviously broken.  

She didn’t want to frighten the injured animal, so she went back to her car and phoned the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter.  

Julie Cais from the shelter quickly arrived. She found that the kangaroo was too badly injured to be saved so she euthanased her. But the roo was a mother, and Julie found a live  joey in her pouch.  

Julie carefully wrapped the joey in one of the warm woollen pouches she always carried in her car and brought the joey back to the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter.  

At the shelter, Gayle assessed the joey for injuries and found she had mild bruising. She gave her fluids to restore her electrolytes and allowed her to settle in.  

The joey is now doing very well, she has the specialised care that only the Hepburn  Wildlife Shelter can provide.

This includes a special milk formula, and she has 14 other orphaned joeys as company.  The special milk joeys require costs the shelter about $500 a week: please donate as you are able.  

Marita McGuirk is a field ecologist and environmental scientist, and a volunteer at the  Hepburn Wildlife Shelter. Marita will write monthly columns about the shelter and the  animals it cares for. If you would like to donate or volunteer, or just for more information,  head to www.hepburnwildlifeshelter.org  

A robust community turnout has greeted the Hepburn Shire Council’s first public listening post for the year, held earlier this month.

On Saturday February 15, the Hepburn Shire Council hosted its first Listening Post event in Creswick.

Despite the cool weather, it was a productive day, the council has since reported.

Attending council executive team members and councillors listened to the more than 20 community members who rolled up to chat about matters important to them.

The council’s next two public Listening Posts are scheduled for Daylesford on Thursday March 27 and Trentham on May 3.

Additional Listening Posts are also planned to be announced beyond that, the council says.

The region’s real estate agents have responded with cautious optimism following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s interest rate cut – dropping the cash rate by .25 per cent. 

The February 18 decision – dropping the cash rate from 4.35 to 4.1 per cent – will help ease pressure on mortgage holders, but many hope the official cash rate will fall further. 

With the major banks agreeing to pass on the 0.25 per cent cut in full to variable rate customers, it is estimated that a household with a $500,000 mortgage would save about $77 a month, a household with a $750,000 mortgage $115, and a household with a $1 million loan about $155 a month in repayments. 

Belle Property Daylesford and Trentham principal director Will Walton says the RBA decision is a welcome move for property owners with a mortgage and buyers looking to consider entering the market. 

However Will did also note the diversity of personal situations which exist within the region with some households struggling to meet rents and repayments, while others do not stand to benefit so much from the cut. 

“A portion of our local population are potentially self-funded retirees with no mortgage,” Will acknowledged. 

“Certainly, once confidence is stimulated, we should see more real estate transactions in our local market. A number of very generous first home buyer programs are on offer and we recommend first home buyers investigate these offers with their financial lender or bank. Bendigo Bank certainly has all the detail.” 

Creswick real estate agent Katie Minchinton of Katie Minchinton Property said the cut was good news. 

“The Reserve Bank has cut rates to 4.10 per cent – the first reduction since 2020,” Katie said. 

“This could be the perfect moment to step into the market or make your next move. Don’t miss out on new opportunities. 

“It’s certainly very good news. We’re looking forward to great growth and more confidence in our market in the near future.” 

Rob Broadhurst of Broadhurst Property said the decision to cut the cash rate to 4.10 per cent marked a significant shift in economic policy. 

“While this move offers welcome relief for mortgage holders, its impact on the Macedon Ranges and surrounding property markets remains to be seen,” he said.

“The RBA’s decision reflects growing confidence that inflation is stabilising, with headline inflation recorded at 2.4 per cent in December 2024, well within the target band of 2–3 per cent.

“However, despite this rate cut, many households will still face financial challenges due to ongoing cost-of-living pressures. 

“For the regional property market, the rate reduction should help stabilise home values, halting the incremental declines seen in Melbourne over recent months. 

“However, while lower interest rates can make borrowing more attractive, prospective buyers remain cautious. Rising costs across multiple sectors, including energy, groceries, and services, mean many households are still hesitant to stretch their budgets. 

“As a result, while the rate cut may encourage more buyer activity, it is unlikely to be a silver bullet for rapid price growth in the immediate term.” 

Frances Harkin of Harkin Estate Agents in Trentham said as interest rates decreased, there would be restored confidence and momentum in the property market. 

“Regional areas particularly remain a strong and desirable market. A rate cut in 2025 could drive increased buyer activity, making it an ideal time for sellers to position their properties strategically,” she said.

“If you’re considering buying or selling, staying ahead of market shifts will be key to making the most of upcoming opportunities.” 

In an article in Australian Property Update, CoreLogic Head of Research Tim Lawless said the cut was significant, but “arguably the greater effect on housing markets will be the confidence injection received from the commencement of the rate-cutting cycle” . 

“Measures of consumer sentiment have already shown a solid rise through the second half of 2024 as households became more certain the rate-hiking cycle was over and the outlook for household finances started to improve. 

“Historically, there has been a clear relationship between changes in consumer sentiment and home purchasing activity.” 

PropTrack Senior Economist Eleanor Creagh agreed.

“Both buyer confidence and borrowing capacities will be boosted now interest rates have begun to fall,” she said.

“As a result, the price falls seen over the past two months are likely to be short- lived and may reverse with the slight improvement to affordability and buyer confidence driving renewed demand and price growth.” 

Words: Eve Lamb & Donna Kelly | Image: Kyle Barnes 

Hepburn Shire community groups with a great idea to enhance or protect the area’s biodiversity are being encouraged to check out the council’s Biodiversity Grants Program which has opened for applications.

The council is encouraging local community groups with a community-based project or initiative that enhances and protects the biodiversity of the shire to apply for a grant under the program.

If you’re a local community group with a community-based project or initiative that aims to reduce future impacts of climate change and promote or establish circular economy-focused programs, the council wants to work with you to realise your project goals.

Applications are currently being received up to March 16, with those keen to know more able to view the guidelines at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/grants or contact the council to talk to the grants team.

The Block 2025 is being filmed in Daylesford and the Raglan Street site already has the steel bones of five huge houses up, waiting for the contestants to arrive next month to turn them into homes.

The Local’s editor Donna Kelly chatted with the show’s executive producer Julian Cress, above, about all things Daylesford, local businesses, leaving legacies, building and a worldwide profile – for free. 

Donna: How are things shaping up for this year with The Block. 

Julian: Fantastic. We are just finalising our pre-production at the moment, getting all of the properties ready, getting our contestants ready and getting our crew ready. 

We kick off in a few weeks’ time, and everything’s looking really positive. We start filming in March, and we’ll finish in June. 

Donna: What’s the feeling like for you and your guys in the town now, because you know you had a bit of opposition for a while there? 

Julian: We had a couple of people who were anti the development, but the response we’ve had from the wider community has been absolutely awesome, extremely positive, and very welcoming. And a lot of business owners I’ve talked to see it as a great economic benefit. 

Donna: Do you find regions like Phillip Island (2024) get an economic lift out of it? 

Julian: Yeah. I’ve been a bunch of times since we were filming last year, and I’ve had incredible responses from local business owners who are so grateful that The Block was there.

They’ve seen a really big uptick in tourism and trade. I noticed that our friends at the Penguin Parade put out a press release recently saying that The Block effect had delivered a record year for them.

So we can really see that it’s not just the money that we spend in the community when we’re making the show, but it’s all the money that flows when people watch the show and choose to go to that destination. 

Donna: There are a few people selling their own properties and hoping The Block will shine a light on the region. Does that happen? 

Julian: I think there’s no doubt that people who aren’t familiar with an area can learn a lot about it from watching our show. And let’s not forget, it’s not just about the audience watching the show in Australia.

Our show goes to over 170 territories around the world. And I think that what we can deliver for tourism isn’t just people around Australia coming to Daylesford, but people from all over the world choosing to visit Daylesford when they come out to Australia. 

Donna: You would know that Daylesford is the largest LGBTIQA+ regional town in Australia. Are you choosing any contestants based on that? 

Julian: Absolutely. The Block was the first TV show in the world to have a gay couple. And we’ve had a bunch of contestants from that community on the show over the years. This year will be no different. 

Donna: Do the contestants know what they are getting into? 

Julian: No. No contestant, no matter how much they’ve watched the show, can really understand just how challenging it can be to do it. And I know that because they all tell me. Every season, every contestant says to me at some point, ‘Jules, I knew this would be hard. I just didn’t know it would be this hard’. But they also at the end, when they finish, they always say to me, ‘that was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, but it was also the best’. 

Donna: And do you still enjoy it yourself? 

Julian: Very much so. And I’m very, very much looking forward to doing this series in Daylesford because I live in the Macedon Ranges. I moved up from Melbourne a few years ago. So I’m a local (and) I’m really pleased that I won’t be away from my family for four months, like I was last year. I absolutely love it. You know, I’m fully in love with the area and planning to spend the rest of my life here. 

Donna: And is that how Daylesford was chosen? 

Julian: I wish I was that powerful. We came across the location through a friend of ours, Natalie (Fagan), at Belle Property. She’s a great agent in the area there. And she introduced me to the developers. I just love the fact that the property is so well positioned.

It’s like the gateway to Daylesford. And obviously we’re taking the responsibility of that very seriously and planning to put in a lot of effort to create homes that really will set the scene for people arriving in Daylesford. 

And, you know, we’re going to spend millions of dollars locally. A bunch of my builders have been on site now already for a couple of months and they’ve already all become members of the local bowling club and they’re loving it up there. 

I think once my film crew starts to arrive in the next few weeks, you know, I think local businesses are going to see a lot of new customers because all of those people need to eat and drink. And we’re renting accommodation for everyone.

We’ve booked many, many homes for many months. They’ll spend a lot of money locally. And then of course, when the show is on the air later in the year, you’ll start to see tourists coming. And that tourism will happen for many years to come as the show rolls out around the world. 

Donna: A win-win for the community. 

Julian: I certainly hope so. And we’re going to really work very hard. We’re actually going to be doing some community projects while we’re there. Some charity projects that the community has told us they really want. 

We’re looking forward to not just leaving five great homes behind us but an even more valuable legacy for the community with other projects that we can undertake as well. 

Donna: Well, I can’t wait to see what you have in store and for the show to start airing. Thanks for your time. 

Julian: My pleasure and I look forward to showing you around the site when we get under way. 

Creswick locals are continuing to call for the speed limit on a section of the Creswick-Ballarat Road (Midland Highway) to be lowered from 100km to 80km amid outstanding safety concerns. 

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

Residents say the section of road is particularly ill-suited to a 100km speed limit with traffic frequently turning in and out of the RACV Forest Resort – where the internal grounds speed limit is 20km – directly onto the 100km stretch. 

Residents say the safety of motorists, visiting tourists and pedestrians is the main issue at stake with a permanent bus stop used by school children, visitors and locals an additional factor in the potentially lethal mix.

“It’s actually 20km inside the resort grounds and then right alongside here it’s 100km,” says permanent resident in the RACV estate grounds, Kerry Williams. 

“People plant it when they hit the 100km sign. They come hurtling down that hill and at 100km there’s no way they’re going to be able to stop if someone pulls out or walks out.” 

Hepburn Shire mayor and Creswickian Cr Don Henderson is among those who say the speed limit reduction is needed to help reduce the risk of serious accidents. 

“It’s extremely dangerous and it’s an issue that needs a resolution,” Cr Henderson says.

“It’s a real concern to the residents and to anyone using the Midland Highway and anyone using the resort.” 

Creswick wildlife rescuer Marg Phillips says the 100km stretch of road passes right through a pre-existing wildlife corridor and has a particularly high level of wildlife road accidents, in a mix that’s highly dangerous for both people and wildlife. 

“The sheer number of incidents here causes a lot of pain and suffering, and subsequent distress,” Marg says. “I’ve had to console a number of traumatised tourists, and the tourists will actually often come here to enjoy seeing the wildlife. 

“Many people who collide with our wildlife are often very distressed themselves. And studies show that reducing speed, even by 20km, significantly reduces these incidences. It’s interesting to see just how much car wreckage you find here beside the road.” 

Residents also said additional signage to help warn motorists to be prepared to slow down and take extra care for wildlife crossing in the area would also make a lot of sense. 

Judy Henderson says efforts to see the speed limit reduced date back to at least 2017 and the town’s former Creswick and District Residents Association. 

“I’d just like to know if Regional Roads or Transport Victoria have ever counted the number of wildlife that are getting killed here,” Judy says. 

At the moment, however, it remains unclear as to whether there has been much progress at all towards actioning the request at a Departmental level. 

“Council followed up the matter with the Department of Transport in late 2024 and is yet to receive an update,” Hepburn Shire Council’s Infrastructure and Delivery acting director Sean Ludeke said. 

“Considerations of amendments to speed limits can be complex and it is not uncommon for this assessment to take some time to work through,” he said. 

“However council will continue to advocate for these changes on behalf of the community.” 

In a prepared statement emailed to The Local, after multiple phone calls, Department of Transport and Planning Barwon South West and Grampians executive director Michael Bailey said: “We are continuing to engage with the Hepburn Shire Council around the speed limit on Midland Highway, to explore how we can make our network safer on this stretch of the road.

“We urge motorists to drive to conditions as we continue to monitor the speed limits on Creswick-Ballarat Road. Speed limits are subject to a rigorous review process and are considered on a case-by-case basis.” 

Words & Image: Eve Lamb  

Victoria Police is making a record number of family violence arrests with new data showing one perpetrator is apprehended every 17 minutes.

Frontline police and specialised teams – including Family Violence Investigation Units and the Family Violence Command Taskforce – are continuing to proactively target and arrest offenders to keep victim-survivors safe.

The vast majority of offenders, some of the worst in the state, are being apprehended for violently assaulting their partners or former partners and children, stalking and making threats to kill.

They’re also being arrested for actively avoiding police detection, outstanding warrants and unserved or breaching family violence intervention orders.

Crime Statistics Agency figures show 30,853 family violence offenders were either arrested or summonsed to court in the year to September 2024. It equates to an average of 84 arrests or summons to court each day.

That’s one person arrested or brought before the courts for family violence offending every 17 minutes.

It’s the highest number of arrests police have made for family violence since recording began in 2005.

Recently, a 26-year-old man was arrested for serious family violence offending towards a victim. The offences involved regular assaults on the victim, as well as failing to answer bail.

The man – from Victoria – travelled to rural New South Wales while in the company and control of the victim, before being tracked down by the Family Violence Command Taskforce, who worked with New South Wales Police to apprehend him and ensure the safety of the victim.

The man was then extradited back to Victoria and brought before the courts where he was sentenced to four months jail and placed on a 12-month Community Correction order.

The tireless work of a Family Violence Investigation Unit also resulted in a 40-year-old man being arrested for family violence offending towards his former partner.

The offending included stalking and using technology – particularly multiple different phone numbers – to harass the victim, as well as persistently contravening a family violence intervention order.

The man also impersonated a police officer and messaged the victim to attend a police station as she was wanted for arrest. The man was sentenced to 16 months behind bars.

A number of arrests for family violence crimes in the past year have been supported by Victoria Police’s specialist units including the Public Order Response Team, VIPER Taskforce and Intelligence and Covert Support Command Proactive Targeting Teams.

Victoria Police is committed to responding to all forms of family violence, keeping victim-survivors safe and holding perpetrators to account.

If you or someone close to you discloses they are a victim of family violence, please believe them and encourage them to contact police or a specialist support service.

Police not only provide safety for victims who make a report, they also refer them to support services, so they get the assistance they need.

Victoria Police works closely with specialist family violence support services, including Safe Steps and No to Violence.

Support for those affected by family violence is available 24 hours a day through Safe Steps by calling 1800 015 188 or emailing safesteps@safesteps.org.au.

Safe Steps also has Web Chat available on weekdays from 9am – Midnight, which can be accessed by visiting safesteps.org.au/chat.

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s behaviour – No to Violence runs a Men’s Referral Service which helps men who use violence to change their behaviour and can be contacted on 1300 766 491.

In an emergency call Triple Zero (000). If you can’t get to a phone, ask someone else to do it for you.

For more information on what Victoria Police is doing to protect victim-survivors of family violence visit police.vic.gov.au/family-violence.

Family Violence Command Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway: “The family violence we’re seeing perpetrated against partners or former partners and children is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“These new figures highlight the force’s continual efforts in tracking down these family violence offenders – some of the worst in the state – with one arrest every 17 minutes.

“While we know some offenders go to great lengths to avoid apprehension – including blackmailing victim-survivors or using friends to keep them in hiding – they’re always in the sights of police.

“We will continue to work tirelessly day in and day out to apprehend these offenders and bring them before the courts to ensure the safety of victim-survivors.

“Whether it’s through proactive patrols, carrying out checks and door knocks or through planned operations, we will never stop letting family violence offenders know they won’t get away with their behaviour and will be caught by police.”

This story based on a Victoria Police report

A sumptuous feast coupled with an unusual opportunity to hear from one of Australia’s most celebrated producer, Daylesford’s Richard Keddie is the latest fundraiser for Daylesford Cinema in The Rex. 

Richard will be guest speaker at a fundraising banquet on Saturday, March 22 at the Victoria Park Pavilion, Ballan-Daylesford Road. 

Two of Richard’s films, Little Fish and Ride Like A Girl are among Australia’s highest grossing box office successes. 

Richard also found success in TV dramas, and in campaign and documentary work as a writer-director, making more than 300 social justice, environmental and political TV commercials. 

A sumptuous seven-course Indian banquet is on offer, as well as a “not-so-silent auction,” and raffles. 

The chef is Raman Richards who quickly made an impact after arriving here 16 months ago. His mother, Puja Kumari, has decades of experience running award-winning restaurants. Guests are asked to arrive at 6.45pm for the banquet at 7.15pm.

Soft drinks, beer and wine may be bought. Tickets are $70 per head. Bookings: www.events.humanitix.com/phoenix-at- the-rex-indian-banquet  

Words & image: Contributed 

What a fantastic start to the 2025 season for the Mount Players. 

Our production of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde was a sellout a week before opening night on Feburary 21.

So ……. an extra performance has been scheduled for Saturday, March 8 at 2pm. This too is selling fast. 

Our next production, The Girl on The Train, opens on May 9 so lots about that next month.

Words: Karen Hunt. Image: Karlana Santamaria 

Police say they are currently prioritising motorcycle safety following a concerning number of rider deaths so far in 2025.

Motorcyclists make up more than a quarter of this year’s fatalities, with 13 riders killed on Victorian roads to date, slightly above 11 recorded at the same time last year.

Nine rider deaths occurred during January, with a further four this month.

It comes as last February was the deadliest month for rider deaths, with nine of the total 66 motorcyclist fatalities occurring during the second month of 2024.

Concerningly, three quarters of this year’s rider deaths have occurred on regional roads, an 80 per cent increase on the five recorded on regional roads the same time last year.

Five have occurred in the state’s east, including two in north-east Victoria (Clobinane and Bethanga), two in the Gippsland region (Ripplebrook and Jacob Creek) and one at Bonang last Friday.

Five have occurred in the state’s west, including Gisborne, Heathcote, Wendouree, Girgarre and Warmur.

Provisional police analysis indicates that both excessive and inappropriate speed, unauthorised riding (unlicenced/suspended/disqualified), and failing to give way (by both riders and other motorists) are the most common factors in fatal motorcycle collisions this year.

In an effort to reduce the rising number of rider deaths, police say they will ramp up enforcement and continue to prioritise motorcycle safety this month.

The State Highway Patrol Solo Unit is conducting several motorcycle safety operations in high-risk areas across the state, both on and off-road, and will also support local highway patrols with enforcement operations throughout the month.

Police will be on the lookout for motorcyclists who are riding dangerously and speeding, as well as drivers who engage in any driving behaviour that puts motorcyclists at risk.

Motorists are being encouraged to be extra vigilant and on the lookout for motorcyclists, particularly when changing lanes or when required to give way.

Police are urging motorcyclists to slow down, ride to the conditions and always wear appropriate protective riding gear.

State Highway Patrol Solo Unit Senior Sergeant, John Papas: “Last year we saw a significant amount of road trauma involving motorcyclists, and in 2025 this has showed no sign of slowing down.

“In response to the concerning number of motorcycle fatalities already this year, we will be having an increased focused on motorcycle safety throughout February.

“There will be a particular focus on anyone travelling to Phillip Island this weekend for the World Superbikes and I encourage everyone to plan ahead and allow extra travel time to ensure you reach your destination safely.

“Motorcyclists are one of our most vulnerable road users and have little to protect them if they’re involved in a collision. We must all do everything we can to protect riders.

“For motorists, that means watching out for motorcyclists, being present behind the wheel and aware of your surroundings.

“For motorcyclists, it means keeping yourself safe with the right protective gear and avoiding risky riding behaviour like excessive speeding.

“Now is not the time to be complacent – it’s up to all of us to do everything we can to prevent further motorcyclist deaths. Every rider death is one too many.”

This story based on two Victoria Police reports

It’s almost here. ChillOut is only days away with the theme of Rainbow Circus Spectacular. And national treasure Marcia Hines will be there – delivering a huge set of disco mega hits on Friday, March 7 under the Big Top at Victoria Park. 

Marcia said she was thrilled to visit ChillOut Festival for the first time. 

“My favourite performances have always been for the LGBTIQA+ community. I am taking leave from filming Australian Idol especially to travel to Daylesford for my first appearance at the ChillOut Festival. 

“I am so excited to visit such a beautiful part of Victoria but mostly to perform for my most treasured audience. I can’t wait for ChillOut.” 

All the festival favourites are back, including Bush Dance, Pool Party, Carnival Day, Street Parade, Poof Doof After Party and a host of other events will roll into venues across Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. 

There will also be social sports, comedy, art, and family-friendly fun including the All Ages Youth Muster In The Park. 

“The Youth Muster is an extremely important feature on the ChillOut events calendar,” ChillOut president Matt Clarke said. 

“Generally, regional youth are isolated from many activities and experiences purely because of location. 

“Travelling to any event in a capital city is costly. Event ticket costs, transport, and accommodation all become quite stressful and are often the final factor in whether they attend. 

“Being a young queer person in regional Victoria adds further layers of complexity, as often being out or proud of who they are can come with bullying and violence.” 

ChillOut Festival 2025 kicks off with a free community event under the ChillOut Big Top at Victoria Park on Thursday, March 6 from 6pm to 8pm, hosted by ChillOut favourites Dean Arcuri and Spankie Jackson. 

The Big Top Burlesque, pictured above, is also bound to be a crowd favourite. For all information and tickets head to www.chilloutfestival.au.

And check out the timetable on pages 10 and 11. The Local is proud to be ChillOut’s media partner for 11 years