Helen Hayes has always been a keen gardener but a busy corporate career kept her from creating something on the scale befitting her imagination. 

But with retirement came the opportunity to realise her dreams in the rich volcanic soil of the Central Highlands. And recently the fruits of her labours at Musk Manor has captured the attention of other gardening enthusiasts.

Just recently she had a film crew spend 10 hours at her property gathering footage for an appearance on a future episode of the ABC’s ‘Gardening Australia’. 

“I’d expect that I would have been a very unlikely candidate to be a gardener earlier on in my life,” says Helen.

“I worked 12 hour days pretty much seven days a week and I would have had to get up at 5am before I went off to work at 7 to get anything done.” 

Before relocating to Musk and starting on her garden Helen was an internationally recognised leader in business development and information management. She successfully coached and mentored senior executives for many years and was highly regarded as a trusted advisor and executive coach.

In 1999 Helen was recognised as the Victorian and Australian Telstra Business Woman of the Year and later worked at the executive level in universities in Australia and Scotland. That left very little time for creating a garden. 

But in 2017 Helen and her partner Michael came to the area to have a look at an old farm house in Musk. It sat on just over a hectare of land with a wonderful view north over the Wombat Forest and she sensed the potential to create a spectacular garden. 

“I saw the land and the 100-year-old barn and thought, ‘this is definitely it, I’ve got to move in here, I’ve got to make my garden here, I thought this will give me a reason to retire, I’ll have a project. It will be a big project but I’ll still do it’.” 

And now, seven years later the transformation of the site has been spectacular. At first there was very little when they moved in. Just an empty paddock save for a couple of established trees. Helen began with the preparation that needed to be done. 

She divided the area into 13 different sections and tackled one at a time until it was done. That task alone took six to eight months and filled 14 skips with weeds before anything was planted at all. 

Today, the place is a wonderful collage of trees and scrubs, evergreens and perennials. Gravel paths wend between beds of flowers of all sizes and colours and sumptuous lawns have replaced the dusty fields of 2017. 

Birds dart in and around a gorgeous array of native and non-native plants and bees and butterflies feast on nectar. Helen describes how she approached the arrangement. 

“The plants have been chosen for their attraction to bees, birds and butterflies.” Helen says. “Each area has a predominant colour. The two gardens on the fence line are mainly yellow so I have leucadendrons but also forsythia, buddleia, grevillea and hypericum in the yellow garden. 

“In the orange garden I have a long-flowering rise called ashram. I have mixed orange with deep purple plants. The plants that thrive in the garden are daphne, rhododendrons and camellias – mostly Bob Hope and black tie as I like the red against the dark green foliage. 

“I have added two hedges of plantation pink sasanqua camellias. My favourite trees are maples for their colour, particularly Autumn Moon. Autumn is my favourite time and the oaks, crab apples and red-stemmed maples are favourites. I have a special favourite that is a Himalayan strawberry tree. 

“Of the small plants, I love daylilies at this time of year and peonies although they are short lived. I have a lot of irises, especially midnight blue. Miniature irises border the yellow garden and a purple and blue mix border the main garden.” 

Like all labours of love, the work is never completed, it just evolves and Helen continues to work on developing her little patch of paradise and is looking forward to having another open garden day.

“I have had it open twice so far for fundraising events, once for the Musk CFA and then for the Spa Country Railway,” Helen says.

“I will do it again for the CFA next year. I like people to be able to come and walk around and enjoy what’s been created here.”

Words & main image: Tony Sawrey

Dean Recreation Reserve president Brian Maher has presented a couple of cheques to some well deserving locals.  

The cheques were the result of this year’s annual Dean Sheep Dog Trials, otherwise  known as The Old Sniff Classic, and a must-do competition on the calendars of many  of the state’s top sheepdog handlers and their highly trained working dogs.  

First up was a $1000 cheque that Brian presented to Creswick’s John Curtin Aged Care via CEO Steve Bruechert followed by a $200 cheque for the Newlyn-Dean CFA Brigade accepted by the brigade’s Dominic Prendergast.  

Mr Bruechert said the money would go toward ongoing efforts to raise funds to  purchase a new minibus while Mr Prendergast said the money would likely go toward  a new floor covering for a brigade shed.    

Words: Eve Lamb  
 

This is what can happen when a father meets Father Christmas. Andrew Moore and  his 11-year-old daughter Annabelle were among the capacity crowd at Stanbridge Hall for a fundraiser for Daylesford’s new cinema when they headed for Santa’s knee.  

The result can be seen. And a great round of applause erupted when it was announced that  the Cinema Group plans the reopening between Easter and mid-2025.  

A further round of fundraising will start in the New Year, including two gala dinners. And the pleasing flow of money from events such as this reinforced a point made by a character in the film shown at the fundraiser, Miracle on 34th Street:

“Faith is believing things even though common sense tells you not to.”  

The 1974 remake of the 1947 classic poses the timeless question: “Is Santa real? Macy’s department store employs one Kris Kringle, who is threatened with jail or being locked away because he believes he is Santa.  

When it goes to court, a judge’s difficulty in whether he can rule on the case is decided when six-year-old Susan hands him a piece of paper bearing a line from the American Constitution: “In God We Trust.”

As for Kris Kringle, he says, “Oh, Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind, and that’s what’s been changing. That’s why I’m glad I’m here, maybe I can do something about it.”  

Development of the Ballarat Major Event Precinct has reached a key milestone with the awarding of the contract to lead the redevelopment project.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison MP, representing Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, earlier this month announced Victorian-based Kane Construction and Nicholson Construction Joint Venture will lead the redevelopment of the Ballarat Major Events Precinct (previously known as the Eureka Sports Precinct).

Kane and Nicholson Construction will draw on prior extensive experience in delivering quality regional and community projects, including the multi-award-winning Ballarat GovHub and the recent Bendigo Law Courts Development.

Upgrades to the precinct include 5,000 new permanent seats at Ballarat’s Mars Stadium, increasing the seating capacity to 10,000.

The new seats also mean more amenities and more food and beverage options so spectators will have an even better experience at the venue.

A new athletics track and pavilion will be located on the former Ballarat Showgrounds site, with additional elements such as lighting, landscaping and a storage shed.

Accessibility improvements throughout the precinct will ensure anyone with mobility needs can still enjoy the venues.

These upgrades will boost local jobs and businesses, and attract more visitors to the Ballarat region for years to come.

Construction works at Mars Stadium are set to begin in early 2025.

The Victorian Government is also supporting Ballarat’s Major Events Precinct through an upgrade of Frank Bourke Oval in partnership with the City of Ballarat.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison MP: “The Ballarat Major Events Precinct will deliver even better sporting facilities for the Ballarat community, and enhance the region’s capacity to host fantastic sport and entertainment events.

“I’m pleased to say that Kane Nicholson have a large proportion of local Ballarat residents on their team, and it’s great to see this project contributing in such a major way to the local economy.”

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves: “The designs of the Ballarat Major Events Precinct look incredible, and we cannot wait to see construction work starting to take place. 

“The new athletics facility and Mars Stadium upgrade will enhance our capability to attract bigger more diverse events to Ballarat.

“This significant investment complements and builds on the existing work already seen at Mars Stadium over many years.”

This story based on a City of Ballarat media release

For the second year in a row, The Local Publishing Group has been awarded Best Regional Home & Country Lifestyle Media Publishing Group in APAC Insider’s ninth annual Australian Enterprise Awards. 

Awards executive Melissa Bramall said the judging panel and research team takes into consideration the commitment, expertise, and innovation demonstrated by nominees through nomination information and voting information. 

APAC’s website says over the years it has been committed to shining a light on the very best of Australian business. 

“Australia is known for its diverse and resilient economy, with the country experiencing an uninterrupted period of growth over the three decades prior to the Covid-19 outbreak of 2020. 

“In the years following the pandemic, Australian industry has experienced various challenges but has been recovering at a quicker rate than many of the world’s other top economies. 

“In fact, Australia currently ranks as the 12th largest GDP worldwide, which it has achieved despite its much smaller population in comparison to the countries placing higher in the list. 

“Through the Australian Enterprise Awards 2024, APAC Insider recognises the key players driving innovation across the variety of sectors that make up Australia’s dynamic business market. We use a strict merit-based approach to assess all nominees.” 

Editor Donna Kelly said The Local Publishing Group was thrilled to receive news of the award. 

“To win the award for the second year in a row is fantastic. You always hope you are doing a good job – and we do get lots of great feedback – but when something like this comes into your inbox it’s lovely. Makes your day.” 

General manager Kyle Barnes said the industry had been challenged during the pandemic but now it was back on track and stronger than ever. 

“We had a few moments there when we thought we might have to just produce a digital publication but really, if you are not in print, then you’re not really a newspaper. 

“And our readers still love print. Even when they have already read us online at tlnews.com.au, they still pick up their printed copy from around the shire. 

“We also want to thank our clients and readers. We do it for them really. This is their award.”

with Eve Lamb

Glenlyon’s Claire Clifton is a great example of how being told you’re no good at something may just lead you to become very good at it indeed. Claire’s passion for using creative art to express the inner self – particularly that which does not readily find expression any other way – has led her to produce powerful and award-winning abstract works, to find immense joy in her own life and recently, to establish a very special program that helps others de-stress and tap into their own inner creative spirit. 

Eve: I hear you’re a member of the Daylesford Regional Arts Cooperative and part of a series of pop-up exhibitions at the Daylesford Visitor Information Centre. 

Claire: Yes. I only joined them a few months ago. There is a community spirit for creativity. It’s so important. It gives people that opportunity to express themselves. Everyone’s got a story. 

Eve: What is your own journey to becoming an artist? 

Claire: I was totally not an artist. I was told that very firmly by a teacher at school, that I was not a painter anyway. So I went to textiles and interestingly when I did it, it came out abstract. That gave me the opportunity to create in a less traditional way.

I didn’t start painting until 1996, with some encouragement from a friend. Naturally it was abstract. The very first painting I did I still have. It’s called Onward and Upward. I looked at it and thought – ‘that’s my life’. 

Eve: And I understand that you also love painting in a tactile way using your hands. 

Claire: Yes, to have paint on your hands is fabulous. I love the way the paint moves under your hands. I go through a lot of gloves. When there’s no words for what you are feeling it’s a way to express those feelings.

When I was going through my cancer journey it helped me to somehow articulate what I was going through. 

Eve: Can you tell me a bit more about that journey? 

Claire: I had breast cancer in 2010. A full year of therapy, radical surgery, chemotherapy, the whole catastrophe. And through that came the chance to exhibit through the Cancer Council.

When you sit down with some paints, pencils or even just one pencil you will learn something about yourself every time.

Eve: I hear that you have taken that passion in another direction as well. 

Claire: I completed the Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapies Training Course through Soul-Full Mind College, a 12-month course, which I did last year. I graduated with honours which was nice. It was the best thing ever. 

Eve: Have you worked in any other fields? 

Claire: Yes. I worked for 40 years in medical reception. I was a practice manager for a paediatrician in Geelong and I have also managed hospitality venues, a few of those. But this is what I love. It only took me 60 years. 

Eve: You do give the impression that you have found your passion in life. 

Claire: I love it. This is about self discovery through the creative arts and it’s about joy. We all spend so much time in fight or flight. Your body can’t heal when it’s in fight or flight.

I now work with groups or individuals with the program I have developed called Untangle You which I developed during the course last year. It’s for anyone. 

We do meditation and breathing to become utterly relaxed and then we can start to create. The empowerment that comes from that is just exquisite. People always want to learn but they don’t necessarily want to be taught.

I am hoping to run a parent and child event probably through the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre through this summer break. 

Eve: And what’s happening with the pop-up art exhibitions at the Visitor Centre? 

Claire: The Daylesford Regional Arts Cooperative is having a different member artist each exhibit their work solo for four to six weeks at a time right through 2025. I’m January I believe which means I’d better get going. 

The City of Ballarat’s partnership with the Western Bulldogs has been strengthened after the signing of a three-year partnership extension to continue hosting AFL and AFLW matches in the city. 

In conjunction with the State Government, the new partnership will see two AFL home and away games and one AFLW match played at Ballarat’s Mars Stadium each season until the end of 2027, with potential for further pre-season matches.

Next year this will see the Bulldogs host Port Adelaide and Adelaide in Ballarat.

The agreement will also see the Western Bulldogs continue to deliver a valuable range of community-based programs, such as Bulldogs Read, the Youth Leadership program, the Next Generation Academy and the Sons and Daughters of the West health programs. 

The partnership supports the City of Ballarat’s Events Strategy and with AFLW part of the agreement, aligns closely with the Active Women and Girls Strategy. 

The association between Ballarat and the Western Bulldogs extends back to 2017, the year after the Bulldogs broke a 62-year premiership drought to win their second VFL/AFL premiership. 

The City of Ballarat will contribute $1.425 million in total to the three-year partnership.

City of Ballarat Central Ward Councillor, Samantha McIntosh said the Western Bulldogs commitment to Ballarat extended beyond just their on field heroics.

“This collaboration has been invaluable to Ballarat, both on and off the field,” she said.

“The partnership extension means that for the next three years we will continue to host two AFL home-and-away matches and one AFLW game at Mars Stadium, but just as importantly beyond match days, the Bulldogs will continue to deliver exceptional programs that mean the world to the people of Ballarat.”

Western Bulldogs Chief Executive Officer, Ameet Bains said the club looked forward to continuing its partnership with Ballarat.

“Ballarat remains entrenched as our home away from home and we couldn’t be happier to confirm an extension of this partnership with the City of Ballarat and Visit Victoria,” he said.  

“When we play at Mars Stadium the passion of the support we receive from our home crowd is evident and over the years it’s been wonderful to see the city becoming a little more red, white and blue every time we play.  

“As a Club we have built an enduring connection to this region and will continue to do everything we can to engage the community each and every day of the year and well beyond our always eagerly anticipated home fixtures in Ballarat.”

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the State Government was pleased to partner with the Western Bulldogs and City of Ballarat once again. 

“Victorians live for sport and that passion is well and truly alive in the regions,” he said.

“We are bringing elite footy to Ballarat so people can experience it in their own backyard – backing local jobs, businesses and the community at the same time.”

This story based on a City of Ballrat media release

Victoria’s aerial firefighting fleet is ready to respond to what is forecast to be one of the most high-risk fire seasons in recent years for much of the state this summer, the CFA says.

Victoria’s Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes last week unveiled the fleet at Avalon Airport alongside Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent and emergency services personnel.

This year’s core fleet features 54 dedicated aircraft strategically positioned across the state to support firefighting efforts on the ground and gather crucial intelligence from the air to help faster tactical decision making.

Returning this year are two Large Air Tankers based at Avalon which can also be deployed from smaller regional airports, making them more agile to move around the state.

The fleet also includes a Black Hawk, other Type 1 helicopters, and a Super Puma which has a capacity of 4,000 litres. The Super Puma is supported by an Air Attack Supervision aircraft for detection and observation at night.

An important addition to the fleet this year is a Bell 214ST helicopter, which has the ability to pick up salt water – giving responders more options to help put fires out faster. 

Two Aircranes will join the fleet after their service period ends in North America. Victoria will have three additional aircraft on short-term contracts until the Aircranes arrive, bringing the total contracted aircraft this summer to 57. 

Victoria can also access a “call when needed” fleet of more than 100 aircraft and can request extra aircraft from the national fleet.

The AFAC summer outlook which was released last month made it clear that large parts of Victoria are facing their highest fire risk since the summer of 2019/20.

It indicates most of western Victoria, as well as south-west Gippsland, Mornington Peninsula, greater Melbourne and north-east Victoria are at an increased risk of fire activity.

The risk for the rest of the state is forecast to be normal for summer – which means fires are still possible and everyone must do their part to be prepared.

For more information on how to prepare for emergencies, download the VicEmergency app. People can also create a fire plan online customised to their needs and sharable with family and friends via fireplanner.vic.gov.au.  

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes: “With hardworking crews on the ground and a strong aerial fleet, we are ready for the season.”

“I’m excited to see the return of two Large Air Tankers to Victoria this year. From its base in Avalon it can reach Mildura in the north to Horsham in the west or Benambra in the north east.”

Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent: “We are well prepared for this higher risk weather season, with excellent support from our aerial firefighting fleet and thousands of dedicated emergency services personnel.”

“Preparedness is a shared responsibility. Sit down with your household to talk about your emergency plan and what you will do in case of a fire or other emergency.

This story based on a State Government media release

While Australia grapples to keep kids safe online, Daylesford’s Dharma School is embarking on a bold new project that uses a mindfulness approach to tackling the problem. 

From the new year the school will be part of a Global Wisdom Project as it adapts the Victorian state government’s eSmart package in a way that it hopes will yield far better traction with children. 

While the state’s eSmart package has much going for it, including the best of intentions, Dharma school principal Andrea Furness says that in practice they’ve found the children are not relating all that well to it. 

“It’s a good resource but the children don’t engage with it. I’m guessing that the language isn’t right for them,” Ms Furness says. 

Through their Global Wisdom Project they’re adapting the state’s eSmart package using the language and ethos that already underpins all they do at the school so as to guide every interaction the children – and their adults – have with social media and the online space into the future. 

“These precepts, our values, are Reverence for Life, Generosity, Body Responsibility, Deep Listening and Loving Speech, and Mindful Consumption,” Ms Furness says. 

eWise 

“We’re applying the precepts to reframe the language of eSmart and calling it eWise. 

“It’s part of the wider Global Wisdom Lab. We and two other schools in Victoria are part of it.”

It’s an undertaking for which they are receiving support from Monash University’s Professor Zane Diamond. 

“This research is being conducted by our school with Professor Zane Diamond from Monash University as our Digital Wisdom project contribution to the larger international umbrella of the Global Wisdom Lab,” Ms Furness says. 

“We are hoping we will launch the resource next year. The second stage will be a Community Participatory Action Research Project so parents, including those who are not part of our own school community, can then choose to participate in a series of groups facilitated by Professor Diamond. 

“Groups of parents will have the chance to participate in action research alongside students, creating an opportunity to bridge home and school expectations in the digital world.

Ripple effect 

“This has a lot of capacity for ripple. We will be inviting expressions of interest to be part of the CPARP on our website before the end of the year.” 

Ms Furness said the school didn’t have any internet devices. 

“We have some kids who have access to phones but while we’re at school we don’t have access to them. Even smart watches go into your bag while we’re at school.” 

In terms of the new federal legislation aimed at protecting under 16s from the well-documented damage associated with social media use, Ms Furness says it’s well intentioned but, like many, questions how it will work in practice. 

“I think it’s a great idea but I don’t think it’s being rolled out in a way that’s really set up to be successful,” she says. 

“We need resources for parents and I think big tech companies really need to be on board as well.” 

Algorithms 

The algorithms operating behind the visible face of social media, and the enormous social pressures to remain connected within a social cohort, particularly among young people, especially need to be carefully factored into addressing the issue long-term, Ms Furness believes. 

Story: Eve Lamb

The Hepburn Springs Sound Shell sets the scene for community carols this Sunday evening from 7pm.

Live brass band music and a visit from Santa are all part of the family-friendly program that runs through to 8.30pm.

Around the region there’s plenty of festive season fun happening with many special Chrismas church services, masses and events scheduled in the lead-up to Christmas, and on Christmas day as well.

Here’s a bit of what’s scheduled:

Catholic Ministry District of Creswick, Daylesford & Wendouree

Christmas Mass Times 2024

Christmas Eve – Tuesday, December 24, 6pm. Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, Wendouree

Christmas Eve – Tuesday, December 24, 8.30pm. St Peter’s Catholic Church. Daylesford

Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25, 9am. St Augustine’s Catholic Church, Creswick

Christmas Worship at Christ Church Anglican 54 Central Springs Road, Daylesford

Christmas Eve – December 24, 9pm – Eucharist

Christmas Day – December 25, 9am – Crib Service & Holy Communion

Daylesford Community Brass Band

Carols in Vincent Street, Daylesford – Saturday, December 21, 10am – noon.

Community Carols at the Hepburn Springs Sound Shell – Sunday, December 22, 7pm-8.30pm. Santa will make an appearance and the Daylesford Community Brass Training Band will give a short performance.

Bring a chair, jumper, picnic, mosquito repellent and Christmas spirit.

Police are urging motorists to prioritise road safety over the Christmas and New Year period after Operation Roadwise began last week.

The statewide road policing operation, which launched on Friday, will run for an extended 20-day period and will see police highly visible across the state’s major roads and arterials.

There will be a significant focus on impaired driving with police conducting widespread alcohol and drug testing every day throughout the operation.

Police conducted more than 300,000 preliminary breath tests and almost 9000 roadside drug tests during last year’s Operation Roadwise.

Data shows December is the worst month of the year for drink drive offending, recording the highest number of drink driving detections and most collisions where the driver was over the blood alcohol limit.

Motorists are being warned they should expect to be tested anywhere, any time and to separate drinking and driving by planning ahead, arranging a designated driver or using alternative transport.

Operation Roadwise will see police highly visible on roads around coastal areas and popular holiday hotspots across regional Victoria.

With Boxing Day one of the busiest days for travel across the state, police are urging those hitting the roads to be patient, avoid distractions and take regular breaks to prevent fatigue.

To avoid receiving an infringement and having a costly Christmas, motorists are advised to obey the road rules and stick to the speed limits.

Police issued more than 19,000 traffic infringements during last year’s Operation Roadwise including 7631 speeding offences.

There were 17 lives lost on Victorian roads last year between 15 December and 1 January.

There have been 273 lives lost on Victoria roads to date, which is slightly below 276 at the same time last year.

Operation Roadwise commenced on Friday December 13, 2024 and will end at 11:59pm on Wednesday January 1, 2025.

Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir: “As we head towards the end of the year, we’re urging everyone to make road safety a priority.

“The last place you want to end up this Christmas is in a hospital, or worse, as a result of road trauma.

“December is a high-risk period on our roads – we know there is a significant risk associated with impaired driving and we also see an influx of traffic as people head on holidays to regional areas.

“This year Operation Roadwise will run for 20 days until 1 January to ensure we have a highly visible police presence on our roads across this busy period.

“There will be a significant focus on impaired drivers so motorists should expect to be tested anywhere, any time and be prepared to face the consequences if you’re caught over the limit.

“It’s been another devastating year on our roads, and we make no apologies for doing all we can to prevent further serious injuries and deaths.”

It may not be boughs of holly but Daylesford resident Jenny Paradisi, with the help of friends Wendy Berry and Heidi Hauck, has decorated the main streets of Daylesford with colourful hessian bows.

Wendy, (pictured above right), said Jenny, (pictured above left) put a social media post on Facebook asking why the community was not putting up Christmas decorations this year.  

“There were lots of comments but nobody did anything, so we put up another  post saying ‘let’s get together’ but it ended up with me and her and Heidi.  

“Jenny initiated it and went to Spotlight and bought two rolls of hessian, 60 per cent off so why not, and we went to her house on Sunday (December 8) and cut  them up, sewed the edges and tied them up with string.  

“Then we went down the street on Monday at 8.30am and just started putting  them all up. We just tied them around the posts at Jenny’s height, because she is tall.  

“It was just something we wanted to do and I know some of the businesses have already put up decorations, but it can be expensive.”  

Wendy said those passing them in the street as they worked were “just so joyful and happy that someone was doing it”.

“When we finished we went into the shops  and asked if they wanted to donate towards the costs and people were putting in between $10 and $50, even some employees, and people just shopping.

“Everyone was so happy, and we not only covered our costs, we had $50 left over  so we gave that to Michelle Clifford at the Daylesford Community Op Shop.”  

Wendy said there was a plan to do it all again next year but go even further, not  just covering the main street.

“It’s just such a nice thing to do and people were really  grateful. I know lots of people but I have never had that many come up to me and say thanks for what you are doing. It’s the real spirit of Christmas.”

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed  

Ballarat Family Violence Investigation Unit are investigating the death of a Mount Clear man last Friday December 13.

Police were called to reports of an assault at an address on Highfield Avenue in Mount Clear on November 27.

An 82-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene.

The man of no fixed address, known to the victim, was charged with assault and remanded in custody.

The Mount Clear man, who remained in hospital, has since died.

The Homicide Squad are assisting the investigation.

The exact cause of the man’s death is yet to be determined and police will prepare a report for the coroner.

The cost to clean, repair and repaint the Big Rainbow is $1500. The cost of adding sparkle will not be known until the contractor is available in the New Year. 

Vandals recently sprayed graffiti on the Big Rainbow at Daylesford Victoria Park. The well publicised vandalism happened after the Hepburn Shire Council had just had the rainbow refreshed, ready for next year’s ChillOut celebrations. 

Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that he, the councillor group and the organisation would not tolerate “a small few in the community who attempt to spread misinformation and deface public property with discriminatory language”. 

“Council stands firm in its commitment to combating hate in all forms. Council will not tolerate homophobia, racism or any behaviour that seeks to diminish and devalue another’s life experience. 

“We believe in the values of respect, kindness, and equality for all. I want to make it clear that we will not tolerate bigotry.

“We will not tolerate homophobia. And we will not tolerate racism. We are proud of the diverse, vibrant, and inclusive community we live in. Together, we will continue to stand against hate and discrimination in all forms.” 

Many people commented about the incident on social media. 

“Very sad that some in our community feel like they need to deface a symbol designed to represent diversity and unity.” 

“That is just so disappointing and really reflects on the childishness of the perpetrators. Pathetic behaviour.” 

“The council was covering it when we were there. Unbelievable, makes my heart heavy. It’s childish. Regardless of your personal beliefs.” 

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed 

As the weather warms up and the risk of fire increases, Victoria Police is urging people to ensure they are aware of their personal responsibility and accountability when it comes to fires this summer.

With people now dusting off the BBQ, heading out to a campsite or using machinery during warm weather, there is potential for reckless fire behaviour to have catastrophic consequences.

During the fire season Victoria Police implements Operation Safeguard, so that police are ready to respond to the threat of fire.

Operation Safeguard aims to prevent or reduce the impact of intentional and recklessly lit fires across Victoria, and involves preparedness arrangements and deployment plans for periods of heightened risk during the fire season.

Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad work closely with the 277 Arson and Explosive Liaison Officers (AELOs) across Victoria, all of whom use their local knowledge to prevent, detect and respond to fires.

This year, police are particularly reminding the community that they need to be aware of their personal responsibility when it comes to fires and the ramifications of reckless behaviour.

A fire started through reckless behaviour can have the same outcomes as a deliberately lit fire including significant loss of life, serious injury, property damage and more.

Traditionally only a small number of overall fire-related offences each summer are arson however recklessly lit fires continues to be a concerning issue across Victoria.

Last bushfire season (year end June 2024), there were 45 offences relating to causing a bushfire – 21 of these were due to reckless behaviour.

The most common causes of recklessly lit fires are:

• disobeying restrictions relating to Total Fire Bans or fire danger periods
• burning off
• leaving campfires unattended
• car exhausts and machinery
• use of tools such as angle grinders and welding equipment out in the open
• bonfires and flares
• farming machinery such as slashers and harvesters.

Some examples of recklessly lit fires with significant consequences include:

• A fire recklessly lit at a campsite in Robinvale in December 2020 on a total fire ban day, which led to the damage of local properties and a number of other campers having to be evacuated
• A significant bushfire started in Aberfeldy in 2013 where a man commenced burning off at a rural property on a total fire ban day, which led to a person being killed and 20 houses being destroyed in the Seaton area

Police will investigate and take action to catch those responsible when a fire is deemed suspicious, whether it was a deliberate or reckless action.

Anyone found guilty of recklessly or intentionally causing a bushfire faces a penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment.

Lighting a fire on a total fire ban day can attract a fine of up to $46,000 or up to two years in jail.

The community also plays an incredibly important role in the prevention of bushfires and remains key in reporting reckless or suspicious behaviour.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnesses concerning behaviour in relation to fires, or anyone who has been told about this behaviour taking place.

This information could prove crucial in preventing a bushfire.

Operation Safeguard will run until March 2025.

Further information about bushfire arson and reckless fires is also available on the Victoria Police website: Bushfire arson (police.vic.gov.au)

Learn more about the Victoria Police and Crimestoppers ‘You Light It, You Own It, bushfire campaign: Bushfires – Crime Stoppers Victoria

Anyone who witnesses suspicious or reckless behaviour as it is occurring should call Triple Zero (000) and anyone with other information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au

Detective Inspector Chris Murray, Arson and Explosives Squad: “Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world and we have a long a tragic history with bushfires.

“There are so many things that the community can do to ensure the risk of bushfire is reduced this summer and the key one for us is taking personal responsibility for any fires you light or activities you undertake that could lead to a fire starting.

“Complacency or ignorance could quite literally kill you and lead to significant loss of life and property.

“I know that to many people, things like leaving a campfire unattended or operating machinery on a total fire ban day, don’t seem like a big deal.

“However we, along with our emergency services partners, see the devasting consequences when these actions go wrong. It may seem like this behaviour is accidental, but it is actually criminal.

“The message from us is clear – you light it, you own it. We will be holding every single person to account for recklessly lighting fires.

“If you are going to be lighting a fire or engaging in any activities that could lead to a fire starting, then you need to be aware of your responsibilities.

“Check the rules and the forecast in your local area and adjust your behaviour accordingly. Once a fire starts it can be impossible to control or suppress, and can get away from you very, very quickly.

“I urge everyone this fire season to be aware of their responsibilities and work with us to stop any further tragedies occurring.”