My husband Malcolm Bray and I, Ruth Bray, were recently fortunate to  attend the launch of Professor Clare Wright’s book Naku Dharuk, The Bark Petitions. How the people of Yirrkala changed the course of Australian  Democracy.  

In the 1960s when the government permitted mining exploration and mining of bauxite on the Gove Peninsula in Arnhem Land, land which had been owned and  occupied, for tens of thousands of years by the Yolnu people, their response came by  presenting petitions to the Federal Parliament on bark paintings. This was many years  before Mabo.  

One petition is in the National Museum in Canberra, and the other two on  display in Parliament House. My grandson Keaton and I travelled to Yirrkala last  December when the fourth bark petition was returned to Yirrkala, where Malcolm  and I lived and worked in the 1960s.

Clare Wright’s book, Naku Dharuk tells this story.  At the launch at the Celtic Club in Brunswick, we introduced ourselves to  Yirrkala man Yirrmal Marika, who is in Victoria to do a business studies course.

It  was great that Malcolm and I retained some of the language we learnt so many years  ago and we could converse and laugh with him in his own language.

He told us he  felt he was with family.  Then we discovered Beth Graham. Beth was a schoolteacher at Yirrkala in  the 1960s with her husband Leigh, a carpenter. Beth later worked in the top end  encouraging bilingual education in Aboriginal communities.

This was tremendous in  helping Aboriginal children in their schoolwork. Unfortunately the government has  disbanded the idea, although I understand the Catholic school system and the schools  at Yirrkala still teach this way.

The noise of chatter over drinks and our conversation were interrupted by the  sudden clapping of clapsticks and the sound of the familiar (to us) singing. Yirrmal,  as he sang, was calling us together to listen. I don’t think I have heard a crowd silence itself so quickly.  

The speakers at the book launch were the usual ones you would expect and  included representatives from the Celtic Club, Clare thanked her supporters and those who contributed and helped her with her research including Beth Graham, whose letters in the 1960s home to her family provided a wealth of primary data.  

In reading Naku Dharuk Malcolm and I were thrilled to see a line or two about our romance back in the 1960s. But it looks like you will have to read the book to  find out more.

Naku Dharuk is the third in Clare’s Democracy Trilogy. The publishers, Text  Publishing, must be pleased that Clare’s books are so readable and interesting.

The  other two in this series are The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka – the story of the women and children who were in the Stockade, including a woman in labour while the attack happened, and You Daughters of Freedom on the 1902 suffrage campaign for white  women.  

All three books are a great read. They are the sort of books once you have started  them, you cannot put them down. Any, or all would make a great Christmas present.

Clare said she would be happy to come to Daylesford and speak to any groups who are interested in her work.  

Word: Ruth Bray | Image: Contributed   

Gurutjanga (Mount Kooroocheang), Nyaninuk (Mount Beckworth), Mount Greenock, Dharrang Gauwa (Mount Tarrengower), Liyanganyuk banyul (Mount Alexander) and Lalgambuk (Mount Franklin).

If these ancient peaks of southern Dja Dja Wurrung country could speak they’d no doubt tell remarkable stories like those to be found in the significant new book by Professor Barry Golding.

In writing Six Peaks Speak: Unsettling legacies in southern Dja Dja Wurrung Country, Kingston-based Professor Golding collaborated with Castlemaine-based geologist Clive Willman.

He also had the backing of a State Library Victoria Creative Fellowship to help research and write the book that has potential to open many eyes afresh to the region’s immense natural and cultural significance.

Six Peaks Speak is set to be launched by Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO Rodney Carter on International Mountain Day, December 11, at Castlemaine.

As part of the International Mountain Day celebrations, a series of On Country Mountain walks and local, peak-specific community presentations are scheduled to take place during the week leading up to the launch.

The book bears witness to significant changes that have occurred over the past 200 years as though viewed from the perspective of the peaks that stand silent sentinel over this ancient volcanic landscape, including much of the Hepburn Shire area.

Professor Golding uses the term ‘unsettling in the book and its title in intentional contrast against the term‘settlement’ that’s often associated with the  arrival of Europeans in the landscape.

“I’ve used the term ‘unsettling’ because a lot of this stuff is still unsettled,” he says.

“People were killed or displaced and removed from Country.”

The result of two years of dedicated work, Six Peaks Speak provides a revelatory peeling back of time and layers to gain an enhanced appreciation of the landscape’s remarkable past and present.

Besides delving into seldom-accessed archives, the book draws on Li-DAR remote sensing technology to help literally peel back the layers through time.

The work records and celebrates the presence of significant Indigenous cultural legacies that remain within the landscape. Legacies like the Indigenous communal oven mounds.

“I’ve had huge support from the Djaara Traditional owners,” Prof Golding says.

In writing Six Peaks Speak Professor Golding’s hope is that the significance of the region’s natural and cultural heritage may be better appreciated by the wider community, including policy makers, into the future.

“It’s a resource  for the community including for the First Nations community to use as a springboard to acknowledge the unsettling, and to settle the unsettled,”he says.

The book’s contents are evidence-based with each chapter featuring over 100 footnotes.  Professor Golding admits researching and writing it  has been “a huge job”.

“It’s been good fun,” he adds ahead of the upcoming book launch, community events and series of associated walks.

The 420 page book is being published by Common Ground in the US and following its launch it will be available through selected retailers and online.

The book launch is set for 2pm, Wednesday December 11 at the Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre.

The launch will follow a special Caring for Country, Caring For People event taking place on the same day from 9:30am to 1pm at Lalgumbuk (Mt Franklin). It will be a chance to join with Djaara to celebrate International Mountain Day.

Community events leading up to the launch of Six Peaks Speak: Unsettling legacies in southern Dja Dja Wurrung Country include:

Friday, December 6, 8pm Gurutjanga Speaks presentation, Commercial Hotel, Kingston

Saturday December 7, 7:30pm Lalgambuk Speaks presentation, Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre

Sunday December 8, 2pm Dharrang Gauwa Speaks presentation, Maldon

Monday, December 9, 7:30pm Mount Greenock Speaks presentation, Maryborough

Tuesday, December 10, 7:30pm Nyaninuk Speaks presentation, Esmond Gallery, Clunes

The coinciding program of walks is being hosted by the Great Dividing Trail Association (GDTA) with registrations for the walks online through the GDTA website.

Walks

Friday, December 6, 9:30am Gurutjanga (Mt Kooroocheang) GDTA cultural landscapes tour & walk

Saturday, December 7, 9:30am Liyanganyuk banyul (Mt Alexander) GDTA walk

Sunday, December 8, 9:30am Dharrang Gauwa (Mt Tarrengower) GDTA walk

Monday, 9 December 9, 9:30am Mt Greenock GDTA walk

Tuesday, December 10,9:30am Nyaninuk (Mount Beckworth) GDTA walk

Words: Eve Lamb

Mordialloc Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a second man following a tobacco store fire in Bendigo earlier in the year.

Emergency services were called reports of the blaze at a business on Hargreaves Mall on 29 January about 4.30am.

Police will allege the man gained entry to the business by driving a red Mazda into the store, before setting it alight.

No one was inside at the time and the business sustained significant damage.

On Friday, 1 November 2024, detectives executed two search warrants at two properties in Dallas and Wollert.

A 22-year-old Dallas man has been charged with arson and possess unregistered firearm.

He was bailed to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court tomorrow November 8

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information, CCTV/dash cam footage or who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppers.com.au

A range of commemorative services and events will be taking place throughout the Hepburn Shire to mark Remembrance Day on Monday, November 11.

They will include the following public services and wreath laying events:

Creswick

Remembrance Service and wreath laying at 10.40am at the Fallen Soldiers Memorial, Creswick Cenotaph, corner Raglan and Albert streets, Creswick.

Following the service, light refreshments at the RSL Hall. Details: Secretary on 0490 374 006.

Kingston

Remembrance service and wreath laying at 10.45am at the Kingston Cenotaph, corner Victoria and Kingston roads, Kingston. Details: Julie on 0448 071 583.

Kyneton/Trentham:

Kyneton

Remembrance service at 10.45am at the Cenotaph, Mollison Street, Kyneton.

Trentham

Remembrance service at 10.45am at the Cenotaph, High Street, Trentham.

Aged Care

Services will also be conducted on Friday, November 8 at BUPA Kyneton at 10am, Trentham Aged Care at 11.45am and Respect RM Begg Kyneton at 2pm.

Daylesford:

Remembrance service and wreath laying at 11am at the Daylesford Cenotaph.

Clunes:

Remembrance service and wreath laying at 11am at the Clunes Cenotaph.

Wreaths can be ordered via creswicksmeatonrslsec@gmail.com until November 6 for $40.

Results in the local government election for Hepburn Shire Council have been provisionally announced this afternoon.

They see previously-serving councillors Don Henderson, Brian Hood, Lesley Hewitt and Tim Drylie returning, with newcomers Tony Clark, Pat Hockey and Shirley Cornish also across the line.

The declaration of the outcome is scheduled for 4.30 pm at 24 Vincent Street in Daylesford tomorrow (Friday 8^th November 2024).

The Victorian Electoral Commission has issued the following statement:

After a computer count the following candidates are successful. They will be declared elected in the coming days.

The successful candidates are Don Henderson (first successful), Brian Hood (second successful), Lesley Hewitt (third Successful), Tony Clark (fourth successful), Tim Drylie (fifth successful), Pat Hockey (sixth successful), Shirley Cornish (seventh successful)

Further information is available on the Victorian Electoral Commission website.

https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/voting/2024-local-council-elections/hepburn-shire-council/results

The Mollongghip Poetry Slam happens this Saturday evening, November 9 and poets must work the words “bugger all” into their poems. 

The Mollongghip Poetry Slam started when MC Mark Grant, a former local  who lived next to the hall, dreamt up the event, with participants reciting for half an hour, singing songs or reciting short stories.  

Local Gib Wettenhall said while Mark had MCed for 19 years with aplomb, it  took a few years of tweaking on the part of the hall committee to pull it into a shape  that suited the rural community.

“Poems have to be short. We now have a two minute time limit and for years Noel Gregory dressed as the Grim Reaper, clicking a pair of large shears in an attempt  to enforce the time limit.  

“Amateurs and locals are encouraged. One professional poet doing the rounds admonished a judge for showing bias by addressing a poet up on stage as ‘My  dear friend’.

This would seem to miss the point. Mollongghip’s Slam is not about  excellence, but about drawing out sparks of creativity and heartfelt performances from people who never ordinarily step out on a stage.

It’s the doing that counts. We are  proud to say that many local farmers regularly grace the stage with poetic yarns about  the bull that chased them or the kangaroo that joined the firefighters in the dam as the bushfire headed towards them.  

“Judges are picked for their potential to add spice and a touch of humour, but  not at the poet’s expense. They have been a mix of Mollongghippians (Ghipsters) and  local identities like storyteller Anne Stewart, Daylesford GP Greg Malcher and former Mayor Kate Redwood.  

“Each Slam has theme words that have to be inserted into the poem from  ‘Dangerous ideas’ to ‘Knife’s edge’ and this year’s beauty ‘Bugger all’.

It’s a lame  attempt to avoid plagiarism, although in the case of some notable rollicking ballads  delivered, we have had our suspicions.  

“Our largest number of poets was 35. Audiences usually fill the hall, numbering  up to 100. We always split the delivery by poets up on stage into two halves, with  time out for drinks at our bar.  

“Non-poets are encouraged to bring a plate for supper at the end of the night  while the judges are adding up the scores for the winning poets – one they judge as  the Grand Champion; the other as voted by the audience as the People’s Choice.” 

Bar opens and poets register from 7pm and the slam gets going from 8pm with more information available on The Mollongghip Poetry Slam Facebook page.

Victoria Police has become the first force in Australia to partner with the aged care sector in an innovative new effort to stop the abuse of older people.

The effort has seen specialist police from Victoria Police’s Priority and Safer Communities Division, Family Violence Command and regional operations team up with the sector to visit aged care facilities across the state and ensure workers know the signs of abuse and how to report it.

The visits include presentations with police and the sector – including Elder Rights Advocacy – to educate workers and the broader community on the forms of abuse and what it involves as well as providing advice on how to seek help if workers witness or suspect offending is occurring.

It also includes information on victim support services, as well as access to counselling, legal and financial support.

Police see firsthand the impact of older members of the community being abused each year with the crime ranging from physical and sexual assault to serious neglect and mistreatment.

While police continue to respond to increasing rates of abuse of older people, it remains underreported.

Victoria Police believes the visits to aged care facilities are crucial in raising awareness about the problem and encouraging aged care workers to speak up and make a report so any suspected behaviour can be investigated.

As part of the effort, the force is also working with the Commonwealth Government’s Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on raising awareness of reporting requirements under the Serious Incident Response Scheme, elder abuse and other forms of abuse of older people.

Police are committed to responding to all types of abuse of older people, supporting victims and holding perpetrators to account.

If you or an older person close to you discloses they are a victim of abuse, please believe them and encourage them to contact police or a support service.

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

In non-urgent cases if you know or suspect an older person is being abused and prefer to make an anonymous report, you can do so online via the Crime Stoppers Victoria website.

There are many support services available. Victorians can contact Seniors’ Rights Victoria on the organisation’s free confidential helpline: 1300 368 821 or visit seniorsrights.org.au for further advice.

Priority and Safer Communities Division Commander Jo Stafford: “Any form of abuse against an older person is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“This partnership with the aged care sector to hold these visits is a crucial new way to ensure workers recognise the signs of abuse and have the confidence to speak up about any concerns.

“We are proud to be the first police jurisdiction to partner with the aged care sector and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of victims.”

Family Violence Command Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway: “Police see first-hand the harm caused by abuse perpetrated against older people.

“While the crime is on the rise, we know it still remains underreported – so these visits are important to encourage workers to make a report to police if they witness or suspect an older person is being abused.

“The more we know, the more we can help put an end to the abuse of older people, hold perpetrators to account and keep victims safe.”

Judy Turner, the dynamic musician and founder of the hugely popular CresFest folk and roots festival held in Creswick every April, was awarded the Contribution to Folk Award late last month.  

CresFest president and Kingston resident Mark Myers said “a group of us  travelled to Melbourne to be part of the celebrations at the annual Australian Folk  Music Awards, held at Brunswick Ballroom”.  

The event, Myers said, was a gathering of the tribe, from all over Australia, with  people from every state honoured for their contributions.  

“We are very proud of Judy and of all she has achieved for Creswick. At the  awards night we realised how much she has contributed over many decades, to make music an essential part of hundreds, if not thousands, of lives.

Her energy and commitment are awe inspiring, and we are lucky to have her living in our region.”  

Judy was nominated for the award by Ballarat legend, the singer and choir  leader Stella Savy, who nominated her for her pioneering work providing musical opportunities for players of all ages through the creation and maintenance of the Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club, Stringmania Camp and CresFest.

“Above all, Judy’s secret magical power is having great ideas, making them come alive, then enthusing and inspiring other people to the extent they eventually want to take them over,” Stella said.  

Less known in the local region perhaps is her work creating and growing the now famous Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club, which grew under her leadership to a mighty performing group as well as a place for people of all ages to get together and build a life in music.  

Judy ran the club, with her partner Neil Adam, from 1995 to 2011, when she ‘bequeathed’ it to younger players.  

“The kids who came to the club in their teens have now been running the club for 15 years or so, and in 2025 will take the group to Nova Scotia on a 30th anniversary celebration tour,” Judy said.  

Starting her working life as a violin teacher in western suburbs technical schools, Judy says she has always loved sparking the joy of group playing in people of all ages.  

“One of my favourite teaching gigs was at the Council of Adult Education in  Melbourne, where adults as ‘young’ as 80 came along with – say – a late uncle’s violin,  to learn a few tunes in memory of him.

They were never going to really be players, but there was no doubt they were going to experience the joy of making their sound better by combining it with others.”  

And that, Judy says, is the secret of music in community. Stella, now the co director of CresFest, agrees.

“We have made a festival that’s for players and singers of all ages and stages. We want them to be inspired not only by what they can see and hear, but also by  what they can do.

“There are opportunities for everyone to join in, and in 2025 the  Rhythms of Africa Extravaganza will stop the festival with singing, dancing and drumming in the streets.”  

Thousands of people across Australia have reason to be grateful to Judy Turner for their engagement with music, and we in the Ballarat region can celebrate the opportunities she and her band of volunteers are bringing, with the creation of a festival with national appeal.  

There are opportunities for engagement for new groups like Creswick Chorus,  Hepburn Players and Creswick Ukestra, alongside established groups like Creswick Brass Band, Creswick Primary School singers and Creswick Drum Circle.  

Words: Fiona Watson | Image: Eve Lamb  

Counting continues in the Hepburn Shire local government election.  

Twelve candidates put their hands up for seven vacancies. In the order they  appeared on the ballot they are: Don Henderson, Tony Clark, Christian Porochowsky,  Tim Drylie, Derek Sedgman, Benny Pettersson, Brian Hood, Cameron Stone, Pat  Hockey, Lesley Hewitt, Shirley Cornish and Bernie Winfield-Gray.  

Of the 12 candidates, four are former councillors.  

Following a review in 2023, the Minister for Local Government announced a new  electoral structure for Hepburn Shire.

The changes see the shire move from five wards  with seven councillors, to no wards with seven councillors. Voters were able to vote for  any candidate, regardless of where they or the candidate live in the municipality.  

From the Victorian Electoral Commission website:  

Voting in the Hepburn Shire Council election has now closed. We will publish results as they are finalised during the count period.  All results will be declared by November 15.  

In local council elections, we can’t guarantee exactly when results will be available. This is because each election is slightly different.

The things that can affect the  counting timeline include: the number of vacancies; if it is counted by hand or by  computer; how many people are enrolled in the council; and how many candidates there are in each ward.  

Provisional results for all councils will be published on this website between November 6 and 12.

Didn’t vote?  If you were enrolled in this election and it looks like you did not vote, we may send you an ‘Apparent failure to vote’ notice in the coming months. This is your  chance to explain what happened if you did not vote. Please respond to this notice, otherwise you might receive a fine.  

Ed’s note: In the October 7 edition I said I thought I knew how the election  would play out. So, with voting over, here are my picks in no particular order  and not necessarily my votes. I reckon those in will be former councillors  Don Henderson, Tim Drylie, Brian Hood and Lesley Hewitt, and newcomers Bernie Winfield-Gray, Benny Pettersson and Cameron Stone. Hmmm.  

St Michael’s Primary School in Daylesford is getting set to hold its annual school fete on Sunday November 10.

The much-anticipated event will feature a wide range of new and traditional fete activities and goods for sale.

A barbecue, face painting, spinning wheel, craft activities, laser tag, coffee, trash and treasure, mini animal farm, plant stall, cake stall, auction, carnival food and craft stall are all just part of what’s in store on the day.

It’s free entry through the gate and the day gets going from 10am and will run through to 3pm.

Victoria Police located approximately 200,000 of illegal nicotine vapes at a warehouse in Box Hill South in recent days.

Officers initially responded to reports of a commercial burglary at a warehouse on Middleborough Road just after 4am Thursday October 24.

Upon arrival, police located over 1000 boxes of illegal vapes with an approximate total value of $8 million.

Following the discovery, police contacted the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), who will take carriage of the investigation given possessing a commercial quantity of illegal vapes is a Commonwealth offence.

The TGA works in close cooperation with state and territory authorities to enforce the vaping laws, with powers to seize alleged unlawful vapes under warrant as necessary.

Local police, with assistance from Taskforce Lunar and VIPER Taskforce detectives, will now provide support to the TGA in seizing the illegal vapes.

No arrests have been made and investigations into the commercial burglary remained ongoing.

Victoria Police continues to support local councils and the Victorian Department of Health who have responsibility for tobacco and vape enforcement and compliance.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

One way to help manage your stock during dry seasonal conditions is with the use of a stock containment area (SCA).

Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer Clem Sturmfels said caring for stock during a drought can be challenging and a SCA can help to minimise loss or illness and reduce farmer stress.

‘A SCA is a small, fenced section of farm set up to hold, feed and water livestock.’

‘Typical pens measure 50 by 50 metres which can hold approximately 500 sheep or 170 cattle and ensure stock have room to move around and spend time on their own.’

Mr Sturmfels said having animals close-by makes feeding, watering, and management easier and more efficient.

‘An additional benefit of containing stock is that you can maintain ground cover across the rest of the property, protecting soils, water, and pastures.

‘It’s important that stock enter a SCA healthy and in good condition. They should be drenched, vaccinated, and conditioned to a grain-based diet.

‘Diseases and health issues can spread quickly in containment, so regular inspection and monitoring is essential. Common issues such as acidosis and shy feeders need to be identified early, with affected stock being moved to a pen of their own,’ Mr Sturmfels said.

‘Its vital stock have enough feed and supply of fresh water, plus shade during the hotter times of the day.

‘A good understanding of the nutritional needs of different classes of stock is essential, along with a knowledge of the energy, roughage, and protein mix of various feed sources.

‘The site and layout of a SCA involves thought and planning. Ideally, a SCA should be close to existing feed and stock handling facilities, and away from houses, waterways, and dams.

‘Consider what feeding system you plan to use as this will impact the pen design and layout,’ Mr Sturmfels said.

Check with your local council planning officer before starting construction as a planning permit may be required in some situations.

Find out more about stock containment areas.

Find out more about managing during dry seasonal conditions or call 136 186.

Words: Agriculture Victoria

A man has been charged following an alleged attempted kidnapping in Whittlesea on October 25.

It’s alleged a man approached a woman walking along Forest Street before attempting to drag her into a grey Mitsubishi Tritan utility about 6.20pm.

The victim, a 27-year-old Moonee Ponds woman, escaped uninjured before the man drove away towards Church Street.

It is believed the same man earlier approached two teenage girls riding scooters, on Oak Bank Boulevard just after 6am.

The girls from Whittlsea, aged 13 and 14-years-of-age, fled and were unharmed.

A man driving a ute was intercepted by police while driving on Midland Highway Shepparton Saturday morning, October 26, about 9am.

A 39-year-old Mill Park man has been charged with aggravated burglary, two counts of aggravated assault and attempted kidnap.

He had been remanded to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

A crowd of several hundred has come together this morning to commemorate the first year anniversary since the tragedy that claimed the lives of five people in Daylesford on November 5 last year.

Family members and loved ones of those who lost their lives when a car slammed into people in the then beer garden outside the town’s Royal Hotel were among those who attended today’s commemorative event.

Emergency service personnel, Hepburn Shire Council representatives including the CEO Bradley Thomas, and members of the wider community were among those who have gathered to remember and pay their respects.

Last month a court heard that driver, William Swale, 66, was in the midst of a diabetic episode when his SUV crashed into a crowd of people seated in the beer garden of the historic hotel, killing five people including two children.

Bradley Thomas, Hepburn Shire Council CEO: “Today’s commemoration paid respect to the profound loss experienced by many, but also the incredible courage showed on that day to be there for those in their suffering. Their compassion and care for those in need in those moments means more than any words or tributes could ever express.”

Words & Images: Donna Kelly

The Kyneton community are getting an extended opportunity to have their say on a strategy establishing a future vision for the town’s main commercial areas.

The Draft Kyneton Urban Design Framework (UDF) focuses on the areas in and around High Street, Mollison Street and Piper Street.

It includes indicative streetscape and precinct plans, opportunities for tangible public realm improvements and built form guidelines for new development.

An earlier period of community consultation in July-August 2024 received close to 80 public submissions and led to a range of amendments in response to feedback.

At its September council meeting, the Macedon Ranges Shire Council endorsed further consultation on the Draft Kyneton UDF.

The updated Draft Kyneton UDF (dated September 2024) is open for feedback from Monday 28
October to Friday 20 December 2024 via the council’s Your Say online engagement hub.

“We were grateful to all those who previously took the time to provide feedback and this all still stands
– this is just another opportunity and more time for individuals or groups to digest what is proposed and respond further,” Acting Director Planning and Environment Rob Ball said.

“We’ve already demonstrated through the earlier consultation that we’re very willing to update the
Framework where appropriate, so I encourage any and all additional submissions for consideration.”

Throughout the July-August 2024 consultation, a few topics received the most community feedback with that feedback reflected in the updated draft. Key concerns were:

• The Draft Kyneton UDF does not recommend removing parking on High, Mollison or Piper
  streets to provide wider bike lanes.
• Wording in relation to the Lions Club building in the Kyneton Mechanics Reserve has been
  changed.
• Recommendations around speed limits are consistent with the adopted Kyneton Movement
  Network Plan.
• More information is included on future community consultation opportunities.