Spirit of the Highlands is an exhibition by local artists Nadia Kliendanze, (pictured above right) and Pam Gleeson (above left).

The exhibition opened recently at The Old Auction House in Kyneton and presents two starkly contrasting perspectives of the diverse landscapes of Victoria’s Central Highlands.

From the rugged majesty of the Macedon Ranges to sprawling, tranquil farmlands, through cloud-shrouded winters and dry, sun scorched summers, the artists take people on a visual journey that transcends the canvas they work with.

Nadia’s surreal interpretations and Pam’s moody realism embrace qualities of time and place which resonate with all those who know and love this unique region.

Both Nadia and Pam feel a deep responsibility to raise awareness of the fragility of this beautiful place and its need for preservation.

The Central Highlands faces numerous challenges including habitat loss and the wider effects of climate change. Through their art, the artists hope to inspire a sense of stewardship and appreciation for this region.

The Sprit of the Highlands exhibition runs until November 11 and is open daily from 10am to 4pm at The Old Auction House, 52-56 Mollison Street, Kyneton.

There will be a Meet the Artists afternoon on November 2 from 2pm to 4pm. Entry is free with refreshments provided.

The upcoming opening of the old school house garden at Kingston to raise funds for the local CFA fire brigade represents an opportunity not to be missed. 

Without a doubt one of the best private gardens in the region, it is owned by Graham Fisher and Anthony Straker and rarely opens to the public. 

When it does it’s certainly a treat for garden lovers, but the opening that’s set for Saturday, November 2 promises to be a great day out with live music, onsite refreshments and tours by owner-gardener Graham Fisher. 

It’s a great chance to make a day of exploring the many fantastic creative ideas this remarkable oasis has to offer including impressive visual lines-of-sight, over a kilometre of formal hedging, glorious vistas and clever plant combinations. 

Featuring established native and exotic trees and a wide array of floriferous plants including traditional cottage favourites and de rigueur dry-climate perennials, the garden graces two hectares of the overall three-hectare site and embraces the 1871-founded former Kingston Primary School building which Anthony and Graham have lovingly restored. 

“We’ve spent a lot of blood, sweat and tears on restoring it,” says Graham, an architect by profession. “The garden is designed around a lot of the original trees that were already here including the aleppo pine (pinus halepensis) that is related to the Lone Pine.” 

Eagerly anticipating the event, secretary of Kingston CFA Fire Brigade Wendy Dunton says the goal is to raise funds toward replacing one of the brigade’s two tankers. 

Kingston garden openKingston garden open for CFA fundraiserfor CFA fundraiser Wendy, brigade captain Robert Haughey, and their team of volunteer members say they’re delighted that Graham and Anthony have generously offered to make their garden available. 

“It’s our community-based tanker which is very old and needs to be replaced,” Wendy says. 

“We have applied for a grant and we have to match it. Our other tanker – Tanker One – can go off on strike teams. But this community-based tanker that we need to replace is based here at all times to protect the local community. We’re also trying to get a new station as well.” 

As part of the upcoming Open Garden Day, Graham will lead tours of the garden at both 11am and 1pm on the day, with the $15 (adults) gate entry fee going entirely to the CFA cause. 

Words & images: Eve Lamb 

The state government says it’s helping local families to ensure more kids get the opportunity to play the sport they love, with another round of $200 sport vouchers on offer.

MP for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas last Friday announced the next round of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program has opened – helping eligible families cover the costs of sports memberships, registration fees, uniforms and equipment.

Ms Thomas highlighted the fact that the Victorian Budget 2024/25 invested $6 million to extend the program and encourage more Victorian kids to join a local sports club or try a new activity.

“This program is helping thousands of kids to play the sports they love and addressing cost of
living – this is a big win for our local families,” Ms Thomas said.

Eligible families who hold health care cards or other concession cards can apply for vouchers
of up to $200 per child.

Almost 150,000 vouchers have already been provided to families since the program launched
in 2020 – with thousands more to come from this upcoming round.

More than half of the families say their kids would not have been able to participate in sports without the voucher.

From soccer to dance, there are more than 70 sports and more than 2,000 activity providers
included in the program across the state, meaning local kids in Macedon have the chance to
take part in the sport and activities they love.

Families can apply for the vouchers online before redeeming them at an activity provider like
a local sporting club.

The program is open to kids aged up to 18 who are named on a Commonwealth Health Care
Card or Pensioner Concession Card, and named on a Medicare Card.

A special consideration stream is also available to support children in care, temporary or
provisional visa holders, migrants and international students.

For more information and to apply for a voucher visit getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers.

Goldfield Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested seven people after allegedly seizing drugs, cash and weapons in Castlemaine last week.

Officers executed search warrants at three residential properties in Castlemaine and Campbells Creek on Monday, 14 October.

It is alleged drugs, cash and weapons including a sword and gel blaster were seized.

A 51-year-old Castlemaine man has been charged with traffic GHB, amphetamine and heroin. He has been bailed to appear at Castlemaine court on 21 January.

A 40- year- old Castlemaine man has been charged with traffic GHB, amphetamine and heroin. He was remanded in custody and required to appear at the Bendigo Magistrates court last Wednesday.

A 41-year-old Campbells Creek woman has been charged with traffic GHB, possess amphetamine and cannabis, possess prescription medication and possess proceeds of crime. She will appear at Castlemaine Magistrate court on 21 January.

A 53-year-old Frankston man was also expected to be charged on summons for possessing amphetamines.

Two men and a woman were also interviewed by police in relation to other matters.

Parents say they’re worried about their kids using social media, but feel powerless to push back against the tech giants.

It’s a finding that’s now prompted the state government to start working with the Commonwealth to introduce age limits to protect kids from the harms of social media.

An online survey that opened last Friday is hoped to give parents, teachers, young people and the general public the opportunity to share their experiences and concerns about social media use.

The survey at engage.vic.gov.au/safesocials will be open until November 1.

Groups can also participate through self-guided discussions, using an online guide. But age limits are only part of the equation.

Social media is “a reality of modern life”, so the state government hopes to make sure that when young people are ready to use social media they can do it safely, according to a media release that was sent to The Local late last week from the office of MP for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas.

Findings from the current consultation process will shape a new social media safety program. Safe Socials will be delivered in schools as a resource for students, teachers and families about how to navigate social media.

Police are keen to hear from anyone with information after six teenagers were arrested following an alleged burglary and car theft from a Creswick residence in recent days.

The six teens – all male – have been arrested and interviewed, with police alleging the offenders entered a property in Macs Street, Creswick, some time over Sunday night, October 20 into Monday, October 21.

It’s alleged that the teenagers stole a white Ford sedan and white Kia Carnival and fled the address.

Victoria Police have reported that no occupants had been at the house in Macs Street at the time of the alleged burglary and car theft.

Police have reported that the Kia Carnival was found on fire on Gillies Road at Sulky near Sweeney Road, with firefighters called in the early hours of Monday morning.

Firefighters were reported to have also been called to Ring Road near Learmonth Road in Wendouree at 3.12am where the white Ford was also found on fire.

Police had arrested the teenagers in the near vicinity, and those arrested were a 14-year-old from Creswick, a 15-year-old from Creswick, a 16-year-old from Creswick, a 16-year-old from Wendouree and a 17-year-old from Wendouree.

The six teens had been interviewed by police pending summons, Victoria Police had reported earlier this week.

Police are now urging anyone with information relating to the incidents to submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au or to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A bumper program of traditional attractions and a few extra surprises are in store with planning now well advanced for next month’s staging of the 150th Daylesford Show.

The 150th anniversary running of the time-honoured local show is set for Daylesford’s Victoria Park on Saturday 23rd November 2024.

Hard working show committee members say they are looking forward to a classic community event with plenty of traditional show day entertainment and live performances for all ages to enjoy.

Show day attractions in store include judging of sheep, poultry and the Dogs Victoria Daylesford Championship. In the Horse Arena, spectators can catch multiple classes of horse events, including the show jumping.

Showday traditional favourites returning include competition exhibits for cookery, art, sewing, knitting, crochet, quilting, photography, flowers, floral art, plants and garden/farm produce.

From total novices to the more experienced, all members of the community are encouraged to join in the fun and submit an entry.

Local community groups and Daylesford community services will also be on show including the Glenlyon Group CFA, Ambulance Victoria and Daylesford SES.

Free activities and events for children include face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides and a puppet show.

Showbags, show day rides and novelty events like the Spud Steal, Gumboot Toss, Spud Croquet and Farmer Wants a Life are all on the day’s program.

The Hall of Flowers will feature craft demonstrations with a plant focus and wool spinning by an expert.

Spring Park Nursery will be selling gorgeous garden plants and the Lake Mist duo will provide live music while a barn dance is in store to see the day out.

Gates will open at 9am show day with tickets available at the gate.

For more information contact info@daylesfordshow.com and www.daylesfordshow.com.

VIPER Taskforce detectives have charged a man following an investigation into major retail theft as part of an ongoing operation.

Detectives travelled to New South Wales on 11 October to further investigate a large shop steal syndicate.

Police will allege the syndicate is responsible for thefts of grocery products between 2023 and 2024.

It’s alleged the group were conducting large scale thefts of high value products from supermarkets, worth more than $3 million.

Detectives will allege the 27-year-old Indian national was part of the syndicate comprising of over 100 people.

He was extradited from New South Wales and subsequently charged with 87 counts of theft. He was required to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday (15 October).

The largest review of the state education system since the COVID-19 pandemic is recommending the introduction of a Phonics Check for Year One students in all Victorian Government schools.

The 40-word test (including 20 pseudo words) would be in line with the Commonwealth Phonics Check and aim to have 90% of students reaching the expected level of reading and writing by the end of Year Two.

The proposal is one of 54 recommendations contained in the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee report.

The 15-month Upper House probe looked closely at learning outcomes, support for students, the teaching workforce, student wellbeing and funding of government schools.

Fast-tracking employment of subject matter experts in schools and an internship program for aspiring educators are two measures suggested by the Committee to attract and retain teachers.

The Department of Education is also encouraged to provide further help for teachers to deliver the curriculum, by giving them more resources and guidance to develop lesson plans.

Increasing support for flexible learning options is another key focus, and the Victorian Government is urged to lobby the Commonwealth for more funding for state-run schools, to bring them in line with non-government schools.

There is a longstanding debate between the Commonwealth and States and Territories – a debate which has gone on for far too long.

‘It is imperative governments confine this debate to the past by giving government schools the funding they need to ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.’

The inquiry received 274 submissions before members of the Committee travelled to the regional towns of Bairnsdale, Traralgon, Bendigo and Shepparton to gather evidence.

Many witnesses also had their say at further days of public hearings held in Melbourne.

‘On behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank everyone who made a submission to this inquiry and spoke with us at our public hearings,’ Mr Luu said.

‘The Committee greatly appreciated being able to hear from parents, students, teachers and experts in this field.

‘We hope this report can help the public understand the work done by the Department of Education, as well as providing suggestions on how the Department can better meet the needs of Victorians.’

Full public hearing transcripts and the report are published on the Committee’s website.

Police are investigating a burglary in Tatura where a digger and two trailers were stolen earlier this month.

It is understood unknown offenders arrived at a property on Ferguson Road in a white utility about 3.40am on 4 October.

Officers were told they forced entry to the premises and rummaged through several sheds, stealing tools and camping equipment.

The offenders loaded and stole a blue box trailer, worth around $4,000, and left at around 4.15am.

They returned and stole a Kanga Mini Loader worth around $10,000, and an Earth Mover trailer, valued at around $40,000.

The offenders fled in the white utility around 5.45am. It is understood the vehicle was sighted travelling towards Burnside.

Investigators have released CCTV of a white utility leaving the scene, as well as images of the stolen mini loader.

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

The RACV and Neighbourhood Watch Victoria are reminding caravan owners to keep their vans secure, with caravan thefts or attempted thefts reaching the highest level in 10 years.

Data from the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency shows that in the 12 months to June 2024, the theft of 174 caravans occurred, up almost 67 per cent since 2022.

RACV General Manager Motoring Jeff Ames said that with many Victorians travelling in coming months and leaving their vans at home, or towing caravans interstate it’s a timely reminder to ensure their caravan is secure before making the trip.

“We’re seeing people either taking their vans on trips interstate or leaving them at home while they travel, and it’s important that owners have the safety and security of these assets front of mind whether at home or on the road,” Mr Ames said.

“While vans may not seem as appealing an item to steal due to their size, the data is showing that thefts of these usually highly valuable assets are still occurring and, in fact, they are on the rise.

“RACV recommends having caravan insurance in place to protect your van in case something was to happen to their van. It brings peace-of-mind to know that if your van was stolen it will be replaced, you could have some cover in place for temporary accommodation and to get you home before your caravan is replaced.”

Neighbourhood Watch CEO Bambi Gordon said that it’s important to keep your neighbours informed if you’re heading away.

“We strongly suggest that you let your trusted neighbours know when you are heading away from home for a period of time and leaving your van at home, so that they can watch out for any unusual or suspicious behaviour,” Ms Gordon said.

“It’s also important to remember that your van is highly visual. If it is normally parked in your drive or front yard, when you do take it on a trip it’s more obvious that you are away from home – so extra security such as sensor lights, locks, and timers will help to protect your home.”

RACV and Neighbourhood Watch share the following tips to keep your caravan secure:

•       Insurance your caravan or trailer – find an insurance policy to match how you use your caravan or trailer.

•       When travelling with your caravan, aim to have the van’s hitch facing away from the access road, making it harder for thieves to swiftly hook the van up and drive away.

•       Lock the caravan doors when not at your van while travelling, including if you’re walking around the caravan park or nearby area of your parking spot, as well as once you’ve turned in for the night.

•       Don’t hide the keys to your van in an accessible or visible location in or around the van.

•       When at home, park your van behind a locked gate or in a shed, wherepossible, or consider using a storage facility with strong security.

•       Whether your van is at home or away, consider using a wheel clamp for security or tracking device on the vehicle to reduce the chance of theft or to monitor the van’s movements if stolen. 

Transit Divisional Response Unit officers are appealing for assistance from the public after two CBD railway stations were evacuated due to flooding earlier this month.

Investigators have been told offenders gained access to a stairwell connecting platforms at Melbourne Central train station and damaged a water pipe and fire sprinkler on Thursday 10 October about 10.40pm.

The damage caused extensive flooding to several platforms, which resulted in an automated evacuation of both Melbourne Central and Flagstaff Railway stations.

The flooding and evacuation of the stations had a flow on effect to Melbourne’s underground rail network, causing significant delays.

Investigators have since released CCTV and images (above) of two people they believe may be able to assist with their investigation.

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

One of the biggest bike-riding initiatives in the state, Biketober is proving particularly popular this October with the RACV encouraging people to jump on their bike and register to participate.

An RACV spokeswoman says whether you’re a casual rider or cycle daily, Biketober is for everyone – individuals, friends, families, and workplaces alike, with over 200 businesses are already signed up to participate in 2024.

Biketober is a collaboration between RACV, Love to Ride and the City of Melbourne, challenging participants to log as many bike rides as possible during the month of October in a fun and friendly environment.

Biketober registration is free for workplaces in participating areas including Ballarat, Banyule, Bendigo, Stonnington, Maribyrnong, Merri-bek, Geelong, Whittlesea, Boroondara, Kingston and Melbourne. All other workplaces can join at a 50 per cent discount, and individuals can participate for free.

RACV General Manager Mobility Julia Hunter says that RACV is a proud partner of Biketober.

“We’re proud to support this initiative and help businesses create healthier and more environmentally conscious workplaces,” Ms Hunter says.

“Biketober Victoria has proven to be a great tool for businesses to encourage employees to boost their physical activity, which in turn improves fitness, mental health, and overall well-being.

“It’s also a fantastic opportunity for those that have never even jumped on a bike to do so in a fun, collaborative and safe environment.”

Last year, Biketober supported thousands of Victorias to take up bike riding, or to ride more often.  The results were compelling with 59 per cent of new riders reporting riding more frequently after the challenge.

“RACV supports active transport and believes in its benefits not only for individuals, but for our environment and transport networks,” Ms Hunter says.

“That support for bike riders can be seen in our services like RACV Bike Assist – which is free for the first year for Biketober participants.”

Ms Hunter also encouraged bike riders and new Biketober participants to utilise the arevo app, developed by RACV,  to help plan their journey and find the safest bike route.

For more information on Biketober and to enjoy the benefits of a more active, connected, and sustainable lifestyle, visit Lovetoride.

Featuring eleven string players – plus harpsichord – this month’s “Splendours of the Baroque” concert promises to be a memorable experience for music lovers.

Daylesford’s Christ Church Concert series is welcoming back the Hepburn Players for another concert on Saturday, October 26 at Christ Church, Daylesford.

The beautiful Christ Church space with its acoustic qualities is expected to be the ideal setting for this concert of very special concertos and arias.

The concert will include Antonio Vivaldi’s fiery Concerto for Strings in G Minor along with his Ciaccona in C Major.

The composer Georg Muffat, a student of Lully in Paris, will be featured with his most well-known work, the Passacaglia from Sonata No. 5 for strings and continuo.

The tenor aria ‘Erwäge’ from Johann Sebastian Bach’s St John Passion will be one of two vocal works presented by Creswick’s Tim Drylie, who, with more than 35 years of diverse performance experience, charms his audiences.

Tim will also sing an exceptionally moving cantata by Franz Tunder, a German composer and organist of the early Baroque era.

Franz Joseph Haydn’s Harpsichord Concerto in F Major and Johann Sebastian Bach’s Double Violin Concerto in D Minor will be the two major works showcased in this diverse and fine concert. Both are beautiful examples of Baroque music and truly splendours of the period.

Hepburn Players were originally formed by a small group of musicians based in Newlyn. From early appearances playing background music at local art shows, they have grown to sell-out concerts of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos and have performed two years in a row at CresFest.

last year at CresFest, the orchestra collaborated with the Grammy-nominated Tibetan singer Tenzin Choegyal, and this year they appeared with local singer/ songwriter Archer when they were directed by violinist Shane Lestideau.

Shane is an Australian violinist with a passion for historical music and instruments. Renowned for her talents as a baroque and classical violinist, she is also in demand as an artistic director, teacher and music researcher.

She is passionate about Australian music, commissioning new works from local composers, as well as playing from 19th- and 20th-century Australian music collections. The orchestra is delighted that Shane will join them again as guest director for this month’s concert in Daylesford.

Andrew Welsh grew up in South Africa playing the piano, though his greatest interest was always in music of the Baroque period so it was inevitable that he would switch to the harpsichord sooner or later.

Once he moved to England, he was able to perform regularly with a wide range of Baroque ensembles and orchestras.

Andrew took up the Baroque cello and co-founded London’s largest amateur period-instrument orchestra, Belsize Baroque, with whom he played in the cello section for the next 14 years.

Belsize Baroque would routinely engage guest directors who are leading figures in the early music world, and it was a great privilege to learn from them in his time in the orchestra.

In Australia since 2016, Andrew has concentrated mostly on harpsichord again, though he is currently enjoying learning the viola da gamba while directing Hepburn Players and playing harpsichord and organ with VOX choral ensemble in Ballarat.

Jason Yong, a soloist in the Muffat Passacaglia and Vivaldi Concerto, is a graduate of the Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music and the director of Progetto Corelli, an early music ensemble that regularly presents inventive programs in Melbourne.

Susan Pierotti will join Shane as a soloist in the Bach Double Violin Concerto. Susan’s career experience as a violinist spans symphony orchestras, opera, ballet, chamber music, teaching, reviewing and adjudicating, and she has been the concertmaster of Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra since 2016.

Date: Saturday 26 October 2024
Time: 2.30pm
Venue: Christ Church, Daylesford.
More information: Christ Church Concerts facebook page
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/eventlist/christchurchconcerts

The region’s electric car owners are breathing a sigh of relief following the completion of long-awaited upgrade work to the RACV’s electric vehicle charging  stations in Ballarat.

Recently completed works now sees the CBD Ballarat charge station at 61 Curtis  Street, near Big W, providing two new 50-kilowatt and two new  350-kilowatt charging stations. 

The local station which had been badly vandalised earlier, has now become the first in the  state to receive the upgrades with similar work also slated for seven other Victorian locations.  

RACV general manager energy  services Greg Edye says the upgrades will provide faster, more reliable  charging and will also  enhance the security of the site.

Upgrades are scheduled for RACV EV charging stations  at Horsham, Euroa, Airport West,  Barnawartha North, and Moe and also at the RACV’s Victorian  resorts and club venues.