Daylesford’s Bar Bamford plays host host to an evening of smooth, stylish jazz on Saturday evening June 21 with Late Night Radio.

Getting under way from 8.30pm Late Night Radio features vocalist Cherie Bridges, Jack Pantazis on guitar and Ben Gibbons on upright bass.

This gig in the Daylesford Hotel’s intimate Bar Bamford venue will be free to attend and offers a chance to immerse yourself in a playful mix of swing, bossa, and ballads that promise to transport the listener to another time.

Late Night Radio
Saturday 21 June | 8:30pm – 10:15pm
Bar Bamford – Daylesford Hotel

FREE ENTRY

Words: Eve Lamb. Image: File

The state’s water minister Gayle Tierney last week announced grant recipients that will share in $2 million funding under the Green Links Grants Program to improve the health of Victoria’s iconic urban rivers and creeks.

A media release issued from the minister’s office last Tuesday (May 27) said the program will result in over 1,800 native plants flourishing in populated urban areas, providing more green spaces for communities to enjoy and creating more habitats for native wildlife. 

The media release announced:

This round will improve 70 hectares of land to improve the habitats for threatened native wildlife including the powerful owl and growling grass frog across our cities and towns. 

At Kororoit Creek the Minister was joined by Sunshine’s Friends of Kororoit Creek – one of the recipients that received a $23,000 grant towards the Slice of Haven in Suburbia project to help transform its streamside reserves using tubestock and native seeds.

Other successful projects include $350,000 to transform a section of Barongarook Creek through Colac into a thriving natural asset and almost $300,000 to weed and plant 6,000 seedlings across 17.5 hectares of woodland alongside Darebin Creek, which will be incorporated into the future Bunjil Nganga (Quarry Hills) Parkland. 

Waterways and parklands play an important role in supporting community wellbeing by providing safe, natural places for people to enjoy, and many of these projects will encourage communities to volunteer and support local projects to improve habitat and water quality, such as tree planting. 

The funding builds on more than $6 million provided to 23 projects through the first round of the Green Links Grants in 2024, which has supported the revegetation of more than 200 hectares of land across the Yarra, Maribyrnong, Werribee, and Barwon River catchments.

For more information on the Green Links Grants Program visit water.vic.gov.au.

The Learmonth township recently celebrated the completion of a new project that will serve as a vibrant hub for locals and is expected to result in a more connected community.

The Learmonth Community Skills Shed project at the Learmonth Recreation Reserve is now complete, resulting in a purpose-built modern facility that’s expected to contribute to better physical health, mental health and wellbeing outcomes for Learmonth community members.

The $535,588 project was majority funded by the City of Ballarat, supported by $80,000 from the State Government’s Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing.  

The shed will provide a hub for the Learmonth Community Skills Shed group to come together to undertake community shed activities such as woodworking, metalwork, and other creative pursuits.

It will also be a space where other community groups can gather, have meetings, and run activities. Included in the construction is a kitchen, accessible toilet and verandah.

Previously, community members used a small, privately-owned shed in Learmonth that was considered inadequate and did not have guaranteed long-term prospects.

Now, the new facility has been handed over to the community and is ready for use.

City of Ballarat North-ward Councillor, Jim Rinaldi and CEO Evan King joined Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett for the official opening of the facility last month.

Cr Rinaldi said the new facility would provide an enormous boost for the community.

“It is fantastic to deliver such a vital community facility that the Learmonth community can feel proud of,” he said.

“This is so much more than just a shed, it will be a lively hub that will bring the community together and have wide-reaching benefits for the town.”

Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett said the new shed would have a lasting benefit in Learmonth.

“Our investment is supporting people to come together, share skills, and build friendships,” she said.

“This brand-new shed will benefit the health and wellbeing of Learmonth locals for years to come.”

The state’s minister for energy and resources Lily D’Ambrosio last week visited Anglicare Victoria to announce the Victorian Budget 2025/26 is “investing a further $600,000 to expand the Energy Assistance Program”.

In a media statement Ms D’Ambrosio said the program has saved 13,000 Victorians almost $2.5 million on their energy bills, and demand for the service increasing. 

A media statement issued by the minister’s office last Monday (May 26) stated:

The Victorian Budget 2025/26 invests $331.9 million on a range of initiatives to drive down power bills. This builds on nearly $10 million over four years for energy affordability initiatives including the Energy Assistance Program invested last year. 

We know that understanding how to reduce your energy bills or getting help to pay them can be complicated – especially for busy families that are experiencing hardship.

That’s why the Energy Assistance Program offers free one-on-one assistance for customers having trouble paying their energy bills. Customers can contact the Program via phone or at an in-person event and talk with a trained energy advocate who can help them access the support they are entitled to. 

The Energy Assistance Program helps customers access Victoria’s energy concessions – the most generous in the country. They include a 17.5 per cent discount off annual electricity and winter gas bills for concession card holders or Utility Relief Grants of up to $650 per utility every two years to Victorians unable to pay their bills. 

The Program also reinforces the Payment Difficulty Framework, which requires energy retailers to provide payment assistance to households who are behind on their bills, including fair payment plans.

The Budget also invests $50 million to deliver a $100 Power Saving Bonus for households with a concession card. 

All Victorians are encouraged to visit the free and independent Victorian Energy Compare website to shop around for a better deal on their energy – last year, users typically saved $240 per year on their energy bills by switching.

The program is delivered by Anglicare Victoria. To access the program you must hold a Commonwealth Government Concession card or be struggling or expecting to struggle to pay your energy bill.

If you need assistance with your energy bills, you can call an EAP energy advocate on 1800 161 215. To make sure you are on the cheapest energy bill offer visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au or call 1800 000 832. 

Pride Month was launched at the Ballaarat Mechanic’s Institute with the Pride Month Market yesterday, Sunday 1 June.

The second annual Ballarat Pride Month, a month-long celebration of the LGBTIQA+ community, will now continue throughout this month, following on from the success of last year’s inaugural event.

More than 40 events will take place as part of the month-long festival and all will share the same theme – celebrating Ballarat’s LGBTIQA+ community.

Pride Month is held throughout June across the world, honouring the movement for LGBTIQA+ rights and LGBTIQA+ cultures.  

The City of Ballarat LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Plan 2022-2026 has a priority of ensuring LGBTIQA+ people are visible and represented in public spaces, and the City of Ballarat commits to hosting celebrations of LGBTIQA+ days of significance and attracting events that highlight and promote inclusivity.

This year, there will be about 40 events held throughout the month, some of which are delivered by the City of Ballarat, while others are driven by the community.

Key highlights of the month include:  

• The Yarnbombing Project: See Ballarat’s trees burst into colour and wrapped in knitted blankets, with the blankets to then be donated to the Ballarat Animal Shelter.
• Pet Pride Community Photo Exhibition: A heartwarming and inclusive event held in collaboration with Ballarat Community Health, to be launched at the Ballarat Library on Wednesday 4 June.
• Pride Month Gym Class and Rainbow Yoga Class: Inclusive and safe classes to encourage improved health journeys, surrounded by a supportive community. Presented by City of Ballarat and the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre
• Sturt Street Floral Pride Flag: Ballarat’s beloved floral display will replicate the Rainbow Flag all month. Check out the spectacular display next to the Titanic Bandstand near the Albert Street intersection.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said events such as Pride Month were vital in showing support for Ballarat’s LGBTIQA+ people.

“Ballarat Pride Month is a time to recognise diversity, reflect on the progress we’ve made, and renew our commitment to creating a welcoming space for everyone,” she said.

“Pride is more than a celebration, it’s a statement of unity and resilience. It reminds us that everyone deserves to live free from discrimination.

“We know last year’s inaugural event was a raging success and I can’t wait to see it continue to grow this year and into the future.”

Ballarat Pride Month is a City of Ballarat initiative, delivered in conjunction with the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee.

For a full list of Pride Month events and to learn more about the event, visit the Ballarat Pride website. 

Jai and Barbarella are the dynamic duo behind Swing Time, bringing their own twist to everything from 1920s jazz to modern pop hits.

With a splash of ragtime, a touch of soul, and a whole lot of personality, they’ll keep you guessing – “Wait… is that Beyoncé as a jazz number?”

From sweet serenades to foot-stomping swing, their playful setlist gets audiences smiling, swaying, and maybe even shimmying in their seats.

This talented duo are performing at the Daylesford Hotel’s Bar Bamford this Saturday evening, and entry to catch their gig in this intimate local venue is free.

Swing Time
Saturday 7 June | 8:30pm – 10:15pm
Bar Bamford – Daylesford Hotel

FREE ENTRY

Music lovers are keenly counting down to this year’s Castlemaine Jazz Festival taking place over the Kings Birthday long weekend, June 5-8.

The annual festival is a celebration of jazz music and brings together a diverse array of musicians and bands, offering an unforgettable experience for jazz lovers of all kinds.

Now in its tenth year, the Castlemaine Jazz Festival showcases a wide variety of jazz styles, from traditional and swing to modern and fusion.

With multiple venues spread across the town, including historic pubs, theaters, and unique local spots, the festival creates an immersive musical journey that captures the essence of Castlemaine’s lively and artistic community.

Organisers say the event is also about “fostering a sense of community and supporting local culture”.

“By holding the festival in winter, we aim to promote tourism, boost local businesses, and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for both visitors and residents alike.

“Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or simply looking for a weekend of fantastic music, great company, and vibrant town vibes, the Castlemaine Jazz Festival offers something for everyone.”

The City of Ballarat is currently delivering a series of events and activities to mark National Reconciliation Week.

This year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, calls on all Australians to reflect on our shared past, consider our present, and work together towards a more united future.  

National Reconciliation Week began last Tuesday, May 27 and continues through to this Tuesday, June 3, with a range of events highlighting the commitment to working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community across the City of Ballarat. 

As part of the City of Ballarat’s commitment to advancing reconciliation, several events across National Day of Healing (Sorry Day) and National Reconciliation Week for all ages are being hosted and have been shared on the Ballarat First Nations Events page.    

As a pre-cursor to Reconciliation Week, the City of Ballarat will also shared in a collaborative flag-raising event with Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC) on Monday, May 26 to mark Sorry Day. 

Significantly, it is the first time the City of Ballarat has taken part in a Sorry Day commemorative event in collaboration with BADAC and CAFS. 

It follows several events in the last two years that highlight greater unity between the City of Ballarat, BADAC, and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, including flag-raisings, festival exhibitions, panel events and the 2024 inaugural collaborative NAIDOC Week events. 

The City of Ballarat’s launch of Reconciliation Week 2025 was held at the Bridge Mall, with a Wadawurrung ceremony to mark the occasion at the Yarramlok/Yarrowee Creek viewing portal. 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the City of Ballarat valued strengthening its relationships with local Indigenous peak bodies and community groups. 

“Reconciliation Week is a time for our community to come together, acknowledge our history, and commit to a future built on respect and understanding,” she said. 

“Learning about the histories and cultures of the First Peoples of Australia and our shared history allows us to build a deeper understanding of one another.  

“Educating ourselves will help us to call out racism when we see it and better understand how to invest in working together to close gaps and for equality and equity, institutional integrity and unity for the benefit of all Australians.” 

National Reconciliation Week 2025 key events and activities in Ballarat: 

• Daily Bridge Mall native plant walking tours: The City of Ballarat will collaborate with Wadawurrung nursery and Leigh Catchment Group to deliver free native plant walks. Learn of some of the designs, plants and Wadawurrung language choices used through Bridge Mall. The 30-minute weekday walks will start daily at 12.30pm from the Yarramlok/Yarrowee Creek viewing portal continuing to Tuesday, 3 June. 

• Library storytimes and cultural sessions: Special sessions throughout National Reconciliation Week at Ballarat, Sebastopol, and Wendouree Libraries will feature stories and events connecting with the 2025 theme ‘Bridging Now to Next’. 

To see all of the National Reconciliation Week events across Ballarat, visit the Ballarat First Nations website. 

In partnership with The Vet Project, the Hepburn Shire Council is again offering free cat desexing, microchipping, and first year of council registration.

The upcoming session is set for Friday 20 June at the Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve in Creswick.

Cat owners keen to take advantage of the free session and book a spot for their cat need to be a resident of Hepburn Shire. Proof of address required They must also hold a current concession card.

A limit of two cats per household applies to the upcoming session.

Limited spots are available, with local cat owners being advised to get in quick and Click here to book a spot for their moggie.

Mechanics institutes in Maldon, Talbot and Ballarat are among a number across the state to benefit from state grants that were announced in Melbourne during the week.

Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos visited the Melbourne Athenaeum on Monday (May 26) to announce $109,000 for the Mechanics’ Institutes Grants Program 2024-25.

This funding will allow the Institute’s libraries to renovate their facilities, pursue historical projects, purchase books, software and equipment, and digitise records.

Mechanics’ Institutes were formed in the early 19^th century to provide free lectures and educational and community facilities in the UK. More than 500 Mechanics’ Institute buildings in Victoria are still used for community groups, exhibitions, talks, and events.

Eleven Victorian Mechanics’ Institutes continue to provide a library service and will each receive funding of $9,000 under the grants program. The peak body Mechanics’ Institutes of Victoria will also receive funding of $10,000.

Victoria’s first Mechanics’ Institute – the Melbourne Athenaeum in Collins Street which formed in 1839 – will use its grant on an oral history project, recording interviews with artists, performers, historians and others associated with the building. 

The Prahran Mechanics’ Institute (PMI) will update the IT infrastructure that supports its various collections.

Footscray Mechanics’ Institute will spend its grant on new books and building refurbishment while Berwick Mechanics’ Institute will purchase new books and chairs.

The Mechanics’ Institutes of Victoria will use its grant to build, print and bind its collection, upgrade its website, update its accounting software, review its workshop and digitise its records.                                  

The other Mechanics’ Institute libraries receiving funding include Ballarat, Bonnie Doon, Little River, Maldon, Stanley, Talbot and Toora.

Rotary Castlemaine’s Art Show is on again and being staged over the upcoming Kings Birthday long weekend.

Chewton artist Greg Wood (pictured above) will be the featured artist and judge for the upcoming Rotary Castlemaine Art Show.

Supported by the Mount Alexander Shire Council Events Grants Program, it will be the local Rotary Club’s 36th Annual Art Exhibition.

The annual event transforms transforming the Castlemaine Town Hall into an art gallery and offers art lovers a great opportunity to snap up some quality original artworks.

The annual fundraising event also features the popular art show raffle tickets sale and this time ’round the first prize is a wonderful print entitled Clunes, by artist Jeff Makin, with plenty of other raffle prizes to be won as well.

Words: Eve Lamb. Image: Supplied

Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D’Ambrosio have this week announced the signing of retail contracts to power all Victorian Government operations with cheap, renewable electricity.

From 1 July 2025, the SEC will be powering Victoria’s schools, hospitals, museums, trains, trams, traffic lights and more with clean, reliable, publicly owned renewable energy.

In a media release, the state government said: “It’s the first time the SEC will deliver power to Victorians since it was sold off by the Liberals 30 years ago.”

The media statement issued by the Premier’s office on Tuesday continued:

“The SEC will light up classrooms across 1,468 public schools, kindergartens and TAFEs across the state. It will power our hospitals. It will power our large police stations, fire stations and our essential water infrastructure.

“The SEC will keep the lights on at some of the state’s most iconic sites, including the Melbourne and Olympic Parks precinct, Melbourne Zoo, NGV, Melbourne Museum, Flinders Street Station, Parliament House, Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade, Mount Buller and Mount Hotham.

“The SEC will power the way we move around the state. Over 350 million trips across the state each year on Victoria’s train and tram network will run on clean, renewable energy. It will power the Metro Tunnel when it opens later this year. It will power our traffic lights and the freeway lights that guide us home. 

“The SEC will supply 100 percent renewable electricity generated by its own projects, as well as Victorian Renewable Energy Auction contracts, such as Berrybank Wind Farm, Cohuna Solar Farm, Dundonnell Wind Farm, Winton Solar Farm and Bulgana Green Power Hub. 

“The signing of the retail contracts means the SEC will enter the market servicing five percent of Victoria’s electricity consumption – making it the fifth largest commercial and industrial electricity retailer in the state.

“And later this year, the SEC will expand its retail offering to sell renewable electricity to commercial and industrial businesses – helping them switch to cheap renewable energy too. 

“All profits made by the SEC will be invested back into the SEC’s projects that deliver more renewable energy and cheaper power bills for all Victorians.”

“The SEC is building 819 megawatts of solar and battery storage at the SEC Renewable Energy Park in Horsham and the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub near Melton – this will pump more renewable energy into the grid, drive down energy prices for Victorians and slash emissions as we work towards net zero by 2045.”

The state government says it is helping disadvantaged young learner drivers get the driving tuition they need to safely get behind the wheel, as Victoria’s L2P program clocks up one million hours.

Since 2009, the L2P Program has given more than 23,000 young drivers across the state the vital skills needed to drive confidently on our roads.

The program matches learner drivers aged 16 to 21 years old who don’t have access to a car or a supervising driver with a fully licenced volunteer mentor and car to help them get the driving experience needed to gain a probationary licence.

The program which has 7,500 volunteers at its heart, not only benefits learner drivers but also gives volunteer mentors an opportunity to connect with their community.

Volunteer mentors are provided with comprehensive training and access to a L2P Program car.

The TAC funded L2P Program supports the Government’s Graduated Licencing System (GLS) which makes it compulsory for learner drivers aged under 21 to obtain a minimum 120 hours of supervised driving practice.

For more information visit the transport.vic.gov.au. 

The Castlemaine Community House is getting $15,000 under the state’s Small Regional Presenters program to stage the children’s theatre performance Play Date during Castlemaine Pride this November.

Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks last week announced the latest round of recipients of the Small Regional Presenters program which provides grants to community groups and not-for-profit organisations to assist with the costs of programming and presenting creative shows in their area.

Grants will support presenters to bring live shows, a series of events or an annual program to their communities. The program also works to build local skills by assisting presenters to bring industry professionals to their areas for mentorships and workshops.

Since its launch in 2016, the Small Regional Presenters program has supported more than 100 performances in regional communities across Victoria.

The 14 recipients of the 2025 round of the program include LINK Neighbourhood House Kaniva and Birchip Resource and Learning Centre, who will present children’s performances Dinosaur Time Machine and Garage Girls in towns across Western Victoria.

Red Rock Regional Theatre and Gallery in Cororooke, western Victoria will host four performances of theatre, music, storytelling and laughter across their 2025 season.

Indigo Shire Council will present a series of creative programs in collaboration with local primary schools including educational performances, ahands-on design workshop and theatre workshop for budding creatives.

The Small Regional Presenters program is a Labor Government program delivered by Regional Arts Victoria – the state’s peak body for creatives and creative organisations in the regions.

For more information, or to see the full list of 2025 recipients, visit creative.vic.gov.au.

The Hepburn Shire Council this month endorsed the release of several draft strategic documents which will guide the council for the next four to 10 years. 

Among the documents, the draft Council Plan 2025-2029 includes the council’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.  

The Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 requires councils to prepare a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (MPHWP) within 12 months of a council election. 

The MPHWP identifies the health priorities of the municipality for the next four years.

To inform the plan, the Hepburn Shire Council has reviewed the priorities outline in the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2023-2027, assessed the health status of the shire, considered relevant legislation and previous plans, engaged with relevant stakeholders to identify community needs and analysed consultation data.  

Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that the research that has taken place has highlighted opportunities to improve local physical activity and mental health.  

“All this work and consultation has informed the two priority areas in our Shire’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, increasing active living and increasing mental wellbeing,” said Cr Don Henderson. 

According to the latest census data while 64.5 per cent of our population are sufficiently active, only 11.2 per cent participate in organised sport and just over 52 per cent are overweight or obese.

Under five per cent of adults in the shire met guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption.  

“In doing this research, we have gained access to key data which describes the make-up of our population,” Cr Henderson said.d

“Our current population sits at just below 17,000 and is predicted to grow over 12 per cent between now and 2026.

“Nearly 43 per cent of our population is located in Daylesford and surrounds, with 31 per cent in Creswick and surrounds, 13 per cent in Clunes and surrounds and 12 per cent in Trentham and surrounds.” 

“Most of our residents work in the shire and of those who work, 14 per cent work in healthcare and social assistance.” 

The council says it will continue to work closely with key external stakeholders to work towards increasing active living and increasing mental wellbeing in the shire.

The council’s Health and Wellbeing Working group was formed in 2019 and brings together professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds, such as Central Highland Rural Health, Springs Medical, Ochre Health, Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative, Victorian Department of Health and many more.  

To view the draft Council Plan 2025-2029 and submit feedback, visit Participate Hepburn.

Hard copy surveys are available in our libraries and customer service hubs. Drop-in sessions are also available to residents who would like the opportunity to speak with councillors and senior council officers.