The final meeting of the Hepburn Shire Council for 2024 went awry as three councillors left before a vote could be held on the final agenda item, a confidential planning matter.

With the three councillors gone, and only three remaining – with the resignation of Juliet Simpson earlier this year – a quorum was no longer met.

Those who left were councillors Tessa Halliday, Tim Drylie and it is believed Jen Bray. Ms Bray said as the matter was confidential she could not comment on it.

Those who remained were councillors Brian Hood, Don Henderson and Lesley Hewitt. Council CEO Bradley Thomas said four councillors were needed to meet a quorum so the meeting finished with the matter not voted upon.

It had however already gone before council with a decision made earlier this year. That decision was then upheld by Mr Thomas. Mr Thomas said it was not completely unusual for councillors to walk out of meetings but they were usually meetings open to the public and done to make a stand on an issue.

“This one is a bit weird because it was in the confidential section of the meeting so it is difficult for people to know what that stand was. But it is not illegal, councillors have the right to be in the room for whatever items they want to vote for.

“In this case three councillors decided for their own personal reasons that they didn’t want to vote on the matter so they left the meeting.”

Mr Thomas said the planning item had a previous decision so it would not return to council.

“From our point of view the matter is now closed and we have moved on and done what we needed to do with the planning permits.

“There are different personal thoughts on whether councillors should leave a meeting but there is nothing to stop them or force them to be in a meeting, that is the process we have.”

Mr Thomas said the issue had come back to council because “extra information had come to hand” and he made the decision to put it back on the agenda for the council to vote again with that added detail.

“Ultimately they didn’t make a decision because there were not enough (councillors) in the room and I have gone with the original decision.”

Tim Drylie, one of those who left the meeting, said he understood there was some community concern about councillors walking out without making decisions, calling it “somewhat extraordinary”.

“I am happy to go on the record, but as it was a confidential matter there is not a lot I can actually say, and I can only speak for myself.

“I am certainly standing on the platform of transparency and accountability in local government. It just makes it difficult to discuss the reasons behind it but fundamentally for me, it was a complex decision which involved ethical and legal issues around what was appropriate in that instance.

“It was not just a matter of walking out, it was a more complex situation. In this instance it was about accountability and transparency around that particular matter and also noting the CEO has stated it has not affected the overall situation in the broader scheme of things.

“It is certainly not a decision I took lightly and certainly not something councillors consider as a normal part of doing business – we are very respectful and understand the gravity of our position and the importance of governance and behaviours.”

Mr Drylie said it was not something that had been planned but rather “thought through on the day”.

“It was based on the evidence that was before us and I made up my own independent mind on that.”

Tessa Halliday, who also left the meeting, said she did not believe the council should have been voting on the issue which already had a decision in play and unresolved outstanding legal issues.

“It would not have been fair to the applicant, they have done nothing wrong.”

Words: Donna Kelly

Police are prioritising motorcycle safety this month following a worrying rise in rider fatalities in 2024.

There has been 52 motorcyclist fatalities so far this year (up to October 2) just one shy of the total 53 rider fatalities for all of 2023.

At the same time last year there were 35 rider motorcyclist deaths while the five-year average for the period is 32.8.

It’s the highest number of motorcycle fatalities recorded between January and September in 10 years.

Police are concerned motorcyclist deaths will continue to climb as the warmer weather approaches.

October to December is traditionally considered the highest risk period for motorcycle trauma.

Despite less trauma typically occurring during winter there were 17 rider deaths recorded across June, July and August compared with eight during the same period last year.

Recent police analysis of this year’s motorcycle fatalities found at least 60 per cent of fatal rider collisions were multi-vehicle collisions, with the majority occurring at intersections.

Failing to give way was cited as the most common factor in fatal rider collisions where the other party was at fault, while excessive speed has been identified as the major contributing factor where the rider was at fault.

More than half of this year’s motorcycle fatalities occurred on roads with a posted speed limit between 70km/h and 110km/h.

There have been 30 motorcyclist deaths recorded on metropolitan roads, up from 24 at the same time (up to October 2) last year. Half occurred in Melbourne’s southeast including:

• Eight in Casey/Cardinia/Dandenong

• Five in Glen Eira/Kingston

• Two in Frankston

Rider deaths have doubled on the state’s regional roads, with 22 fatalities compared with 10 at the same time (up to October 2) last year.

• Six in the Ballarat/Moorabool region

• Four in the Bendigo/Campaspe region

• Three in both of the Wodonga/Wangaratta and Benalla regions

Weekends between 12pm and 6pm is the most common time for fatal motorcycle collisions, particularly on regional roads which correlates with recreational riding activity.

Riders aged 18 – 25 represented the highest number of fatalities to date (16), followed by 11 deaths in the 36 – 45 age group and nine deaths among those aged 26 – 35. More than 90 per cent of the deceased riders were male.

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

The increased focus coincides with Motorcycle Awareness Month, an annual initiative that encourages both motorists and motorcyclists to safely share the road. This focus will continue into November and December.

There will be several on and off-road operations conducted in high-risk areas across the state, with police on the lookout for non-compliant riders, as well as drivers who engage in dangerous driving behaviour that puts motorcyclists at risk.

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

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

Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir: “The rise in road trauma involving motorcyclists this year is incredibly concerning and has shown no sign of slowing down.

“We’re about to enter what has traditionally been the highest risk period for motorcyclist fatalities, and yet with still three months remaining in the year, we’re close to surpassing the total number of motorcyclist deaths for all of 2023.

“This year we’ve seen an increase in the number of rider deaths from multi-vehicle collisions, with failing to give way by other road users and excessive speed by riders the most common contributing factors.

“During Motorcycle Awareness Month, and in the months following, we’ll have an increased focus on rider safety through education and enforcement, but we’re asking all road users to consider how they can contribute to making our roads safer.

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

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

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

Get ready to indulge your senses and support a great cause at the 2024 Lyonville Bake Off. 

The annual event returns on Sunday, October 27, from 10.30am to 3.30pm at the Lyonville Hall on Bremner Avenue, promising a day full of delicious fun and friendly competition. 

This year, there are six competition categories to showcase baking prowess: Kids (12 and under), Decorated Cakes, General Cakes, Cupcakes and Slices, Tarts and Pies, and Special Dietary. 

Whether a seasoned baker or just starting out, there’s a category for everyone to shine. The winner of each category will receive a ribbon and a prize valued at $50 or more. 

For those entering, bring your baked masterpiece to the Lyonville Hall between 9am and 10am for registration. 

And the Bake Off is more than just a competition. Throughout the day, there will be a variety of refreshments, including Devonshire teas, light lunches and barista coffee.

After the winners are announced, the competition cakes will be available for purchase, so everyone can take a piece of the day’s deliciousness home. 

Entry to the event is by gold coin donation with all proceeds going to the maintenance and development of the Lyonville Hall, a beloved community space. 

Details: Vicki Jackson at vickicj102 gmail.com or Dorothy Fuller at dottifuller gmail.com . 

Additional volunteers to help out on the day are always welcome – just reach out to Vicki or Dot. 

Central Highlands Rural Health has some cause to celebrate after being named a finalist in two categories of the state’s Public Healthcare Awards which will be held in November.

The two categories in which the local healthcare provider has been named among the finalists are:

• Premier’s Small Health Service of the Year for delivering on its purpose to deliver the Best Care for every person, every time across five campuses.

• Excellence in residential public sector aged care service for enhancing person-centred care by implementing the Best Care for Older People project, which included significant improvements to residents’ nutrition and a reduction in falls.

They are one of 59 finalists in this year’s Victorian Public Healthcare Awards, being celebrated by the state government.

The awards showcase and acknowledge some of the work that the state’s healthcare workers and organisations are delivering across Victorian hospitals, aged care facilities, mental health services and in the community.

Finalists are shortlisted across 19 categories, including celebrating excellence in delivering care closer to home, services working together to improve access to healthcare, safety improvements, sustainability, improving the patient experience and strengthening the workforce.

Macedon and Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas: “The team at Central Highlands Rural Health do incredible work every day, changing and saving the lives of so many people in our community.

“It is no surprise that they have been named a finalist and I wish them the best of luck for the ceremony in November.

“While they deserve praise every day, these awards are a special opportunity to acknowledge and give our heartfelt thanks to all health care workers who work together to make public healthcare in Victoria truly world class.”

The winners will be announced at an Awards Gala Night on Tuesday, 19 November.

RSPCA Victoria has recently released its annual Animal Cruelty Report as cost-of-living pressures impact thousands of animals across the state.

Those unable to afford veterinary care and those no longer able to afford the costs of providing for their pets are just some of the struggles RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectors are seeing first-hand.

In the last 12 months 2,250 animals were seized by or surrendered to RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate placing pressure on the capacity of shelter services.

Nearly 10,000 animal cruelty reports were made to RSPCA Victoria by members of the public in the 2023-24 financial year with the top reasons including:

1. Husbandry issues: such as lack of grooming, poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions, no farrier attendance, lack of shearing etc.
2. Underweight animals
3. Sick/injured animals where there has been insufficient, or no veterinary treatment provided

Acting Chief Inspector Michelle Green, said while malicious cruelty was still occurring, their team was helping struggling pet owners more than ever before.

“It’s incredibly disappointing to still see malicious cruelty still occurring in the community,” Acting Chief Inspector Green said.

“It’s an increasingly challenging environment out there following the pressures of the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis is only compounding this.

“The majority of what our RSPCA Inspectors are seeing first-hand is just how much people in the community are struggling, and when people are struggling their pets are often affected.

“The majority of the animal cruelty we see is actually neglect as a result of people’s circumstances changing beyond their control, such as hospitalisation, financial pressures, or sudden joblessness, while other animals suffered due to owners simply not understanding how to care for their pets adequately.

“When they can, our Inspectors are offering help through emergency pet food to struggling households and other support such as the provision of donated kennels or bedding for pets and providing preventative flea and worming treatments.

“We’re also seeing people struggling to provide for the number of animals they have, whether that be households caring for unplanned litters from un-desexed pets, or people whose circumstances have changed and they’re no longer able to support their pets.

“If you are struggling to care for your pets you are not alone, please don’t be afraid to reach out for help and please don’t wait until your pet is suffering.

“People can reach out to us, to other community-based programs, to their local council or other groups that may be able to provide support.”

RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectors are working with the community to prevent animal cruelty before it begins, and when needed, providing a safe place for the animals in most need.

This year RSPCA Victoria announced it is increasing its community outreach work as part of its 2030 Strategy, with the aim of supporting people in the community to keep and care for their pets so that they don’t end up in shelters.

Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report or by calling 03 9224 2222.

Mother Mother, a new exhibition exploring the sometimes vexed relationships of mothers and daughters through images and words, has opened at Newstead’s Railway Arts Hub and runs through to October 27.

In this evocative and moving exhibition visual artist Pam French and poet Leni Shilton, explore the cycle of life-long female relationships and links between generations long passed.

Now living at Newstead, Leni Shilton is a poet, nurse, educator and researcher who has worked in Aboriginal adult education in the Northern Territory for 25 years.

She has twice won the Northern Territory Literary Poetry and Essay Awards, and in 2015 was shortlisted in the University of Canberra Poetry Prize.

Pam lives south of Sydney NSW works as multidisciplinary artist. Her studio situated in remnant Cumberland Plain Woodlands alongside a dry swamp. Her ongoing fascination with the wonderful diversity of people, places and nature is the source of inspiration in her work.

French and Shilton are sisters and artists working in collaboration for Mother Mother. They have worked together over many years and have collaborated in two previous exhibitions.

Their work explores the experiences of life and the creative threads between their work. Despite the work being created in isolation from each other, the visual images and poetry sit alongside each other with an ease and familiarity that comes from their family threads and shared values.

Viewers will be able to explore the work through a multimedia experience – artwork, projected images, audio, written and spoken word.

This exhibition is highly accessible and interactive with the Newstead Railway Art Hub gallery open Saturdays and Sundays 10-4pm.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to make an appearance at local council elections this month according to the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).

Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel has urged voters to think critically about campaign material, while encouraging campaigners to be transparent in the use of any AI-generated or AI-modified material.

In particular, the VEC is calling for visible labelling on any AI-generated or AI-modified election campaign material to ensure voters are not misled.

‘Getting campaign information to voters is an essential part of the robust contest of ideas in any election. We know that voters are concerned about mis- and disinformation. Voters need reliable and trustworthy information to help them make informed decisions about how to vote,’ Mr Bluemmel (pictured below) said.

‘That is why, as well as the usual authorisation statement requirements, I am urging campaigners to meet community expectations by clearly labelling any election material that has been generated or modified through the use of AI.’

‘Tackling political mis and disinformation is essential if we are to protect voter confidence in our electoral system. It is the responsibility of all participants, not just the VEC, to maintain that confidence,’ Mr Bluemmel added.

Voters should look for an authorisation statement, showing who authorised the distribution of the material. This is a legal requirement for all election campaign material.

Voters are also reminded to visit the website at vec.vic.gov.au as the source of truth for all information about the election or electoral processes.

The VEC will continue to address incorrect information about the election on its misinformation register, which is available on the website.

‘I encourage all voters to think critically about what you see and hear in these local council elections,’ Mr Bluemmel said.

‘I also call on campaigners to be responsible and ensure any AI-generated or AI-modified election campaign material is properly authorised and visibly labelled.’

Victorian community groups are being urged to book in a free voter education session offered through the Victorian Electoral Commission’s (VEC) Democracy Ambassador program.

The VEC’s democracy ambassador program supports voters who are under-represented at the ballot box to learn how to make their vote count at the upcoming local council elections.

Democracy ambassadors have been recruited from communities that are less well represented in the electoral process, including:

• culturally and linguistically diverse communities
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• people experiencing homelessness
• people with disabilities
• young, potentially first-time voters.

Sessions are completely free and, between them, the democracy ambassadors speak 14 languages.

Victorian Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel (pictured above) said democracy ambassadors were ready to travel all over Victoria to work with local communities to help them better understand how they can have a say in who runs their local council.

‘Participants in our Be Heard Democracy Ambassador sessions are given a safe space to learn about enrolling and voting,’ Mr Bluemmel said.

’They are supported by interpreters, translated information, and Easy English resources to take home.

’Communities are encouraged to book a Be Heard voter education session and can do so via the VEC website vec.vic.gov.au/info-session

RSPCA Victoria has redently issued an urgent call for experienced foster carers to care for some of the most vulnerable dogs and cats in the state.

Speaking about the need, Animal Care Manager Nadia Peiris said foster carers were essential in rehabilitating some of the most at-risk animals and enabling the rescue of more animals.

“The animals coming into RSPCA Victoria’s care, particularly those coming in via the Inspectorate, are some of the most vulnerable in the state,” Ms Peiris said.

“Many of these animals have experienced cruelty and neglect in some form. Some need assistance to recover from surgery or illness, while others are struggling to cope in the shelter due to its stressful environment and stretched resources. Many are also fearful due to what they’ve experienced in their previous home.”

“While these animals are now safe from the dangers they faced, the best possible environment for them to recover isn’t in a busy and crowded shelter, rather, in a loving home with someone who knows how to help them.

“We are specifically seeking individuals without any current pets, who can offer support to animals requiring assistance in adapting to a loving home.

“We also need those who can monitor and care for animals during their recovery from illness and surgery. In addition, we require experienced carers who understand behavioural issues and have an interest in behavioural rehabilitation.”

“All foster carers have 24-hour vet assistance, and all food and veterinary care costs are covered along with training and ongoing support.”

Around 1,500 animals in RSPCA Victoria’s shelters need foster care each year, with dogs and cats the most commonly cared for animals, along with rabbits and guinea pigs.

One such foster carer is Carolyn Field who has been providing a temporary home for 147 cats over six years.

“Fostering for the RSPCA brings me joy and a sense of purpose,” Ms Field said.

“I chose to foster for the RSPCA because I wanted to help animals but I didn’t want the pressure of finding their forever homes. The system works perfectly; I provide the home, love and time and the RSPCA provide the supplies, support, the vet care and do the adoptions.

“I cherish the camaraderie each time I visit the shelter where the like-minded, animal loving team work together and always make me feel welcome and valued. I have encouraged three others to become foster carers. It works around uni, work and life commitments and is so rewarding.

“It’s the best thing I’ve done. I’m part of an amazing team making a real difference to helping to end animal cruelty and I love it.”

People interested in finding out more or wanting to apply to become a foster carer can find out more online: rspcavic.org/foster-care-program

Victorian parents and carers have a valuable opportunity to help improve Victoria’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Service through a new survey launched by the state government.

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn has recently announced the survey is now open, inviting everyone who has used the service in the past two years to provide their feedback.

By sharing their experiences, families can directly shape the future of the service, ensuring it supports the health and wellbeing journeys of parents, carers and families in raising happy and healthy children.

The insights gathered will guide improvements to the service and ensure it continues to support families effectively – with questions focusing on first home visits, ongoing appointments with MCH nurses, and the support and information shared as part of a child’s growth and development.

The anonymous survey, open until 17 November, is available in 10 community languages, in addition to English, including Dari, Vietnamese, Arabic, Mandarin, Khmer, Punjabi, Burmese, Pashto, Hazaragi, and Chin (Hakha), making it accessible to a wide range of families across the state.

The survey encompasses all aspects of the Maternal and Child Health Service, including the Universal MCH program, the 10 key ages and stages visits, the Enhanced MCH Program, the Aboriginal MCH program, and the MCH Line.

Mary-Anne Thomas, Member for Macedon: “I encourage local families who have used these services to participate in this valuable survey, to ensure your views and voices are heard.”

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn: “This survey gives families the power to help us improve the services that provide free, accessible maternal child health to all Victorian children from birth to school age.”

The survey will build on the roundtables the Labor Government is currently undertaking with parents and carers about how to improve families’ access to services and supports to help their children thrive.

The roundtables are being held in Melbourne and regional Victoria with families invited to discuss their experiences with maternal and child health services, early childhood education and care, early parenting centres, kindergartens and family services.

Each session is set to guide future policies, programs and initiatives that impact Victorian children from birth to 12 years old.

The MCH Service is a free service for all families with children from birth to school age, delivered locally in partnership with councils and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations. It also offers 24-hour support through the MCH Line.

The survey is open until 17 November and is available at engage.vic.gov.au/have-your-say-on- maternal-and-child-health-services.

A new round of state grants is projected to help more regional communities across Macedon stage events.

Illustrating the sort of events that can benefit, Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas last week announced a successful grant for Daylesford’s 2025 ChillOut Festival, under the latest awarded round of the state government’s $38 million Regional Events Fund. 

And applications for grants under the next round of Regional Events Fund, delivered by Visit Victoria, open this week at corporate.visitvictoria.com/events/regional-events. 

Grants will be open to organisers of festivals, sports events, exhibitions and other public events to attract and grow events of international or national significance while others will be available for marketing and support of events that attract intrastate and interstate visitors. 

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “Regional events bring visitors, boost jobs, and support local businesses while fostering civic pride throughout Hepburn Shire and further cement our state as Australia’s events capital.” 

Residents throughout the Hepburn Shire are being invited to attend the upcoming free Emergency Expo taking place on Saturday October 19 in Daylesford.

The free expo will take place from 10am – 2pm at Daylesford’s Victoria Park.

It’s a chance for all local residents to meet the shire’s first responders and learn how to prepare their properties, families and animals for emergency events including fire, flood (like the one pictured above) and storms.

It’s also a chance to catch some live rescue demonstrations and take home a lucky door prize worth more than $200.

Food and drinks available, including a free sausage sizzle

The event is being organised by Hepburn Shire Council with event partners Victoria State Emergency Service, CFA (Country Fire Authority), Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Australian Red Cross and Rapid Relief Team AU.

Daylesford’s Jubilee Lake is among more than 70 lakes across Victoria recently restocked with rainbow trout as part of a state government initiative. 

Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos in recent days announced that 35,000 rainbow trout have been released into lakes across Victoria. 

Locally the following waterways have been freshly stocked with hundreds of Rainbow Trout:  

• 300 in the Glenlyon Dam  

• 300 in the Hanging Rock Lake, Woodend  

• 300 in the Jubilee Lake, Daylesford  

To view the full list of lakes and see what’s been stocked at your local fishing spot, head to vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout.  

“We’ve stocked more fish than ever before into Victorian waters in the past year so there’s great fishing, not only for these holidays, but for future generations to enjoy,” said Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas.

More information about fishing can be found in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide which is available for free at most bait and tackle shops, online at vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingguide or via the free Vic Fishing app on your smartphone.  

Central Victoria’s DJAARA is the Victorian winner of the Telstra Best of Business Awards in the Indigenous Excellence category and will go on to represent Victoria on a national stage. 

The recognition comes as DJAARA, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DDWCAC), turns 20. 

Reflecting on the achievements of the past two decades, Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO Rodney Carter pointed to the enormous growth since the Corporation began in 2004 with two staff and 75 Members. 

“We are now one of Central Victoria’s large and growing employers, with around 200 staff and more than 550 Members,” Mr Carter said. 

“As the representative body for Dja Dja Wurrung People – the Traditional Owners of Central Victoria – DJAARA’s focus is on the health and wellbeing of Dja Dja Wurrung People, Country and Culture.

“We aim for Dja Dja Wurrung People to be empowered with an established place in society and able to manage our own affairs from a strong and diverse economic base. 

“The Corporation’s commitment to good governance, solid business practices and future planning, has enabled it to sustain rapid growth.

“We have been able to diversify, to take a wholistic approach towards self-determination. This has included establishing three enterprises: natural resource management and design business DJANDAK, DUMAWUL, a creative arts and cultural tourism social enterprise, and bush foods venture DJAKITJ.” 

All Hepburn Shire residents aged over 55 are being invited to get along to the free positive ageing expo taking place at the Forest Resort at Creswick this Thursday October 10.

The Hepburn shire Council’s Positive Ageing Expo is a free event, with free catering and promises to be informative and fun with guest speakers, stalls and some public announcements.

 Organisers say the expo will be a great way for people over 55, community groups and service providers to connect with each other. 

The theme of this year’s expo is ‘Explore, Engage, Evolve’ and attendees can expect to wise-up about means to achieving positive ageing through guest speakers, information displays, networking opportunities and a wide range of local groups, service providers and demonstrations.

Bookings to the free event can be made by contacting the council and online at https://ow.ly/qsg150TrrKR