By Donna Kelly

“Damn never become a carer – you won’t like it.” This was the sage advice of my Frankston-based doctor, dating back about 20 years. I can’t quite remember but I think maybe Mum had been a bit crook and I was looking after her.

I think Paul was concerned I would take on the role a bit too seriously. Luckily, Mum continued to recover from many little hiccups and I never became a carer.

I did help out from time to time. Like when she fell backwards while on a small step reaching into a high cupboard. That was not a good one.

Or the time a stent got blocked in her stomach and by the time they finally worked out why she had lost about 30kg she was in a situation which the specialist described as “some patients don’t do well”.

I asked what that meant. He replied: “They die.”

I always remember telling my sister Mum was not out of the woods quite yet and being called a hypochondriac. Hmmm.

Anyway, some people have no choice about becoming carers. At the moment my sister-in-law’s parents are being looked after full-time by her sister. But that means every second weekend, my brother and her take over.

I talked to my brother the other day and he said it was draining and depressing. Both parents have varying levels of dementia and there are good days and bad days. More bad days now. But they soldier on.

And every other weekend is spent pretty much at home, doing the washing, cleaning, lawns etc. Just living.

I also have a friend who is looking after her nephew who has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. He has moved in with her and her husband and she has taken the past two months off work to make sure he attends chemo.

He doesn’t want to go any more, too hard, so she cajoles and threatens and pleads. He is 32. So, sometimes people just become carers. No choice involved.

Like Ruth Bray, who looks after her husband of more than half a century, Malcolm. And the government of the day decides they want to hear from people like Ruth, older carers, and arrange a national roundtable. Great. Well done. All hail the politicians for their wise decisions.

But Ruth gets the invite five days out, and has to find care for her husband, talk to other carers so she can take their views along, organise digital wallets, virtual cab charges, plane tickets and an online photo.

Oh, the government in its wisdom want Ruth to catch a 6.10am flight from Tullamarine to Brisbane. So, say, be at the airport about 5am, so, say, leave Daylesford about 3am, just in case of black ice or the odd early kangaroo.

But Ruth is 83 and has lived long enough to be too smart for them and says she wants to arrive a day early. Which she does. And lots of issues are raised, which is great. But will they listen? And will they make real changes? Or is this another talk fest?

Hello, Commission into Aged Care. I am talking about you. Anyway, have a read of Ruth’s story on page 6 (of The Local, August 12, 2024,Issue: 312). It is interesting and I hope change is afoot. Especially the bit where Ruth talks about the different agencies in the same home often being uncoordinated. FFS.

“My husband and I both need transport to the gym. He has an (aged care) package and I am under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. Two workers in two cars arrive at our home at the same time, from the same agency, to take us to the same gym, as I am not permitted in his worker’s car. This is your taxes at work.”

And that’s the bit where you just shake your head. And wonder. Just sayin’…

Recently it has come to pass that a lot of large news outlets including the ABC and the New Zealand Herald have turned to AI to write some of their stories. And being the curious bugger I am, I put the tech to the test.

I put in the words Pothole, Hepburn Shire Council, Grumpy Old Man and Winter and in less than half a second it spat out the following. And apologies in advance to the shire.

On a chilly winter morning in Hepburn Shire, a grumpy old man named Harold found himself behind the wheel of his rusted old truck, navigating the winding country roads that were all too familiar to him.

The frost had settled on the ground overnight, and as the sun struggled to peek through the dense clouds, he grumbled to himself about the state of the roads.

“Every year it’s the same story,” he muttered, his voice a gravelly rasp.

“Hepburn Shire Council promises to fix the potholes, but here I am, dodging craters like I’m in some kind of obstacle course. It’s a wonder I haven’t lost a tyre yet!”

Harold had lived in Hepburn Shire for over fifty years and had seen the town change dramatically. The once-bustling community was now a quiet shadow of its former self, with many younger families moving away for better opportunities.

He often lamented the loss of the vibrancy that once filled the streets and shops. The winter’s chill only seemed to deepen his melancholy, making him feel more like a relic of the past.

As he drove, Harold’s thoughts drifted to the various council meetings he had attended over the years. He had often voiced his concerns about the roads, but each time he left feeling more frustrated than before.

The council members, in their polished suits and polished speeches, rarely seemed to understand the plight of the everyday resident. They promised improvements, but the potholes remained, a constant reminder of their empty words.

Suddenly, as he turned a corner, he spotted a particularly large pothole right in the middle of the road. “There it is!” he yelled, gripping the steering wheel tightly.

He swerved to avoid it, narrowly missing the edge of the road. The truck jolted violently, and he felt a wave of anger wash over him.

“I swear, if someone gets hurt because of this, I’ll march right into that council office and give them a piece of my mind!”

As he continued driving, a memory resurfaced of a winter festival held in the town square when he was a young man. Families would gather around the fire, children would build snowmen, and laughter would fill the air.

Now, it seemed like the only sound was the crunch of gravel under his tyres and the occasional rustle of wind through the trees.

Harold’s thoughts were interrupted by the sight of a young couple walking hand in hand along the road. They waved cheerfully, and Harold managed a small smile in return, despite his sour mood.

“At least some things haven’t changed,” he thought, but the smile faded as he recalled how long it had been since he felt a sense of community.

He continued driving, his mind racing with ideas for how to bring the town together again. Maybe he could organise a winter clean-up day, rallying the community to fix the potholes and spruce up the town.

If the council wouldn’t take action, perhaps the residents could come together to make a difference. As he pulled into his driveway, a sense of resolve washed over him.

Harold might be a grumpy old man, but he wasn’t ready to give up on Hepburn Shire. With a little effort and a lot of determination, he believed they could transform their town back into the vibrant community he once knew.

After all, winter was just a season, and spring was always just around the corner. AI rant over…

The state government says it’s supporting the health and well-being of local communities with grants to build and improve men’s sheds in Victoria. 

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas is encouraging applications from Men’s Sheds in Macedon to the 2024-25 Men’s Shed Funding Program grants. 

Grants of up to $100,000 are available to build new men’s sheds – which includes converting a building into a men’s shed – and refurbishing, extending or upgrading existing men’s sheds. 

Men’s sheds are important places for men to connect, socialise, learn new skills and work on projects that give back to their communities. 

They benefit the health and well-being of members through social support, and the ability to work on meaningful projects, talk about issues and seek support from peers in a healthy and inclusive environment. 

Activities for shedders are diverse and range from community projects such as making toys for local childcare groups to assisting with emergency responses and preparedness. 

There are more than 350 men’s sheds across Victoria, with an estimated 20,000 engaged members. The 2024-25 grants are part of ongoing support for men’s sheds through the Men’s Shed Funding Program. 

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “I encourage our local Men’s Sheds to apply. These grants will help men’s sheds grow and welcome new members, providing a place for people across our community to connect and supporting their well-being.” 

Applications for Men’s Shed Funding Program grants are open until 16 October 2024.

Those keen to apply for a grant or get more information can visit vic.gov.au/mens-shed-funding-program.  

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has announced a proposed name for Lancefield’s new in-development kindergarten and Maternal and Child Health service, chosen with input from current kinder kids.

The Lancefield Childrens Centre is the name proposed to be submitted to Geographic Names Victoria (GNV) as the relevant authority, following consultation with key stakeholders including the area’s Traditional Owner group (Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation).

Shortlisted options were initially sent to GNV, which recommended a three-word limit for building names. The shortlisted, in-principle approved names by GNV were:

• Lancefield Family Centre OR Lancefield Childrens Centre
• Silver Wattle Family Centre OR Silver Wattle Childrens Centre *
• Bundha Family Centre OR Bundha Childrens Centre (Bundha being a Woi-wurrung word, meaning “unity”)

Following consultation with GNV, an exemption was granted to keep ‘Silver Wattle’ (being four words) due to its local significance. Naming rules also stipulate that: ‘An apostrophe must be deleted from geographic names written with a final ’s and the possessive ’s should not be included.’

The council’s Director Community, Maria Weiss, said 67 children currently enrolled at Lancefield Kindergarten were presented with this list of potential names and had the chance to discuss and learn about the proposed names, and select a preferred name.

“The children discussed that ‘Lancefield’ as a name was important to them, because ‘it was their home, where they lived, where they rode and walked to kindergarten and what the current kindergarten was called’,” she said.

“While we have consulted broadly on these names, it was really fitting to be able to provide the current kinder kids with this opportunity to directly be involved and help set a legacy for future kinder attendees.”

Children at Lancefield Kindergarten were asked to make a decision on the proposed name in support of Council’s Municipal Early Years Plan 2021-25 priority to ‘Involve children and families in consultation to inform services and program planning, and infrastructure and development projects in the shire’.

When naming a building, the council is required to comply with the Naming Rules for Places in Victoria. As the naming authority, the council is required to adhere to these rules when determining building names within the shire.

Feedback on the process behind the proposed name is invited until Friday 30 August 2024 via the council’s Your Say online engagement hub.

Separately, in an update on the project build, the Victorian School Building Authority has advised that a Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the site had been submitted.

The hope is that works can recommence by the end of this year and be completed between April and June 2025.

The CFA led a major multiagency training exercise in Trentham over last weekend, tasking emergency services crews with containing a hazardous material spill in a busy workplace.

More than 75 first responders from CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), Victoria Police (VicPol), and Ambulance Victoria (AV) participated in the four-hour drill at the Arxada facility, which was supported by the Department of Health, Hepburn Shire, and WorkSafe.

CFA District 15 Commander Adam Baker emphasised the importance of rehearsing multiagency emergency response scenarios.

“The objective of the exercise was to test and improve the way emergency services work together when responding to large-scale emergencies,” Adam said.

“It takes a coordinated effort from all our partner agencies to contain and combat an incident on site, so this training was an excellent opportunity for our senior leaders to engage with other agencies.”

When the exercise got underway, participants were briefed on the scenario to ensure their response was as realistic as possible.

Crews were then tasked with managing the hypothetical chemical spill, adapting to any unexpected circumstances, and establishing a course of action should the spill or vapour breach the site boundary.

“Emergency responders needed to be familiar with site-specific risks and ensure they’re prepared to respond to any issues at the site. That’s why we conduct these exercises almost annually at major sites,” Adam said.

As the lead agency for the exercise, CFA bore an increased level of responsibility, orchestrating the collaborative efforts of all participating emergency services.

Adam highlighted the critical role the lead agency plays when responding to emergencies. 

“As the control agency, we have the responsibility to bring the incident to a safe conclusion and then work to restore normality for the local community,” he said.

Adam added that Arxada was chosen for the exercise because it is the only site in that area, and one of 40 statewide, classified as a major hazard facility.

“The purpose of the training was to test Arxada’s emergency procedures and the emergency services’ response procedures to any incident there,” he said.

“I was really pleased with how the exercise went. Hopefully, we never have to put these skills into action, but at least all agencies and Arxada are well prepared.”

Words & Image: Supplied, CFA

with Eve Lamb

Hanging Rock summit and base walks

It’s curious how long you can live with an iconic slab of national mythology sitting on your doorstop and never actually go check it out.

In a way Hanging Rock, just the other side of Woodend, has long occupied a mythical place in the Australian psyche. Now, as my trusty walking companion Paddy H and I set off for our debut sample of the famed rock’s summit and base walks we puzzle at why it’s taken us so long.

Thinking on this, I’m pitched back to my early childhood. As a small child, just traveling past Hanging Rock elicited so much trepidation, due to the stories I’d been fed about it, that I refused to even peer in its direction.

My mother had me well versed in the mysterious and opaquely sinister disappearance of the pubescent picnicking schoolgirls. Somehow I’d got it firmly locked into my young head that these girls had been abducted by aliens and then placed into a sort of extra-terrestrial harem where they would likely be utilised for an inter-species breeding program.

As mentioned, I was consequently so petrified by the place that as my father drove us past it, cheerily informing: “That’s Hanging Rock over there kids,” I’d determinedly swivel my head in the opposite direction. I may even have ducked down into the passenger foot well until we were safely beyond view of any potential lurking alien abductors.

“Of course the whole Picnic at Hanging Rock thing, the movie and the book by Joan Lindsay on which it’s based, is pure fiction,” observes Paddy H as we arrive at the site and successfully navigate the boom gate entry into the Hanging Rock Reserve.

On the way here we’ve stopped at the Woodend Visitor Info Centre where two helpful women on the desk explain that it costs “$10 per vehicle, not per person” to obtain a token to operate the exit boom gate and get back out of the park once you’re in. Potentially a sort of abduction in its own way!

There’s a prominently displayed ranger mobile number in the reserve, should you find yourself in a predicament. We park beside the picturesque Hanging Rock Race Course and it’s clear that this place has enduring visitor pull as evidenced by the number of people that are here even on such a brrrisk Sunday in the middle of winter.

The Bureau is spot on in its forecast of occasional sunshine – and showers – and as we prepare to get cracking on the 1.8 km (circuit) summit walk I’m super glad I’ve packed that extra coat.

We easily find the start of the walk, just behind the cafe and immediately I’m impressed by the sheer array of rock formations. I mean we all know there’s a Hanging Rock, but what I hadn’t expected was the number and variety of visually interesting rocky outcrops, monoliths and formations.

It’s a nice little climb up ahead to the top. At about the half-way mark we reach a point where walkers can either veer left and take a ramp to the summit, or veer right and take steps to reach Hanging Rock.

Since our goal is to reach the summit we veer left. Later on it becomes clear that both options together form the loop walk and both ultimately get you to the top where the profusion of volcanic rocky features make for plenty of visual interest while the silvery vista that stretches out below rewards those in need of a thermos stop.

While Paddy H gets stuck into the coffee, I strike up a conversation with three dudes, one of whom is sporting a sweatshirt with the word SCIENCE printed across the back. I catch a glimpse of a University of Melbourne insignia.

Having found themselves a panoramic vista, the three have settled atop a kind of rock island outcrop and are preparing to enjoy a game of cards there – despite the uncertain weather.

“G’day where are you guys from?” I venture.

“Melbourne.”

“Have you visited here before?”

“Yes.”

Perhaps Paddy H and I are the only people in Victoria who haven’t?

“What brings you back?” I ask.

“Well I like rocks and trees,” one of the card-playing trio replies.

“Looks like you’ve come to the right place then,” I observe, unnecessarily. But they all happily agree and settle down to their card game.

Not a bad idea, on reflection. Could catch on. You could call it something like ‘Cards in Volcanic Places’.

“Miranda… Miranda,” someone calls from somewhere beyond view, their voice drifting up to us.

“You can see how this place inspired the story,” Paddy H muses as I rejoin him and the thermos.

“How so?”

“The way people sort of appear and disappear into the landscape.”

And I do see. The plethora of rocky formations makes this place a kind of striking obstacle assemblage, and a treat for the photographically inclined.

And just for a tiny moment, while we’re working out which way to head on back down, I do actually lose Paddy H.

When we each take a different turn, he is momentarily swallowed from view behind the riot of geomorphological formations.

Finding each other again, we laugh.

Fortunately there are really only two options down, the stairs or the ramp that I mentioned earlier. So this time we go for the stairs which take us to the actual formation known as the Hanging Rock itself. It’s a bit Middle Earth.

Official literature advises that the overall Hanging Rock formation is a volcanic eruption point that produced lava. Dating of Hanging Rock lava indicates a late Miocene age, about 6 million years ago. Possibly 6.5 million.

Cooling of the rock produced numerous vertical features which shape the cliff faces and have been enlarged by weathering to produce a complex of pinnacles, craggy overhangs, small caverns and boulders on the slopes.

Also known by its traditional Aboriginal name, Ngannelong, this ancient former volcano lies 718m above sea level (105m above plain level). Arriving back at its base, we pause to enjoy our own picnic at the foot of Hanging Rock, before setting out to sample the 1.8km circuit base walk.

We pick up the well-signposted base walk start from just behind the cafe area and head off in a clockwise direction, admiring this different perspective and the natural bushland that surrounds The Rock.

While there were plenty of fellow walkers doing the summit, we encounter just one other solitary walker doing the base hike, a middle-aged woman with a serious camera.

The base walk concludes with a wander beside, or if you prefer through, the racecourse grounds. And what a pretty little racecourse it is with its heritage features and small lake centerpiece catching the late afternoon light.

“It hosts two annual race meetings. One on Australia Day and one on New Year’s Day,” says Paddy H who has been known to enjoy a day at the races.

Finally, arriving back at the car park we pay our $10 into the vending machine to receive the coupon that will enable us to leave Hanging Rock Reserve, through the boom gate.

We leave duly impressed by our debut expedition to Hanging Rock, vowing to return for a race meeting next time.

Images: Eve Lamb

with Darren Lowe

Leavers Hotel, Creswick

In a live gig certain to delight local music lovers, guitar maestro Slava Grigoryan (pictured below) plays Leavers Hotel, Creswick on Friday, August 30.

The local venue is also preparing to host Delsinki and the Quiet Coachmen with Steven Gates performing on Saturday, August 31.

Looking ahead to other live gigs coming up around the region:

Theatre Royal, Castlemaine

Grace Cummings – Saturday, August 17

Recorded with Jonathan Wilson (Father John Misty, Angel Olsen) at his Topanga Canyon studio, Grace Cummings’ third album Ramona is described as a ‘master work of unbridled theatricality and emotion. ‘

Ramona was released in full on April 5 to overwhelming critical acclaim, with a growing international fan-base and upcoming appearances on Stephen Colbert’s Late Night Show. Following extensive touring across the US, UK and Europe, Grace will return to Australia including various festivals.

The Stems – Friday, August 23

The WA outfit’s 60’s/70’s infused garage power-pop anthems have influenced plenty of musicians, thanks to their debut album At First Sight, Violets Are Blue plus following releases and live shows.

Now the band are set to take to the road to celebrate their 40-year milestone, including an extra show just announced in Castlemaine. The Stems epitomised 80’s indie rock and are one of only a handful of bands (among them the Hoodoo Gurus and The Sunnyboys) that cracked the mainstream charts with an indie approach in the 80’s.

Searching for Charlie Owen – Saturday, August 31

The name Charlie Owen has become synonymous with excellence in the Australian music scene. With a career spanning multiple decades, his talent and passion for the guitar have left a lasting impression on audiences across the nation.

From his influential work with Tex, Don and Charlie, Beasts of Bourbon, The New Christs to his collaborations with Louis Tillett, Paul Kelly, Tendrils and Working Class Ringos.

Out on the Weekend, Itinerant Spirits, Ballarat – Friday, October 11

The fabulous annual Out on the Weekend festival will head to Ballarat for its 10-year anniversary. The beloved western-fest will expand to the region introducing international country and western stars, as well as highlighting local legends.

Ballarat will be the first destination for the finest golden nuggets of country music, coming all the way from the USA including Uncle Lucius, Nick Shoulders, Margo Cilker, Jonny Fritz and Joshua Hedley. They will be joined by local legend Freya Josephine Hollick and city stalwarts James Ellis & the Jealous Guys.

Got a gig happening? Email news@tlnews.com.au

Up to 600 prospective police are set to converge on Mildura as it hosts the force’s biggest ever recruitment event in the region.

The Victoria Police Mildura Career Expo – to be held at the Mildura Sporting Precinct on Sunday 15 September – will provide an up-close look at the many opportunities a career in country policing can provide.

Police from across Victoria’s northwest will be there along with specialist units including State Highway Patrol and Crime Scene Services.

It comes as Victoria Police embarks on a major recruitment drive to fill 800 vacancies across the state.

Positions are available in the division which takes in Mildura.

Victoria Police is especially keen to encourage locals wanting to stay and work in the area after completing their training.

Under a recently-introduced initiative country residents can now be matched to a spot back at a regional location once they’ve graduated.

This means they avoid the ballot process where police can be assigned to any station, which can be a major deterrent for some applicants.

The change also recognises the value of having country people working in country locations for not only career fulfillment but ensuring strong community connections.

Country locations recruits can choose to work at include Ararat, Hamilton, Horsham, Kerang, Mildura, Portland, Robinvale, Stawell, Swan Hill and Warracknabeal.

Victoria Police offers seven months paid training, an annual starting salary of $76,927 plus allowances and nine weeks paid leave a year.

It can also provide a remote allowance for police working in specified regional locations and cover relocation and telephone expenses.

Additionally, taxation incentives are available which allow police working in remote areas to claim a portion of their rent, home loan interest and utilities.

Police attending the Mildura expo, also including local highway patrol and bike patrol units, will be available to answer any questions about the job.

Medical experts, fitness trainers and staff from the Victoria Police Academy will also be available to field any questions one-on-one.

While Victoria Police looks for people with life experience for many of its recruits, people who’ve recently finished secondary school or taken a gap year are also encouraged to apply.

Applicants no longer need to have completed the Victorian Certificate of Education or Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning but must be aged at least 18.

Victoria Police has also removed the requirement for applicants to sit the police entrance exam if they’ve achieved a specified bachelor degree in the past five years.

This applies to degrees in the arts, humanities, law, science and business from an Australian university.

Victoria Police’s workforce is growing with more than 1000 police recruits starting their training last year alone.

There were 16,474 police statewide as at 30 June 2024, up from 16,292 at the same time last year.

The Victoria Police Mildura Career Expo will run from 10am-2pm at 684 Deakin Avenue in Mildura.

The event is free but attendees are asked to register on the website.

For further information go to https://www.police.vic.gov.au/victoria-police-mildura-career-expo.

Superintendent John O’Connor: “This is the biggest event of its kind we’ve ever held in the region.

“If you’ve ever considered a career in policing, this is your opportunity to find out what we have to offer.

“We’re keen to see people from not only Mildura but right across the northwest come along.

“Policing is a diverse, challenging and rewarding career and you get to make a true difference in the community.

“With the force in the midst of its biggest recruitment drive ever there has never been a better time to apply.

“We look forward to meeting the future police of our area there.”

The Hepburn Shire Council is inviting nominations to honour local women who go above and beyond to enrich life in their community, in the lead up to the next International Women’s Day.

Nominations are open until 30 September with the 2025 event to be held next March.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood says the council’s IWD event (pictured above) is a highlight on the shire’s event calendar attracting large attendances and impressive keynote speakers.

“We are asking our community to nominate women from the Shire that have brought about positive change with inspiring stories of achievement from our past or present,” he said.

Since its commencement in 1911, International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 has been celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women globally.

In 2005 the Heather Mutimer Honour Roll was established to pay tribute to women in the Hepburn Shire whose contributions, courage and exemplary actions have led to significant social change for women.

Successful nominees are announced and inducted into the Heather Mutimer Honour Roll at a special event hosted by the council.

“The event provides an opportunity to elevate and focus on local women’s achievements, celebrating and acknowledging those who have had a positive impact on their community and have become role models for generations to come,” Cr Hood said.

The council is now encouraging members of the community to nominate women who they think deserve to be recognised. This can be done at: https://www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/IWD

The Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens were planning their annual Taylor and Sangster Lecture for 2024 when president Frank Page considered the possibility of growing that event into a full-blown celebration of the wintry gardens.

The Friends have always marveled at the unique beauty of Wombat Hill, even in the worst days of cold, fog and rain. Time to celebrate and share the unlikely joys of a challenging season.

Frank orchestrated a partnership with the Daylesford and District Horticultural Society, Historical Society, Agricultural Society and U3A to fill the weekend of August 3 and 4 with informative talks and walks, great conviviality and even a competitive opportunity for the local community and visitors alike.

Thanks go to the organising committee – Frank Page, Denise Robinson, Patrice O’Shea, John Binnion, Don Harvey, Gary Lawrence and Annie Duncan. Between them they produced four fascinating talks, a walking tour of the significant trees on Wombat Hill, an exhibition at the Daylesford Museum, a magical winter dinner in the Town Hall, two lavish teas and an inaugural Winter Flower Show.

Speakers were Janet O’Hehir, honorary curator of the Camperdown Botanic Gardens, Helen Botham and Helen Page, both active horticulturalists and garden historians – Helen Botham especially connected with Governor La Trobe and his gardening and Helen Page, former president of the Garden History Society.

Local tree enthusiast John Beetham led a walk around the gardens highlighting the remarkable collection of very important trees that our bracing climate and deep volcanic soil have preserved over the past century and which we also have a profound duty to preserve.

Peter Leigh spoke at the dinner on Hellebores – Winter Wonders in the Garden. Peter breeds beautiful hellebores in Ashbourne and has made significant donations of plant material to Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens over many years.

The huge collection of these extraordinary and diverse blooms currently lighting up the gardens was part of the motivation to time the event in what could be seen as horticultural downtime. Any visitors to the gardens over the weekend will realise that this is far from true.

The dinner, pictured above, itself was a celebration of the warmth of good food and good company in a stunning setting created by Denise Robinson and her team of indefatigable helpers.

The abundance of colour, fragrance and form that the winter garden actually provides was clearly evident at the Flower Show where 171 entries vied for rosettes and sashes in the great tradition of friendly competition between home gardeners.

Also on show at the Alf Headland Conservatory was the work of two local artists. Miriam Porter’s installation of her sculptures of local birds and huge, wonderful conifer seeds was an extraordinary show of her considerable talent.

Marcia DeVincentis shared her exquisite and quite arresting botanical paintings. Their colour and detail just underlined the potential and richness of the season.

The exhibition at the Museum was another fascinating exploration of the depth of the collection held by the Daylesford and District Historical Society and a wonderfully nostalgic experience for those of us who already appreciate or have just discovered Daylesford and Wombat Hill and its remarkable heritage.

This excellent show will be open to the public each weekend this month. So many individuals put so much work into making the weekend the triumph it was, and we thank them most sincerely.

Grants were received from Hepburn Shire and Community Bank Daylesford District. BigginScott provided the huge and eye-catching signage outside the gardens, a game changer in advertising. And they organised the presentation of the botanical artwork in the Conservatory.

But the prime mover, guiding hand and vision for what was a heroic collaboration of community groups and a significant showcase of our district was Frank Page, and many thanks must go to him for his extraordinarily hard work and perseverance.

Words & images: Contributed

Paramedics and first responders across Victoria have faced the busiest quarter on record, with crews in the Grampians Region responding to 4,418 Code 1 emergencies.

Ambulance Victoria Grampians regional director Peter Jenkins said demand across the Grampians Region increased by 3.3 per cent – or 141 more Code 1 cases – compared with a year ago.

“The entire health system continues to be extremely busy due to seasonal illness such as flu, Covid-19 and RSV circulating within our communities and our workforce,” Mr Jenkins said.

“Our dedicated paramedics and first responders in the Grampians Region do an incredible job in the face of record-breaking demand, providing best care to our communities every day.

“It is important that everyone does their part. If your matter is not an emergency, consider using alternative care options and keep our highly skilled paramedics available for patients most in need.”

Mr Jenkins said April to June was AV’s busiest quarter ever with more than 102,000 Code 1 cases across Victoria – breaking the previous record of 100,238 Code 1 cases set in October to December 2022.

“That’s nearly 5000 more ‘lights and sirens’ cases compared to the same time last year and a huge 35.2 per cent more Code 1 cases before the pandemic five years ago,” Mr Jenkins said.

From April to June 2024, paramedics across Victoria responded to 64.2 per cent of Code 1 cases within the state-wide target of 15 minutes. The state-wide average response time to Code 1 emergencies was 15 minutes and 37 seconds.

Performance against the 15-minute target for Code 1 cases improved in 55 of Victoria’s 79 Local Government Areas compared with a year ago.

In the Grampians Region, the biggest improvements were in the Pyrenees, Golden Plains, Hepburn and Hindmarsh LGAs.

In the Grampians Region, the biggest improvements were in the Pyrenees, Golden Plains, Hepburn and Hindmarsh LGAs.

Regional highlights:

• In the Pyrenees LGA, paramedics attended 34.6 per cent of Code 1 patients within 15 minutes – up from 23 per cent a year earlier – the biggest improvement in the state. As a result, paramedics were arriving one minute and 2 seconds faster than a year ago.

• Over the past year, Code 1 response times decreased by 32 seconds in the Golden Plains LGA, three minutes and 40 seconds in the Hepburn LGA and two minutes and 8 seconds in the Hindmarsh LGA.

• In the Ballarat LGA, paramedics attended 78 per cent of Code 1 patients within 15 minutes – the second-best result in the state. In Horsham, paramedics attended 77.6 per cent of Code 1 patients within 15 minutes, which was the third best result.

Regional Operations executive director Danielle North said AV constantly monitored demand and ambulance availability in real time and worked with hospitals to help transfer patients as promptly as possible, to ensure our ambulances can get back on the road sooner.

“We also review and adjust the ambulance call taking and dispatch grid, based on research, clinical expertise and our large body of clinical data, to ensure it remains suitable for the Victorian environment,” Ms North said.

“We continue to work with our partners at Triple Zero Victoria to support the call taking and dispatch process, noting that about one in five calls to Triple Zero (000) do not need an emergency ambulance response.

“There are many alternative care pathways that people can access when they need timely medical care and health advice but not an emergency ambulance.

“You can connect directly with the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department at www.vved.org.au anywhere, anytime in the comfort of home and avoid a trip to hospital.

“Other options include your local Priority Primary Care Centre (PPCC), GP or pharmacist, or Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24.

“From April to June, 41,704 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead connected to more appropriate care by paramedics and nurses in AV’s Secondary Triage team.

“In 2023/24, paramedics referred more than 30,000 patients to the VVED and 9,574 patients were referred to the VVED following assessment in Secondary Triage.

“Staying up to date with your yearly flu and Covid-19 vaccinations helps protect you, the people around you, and makes a difference by reducing demand on our paramedics during this busy time.” Link: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.

Words: Donna Kelly

Daylesford’s Ruth Bray, pictured above with husband Malcolm, has taken part in the National Carer Roundtable in Brisbane.

Participants were asked to identify the major stresses and problems facing older carers and suggest solutions in response to the National Carer Strategy announced by the Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth in October last year.

But the trip for Ruth, who cares for her husband of 59 years, Malcolm, was not as simple as it could have been. Partly because she is a carer and also because she is an older Australian.

Ruth said after the initial stress of organising the household and support for Malcolm with just five and a half days’ notice, she also had to contact a number of older carers to talk about issues to raise and then ask her daughter and son-in-law to answer emails, organise digital wallets, virtual cab charge, plane tickets and an online photo.

Ruth then had to convince the organisers she needed to fly to Brisbane the day before the event.

“Getting up in the middle of the night in Daylesford (their suggestion) to catch a plane at 6.10am to advise the government at 10am and return that night, at 83 years of age, was not OK for me.

“I soon found myself clutching my luggage and walking stick, and in a wheelchair being pushed by a Virgin staff member, speeding through Tullamarine Airport to find a gate somewhere or other at the far end of the terminal.

“On the plane I met another delegate who did not have a young person in her house, so she had been unable to attend to all the online requirements.

“She decided our first problem was people not understanding that older carers may not be too computer literate.

“And perhaps some training, or maybe using snail mail with plenty of notice might be good. As I actually had my digital wallet by this time, even if I did not know how to use it, I suggested she share my taxi to the hotel.”

Ruth said the next morning about 50 carers, all aged over 65, from all over Australia, gathered for the roundtable.

Many topics were discussed including the long wait time for the My Aged Care assessment with more trained staff needed, the long wait time for support services, the need for training of workers who come into the home to help and not enough appropriate services available when needed.

Other discussions were around carers neglecting their own care and health needs, issues related to physical, financial and emotional abuse of older people, many carers not identifying as carers and missing out on extra financial and other support, the issues around older carers caring for adult children and older carers caring for more than one person.

Ruth said carers also talked about the different agencies in the same home often being uncoordinated with aged care packages, the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.

“My husband and I both need transport to the gym. He has a package and I am under CHSP. Two workers in two cars arrive at our home at the same time, from the same agency, to take us to the same gym, as I am not permitted in his worker’s car. This is your taxes at work.”

Carers also raised the issue of the education of carers so they can self-manage the government care packages instead of an agency, using just 10 per cent of the monies involved for management not 30 per cent – leaving much more money for services.

Finally, carers asked for a possible phone app for carers with emotional supports and information, help for carers in isolated and remote areas with transport and services, and computer training.

“There were other issues, and other roundtable meetings with different groups of carers, but if you are a carer and wish to contribute before September 5, contact National Carer Strategy at engage.dss.gov.au.

“If you are a carer on the aged pension, if you apply for a carer’s pension you will, like me, get an additional carer allowance of $153.50 per fortnight.”

Ruth said she would like to thank all taxpayers for her plane tickets, a comfortable hotel room, accessible bathroom – and the grilled barramundi and Asian greens on a bed of rice she had for dinner.

A DSS spokesperson said the Australian Government valued the input and participation of carers in consultation activities on government policy and programs such as the Carers’ Roundtable in Brisbane.

“This is critical to ensure that our initiatives, such as the new National Carer Strategy under development, reflects the experiences, perspectives and needs of carers.

“We recognise that due to all of the demands on carers, coordinating in-person contributions can be challenging, and consultation on the National Carer Strategy will include many avenues for carers to have their say that can be completed in their own time, such as online submissions and an online questionnaire.

“The government will continue to work with our consultation partners, including Carers Australia, to ensure carers are appropriately supported to participate, have a positive experience, and feel confident that their voices are heard and valued.”

Central Highlands Football League club Clunes is deploying Ballarat Football Netball League experience in the appointment of it’s new senior coach, Tim Shearer.

Ballarat-based Shearer, 55, has been appointed to take over from Luke Davidson next season – securing a two-year deal.

He takes on the non-playing role with his coaching experience to date having included a stint at the helm of Lake Wendouree seniors last year.

He stepped up as Lakers’ interim coach mid-way through last season after Jack Fitzpatrick stepped down.

Shearer, who resides in Ballarat and works in Ararat, regards Clunes as an ideal fit for his first permanent senior coaching job.

The 55-year-old been involved in coaching and administration and in football development pathways for 20 years.

Taking on the new role with Clunes after spending this season as a senior assistant to Ballarat coach Chris Maple, he has told local media that he has long wanted to coach at senior level in his own right.

For over 50 years, David Williamson has been the most produced playwright in the history of Australian theatre.

Writer of iconic plays such as Don’s Party, The Club, Money and Friends, The Removalists, Emerald City…the list goes on.

He has also written numerous film scripts and TV series. Williamson’s characters are often deeply flawed but at the core of his work there is a desire for a better and more tolerant society.

Almost always, each of the characters goes on a journey through the events of the play with most growing to make positive changes in their lives. The characters in this play are no exception.

Directed by Woodend local David Runnalls, Family Values introduces us to the Collins family as they gather to celebrate their father Roger’s 70th birthday.

The retired Supreme Court Justice and his wife Sue have their plans for a quiet family gathering blown apart after unwittingly bringing together a detention centre escapee, a border force commander and three siblings all on the verge of unleashing a lifetime of simmering resentments.

Humorous, thought-provoking and, at times, deeply moving, Family Values will have audiences laughing while prompting them to consider their own beliefs and values.

With a complimentary sherry on arrival, a well-stocked bar with the best prices in the Ranges followed by a treat after the show, why wouldn’t you come to our gorgeous Mountview Theatre in Macedon to enjoy a performance.

This stellar cast will not disappoint. Family Values by David Williamson runs from opening night tonight, August 16 to September 1.

Tickets via www.themountplayers.com or call 5426 1892.

Words: Karen Hunt | Image: Karlana Santamaria

The Glenlyon Sports Club has announced its donations to charities, community groups and sporting clubs from funds raised at its annual New Year’s Day Family Sports Day at the Glenlyon Reserve.

Secretary Evan Davis said the sports club committee valued the financial support given to it by local sponsors to be able to donate these funds back into the local community.

“And to the patrons on New Year’s Day who turn out year after year to celebrate the New Year, your attendance is also vital the success of this community day.

Lastly, a huge shout out to the tireless volunteers who put in countless hours beforehand, on the day of the event and in the aftermath.

Your contribution is recognised and greatly appreciated. We look forward to doing it all again in 2025.”

Those to receive donations are: Ballarat Cancer Research Unit $500; Central Highlands Rural Health – Daylesford Health $5000; Central Highlands Rural Health – Trentham Health $1200; Daylesford Christmas Cheer $800; Daylesford Community Brass Band $500; Daylesford Girl Guides $500; Daylesford Junior Football and Netball Club $500; Daylesford Junior Tennis $500; Daylesford Preschool $500; Daylesford Riding For The Disabled $500; Daylesford Senior/Junior Pipe Band $500; Daylesford Volleyball $500; Denis Beddoe Boxing Gymnasium $400; Glenlyon & District News $300; Glenlyon Adult Riding $500; Glenlyon Pony Club $500; Glenlyon Recreation Reserve upgrades $500; Grove of Gratitude $500; Hepburn Junior Football and Netball Club $500; Hepburn Preschool $500; New Year’s Eve Gala Daylesford $200; Royal Children’s Hospital $300; St Johns Ambulance $500; and Trentham Junior Football and Netball Club $500.