Ducking into the Clunes IGA supermarket for a few essentials, the sound of a puppy yap from somewhere within says it all. Dianne Hill, owner-operator of the supermarket has another puppy in her care.

“Yes” says Dianne. “This is Rishi. He’s a 14-week-old Seeing Eye Dogs Vision Australia puppy and he’s just been with us since last Tuesday.”

Rishi is the eighth puppy that Dianne has taken on in her role as a puppy carer for Vision Australia, the succession of carefully bred young pups in her care frequently cause for delight among shoppers and staff at the local supermarket as Dianne daily takes her growing charges to work with her.

But while young Rishi is onsite learning, growing, socialising and generally being adored by the humans, he’s not lacking canine company either as Dianne’s permanent pet pooch, Pepper the Jack Russell is office dog – or some might say “Door B….” for the store’s administration department.

Presiding over the admin office, Pepper rules the roost, generally ensconced in her fluffy bed, and keeping a watchful eye on all who enter her office door.

“She is definitely a princess,” Dianne says. Nine-year-old Pepper does not let anyone unrecognised pass into admin without notice.

From within her office she maintains a commanding view over the supermarket security screens and is quick to let the boss know should someone unrecognised walk through the office door into her domain.

“She’s the office dog and she’s better than any alarm system,” Dianne says. “She’s never bitten anyone but my goodness can she bark. She’s the same at home. She’s just part of the team.”

As he is being socialised and cared for until he is old enough to potentially be trained as a Seeing Eye Dog, young Rishi has an official badged harness and is able to move through the supermarket store space itself, much to the delight of many shoppers especially children.

“He’s a beautifully calm puppy and very food motivated,” says Dianne, noting the way each of the Vision Australia puppies she’s cared for over the years all have unique personalities.

“He’s number eight. I love it but it does have its moments. At the moment he’s waking me up at 2am to go to the toilet,” she laughs.

“Basically it’s just looking after the puppies, socialising them and hopefully we end up with a well-socialised dog that can then go on to Melbourne for training with Seeing Eye Dogs in Kensington.

“With one we had before, (golden labrador) Maggie, we were invited to go and see her train at Seeing Eye Dogs. It was awesome.

“Having a pup in your care is a good excuse to get out and about and, having the dog, people stop and talk to you and you also go places you might not otherwise go. You can basically take them anywhere other than commercial kitchens and operating theatres.

“We go to a lot of the markets in the region. Markets are awesome places to socialise a dog as long as you don’t overwhelm them.”

After 10 months with their puppy carers, pups like Rishi are assessed to see if they’re suited to progressing on to being trained to become Seeing Eye dogs and later matched with a vision-impaired person for whom they can make a tremendous improvement to quality of life.

Dianne says that if Rishi is assessed as being suited to go on to train to become a seeing eye dog at the 10-month mark, then she must bid him a fond farewell.

If he’s not deemed suited to train as a seeing eye dog, she may go on caring for him for a further couple of months while Vision Australia finds him a suitable permanent adoptive home or role in society.

“A lot of people think they wouldn’t want to do it, puppy caring, because you’ve got to give them up,” Dianne says.

“But it doesn’t bother me as I know they’re going on to bigger and better things. Don’t get me wrong. I’m sad to see them go, but it’s a bit like seeing a child go on to university.

“The last one we had was Petal and she was a bit unsure, but she has now gone on to start proper training.

“Another one, Alfred, was also a black lab and he got through and ended up on the Gold Coast and the lady that got him rang me up and had me in tears as to how grateful she was that someone had put the effort into training him.”

If pups are assessed and found not quite suited to go on to train as Seeing Eye Dogs there are many other important and valuable avenues for them to take to “live their best lives,” Dianne says.

“It’s all about the dog and whether they’re interested. I had one that went through and almost made it but would get a little nervous when the pressure was on and she got sent to Canberra to do post-traumatic stress work instead.

“There are lots of avenues for them to take and some may just end up living their best lives as pets.”

Dianne says she started taking puppies on as a puppy carer for Seeing Eye Dogs Vision Australia about six years ago.

While the role, which can last from six to 12 months, can be challenging she loves it and finds it immensely rewarding, especially thinking of the enormous improvements it can make in the life of a visually impaired person.

But already young Rishi is generally making life a good bit brighter for everyone he encounters – while closely monitored by princess Pepper of course.

Words & Images: Eve Lamb

If you know of a critter, large or small, who is an important part of a local business or workplace, let us know as we’d love to feature him or her as part of our Pets Work series. Email editorial@tlnews.com.au

Don Harvey sharply remembers the jargon of a local council officer when he was getting involved with the Daylesford Show.

“What,” he was asked, “is your Mission Statement?” Don, pictured centre, did not miss a beat: “More dollars than last year.”

Last year, for the first time in six years, the show made a profit. Now, as the 150th show approaches in November, he looks back on his 12 years on the show committee and, as president at 79, he reckons it’s time for someone new.

His start was not great. “I thought I’d do something to help them and volunteered to paint the chook pavilion but had a heart attack which set me back three and a half years.”

Don’s background is that he went to Bendigo Junior Tech, first as a student and then to teach history until having a blow-up over the method used and moved to English.

Later he became a newsagent in Boort. His cosy Bullarto home, which he doubled in size from a holiday place built in 1978, is chokkers with books and family photos.

There he is keen to discuss the show, not himself, but when pressed tells of his time as a players’ advocate at country footy tribunals.

“Now, listen to me, I would say. I’ll do the talking. If they ask you something, don’t say there was a fight. But every time, the bloke would say, ‘He snotted me as I ran onto the ground’.”

Don moved into the gentler world of iris growing, exhibiting at the Melbourne Iris Show, so he’s naturally passionate about the Hall of Flowers in Daylesford, held in the Table Tennis Centre, with vegetables, farm and home produce joining the blooms.

Add to this 250 horses, about 100 sheep and birds and more than 400 dogs on show, plus homecrafts, music, wine, needlework, photography, food, showbags and sideshows and the picture for November 23 grows.

About 3500 people attend. There is only one event after Daylesford at which people can qualify for the Royal Melbourne Show.

Winners of an event can go to the next level at the Midlands Group, which is the doorway to Melbourne.It’s by no means a one-man show.

Don’s wife Mary compiles the detailed 20- page program, down to the cookery section, including Blokes’ Chocolate Cake and Sponge, “not iced, no filling”.

This is all part of a tradition stretching back to the first show in Hobart in 1822 and the first ploughing trials at Glenlyon in 1864.

Farmer-to-farmer innovation and education rolled out, as well as tremendous technological advances on display, from the first automated shearing machines to the start of GPS-controlled tractors.

In all of this, however, there is a heartbeat to the show, such as the one revealed by Don, who tells of being aged six or seven when he went with his father from near the rear of Cliffy’s, his sister on his father’s shoulders, up to Victoria Park.

“I walked,” he says, “and there were others walking, too, in 1952”. Don is also keen to share his view on people’s unhappiness.

“I’ve met people who make others miserable, and my approach is not to be bloody miserable in return. It is possible to talk to people and make them feel a bit better. I’ve had a few years’ practise at that.”

Besides the Show, Don is involved with the local historical society and the Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, where he is known for his wry humour.

Which is just as well, says Patrice O’Shea, secretary of the Friends, because Don and Mary have faced health problems.

“Living and gardening in Bullarto is not for the faint-hearted. Putting aside the characteristically bleak weather, the terrible damage wrought by storms made a pretty grim prospect of trying to restore your place in what was beautiful bush,” Patrice says.

She says that as a keen seed collector Don is an inveterate optimist by nature.

“He shares his joy in plants, many of them rare, in the community and even in politics.” And we all benefit from this.”

Journalist: Kevin Childs | Image: Kyle Barnes

Winterfest transforms Trentham this Friday, August 2 from 4pm to 8pm with businesses trading late and lighting up the town with colourful light displays.

In the spirit of a European midwinter festival the town’s traders are embracing the cold winter night and celebrating the chill with light projections, neon displays and special events happening within each business.

Hepburn Shire mayor and Trentham local, Cr Brian Hood is among those looking forward to the debut free family occasion that’s hoped to become an annual fixture on the region’s calendar.

“It’s just such a good cause. It’s going to help all of the local traders and will help the whole mood of the town in the middle of winter,” said Cr Hood.

Cr Hood makes no secret of his enjoyment of community events and will be among quite a number of locals glamming up for the wintry occasion which is offering plenty of enticement to get out and be part of the sparkling atmosphere.

Little Gallery celebrates opening night of their renowned annual fundraising Winter Exhibition with proceeds benefiting local community groups and showcasing local and regional artists.

Featuring works by 16 talented artists from the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges shires, the exhibition launch gets started from 5.30pm with nibbles and drinks provided and all welcome.

“Our famed art raffle is offering $10,000 worth of original artworks donated by local artists with all proceeds donated to the East Trentham Fellowship,” Little Gallery’s Rose Wilson says.

“People will be able to buy a ticket on the night and they’ll be available for the duration of the show. Expect glow sticks, human butterflies and amazing art,” Rose says.

The gallery has raised funds for groups including Trentham Wildlife Rescue, The Path of the Horse and The Quarry Street Reserve. Tickets at www.raffletix.com.au/2024wintershowraffle

Just some of the participating traders include:

The Green Store – The theme at The Green Store for WinterFest is Aurora Borealis. The store will transform into a winter wonderland. There is also a book launch/ signing by author Caroline Parker for her first book The Medicinal Garden.

Belle Property – Enjoy the Belle Property Trentham neon experience, with bright colourful neon installations by international visual artist Carla O’Brien from Volter International.

Little Gallery – Little Gallery is set to light up with a night of shimmering glow for the grand opening of the highly anticipated annual Winter Show fundraising exhibition.

Bendigo Bank – Community Bank Trentham – Community Bank Trentham is lighting up Town Square for a magical and fun experience for all. Drop by and pick up some glow sticks.

Cosmo – Cosmopolitan Hotel is inviting festival goers to warm up beside the fireplace while sipping on a winter cocktail or mulled wine.

They’ll also be lighting up their exterior, with plenty of warming candles inside.

Words & image: Eve Lamb

(Wings courtesy of Rose Wilson at Little Gallery) www.tlnews.com.au  

The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever is an event held at locations around the world where participants recreate the music video for musician Kate Bush’s 1978 song Wuthering Heights.

The event’s inspiration is Shambush’s The Ultimate Kate Bush Experience, which took place in 2013 in Brighton, United Kingdom, as part of Brighton Fringe, created by performance collective Shambush! who attempted to set an unofficial world record for the most people dressed as Kate Bush in one place, with hundreds attending.

And thanks to Spade to Blade’s Gary Thomas, centre, and the Hepburn Dancers, this wonderful event was also held at the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens in Daylesford – led by dancer Tuesday Telford Perkins – on Sunday July 21.

Photos on the day were taken by Janine Bennetti, Trudi Blick & Isabella Thomas

Daylesford has been named the best Small Tourism Town for 2024 in the TAC Victorian Top Tourism Town awards.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that only five places made it to the finals and the council was thrilled to have won the award against some formidable competition.

“Daylesford is beautiful in all seasons, with visitors travelling great distances to spend time rejuvenating and seeking wellness experiences.

The town’s natural beauty, including Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens and the top-quality amenities around Lake Daylesford, has always drawn people for weddings and celebrations, and to escape from the city.

“We have a vibrant arts community and events throughout the year. Set amidst heritage buildings and hills and forests, Daylesford will continue to draw people from many walks of life for rest and recreation, be it short term or for more lengthy stays.”

Daylesford’s nomination was put forward by Daylesford Macedon Tourism in partnership with the council.

The award is judged on a demonstration of commitment to tourism and increasing visitation, excellent visitor experience, and exhibiting collaboration with tourism operators, local businesses and the community.

Daylesford won in the category ‘Top Small Tourism Town’ (population between 1500 and 5000) against Heathcote, Koroit, Maldon and Sorrento. The awards were announced at an event in Lancefield last Thursday, July 26

Ballarat MP Catherine King, Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Brian Hood and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation Group CEO Rodney Carter officially opened the redeveloped Central Springs Reserve at Lake Daylesford last Friday, July 26. 

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said the project had delivered a wonderful new public open space for locals and visitors to enjoy. 

“This beautiful area close to Lake Daylesford will no doubt attract more visitors to an already popular area, thereby benefitting our local economy.” 

This is the first stage of implementation of the masterplan which was adopted following community consultation in 2021 and sees three new mineral spring pumps (one accessible), complemented by Dja Dja Wurrung artwork. 

Ms King said the Hepburn Shire Council had done “a terrific job of completing this project ahead of schedule, and the collaboration with Djaara ensures that this is a very special place for visitors and locals to enjoy”. 

“Whether it’s for a barbeque, a nature walk or to sample Daylesford’s famous spring water, this redevelopment and the improved accessibility mean that even more people can enjoy iconic Lake Daylesford.” 

Mr Carter said embedding Dja Dja Wurrung knowledge and culture in the built and natural landscape benefitted Djandak (Country) and communities. 

“We look forward to people being on Country enjoying this revitalised parkland.” 

Image & words: Contributed 

Keepers at the Ballarat Wildlife Park say they’re delighted to welcome eight koala joeys this season.

It’s the highest number of koala joeys born at the local wildlife attraction that they’ve ever had in a single year to date.

The super cute new additions range in age from three to six months and keepers say the small baby boom at the park follows an increase in the number of mature adult koalas residing there.

The park’s head mammal keeper Cass Handcock says all of the new koala joeys are happy and healthy.

“Some are just a lump in their mum’s pouch,” Cass says.

“Some are starting to stick limbs out and some are starting to eat leaves.”

With wild koalas increasingly under threat due to habitat clearing, Ms Handcock says it has become important to breed them at zoos and wildlife parks.

“Their main threats are habitat clearing so they’re losing their home and losing the corridors that they can get between the homes that they live in,” Cass says.

The Ballarat Wildlife Park has also earlier launched a fundraising campaign aimed at planting gum trees to support habitat restoration efforts for koalas.

“Branching Out for Koalas,” seeks to address the pressing need for suitable habitat for these iconic Australian marsupials, as well as providing food for more than 40 koalas at the park.

“Branching Out for Koalas” is an urgent call to action for individuals, organisations, and businesses passionate about wildlife conservation with more information available from the park’s website, or by visiting the local attraction in person.

The funds raised through the campaign will be used to plant gum trees in designated areas within the Ballarat Wildlife Park and its surrounding regions.

Individuals and organisations are encouraged to contribute whatever amount they can to support the planting of gum trees and the restoration of koala habitats.

The Ballarat Wildlife Park will also be contributing to the fundraising efforts, by donating a portion of each koala encounter at the park.

It’s been a bit over a month since the Renegade Bootscooters started doin’ their thang at the Miners Rest Community Hall … and the hall has never been quite the same since.

In particular it’s been coming alive on Wednesday mornings and Thursday evenings with up-beat country rock and some attention-getting choreography.

The Renegade Bootscooters had previously been based at Sebastopol Scout Hall in Ballarat where for the past 16 years they’d been leading their all-ages line dancing classes.

But following their recent move to the Miner’s Rest hall they haven’t looked back and instructor Julie Gerrett says the new venue has been a great move.

While all their former regulars have followed them over to the new, larger venue, they’ve also attracted some new beginners to the regular classes, she says.

“Word’s been catching around that we’re here now. We’ve got about five or six all new faces from Miners Rest now,” Julie says.

She says they regularly get about 35 people during their Wednesday morning sessions, and around 50 people on Thursday evenings.

For anyone keen to return to, or try out line dancing, beginner and intermediate/advanced classes are held on Wednesdays from 9.30am and 10.30am respectively at a cost of $5 for the initial session and $7 for both, with the schedule repeated on Thursdays from 7pm to 9pm.

APPLICATIONS have opened for two new regional programs financed by the Victorian government’s $60 million Regional Community Sport Development Fund.

The Strengthening Regional Community Sport Program (applications closing September 9) is designed to support organisations with grants of up to $300,000 – over three years – to deliver local strategic projects that help to increase participation on and off the sporting field.

The Sustainable Volunteer Workforce Program, for which applications close on August 19, will provide grants of up to $450,000 over three years to help a variety of sporting and recreation organisations support volunteers in regional Victoria.

Candidates must be a non-government, not-for-profit incorporated body operating in Victoria, and have a minimum of 40 percent women on their board or committee (or an Office for Women in Sport and Recreation approved work plan).

“Volunteers and staff are the backbone of sport in regional communities, without them local clubs and competitions would not exist,” Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said.

“We’re keen to back more initiatives that increase opportunities for all Victorians to get involved in the sports they love whether as coaches, volunteers or administrators at their local clubs.”

The Regional Community Sport Development Fund is designed to deliver infrastructure and programs to support more regional Victorian families and children to get involved in sport.

Submissions for both programs will be assessed in accordance with each organisation’s capability and experience. Those keen to make an application for either scheme can visit the Sport and Recreation Victoria website.

Ballarat’s Showbiz Cinemas’ 6.30pm screening of new crime drama film The Bikeriders this Saturday will support a fairly apt cause.

Funds raised through ticket sales from this Saturday August 3 evening screening of the film will go to cover $25 volunteer packs for organisation Bikers4Bikers Down.

The fundraiser is an initiative of members of Ballarat social motorcycle group Rebel Ride Co, a Ballarat-based community group of motorcycle riders who go on social rides around the region. They also produce a podcast.

Totally volunteer-run the help-your-mate-out organisation aims to help those that have had accidents and are doing it tough.

“With the recent spike in fatalities and accidents on the road with motorcycles, we’re partnering with Bikers4Bikers Down,” said Rebel Ride Co member Fraser Wood.

“They have a whole database of people who can come and help, from helping around the house and doing the dishes, to mowing the lawn; things you can’t do after a motorcycle accident if you’ve broken your arm, for example.

“So we’ll be covering the costs of volunteer packs which are $25 when people join the organisation. Bikers4Bikers Down give members a patch, sticker, and a guide.

“We’re going to raise money so that they can keep doing it free of charge. We’re trying to get in touch with as many motorcycle riders as we can and distance ourselves from the bikie aspect of motorcycling,” Fraser said.

Prior to this Saturday evening’s film screening, Rebel Ride Co members plan to meet and ride to the cinema together.

“It’s motorcyclists riding motorcycles to a motorcycle film and then talking about motorcycles,” Fraser said.

“We’ve booked out a whole cinema and hope to fill every seat.”

Showbiz Cinemas is based at Delacombe Town Centre and seating is limited with bookings essential.

Policing agencies across Australia recently joined forces in a National Day of Action coordinated by the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3), to disrupt cyber criminals allegedly using SIM boxes to scam hundreds of Australians.

SIM boxes are allegedly used by criminals to commit large-scale SMS phishing attacks known as ‘smishing’.

Smishing is a malicious attack that uses deceptive text messages to deceive victims into downloading malware or sharing personal information.

Police in recent days have arrested five alleged offenders including three people in NSW and two people to proceed by summons in Victoria.

The alleged offenders are suspected of using SIM boxes to send fraudulent SMS phishing communications to access and obtain personal information from unsuspecting Australians via their banking or government-affiliated online accounts.

The investigation was initiated by NSW Police Force (NSWPF) in March, 2024, and utilised the JPC3 to coordinate state and territory police in the targeting, disruption and seizure of SIM boxes nationwide.

Members from the AFP, NSWPF, Western Australia Police Force, Tasmania Police, Queensland Police Service, and Victoria Police, worked together to execute six search warrants across a number of suburbs in New South Wales and Victoria on Thursday 18 July.

During the searches in Victoria, police located and seized three 16 slot SIM boxes, nine mobile phones, three laptops, stolen identity documents, and in excess of 500 used SIM cards from a Melbourne address.

Police also located SIM box parts, $25,000 in gift cards, two luxury watches, and a gel blaster at a Doncaster premises.

During the searches in New South Wales, Cybercrime Squad detectives seized 26 SIM boxes, thousands of mobile SIM cards, over 500 mobile phones and gift cards, $166,000 in cash and two luxury vehicles valued at $330,000.

The following individuals were arrested and charged as a result of the National Day of Action:

A Sydney man, 23, was arrested in Sydney’s CBD and taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he was charged with the Commonwealth offence using equipment connected to network to commit a serious offence, as well as dishonestly obtaining/dealing in personal financial information.He was refused bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Friday 19 July.

A Burwood man, 25, was arrested at Burwood. He was taken to Burwood Police Station and charged with offendces including tampering with evidence with intent to mislead judicial tribunal and failing to comply digital evidence access order direction.He was refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Friday 19 July.

A man, 25, was arrested at Wolli Creek and later charged with the Commonwealth offence of using equipment connected to network to commit a serious offence. He was refused bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court on Friday 19 July.

A Melbourne woman, 32, and Doncaster man, 29, were arrested and interviewed in relation to the Commonwealth offences of using a telecommunications network with intention to commit a serious offence and dishonestly obtaining or dealing in personal financial information.They were expected to be charged on summons.

AFP Detective Superintendent Tim Stainton said SIM boxes were cheap and malicious machines criminals used to defraud hundreds of victims at a time.

“Criminals will send millions of deceptive text messages to Australian mobile users’ casting a wide net over the entire community in an attempt to trap and defraud as many victims as possible,” Det-Supt Tim Stainton said.

“If not disrupted through police action, the SIM boxes had a combined potential to continue to distribute between four and six million fraudulent messages every day.

“The AFP will not tolerate the exploitation of Australians, especially victims who have had their personal data stolen, and is working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to eradicate the criminal exploitation of SIM boxes nationwide.”

Junortoun and Eaglehawk communities will be better protected with the arrival of two new heavy tankers to the brigades.

Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan officially handed over the heavy tankers alongside CFA Chief Executive Officer Natalie MacDonald and brigade members in recent days (19 July).

Captain of Eaglehawk Fire Brigade Kylie Davis said the heavy tanker is going to be a huge asset to their region.

“We feel incredibly lucky to have a new heavy tanker serving Eaglehawk and the greater Bendigo area,” Kylie said.

It is not just the two local communities that will benefit from the new heavy tankers. Over recent years both brigades have played an active role in strike teams across the country.

They supported deployments to fires in NSW during the 2019-20 Black Summer and most recently brigade members supported the multi-agency preparedness and response for the Victorian floods in 2022.

“The additional resources that this tanker gives us will also be a great benefit when we are requested for strike team support in national emergencies,” Kylie said.

“It’s so important that we enhance our firefighting capability, especially in urban interface areas like ours where commercial and residential properties are adjacent to rural grasslands and bushlands.”

Junortoun Fire Brigade Captain Heath Martin said the tanker’s ability to carry up to 4,000L of water is a fantastic feature and will better allow them to support their community and the communities that surround them.

The City of Ballarat will conduct a review of the share hire e-scooter trial in an effort to determine how the transport option may look into the future.

The council’s review of the trial comes after the state government confirmed e-scooters will become permanently legalised in Victoria later this year.

New offences and an increase in fines for offences committed while riding e-scooters will be introduced in October, while further legislation will be introduced in 2025.

It follows a two-year trial of e-scooters in regional Victoria for the past two years including in Ballarat, which began its trial in late 2021. It was extended three times.

City of Ballarat Director Development and Growth, Natalie Robertson, said Ballarat’s trial has been largely positive, and the city will consider the government’s announcement.

“There have been more than 300,000 trips undertaken in the trial period in Ballarat, totalling more than 700,000 kilometres,” she said.

“Research has shown more than 63 per cent of rides taken on the Ballarat e-scooters replaced what would have otherwise been a car trip.”

Heritage advisers were last week called in to help with the repair of a damaged historic balustrade in Ballarat.

Restoration of the historic balustrade on the Hill Street bridge, near Kilderkin Distillery may take longer than initially thought with the council engaging heritage groups to investigate the history of the metal barrier.

The metal balustrade had been damaged by a car in May, and had since been sectioned off by temporary fencing panels, with police tape remaining visible.

City of Ballarat infrastructure and environment director Bridget Wetherall said engineers were assessing the viability of removing the iron work for repair, in accordance with heritage requirements.

It was not yet known if the entire balustrade would need to be replaced or if the existing infrastructure could be repaired.

To ensure public safety, temporary fencing was now expected to remain in place while works are undertaken.

Police are renewing their appeal for information regarding a man who went missing from his family holiday home in Daylesford in 2021.

Local police, along with the SES and Search and Rescue, are currently searching the vicinity of Victoria Park in Daylesford.

It is believed that Esteban (pictured above) was last seen about 3.30am on 3.30am on Sunday 11 April 2021.

Esteban, who resides in Patterson Lakes, is about 182cm tall with a medium build and has a slight limp when he walks.

He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black 2XU puffer jacket, distinctive rings on his fingers and was carrying a green satchel and tan coloured water bottle.

Police have released images of Esteban in the hope someone recognises him and can provide information on his current whereabouts.

Anyone who sees Esteban or with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.