Trentham Bush Nursing Hospital, pictured, was officially opened by Governor Lord Huntingfield and Lady Huntingfield on September 7, 1934. 

Ninety years later, Central Highlands Rural Health will celebrate the rich history of Trentham Health with a community dinner on Saturday, September 7 at The Cosmopolitan Hotel.

The dinner will be hosted by Mary Delahunty and feature special guest speakers to reflect on the history and future of Trentham Health.

The event will also showcase a silent auction of new and pre-loved art that will raise funds for the residential aged care, community health and community nursing services located in Trentham.

The people of Trentham were instrumental in the establishment of the hospital as they banded together to finance the project along with funds from the Argus Trust. In 1936, Dr Gweneth Wisewould arrived and served the community until her death on January 19, 1972.

One of the hospital’s first babies continues to be one of its longest- serving supporters, Kit Manning.

The Trentham Hospital Auxiliary member is still actively raising funds for healthcare with Cath O’Connell, Valerie Smith, Ruth White, Janet Sims, Wilma Groves, Karen Gibb, Margot McKinnon and Maree Evans.

The auxiliary will co-host an afternoon tea for residents in Trentham Aged Care to celebrate the occasion and the Trentham Historical Society will be co-hosting an exhibition of hospital memorabilia with Central Highlands Rural Health at the The Mechanics Trentham.

For all details, and for locals interested in sharing stories and information about Trentham Bush Nursing Hospital, contact fundraising manager Kathryn Kosloff on 0439 705 039 or via giving chrh.org.au Link: www.chrh.org.au/donate

The Clunes Landcare and Waterways Group is preparing to plant and inviting everyone to get along to an upcoming series of working bees beside the Creswick Creek at Clunes. 

The group is planning plantings of carefully selected native species that are well suited to the creek-side environment, the group’s June Johnstone, pictured, says.

Some upcoming working bees this spring will include plantings of native species like poa grass and river callistemon (bottlebrush) and follow recently completed work clearing woody exotic sapling and sucker growth in the creek where it runs through the township.

Hepburn Shire Council Infrastructure and Delivery director Bruce Lucas says that project was funded by the North Central Catchment Management Authority and managed by the council on their behalf with $140,000 funding.

The clearing of woody saplings and suckers of introduced species in the Creswick Creek began in May and continued into last month progressing from just before Government Bridge to beyond Scenic Drive in Clunes.

A main objective was to remove invasive suckers from within the creek bed and lower banks with works timed in an effort to cause the least possible disturbance to the platypus population.

Over the next couple of years they intend to embark on a revegetation program in consultation with Hepburn Shire’s biodiversity officer.

June says some new seating and signage is also part of what is planned, along with planting carefully selected native species that are well suited to the environment and capable of withstanding flooding events.

“A number of cleared areas will be planted with native species with a long-term view to ensure the creek remains a suitable habitat for platypus. There will be some planting in the creek bed to provide shade for the platypus using native plant species chosen so as not to impede water flow.”

Working bees along the creek will start in September. Check out the Clunes Landcare Facebook page and the Clunes Online Noticeboard Facebook page.

Taking delivery of the first of the new native plants that are set to go in, June says the group has also recently received a volunteer grant to purchase new tools and will also put their new barbeque to good use during the working bees.

Words & Image: Eve Lamb 

After 30 years Kyle Barnes and Donna Kelly returned to Hamilton Island, the place where they met while working on this tropical paradise. Kyle, a Kiwi, was a skipper, while Donna, a born and bred Frankston girl, was a Japanese speaking interpretor. It was a fun time to be in hospitality and then to find new and lasting love. They shared their thoughts on the past and the latest Return to Hamilton Island…

Kyle said:

Travelling back to Hamilton Island with just north of 30 years of wrinkles on my face and a couple of inches of well-earned lunches under my belt felt like slipping on an old pair of shoes. 

Or more to the point, slipping off an old pair of shoes. You see it was a place where I wandered barefoot back in the day. There was even a bar called the Barefoot Bar.

In fact I never bothered with shoes and they weren’t a requirement of my job which was more or less simply messing around on boats.

Life was simpler and warmer then. Mind you, I do remember my new love at the time, who just happens to be my older love now, instructing me to wear shoes on a night out.

I had to lay down the law in my fledgling romance and stated that I wouldn’t be told what to do. As it turns out our night out was over on the mainland which happened to have a strict “no shoes, no entry policy” in most of the bars.

And the dingbat of the week award was once again won with the wry “told you so” look from my future bride.

The island has changed a lot since the nouveau riche have discovered it and for me it seems to have lost a lot of its Australiana with a lot of rules and regulations, but it is the world we live in.

As I lurched my golf buggy to the side of the road looking for a park, a staff member in the following buggy instructed me not to park there and pretty much told me to move on.

Back in the day, there is no way we would say something to an island guest, in fact we had as little to do with them as possible. Except for this one night where I and eight of my new besties, including Donna, thumbed down a lift from a lovely guest couple on a buggy.

They were equally as intoxicated as us and even with our total numbering 11, we got that thing blasting around the island until security caught up with our drunken mob of reprobates.

We quickly abandoned the vehicle, and the fun-loving couple, secreting ourselves in the bush in order not to get the dreaded NBO (next boat out) treatment. And I guess that sort of nonsense behaviour is where the rules have come from.

I can see this very clearly with an older head on my shoulders, but shit it was fun. I worked for a watersports and adventure company that is still there operating with the brothers that I used to work with.

My job would vary from changing a tyre out on the parachute plane, to jumping out of said plane and towing folks behind the parasailing boat.

One day I was on the parasailing pontoon, clipped Donna into a harness and decided to hang on as she took off into the air. The idea was to let go once we had some height which would create a rocket effect for her, but my grip started to weaken as we rose above 20 metres.

I went through the mental argument of “did I have enough strength to hang on for another five minutes to finish the journey?” And the answer was no.

By then I was about 70 metres up and consequently I let go, hitting the water like a rock on cement. Once again I guess that’s why they now have rules for mad bastards like me in my 20s who liked to play rough.

My recent stay in Hamilton Island was a relaxing affair and obviously a lot safer than in years gone by.

It still has that sense of going barefoot in the sand and is an extremely safe, family-friendly place that caters for most budgets. The island is very accessible with various airlines servicing the little slice of paradise and has all you need for a relaxing stay.

From the time you land (where I almost expected Tattoo from Fantasy Island to yell out “the plane, the plane” and right the way through the stay this place puts out those tropical vibes, and it’s right here in Australia.

Words: Kyle Barnes 

Donna said:

I don’t know why it took 30 years to return to Hamilton Island. And I am sorry it did. It is such a piece of paradise in our own country. Sandy beaches, swaying palms, beautiful breezes and wonderful vibes.

Of course, this time around we were tourists, just soaking up the sun and kicking back at the many cool bars and restaurants, and cruising around in our golf buggy. Back then, we were workers.

Kyle was a skipper who I inadvertently found a job for when I got another bloke sacked for inappropriate behaviour. I was a Japanese- speaking tour guide – home after three years of living in Japan but not quite ready to settle back into life in Frankston.

Kyle always said he fell in love with me but I always wonder if it was the accommodation. There was nothing for staff when I arrived so I was popped into a room on the 18th floor of Hamilton Towers, now the Reef Hotel.

We met for a drink one night, I invited him for one more at home and he never returned to his shared donga. That is a real word.

So we worked hard but we also played hard and it was a lot of fun. Rules were few and far between and the worst thing that could happen was an NBO or Next Boat Out. I don’t know anyone, apart from that one bloke I mentioned, who got NBO’d.

I remember Kyle coming to collect me, while I was working, to take me out for a parasail. No worries. Came back dripping wet and just continued on, helping the Japanese guests decide on which tour they would like in my sodden clothes.

Went out on the Adventure Cruise, which was really about fishing, and after Kyle dropped anchor we left the punters and climbed onto the roof for a bit of a chat. Maybe stole a kiss? No worries.

We held a competition to see how many we could fit on a buggy, 11, and wandered the island from tip to tip checking out private beaches and generally having fun.

We found a lovely swing seat – see below – and managed to break it despite both being quite a few kilos lighter back in the day.

There were karaoke nights, arm wresting competitions (which Kyle mostly won), a wonderful staff restaurant where meals were just $2 and drinks about the same, but no-one was game to go in the staff pool, nicknamed the sperm pool for good reason.

We also got the barge to Airlie Beach a bit, to either hit a bar or shop for food at mainland prices we could afford.

Kyle’s story next to this talks about the barefoot incident but I can tell it better.

“Where are your shoes?” I asked as we met at the barge. “Don’t tell me what to do, this is who I am,” retorted Kyle. Standing outside the bar looking at the sign which said clearly “no shoes, no entry” I look at him and asked “How do you feel now, dickhead.” Got to make sure they know who is boss early on. 🙂

Anyway, this time around we were much more sedate – and we stayed one floor higher, on the 19th floor, a two-storey Reef Suite. It was fantastic – views forever, right over Catseye Bay. Huge room, full kitchen (not that we cooked), two king beds upstairs. And lovely staff. Thanks for the towel animal!

We didn’t worry about $2 meals. Romanos, an Italian restaurant on the marina, was fantastic and also loved the Reef Hotel bar for its cocktails, and the Marina Tavern for a more casual menu but a great view over the boats.

One Tree Bar was clearly the spot to watch the sunset but it was pretty busy so we headed back down the hill to the Hamilton Island Yacht Club. That’s the sun setting over on the right (photo below). Beautiful.

We chatted with quite a few staff members and they are all clearly loving being a part of the experience. Lots of Aussies but also plenty of people from overseas enjoying hospitality with a place that does it so well.

It’s very much now a destination for couples, friends and families. When we lived there it was probably 90 per cent for the Japanese but I guess the way their yen has gone it’s no longer an option.

Some of it is a little expensive, like our suite, but really if you have the money well worth investing for a bit of extra luxury.

Food and drinks were really just normal prices – especially if you are used to going out around our region. And there are plenty of walks and activities that are free for all to just enjoy.

Having the airport on the island itself was also great, you are in holiday mode the moment you land – whisked off to your lodgings, ready for the adventure to begin.

Will we go again? You bet and we won’t be waiting another 30 years. I reckon a yearly trip is the go – and maybe one day we will find that swing seat waiting. If it’s been repaired. Hmmm.

Words: Donna Kelly  

Kyle and Donna travelled at their own cost with Qantas but stayed at the Reef Suites courtesy of Hamilton Island. They are fabulous! Pictured above clockwise from right: the infamous swing seat from 1994, the Reef Suite view, sunset at the yacht club Images: Donna Kelly & unknown

Words & Images: Eve Lamb

“This would have to be the classic Daylesford walk,” enthuses Paddy H as we head off beneath an ominous sky to sample the Two Lakes 8km loop. 

“You’re probably right,” I reply after we’ve exchanged pleasantries with a beaming couple and their well rugged-up Italian greyhound.

Ahead, our walk will take us from Lake Daylesford to Jubilee Lake, and return, through some lovely remnant native bushland and past some notable physical remnants of Daylesford’s colourful 1800s past.

We’re responsibly equipped with a printed walk description and map that I picked up from the Daylesford Visitor Information Centre much earlier in the year when the days were still warm.

Now, heading out clockwise around Lake Daylesford, from the main car park off Bleakley Street, we reach the spillway, its guidewires festooned with lovelocks, poignant little emblems of personal commitment.

The words “40 years married,” are etched onto the nearest lock on which my camera lens lands.

Sauntering along, discussing diverse things and feeling fairly glad we’ve worn serious coats, we complete the Lake Daylesford circuit and cross Bleakley Street, heading left along the path that takes us past the rear of the Lake House to Wombat Flat Springs.

We then follow the lake edge to reach the boardwalk and continue on to the end of the boardwalk. Here we need to wake up and pay attention as about 30 metres or so past the boardwalk we must take a grassy and indistinctly marked uphill track to our left, and follow it until we reach bitumen Burrall Street.

There we turn left and continue on, the caravan and cabin park on our right, to the intersection with Ballan Road near the entrance to Victoria Park. From here we cross the Ballan Road and walk just a short way to our right to pick up the Jubilee Lake walking track that’s marked with a weather-faded sign.

The walkers who were braving the elements at Lake Daylesford are now nowhere to be seen. It’s instantly just us and the kookaburras.

The track meanders along, continuing straight ahead, through the bush and past private properties until it reaches the bitumen Lake Road.

Here we turn left and walk about 30 metres to spot an ever-useful Great Dividing Track/Goldfields Track sign marking the way ahead, on the other side of the road.

From here the beautifully tree-lined track leads gently uphill until we reach the old railway footbridge at the far northern end of Jubilee Lake.

We cross the old bridge beneath which water rushes after a little recent rain, and we keep walking in an anti-clockwise direction around the glittering lake edge toward the kiosk with its damply upturned colourful canoes dreaming of summer.

Suddenly a brilliant, sparkling burst of gorgeous winter sunlight turns the lake surface to a sheen of dancing diamonds.

Paddy H and I choose a sun-splashed park seat alongside the silvery spectacle on which to have a late lunch and coffee. But no sooner have we unravelled the first sandwich than the delicious sunlight vanishes, to be swiftly replaced by a scud of dark cloud that dispenses first drizzle then decisive showers.

We grab up our camera gear, backpacks and lunches and go helter-skelter for the nearest shelter, counting our lucky stars there’s one to be had.

And here we sit for a good half hour, lunching, reading the walk notes for the section ahead and waiting for the cloudburst to end.

After a while it does and we resume, following the lake’s edge, keeping it to our left for a kilometre or so until we reach the mossy wooden footbridge at the lake’s southern end.

We cross and continue on, anti-clockwise, headed back around the lake toward the old railway bridge. At the entrance to the old bridge we now turn sharp right and climb up a steep short flight of steps to enter the old railway line.

Later, a spot of research enlightens us that: “opening in 1887 and closing in 1953, the Ballarat to Daylesford railway line ran from the North Creswick railway station northeast across Jubilee Lake to connect with the existing Daylesford- Carlsruhe (Bendigo) railway line, launched in 1880.

“The construction of these two railway lines was part of the railway-mania that accompanied and fed the property speculation boom of the 1880s. Every town and hamlet agitated for a railway line. They were regarded as both a symbol of progress and a passport to prosperity”.

Admiring the tall eucalypts, noting evidence of wombat habitation, we walk on until we reach the intersection with a gravel road where an Italian Hill sign is visible.

We turn left and walk downhill for about 50 metres to find a Great Dividing Trail sign. We turn right here and follow the track downhill and across a little gully, following GDT signs and then climbing fairly steeply up to Cornish Hill and its pine tree forest ambience.

From here we basically just follow the path past the old Cornish Hill gold mining relics down and back into town, emerging at the skate park and walking down to Ruthven Street.

We turn right and pick up the well-made path leading back to the lake edge to complete the last scenic little stretch of Lake Daylesford in a clockwise direction, reaching the car park just as the drizzle sets in again on dusk.

Life is looking up as Dean gets set to stage its annual kite festival. 

The little locality between Daylesford and Ballarat loves its colourful annual kite festival that transforms the recreation reserve while raising dollars for good community deeds.

The Dean Kite Festival happens Sunday, September 1, Fathers Day, and it’s a great family day out, says Dean Recreation Reserve Committee president Brian Maher.

“It’s been going for 11 years now and we have Jo Baker of Kites 4 Kids who brings her entourage. Jo and her husband are from Melbourne and they travel around the world doing this,” Brian says.

Jo has the enviable job description of kite educator, kite flier, kite builder and 2005 world kite flying champion.

She started Kites 4 Kids in November 1995 and has since been running kite-making workshops in schools, school holiday programs, after-school activities, community events and internationally in places like Guam (USA), Kuwait, Thailand, Bali, China and India.

“We don’t have a gate fee for the festival, but for $10 kids do their own kite design and then Jo supplies all the materials and they turn the design into a kite that the kids can then get to fly,” Brian says.

“People also bring their own kites with them and we get some very large kites in all types of designs. We had 300 to 400 people last year.”

Brian reckons it’s pretty much the perfect affordable family day out, with an all-day barbecqe, tea, coffee and home-made cakes available for purchase, and raffle prizes to win.

The kite festival is one of two major fundraising community events held on the Dean Recreation Reserve annually with the other being the Dean and District Sheepdog Trials, also known as the Old Sniff Classic.

Set for Sunday, October 13 this year, the Old Sniff Classic has become a firm favourites on the calendar of competitors and spectators alike, attracting many top dogs to the pretty little reserve oval.

As with the kite festival, there’s no gate admission fee for the Old Sniff, but Brian says donations are gratefully accepted and all go to great community causes.

Words: Eve Lamb | Images: Contributed 

Radical Fields, an emerging contemporary arts group based in the Central Highlands has launched its winter fundraiser and is accepting tax deductible donations until July 24. 

Headed by director Ryan F Kennedy along with artists Anthony Sawrey and Gav Barbey, arts manager Madeleine McClelland and marketing/business strategist Dana Ronan, the group’s arts and cultural program looks to connect people and place through the practice of ‘serious play’ in artistic processes.

“We work collaboratively with artists and the community,” says Ryan, “to create works of art that explore rural living in fields of agriculture, science, sport, mind/ body, home, and storytelling.”

The group, recently incorporated as a non-profit community association, emerged in 2023 to energise the local arts ecology and engage with artists and audiences in new and unexpected ways.

It set about initiating a six-month arts program centred around monthly meet- ups at the Glenlyon market and held their inaugural ‘Harvest’ at Lyonbank Farm last March.

Since that time the group has been busy planning their 2024/25 Seasonal Program culminating in its next Harvest event. In the meantime Radical Fields has announced its partnership with the Australian Cultural Fund to conduct its winter fundraiser.

ACF is a Creative Australia funding body that passes 100 per cent of donations to artists and arts organisation projects.

“With more than 50 per cent of our budget going directly to our artists, facilitators, and writers, Radical Fields is proudly committed to regional arts and culture,” says Ryan.

“We are grateful for all contributions, big or small and the help they offer to the sustainability and quality of our regional arts. As a team we look forward to delivering a stellar season and encourage any interested people and businesses to get in touch to find out how we can create together.”

All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Link: www.artists.australianculturalfund. org.au/s/project/a2EMn000009fPN3MAM/radical-fields-seasonal-program

Gryphon Baryton Trio – Laura Vaughan, baryton, Katie Yap, viola and Josephine Vains, cello – will perform Divertimento, music by Joseph Haydn at Daylesford’s Christ Church on Saturday, July 27.

The baryton was a classical instrument with a large and rarely performed repertoire by Joseph Haydn, who composed over 130 works for it.

The majority of this output takes the form of elegant and charming Divertimenti for baryton, viola and cello, the so-called ‘Baryton Trios’ in which the baryton plays a critical role.

These works are full of invention and colour, with the unique combination of low instruments creating unique and beautiful sonority.

Until now, the ‘Baryton Trios’ were not performable in the Antipodes in their original form. However, with the commission of a new baryton in 2023, the Gryphon Baryton Trio is passionate about sharing this extraordinary music with Australian audiences.

Josephine is a versatile and engaging performer, heard regularly in concerts around Australia and overseas as a cellist and chamber musician.

She is a passionate educator, currently training the next generation of musicians at Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at the University of Melbourne.

Melbourne-based viola da gamba specialist Laura is a dynamic and well- recognised member of the early music movement in Australia.

Following studies with Miriam Morris at the University of Melbourne and Wieland Kuijken and Philippe Pierlot at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, she has established an active performing career as a versatile musician, encompassing a wide range of solo and chamber repertoire on viola da gamba, violone, lirone and baryton across Australasia.

Modern and baroque violist Katie plays regularly with Australia’s finest ensembles including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Van Diemen’s Band, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian World Orchestra, Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, and has joined groups like the Academy of Ancient Music overseas.

All concerts in this series commence at 2.30pm. Link: www.trybooking.com/eventlist/christchurchconcerts

Words & image: Contributed 

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to help a young Clunes girl achieve her dream of becoming a jiu jitsu world champion.

And if her accomplishments to date are any indication, young Leiarnna Ferguson has a very real chance of doing just that.

The 11-year-old has been practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since she was six, last year becoming a national and state level champion after discovering a personal passion for the martial art early on. Last year as a grey belt she ranked number one nationally in the Australian Federation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

In her division she claimed the national championship and five individual state titles. This May Leiarnna claimed the first of the 2024 state titles, becoming Victorian State Champion in her newly promoted division of yellow belt.

Leiarnna’s goal now is to win a world championship at the biggest junior tournament in the world, the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation Pan Kids Championships to be held in Florida, USA over July 26-27.

“The world championship is the most prestigious competition in the world,” says Leiarnna who is also a grade six school house captain at Creswick Primary School. “I’d really like to win it. I’ve trained really hard. It’s a really big deal. Not many kids get the chance.

“It’s one of those sports where, when you step on the mat you know straight away whether you want to do it. It gives me a challenge and I enjoy it. I also like the friendships that you make along the way.”

Up until the end of last year Leiarnna had trained in Ballarat. But in December she was assessed by the most accomplished junior coach in Australia, with the recommendation then made to move her training base to G-Force Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Fawkner, Melbourne where she is now part of the Australian Elite Team.

With a shot at a world championship now firmly in her sights this move was necessary, however it has not been without its challenges.

Since January, Leiarnna has trained up to three hours a day, six days a week, meaning a lot of extra ‘Dad’s taxi’ driving for Leiarnna’s father, Jay Ferguson.

“The logistics and financial burden have been a nightmare to say the least, but her gains have been absolutely amazing,” says Jay, a single parent who also has two other primary school-aged children to care for.

“Leiarnna is the eldest of my children. I am a single father trying to do the best I can for my kids,” Jay says, as he discusses the decision to set up a GoFundMe fundraiser in an effort to help meet the travel, training and accommodation costs associated with making the championships in Florida.

“I own a lawn mowing and gardening business which I operate during school hours but business is pretty slow at the moment with the grass not growing.

“It’s been tough training at Fawkner, my work hours have been reduced as I need to pick up the kids early from school in order to be on time for training. The three additional hours of daily travel have had a significant financial impact.

“We’ve used all the money to chase her dreams and that’s why we’ve set up a GoFundMe to try and get that support because she really deserves a shot at the world title.”

Link: www.gofundme.com/f/leiarnnas-championship-fundraiser

Words & image above: Eve Lamb  

As part of the Maldon in Winter program MANet Gallery invited 33 local  artists to participate in a group show, together with the eight regular MANet  artists.  

The exhibition was opened by Jeff Makin, pictured, and runs till Sunday, July 28.  A major supporter of the MANet Gallery, Jeff Makin, a grand old man of Australian  painting, opened the exhibition.  

Formerly a plein air painter, Jeff said “as old age creeps up” he now prefers to  sketch from his car, then return to his studio to paint.

He added that the reason there  are so many artists around this area was that the landscape is so beautiful.  Regular places for him are the Dog Rocks and the Silk Worm Factory, which is a  whole other story.

He said there was “an artist behind every rock” there.  Jeff has held over 70 solo exhibitions nationally and internationally and has  been recognised as one of Australia’s leading landscape painters with the monograph  Australia Felix: Landscapes by Jeffrey Makin, published in 2002.

In 2007 a boutique hotel in Melbourne was named in his honour. Alongside his  artistic career, Makin has held numerous senior academic appointments and was the  senior art critic for the Herald Sun for over 10 years.

The artists represented include: William Beasley, Damian Callanan, Carol  DeGraauw, Linda Dunstan, Mark Fuller, Graeme Galloway, Julie Goodwin, Geoff  Hocking, Karen Holland, Marcus Hotblack, Irena Kaczmarek, Sean Kenan, Cheryl  Kennedy, Helen Lehmann, Malini Lewis, Fionna Madigan, Jeff Makin, Gabrielle  Martin, Jennifer Merkus, Eva Miller, Janet Neilson, Penny Peckham, Michael Rigg,  Eleni Rivers, Ellen Hansa-Stanyer, Jennifer Stewart, Liz Sullivan, Catherine Tait,  Liadaan, Carolyn Vickers, Mark Wardle, Smiley Williams and Selina Wilson.

Liz Sullivan will also be a familiar name (a former student of Jeff’s), having just  recently exhibited at the Cascade Art Gallery and painted Germaine Greer for the  Archibald Portrait Prize, where she was one of the finalists.

The Small ARTWorks exhibition is at the MANet Gallery, 27 Main Street,  Maldon.  Details: maldonmanet gmail.com

Words: Contributed | Image: Nancy Whittaker  

Trentham is preparing to ramp up the seasonal atmosphere and sparkle as  the town hosts its inaugural Winterfest event.  

Set for Friday, August 2, the debut trader-led evening event aims to light up  the little town, converting it into a winter wonderland featuring artist-curated light  installations and plenty of LED and neon razzle dazzle.  

One of the innovative forces behind the new event, Will Walton of Belle Property,  is especially looking forward to seeing the Trentham Belle office on the corner of  Market and High streets transformed with a neon light installation for the occasion.

 “It’s a trader-led winter trading experience for locals and visitors,” Will says.  

A fair chunk of the town, including Market and High streets, will be activated  with late trading offered by many of the town’s businesses, including plenty of special  dining opportunities.

The Bendigo Bank will be teaming up with the Trentham Lions  Club to host an evening sausage sizzle in the town square.  Of special note, the town’s Little Gallery will be launching its much anticipated  Winter Fundraising Group Exhibition on the evening as well.  

The gallery’s long-standing winter show will feature works by 16 talented artists  of Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges, with nibbles and drinks provided and over  $10,000 worth of raffle prizes to be won.  

The gallery launch gets going from 5.30pm on the evening and the show will then  run for three weeks, raising dollars for good community causes.

“I love the whole theme of the Winterfest. It’s beautiful,” said artist Rose Wilson  of the Little Gallery.

Rose says the gallery will be all lit up with a pink light theme and plenty of  additional glimmer and glam – including human butterflies – planned for the  occasion.  

Further enhancing the vibe, the first 100 children to show up at the Belle office  between 4pm and 7pm on the evening can expect to receive a free glow stick.  

Will says the event is hoped to become an annual fixture with local traders  encouraged to stage something a bit special to help warm winter, following the  success of the town’s annual twilight trading Christmas event at the other end of the  year.  

Supported by Daylesford Macedon Tourism, the festival runs from 4pm to 8pm.    

Victoria Police has issued an urgent road safety warning to all motorists following a horror period on Victorian roads over recent days.

Eight lives had been lost since Monday 8 July, bringing the total lives lost (as at the time of the warning issued) to at least 154, surpassing last year’s total of 152 at the same time last year.

One of the fatal collisions occurred just before midday last Thursday in Nathalia in the state’s north, with two lives lost in a two-vehicle collision.

Four lives were lost in separate, single-vehicle collisions the previous day in Bannockburn, Truganina, Allan’s Flat and Delahey.

Earlier, two drivers were both killed in a head on collision in Moriac last Monday evening.

The eight deaths this week means there were 14 lives lost in the first 11 days of July.

It marks the worst start to July since 2008, when 14 lives were lost in the first 11 days of that month.

While factors in these recent collisions are still under investigation, police are urging everyone to take extra care on the roads.

Motorists should consider slowing down and maintaining a safe braking distance, especially during periods of wet weather when roads are often slippery.

Poor visibility due to reduced daylight hours during winter can make it more difficult to see and be seen, so pay extra attention to your surroundings and avoid distractions, like mobile phones, while driving.

Avoid driving fatigued by taking regular breaks when travelling longer distances, and never get behind the wheel if you’re impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Police are determined to drive down the rising road trauma and will prioritise road policing enforcement across the state throughout the month.

For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.

Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir: “It’s been a horrific period on our roads – eight lives lost in four days is incredibly concerning to us.

“We’re issuing an urgent plea to all motorists to please, take extra care on the roads. Now is not the time to be complacent – this should absolutely be cause for concern for everyone.

“We need everyone to stop and think – not only about their own safety, but how their decisions and behaviours behind the wheel can impact the safety of all others.

“Far too often we’re seeing simple mistakes, like being slightly over the speed limit, or a split second of inattention, resulting in these catastrophic outcomes.

“We’re committed to doing everything we can to drive down the rising trauma on our roads, but we can’t do this alone. Everyone has a responsibility on the roads.”

Tireless volunteer Kate Redwood will step away when her current term ends with the Central Highlands Rural Health Board of Management to focus on new projects closer to home.

“It has been a privilege and a joy to lead the fundraising efforts for Central Highlands Rural Health, over the past eight years,” she said.

“Central Highlands Rural Health provides wonderful health services to folk from Daylesford, Kyneton, Creswick, Clunes and Trentham regions – respecting local traditions and community wishes.

“Our fundraising efforts have seen funds raised locally used in the townships where the funds were raised. Community support has been wonderful and continues to bring happiness to many people.

“There are so many people both within the staff of Central Highlands Rural Health and in the community who I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart.”

Since 2016, Kate has served as a board member for Hepburn Health Service which became part of Central Highlands Rural Health in 2019.

Her contribution to the health service is remarkable, serving as deputy chair of the board, fundraising chair and a member of the Audit and Risk committee.

CHRH CEO Maree Cuddihy said the health service was “incredibly grateful to Kate for her energy, passion and determination to maintain and improve healthcare for rural Victorians”.

“She has an incredible network due to expansive involvement in community projects. Her focus on local solutions and her contributions across all of our campuses has been exceptional.

“She has been an inspirational mentor to our fundraising manager and has a lasting impact on all who have had the pleasure of working with her. We wish Kate all the best.”

Board chair Phillip Thomason said Kate had been an exceptional contributor to the board.

“Kate’s engagement with the Hepburn Shire community has been long and deep and across many facets of community life. This unique background and experience has seen Kate’s contributions delivered through the unwavering lens of the local community. “

Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad have charged a man following a non-fatal shooting in Sebastopol last month.

With assistance from the Special Operations Group, a 25-year-old Sunshine North man was arrested in Ballarat last Wednesday afternoon.

The man has since been interviewed by investigators and charged with numerous offences including home invasion, intentionally cause serious injury, recklessly cause serious injury and unlicenced driving.

A search warrant was subsequently executed at a residential address in Sunshine, where police seized a number of mobile phones and a taser.

The charges follow an incident where emergency services were called to an Edwards Street address following reports of gunshots around 1.30am on Monday, 24 June.

On police arrival, a 25-year-old man was located at the premises with a gunshot wound to the upper body.

He was conveyed to hospital to be treated for serious but not life-threatening injuries.

At this stage, police believed the incident was targeted.

Anyone with information on illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at the Crime Stoppers website.

The experience of community members being talked over at an ageing conference was the spark that inspired the theme of a new short film shot in Clunes.

That film, Giving Voice to Ageing Well in a Small Community, has now gone on to become one of three made to help tell the story of a groundbreaking collaboration between Central Highlands Rural Health, Clunes Neighbourhood House and members of Attitude.

The contemporary Clunes-based alternative to the senior citizens of yesteryear, Attitude is a community-led initiative providing ongoing social, cultural, creative and physical activities for retirees and folk aged 55 plus, with all ages welcome.

The 12-month collaboration between Attitude, CHRH and Clunes Neighbourhood House has trialled a new approach to improving older folk’s physical and psychological well-being.

Findings were the focus of a special event held before a packed house in Clunes last Thursday, July 11, at Attitude in the town’s Fraser Street.

“When Attitude members got up to speak at an ageing expo at the very start of this project they were ignored and talked over by people working in the ageing industry,” said award-winning documentary filmmaker Dr Catherine Gough-Brady.

“So, I said let’s channel your anger about your experience of ageism into a short film where you get to express your thoughts,” Dr Gough-Brady said, describing how the new short film came into being.

Dr Gough-Brady, who has produced several ABC radio and TV documentaries, including The Communicator (2022), was approached by the Attitude members to film the story of the hub’s evolution in Clunes as a resource that shares real knowledge and practical insights for other communities.

“The script for the film is made up of lines from interviews with people from Attitude,” she said.

“Elders from Clunes chose a line they would like to deliver to the camera. Even though everyone is performing their lines, they are authentic experiences that are deeply felt. And it shows.”

Composer of the original music for the film, Elizabeth Drake, said the small film of just two minutes has some big things to say. Ms Drake’s other film credits include musical scores for Road to Nhill and Japanese Story.

“I was collaborating on this project that was challenging the stereotypes of ageing, but I was doing it from my studio in Melbourne, and I just wanted to get in and meet everyone,” she said.

“It led to me thinking about the tropes in society that accumulate around a certain identity or position. I also explored the word Attitude, which is the name the community has given to the loose collective in which they work to run their activities and the building in which they meet.

“The word is linked to ‘truculent’ and ‘uncooperative,’ so I wove those feelings into the music. Seeing how the film has come together, it is representative of real experience, giving a voice to real people.

The accumulation of voices adds up to a powerful message.”The Giving Voice short film screened during last Thursday’s gathering of industry and community members, during which the three key partners in the collaboration discussed the findings of the year-long project.

“Forty-five percent of people in our region are over 55,” says CHRH deputy CEO Phil Catterson.

“And only 17 per cent of people will go online to My Aged Care to help access services.”

The project has highlighted the huge importance of maintaining ongoing relationships between different community groups, agencies and service providers, Clunes Neighbourhood House manager Lana de Kort said.

Tess Brady of the Attitude, Ageing Well in Clunes working party highlighted the importance that the project revealed also of “doing things with people rather than for people”.

“People want to feel welcome and supported, safe, valued and accepted,” Mr Catterson said. “A sense of purpose and belonging is so important.”

The event also featured a guest presentation from Dr Mike Rungie from the EveryAGE Counts coalition steering group whose discussion touched on the way leaving a working life behind can present major life challenges.

Adelaide-based Dr Rungie highlighted the importance for every individual of maintaining a valuable role, or several, in the community throughout life’s journey.

He suggested sampling multiple different community-based activities, and particularly volunteering as a valuable means to achieve this for those who have moved on from the conventional paid workforce.

Words: Eve Lamb

Bullarto-based Oberon Suffolk Sheep Stud collected numerous category wins at last month’s Victorian Sheep Show.

Wins included Supreme Champion Suffolk, Champion and Reserve Champion Suffolk Ewes, 1st and 2nd in the Shorn Ewe Under One and a Half Years, while also winning the Interbreed ASSBA Ewe Champion.

The black-faced, floppy-eared Suffolk sheep breed are instantly recognisable from episodes of the kids’ claymation series Shaun the Sheep.

But for stud principals Bruce Rolfe and Douglas Scott, Suffolks are their livelihood in which they have invested many years of hard work.

And to have their efforts pay off so well in the judging ring was a significant achievement. Bruce and Doug fronted nine entries for the event and the star of the show was Oberon 3039, a delightfully shapely and feminine maiden ewe known in the barnyard as Gloria.

“I’m very proud of her and she’s my little star,” says Bruce.

Bruce and Doug have been operating Oberon Suffolk Stud for over 20 years and their animals are an important asset.

The stud’s bloodlines have been carefully cultivated and they are cared for and monitored to bring out their best qualities.

Today these prize livestock are sold to buyers across Australia and overseas, and appearances at judging competitions are a vital part of the promotion of their stud, as it is for many other breeding operations around the country.

For anyone visiting the area, a glimpse of their sheep may look like little more than barnyard props to complement a Sunday drive. But the work that goes into growing and presenting a champion ewe at industry competitions is extraordinary.

“I began showing Suffolks in 2014 and started off with a small team of two rams and two ewes because it is expensive and you have to start preparing them early. Also while a full team is 12 you need to feed up at least 24 to give you replacements if necessary,” Bruce said.

“They change as they grow and a lamb that looked fantastic four months previously may be dropped from the team by show time.”

Bullarto stud win at Bullarto stud win at Victorian Sheep ShowVictorian Sheep Show Bruce begins his show preparations in February, introducing a special diet full of protein and carbohydrates to his animals.

Suffolks are classed as a meat sheep and a good show animal has lots of muscle and he has to feed them every day to give them a chance to grow and to be up with the size of the other livestock in the show. Then two weeks before the event they are shorn closely and evenly.

“The day before judging they are scanned with ultrasound and weighed. This information is then available to the judge during their appraisal. We then clean them up and make sure they look good. You also have to train them to lead in the halter and to present well. You have to give them little treats all the time and every time they do the right thing.”

As it turned out on the big day, judge Ellie McDonald was very impressed with the ewe’s neatness and excellent structure. She remarked that Gloria was born for the show ring and stood well.

“I loved how she showed her deference to the judge,” says Bruce. “Look at me! Look at me!”

Despite all the work that goes into producing and showing champion Suffolks, Bruce and Doug are keen to continue showing their animals. The next big outing is the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo, July 19-21.

It’s a huge event where the country’s growers and food, fashion and fibre lovers gather to celebrate the mighty Australian sheep, including of course, the dainty maiden ewe Gloria from Oberon Stud, Bullarto.

Words: Tony Sawrey | Image: Supplied | Inset: Tony Sawrey