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Featured

Walks of the Central Highlands

13-10-2024

While researching possible walks in the Macedon Ranges, it’s the name that catches my eye; the Sanatorium Lake Walking Trail.

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Kyle’s Rant

13-10-2024

Hepburn Shire Council will have to pull its finger out if it wants to keep visitors to the area. By the end of next year there will be 40 brands of electric vehicles sold in Australia and when they come to our little spot of paradise the EVs will all be vying  for the total of six charge ports we have across our shire.  

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Castlemaine and district to host festival of gardens

12-10-2024

Garden lovers will have a superb opportunity to explore multiple stunning private gardens during the Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens this November.

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springs medical
Family pilgrimage

12-10-2024

In every community around the country there are a multitude of stories to be told. So many of those tales are ones of diaspora, of individuals and families from all backgrounds fleeing poverty, war and social upheaval and creating a new life.

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Something old, something new: the tale of a wedding dress

11-10-2024

The story of a lavish 1880s wedding dress and its painstaking restoration is about to be shared as the historic Trewhella gown goes on display later this month at Daylesford & District Museum.

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Whopper result for Little Gallery’s winter fundraising show

11-10-2024

The Little Gallery in Trentham has raised a whopping $10,450 at its annual Winter Show fundraising exhibition.

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Biggins scott
Top dogs headed to the Old Sniff Classic

11-10-2024

Top sheepdogs and their trainers are headed to Dean this Sunday, October  13, for the eleventh running of the Old Sniff Classic Sheepdog Trials.

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Swagload of success: artshow benefits homeless

11-10-2024

A huge success is how artists have summed up last month’s From Behind  Closed Doors fundraising art exhibition.

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Show wins for Oberon Suffolk Stud’s Gloria

10-10-2024

The first day of the 2024 Royal Melbourne Show was a great day for Musk's Oberon Suffolk Stud.

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Hepburn shire council
Region’s canola growers hoping for rain

10-10-2024

Just the right amount of rainfall is the vital ingredient for which the region’s canola growers are hoping.    

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Walk out for final Hepburn Shire meeting

10-10-2024

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

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Daylesford cinema rises from the ashes

10-10-2024

A cinema is back on the cards for The Rex building in Daylesford - to be  aptly named Phoenix@The Rex.  

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Lyonville Bake Off is back

09-10-2024

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

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New round of regional events funding up for grabs

07-10-2024

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

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Emergency Expo to take place in Daylesford

07-10-2024

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

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Positive ageing expo at Forest Resort, Creswick

06-10-2024

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

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Kyle’s Rant…

30-09-2024

The cat is now out of the bag. TL HQ (AKA The Old Glenlyon Primary School) is on the market with rumours and speculation whirring about the future of The Local. (It's all good...)

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Just sayin’…

30-09-2024

Hmmm. So Dan Murphy's is appealing a Victorian Liquor Commission decision and still trying to open a store in Daylesford.

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The Vessel & Until Then

30-09-2024

"Didn’t you do this already?" has been a comment from some curious locals, regarding the second season of The Vessel and Until Then, says writer Dawn Bamforth.

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Redesdale to host three open gardens

29-09-2024

Redesdale plays host to three private country garden openings for Open Gardens Victoria on the weekend of October 19-20.

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Gig guide

29-09-2024

The Watershed Springband has been added to the bill of the Ballarat leg of the iconic Out On The Weekend, an Americana, all things alt country and roots celebration, festival.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

29-09-2024

Clunes-based Prue Simmons is a zoologist turned SAORI weaver who revels in colour and in this meditative form of creativity. Having discovered this beautiful form of Japanese weaving whilst exploring the mountains of Japan in 2007, Prue was instantly hooked...

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Revealed, stepmother shock: it wasn’t her fault

28-09-2024

The timeworn tale of the wicked stepmother is given an about-turn in a sold-out Melbourne show which had its final rehearsal in Daylesford before its world premiere.     

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Superstars heading to Lyonville’s Radio Springs

28-09-2024

Australia's music and comedy superstars have dazzled and enthralled huge audiences around the world...but now they are headed to a retro performance space in Lyonville's Radio Springs Hotel to play a unique live show.   

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Cars and … coffee

27-09-2024

With its cute retro body, classic details and gleaming indigo duco, Paul  Dwyer’s very collectible 1956 FJ Holden ute turns heads and start conversations wherever it rolls up.

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Creswick prepares for big community garage sale

27-09-2024

Creswick residents have already started delving into the depths of their garages and assembling all manner of goodies and curios ahead of the town’s popular community garage sales set for next month.

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Endeavour group to appeal Dan Murphy’s Daylesford decision

27-09-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has expressed its disappointment by the Endeavour Group (Dan Murphy’s) decision to appeal the Victorian Liquor Commission ruling to refuse a licence to operate in Daylesford.

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Showcasing Pearl’s Petals at The Convent

27-09-2024

Surrounded by family photos, keepsakes and memories of her late husband Donny, Daylesford's Sandy Breen creates magic on canvas sitting on a stool in her kitchen.

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Council candidates put their hands up

26-09-2024

With the close of nominations and ballot draws for this year’s local council elections, 2231 candidates nominated for 646 council vacancies in 466 separate electorates.    

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In Daylesford, it’s training cats and dogs…

26-09-2024

A scruffy terrier from Daylesford called Squid is about to hit the big screen as a star that rescues a drought-hit farm. 

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Stand by: Here come The Blockheads

26-09-2024

Daylesford is headed for massive exposure via TV show The Block.  

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Prosecutors review decision to drop pub crash charges

25-09-2024

Victorian prosecutors will “carefully review” a magistrate’s decision to dismiss all charges against William Swale, the diabetic driver accused of causing the fatal Daylesford crash that killed five people last November.

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Liberal candidate Wes McKnight pulls out of race for federal seat of Ballarat

25-09-2024

The Liberal Party has been left to find a new candidate to stand against incumbent, Labor's Catherine King, at the next federal election after its candidate pulled out of contention on the weekend.

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Railway arts hub hosts nature photography exhibition

23-09-2024

Newstead's Railway Arts Hub is hosting an exhibition of nature photography.

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12 standing for Hepburn’s seven councillor vacancies

23-09-2024

A total 12 candidates have nominated in Hepburn Shire for next month's local government council elections.

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Future taking shape for Daylesford Town Hall

22-09-2024

The Daylesford Community Facilities project team has been given the green light to develop designs to locate the library and community multipurpose facilities at the Daylesford Town Hall site, ahead of proposed community engagement.

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Celebration, namings ahead for Creswick trails

19-09-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has announced that it expects Djuwang Baring (Creswick Trails) to be completed by the end of this year.

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All charges dropped: charges against accused Daylesford crash driver dropped

19-09-2024

A magistrate has discharged the charges against the 66-year-old accused of culpable driving following the tragic deaths of five people in Daylesford last November.

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Lachlan Young to face trial, pleads not guilty to murder of Clunes woman

19-09-2024

Ballarat man Lachlan Young is to face a Supreme Court trial for the alleged murder of Clunes woman Hannah McGuire, after pleading not guilty and electing to have his case fast-tracked.

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Kyle’s Rant

16-09-2024

I am definitely a dog guy. I have had cats in my life but just can’t warm to the claws sticking into me, and they think they are being funny by swiping at your ankles as you walk past.

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Just sayin’…

16-09-2024

So the Local Government Inspectorate will not release any report into its five-year investigation of Hepburn Shire Council and The Rex Theatre development.

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Daylesford college staging music showcase

15-09-2024

Daylesford college's talented young musos are counting down to this Wednesday evening's music showcase event.

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Youth acoustic music

15-09-2024

The inaugural Youth Acoustic Music Revolution event will be held at Trentham Mechanics from October 25 to 27.

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Walks of the Central Highlands

15-09-2024

We’ve walked to the famed lollipop tree on the summit of Mount Beckworth near Clunes many a time, but never before from the western flank of the little mount, via its old Feldspar Mine.

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Pets @ work

14-09-2024

Personality-packed Pixel is the second Hungarian Vizsla to become resident office pooch at Belle Property - Daylesford and Trentham.

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First community vet clinic in Castlemaine

14-09-2024

The Regional Community Vet Clinic has secured a permanent home for its clinic.  

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From Behind Closed Doors a treat for art lovers

14-09-2024

Coming up this month, Daylesford Regional Arts Co-operative’s From Behind Closed Doors fundraising art exhibition promises to be a treat for anyone who loves original art.

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Important steps for council candidates

13-09-2024

Candidates ready to stand in the upcoming Hepburn Shire Council election are being urged to use the Victorian Electoral Commission’s newly refreshed  Candidate Helper to get their applications ready for submission as nominations opened this Monday, September 9.

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Daylesford’s Arlo has a passion for puzzles

13-09-2024

While most are content to pit their wits against the latest Wordle or tackle the crossword in their local newspaper, not so Daylesford’s Arlo Schwarz Deakin.  

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Magic musical performance  

13-09-2024

Prepare to be swept away by the magic of the viola da gamba  at Christ Church, Daylesford, on Saturday, September 21 from  2.30pm.

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Big Rainbow in desperate need of a pot of…paint

13-09-2024

Daylesford's Big Rainbow will be returned to its original glory after it is painted in December.  

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Township structure plans adopted

12-09-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has unanimously adopted Township Structure Plans for Clunes, Creswick, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, Glenlyon, and Trentham, and also a Rural Hepburn Strategy at a Special Council Meeting held last week.  

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Town hall feasibility report goes before final council meeting

12-09-2024

A report examining the feasibility of housing Daylesford's public library and community multipurpose facilities in the town's historic Town Hall will go before councillors at this month's Hepburn Shire Council meeting.

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Council to call for 10 percent rate cap variation

12-09-2024

As it grapples to gain financial sustainability, the Hepburn Shire Council has decided to apply to the Essential Services Commission for a 10 percent rate cap variation, including the applicable rate cap for the 2025/26 financial year.

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Bob Conroy inducted into Hall of Fame

12-09-2024

The late Bob Conroy has been inducted into the  Victorian Harness Racing Hall of Fame.

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Nothing to see here, no report from LGI

12-09-2024

The Local Government Inspectorate will not take any further action into the  investigation of Hepburn Shire Council and The Rex Theatre development -  and its report will never be released.

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Up, close & personal

11-09-2024

The Local journalist Tony Sawrey is one of the  artists taking part in the SWELL Sculpture  Festival being held at Currumbin Beach,  Queensland, until September 15.

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Police call for witnesses to Ballarat fatal collision

11-09-2024

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision that happened in Ballarat’s north over the weekend.

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Daylesford gets silver in nation’s top small tourism town awards

10-09-2024

Daylesford has scooped silver in the nation's Small Tourism Town Awards announced today.

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EV drivers linger longer at Hepburn

10-09-2024

The Hepburn Springs EV charger is so far proving to be the most popular charger in the Hepburn shire, at least for the last financial year.

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Great Koala Count: Aussies urged to track sightings of iconic marsupials

09-09-2024

CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, is calling on Australians to record koala sightings in the Koala Spotter app, to help build the most accurate national population count to date.  

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No Rex report, Inspectorate announces

08-09-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has been notified that the Local Government Inspectorate will not be releasing a report on the Hepburn Hub at The Rex project. 

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Avoid hypothermia, exposure losses following shearing

04-09-2024

The impact of cold weather, particularly when combined with wet and windy conditions, can have severe impacts on sheep.

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Lyster Opera bringing ‘Martha’ to Creswick Town Hall

04-09-2024

Local opera lovers are already anticipating the upcoming production of Flotow's masterpiece Martha which is being staged by Lyster Opera in the Creswick Town Hall in November.

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Just sayin’…

02-09-2024

I managed to break my wrist, in two spots, during a recent weekend celebrating Kyle's dad's 80th over  in New Zealand.  

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The Rex – No Report

02-09-2024

The Local Government Inspectorate has issued a media release about the Hepburn Shire Council and The Rex Theatre Development.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

02-09-2024

Taradale potter Ian (Ox) McColl unearthed a passion for pottery while still in his teens. It was a discovery that has shaped his life’s path ever since.

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Kyle’s Rant    

02-09-2024

What sort of skullduggery is this? When a poor struggling billionaire who beat accusations he had built his tech fortune on a fraudulent deal gets towelled over by a waterspout?

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Town Folk Festival  

01-09-2024

Town Folk Festival, a single-day contemporary folk music festival has announced its expansion this year, bringing an enormous line-up of local and international talent to  Djaara/Castlemaine on Saturday, November 16.  

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New skin cancer clinic opens in Woodend

30-08-2024

A state-of-the-art skin cancer clinic has opened in Woodend, offering appointments to patients without the need for a referral from a GP.

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Daylesford’s merry men of The Shed

30-08-2024

There’s little doubt that the blokes at the Daylesford Men’s Shed could whip up a nifty set of gates, a neat kitchen table or some handy signage.   

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Play Music on The Porch Day… at Kingston

29-08-2024

Multiple musicians and community musical groups will be performing at the Commercial Hotel in Kingston as part of this Saturday’s global Play Music on The Porch Day.

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Creative practice outside metropolitan life

29-08-2024

Hepburn Shire Council has just recently endorsed its  first Arts and Culture Strategy with the aim to provide  a strategic framework for artists, art organisations,  businesses and visitors to ferment a healthy arts culture.  

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A tree to honour Clarence at Kingston Ave

29-08-2024

Just in time to catch the first stirrings of spring, a very special tree planting  took place in the famed Avenue of Honour at Kingston on Saturday, August  10.

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Clunes girl takes silver in world jiu-jitsu champs, gold in Nationals

28-08-2024

A young Clunes girl has won silver in a major international jiu-jitsu championship event held in Florida, USA... and then chased it up by taking gold in the Australian Nationals.

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New operating theatre opens in Daylesford

28-08-2024

Daylesford hospital’s new operating theater has officially opened and has already started being used to provide locals with much-needed procedures, with the hospital also putting on new staff.

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Coliban Springs private garden to open

26-08-2024

The beautiful Coliban Springs private garden at Redesdale will open to the public over two days in October as part of the Open Gardens Victoria scheme.

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Talk, tour and tea at Clunes Presbytery house and garden

26-08-2024

Local garden lovers are girding themselves for a special Open Gardens Victoria event coming up next month on Saturday, September 28, at the historic Clunes Presbytery and Garden.

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Men’s shed grants up for grabs

19-08-2024

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. 

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Kyle’s Rant

19-08-2024

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.

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Trentham hosts multiagency chemical hazard training exercise

18-08-2024

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.

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Walks of the Central Highlands

18-08-2024

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.

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Time to nominate local women who make the world a better place

17-08-2024

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.

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Celebrating Daylesford’s Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens

17-08-2024

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.

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Busiest quarter on record for paramedics

17-08-2024

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.

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Little care for carers

16-08-2024

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

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New senior coach for Clunes

16-08-2024

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

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Sports Day donations: the wash-up

16-08-2024

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.

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Mount Players bring Family Values to the stage

16-08-2024

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

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The Castle actor digs another link to Bullarto

15-08-2024

Forever famed for his role as Dale Kerrigan in 1997 Aussie Move classic The Castle, actor Stephen Curry has quite a special connection to Bullarto it seems.

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Dan Murphy’s Daylesford licence refused in ‘landmark’ decision

14-08-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has today welcomed a Victorian Liquor Commission decision to refuse Dan Murphy’s a licence to operate in Daylesford.

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Police seek witnesses to fatal Drummond crash

14-08-2024

Police are appealing for witnesses to a car crash that claimed the life of a man at Drummond, about 20 kilometres north east of Daylesford yesterday.

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Fancy drumming: new classes coming to Daylesford

14-08-2024

Feeling rhythmic? Then a new series of drumming classes soon to start at Daylesford may just be for you.

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Night of live music and … poetry

14-08-2024

The Creswick Theatre Company is looking forward to hosting a night of live music and poetry on Saturday August 17.

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Catch Creswick Brass Band in cabaret

13-08-2024

Creswick Brass Band members are busy rehearsing for their upcoming cabaret night set for Saturday August 31 from 6:30pm at the Creswick Senior Citizens Centre.

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Commendation for thwarting assault on police

12-08-2024

Creswick’s Oscar Broad, and Lachlan McKenzie were just 16 when they noticed a police officer being assaulted and seriously injured in a park in Creswick several years ago, and rushed over to help.

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Regional Victorians pour record billions into the pokies

12-08-2024

In the Hepburn Shire LGA alone a total $13,883,548 was poured into the pokies for the 23-24 financial year, Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission figures show.

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Women’s golf program starting soon at Trentham

11-08-2024

The Trentham Golf Club has announced it will be running a new Women’s Golf Program starting next month.

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Partial opening of Creswick mountain bike trails

07-08-2024

In a move that's pleased plenty of keen mountain bikers, the Hepburn Shire Council has opened 32 kilometres of Creswick's new mountain bike trails network (Djuwang Baring) - five months ahead of schedule.

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Elevated Plains glamping proposal appears no-goer

06-08-2024

Plans for a glamping development at Elevated Plains now looks to have been indefinitely shelved.

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Celebrating NAIDOC with art and song

04-08-2024

It was impressive to hear multiple school children reeling off the names of famous Indigenous Australians through history as they gathered for a special event in the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre hall.

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Just sayin’…

03-08-2024

I received a media release last week from Central Highlands Rural Health  saying that they are partnering with the council to provide free access to  puberty education resources.  

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Sheep, ceramics & bespoke items abound

03-08-2024

The Australian Sheep and Wool Show took place in Bendigo over the  weekend of July 20. It is the largest event of its type in the world showcasing  the mighty Australian sheep.  

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Kyle’s Rant…

03-08-2024

We are heading off to New Zealand in a few weeks, for my dad's birthday.  The old bugger is turning 80 so we can't really say no.

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Win at Australian Sheep & Wool Show

02-08-2024

Glenlyon mum Claire Clifton could not be prouder of her son Jonathan Smith who took out first place in the Northern Shears Senior Competition at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo last weekend.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

02-08-2024

Woodend photographic artist Deborah Mullins draws plenty of inspiration from the landscape, including frequent trips to the Outback and also from her own 1.6-hectare garden on the stunning 16-hectare Hesket Farm property where she and her husband Tom reside. Deborah’s work has been displayed in many galleries in Melbourne and the Central Victorian region. Some of her latest work will be part of Little Gallery’s winter fundraising show launching in Trentham this-evening Friday, August 2.

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Pets@Work – Dianne, Pepper & Rishi

01-08-2024

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.

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Don is good, but out, and the show goes on

01-08-2024

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

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Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever…

01-08-2024

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.

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Celebrate midwinter with Trentham

01-08-2024

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

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Daylesford named tops for tourism

31-07-2024

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

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Super cute additions at local wildlife park

31-07-2024

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

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Daylesford search renewed for missing man, Esteban

29-07-2024

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

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Daylesford Top Tourism Town

26-07-2024

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

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Food and organics bins proving handy for Hepburn households

25-07-2024

Hepburn shire residents have helped divert an impressive 275 tonnes of composable material from landfill in the first three months since the shire's new food and garden organics household bins started being collected.

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Garage girls coming to Kyneton

23-07-2024

Alice Anderson and her All Girl Garage are coming to town.

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Just sayin’…

22-07-2024

I have two quite interesting stories this edition. Well, maybe more, but we'll see where these end up. First one came to mind after reading Eve's latest Bushwalks of the Central Highlands.

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Kyle’s Rant…

22-07-2024

If you need cheering up don’t read this column - it contains the misery- infused thoughts of a middle-aged bloke who has just realised he has no control over his world.

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90 years of healthcare in Trentham

21-07-2024

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

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All welcome for creek-side plantings at Clunes

21-07-2024

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. 

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Return to Hamilton Island – after 30 years

21-07-2024

After 30 years Kyle Barnes and Donna Kelly returned to Hamilton Island, the place where they met while working on this tropical paradise.

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Bushwalks of the Central Highlands

21-07-2024

“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. 

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Contemporary arts group looks for funding

20-07-2024

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. 

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Dean to stage fund-raising kite fest

20-07-2024

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

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Trio to fill Christ Church with heavenly music

20-07-2024

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.

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GoFundMe for world champion title tilt

20-07-2024

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

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Maldon turns arty to beat winter blues

19-07-2024

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.

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Trentham Winterfest to make a sparkling debut

19-07-2024

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

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Kate Redwood celebrated for community passion

19-07-2024

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.

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Ageing conference inspires new short film

18-07-2024

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.

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The Block finally coming to Daylesford

18-07-2024

The Block is heading to Daylesford next year. Executive producer Julian Cress confirmed the Raglan Street site in a statement reported on by 9Entertainment last week.

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Bullarto stud win at Victorian Sheep Show

18-07-2024

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

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Lauretta Hanson on the road to Paris

17-07-2024

Fern Hill's Lauretta Hanson is heading to Paris for the 2024 Olympics. The road cyclist will compete in the women’s road cycling event on August 4, alongside teammates Grace Brown and Ruby Roseman-Gannon. 

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Looking good for the festival

15-07-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has secured extra funding of $10,000 through the Victoria State Government’s 2024 Seniors Festival Active Living Fund to deliver Seniors Festival events this October.

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New water fountain helps Daylesford reduce single-use plastic

15-07-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council recently hosted David from Central Highlands Water at Lake Daylesford's new Choose Tap water fountain installed at Chatfield Reserve.

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Swiss Italian Festa secures multicultural event funding

12-07-2024

Daylesford's Swiss Italian Festa is among more than 240 organisations set to share in $1.8million through the state's Multicultural Festivals and Events Program and Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund.

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Macedon women urged to participate in pain inquiry

10-07-2024

Local women and girls in Macedon are being urged to share their experiences with the state government's landmark Inquiry into women’s pain.

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Shock closure of Palais-Hepburn

10-07-2024

Live music venue, Palais-Hepburn, has closed its doors.

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Hepburn seeks community help to find financial way forward

08-07-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has launched a 'financial vision' survey and information as it invites public submissions to help develop a financial way forward. 

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Kyle’s rant

08-07-2024

Recently a friend of mine was walking around Lake Daylesford with their dog and was verbally assaulted by an idiot after an off-leash dog incident.

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Neil Young and Crazy Horse … the concerts

07-07-2024

I have been beyond excited for these gigs, a trip to the Big Apple aside, a chance to see Neil with The Horse was a reason to alter and amend accommodation dates, leaving a month earlier for this trip.

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French Day soirée

06-07-2024

On Sunday, July 14, the Daylesford Town Hall will take on a Parisian ambience. U3A spokesperson Janet Quilty said the French National Day event would celebrate all things French, and an important feature of the evening will be the music.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

06-07-2024

Malmsbury artist Tia Alysse discovered her natural and considerable talent for art while still a school child. From a very young age she was encouraged in her arts endeavour with praise from teachers. Her love for animals, however, would see her go on to study veterinary science at university before she ultimately resolved to dedicate herself to art.

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Melbourne Cup coming to Trentham

06-07-2024

The Melbourne Cup is coming to Trentham as part of the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.

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Magic of alpacas on show at Ballarat

06-07-2024

Eganstown artist and hobby farmer Louiseann King reckons there’s something just a little bit magical about alpacas.

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Banding together for restored practice room

05-07-2024

There were several key reasons to strike up the band. No more leaky roof, no more underfloor damp woes, no more dodgy floor boards ... to name but a few.

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Maureen Andrew stars in The Boy from Oz

05-07-2024

Prolific independent musical theatre company Theatrical is presenting The Boy From Oz, playing for a limited season at the National Theatre, St Kilda from July 6-21.

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Still can’t get no…

04-07-2024

Results from Hepburn Shire Council’s Community Satisfaction Survey have been released.

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Town criers all about history and tradition

04-07-2024

It’s the sense of tradition, history and occasion that Creswick’s Philip Greenbank most loves about his role as town crier.

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Added incentive to recycle

03-07-2024

Clunes residents will soon have added financial incentive to recycle many of their glass and plastic containers following the installation of a reverse vending machine in Fraser Street.

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Real estate market state of play in Highlands

03-07-2024

Vendors' expectations need to be adjusted with a drop in property prices after the panic buying and selling of the pandemic.

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Newstead station readies for very big birthday

03-07-2024

The community of Newstead is getting set to celebrate a big birthday milestone for its historic railway station with a free public event planned.

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Rates up, operation costs cut, as council adopts new budget

26-06-2024

Ratepayers in Hepburn Shire will have to contend with a 2.275 per cent rate rise after the council adopted its new 2024-2025 budget yesterday.

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Anh Do – The Happiest Refugee Live!

26-06-2024

Anh Do’s bestselling book The Happiest Refugee has made readers laugh and cry, and was described by Russell Crowe as 'the most surprising and inspiring read I have had in years.'

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Melbourne Cup coming to Trentham

25-06-2024

The Melbourne Cup is coming to Trentham as part of the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.

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Regent closes its doors

25-06-2024

Ballarat’s Regent Cinema has suddenly closed its doors – just a week out from the winter school holidays.

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Just sayin’…

24-06-2024

I had some time last week so I did a bit of a Google around about farmland and farm zones. I realise there are experts just waiting on Facebook but instead I went to the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning.

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Kyle’s Rant

24-06-2024

Did former Premier Dan Andrews deserve the nation's highest honour, the Companion of the Order of Australia for his service to Victoria, public health, policy and regulatory reform, and to infrastructure development?

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Church concert to feature top interpreters

24-06-2024

Lizzy Welsh, baroque violin, and Joy Lee, harpsichord, will present an exploration of composer-performer relationships from the 17th century to the present at Christ Church, Daylesford on Saturday, June 29 at 2.30pm.

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How Alan ‘took’ his dad to Gallipoli

24-06-2024

The desire to go to Gallipoli for the Dawn Service burnt strongly in Daylesford’s Alan Eaton. Major heart surgery and three operations firstly stopped him, but even when he did go it was with an undiagnosed broken leg.

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Bushwalks of the Central Highlands

23-06-2024

Paddy H and I are in luck as Creswick artist and keen bushwalker, Craig Barrett has kindly offered to guide us on one of his favourite local walks.

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Your say…

22-06-2024

Large parts of Central Victoria are covered with mining exploration licences with potential to impact your home, property, our environment, our groundwater and waterways.

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Gripping survival tale of sibling abuse

22-06-2024

My Father’s Suitcase is described as a gripping tale of resilience and survival that offers hope to others who have experienced family violence and suffered at the hands of a sibling.

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Happy 70th anniversary!

22-06-2024

An unlikely match produced an incredible 70-year bond for Joan and Stuart McEwen of Hepburn, who celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary next Wednesday, June 26.

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Social connectivity and a good book: queer book club chapter for Daylesford

21-06-2024

The new Daylesford chapter of Queer Book Club has started with a good turnout late last month.

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Toe tapping Celtic music

21-06-2024

Half Light, the duo of Rennie Pearson and Bob McNeill, is coming to play at The Palais Hepburn tonight Friday, June 21 at 7.30pm.

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Oscar Wilde play reading at the Courthouse, Creswick

20-06-2024

Creswick Theatre Company is inviting everyone to get along to its play reading at the Courthouse this Sunday afternoon.

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Time extension on strategy consultation: a closer look

19-06-2024

The consultation period on Hepburn Shire Council’s draft Township Structure Plans and Rural Hepburn strategy has been extended to June 26.

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Planting seeds: a chat with Patrice O’Shea (OAM)

19-06-2024

Coomoora’s Patrice O’Shea recently received an Order of Australia Medal in the General Division for services to the environment and secondary education in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

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Jo Huf concert at local arts hub

19-06-2024

Newstead Railway Arts Hub is hosting a concert by local artist – Jo Huf on Friday evening, July 5.

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Daylesford & Hepburn United Soccer Club joins cultural change program

18-06-2024

The Daylesford & Hepburn United Soccer Club will participate in the Act@Play cultural change initiative this year following its successful application to be part of the program.

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German star violinist to play Daylesford Town Hall with ZMSO

14-06-2024

The Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra returns to Daylesford for what promises to be a memorable concert this Sunday, June 16, at the Daylesford Town Hall.

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Future Hepburn community submission deadline extended

12-06-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has extended the consultation period for its draft Township Structure Plans and Rural Hepburn strategy by two weeks, until 26th June, allowing more time for the community to submit feedback.

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Kyle’s Rant

10-06-2024

It feels like the world has gone and got itself a bit tangled up at the moment.

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Just sayin’…

09-06-2024

OK. By now we all know the Hepburn Shire Council is in a bit of a state financially.

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Venie Holmgren Environmental Poetry Prize open

09-06-2024

Entries for the Venie Holmgren Environmental Poetry Prize are now open until Sunday, August 4.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

09-06-2024

Just at home riding a Harley motorcycle through the desert as he is mingling in a classy art gallery, Sailors Falls creative, Michael Lelliott works with paint, drawing, photography, film, sculpture and sound to celebrate beauty where he finds it. Currently, inspired by a very recent desert excursion, he is working on a suite of new paintings to exhibit as part of this August’s winter fundraising show at The Little Gallery in Trentham,  where he will be among participating artists.

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Woman of vision: meet videographer Nadine Jade

08-06-2024

After many years of paying her dues in the competitive world of professional video production, Bullarto’s Nadine Jade has reached the stage where she can finally choose which projects to accept.

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Freestyle weaving workshops at Clunes

08-06-2024

A unique, freestyle form of Japanese artistic weaving will be on display in Clunes this month, from today, June 8 to 23. The Celebration of SAORI exhibition will bring together over 30 saori artists from across Australia in a colourful celebration of individual creative expression through cloth.

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Going, going … gone

07-06-2024

One of the protected and historic cedar trees along Malmsbury Road has been felled to make way for road access for the Middleton Field housing estate.

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Out of despair comes … art

07-06-2024

Brilliantly coloured images of rock and pop stars fill a book by Yandoit’s Dave Lewis. They arose out of extreme trauma.

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A solid day’s work: the dry stone waller’s art

07-06-2024

Hepburn Springs local Jim Milesi reckons he may well be Australia’s only professional speech therapist who also works as a dry stone wall builder.

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Islands in a stream of public opinion

06-06-2024

Prompting plenty of public opinion, the current trial of pedestrian islands at the intersection of Fraser and Service Streets in Clunes will continue through to August 4 the Hepburn Shire Council says.

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Big response to Town Structure Plans

06-06-2024

More than 150 people attended a community consultation at the Daylesford Town Hall last Saturday, June 1, over the proposed Hepburn Shire Town Structure Plans.

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Bright minds, music and fireworks at Woodend arts fest

05-06-2024

Braemar College music students, Evie, Luca, Polly, Arlo and Ari, are excited to be performing before the fireworks on the opening night of the Woodend Winter Arts Festival on June 7 at Buffalo Stadium Woodend.

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Draft budget dire

05-06-2024

Hepburn Shire Council is in such dire financial straits that Mayor Cr Brian Hood and two other councillors voted to defer the release of its draft budget until September.

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Body found at Leonards Hill

04-06-2024

Emergency services have found a body believed to be that of missing Gordon man Matthew, three days after he was last seen in Newlyn.

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World-first coffee concrete trial for Macedon Ranges

01-06-2024

RMIT University and the Macedon Ranges Shire Council have teamed up to conduct a world-first coffee concrete footpath trial.

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Wine notes with Clive Hartley

31-05-2024

The Good Food and Wine Show will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from today May 31 to June 2.

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Your say…

29-05-2024

While the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance applauds Hepburn's efforts in the Rural Hepburn Strategy to protect agricultural land from further inappropriate development for so-called lifestyle blocks we assert that the town structure plans as drafted will thwart this intent to the detriment of both valuable farmland and the character and liveability of our shire's towns.

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Your say…

29-05-2024

I want to start by acknowledging the sheer enormity of the work council staff have undertaken in the development of the draft structure plans for the entire shire.

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Your say…

28-05-2024

After attending Tuesday (May 14) afternoon's meeting, I am still perplexed as to why the council has spent money on four consultants for over two years to come up with a solution that is not only basic and unimaginative but directly contradicts both the community feedback (via the consulting group of 21 residents and the community survey) and its own Agriculture Land Study and Rural Settlement Strategy.

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Just sayin’…

28-05-2024

It will be interesting. So many people against the idea to turn productive farmland into residential land in East Street, Daylesford, but can they change the Hepburn Shire Council's mind?

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Kyle’s Rant

28-05-2024

Is the Hepburn Shire Council doing the bidding of the state government in a sort of puppet master – puppet relationship?

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Walks of the Central Highlands

27-05-2024

‘One day,’ I’d always thought, while driving past the Twin Bridges picnic area on the Midland Highway just out of Daylesford.

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 The untold story of William Shum: biography of an early influencer

26-05-2024

Way before social media influencers were a thing, the way we lived was subtly shaped by talented individuals like colourful yesteryear influencer William Shum.

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Where, what, why and who of the Wastelands Cup

26-05-2024

Where do artists go on holiday? Straight to the wastelands of course.

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Out & About

25-05-2024

In January 2024, author Roy Maloy became the most prolific true crime author in Australian history (Herald Sun & ABC Radio National) with the publication of his 15th true crime biography.

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Bringing a 19th century wedding day beauty back to life

23-05-2024

Qualified textile conservator Larry Edwards knows how to bring beautiful but time-worn vintage garments back to life and make them “talk”.

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Capturing the amazing aurora australis

23-05-2024

The strongest geomagnetic storm in over two decades dazzled scientists and sky-watchers alike overnight on May 10-11, 2024.

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Your say…

I’m part of the family who owns the farm on East Street, Daylesford (called Mayfield) which is being proposed to be rezoned, and I’m currently living on that farm.

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Council plans for the future of Hepburn Shire

22-05-2024

The potential rezoning of farm land to residential in East Street, Daylesford, as part of the Future Hepburn draft plans, has raised the ire of many residents in the region, along with the farming family who owns 14 hectares of the land.

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Duo bring globe-trotting style to the Palais

22-05-2024

EMILY/GRANT is the formidable duo of rock loving guitarist Grant Staines and conservatorium trained pianist Emily Coyle (piano, vocals).

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Get set for open mic night at the Palais

21-05-2024

All skill levels and styles will be welcome as The Palais, Hepburn brings back Musicians' Corner Open Mic Night on the last Thursday of every month, hosted by Ben & Dan.

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Lost girls find their way to the Palais this Saturday

20-05-2024

The Melbourne pub music scene thrived in the 80s and 90s, a vibrant era marked by the prominent presence of women and lesbian bands.

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Wise launches ‘Yearning’ at the Palais

19-05-2024

After winning Best Folk Work at the 2023 Music Victoria Awards, local singer-songwriter Lucy Wise is making her first visit to Palais-Hepburn this Friday, May 24 to launch her new EP, 'Yearning'.

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Queer book club chapter turns first page in Daylesford

17-05-2024

A new Daylesford chapter of the Queer Book Club has started this week.

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Hepburn Shire Council overturns officers’ recommendation on planning permit

17-05-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has overturned a planning officer recommendation on a permit application for a dwelling at Dry Diggings in a 4-3 split decision, amid concerns existing zoning is being ignored.

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Great tenors and sopranos at the Palais, Hepburn

17-05-2024

Tomorrow evening the Palais Hepburn is hosting a special show dedicated to the great tenor and soprano arias.

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Local landholders invited to Healthy Landscapes evening

16-05-2024

Landowners with a passion for improving land management practices are invited to join in a special evening to learn more about the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s award-winning Healthy Landscapes program.

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Creswick mountain bike trail network gets apt new name

15-05-2024

Creswick's mountain bike trail network has an apt new name - “Djuwang Baring”, meaning ‘long track’ in the Aboriginal Dja Dja Wurrung language. 

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Kyle’s Rant

13-05-2024

Tesla motor cars, in my opinion, aren’t all that they are cracked up to be.

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Just sayin’…

12-05-2024

I have been wondering how this year's council elections will go with no ward boundaries.

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Mount Players’ new comedy is ‘Looped’

11-05-2024

The Mount Players' second production for 2024 opened yesterday May 10 and runs until May 26.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

11-05-2024

When bodily stresses intervened, artist and designer David Dawson went from making a living as a builder to creating Blampied’s unique Overwrought Garden Art workshop, gallery and display garden.

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The Inspectorate and … that leaked document

10-05-2024

In October last year The Local received a leaked document, via a USB drive, regarding the report by the Local Government Inspectorate into Hepburn Shire Council and dealings with The Rex. And a few other things.

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Sweet sound of success: Hepburn couple crack global games market

09-05-2024

World-wide, some truly remarkable things have come out of the global Covid pandemic and one of them is the meteoric rise to international success of a new part game developed by a Hepburn Springs couple during lockdown.

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Chance to help shape health outcomes for Hepburn shire

05-05-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council is investigating key areas that directly influence the health and wellbeing of its residents with locals invited to participate in an online survey.

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Council formally opposes pokies bid for Romsey pub

05-05-2024

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has formally endorsed a submission to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission opposing an application for 50 electronic gaming machines in the Romsey Hotel.

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Lily explores big benefits of using public transport …

04-05-2024

Public transport is a mystery for many people in Central Victoria. Yet nine buses leave Daylesford on most weekdays to link with trains to Melbourne and Ballarat.

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Kyle’s Rant

01-05-2024

What a weird world we live in. A couple of issues ago I wrote my column about mushrooms and how I would avoid scavenging them and stick to the greengrocer. And I don't know what happened over at Clunes, but it is such an unfortunate situation that will impact on the lives of so many for so long.

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Just sayin’…

01-05-2024

What an extraordinary thing Ros Pyers has done. Generously donated to not just one but four organisations.

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‘Firewood’ theft from forest lands locals in court

30-04-2024

Two Kyneton residents who stole firewood from the Metcalfe State Forest for profit have been ordered to pay a combined amount of $3000 and forfeit the tools and machinery used in their offending, after being found guilty of six charges each at Kyneton Magistrates’ Court.

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Out of the bunker, back on the green

30-04-2024

To many people, the Hepburn Golf Club is one of the district’s hidden gems. Tucked away off the main road, it’s an oasis for kangaroos as well as those out for a bit of a hit in the open air.

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Creswick’s third CresFest was a winner

30-04-2024

As other music festivals around the country flounder, CresFest is flourishing, as was realised by the thousands of visitors who earlier this month flocked to the festival.

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TRATA plans for former railway station

29-04-2024

In the second half of the 19th century Trentham was a major hub for timber production, much of which went underground supporting the tunnels excavated at mines in nearby Daylesford.

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New signage for famed Lerderderg Track

29-04-2024

Volunteer hiking and biking group, the Great Dividing Trail Association, has launched an innovative, environmentally friendly interpretive signage project along the length of the 87km Lerderderg Track from Daylesford to Bacchus Marsh.

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Final service held at Daylesford Uniting Church

28-04-2024

Sunday, April 21 was the final service held by the Daylesford Uniting Church - as it is now prepared for sale by Uniting Vic. Tas.

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125 years roll by for Daylesford Bowling Club

28-04-2024

Daylesford Bowling Club has celebrated its 125th anniversary in style with an afternoon tea party held at the Camp Street club rooms recently.

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Chamber Poets returning to Woodend

27-04-2024

“She said a rude word!” exclaimed the eight-year-old boy. He continued to repeat this phrase every time the rude words appeared, to the delight of both the audience and the poet. Be warned: some dark and dangerous things can happen in poetry.

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Walks of the Central Highlands

27-04-2024

Today we’re tackling the Andersons Tramway Walk at Mollongghip just east of Newlyn. This 8km (16km return) bushwalk is a bit of a surprise packet. Who could have guessed there would be a “tramway” running through the bush here?

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Macedon Ranges gardens open to public

27-04-2024

Garden lovers are in for an Anzac Day weekend treat with the chance to visit two extraordinary private historic properties opening in the Macedon Ranges, with Open Gardens Victoria both today and tomorrow, April 27 and 28.

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Transition Clunes to hold clothing swap event

26-04-2024

Newly formed local group, Transition Clunes, is preparing to hold its very first public event this month – a women’s clothing swap.

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Spudfest: celebrating all things potato

26-04-2024

For one weekend every autumn, Trentham is all about the humble potato.

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Heritage listing for Daylesford’s old school of mines building

25-04-2024

The recent inclusion of the Old Daylesford School of Mines building on the Victorian Heritage Register has significant positive implications for the future of the building.

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Anzac Day 2024

25-04-2024

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Sharing love, kindness and generosity

25-04-2024

On a beautiful autumn day, surrounded by loved ones, friends and community, Ros and Keith Pyers, holding hands in the family home sitting room, did what they have done so well for so long – shared their love, kindness and generosity.

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It’s the full pull at Trentham

25-04-2024

The Trentham Vintage Tractor Pull is on again this Sunday, April 28.

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Second Hand News: Fleetwood Mac tribute at the Palais

24-04-2024

From 70s jams to 80s pop hits, Second Hand News will play two huge sets of songs spanning Fleetwood Mac’s incredible career in its upcoming live show at the Palais, Hepburn.

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Reg Cole Quartet to play the Palais

23-04-2024

The Reg Cole Quartet is headed to The Palais, Hepburn Springs for a Saturday night gig on May 4.

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Valentines bringing smoky jazz to the Palais

23-04-2024

Bringing smoky jazz to Palais-Hepburn, for a Friday night gig on May 10, The Valentines is a new duo in town.

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Anzac Day 2024

19-04-2024

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Kyneton Horticultural Society hosts annual autumn flower show

19-04-2024

The Kyneton Horticultural Society is hosting its Annual Autumn Flower Show tomorrow Saturday April 20 from 1-4pm and Sunday April 21 from 10am – 4pm.

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Fire Danger Period soon to end in Hepburn shire

18-04-2024

The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will finish at 1am on Monday, April 22 in the Hepburn Shire, the CFA has declared.

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Smeaton house featured for Sustainable House Day

18-04-2024

Mill View, a passive solar house in Smeaton near Daylesford will feature as part of national Sustainable House Day this Sunday April 21 alongside over 100 of Australia’s most inspiring sustainable homes.

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Police investigate woman’s death in Clunes

17-04-2024

Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances following the death of a woman in Clunes, Sunday, 14 April.

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New adult drama classes coming to Daylesford

17-04-2024

Daylesford is getting its own adult drama classes, run by local theatre company Lab Kelpie.

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New owner for Hepburn Springs Golf Club

16-04-2024

Members of the Hepburn Springs Golf Club have approved the acquisition of their golf course and assets by Golf Services Management.

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Kyle’s Rant

13-04-2024

Japan is a country of juxtapositions. A Fuji photo booth sitting next to a plethora of vending machines offering porn magazines, smokes and booze in the middle of a rice paddy with a handful of workers and nobody else around sums it up for me.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

12-04-2024

From his earlier days as a rock musician and his years at the prestigious Academy of Art in Dresden, Germany - to his new upcoming exhibition at the Convent Gallery, Daylesford’s Monty Osewald is the sort of vivacious talent whose creative work gets noticed wherever he goes. His personal story could be described as fiery, even phoenix-like. Ahead of his new show that opens later this month, he shared a little of that story.

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Just sayin’…

12-04-2024

A long, long time ago, just after the dinosaurs disappeared and the wheel was invented, I lived in Japan.

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Writers launch new Chequerboard anthology

12-04-2024

The Clunes writers group is a diverse lot so it’s little wonder that their new anthology has something in it to appeal to just about every kind of reader.

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Turning Japanese

11-04-2024

Japan must be one of the most popular destinations for Australians, if the newspaper and magazine advertising is anything to go by. And for good reason.

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Soulful blues, roots, country at the Palais

10-04-2024

Coming up Friday evening April 26, renowned singer-songwriter Michael Meeking returns to the Palais-Hepburn for an intimate performance of soulful acoustic alternative country roots and rock.

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Luoda to play the Palais

09-04-2024

Luoda is their original music to Victoria’s beautiful Spa Country for the first time, playing songs from their debut album “Running Out of Time” as well as some new music to be recorded this year.

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Masterplans finalised for Clunes parks

08-04-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council has endorsed masterplans to guide the future planning and development of Queens Park and Pioneer Park in Clunes.  

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Wildlife road trauma hitting home in Macedon Ranges Shire

08-04-2024

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council will call on the federal gvernment to factor in wildlife trauma and fatalities metrics in federal road safety funding models.

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Taste of country coming to the Palais

08-04-2024

Rolling Stone Magazine once described Kevin Welch as “One of the best songwriters in America”.

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Near drowning at Daylesford

02-04-2024

A 58-year-old woman had a lucky escape after falling into a flooded stormwater drain in Daylesford last night.

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Just sayin’…

01-04-2024

I love a cautionary tale. But not as much as I love a deserved refund. And I have two down and one to go. So feeling pretty happy.

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Kyle’s Rant

01-04-2024

Warning: The first three paragraphs of this editorial will probably put you to sleep!

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Artists of the Central Highlands

31-03-2024

Lyonville artist Suzi Donovan is not sure how to describe her artistic style. She is still experimenting with landscapes, clouds and still life but also trying seascapes, rocks and forests. Also extending into abstract work, this local creative is busy right now preparing for her first public exhibition, together with fellow artist Gayle Cykner, at Trentham’s Cosmpolitan Hotel.

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This CresFest World podcast series

31-03-2024

This CresFest World! is a podcast series of interviews with the people who inspire and are part of CresFest, Creswick's own home-grown folk music festival.

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Lute performance to bring ‘profound musicality and virtuosity’

30-03-2024

Jakob Lindberg will perform at Stanbridge Hall at Christ Church, Daylesford on Saturday, April 13 at 2.30pm.

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Jeff still Down Under

30-03-2024

When I left the USA, in 1983, the only Australian music to be heard on mainstream radio was Men At Work, songs from that amazing album Business As Usual, which was released in 1981 in Australia, 1982 in the USA.

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Appealing way to spend Good Friday

29-03-2024

Daylesford teacher Natalie Kirby, and a host of volunteers, are again collecting donations for The Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal – and they hope to best last year’s total of just over $21,000.

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The magic of CresFest

28-03-2024

There will be an element of magic in the air at Creswick this CresFest.

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Good Grub @ Easter

28-03-2024

Daylesford’s Good Grub Club is holding a special Easter Passover lunch at the Uniting Church Hall today, Thursday March 28 from noon to 1.30pm.

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Innovative youth mental health launch in Hepburn

25-03-2024

The innovative Live4Life youth mental health and suicide prevention program has launched in Hepburn Shire in recent days.

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Melisande brings French Quebec flavour to CresFest

23-03-2024

Hailing from Québec, Canada, Melisande is among the headliner acts headed to CresFest next month.

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Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse to bring ancient language alive at CresFest

23-03-2024

Ancient language, contemporary music and poignant stories will come together when Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse perform at CresFest next month.

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Women of soul at Palais, Hepburn

20-03-2024

For one show only, Australia’s premier collective of female songwriters and performers, Women of Soul, bring their soul revue to the Palais Hepburn Springs on Sunday March 24.

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Drag tribute to Tina Turner at the Palais

20-03-2024

A Night With Tina is a fun, action-packed and loving drag tribute to R&B, rock and pop icon Tina Turner and it's happening at the Palais, Hepburn on Friday March 29.

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Creswick gets cracking for firey championships

19-03-2024

Creswick Fire Brigade’s senior running team may lack in numbers, but their dedication and positivity in the lead-up to the State Firefighter Championships certainly makes up for it.

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Just sayin’…

18-03-2024

Great to see the Daylesford Guide Hall getting the renovations it needs for a new generation of Guides. And apparently Brownies are now Junior Guides.

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Kyle’s Rant

17-03-2024

By the time you read this the feathers will have settled, the pink boas put away to live another day and the glitter swept from the floor.

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Walks of the Central Highlands: Jacksons Lookout Loop Walk, Hepburn Springs

17-03-2024

The Jackson’s Lookout walk taking in Wyuna, Argyle and Golden Springs is a great option for going just that little bushland bit beyond the more heavily traversed tourist saunters out of Hepburn Springs Reserve - even if you’re strapped for time.

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C.W. Stoneking to headline 122nd Blackwood Woodchop & Easter Carnival

16-03-2024

ARIA Award winner C.W. Stoneking will headline this month's popular annual Blackwood Woodchop & Easter Carnival.

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Countdown to CresFest…

15-03-2024

CresFest 2024 will be the third time around for the small Goldfields community of Creswick.

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Those fascinating folk, now at rest…

14-03-2024

Retired Anglican priest, Trentham’s Peta Sherlock admits she’s more than a tad addicted to fossicking out fascinating stories of the past.

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Five women inducted to IWD Honour Roll

14-03-2024

A large crowd gathered in Daylesford last Thursday evening to congratulate five new inductees to the International Women's Day (IWD) Heather Mutimer Honour Roll.

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Daylesford jewellery store burglary: $100,000 worth snatched

13-03-2024

Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following a burglary at a jewellery store in Daylesford last month.

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Keep you posted: Mick makes our postal heritage sing

13-03-2024

Former Bushwhacker Mick Slocum has been in Daylesford in recent days to do something he absolutely loves besides making music – working to make the town’s heritage post box sing.

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Creswick Brass Band to perform at Book Town

12-03-2024

The award-winning Creswick Brass Band is headed to Clunes later this month to perform as part of the annual Book Town Festival.

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Get set to drink in One Part Gin

12-03-2024

Ballarat- based duo One Part Gin like to play dark folk music that's splattered with grit and gloom.

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The longest lashes at Lyonville

12-03-2024

Get along to the Radio Springs Hotel (AKA the centre of the universe) for the longest lash feature event.

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Geoffrey Williams to perform at Booktown

12-03-2024

Funky world renowned singer-songwriter, Geoffrey Williams is headed to Clunes to perform at this month's Book Town Festival.

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Spooky men are headed to CresFest

11-03-2024

The Spooky Men’s Chorale has been described as 'a vast, rumbling, steam-powered and black-clad behemoth of mansound' and it's headed to Creswick to perform as part of next month's CresFest.

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Boots ‘n bling galore as ChillOut ’24 sparkles

10-03-2024

It's been a sparkling ChillOut parade filling Daylesford's main drag with radiant, positive vibes this morning...

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Chance to help shape gambling harm prevention in Macedon Ranges

10-03-2024

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is inviting community response to its new draft Gambling Harm Prevention Policy that it has endorsed for community consultation at its February meeting.

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Argentina’s Guanaco Trio headed to CresFest

09-03-2024

Hailing from Argentina, Guanaco Trio is headed to CresFest.

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Man charged with murder of missing Ballarat mum Samantha Murphy

07-03-2024

Police have charged a 22-year-old man with the murder of missing Ballarat East woman Samantha Murphy.

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Trentham’s Cosmo to host debut International Women’s Day charity lunch

03-03-2024

Trentham's Cosmopolitan Hotel is holding an inaugural International Women's Day Charity Lunch in Trentham on Friday, March 8.

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Transgender legend to share story at Birds of a Feather first

03-03-2024

Media professional and transgender legend Julie Peters will share her story at the first Birds of a Feather event for 2024at the Victoria Hotel, Woodend this Thursday, March 7 from noon.

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Kyle’s Rant

02-03-2024

And to all the corporate idiots who shouted from the rooftops “print is dead” as we started our fledgling magazine in 2013 with a rag-tag gang of volunteers - you just weren’t paying attention!

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Just sayin’…

02-03-2024

So, we just hit the 300th edition of The Local. That's a pretty big milestone for a little local paper. Well, not so little. This edition is 104 pages. Massive.

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Mount Players bring dark comedy to life

01-03-2024

The Mount Players' first production for the year opened on February 23 and is being directed by Lancefield local, George Benca.

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Rogue Traders – chilling out with heart and soul

01-03-2024

My first impression of Rogue Traders band members Natalie Bassingthwaighte and James Ash is just how grounded and real they both are.

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No time to relax… brigade remains ready

29-02-2024

It may have been a comparatively mild summer fire season out Hepburn-Daylesford way so far ... but it’s not over yet. “February and March are always our worst months,” Hepburn CFA brigade captain Barry Yanner said, chatting presciently to The Local about a week before the major fire broke out in the Beaufort area last Thursday.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

29-02-2024

Sarah Koschak’s fascination with pottery began as a small child and never really left. For several decades, though, it was a passion that lay dormant as, in adulthood Koschak travelled the world, working as a photographer in some amazing places. These days the childhood fascination is made manifest as this talented local devotes herself to creating objects of beauty and functionality at her studio/gallery at Newstead.

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The Local hits 300th edition & 104 pages

29-02-2024

February 26, 2024 is the date of the 300th edition of The Local - in print and online - celebrated with a massive 104 pages of news, features, columns and real estate.

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ChillOut time across the shire for Labour Day long weekend

28-02-2024

There are so many festivals and exhibitions to choose from as the Labour Day long weekend rolls into the Central Highlands.

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Not so bright spark

28-02-2024

Ballarat Highway Patrol have charged a man after he was caught driving his vehicle on its rims which in turn sparked spot fires along the side of the road in Buangor on Sunday.

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Daylesford Town Hall to close for upgrade works

28-02-2024

The Daylesford Town Hall will close for essential electrical and roofing works for at least 18 months from September, the Hepburn Shire Council has announced this afternoon.

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VOGA cycle club hosts femmes social off road ride at Creswick

28-02-2024

The VOGA Cycle Club is hosting a special social ride for women at Creswick next month with beginners welcome.

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Chance to help shape Victoria’s new animal protection laws

27-02-2024

The draft bill for a new Animal Care and Protection Act has been released for public comment, but you'd better be quick as the opportunity to have input closes early next month.

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Fire warning issued

27-02-2024

People living in parts of Victoria's north-west and south-west are being warned to prepare for catastrophic fire conditions tomorrow, with temperatures forecast to reach the mid 40s in some areas.

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Warning to prevent heat stress in livestock

27-02-2024

Agriculture Victoria is urging livestock owners to ensure all animals in their care are adequately protected from harsh weather conditions, including extreme heat.

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Harry Manx ‘deliciously addictive’ at the Palais

26-02-2024

The New York Times called him ‘deliciously addictive’ and said that when you listen to Harry Manx ‘you are listening to an original.’

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More light on the subject at Daylesford’s Victoria Park

26-02-2024

The Daylesford Football Netball Club may just be kicking and shooting more goals in the near future after receiving state funding for a lighting upgrade at its home base.

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Time to have a ball… the FREEZA Youth Pride Ball

26-02-2024

Happening at The Palais, Hepburn next month, the Freeza Youth Pride Ball is a free event for LGBTIQA+ and allied young people to come together and celebrate in a safe, discrimination free environment, embracing pride, diversity, and inclusion for all.

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Daylesford and Hepburn volunteers praised for rescue efforts

24-02-2024

Daylesford and Hepburn brigade members have met with CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan in recent days to highlight the importance of road crash rescue brigades and the vital work they do in the community.

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Chance to name Creswick Trails segments

23-02-2024

Construction of the Creswick (mountain biking) Trails continues to progress toward an anticipated opening in December. Meantime, there’s an opportunity to get involved by helping to name sections of the trail, the Hepburn Shire Council says.

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Wards to be axed in Hepburn shire electoral move

22-02-2024

The state's minister for local government has announced a new electoral structure for Hepburn Shire that will do away with the current ward system.

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Sustainable Day Out coming up soon

22-02-2024

The Hepburn Shire Council is preparing to host the Sustainable Hepburn Day Out at Daylesford's Victoria Park on Saturday March 16.

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Arrests follow violent aggravated home invasions

21-02-2024

Crime Squad detectives have arrested and charged four people following an aggravated burglary in Clunes, among a series of violent aggravated home invasions in the region.

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An evening in the Canyon: celebrating that Laurel Canyon sound

21-02-2024

Fans of American alternative country music, folk and westcoast harmony are in for a treat as the Palais at Hepburn prepares to host 'An Evening in the Canyon' this Saturday night, February 24.

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‘Poignant lyrics, soaring melodies’ soon to grace the Palais

21-02-2024

Australian folk troubadour Cooper Lower is quickly garnering a reputation as one of Australia’s most captivating young songwriters.

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Kyle’s Rant

19-02-2024

I don’t need all the mod cons in my car. I have a little noise which comes from the passenger seat if I am about to run into danger, it normally squeaks “chout” an abbreviated “watch-out”.

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Rare opera revival

18-02-2024

Daylesford is soon to experience a rare operatic experience when Lyster Opera presents the first professional revival of Friedrich von Flotow’s Martha in many years.

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Walks of the Central Highlands

17-02-2024

If there’s just one walk to take visitors on while in the Creswick area, this would have to be it.

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A wonderful journey of food & friendship

17-02-2024

Sometimes there are people who wander into our lives and our communities with an unexpected gift of compassion and connectedness. It is often hard to articulate the extent of their reach. Raman Richards is one such example.

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$50k to get back to racin’ at the Basin

16-02-2024

The Daylesford Speedway Drivers Association, administrators of the Daylesford Speedway track in the Basin Reserve, have set up a GoFundMe page to raise $50,000 for a new concrete safety wall for the historic circuit.

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16-02-2024

When the Historic Vehicle Show happens at Clunes showground next month look out for the retired truckies as they catch up with tales tall and true.

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Mind Your Pet closes its doors on an era

15-02-2024

After 18 years Rob Hands and Annie Reeve have stepped away from their Mind Your Pet business in Daylesford.

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Staying social with Scottish Country Dances

15-02-2024

It was in Germany, of all places, that they eyes of Creswick’s Susan Greenbank were first opened to Scottish Country Dancing.

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Irish Aine headed to the Palais

14-02-2024

Áine Tyrrell is an inspiring and thought-provoking multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and unmissable live act and she's headed to The Palais, Hepburn to perform this Saturday evening , February 17.

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Fashion swap soon at Trentham

10-02-2024

Coming up Sunday February 18th, the Trentham Fashion Swap team will host their first of four clothing swaps for 2024, at the Trentham Neighborhood Centre.

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Ben Mastwyk & The Energy play the Palais

10-02-2024

Emerging like mist from a glassy moonlit lake, Ben Mastwyk & The Energy rise from dusty streets of Melbourne's inner north to bring their unique brand of cosmic-cult-country to Palais-Hepburn on Friday evening, Feb 16.

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Just sayin’…

05-02-2024

It's been a long time since I wore a mask but I did recently. It was on a little New Year break on a shortish flight to Queensland.

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Kyle’s Rant

05-02-2024

What a rip-off this summer has been - and in the wake of the Bureau of Meteorology declaring an El Niño event underway on September 19 last year, which should have meant a hot dry summer.

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Boots and flannies, then time to sparkle

04-02-2024

It’s almost time to dust off the boots and flannel shirts for the most fun you can have with your clothes on.

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Can Trump win the 2024 election? Should we care? Jeff says ‘Yes’ to both.

04-02-2024

The 2024 contest to see who will be the next president of the United States, between incumbent Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump, is being called the most important in the country’s history, by many professional political observers.

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Sunset in the springs: free community concerts

03-02-2024

Everyone is invited to enjoy some top live music with two free family-friendly community concerts taking place over the next two consecutive Friday evenings this month.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

03-02-2024

The artistic oeuvre of Newstead-based Carol de Graauw is impressively diverse. Jeweller, silversmith, ceramicist, sculptor, this mutli-talented local designs and creates jewellery using gold, silver, bronze, cloisonne enameling and resin. She is just as at home, however, working with clay to create functional and decorative pieces. De Graauw has described creativity as  “an escape pad” that “engages the heart, mind, soul and body in the act of making unique pieces”.

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Highland gathering after new members

03-01-2024

Want to be a part of one of the longest running heritage festivals in Daylesford? Then you need to keep a couple of dates free.

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Quick go the shears at Clunes – for a cause

02-02-2024

Showcasing the athleticism of one of the toughest jobs in modern agriculture,  Clunes Quick Shear has become a favourite competitive fixture on the calender of pro shearers both local and from across the ditch.

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Mayhem for Megan, back on the boards

02-02-2024

Long-time Daylesford resident Megan Jones whoops for joy as she tells of at last becoming a poster girl. At 70.

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Sunny side up: a new crop for Clunes

02-02-2024

The field full of sunflowers on the outskirts of Clunes has been attracting its fair share of attention.

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Lyonville woodchop is back

01-02-2024

The Lyonville Woodchop will be held at the Lyonville Hall on Saturday, February 3 from 10.30am.

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Creswick’s EV charge station is back on-line

01-02-2024

EV drivers have been delighted to see Creswick’s 50kW fast charge station is finally back online.

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The Local scoops Australian Enterprise Award

01-02-2024

The Local Publishing Group has been awarded Best Regional Home & Country Lifestyle Media Publishing Group 2024 in APAC Insider's eighth annual Australian Enterprise Awards.

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Council awards for citizens and events

31-01-2024

Creswick's Neville Cartledge OAM and Pat Tacey have shared the top honour and jointly been named Hepburn Shire Citizen of the Year.

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Aussie Van Morrison show to play the Palais, Hepburn

31-01-2024

The Australian Van Morrison Show is set to captivate audiences at The Palais in Hepburn Springs on Saturday, February 10th, 2024, following their sold-out success in Tasmania, Perth, and Melbourne.

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VCAT rules on Dan Murphy sign mooted for Daylesford

30-01-2024

A recent VCAT ruling means a large advertising sign for Dan Murphy's liquor retailer will not be able to be installed in Daylesford as planned.

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EVs on the agenda for Green Drinks event

29-01-2024

First-hand experience of owning and using an elecric vehicle will be the focus of discussion by a knowledgeable panel of speakers at the free community 'Green Drinks' event coming up Thursday, February 15 at Ballarat's Bunch of Grapes Hotel.

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Masters in the art of connection: We Mavericks head to Hepburn

29-01-2024

Masters in the art of connection, Lindsay Martin (AU) and Victoria Vigenser (NZ) interweave effortless strings, soulful vocals and driving rhythms to form a singular, intense musical voice.

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Karise Eden to play The Palais

28-01-2024

Shooting to fame at the age of 19 with a viral audition video that now has over 50 million views on YouTube, Karise Eden has arguably one of Australia’s most distinctive voices, with two ARIA Awards, gold and platinum records and multiple Top 5 positions in the ARIA and AIR charts.

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New round of funding to kick-start local tourism ventures

25-01-2024

One in every 11 jobs in regional Victoria exists because of tourism, and the state government says it aims to bring more regional tourism projects to life through its latest round of tourism funding.

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Amy Winehouse Show presented by Atlanta Coogan & the Back To Black Band

24-01-2024

Australia’s longest running Amy Winehouse Show, Back to Black, returns to the Palais-Hepburn this Saturday January 27th.

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‘Silken wryness of Elvis Costello’ meets ‘gravel of Dylan’ at The Palais

23-01-2024

The Age newspaper once described David Cosma as having the "full-bodied croon pairing the silken wryness of Elvis Costello and the gravel of Bob Dylan” while Street Press wrote "a thinking person’s songwriter that speaks volumes to what a terrific talent we have in our midst”.

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Flood mitigation workshop for farmers

21-01-2024

Early next month the Hepburn Shire Council will host a workshop to help local farmers work on strategies to deal with the increasing prevalence of extreme weather events.

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Kyle’s Rant

20-01-2024

As we all settle down into the rhythm of 2024, it is worth considering our New Year's commitments and resolutions and if they are likely to be stuck by, or just drunken rhetoric and false promises.

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Just sayin’…

20-01-2024

Sometimes I wonder if the world is going mad. Or is it me? Probably me.

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Walks of the Central Highlands

20-01-2024

If you haven’t yet done the Lalgambook (Mount Franklin) crater rim walk, now’s a great time to get cracking.

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Bowling club celebrates 125 years on a roll

20-01-2024

Do you recognise any of these bowlers?

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Newstead Live returns this Australia Day Weekend

19-01-2024

The Central Victorian folk-roots musical festival, Newstead Live, has announced its line-up for 2024.

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Harry Hookey to play Mollongghip

19-01-2024

Circle Saturday, January 27 on your calendar.

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LGBTIQA+ workshop

19-01-2024

A free workshop, produced by Justice Connect, "Preparing for your future: A conversation guide for the LGBTIQA+ community" is specifically designed to encourage older people to engage with the process of future planning.

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The secret lives of a writerly town

18-01-2024

A significant number of secret lives have been uncovered in Clunes.

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Berry fine way to spend a day

18-01-2024

Going summer berry picking makes for an idyllic holiday activity whether you’ve got kids along for the fun or not.

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Your say…

18-01-2024

I note that Coles Daylesford has removed its sanitiser station from the front door. There is still one at the side entrance.

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Teaching the next generation: Returning the Fourth Bark Petition to Country

17-01-2024

In 1962 my husband Malcolm Bray went to Yirrkala Mission in Northern Territory to work as a mechanic. I joined him three years later. We learnt the local Aboriginal language, and would often go to listen to the singing, the didgeridoo and the clapsticks in the evenings, and loved going out on Country with the Yolngu people.

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Your say…

17-01-2024

I read with interest your article, and comments, re the impending 'delicensing' of the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter. (The Local, January 1, 2024).

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106-lot subdivision plans lodged for Clunes

10-01-2024

The township of Clunes looks as though it may be poised to expand with a planning application lodged seeking to subdivide a 29.31 hectare parcel of land to create 106 new housing lots.

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New childcare centre gets green light for Clunes

10-01-2024

The Victorian State Government expects to open a new government-owned early childhood learning centre in Clunes by 2026.

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Container deposit scheme proving a winner in Hepburn

07-01-2024

The recently installed reverse vending machine in Creswick received a record 9500-plus containers in just one-week courtesy of 112 customers, the Hepburn Shire Council has reported.

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Treat for blues, soul lovers at Palais, Hepburn

06-01-2024

Steve Hoy is an Australian singer and songwriting legend with a career that includes writing and recording collaborations with Joe Camilleri, Dingoes Chris Stockley and Ross Wilson and tours with The Black Sorrows, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, John Farnham, Emmylou Harris, Dwight Yoakam and Warren Zevon.

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Just sayin’…

03-01-2024

First of all, Happy New Year! It's 2024 already - and the years just keep rolling around. My lovely Nan told me once that time goes faster as you get older, and it's true. But getting older is also a privilege not open to everyone.

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Sybil Disobedients at the NYE parade, Daylesford

03-01-2024

The Sybil Disobedients from Central Vic Climate Action crew took part in the Daylesford New Years Eve parade.

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Summer Sundays series starts this weekend, Ballarat

03-01-2024

Live music lovers have some cause to rejoice as Ballarat's Summer Sundays free concert series returns to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens this Sunday January 7.

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Catch Taxiride at the Palais this Friday

03-01-2024

Taxiride brings its unique musical blend of retro sensibility with modern style to The Palais, Hepburn this Friday night, January 5.

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Council adopts new policy for property management

29-12-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council has adopted new policies governing the way it manages leases, licences and the disposal and acquisition of land.

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Kyle’s Happy New Year Rant…

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Kyle’s Rant

25-12-2023

Christmas started way too early this year with the first signs, including mince pies, making their annual debut hot on the heels of the Halloween landfill which wrapped up in early November.

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Just sayin’…

25-12-2023

Kyle and I are having an orphans' Christmas this year. I literally am an orphan now, and one of his parents lives in another state and one in another country.

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New Year @ Glenlyon

24-12-2023

Except for the war years and Covid, the New Year’s Sports Day at Glenlyon has been run every year since 1857 - but some of the “older” members joke that they can’t quite remember back that far!

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New Year’s Eve gala and parade in Daylesford

23-12-2023

December 31 means just one thing to many people in Daylesford and Hepburn - the New Year's Eve Parade and Gala.

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Smile on their dial

23-12-2023

It would probably be pretty hard to beat the creation of a sundial as a well-rounded learning experience.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

23-12-2023

From his childhood in rural America, Ryan Kennedy (aka RFK) moved to New York City and worked in the fashion industry including textile design and runway installation. From there he pursued his own creative studio practice in Brooklyn and in 2009 hosted a tour group of Australian art educators, curators and collectors which led to...

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Dean delivers the goods

22-12-2023

It was a happy occasion in Creswick.

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Look out: radical harvest ahead

22-12-2023

Using a motorbike to “paint” with doesn’t just produce a fairly unique work of art in the landscape.

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Churchy things at Christmas…

22-12-2023

The Christ Church Daylesford (Anglican) will hold a Christmas Eve service at 10am on Sunday, December 24 and a Blue Christmas service at 6pm for people who have lost someone this year.

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Win for conservation in the Wombat Forest

22-12-2023

Late last month the Victorian Supreme Court granted an injunction to stop VicForests timber harvesting operations in a coupe known as ‘Silver Queen’ in the Wombat State Forest. This replaces the interim injunction that has been in place since September.

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Hepburn Wildlife Shelter under threat

21-12-2023

The future of much-loved Hepburn Wildlife Shelter hangs in the balance with DEECA threatening to enforce the removal of all wildlife in its care from early in the new year.

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Beginning to look like Christmas

21-12-2023

Christmas is coming, and so are the outfits, decorations and trees. The Local caught up with a few of those making the most of the silly season.

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CCTV for Creswick EV charge station

20-12-2023

CCTV surveillance equipment to protect Creswick’s public EV charge station is scheduled for installation this week, Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas has confirmed.

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What a Trooper

20-12-2023

They’re a lively and character-packed lot, the dogs of Trentham, and not least among them is Trooper the kelpie.

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Very merry lunch for Probus

19-12-2023

There was no mistaking the season as the Daylesford Probus Club collectively pulled up a seat at the lunch table yesterday.

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Cycle club holding beginner class

17-12-2023

The VOGA Cycle Club will be holding a beginner cyclists class on Thursday, 29 February starting at 10am at the Creswick Band Rotunda in Albert Street, Creswick.

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Creswick’s Calembeen Parkrun gets set to celebrate one good year

16-12-2023

Creswick's Calembeen Parkrun crew are inviting everyone to get along and help celebrate the new park run's first anniversary on site at the town's Calembeen Park on Saturday, 20 January at 8am.

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Just sayin’…

11-12-2023

I thought Heather Mutimer's story on Madame Xenia Borovansky, the niece of the great Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, and who moved to Daylesford, was fascinating. It's on page 13 (this edition of TL if you want a read).

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Kyle’s rant

11-12-2023

What’s going on with sizes? The other day I did my usual pre-summer shop for a set of jandals, or as they are inappropriately called thongs, ready for the summer.

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Walks of the Central Highlands…

10-12-2023

Today we’re tackling a short sharp little gem of a walk known as The Cork Oaks Track.

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Boots and bling: what’s in store for ChillOut 24

10-12-2023

Planning is well advanced for Daylesford’s ChillOut '24 with a “cornucopia of queer talent” in store for the annual March long weekend attraction.

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Madame Borovansky and 46 West Street, Daylesford

10-12-2023

WHO'S BEEN SLEEPING IN MY HOUSE was the title of an ABC television series which researched the fascinating history of a selection of Australian homes and the people who once inhabited them.

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Above The Greens with down-to-earth dining

10-12-2023

Above The Greens, the Daylesford Bowling Club's bistro is back up and running with some great fare on offer from chef Geoff Wellington.

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Six years in the making: Trentham community garden opens for use

09-12-2023

The new Trentham Neighbourhood Centre Community Garden was officially opened on Saturday, November 18, after six years in concept and development phases.

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Your say…

09-12-2023

The most obvious difference about moving to the country from inner-city Melbourne is that pedestrians are at the bottom of the food chain when it comes to road use in town.

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Sweet smell of open gardens success

09-12-2023

Last month’s Musk open gardens event has raised thousands of dollars for the Musk CFA.

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Sign of the times: it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

08-12-2023

If you have ever wandered around Daylesford in November, you have probably seen Robbie Holbery signwriting the windows of Daylesford Meat Co in Vincent Street, and Albert Street Butchers, just around the corner.

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Celebrating extraordinary lives with Simone Kaplan

08-12-2023

Ellie Young of Trentham was born in New Zealand. Her father was a lighthouse keeper, and her mother was a schoolteacher.

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That big brassy sound

07-12-2023

Creswick Brass Band has extra reason to feel festive after being named Band of the Year at the recent Lions Blue Lake Festival in Mount Gambier, South Australia.

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Take a seat Verna: preschool teacher celebrates half a century

07-12-2023

Kinder educator Verna Baker celebrated 50 years of teaching at the Daylesford Preschool with a large gathering of parents, children and friends and family recently.

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Foundation makes study dreams come true

07-12-2023

Tackling a course of study at tertiary level is generally challenging enough, and difficulty with finances, travel and other costs is the last thing anyone needs as they go about it.

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Artists of the Central Highlands…

27-11-2023

The considerable artistry of Kyneton sculptor Anne Anderson has seen her work recognised with multiple high profile arts awards including the most recent Toorak Village Sculpture Prize. For this busy professional creative the schedule ahead includes exhibiting at McClelland Sculpture Park in Narre Warren in January and at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in March. Anne chatted with Eve Lamb.

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Just sayin’…

27-11-2023

The past couple of weeks have been horrendous for many people. First and foremost for the friends and family of those people who died in the Daylesford accident.

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Under The Mop Top Tree

26-11-2023

Vanessa I. R. Craven is a poet, author, artist and singer-songwriter who lives in Daylesford having made a treechange from Melbourne where she worked as a health sciences librarian. She has built an eco-friendly house and enjoys living in this beautiful area.

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Deva launch at Royal Yacht Club of Victoria

26-11-2023

Former Glenlyon resident Jill de Vos has written a cat book. But this is not about any ordinary cat, nor an ordinary life.

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Boots & Bling for ChillOut Festival 2024

25-11-2023

ChillOut Festival, Australia's premier regional LGBTIQ+ arts and cultural festival, is back in 2024.

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How Tony takes the plunge, again and again

24-11-2023

If Tony Kelly didn’t exist, someone possibly would invent him.

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Call for parks and an end to logging

25-11-2023

More than 50 regional, state and national environment groups have signed an open letter to Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, calling for an immediate end to logging in the west of Victoria and the legislation of three promised national parks.

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Days of the old school yard: Bullarto Primary celebrates 150 years

24-11-2023

Things were way different back in the 1940s when Graeme Orr attended the local Bullarto Primary School.

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149th Daylesford Show – November 25

24-11-2023

The first Daylesford Show was held in 1865 and, apart from interruptions for world wars and Covid in 2020 and 2021, has been held annually since then.

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Town ‘open for business’ post tragedy

24-11-2023

Daylesford and Hepburn Shire are definitely open for business and for visitors, Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Brian Hood says. Cr Hood said in the aftermath of the (November 5, Daylesford) accident many traders were left wondering if they should close, remain closed or be open for visitors and the vital tourism trade.

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Chorus tunes up for twilight market

24-11-2023

Those who get along to this Friday’s Creswick Twilight Market can expect to be transported, albeit temporarily, to the Seychelles, Timor and South Africa.

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‘Absolutely no-one’ trains for something like that…

23-11-2023

“Absolutely no-one goes to the (police) academy and trains for something like that.” They are the words of Golden Plains Hepburn operations manager Senior Sergeant Simon Brand almost two weeks after the accident which rocked the Daylesford community.

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All faith, no faith, everyone welcome…

23-11-2023

Three days after the accident, the churches of Daylesford came together to hold a Community Memorial Service. “All Faith - No Faith - Everyone is Welcome.”

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Connected by grief but united by love

23-11-2023

Narelle Groenhout, a journalist of many years, including with The Local, was enjoying a drink at the Daylesford Hotel on Sunday, November 5 when her life changed.

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Sometimes the universe…

23-11-2023

Sometimes the universe puts the right people in the right places – and on the day of the (tragic Daylesford) accident (Sunday, November 5) more than a dozen off-duty healthcare professionals from across the state were in the vicinity.

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Kyle’s Rant

12-11-2023

So, the No's have it. Well it was an overwhelming No in terms of The Voice vote, and it (The Voice) is probably doomed to being kicked down the road like an unwanted can.

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Walks of the Central Highlands…

12-11-2023

It’s a sterling Spring day, late October, as we set off to walk the nine kilometre Wombat Trail that sets out from Trentham’s pretty little Quarry Street Reserve.

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Just sayin’…

12-11-2023

It was a real shock to hear of the sudden death just last week of Serge Kislinsky. I hope you are not just reading it now in this column.

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Lest We Forget

11-11-2023

Daylesford RSL held a moving Remembrance Day service today, with two minutes' silence. One, at 11am, for those who lost their lives in World War I and one, just a little later, for those who lost their lives in last Sunday's terrible accident outside The Royal Hotel.

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Enjoying and creating a ritual of listening

11-11-2023

Final Edition is the creative practice of Craig Frankland: a teacher, designer and artist based on Dja Dja Wurrung land in Daylesford.

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Those halcyon days of the friendly fifties

10-11-2023

Garry Powell is a prolific author with nearly 20 published books to his credit including several local histories such as Double Gold, the History of Mount Franklin and District co-written with Janet MacDonald.

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Vale Tim Hayes

10-11-2023

Tim Hayes was a community leader and internationalist who rejuvenated the township of Clunes and saw its population double.

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Responsible building on bush blocks

09-11-2023

In a region such as the Central Highlands, the natural environment is what attracts people to this area, it sustains our tourism industry and by extension, the real estate market as people seek a more permanent escape from the city.

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Eganstown Cemetery: beautiful bush setting

09-11-2023

It was established in 1866 as the Blanket Flat Cemetery and in recent years, according to trust chairperson Loris Duclos, Eganstown General Cemetery has “really kicked some goals”.

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Going Ga Ga at Clunes

09-11-2023

For those of us who’d never heard of a “Ga Ga Pit”, the special ribbon-cutting occasion at Clunes Primary School last week provided a quick learning curve.

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Show goes on: Clunes to stage 160th country classic

09-11-2023

The 160th anniversary Clunes Show has been along time coming but it’s finally looking like all systems go for Saturday, November 18.

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Community mourns loss of much-loved Serge

08-11-2023

Popular Daylesford taxi driver Serge Kislinsky often told his daughter Natasha Waters he couldn’t visit the grandchildren in Melbourne because “the village needs me”.

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Pitch perfect..

08-11-2023

When it comes to playing soccer, many children learn bad habits. Lee Stevens wants to put them right. At 38, this Coomoora resident with two young children understands how some parents may struggle to coach their offspring.

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Counselling services in wake of weekend tragedy, Daylesford

07-11-2023

The Daylesford Interagency Response Group is extending its condolences to families and friends of those who lost their lives in the tragic weekend accident at Daylesford and wishes to reach out to any other members of the community impacted by the event.

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Ciao baby! What a Festa

01-11-2023

Locals and visitors celebrated the Hepburn region's Swiss Italian heritage over the weekend with a bumper turn-out for the Swiss Italian Festa.

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Central Vic Clay Trail

29-10-2023

Central Victoria is rightly celebrated for its wonderful food and accommodation, but the arts community is the beating heart of the region.

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Just sayin’…

28-10-2023

I think most people heard about the tragedy in Daylesford last week. An alleged robbery and someone dying as a consequence. I don't want to go into it more than that.

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Artists of the Central Highlands…

28-10-2023

Clunes-based artist Kate Edwards is especially renowned for her personality-packed ceramic pieces. Her talents have seen her work selected multiple times among the finalists in the Clunes Ceramics Award. Kate shares her passion for art by teaching at a local secondary college and her work has won this talented local creative plenty of fans who love the joyful nature of her original creations.

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Diverse landscapes, myriad towns & history

27-10-2023

Daylesford artist Brian Nash has produced a coffee table book, The Golden Shire – Locations and Surroundings of the Hepburn Shire.

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Daylesford Agricultural Show

27-10-2023

Planning for the 149th annual Daylesford and District Agricultural Show is well under way and the show committee is looking forward to a fantastic day at the Daylesford Showgrounds at Victoria Park, Daylesford on Saturday, November 25.

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Get ready for the Gathering…

26-10-2023

Organisers of this year’s Daylesford Highland Gathering are urging locals to get out in force and enjoy the long- running annual event.

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Daylesford hosts a visitor from Venice

26-10-2023

Daylesford is a long way from Venice, Italy but for 26 year old visiting Italian Christian Scaletta it’s an intriguing place to visit and work.

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Screen icon Bryan Brown heads to Daylesford

26-10-2023

Iconic Australian actor, Bryan Brown is headed to Daylesford for a cocktail event to discuss his new psychological thriller, The Drowning.

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Max is one in a million

25-10-2023

Daylesford stalwart Max Primmer was recognised for his tireless work in the community at the recent Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.

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Secret is out as garden lovers weekend returns

25-10-2023

Garden lovers are in for a treat over the weekend over November 11-12 as Creswick Garden Club again stages the Creswick Garden Lovers’ weekend featuring top gardens in Creswick and surrounds.

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Vacancy on Macedon Ranges Shire Council

18-10-2023

A countback to fill an extraordinary vacancy on Macedon Ranges Shire Council for South Ward will be held online at 10 am on Monday 13 November. The vacancy is due to the resignation of councillor Anne Moore.

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New bore to be drilled at Daylesford’s Central Springs Reserve

18-10-2023

Work at Daylesford's Central Springs Reserve starts this week to prepare the site for the drilling of a new mineral springs bore.

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Fatality in Daylesford: man found dead on roadside

18-10-2023

A man who is believed to have tried to rob a muffin cafe in Daylesford has wound up dead on the side of the road.

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Just sayin’…

15-10-2023

I received some mail late last week. Snail mail. A padded envelope. Small. I opened it and inside was a blank piece of A4 paper. Nothing written on it, just a USB stick taped on. Hmmm, I thought. That's going to be interesting.

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Kyle’s Rant…

15-10-2023

The TV show “The Block” maybe coming to the Daylesford township, or at least it was coming to town until a few objectors, climbed onboard the “Leave our pretty town alone” train and stopped it in its tracks.

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Budburst Festival returns to Macedon Ranges

15-10-2023

There could hardly be a better way to welcome the quickening pulse of the season. All who are partial to a good wine will be keen to note that the famed Macedon Ranges Bud Burst Festival is back and happening over the weekend of Friday 17-Sunday 19 November.

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Artists of the Central Highlands

15-10-2023

Long established artist and observing Jew, Daylesford’s Bill Meyer can name a multitude of diverse career highlights. They range from a painting commission for the Werdiger family...

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Ageing well in every colour of the rainbow

14-10-2023

A free workshop is being offered to LGBTIQA+ people to help them plan to enjoy a fabulous older age.

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National human rights award for Creswick’s Tony Clark

14-10-2023

Creswick’s Tony Clark has received the inaugural Kimberley Kitching Human Rights Award at the recent ALP National Conference in Brisbane, using the opportunity to advocate strongly for a cause so dear to his heart.

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Keen to clog in Creswick

14-10-2023

Mention the word “clogging” and many will immediately visualise heavy Dutch clogs and maybe pitch in a mental windmill and a few tulips as well. Wrong.

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Hepburn’s Swiss Italian Festa returns

13-10-2023

Hepburn's Swiss Italian Festa is back after a three-year hiatus. From Friday, October 27 to Sunday, October 29, the region will come alive with a vibrant celebration of heritage, culture and lifestyle - with the theme Viva La Festa 23!

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Church wearing the Heart on its walls

13-10-2023

A word-art installation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart is all around the walls of St George’s, Trentham. Put up by locals, it was dedicated by Bishop Matt Brain, the Anglican Bishop of Bendigo, on September 24.

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Getting more women into golf at Hepburn

13-10-2023

The Hepburn Springs Golf Club is running a series of activities to encourage more women to play golf at the club.

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Be part of this year’s Aussie Bird Count

12-10-2023

It's almost time to dust off your bins and head out to your fav outdoor spot with notepad at the ready for Aussie Bird Count 2023.

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From Overwrought to Humoroos: entries roll in for upcoming art show

12-10-2023

Paintings. Well, on July 1 when art entries were invited, paintings began to flow in, soon afterwards however there was a hiatus. For someone new to this job that was a matter of concern despite the perpetual comments: Don’t worry they’ll all pile in on the last few days. So true – they did.

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Creswick concert

12-10-2023

Creswick Woollen Mills is set to be the backdrop for a unique medley of musical styles, ranging from classical chamber music and opera arias to jazz improvisations and atmospheric soundscapes, as a selection of the region’s most esteemed musicians converge for the Musical Threads: Performers for Patients Concert.

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Classic ‘win-win’: the inside story of WomenCAN

12-10-2023

Former corporate lawyer, Mikaela Stafrace, (pronounced Staffarachi) is clearly passionate as she discusses her role as founder and CEO of WomenCAN Australia. The highly motivated change-maker will be guest speaker at the upcoming U3A AGM taking place in Daylesford on October 16.

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Esoteric Jessica to play the Daylesford

11-10-2023

Boundary-flipping performer Jessica Lindsay Smith plays The Daylesford Hotel, live, next Saturday evening, October 21.

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Daylesford woman wins $60 million Powerball draw

11-10-2023

A Daylesford woman is an instant multimillionaire after winning last Thursday’s entire Powerball draw of $60 million.

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Jenny Don’t & The Spurs play the Bridge

11-10-2023

If you've made plans for this evening - you may want to change 'em. Jenny Don’t & The Spurs play the Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine tonight, Wednesday, October 11.

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Celebrated saxophonist, pianist headed to the Daylesford

10-10-2023

Local music lovers are in for a sweet treat as award-winning m