News

Maintenance is the key to reducing soil and sediment movement in paddocks. While spring rain is valuable for pastures and replenishing farm dams, run-off may also carry sediment into livestock dams, particularly where there is exposed soil in heavily grazed paddocks.

New analysis from Homelessness Australia has revealed increases in the leading causes of homelessness in Australia and Victoria, as the globe marked both World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day on Friday, October 10.

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) welcomes the appointment of Treasure Jennings as the Aged Care Quality and Safety Complaints Commissioner.

More doctors are on their way to rural and regional Victoria – thanks to an expanded state government program that’s helping health services recruit and retain the doctors they need most.

The state government is boosting the safety of Victorian students and staff, giving schools stronger protections and making it easier to ban aggressive and violent parents or carers from entering school grounds.

The rollout of free pad and tampon vending machines is helping remove barriers to work, education and community life.

Until October 19, Victorians can cast their votes for their favourite pie, bánh mì and potato cake – with the top entry in each category to be crowned Victoria’s Pick.

Hepburn Shire Council is holding a Positive Ageing Expo at The Mechanics Trentham on Tuesday, October 28 from 10am to 3pm.

An article in the last edition of The Local (Issue 341, September 22) raised the ire of some in the planning industry. The article raised the issue of harassment against Hepburn Shire Council staff with CEO Bradley Thomas saying it had to stop. Here are the thoughts of building designer Stephen Schenk and Julie Lee. And a right of reply by Mr Thomas.

Fran Fitzpatrick is the president of the Highland Games Heavy Events which are traditional feats of strength including the caber toss, hammer throw, stone put and weight for distance. She is looking forward to this year’s Daylesford Highland Gathering on November 6 with about 20 athletes taking part in those events, including some from interstate. Fran, pictured above, talked with Kyle Barnes.

The Old Sniff Classic Sheepdog Trials took place at the Dean Recreation Reserve last Sunday, October 5.

Well here I am penning another article for you, the reader, to enjoy... This time I'll be focusing on exotic trees (and one rare shrub) with spring blossoms that are part of the botanical family rosaceae and include the genera of exochorda (pearl bush), malus (flowering apple), prunus (flowering cherry), pseudocydonia (quince) and pyrus (pear).

Sipping shiraz Winter arrived with a vengeance Lashed out its forked tongue Laced with ice and snow Laid its wet blanket Over a parched landscape Desperate for a taste of moisture

Hi there, I am Halloumi, a young and sweet two-year old boy with a gentle soul.

Lots of things happening around our shire this edition.

Songstress Anna Smyrk, who is releasing a new song Garden-Variety Grief, and heading on a pop-up garden tour, is performing free all-ages shows in community gardens across Victoria before heading to Europe and the US.

Hepburn Shire Council is being offered a chance to make a serious investment in arts and culture, with no cost to ratepayers or its budget.

Budburst is back for another fabulous weekend.

The morning sun spills gently over Bremner Avenue as the Lyonville Hall begins to stir. By 9am, the quiet country air is buzzing with excitement - cars pull up, arms cradle cake boxes, and the hall doors swing open to welcome a flurry of bakers and volunteers.

Glenlyon CFA volunteer Shaun Gedge is walking the walk, literally, to raise money for his brigade.

Koos Hulst is on the move, to the Netherlands to be precise, where he met his ex-wife Carol in 2002. The couple fell in love, moved in together and with Carol an Australian ex-pat working for Shell, they talked about the future. Stay in the Netherlands or move to Australia? The latter won. In 2006 they moved to Australia and chose Daylesford for their home because they had bought a property, Sault Estate, and had plans to develop that into a well-being centre. Koos chatted with Kyle Barnes.

Patricia Ilhan’s daughter was severely allergic to tree nuts. Patricia and her late husband John (of the Crazy John’s mobile phone business) found out when their daughter was just one. John ate a jar of peanuts and kissed her on the face.

Erik Horvat grew up in Daylesford, has always been creative, and at just 25 already has his first book on sale, The Sleep Walking Game, at Paradise Books, along with various online booksellers. The Sailors Falls resident chatted with Donna Kelly

The arrival of spring in Victoria is identified by the flowering of the many species of wattles and the sound of baby birds crying out to be fed.