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.

And among those taking part in one of the lead roles is former Daylesford and Creswick resident, and accomplished performer, Maureen Andrew.

Maureen has had an exceptional and ongoing career in music theatre, film, stage and television with over 50 years’ industry experience as an actor, singer, dancer, producer and director.

Her first touring gig was with the original cast of Hair in 1971 travelling throughout Australia and New Zealand. Then there’s been Elton John, Billy Elliot The Musical, Calendar Girls, Hugh Jackman’s Boy From Oz, Cabaret, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Saturday Night Fever, Grease the Mega Musical, Sunset Boulevard and Scrooge the Musical.

Television credits include Neighbours, My Brother Jack and Blue Heelers. And many Central Highland music fans would have seen Maureen’s tribute cabaret shows including Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland, Bette Midler, Shirley Bassey, and Marlene Dietrich.

In The Boy from Oz, Maureen plays Peter Allen’s mother Marion Woolnough. “It’s a marvellous role, so emotional and pivotal to Peter’s life. I am so pleased I finally got to do it. And the cast are all wonderful people who are very passionate about performing.

“I am realising the longer I last in it (performing), there is a certain insanity performers are born with, and that includes artists, writers, anyone who has a creative endeavour, there is something passionate in us from an early age and we just keep going. I still think I am 16.”

Also starring in the musical is Peter Allen tribute artist Matthew Hadcraft, who has been performing his own Peter Allen show across Australia since 2015.

“There is no one quite like Peter Allen. His infectious energy, love for his audiences, free-wheeling enthusiasm and sense of fun is still so captivating decades after his death. He’s a true Australian icon, and I feel very lucky that I get to play him and perform his legendary songs,” says Matthew.

“Peter came out as bisexual, and although it’s not explicit (he always talks about you/me/us and never used gendered pronouns), you can hear his coming out journey through some of the lyrics in his songs.”

The Boy From Oz has a true ‘Peter Allen in concert’ feel to it. The biographical musical follows his fascinating global career and life with Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli in bars, nightclubs and concerts across the world.

From Australia to Asia, to winning an Oscar and selling out performances at Radio City Music Hall in New York, The Boy From Oz showcases Peter Allen’s one-of-a-kind gift as a musical storyteller with hits like I Still Call Australia Home, I Go To Rio, I Honestly Love You and the biographical Tenterfield Saddler.

Tickets: www.theatrical.com.au

Words: Donna Kelly

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

As official town crier for Hepburn Shire since 2015, Philip belongs to the rather exclusive group of individuals in Australia and worldwide who continue to preserve a tradition dating back to at least 1066 and the Norman conquest of England with William the Conqueror.

However, Biblical references suggest the time-honoured role of town crier as official public information bearer and announcement-maker goes back even further.

“Town criers used to give you the news and information,” says Philip who first became a town crier in 2014.

He says he became a town crier “by accident” after he was invited to attend a town crier competition.

After trying on the role himself he soon discovered an aptitude for it, swiftly taking out second place in the very first town crier competition in which he participated.

Today he is president of the Australasian Guild of Town Criers and among just five town criers in Victoria, 15 or so in Australia, and about 400 worldwide – about 20 percent of whom are women.

As official town criers they get to fulfil time-honoured declarative duties at important public, ceremonial and civic events – like the declaration of new mayors and deputy mayors, special anniversary and official occasions.

Adding a sense of pomp, pageantry and special occasion is very much a part of their public function today. In a private engagement context they may also provide formal services such as emceeing at weddings and other private celebrations.

Philip says that when he serves as town crier at community events, however, he does so in an entirely voluntary capacity, with sometimes a bit of recompense for travel costs where warranted, although town criers may receive payment for private engagements.

When The Local caught up with him for a chat last week, Philip was looking forward to serving in his official town crier capacity for a Victoria Day Council engagement on July 1, reading the historic Proclamation at a special anniversary event in Melbourne to mark the historic separation of the Colony of Port Phillip from NSW, thus forming the Colony of Victoria (precursor to the state of Victoria).

“You get to go places and meet people,” he reflected ahead of the significant public engagement taking place at the Melbourne Town Hall.

The experienced town crier also served in his official capacity at another special event that many Creswick locals witnessed recently.

On Thursday 6th June 2024, a worldwide event took place to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day known as D-Day 80.

Organised by England’s Pageant master Bruno Peeks, the day began with over 370 Town Criers from around the world reading the “D-Day 80 Proclamation”.

In Creswick, Philip did the honours, reading the Proclamation at the cenotaph before an appreciative crowd. School children read the D-Day Heroes poem, and bell ringers took part in the “World in Ringing out for Peace”.

Looking ahead, Philip will fulfil traditional ceremonial town crier duties in proclaiming the duly elected mayor and deputy mayor for Hepburn Shire Council following the upcoming local government elections later this year.

He says that hundreds of years before social media, printing presses and traditional media services, town criers served a vital role in informing the often illiterate town folk and community of important official announcements and sometimes even issuing important community warnings.

These days taking part in town crier competitions is also a much-enjoyed aspect of the role with town criers  judged on factors including volume, clarity, diction, inflection, accuracy, confidence and bearing.

The role is clearly not for shy retiring types, and Philip says many who shoulder it are motivated by the sense of public theatricality it enables, though his own motivation is more a strong appreciation for keeping tradition alive.

“I love the tradition and the history behind it,” he says.

“People come up to me and say ‘I love your costume’. But it’s not a costume. It’s town crier livery’,” says the dedicated town crier whose official town crier kit once saw him mistaken for the Mayor of Melbourne by visiting tourists who requested selfies with him as he strolled down Collins Street following a public engagement.

“You also get kids saying ‘look mum there’s a pirate!’,” he says.

“And no, it’s not a hat,” Philip corrects. “It’s a tricorn… because it’s got three corners. The three most important parts of the uniform are the tricorn, the bell and the scroll, and the coat is custom-made in the style of an 18^th century coachman’s coat.”

Just for the record, Philip says the notion that town criers get about declaring “Hear Ye! Hear ye!” whenever they’re about to make an announcement, is much misplaced.

“There is a common misconception that town criers’ first proclamation is ‘Hear Ye. Hear ye’. But that is an absolute no-no,” he says.

“We use the original French ‘Oyez’ (pronounced Oh yay) and we always start a proclamation by saying Oyez three times. ‘Hear ye’ comes from Hollywood.

Anyone who thinks becoming a town crier might just be for them can find out more by contacting Philip at 89agtc@gmail.com

Words & Image: Eve Lamb

Words: Kyle Barnes

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

That’s the view of Central Highlands buyers’ advocates Kathy Hodge and Max Waller. Journalist Kyle Barnes talked to Kathy and Max, along with local real estate agents, about the current state of play in the real estate market.

Infolio Property Advisors buyers’ agent Kathy Hodge represents buyers from Melbourne and those who live abroad, and has bought properties for several clients who have lived overseas and are relocating back to Australia after a considerable time.

Kathy said there was possibly an oversupply of overpriced properties and there was still a lot of vendor resistance to meeting the market expectations.

“Properties’ days on market are blowing out compared to Covid times where things moved pretty quickly. Having said that though, I think well-priced, well-presented properties are still selling well.

“The biggest hurdle now is pricing and vendor expectations are a little unrealistic. Anecdotally some properties are on the market for six months without a price adjustment. But good, well-priced properties might be selling in three to four weeks.”

Asked if there was a set percentage drop needed, Kathy disagrees.

“I don’t think there is a set percentage. Sometimes, for example, if a property was priced at $1.5 to $1.55 million you might want to adjust it to under $1.5 million. So, you might adjust it to $1.45 to $1.48 million, something like that.

“Often it’s that psychological barrier of the next increment. Also, if people put a range from $1 million to $1.5 million into their search engines they might not capture a property that is just out of that range.”

Max Waller, CEO of Provincial Group, a property advocacy and finance broking company, talks through some figures to better clarify the market position.

“Firstly, the market is down by 5.3 per cent from May 2023 to May 2024, but we must remember that we were down 6.8 per cent already on the May 2022 to May 2023, so the market had already started its decline.

“But coming off May 2021 to May 2022, where we had gained 16.4 per cent, you can see if you date it back through the years it’s been really strong in 2020–2021 which is obviously because of Covid.

“So now we are starting to see a collective and compounding drop of circa 11–12 per cent of the value since May 2022. And then there is the more important bit to the relevance to the current state of the market and that is the supply.

“(If you) have a look at June ’23 versus May ’24, and for a population that is the size of the Daylesford and Hepburn area, we are talking about over 100 extra properties on the market than we had 12 months ago.

“So, with the old law of supply and demand, and how the market reacts to this message, there is a consistent message across the market about stock supply, and because it’s not selling it’s accumulating.”

Max said in terms of a vendor wanting to sell their property they should first and foremost understand what the market is doing right now before venturing into it.

Vendors needed to be really prepared to understand the market, their competition, its pricing, how long properties have been on the market and how many properties are for sale in comparable form. This will help make better decisions in relationship to two things, Max says.

“Firstly, how will I appropriately price this property to get a result and secondly, is it the right time to sell my property or should I be reconsidering? There are two measures in this decision – the market and the individual’s personal situation.

“The data will show people very clearly what they would have got in May 2022 is not what they’re going to get now. There has been a very clear shift of 11–12 per cent. The gloss on this, and the exception to the rule, is the unique property market.

“When unique properties come up from time to time, because they are rare and in short supply, they do tend to get the asking price.

“For them it doesn’t matter what the market is doing, those properties are special, and they will be received and perceived as special by the buyers in the market.”

Jellis Craig Daylesford’s senior sales consultant Gary Cooke said they had been seeing a steady rebound in the market with the number of buyers looking and enquiring online and attending open houses in May and June.

“These numbers have been significantly higher than what we saw in the first four months of the year.

“This has resulted in stronger sales in both May and June. Previously we saw a very large amount of stock on the market, and a small number of buyers.

“The balance of available stock and available buyers seems to be levelling out, returning to a more consistent market.”

Gary said vendors often asked if they should hold until spring and avoid the winter period but said there was no reason to wait if properties were correctly priced, with potential owners aware they were buying in a region with a real winter season.

“We live in a cold climate area, and we are used to selling in the cold climate. Depending on the property, I would suggest there would be no reason to hold off listing, now that we are seeing a more consistent market, which we are predicting will continue to keep improving.

“There have been price corrections since Covid and it’s clear properties priced correctly are getting sales activity.”

Belle Property Daylesford’s principal director Will Walton said currently regional Victoria was in a correction phase after experiencing unforeseen rapid growth during Covid. Compounding this is the worldwide economic slow down.

“Traditionally most buyers in our region were purchasing a second home to enjoy, however now managing the mortgage of the principal home elsewhere may create a challenge for the traditional purchaser to consider a regional purchase.

“It’s important for potential vendors to look at what sale prices are being achieved versus listing prices. A property correctly priced (and) marketed widely combined with exceptional presentation will always perform best in achieving a great result.

Everyone wants to believe their property is the best, however listening to an agent’s opinion on comparable sales is important in considering an independent view.”

McQueen Real Estate director Kim McQueen said the current property climate in the region is one of the toughest she can remember and “we have never worked harder with buyers to get deals done”.

“There are a combination of factors affecting our market – high interest rates and the cost of living crisis, land tax increases and the looming Vacant Residential Land Tax and other costs deterring buyers from entering the investment and holiday home market and soaring building costs affecting land sales.”

Kim said increasing stock levels combined with a decrease in buyer activity had culminated in sluggish mid-year transactions.

“There has been a sharp price correction particularly over the past six months with the heady Covid prices a distant memory. This has led to some good recent results with May being an exceptional month for McQueen Real Estate.

“But it was a culmination of many months of hard work to get buyers to the table and have them transact. May included some record sales for the region and for McQueen Real Estate with the highest price paid for a home within the Trentham township of $2.5m and a $4 million plus sale in Porcupine Ridge.

“Well-presented properties that are realistically priced with patient vendors will succeed in this market.”

Kim said whether a property should wait until spring depended on the property.

“Winter in our region can be beautiful and homes with roaring log fires and cosy interiors can present beautifully. But properties with stunning gardens may present better in spring.

“When will the market pick up? I think as soon as we get news of an interest rate decrease the buyers will be back in larger numbers. The desire to move to our beautiful region is still strong.”

“The real estate market has been on a rollercoaster ride over the past few years, with Covid-19 significantly impacting buyer and seller behaviours. As the pandemic wanes, the market is shifting, offering both challenges and opportunities.”

BigginScott Daylesford director Tom Shaw said amid ongoing reports of the RBA keeping interest rates steady since November 2023, June witnessed a 12-month record in sales, especially in the Creswick area, which has been a hot spot for buyers.

Good quality stock has fuelled strong buyer activity, resulting in some buyers missing out, he said.

“Currently, the market remains vibrant, driven by cautious optimism and pent-up demand. Many homeowners are debating whether to wait until spring to sell their properties. Traditionally, spring is the prime selling season, but given the current conditions, waiting might not yield better results.

“Firstly, Daylesford is experiencing a correction from the inflated prices seen during the pandemic. Buyers are more discerning, and the bidding war frenzy has subdued, creating a balanced market. Realistically priced and well-marketed properties can still attract strong interest and competitive offers.

“Secondly, waiting until spring could mean more competition, as many sellers might have the same idea. Listing now could give sellers an edge. With interest rates remaining low, buyers are still motivated, and current inventory levels are manageable, creating a favourable environment for sellers.

“Prices have adjusted from their pandemic peaks but remain strong. Realistic pricing can still yield good returns. The appeal of moving to more spacious, less densely populated areas like Daylesford remains strong, with many still looking to this region for relocation.

“While spring remains a popular time to sell, the current conditions in Daylesford suggest that selling now can be equally advantageous.”

One of Australia’s leading rural romance writers is headed to Daylesford – and Creswick – next month to feature in conversations discussing her latest book.

Leonie Kelsall will feature in conversation with ‘The Kid’ has they discuss her new book The Homestead in the Eucalypts which is described as ‘” fresh and compelling novel with an intriguing historical twist”.

Raised initially in a small town on South Australia’s Fleurieu coast, Léonie is a country girl through and through.

Growing up without a television, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school, swiftly followed by a desire to write.

The Hepburn Shire Council is hosting two sessions:

Daylesford Library Saturday 6 July at 11.30am

Creswick Hub Friday 12 July at 2pm

Bookings are through Eventbrite online but both sessions are free to attend.

with Eve Lamb

Creswick Regional Park Walk II: St Georges Lake to Gosgrave Reservoir via the Old Koala Park,
Chinese Plum Orchard, and Eaton’s Dam. 9km return.

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.

It will, Craig says, take in the old Creswick Koala Park, relics of the 1860s gold rush era, an old Chinese plum orchard and the notable stone walls of Eaton’s Dam.

“Sounds good,” I say as we plan the walk for Sunday when, the BOM forecasts, a lower chance of rain.

Craig explains that the walk starts from the St Georges Lake smaller, lesser-used south eastern car park, just out of Creswick, off the Melbourne Road. I’m particularly keen to see this Koala Park site that I’ve heard a fair bit about but never actually seen.

Off we set, carrying camera gear, lunches, a proper bushwalking kit including maps, compass, walk guide and first aid kit (in Craig’s case) and plenty of dark chocolate (in mine).

We are in the Creswick Regional Park, part of the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung People. In part, our walk ahead will follow a small snippet of the Goldfields Walking Trail (Buninyong to Bendigo) and in small part it also overlaps with where Creswick’s new mountain bike track is being built.

In fact there have been reports recently of some overly keen types ripping down protective temporary barriers to get at the new bike trail before it’s deemed ready to go.

Fortunately our prudent guide, Craig, has checked with the relevant authorities to gain approval for our walk today. Later, when I read authoritative warnings on this front, I am pleased he has.

But as we set off and morning sunlight splashes down through tall eucalypts lining our path, my mind is unfettered by officialdom. As soon as we set foot on the walking track headed south straight out of the car park, Paddy H and I can see this is a fantastic little hike.

“You should see it in spring,” Craig says. “Superb wild flowers.”

Gaining gentle elevation, striding through aromatic bushland for just under a kilometre, we soon arrive at the remnant boundary fence of the old koala park. In 1942, forestry students built the koala park by constructing a fence in a section of the forest to be used as a breeding area for koalas.

However, just a tad comically, they failed to adequately acknowledge koala climbing know-how and the furry little fellas swiftly decamped into the surrounding forest.

These days, the literature states, “there is just as much chance to see a koala in the surrounding Creswick State Forest as the old koala park. I look up a fair bit but do not see a koala.

Having finally visited, though, I can now say that the paucity of the much-loved marsupial does nothing to diminish the site’s value as a top walking spot, with a short 2km loop walk around the
entire former koala park another nice option.

Today, we stop here briefly to check out an old metal stile for helping humans, back in the day, to get into and out of the park, then we move on, following the Goldfields Walking Trail to the north of the koala park, running roughly alongside Creswick Creek. The creek used to be called Back Creek on old maps, Craig says.

Further on we pass alongside remains of an old gold mining water race running through the bushland, scars of 1800s picks still fairly evident in places.

Roughly two or so kilometres further along the Goldfields Walking Trail, Craig stops and points out the site of the old Chinese plum orchard, today a grouping of ghostly moss-encrusted fruit trees whose limbs stretch bare against the early winter light.

We take a little detour through this ghostly orchard and historic market garden site. “Black plums,” says Craig, and then recounts the vision of spring blossom that still blooms here all these decades on. It must be a sight.

And slipping back into the past, to a time long before any of us existed, Craig now points toward nearby sites where hotels once stood nearby – “the Springmount Hotel was there,” he says… “and the Munsters Arms Hotel … in that direction.”

We leave the old plum orchard and its ghosts and regain the Goldfields Track, continuing on until we reach the intersection with Jackass Road. Instead of turning left onto the road and continuing to follow the Goldfields Trail north here, we instead simply cross the road and rejoin the walking pad that heads on, eastward toward the historic site of Eaton’s Dam about half a k further on.

Our resourceful guide provides some literature which instructs that Eaton’s Dam is: “a well preserved example of a mining dam built in 1862 on Creswick Creek”.

The site was leased by American brothers Benjamin and Charles Eaton. While the dam was breached in 1933, and after that fell into disuse, there’s still plenty to see here including some pretty remarkable, high stone walls.

“It’s also one of my favourite places for forest bathing,” Craig muses.

In the cold summer sunlight, a mossy outcrop has something of the bushland shrine about it, complete with tiny exquisite wren attendants.

We stop and admire for a while and then Craig suggests we finish up by continuing on for a few hundred metres more to reach the Cosgrave Reservoir.

It proves to be an excellent place for lunch with two wedge tailed eagles circling above. As we sit there munching away, a man rolls up in a vehicle (the reservoir is accessible by car) and hops out brandishing swish Nordic walking poles.

“Where are you off to mate?” Paddy H enquires.

“Just walking around the reservoir,” says the bloke, bidding us all a cheery farewell and setting off.

Once we’re all fully fortified we head back, basically retracing our steps and listening to Craig recount tales of times well spent in France.

“And what do you like most about this walk?” I ask.

Craig pauses for only the briefest moment before replying.

“That there are great wildflowers. And there aren’t many people. I’m definitely a path less travelled type,” our guide says.

We continue on, all up covering roughly 9kms the round trip, and returning to a path more travelled to reflect on all we have seen and learned, over a warming red by the fire. It was a good day.

Words & Images: Eve Lamb

It’s time to tap your inner druid, commune with your alternate mystical self, and warm up beside the dancing flames as Creswick’s Park Lake sets the scene for the town’s annual Winter Solstice bonfire.

The local CFA team will be lighting the bonfire at 5pm this Friday June 21 with the Friends of Park Lake inviting all pixies, fairies, elves and other mystical woodland creatures to join them for what promises an enchanting night to celebrate the solstice.

Friends of Park Lake secretary Andrew Bell, says this Friday is the actual Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, with the days to start lengthening beyond then.

He says that at Friday evening’s solstice bonfire the local scouts will be running a warming sausage sizzle, and there will be best costume prizes with everyone encouraged to don their best druid, fairy, pixie, elf or mystical woodland creature outfit for the event.

“I’d just advise the pixies to wear two sets of tights,” laughs Andrew, adding “rug up”.

The wintery weather is all part of what makes the Winter Solstice a special and atmospheric time of year.

Andrew says all members of the community are invited to get along and it’s free to attend but there will be a donation box with all contributions helping the Friends of Park Lake to maintain and further beautify the significant historic location.

“And we do hope to reinstate the fountain in the old fernery gully,” Andrew says.

Fun fact: Creswick Park Lake is surrounded by parklands and interpretive signage and there is also a section of the Creswick of the Lindsay Arts Trail, which focuses on the famous Lindsay family and their history in Creswick. Trail guides are available from the Visitor Information Centre.

Words: Eve Lamb | Image: Contributed

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

It’s a chance to either participate and read a role, with scripts provided, or just kick back and be entertained.

This time theatre company members are taking on a time-tested script by famed 19th century Irish playwright, Oscar Wilde.

“It will be lady Windermere’s Fan,” says long-time Creswick Theatre Company member Jacinta Antonelli.

Lady Windermere’s Fan is a four-act comedy, first performed in 1892, at the Saint James Theatre in London. The story concerns Lady Windermere who suspects that her husband is having an affair with another woman.

As part of Creswick Theatre Company’s play reading series, they’re also planning to next month tackle a reading featuring an original script by a Glenlyon playwright with the possibility that one may lead on to a stage production as well, Jacinta says.

“We want to mix it up and have old favourites and originals,” she says.

Entry to this Sunday afternoon’s play reading is free and participants are invited to bring a snack along to share, with drinks, tea and coffee also available at the court house theatre bar.

“No prior experience is needed and we are encouraging people from all over the Hepburn Shire,” CTC president Neil Adam says.

“We would just like to encourage anyone who as ever thought of participating in something like this to come along.”

The play reading will take place 2-4pm this Sunday June 23 while the local theatre company also has plenty else happening in the wings including some school holiday fun called You’re an Instrument on Friday July 12, a night of live music and poetry on Saturday August 17, and a Spring racing season “interactive murder mingle” entitled A Murder at The Derby in November.

It is also currently accepting play submissions and production proposals through its website creswicktheatrecompany@fermigiohousegmail-com.

Neil says the committee is also especially keen to increasingly open up use of the local theatre company’s home venue, the historic Creswick Courthouse theatre, to other groups and activities.

Words: Eve Lamb

Vandalism is hindering progress toward an early opening of Creswick’s Djuwang Baring (Creswick Trails) mountain bike network.

The possibility of an early opening of a portion of trails remains a possibility at this stage.

But Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas, says progress towards an early opening is being hindered by individuals breaking into the construction site, bypassing, damaging and otherwise vandalising site exclusion measures with the intent to ride the trails before they are open.

“This trespassing is causing damage and could lead to injury as the site is an active construction zone and trails signage is not yet in place,” Mr Thomas said.

“These site exclusion measures are a mandatory part of the project and are intended to maintain the safety of the public, contractor and to protect the trails asset.”

Site exclusion measures include orange flag bunting, segments of temporary fencing, chain across road junctions and signage.

“Instances of trespassing on the construction site and individuals riding the trails before they have been formally opened are slowing the progress of trails construction and delaying the opportunity to open some trails months ahead of schedule.

“This is one of our biggest risks for the project at the moment, without even mentioning the cost implications of repairs from the damage.

“Please do not attempt to ride the trails of Djuwang Baring (Creswick Trails) before they are formally opened.

“Let our team do their work of building a world class network of mountain bike trails and please don’t delay a potential early opening of a portion of the trails, that everyone can then enjoy.

“If anyone witnesses trespassing on the construction site or any acts of vandalism, please report this to Victoria Police,” said Mr Thomas.

Consultation falls short for Creswick community

Hepburn Shire Council has shown it is not really interested in genuine consultation with the community of Creswick.

Given that this community has a significant number of mature-aged people who are digitally illiterate, many without the internet/computers or mobile phones, how does the council think it is appropriate to have all the details of the proposed Future Strategy and feedback avenues all online?

Their only attempt to make it accessible (initially – as copies have now been placed in the library) was to hold a community meeting – which was held on a Friday between 5pm and 8pm.

Many elderly will not drive or walk after dark so that ruled them out. The others that had children and/or worked are not likely to show up either. Not to mention the fact that a letter sent out to notify all the residents of the consultation meeting arrived four days after the meeting date.

As one of the residents who were invited to contribute to the three-stage Creswick consultation process, I was stunned to see that the plan to develop the area around the railway station with multi-storey buildings was on the agenda from day one.

Despite the council being told it would destroy the amenity of the area and that this was a city plan for our iconic and heritage railway building to be surrounded by high-rise apartments, it has still remained in the plan.

Let’s face it, there are four trains a day and it is a single rail line, as such this area is unlikely to become a transport hub in the next couple of decades.

Very strong feedback was given by the group for the immediate need for indoor amenities for youth and a swimming pool. These are totally left out of the plan.

This plan needs to be put on pause until after the council elections in October so the community can vote for people who want what the residents want, not what the state government and developers want.

From Wendy Cato, Creswick

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.

CresFest Director Judy Turner says the atmosphere in Creswick was absolutely terrific for the event
held over April 5-7.

“We had overseas, national and local musicians, visitors from interstate and throughout Victoria
and, importantly, we enjoyed the support of the local community who, in increasing numbers, are
seeing both the economic and social benefit of Creswick hosting this music festival,” Judy said.

Alongside ticketed concerts in the heritage buildings, there were free events with Albert Street
coming alive with magicians, buskers, street musicians, choirs and street bands.

Judy said that what sets CresFest apart from other festivals is the interaction between musicians,
audience and volunteers.

“In intimate venues, with respectful and relaxed performances, time and again musicians and ticketholders would remark on the friendliness of the volunteers who were always willing to stop,
listen and lend a hand,” she said.

“Over 130 volunteers offered their knowledge and time to make sure CresFest will continue to be
recognised as one of the most approachable festivals in the country.”

This year’s program reflected the outcome of a survey conducted at the conclusion of CresFest23:
greater diversity of musical genres, more free events and activities specifically for kids.

Planning for CresFest25 (April 4-6) is set to begin as soon as feedback has been collected from all the
key stakeholders including local businesses, musicians, ticketholders and volunteers – but already
the signs are looking strong for the future of this local festival.

Words: Fiona Watson. Images: Supplied

A pioneering healthy ageing project in the Hepburn Shire has been expanded to Daylesford, Trentham and Creswick after a successful pilot program in Clunes.

The project is a result of a partnership between Clunes Neighbourhood House, Attitude – Ageing Well in Clunes, and Central Highlands Rural Health and is backed by the Western Victoria Primary Health Network.

It encompasses two key strategies designed to empower older individuals and improve their quality of life.

The project seeks to inspire healthy habits, foster connections and provide ongoing support to ensure these positive changes persist well into the later years.

The first phase of the project was to develop a ‘healthy ageing hub’ prototype in Clunes that would provide a range of connections, activities and resources in partnership with community groups, and the second phase was to use the lessons learned from the pilot to expand the project’s reach and impact across the region.

Central Highlands Rural Health deputy CEO Phil Catterson said the project was about enhancing people’s lives by reducing the risk of isolation.

“We wanted to make sure that people have access to information and opportunities to connect with their community as those who are active in their community can feel more purpose in life which has many positive health benefits.

“It’s been fantastic to work with the neighbourhood centres across the region to bring this program to life.

We strongly believe that for projects like this to be successful and to get the community to get on board, it has to be done with the community and in partnership with existing community groups and services like the neighbourhood centres.

“Working closely with local neighbourhood centres, the healthy ageing project builds on existing community initiatives and local groups to centralise accurate information on programs and groups available to the community through the creation of a ‘What’s On’ guide.

“This printed booklet has a list of groups available with information on how to get involved. At each neighbourhood centre in Creswick, Daylesford and Trentham there has been a kiosk installed that the community can use to find programs and groups to join to stay connected with technical support offered by the neighbourhood centres and the program volunteers.”

Clunes Neighbourhood House manager Lana de Kort said a key outcome of the pilot program in Clunes had been improved connections through existing groups and community services.

“We’ve been able to reach out to people that we wouldn’t necessarily have known who might be in vulnerable positions or at risk of isolation to form connections and look out for their wellbeing. Big things can come from little beginnings where people collaborate at all levels across the community. And that’s what this is all about.”

Words & image: Contributed

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

There are many ways to transform a town, and across the greater goldfields region community groups work all year to make their villages and towns the best they can be.

Think ChillOut, when Daylesford goes rainbow, think Booktown, when Clunes turns into a massive book store, and think SpudFest, when Trentham gives itself over to celebration of all things potato.

The town of Creswick is no exception, with award-winning event CresFest taking over the whole town from April 5 to 7. This year, says festival director Judy Turner, there is an extra twist.

“We decided to add the element of surprise,” she says, “and our streets will be full of fun – there’s a mini circus, Big Tops for Tiny Tots, a sword swallower, a sleight of hand expert from Texas, and Australia’s leading female magician and mentalist, Cath Jamison, hailing from Hepburn Springs.”

Jamison is noted as one of Australia’s most bizarre and unusual women entertainers – a wickedly hilarious entertainer who offers a feminine approach to the world of intrigue and is recognised worldwide for her astonishing skills in the fields of magic and mentalism.

“We’ve asked Cath to be a roving magician,” Judy says, “so our crowds are greeted with the unexpected. You might be sitting having a coffee with friends, and all of a sudden, Cath will pop up doing magic tricks for you and your gang.”

More than folk and roots music, CresFest has become renowned for its eclectic approach, presenting a series of Courthouse Conversations across the weekend, with host and former Daylesford identity Cate Kennedy talking up a storm with invited guests.

“There’s so much to see and do all across our town, we want people from right across the region to join us the weekend after Easter, and explore all we have to offer.”

Words: Contributed | Image: Eve Lamb

World music is something Gosti does well.

The Queensland trio is among the headliner acts featured on the diverse program of live music set for CresFest over April 5-7.

Gosti is a world music trio including Tunji Beier (South Indian percussion), Philip Griffin (oud, laouto, rabab + bass ) and Linsey Pollak (self designed and made wind instruments).

At the age of ten was Tunji was studying Yoruba drumming in Nigeria, Philip’s extraordinary and diverse talents defy categorisation and Linsey has toured his solo shows all over the world.

The final program for the award-winning local festival, now in its third year, is out now and available online.

CresFest general manager Sarah Wade: “It takes a village to stage a festival and at CresFest there’s a space for anyone to participate, learn new skills and, for volunteers and contractors behind the scenes, work through the challenges and triumphs of mounting a multi-day regional event in a ‘post-covid new-normal’ world.

“It’s our contribution to and investment in community, culture and the arts for all generations for now, tomorrow and the future.”

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

Celebrating the tenth anniversary of her électrotrad project, multiple award-winning singer Mélisande revisits songs from her repertoire with a traditional Québécois sound, surrounded by four seasoned musicians.

With over 300 performances around the world, Mélisande gets the crowd stomping, dancing and singing wherever she goes.

Festival Director Judy Turner says the musicality that will be on display over the festival happening April 5-7 “is awesome”.

“We’ve created a program with four concert stages and five key ‘zones’,” Judy says.

She says these include:

KidsOwn KidZone – “fun across the weekend for the littlies, including Railway Bob the puppet show, The Magic Pudding in two slices, circus skills, MarimbaTaters craft and more”.

Dance Zone – “where you can brush up or learn new clogging, salsa, ballroom, Scottish and belly dancing skills”.

Conversation Zone – “where you sit in our charming Courthouse Theatre listening to erudite people discussing matters of import, or simply chewing the fat with hosts Cate Kennedy and James Fremantle”.

“Workshop Zone – “where festival-goers can learn Indian drumming, guitar skills, singing, American fiddling and more”.

Session Zone at the American Hotel, led by a diverse array of talent from the festival artist list and serving up live music into the wee small hours.

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

The final program is out with organisers reporting strong ticket sales ahead of the third annual festival taking place over April 5-7.

Among headliner acts, Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse use their music and performances to highlight one of the most beautiful and rare languages on the planet; the Noongar language of the southern corner of Western Australia.

As conduits of a fractured past, they have made it their mission to become agitators for a hopeful future, by rewriting the script through song.

They are a multi-award-winning duo, but allow their performances and the power of the music they create speak for itself.

Although there are less than 400 speakers of Noongar language left, their work has always been about what connects people, regardless of background.

CresFest Director Judy Turner: “Our small town will be swelled by more than its total population in the weekend of April 5-7”.

CresFest General Manager Sarah Wade: “This effort includes 560 performers, 160 volunteers, 31 partners/supporters, 11 venues, 4 campsites, 3 days, 2 nights, and 1 hour extra thanks to daylight saving change over.

“It’s clear to me how CresFest was the winning community cultural project of 2023 at the Australian Folk Alliance Awards”.

CresFest Associate Artistic Director, Stella Savy: “CresFest is shaping up to be a wonderful weekend filled with interactive performances and experiences that I am eagerly anticipating”.