“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 (pictured above) almost two weeks after the accident which rocked the Daylesford community.

But the two Daylesford police officers who were the first police to arrive on the scene are doing OK, he said. “The two members were at the station, which is so close you probably could have heard it (the accident) and they were aware of people running down the street to the station. They knew it was going to be pretty bad. They took off up the street and were confronted with the scene about six minutes after it happened.

“And while there is only so much two police officers can do there were off-duty paramedics and off-duty nurses and then people out of the Royal Hotel and the Daylesford Hotel, passersby, who just did everything they could, people with no medical training who had never been exposed to any sort of trauma, doing whatever they could.

“It was a fantastic community response and became a real team effort. It was impressive and the support this community has given those police since is just fantastic.

“I guess the other thing is that this was a busy Sunday afternoon in Daylesford, so it wasn’t just this community that was impacted, people from all walks of life then went to their homes in other parts of Victoria, and Australia and even internationally. The impact is widespread.”

Sen Sgt Brand said the Major Collision Investigation Unit had interviewed around 100 witnesses but if anyone had not yet talked to the police and felt they had something to share, they should contact Daylesford Police who would then pass that information on. “You can never say you have interviewed every witness. All of a sudden someone can come forward at a later date with a critical piece of information.”

Sen Sgt Brand said the two first responder police officers were linked into police welfare services, who along with a police psychologist, arrived on the Sunday night. “It is a small team here, a sergeant and six members, and they are all pretty close, but the surrounding stations of Trentham, Creswick and Clunes have also been very supportive.

“And they know they have many avenues to seek help if they need it, with the support of Central Highlands Rural Health and they also have very supportive and close families. So they are going OK at this time but we know that can change and will continue to provide support as it is needed.”

Sen Sgt Brand, whose role takes in 12 police stations from Hepburn, Golden Plains and Moorabool shires, said most of his work had come after the accident in supporting the police members, the emergency service departments and community mental health.

“From a Victoria Police point of view, we understand that it is a very traumatic experience for the community, very impactful, and we understand we need to provide support ongoing and that is going to be for months.

“And we really want to say how grateful we are for the support of Central Highlands Rural Health, Daylesford Hospital and the general community.”

Three days after the accident, the churches of Daylesford came together to hold a Community Memorial Service. “All Faith – No Faith – Everyone is Welcome.” About 220 people attended Christ
Church for the combined service of the Anglican Parish of Daylesford, St Peter’s Catholic Church Daylesford, the Daylesford Uniting Church and the Daylesford-Hepburn Springs Baptist Church.

Anglican minister Father Neil Fitzgerald said the service started with an Acknowledgement of Country and then each minister played a role. “We all came together for the last part, a hymm and then sang Over the Rainbow and it really felt like a big hug. It was lovely and the reaction from the congregation
was terrific.”

Fr Neil said he had been thinking on the Monday how a faith community could let people know they were there for them. “I rang Father Justin at the Catholic Church with the idea of the service and he said ‘yep’, and Lorelle at the Uniting Church was in. And then when I was doing a shift for the community chaplains, I met the Baptist pastor Ross’s wife and they were in.

“Alicia from Verey’s (Funeral) rang and said she was going to bring up a sound system because the church was going to be full and she was right. It was standing room only.” Fr Neil said there was just one hymn “because we didn’t want to over-church people, it was more about faith and the community and that is what people appreciated. We weren’t passing a collection plate around or asking for donations or saying come to church next Sunday. Afterwards people gathered out the front and said it was what they needed at the right time.”

Fr Neil said since the service many people had visited the church to chat about the accident, or what was happening in their lives or how they were trying to cope with numerous traumatic events. Others just wanted to sit in the silence of the church and meditate. And just this year Fr Neil had trained to be part of the Victorian Council of Churches’ emergency ministry team, so found himself doing four 4-hour shifts in the main street as a community chaplain.

“So my first call out was on the doorstep and I had two hats on, a community chaplain and the local vicar because people recognised me. We spoke to lots of businesses, just to make sure they were OK, and many said they appreciated the tourists being around and not staying away. And the tourists we spoke to said they were not sure if they should be here but we told them they were appreciated.

“A lot of people stopped us to say thanks for being here, or ask if they could talk to us, or just gave us a hug and burst into tears. “I was a bit fortunate because I was on the special assistance team for Qantas for 20 years so that came in handy knowing how to approach things. Still, it was pretty confronting here on your own doorstep.” Fr Neil said many in the community also said they felt they had a duty of care for those involved in the accident.

“They had come here to spend their money, enjoy a long weekend and people felt, not that they had let them down, but that they had a connection with them. They were a part of our family for that afternoon. A lot of people are still pretty raw about that.”

Fr Neil said he felt many people were slowly moving forward but the first responders were going to need a lot of counselling support – which is available for as long as it is needed. “I think my way of coping was organising the service. I had something to do. And the enthusiasm for it was just amazing.

“And a woman I met at the accident site was part of the Melbourne Sikh community and I asked her if it would appropriate for us to read a Sikh prayer in a church and she said absolutely and sent me one.

“It was great to be able to share something different and I have had a lot of people ask for a copy of that prayer.” Fr Neil said more combined services were being planned for Christmas including a Blue Service on Christmas Eve for those who had lost someone or had gone through trauma.

Words: Donna Kelly

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. She and her husband Pat, like many, raced to help those involved in the horrific accident in which five people died – Melbourne lawyer Pratibha Sharma, 44, and partner Jatin Chugh, 30, Pratibha’s nine-year-old daughter Anvi, family friend Vivek Bhatia, 38, and his 11-year-old son Vihaan. Bhatia’s 36-year-old wife Ruchi and other son, Abeer, aged six, were injured and both remain in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
Narelle, who comforted Abeer, told me a few days later, after an hour of just talking, that she would like to write something, not sure what, but something about love. And about reaching out for help. It would be hard but also, as a writer, help her heal, she said. This piece is about her memories and thoughts.
This November 20, current edition, of TL also includes interviews with others involved, from Central Highlands Rural Health’s Shane Richardson and Victoria Police’s Senior Sergeant Simon Brand, to Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Brian Hood and Anglican minister Father Neil Fitzgerald. We have also listed a range of
phone numbers which anyone can call if they feel they need to talk or have counselling. I realise that for some, it might be too soon to read this, and perhaps triggering. For others, they have moved forward. Each person has their own journey or reality. Editor Donna Kelly.
A sunny afternoon in Daylesford, rocked by a tragedy so devastating, so incomprehensible, it’s hard to conceive how we can even try to recover. For those of us who were there, lives have been altered in ways that can’t be fixed.
My husband and I weren’t even meant to be there – a last-minute cancelled trip to Gippsland, some friends rang and said we’re coming through, do you want to catch up for a drink? Long weekend. Beautiful day. Why not?
We are now all broken by what we saw. Tormented by our own reactions to trauma. Doubts, what ifs and grief. Lives lost and torn apart in an instant and lives left behind. The sadness is palpable. The grief is so deep it hurts. Our town is hurting. We are a community collectively in mourning.
I’ve been a journalist and communications professional for more than 30 years, working in regional and city areas, in radio and print media. My 15 years as a beat reporter saw me cover stories of hope and joy, sadness and despair, tragedy and loss.
Stories that became part of my life. Part of my own story. Amongst all the work I have ever done, this story is the hardest one I will ever write. But if there is a chance that one person reaches out for help, if one person who is struggling to deal with their grief and sadness reaches out for support, then there will be purpose in these words.
The team from Central Highlands Rural Health had garnered trauma counsellors within hours, reaching out to as many of the witnesses as possible to begin the healing process. I know I personally have a long way to go. Some days I’m paralysed by sadness. But the support locally is extraordinary. They can help us all heal – in time.
We just need to all know that healing through support is a phone call away. For my husband and me, a quick catch up with friends saw us end up at the Daylesford Hotel. Our office is between the Royal Hotel and the tyre shop. They are our work neighbours. Our community. But turning the corner from Howe Street we gravitated to the spare table outside the Daylesford Hotel remembering that one of
us remarked this isn’t our usual pub. But there we were. In full view of our office, the tables either side of us and the joy being had on the beautiful lawns in the heart of town. Within minutes everything had changed.
I know the word chaos has been used to describe the scene. Someone mentioned that not even the emergency services are trained for what unfolded that evening. But through the confusion, shock, trauma and disbelief, strangers came together.
I remember the gentle way people were being held, talked to, comforted and loved. Love is a powerful thing and easy to say. But that evening, among the mayhem and chaos, those victims were surrounded by the love of this community. It was tangible.
Every single person played a role that night. Some shielding families, some praying, some stopping traffic and many locals and visitors running to the victims. Staff and the owners of the pub reacting in such a way I find it hard to find the words that describe their actions. Calm, caring and measured, despite their own shock and grief.
At one stage I was with a woman comforting a little boy who was injured. So small. So scared. So brave. Kissing his forehead in that moment, my entire life was wrapped up in this little boy’s survival. When an ambulance driver appeared and we knew this beautiful little soul was going to be cared for, my husband appeared. A young family witness to the event were recovering in the pub. In shock. For Pat and I, it was a moment of purpose. The act of comforting a young family, feeling a desperate sense to offer love and support was a godsend for us. Somehow going into mum mode, singing Wiggles songs
away from the sadness and holding the hands of innocent children was a moment embedded in my heart. Our lives are now entwined. There are many stories of those on the night connecting. Strangers brought together through trauma now friends.
A special young woman from Melbourne who witnessed the event from the pub’s balcony. Consoling and comforting each other hours later in the pub, it was this woman who had the strength to come back to the site days later, who gave me the strength to stand by her side in that moment.
For those who lost their lives, for those left behind, for witnesses, first responders and for everyone who has reached out to others with love and kindness, hope and prayers, we will all somehow be connected by grief but united by love.

The Hepburn Shire Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, has thanked the community for their support of one another following the tragic event that led to the death of five people and significant injuries to others in Daylesford earlier this month.

“The Hepburn Shire community sends our love and condolences to the families of the victims. There has been such an outpouring of public grief for those affected, with several hundred people attending vigils throughout the week to pay their respects,” said Cr Hood.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported others following this terrible event,” he said.

“There have been so many generous offers from the community. We will continue to work with local groups and agencies to develop a plan as to how we can best support our community and the families of the victims in the days, weeks and months to come.

“We want to do it respectfully and we ask for your patience while we work with the victims’ families and affected businesses to ensure we get it right.”

The council and other agencies have worked closely with those businesses directly impacted by the event.

“The community has really rallied around The Royal Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford Hotel and Winespeak Cellar + Deli, which were impacted so significantly by the tragedy but have now reopened,” said Cr Hood.

“We offer a reminder to be respectful of staff in these businesses at this time. Please assume that they do not want to discuss the event. We urge you to give them, and other business operators, some space,” he said.

By Donna Kelly

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.
For who didn’t know Serge, and you are the poorer for it, he was a taxi driver for Daylesford Taxis, for many years. Most of us have been on a trip with Serge. Mostly a pretty fast trip. But always with great banter and humour.
The news has many in the community reeling. Everyone felt like they knew Serge. And he was just “Serge”. The guy who answered the taxi phone, who picked you up, sometimes coming into the bar or restaurant to find you, and delivered you safely to your front door.
Sometimes you would get a cheery “Hello lovers!” when you got in the cab, or “Hello beautiful people”as he passed you in the street. And there was the banter and the jokes, some good, some bad, and just the genuine smile.
My most memorable ride home was one late night where Serge was the only cabby on. He never wanted to keep people waiting so was going pretty fast. Well, really fast. (Let’s face it, he sometimes drove that cab like he was in the Grand Prix.) And as we headed into Glenlyon we were up around the 100km mark (maybe a titch more) with no signs of slowing down.
Kyle and I both pretty much screamed “Serge” and he hit the brakes, made the sharp right-hand bend and missed ending up in a huge gum. That became “our tree” every ride home after that. The three of us. Sort of funny. Hmmm.
But I will very much miss this gentleman of Daylesford. I think he has left a bigger hole than he would have ever realised. And so, here are just a few comments, of about 200, from a farewell posted on Facebook.
Daylesford just got a bit darker. I didn’t realise how much it meant to me being able to see Serge and him always take such an interest in my life and how I was doing and give me such sage advice and encouragement always with that shifty grin. We loved you mate!
Dear Serge, You were the best. All the jokes we shared, the way you flattered us all with so much sincerity, the two of us cracking jokes in mangled poor Australian/Russian hybrids….and most of all the times that you morphed into the Soup Nazi when anyone kept you waiting…God forbid it was during ChillOut. I am so sad – such a wonderful eccentric and generous personality.
This is just so so sad. Serge was the heart of Daylesford. The common thread that bound us all. He had the amazing ability to make you feel like the little snippets of life were just as important as the big chapter moments. I’ll always cherish my rides with Serge. Booking a taxi won’t be the same again, knowing it won’t be his cheeky face picking me up. A truly beautiful man.
We just adored our “Latvian Lothario” and enjoyed so much piss taking and much laughter together over the years. A huge loss for all. May you Shine On You Crazy Diamond.
You were such a friendly, funny, intelligent and empathetic man. You will be greatly missed. Thank you for always bringing our kids home safely.
Vale Serge, and as always, safe travels. You are missed already. Donna and Kyle x

Final Edition is the creative practice of Craig Frankland: a teacher, designer and artist based on Dja Dja Wurrung land in Daylesford.
His current work, a series of small sculptural record holders, is fuelled by his passion for music and how we interact with it. Craig’s record holders are created to promote enjoying and creating a ritual of listening.
He combines traditional craft techniques and modern manufacturing processes and a significant part of his art-making is concerned with exploring sustainability and form.
“The idea is really about slowing things down and getting back to the enjoyment of making a space to consciously put on an album and listen to it in its entirety as the artist intended.
“This project was born out of that idea and I’m having a lot of fun tackling forms that will hopefully encourage this way of listening.
“Final Edition really kicked off during Covid as many things did during that time and has been about re-energising myself. I put a lot of energy into teaching so this is a creative outlet for me that also feeds back into my teaching as well.
“DJ culture has helped to keep vinyl around as a format and there has been a definite resurgence in people collecting, and listening to records in recent times.”
Craig’s own record collection continues growing as he meets and talks music with friends.
Final Edition record holders can be ordered online through Instagram, or purchased at Daylesford Records or Bad Neighbour Records in Geelong.
Come and support and meet this local maker at Daylesford Records (11 Howe Street) on Saturday, November 18, 4pm-6pm or follow along at Craig Final Edition on Instagram.

Words & image: Tony Sawrey

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.
His latest work, to be released later in November through the Daylesford and District Historical Society is The Friendly Fifties – Growing up in Daylesford and Hepburn in the 1950s. Across 130 pages, peppered with countless photos from the period, he presents a tableau of simpler times blessed with greater community cooperation and friendliness.
“I was prompted to do this book by Jan Smith at the historical society,” says Garry. “We were well into recording local oral histories when Covid hit and we had to stop.
“So instead, it was suggested that, since I had grown up in Daylesford and had many connections in the area, what about doing a bit of a history of when you were going to school? So I began work on it during lockdown.”
His work lays out in detail the minutiae of daily existence growing up in Daylesford and Hepburn in times that are clearly considered to have been happier than today. It is a picture of a perfect little rural town.
Wives at home, men out working, kids walking off to school and doing sport on the weekends. In his recollections, Garry captures an era evoking the atmosphere of a d’Arcy Doyle or David Bromley painting with children playing and holding hands.
In fact, as Garry points out, his most significant memory of growing up in the region is not anything specific, neither date, time or event but a state of being.
“I could walk down the street here as a kid and know everyone. It was just the friendliness of everybody, everybody knew everybody. How fortunate it was to grow up in such a close and active community.”
Nonetheless it could be said that The Friendly Fifties tends to avoid dwelling on the negative aspects of life in post-war rural Australia. While it was certainly a time of halcyon childhoods, the decade was also marked by a stifling Menzies-style conformity and conservatism along with rigid gender roles.
Not to mention the spectre of the Stolen Generations, practices of forced adoption and the repressed trauma of returned servicemen. All of these stories and more have local iterations.
However Garry makes clear that the difference between the life he experienced growing up in the town is far removed from that of today.
Above all, the economy of the area has shifted from that of an insular working town with industries such as woollen mills and timber to that of tourism.
And with these changes he believes the population has lost its connections with each other.
In the book’s foreword written by Professor Tom Griffiths of the Australian National University, Garry wonders if such strong, close communities continue to exist and asks of local people today: “Could they just walk into anyone’s home for a cuppa?”

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed

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”.
And Serge’s sudden death early last week has left the Daylesford and wider community shocked with many taking to social media to talk about their love of the 73-year-old.
His family posted:
Forever loved by your ex-wife and angel, Sue.
Loved and adored by your Princess Natasha, Prince Edward, Billy and Floss.
Life will not be as colourful without you.
I am certain taxis will never be the same in Daylesford.
Natasha said while she knew her father was loved by many she had been amazed by the comments on Facebook. “It has been just beautiful for Mum and me to read that daily. It makes us laugh and remember lots of things about him, it is just incredible.
“We worked out that Dad had lived in Daylesford for 25 years and he went there because he had a hard life in Melbourne and was ready to move and make a new life for himself, and he did.
“He just loved his job and put that first before everything, it was the most important thing to him. He would often call and say ‘I can’t come and visit the grandkids, I have to look after the village, they need me’.
“And he took such pride in his job and his uniform. When we went up last Wednesday he had all his shirts and pants ironed and his shoes polished. Not many people would be proud of driving a taxi but he made that his profession and he loved being good at it and he loved that he brought such joy.
“I used to love hearing stories about him driving people, getting out and opening the doors for older women, carrying their shopping, taking one woman to different halls for dances. I just loved hearing his stories.”
Natasha said Serge lived a very simple life – with his family, job and the locals the most important things. He also had a passion for a good red wine, which he couldn’t really afford.
“Dad loved me, loved my mum and his grandkids and, with his job, they were the most important things in his life. Mum and Dad separated when I was 15 but Dad absolutely adored Mum, and Mum adored Dad. They just fell out of love but Mum said they married for friendship, not love.
“Dad would save up his pennies so he could take her to the finest restaurants, Lake House, Bistro Terrior…and I love that he would get dressed up – the most overdressed person in Daylesford – to take mum out and spoil her. He probably worked for two months just to be able to do that.”
Natasha said Serge was born in Russia and came to Australia by boat with his family when he was 15. He had a hard childhood with parents who were always battling to make ends meet.
“But when my friends met him they always thought he came across as the wealthiest man in the world and he was, but it wasn’t with money, he was wealthy with the pride and love he had for his family and his work. He gave everything he had, every day.”
Natasha said over the past few months, Serge had changed a little and perhaps knew deep down that he was not well.
“But he didn’t change and he wasn’t going to change his life. And I take comfort that he was not ill for a long time because my Dad would never have done that well. He has died a proud man and done it his way.

“And I also take comfort in how much people loved him. I always knew people did love and respect him but not to the extent we are hearing. It is a real blessing for our family. He never really talked about that – but I am sure he knew how much people cared about him.”
Natasha said there would be a private cremation, with Serge’s ashes to be scattered on Lake Daylesford, and a service which was still being arranged while family members travelled from interstate.
“Dad always said he could never walk around the lake ‘so just throw me in the middle’, which means he will be laid to rest there, which is beautiful.”
Serge is survived by his ex-wife Sue, daughter Natasha, son-in-law Edward and grandchildren Billy, 10, and Flossy, seven.

Words: Kevin Childs | Image: Kyle Barnes

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.
He has set up a part-time soccer academy for youngsters in Daylesford and is pleased with the enthusiasm he has encountered, even though it only began two weeks before the latest school term.
The soccer season ends in August, leaving kids with nothing to do until February.
“That is where I come in. Parents are keen for their kids to be active and not in front of screens or on phones.”
When we talked, he has had five coaching sessions involving more than 100 children in the holidays, with local coaches helping, for which he’s grateful.
Next month it will be the turn of “little kickers” aged four to seven. Term four sees sessions for under eights and under 12s.
Otherwise, he says, his coaching is about structure and keeping it basic. When it comes to his academy, however, his passion bubbles over.
“Every child has a ball: there’s no waiting and no queuing. Make it fun and they listen. They learn and develop and, who knows, they might take it further.”
Lee runs birthday parties as well, with 90 minutes of entertainment and refreshments. A fair way from playing in front of 60,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.
His soccer story is one that possibly many from his home town of Swindon in England could but dream of. He began playing for Southampton before being chosen for England Youth, playing mostly mid-field and in defence. A scholarship took him to South Carolina, USA.
All the while he was coaching, having started at 16. “That was generally young to
start,” he says, “but I had a passion for it and wanted to give it a go. It essentially kept me involved in the game all year long.”
California drew Lee seven years later to continue coaching for Ventura CountyFusion Soccer Club, which plays in the Professional Development League, before moving to Melbourne in 2015. His Wembley Stadium game was for the FA Vase, competed for by 600 teams in the lower ranks of the English football league.
Away from the game he started working in recruitment and in 2020 launched his own Melbourne firm, Vivid Recruitment, specialising in architecture, engineering and construction.
And how does he get youngsters interested? Lee says marketing is involved and it’s important to get parents interested. “They need to see the benefits. Most of the children have mentioned it to friends (word of mouth) because they had lots of fun. Also my experience is unique for the area and this has a lot of weight.
“Generally if you keep it fun and light hearted, they are good as gold.”
His group sessions last 60 minutes and one-on-one is 45 minutes. “They’re varied sessions, but always structured with a warm up, ball skills, fun games and then small-sided games. Essentially we coach soccer fundamentals because it’s really lacking in the area and at grassroots. You are unable to progress in your game if you cannot control or pass a ball.”
Lee is also doing tailored coaching in the junior section of the national premier league. “It was meant to be small, but has taken off, which is not a bad thing.”
When he’s not coaching he straps on his gear for Daylesford Seniors, for whom he’s “scored some goals”.
Now he slips into his boots, while wearing the academy jersey, complete with ad logo (“The kids will eventually get them”). He readies training equipment. Next up is a 12-year-old, keen for a one-on-one session to sharpen his game.

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.
Counselling services will continue to be available to anyone who feels they need mental health support following the accident. This includes members of the Daylesford community, visitors to the town, or anyone else directly or indirectly affected by events.
The Central Highlands Rural Health drop-in services will be open from 9am to 5pm today (Tuesday) at 79a Raglan Street in Daylesford.
Anyone is welcome to drop in any time between 9am and 5pm every day until Friday 10 November (inclusive, and including the Melbourne Cup public holiday). For more information please phone Central Highlands Rural Health on 5321 6551.
For other assistance including after-hours support, people can contact one of the following organisations, where appropriate:

Grampians Health Ballarat Access & Triage service – 1300 247 647
•
Beyond Blue – 1300 224636
•
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
•
Headspace – 1 800 650 890
•
13YARN – 13 92 76
For people outside the Daylesford area seeking mental health support and/or counselling, contact Head to Health by phoning 1300 595212. This service is available Victoria-wide. Callers will be directed to relevant support service providers in their area.

The Daylesford Interagency Response Group has been established to coordinate mental health and counselling services for the Daylesford community and beyond. The group comprises representatives from Hepburn Shire Council, Central Highlands Rural Health, Uniting Vic Tas Ballarat Community Health, Springs Medical, Grampians Health, Western Victoria Primary Health Network, Victoria Police and the Department of Health.
Mayor of Hepburn Shire, Cr Brian Hood: “We offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims, their families and friends. This is an absolute tragedy that is being felt throughout our community and beyond.”
“The community grief was palpable at the vigil last night in Daylesford. It was very moving to come together in this way and it’s so important that we continue to support each other and the emergency services personnel who serve us so well. I sincerely urge people to make use of the drop-in counselling service this week or reach out to Central Highlands Rural Health.”

Businesses in Hepburn Shire are being encouraged to join a free business networking evening hosted by the Hepburn Shire Council on Tuesday 28 November from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at the Daylesford Hotel.

This event aims to bring together local business owners and operators from across the shire to celebrate the achievements of the year and to build future connections.

Mayor Brian Hood says the council is committed to supporting the growth and prosperity of the local community.

“Through initiatives like the end-of-year Business Networking Night, Council aims to support businesses and strengthen bonds that make Hepburn Shire a vibrant and prosperous place to do business,” said Cr Hood.

“Our region is home to a diverse range of industries. This evening provides an opportunity for attendees to network with fellow business operators, exchange ideas and establish connections and collaborations,” he said.

Attendance to the event is free, but registration is essential for catering purposes. Interested businesses can register online via the council’s website.

By Donna Kelly
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.
But I watched in horror at the social media onslaught – photos of the scene, jokes about the death, talk of karma and assumptions of drug use which may or may not be right.

Now of course you can’t defame a deceased person. And they can’t be charged. So it’s open slather time for some. But honestly, there are many things to consider, perhaps the first being humanity.
We are all pretty much just a few steps from helplessness and even homelessness.
Losing a job, an illness, not having a supportive network, a few bill payments missed.
Then there’s the slippery slope of drugs and alcohol. Most people I know have tried
a few drugs at times, some continue with them daily with no real side effects. And
everyone I know has a drink now and again, also many daily. But for some it becomes
a problem and it’s an easy break from the stress of life. Maybe bad choices follow,
maybe they don’t. But we are all still human.

Then there’s the family. I don’t know where they are but I do know the internet
reaches everywhere. And they will probably read comments they don’t need to see.
Everyone is someone’s son or daughter, and often a brother or sister, or a husband or
wife, or mum or dad. Few are immune to the slippery slope.
Finally, there are the people who were involved. This incident is now part of their
life. And they are locals who certainly don’t need to see this over and over again in
their Facebook pages.
We live in the wonderful region of the Central Highlands and most of us have
great lives. We work, play, have friends, gather for festivals and spend our money
at some pretty nice cafes and restaurants. But behind the facade are people doing it
tough. Just talk to Michelle at the Community Op Shop about the people they help
daily. Or the wonderful 5000 Club and Good Grub Club volunteers feeding the
masses and providing a chance at companionship for a few hours a week.
Maybe chat to the churches who offer clothing during winter to people perhaps
sleeping in their cars or couch surfing. And yes, people sleep in their cars in our
region. There’s also a nice spot behind the Daylesford visitor centre that gets a bit of
use, which I find ironic as the cashed-up visitors head to the front doors to find out
how to spend their money.
Look, I am not preaching. I am a journalist and have done some stories in my
time that I am not particularly proud of. All quite legal and above board but some
that kept me awake at night as I wondered how the family would feel reading the
news about a wayward relative in the morning. It was sometimes awful and I would
never dream of doing that now – and that’s why we concentrate on good news.
But these days social media can take things to a whole new level. Everyone has
a camera on them, everyone is ready to comment, everyone wants to know what
happened as quickly as possible, even if it is still under investigation. I get that people
are curious but maybe just take a breath, think about your own family, and how you
would like them to be treated. I am guessing with respect.

Oh, The Rex report. I talking to my brother about it. He is in Queensland and
works for a council. “They should take it to a council watchdog,” he said. “We have
those in Queensland.” “Yes,” I said. “We have them in Victoria too. It’s with them.”
Just sayin’…

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Narelle Groenhout

Daylesford artist Brian Nash has produced a coffee table book, The Golden Shire – Locations and
Surroundings of the Hepburn Shire.
Brian, whose large landscapes are regular winners in
art shows, said when he first moved to the region from
Melbourne 23 years ago, he was impressed with “the
various and diverse landscapes, the myriad towns and their histories”.
“You don’t often see as many small towns close
together, part of the gold rush, so that was fascinating for
me. And I wanted to leave a legacy. Some of the things I
have painted for the book have already gone. If you don’t
record these things, they can disappear.”
Brian said he had always dreamed of creating a book
and started painting and collecting his work about 12
years ago. “I have this theory that every artist should
paint where they are, the area they are in. I like painters who do that.”
The book, at 224 pages, is big, and has more than
200 paintings of more than 26 towns from the larger
ones like Daylesford and Creswick, to the tiny and often
now almost forgotten hamlets of Smokeytown and
Lawrence. Brian has also included snippets of history
which have tickled his fancy.
In the 1800s, it was decided to move the smallest
pub in Australia from Smokeytown to Allendale. But to
keep the licence, it had to remain open during the move.
Using Australian ingenuity, the pub was hoisted onto a
tray and pulled by oxen for the short move, with punters
still inside drinking their beers.
Then there is the bridge at Lawrence, built in 1900
by Sir John Monash, an engineer before he became
Australia’s most famous army general. It is the oldest
concrete bridge in Victoria, with plans afoot for restoration.
“There are a lot of incredible stories and so many
quirky places, like Radio Springs at Lyonville – the
Centre of the Universe. And people can read the book
and then go and see the places for themselves. And some
have already changed.”
Brian also thanked his book designer Emma Paine
and former Daylesford Rotary president Terri Oprean
“for doing all the technical things I can’t.”
The book is for sale at Shire information centres,
Paradise Books in Daylesford, Daylesford Trading and
directly from www.briannash.com.au It will also be for
sale at the Daylesford Art Show. Cost is $69.95.

Words: Eve Lamb. Image: Supplied
Organisers of this year’s Daylesford Highland Gathering are urging locals to get out in force and enjoy the long- running annual event.
Happening December 2, the Gathering is now in its 72nd year making it one of the town’s most long-standing annual events.
“It’s very popular in the district and I think the only longer running annual event for the town would be the agricultural show,” muses Gathering committee member Keith Pyers who himself has been with the
Gathering organising committee for 40 years.
Established in 1952 by Dan McKinnon, the Gathering has a proud history of bringing together those interested in Scottish culture from throughout Australia and internationally.
Daylesford’s Highland Gathering last year made a strong comeback after Covid’s interruption and this year it’s back with a vengeance.
Run in conjunction with the Victorian Pipe Bands Association, it promises a great spectacle with numerous highland pipe and drum bands, and dancers from around the state and further afield performing and competing throughout the day.
“Our Daylesford Gathering is the first of the new season of Highland gatherings so it’s very popular with the Scottish community and with the competing bands,” Keith says.
The day fires up with the morning parade through Vincent Street, itself a competitive event for bands and judged by top judges with the Victorian Pipe bands Association.
After that the full day’s entertainment takes over the town’s Victoria Park transforming it into a tartan microcosm of traditional dance and band performance and competition.
“We’re hoping to see a big surge in local attendance at Victoria Park,” says Keith, who himself boasts a 25 percent dram of Scots genetic heritage.
“And at the end of the day, around 4pm or 4.30pm, all of the bands come out onto the arena for the massed bands performance and it is a really brilliant spectacle.
“It’s very moving actually. The power of those pipes is something to hear.”
Keith says accommodation venues in and around Daylesford are typically heavily booked for the weekend and he’s urging local accommodation operators and other businesses to promote the
Gathering and let visitors know about its significance.
“The Scottish community and the history of Scottish settlement is very strong around western Victoria,” he says.
“The Hepburn Shire is named for one of the early Scottish migrants, John Hepburn, who came into the district.”
For anyone with even a trace of Scots heritage coursing through their veins – and there are plenty of such folk in the wider district – the skirl of the pipes can be undeniably stirring. But you don’t need Celtic blood to appreciate the entertainment on offer at the Gathering.
There’ll also be food and merchandise vendors and it’s a great chance for those with the ancestry to pick up some Scottish souvenirs or find out a bit more about their lineage with Clans marquees also present on the day.
“In recent years we’ve encouraged the Clans to attend and they’ll be setting up a tent section,” Keith says.
Secretary with the organising committee, Anne Heriot, has strong Scottish heritage. She also has very fond memories of competing in theDaylesford Highland Gathering dance events as a child.
“I used to be a Highland dancer from the age of four to 16, when we used to live in Melbourne and we’d come here every year for the competition. They are very fond memories for me,” Anne says.
She says it was wonderful to see the Gathering return last year after Covid, and says this year promises an even bigger turnout of bands.
“We’re expecting more than last year – 16 or more,” Anne said“And this time we’ve also got Ballarat Scottish Country Dancing coming to do some demo dances – reels and jigs.”
In a side-note likely to please all with a dash of Scots, Keith says the cost of a day pass “has not significantly moved in 20 years”.
More information can be found on the Daylesford Highland Gathering’s dedicated website.

Words and Image: Eve Lamb

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.
Christian arrived in Australia in April, along with about 29 other Italians,
all of them posted for a half-year stint to assist with teaching the Italian
language and culture at various schools, mostly in Melbourne.
Christian, who also speaks Russian, German, Spanish and Czech, was
assigned to assist with teaching Italian in Daylesford – at the local
primary school for one day of the week, and at the secondary college for the other four.
“I was born in Sicily and my family moved to near Bologna in the central
north of Italy when I was eight, but I have been living in Venice for the
past six to seven years,” Christian said.
The posting to Australia is for six months, a temporary arrangement
through the international organisation Co. As. It (Italian Assistance Association).
Christian says he became aware of the opportunity through his
university, Ca’foscari University of Venice, where he graduated in language studies before securing work there as an intern in the university’s international relations office.
“I thought it (assisting with teaching Italian in Australia) sounded very
interesting. I’ve always been interested in teaching,” Christian said
recounting how he jumped at the opportunity to experience life on the other side of the globe.
Coming to Australia for the very first time has been a bit of an eye- opener and Christian admits he is keeping an eye open for dangerous and potentially lethal Aussie critters – like snakes and spiders.
While in Daylesford he has been staying with local couple Leonie Keynes and Mark Bird.
Leonie says hosting Christian in their home has been a blast for all of
them and, just quietly, she has enjoyed having a bit of a chuckle at her visitor’s expense.
“He has been very wary of the ‘animals that can kill you in Australia!’ but
I think he is getting used to living in the country now,” she says.
“One of the first questions he asked when he moved into our place was
‘what type of animals can come into your backyard that may be dangerous?’.”
Conveniently, Leonie and Mark’s residence is opposite Cliffy’s cafe,
noted locally for its coffee, and Christian has been getting used to doing coffee the Aussie way.
This too has been a very different experience for the visiting Italian who,
when back home drinks espresso as a matter of course through the day.
While in Daylesford he has been getting used to the Aussie flat white.
“Coffee here is just a different experience. I don’t get espresso here,” he said.
“I would normally have three or four cups of coffee to go – espresso to
go, to get through the day, whereas here it’s more like a treat and my
order has been flat white which you just don’t get in Italy – maybe in Milan,” he says.
Christian has been making the most of his time in Australia, visiting as
many places as he can readily get to, and so far, during term breaks,
he’s managed to pack in trips to Tasmania, Adelaide, Sydney, Byron Bay and Brisbane.
As a self-confessed city boy he admits that he particularly enjoyed Sydney.
‘I’m not used to being in quiet places. I have always been in big cities so
I have really liked just taking my time while I’m here. Daylesford is lovely
and it’s very nice to just get the real Aussie experience,” he says.
“It’s been very interesting to see a lot of animals that I normally wouldn’t
see like kangaroos and wallabies and so many different birds. I did ask
for some help as to whether I should be worried about certain animals or not.”
Christian’s Daylesford visit is particularly timely as it coincides nicely with
the return of the area’s popular Swiss Italian Festa.
The local primary school children have been getting into Festa mode
with his assistance, by learning some traditional Italian folk dancing and
card games, and Christian plans to experience the festa vibe while he has the chance.
“I’ll probably be joining in the parade on Saturday,” he said.
Now, with only two months remaining of his time Down Under, Christian
says living in Daylesford and assisting both local teachers and students
with their Italian language and cultural know-how has been a wonderful and beneficial experience.
“They also correct me sometimes when I get a word in English wrong – which is fair,” he said.
“I love it. It’s extremely useful and I’ve created a bond with some classes. There’s this trust. I’m really enjoying my time here. It’s just a really enriching experience from both sides.