The Saltbush Ensemble, Reidun Turner on viola da gamba, Joy Lee on harpsichord and Tim Willis on baroque violin, will perform at Christ Church, Daylesford on Saturday, September 30 from 2.30pm.
Finding new perspectives in music of the past and utilising some of Australia’s best period instrumentalitists, The Saltbush Ensemble presents a program for the modern, baroque-curious mind with works by Couperin, Marais, Kuhnau and others.

Formed in 2017 in Melbourne, long time musical collaborators and friends Reidun Turner and Ryan Williams reunited after many years abroad, forming the Saltbush Ensemble to showcase the range and depth of early music in Australia. Visit the Christ Church Concerts facebook. Tickets: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1040691

It’s been 70 great years of doing good deeds in the community – and beyond – for Daylesford Rotary and right now this longstanding local service club is getting set to celebrate in style.
Daylesford Rotary members and friends slip into their finest to celebrate the club’s 70th anniversary – with guests Alla Wolf-Tasker from Lakehouse, Tina Banitska from the Convent Gallery and Carol White from Lavandula – in the Daylesford Town Hall on Saturday, September 23.

In years past, Daylesford also had a Lions and an Apex club as well but these days only the Rotary Club remains as the town’s sole community service club still standing, and new members would be very, very welcome.
Long-time member and past president Danny Moynihan (pictured above) recounts the early days when he joined back in 1985, as a 33-year-old.
Today he is among the staunch members who have stuck with Daylesford Rotary for many years and he says it’s the sense of satisfaction in getting good things done – things that you would be unlikely to achieve alone – that he enjoys.
There’s so much to celebrate for this local service club whose projects are many and diverse, and whose positive contributions ripple throughout the community.
“When I joined there were a lot of tradespeople who were members which meant we could do a lot of things. Now tradespeople are one of the hardest groups to attract and we tend to do a lot more fundraising. The farmers market and the art show are our main fundraisers.

“We’ve done a lot of things over the years. The shelter at Wombat Hill was built by Rotarians, and refurbished since then. Jointly with Lions and Apex, we got the first jaws of life for the CFA. We raised I think $15,000 for that which was a lot of money in those days.”
The Daylesford Hospital, CFA, and schools have all benefited from the work of the club over the years while beyond the immediate area the club also contributes significantly to important international health projects including the global eradication of polio and Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children.
“We got the Hepburn Kindergarten built, which is something a lot of people don’t know about anymore,” Danny said.
But as with so many service clubs in the community, getting new members to join up is a bit of a problem these days as people, particularly younger locals, are so busy just getting by. The average age of the club’s members is now around about the mid-50s and the club would really love to see some fresh faces join up.
Members meet Thursday evenings, fortnightly, temporarily in the Bendigo Community Bank branch building, but is still looking to secure the ideal site.
Jenny Hopkins has been a member of the club for four years and is coordinator of the art show that will transform the town hall over the Melbourne Cup weekend.
“This year’s art show is special because it’s 40 years since its inception so it’s ‘Cheers for 40 years’,” Jenny says.
She says a few extra volunteers would be great to help ensure the smooth running of this year’s art show.
“I would be delighted if there’s anyone who could help out. We need people to fill in gaps for one or two hours, just to make sure people feel welcome and everything is running smoothly,” Jenny says.
Beyond the big birthday bash and the art show, Danny says those who would like to consider joining the club to help ensure it can keep doing its fine work for another 70 years can chat to any of the members or jump online and find out more. Contact Danny on 0407 501 994 or Jenny on 0414 262 524.
Words: Eve Lamb | Image: Kyle Barnes

A woman living in a unit owned by the Daylesford Ladies Benevolent Society, says she has been knocked back after asking for a permanently open louvre bathroom window to be replaced with something she can close.
Cate Graceson, pictured above left, moved into the West Street, Daylesford apartments in March and asked immediately for the window, below, to be replaced or repaired so it could be opened and closed.

Ms Graceson said the open window made the small flat freezing in winter and other residents in the complex were being forced to use towels or other materials to block the windows. She was told originally the society was prepared to negotiate with her but after three weeks received a solicitor’s letter telling her the window was legal under the definition of Consumer Affairs Victoria and the Residential Tenancy Act.
“I am a tenant and I have now had three solicitor’s letters telling me to back off. The housing here is for people over 65 so to me that means they have a higher duty of care than the Residential Tenancy Act.”
Ms Graceson said the Daylesford Ladies Benevolent Society was formed in 1860 and was an incorporated group of 10 women, two from each of the Christian churches in Daylesford. She said she had also raised the issue of no air-conditioning in the units, with the 1960-style units having floor to ceiling windows facing the north and east.
“I have been told the heat is stifling in summer. And for the past two years the Victorian Government has had numerous schemes for half-price reverse cycle units.
The society had $578,243 in its bank account at June 30, 2022 – figures available from the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profit commission website.”
Ms Graceson said her other concerns were the society not publicising their annual meetings, not having rules of incorporation and originally not supplying rental receipts. She also said she paid $6000 “key money” when she moved in “and I want my money back”. She was told the money was used for maintenance because the rents were so low.
But Ms Graceson also said she loved living at the units, was busy doing her garden, knew all the other tenants “and everyone gets on well”.
Another resident, Fae Wilson, pictured above (at right) with her small dog, moved into the units five years ago and while she had no issues herself, she was supportive of Cate’s plea for the window to be fixed.
Fae’s bathroom window, below, was retrofitted with a small glass with timber surrounds opening door before she arrived, meaning she can open or close the window.
Fae said her children had been pushing for her to ask for reverse cycle airconditioning. “It is like a sauna in summer and apparently this year is going to be really hot, so we really should have it.

“Most people in the new units opposite have it so it is just the three of us still waiting. Some people have put it in themselves but it is really expensive. I offered to pay half but I was told the committee decided that if they did that for me, they would have to do it for everyone. I thought ‘yeah…’ but they just said no. We would really have to do it soon or it will become too busy for the installation.”
A third resident, Les Pitt, said he also had a fixed louvre window but had stuffed it with towels and covered it with corflute which was “unsightly” but worked in keeping the cold out. He had been told the window would be replaced two years ago but “they haven’t got around to it”. Mr Pitt said he would also appreciate reverse cycle airconditioning but had never asked for any improvements and was very happy with his unit.
Society secretary Lyn Kinghorn told The Local the units were like a retirement village and residents could stay for life. They paid just $110 a week and the $6000 upfront key money was to help with maintenance.
Ms Kinghorn said the units were not “five-star” but were “really lovely, comfy housing” and Ms Graceson had been moved in quickly with an “urgent situation”, jumping a long waiting list. She said shortly after moving in Ms Graceson had taken the society to VCAT but her case had been dismissed when she was asked if she had inspected the unit before moving in.
“Then she immediately sent me another email saying you have to fix the window anyway, but that means doing all the windows, if we do one, we do all, and we just wouldn’t put in airconditioning, that is not our role.”
Ms Kinghorn said Ms Graceson had come in and demanded changes to what had been a very happy place for many years and it was very disappointing for the society’s volunteers to try to help people and “just get it shoved in your face”.
She said the society had checked on the housing code for windows and if they could be opened and shut, they must be able to be locked but a louvre window which could not be opened or shut, complied with the code.
“She (Ms Graceson) has come along and is trying to change the rules of the happy community in there and at times been really aggressive. We have had sometimes daily emails and complaints and she has been a handful to manage, when we are just volunteers. I am sure if you asked the other tenants they would say they are very happy to be living in such a great place.”
Ms Kinghorn said she was unsure if the society was incorporated and while they did hold AGMs they did not advertise them. The volunteer committee members were just appointed to their roles, she said. “We just follow on with what we have continually been doing.”

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Eve Lamb

Words: Donna Kelly

Television show The Block will not go ahead in Daylesford because of delays in permit approvals, metropolitan media is reporting.
It was believed that The Block would build five houses at 1 Raglan Street, starting production in February. After objections, the planning application was taken to VCAT where it was then “called in” by the state Planning Minister.
But media is reporting that the producers have decided they will run out of time for permits and are now looking at potential Melbourne sites for the 20th edition of the show. They have said they may look at the Daylesford site again for a future show.
Reaction on social media has been mixed with comments from those who wanted the show to go ahead, and those who are pleased it has been dumped.
“This would have been a great thing for the town during a tough time for a lot of local businesses. It would have spurred things along just at the right time. Something will end up on the site. There could be a lot worse happen depending on who ends up with the site and land parcel sizes etc.”
“The no sayers should be careful what they wish for. They are now going to be
responsible for 50 or 60 small allotments. I’m sure they will take no responsibility for
that. I would much prefer five larger homes.”
“How disappointing, I was so looking forward to this and it would have brought a lot of money to our town I am sure all of our businesses would have been looking forward to this injection of money.”
“It would bring nothing to the town, they bring in building materials from a supplier in Melbourne the production company has accounts with, all the tradies would be brought in from elsewhere. What economic benefit would it bring, coffees in town?”
“Covid is over, the town is packed every weekend, maybe the businesses that aren’t doing well are suffering because of exorbitant rents or not selling what tourists want. The cargo cult of The Block won’t save them.”
“If businesses in town need the extra custom they anticipate from The Block juggernaut maybe they should have a long, hard talk with their accountant.”
“Perhaps they could do a social housing season. Homes for the many not the few.”

Maverick, the Clydesdale, has died at the age of 25 after a long battle with cancer.
He came to the district as a three-year-old from Echuca and immediately became a local favourite with
his community and media involvements.
Maverick first appeared on television show Postcards at the Farmers Arms in Daylesford, ridden into the front bar. From there he appeared in numerous ChillOut parades with his buddy Tom Shaw, in guises including Batman, Dolly Parton, a cowboy and “the bride”.
Their ChillOut Batman and Robin entry, pulling the milk float/Batmobile, was prize winning.
With his owner Allison Sloan, Maverick took part in Christmas Celebrations at John Curtin Aged Care,
protested on Spring Street with the Stop AusNet Towers group, paraded at the Kingston Avenue of Honour Centenary and escorted brides on their wedding days.
On Anderson’s Mill Open Days he was a favourite and would wander through the crowds for the children’s (and adults’) pats and hugs – and sometimes fairy floss.
Too quiet to work in a team, he was a gentle giant.
His final days were spent with his mate Andy on the green grass of Rocklyn. Maverick was much loved and will be missed by all. Vale.

A Reverse Vending Machine for Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, CDS Vic, has been installed in East Street, Daylesford.

Australia’s most accessible and convenient container deposit scheme is a step closer, with the roll out of refund points continuing to progress across Victoria in preparation for the scheme’s November 1 start.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas this week announced that the Reverse Vending Machine for Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, CDS Vic, has been installed in East Street, Daylesford by Tomra.
The scheme will reward Victorians with a 10 cent refund for every eligible used drink can, bottle and carton. There will be more than 600 refund points across the state and four different ways to return eligible containers.
These will include reverse vending machines, depots, over-the-counter sites, and bag drops and collections.
CDS Vic will reduce Victoria’s litter by up to half, create new economic opportunities, generate around 640 jobs across the state, in both regional and metropolitan Victoria, and turn drink containers into new recycled products.
CDS Vic will be run by Scheme Coordinator, VicReturn, and three zone operators: TOMRA Cleanaway, VISY, and Return-It, who will establish and oversee the refund points, provide refunds to customers, and ensure proper recycling of the containers.
The zone operators are each responsible for a part of Victoria, which has been separated into three scheme zones: North, East and West.
CDS Vic also offers Victorian charities, community groups, environmental groups, sporting clubs and
educational organisations new ways to raise funds through collection drives, by operating refund points, or receiving direct donations from the community.
The scheme is part of the Victorian Government’s $515 million investment to transform the state’s waste and recycling sector. This includes the new standardised four-stream waste and recycling system, which will meet the target of diverting 80 per cent of all material away from landfill by 2030.
Donation Partner Registry will be available from October 1, 2023, ahead of the scheme starting on November 1.
Those keen to know more are being advised to keep an eye on the website for details or email donationpartners@vicreturn.com.au for updates.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “This is a great opportunity to help clean up our environment, while helping local sporting clubs, community groups and schools to raise valuable funds through collection drives and donations.”
Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt: “CDS Vic will maximise the number of cans, bottles and cartons being recycled into new products and reduce the amount of litter in our environment by half, while putting extra cash in Victorian pockets and creating local jobs.”
“Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme will be the most accessible and convenient scheme in the country, with more than 600 refund points across the state.”

Event organisers of Daylesford’s Borealis On The Lake are now inviting local residents to head along and enjoy the immersive light and sound show with a special discounted rate.

Local residents can now receive a 20 percent discount to catch the show on Friday and Sunday evenings. 

To access the discount Hepburn Shire locals and others who live in the immediate region can use the code LOCAL20 when they purchase tickets via their website. 

Along with residents in Hepburn Shire, this includes surrounding towns of Gisborne, Macedon, Mount Macedon, Woodend, Kyneton and Malmsbury.

Tickets are subject to availability until allocation is exhausted. Photographic ID is required upon arrival to prove eligibility, otherwise standard ticket prices will apply.

A Daylesford resident has asked dog owners and drivers to be more aware of wildlife, after a kangaroo and its joey were found mauled to death on a local property.
Wendy Avery said on Saturday, July 29, about 3pm, she saw a dog jump in her dam chasing her ducks and sheep.
“It then ran around the dam in circles and attempted to chase my sheep. At this stage I could see what was going on and came out to investigate. My property is completely fenced off from Cobblers Gully and the wet spaniel made a hasty retreat through the fence toward Cobblers Lane/Raglan Street. He/she was wearing a collar with a disc medallion.
“I like dogs but living in Daylesford you have to carefully pick your breed, train and look after them. Especially if they are to live alongside the native wildlife in our area.
“(Some spaniels) are water dogs, prone to roaming. They are actually a gun dog used for hunting, not really a pet if you are just going to leave them in the backyard without exercise or attention.”
Wendy said a week later on Sunday, August 6 as she headed out for a walk along Cobblers Gully about 4.30pm, still on her neighbour’s property, she saw a dead kangaroo.
“On closer inspection it was a small female with a joey in its pouch. Both were still warm, but sadly deceased. You could see that they had been attacked by a dog and the council ranger has confirmed from pictures it was a dog attack. The dog involved would have come home with a bloody muzzle.”
Hepburn Shire Council Infrastructure and Delivery director Bruce Lucas said over the past four years there had been reports involving kangaroo, wombats, possums and lizards.
“These are from not only dogs unconstrained or roaming but let’s talk about cats as well, in relation to smaller wildlife. The council has just introduced a dusk to dawn cat curfew.
“The case recently was a roaming dog and we don’t know who the owner is and have not been able to identify the dog. If we had responsible pet ownership and people keeping animals well contained that attack is likely to be avoided.”
Mr Lucas said the council worked closely with Wildlife Victoria, who had responded in this case, and that they did an amazing job as a volunteer organisation.
“We work closely with them, they support us and we have a great working relationship.”
Mr Lucas said the primary goal was keeping animals contained on properties and when walking them to be mindful of the surroundings. “If you are in the bush then make sure your dogs are on lead or under effective controls because there will be wildlife. It all comes back to responsible pet ownership.”
*Wendy did provide photos of the dead kangaroo and its joey but The Local has chosen not to show them as they are very distressing.

Local music lovers are in for a rare treat as world renown pianist Leslie Howard is giving a once-off afternoon matinee concert in Daylesford next month to support Creswick Health’s hospital and aged care upgrades.

“If there is a pianist alive who knows Liszt’s piano music more thoroughly, intimately and directly than Leslie Howard I would like to meet him – or her – but I doubt that there is anyone on the planet who does,” wrote Guy Rickards for Musical Opinion, reviewing Leslie Howard’s 2021 piano recital at London’s Wigmore Hall.

London-based Aussie pianist Howard is the first and only person in the world to have recorded the complete solo piano works of legendary Hungarian composer, Franz Liszt, who is regarded as one of the greatest pianists and most popular piano composers of all time. This mammoth project, which took Howard decades to complete, now comprises a 100-CD set and includes more than 300 premiere recordings. 

Howard has received enormous praise and numerous awards for his Liszt recordings, including the Guinness World Record for the Largest Recording Series by a Solo Artist, six Grands Prix du Disque and the Medal of St Stephen, presented to him by the President of Hungary. He has also held the title of President of the British Liszt Society since 1987. 

In addition to his impressive recording career, Howard maintains a busy international concert schedule, which has seen him perform regularly around the world for more than 50 years.

Coming up September 17 this renown Australian pianist, musicologist and composer will give a matinee (2pm) concert at Daylesford Town Hall to raise money for Creswick Health Service. It will be his only performance in Victoria.

The Guardian described Howard as a “master of a tradition of pianism that is in serious danger of dying out”. Those who make next month’s concert at Daylesford Town Hall can expect to hear Mozart, Beethoven and Liszt compositions rendered by a master of the keyboard.

Cost is $35 – proceeds towards to cause – with tickets through Humanitix

An enduring love affair with the Australian landscape, its power and diversity, underscores the work of much-collected Daylesford painter and printmaker Greg Mallyon. Greg’s abstract topographical images are inspired by an aerial perspective and his life story includes constant study, travel and rich exposure to European, Asian, Middle Eastern and our own Indigenous cultures. The many arts awards that this talented local creative has collected along the way include the 2021 National Capital Art Prize for Landscape and the Digital Art Award for the 2023 Queenscliff Art Prize.

Eve: Hi Greg. How should we best describe your artistic style? Does it fit into a particular arts genre?

Greg: My paintings and prints are abstract landscapes inspired by an aerial perspective, however they fall within the long Australian tradition of depicting our unique continent.

Eve: How did you come to art?

Greg: I won a fellowship to the Queensland College of Art when I was 17 so my fate was sealed at a very young age!

Eve: How did you nurture your innate arts talent? Further studies?

Greg: Since graduating from art school I have continued to study both formally, for example, studying fine arts in Italy and a Masters degree at UNSW, or through many informal workshops and courses over the years. This constant exposure to new techniques and ideas means my work continues to evolve and change.

Eve: Where do you do most of your art work? Where is your home studio?

Greg: My humble studio is a former school demountable and is located in my garden in Daylesford. Kangaroos, magpies and kookaburras are regular visitors.

Eve: Which artists have influenced your work?

Greg: My work is inspired by a variety of sources including satellite photographs but also other Australian and international artists who have explored the landscape from above. John Olsen and Fred Williams are two of the most important Australian artists who have changed the way we look at landscape but our own Indigenous artists also have an instinctive view of country from above.

Eve: Are there any other particular factors that influence your creative practice?

Greg: My training in printmaking and computer technology has strongly influenced my style as a painter and vice versa. I often incorporate digital imaging, etching, stencil and other print methods in to my paintings.

Eve: What is your media of choice?

Greg: I am very experimental so I paint or print on surfaces including aluminium, Japanese rice paper, wood, canvas and European papers. I love incorporating marble dust, ground pumice and raw pigments into traditional acrylic paints and varnishes.

Eve: What are your subject matter of choice? Why so?

Greg: The Australian landscape remains my major preoccupation as the diversity of the desert, coastal and alpine scenery is an endless source of inspiration. Other destinations such as India, The Middle East and Europe have also been the subject of past exhibitions.

Eve: Have you ever worked in any other areas besides working as an artist? If so, what did that work entail?

Greg: My working life has always been involved in either art education or arts management and so that has enriched my experience and knowledge and impacted on my career as an artist in a positive way. I have spent 10 years working with Indigenous artists in remote communities and this too was very inspirational.

Eve: What are you working on at the moment?

Greg: I have deadlines up until late 2024 so it is meeting one commitment after another, a mix of private and corporate commissions, art fairs and solo exhibitions both interstate and overseas. One important aspect of such a schedule is to stay fresh and inspired and not just churn out predictable works for the art market.

Eve: What work, goals or projects do you have in mind for the future?

Greg: My goal is always to keep refining my work so it gets better. I have no shortage of new ideas to explore if, and when, I get a break in deadlines.

Eve: When you work in the studio do you like to play music and if so what is your music of choice?

Greg: I am a big fan of Triple J so I am constantly downloading new artists and music. Before the pandemic I discovered a great Ballarat band called ‘Goldfields’ and as I was working on a series of goldfields landscapes they kept my spirits up during gloomy lockdowns .

Eve: To date, what have been your career highlights as an artist?

Greg: I have been fortunate to enjoy many highs over a long career. These include the usual barometers of winning art awards and artist residencies and having sell-out exhibitions… Sometimes the best highlight, however, is simply to see your work hanging in a beautiful space.

Eve: Do you have any exhibitions or special arts events coming up that you would like to let others know about?

Greg: I am working on a solo exhibition for the Horsham Regional Gallery in December. This will explore the landscape of the Wimmera and feature images inspired by drought, flood and bushfires, all of which produce their own unique beauty in amongst the devastation.

Eve: What would you rate as the biggest challenges in being a professional working artist today?

Greg: The Australian economy with its ups and downs always impacts on consumer spending and the art world has suffered from past recessions and downturns. That will always be an ongoing challenge for any creative industry. Professional artists must today be savvy with social media, bookkeeping, marketing, administration and all aspects of running what is essentially a small business. That is a big challenge to those of us who are happiest with just a paint brush in hand.

Eve: And, for you personally, the greatest rewards?

Greg: Being my own boss and doing what I love is a great reward.

Words: Narelle Groenhout

Teenagers who are part of theatre company Inside Out Dance Theatre in Daylesford, will take to the stage showcasing their passion and acting talents in a special production for Words in Winter.
The Day the School Went Under was written by director Jen Bray with the help of the students after improvising scenarios.
Two of the members, Dru and Jaime, have been attending classes for more than a decade. They will join fellow cast members Dante, Wren, Arlo, Alexander and Billy when they present their comedy play described as The Breakfast Club meets The Poseidon Adventure.
Two performances will be held on Saturday, August 26, at the Daylesford Town Hall. Book at Trybooking.com/CJYUG

A new collection of large scale photographic works, captured in the stunning local Hepburn Regional Park and the Wombat State Forest, will be exhibited and on display at the Eastern Peake Cellar Door from August 26 to October 22.
The exhibition is part of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, a festival that has grown in popularity since its inception in 2005 – the event first held in Daylesford, before it relocated to Ballarat as the festival expanded.
The 60-day event transforms the regional city, attracts international and Australian artists, and numerous exhibitions can be found in art galleries, restaurants, wineries, bars, laneways and cultural spaces.
This is Rosendale’s third exhibition in the regional festival, having a previous offering of his Alpine photography at Craigs Royal Hotel, Ballarat, in the 2017 Biennale.
This year’s edition at Eastern Peake marks an enforced shift in genre, and a sense of optimism, emerging out of the tail end of the pandemic.
“Covid restrictions were an extended period of loss no doubt, but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the local landscape,” says Rosendale.
“Photography – being one of a host of greatly affected industries in that dark time of restrictions, unable to work or travel to my muse of recent years, the Alpine region of Falls Creek, there was indeed a lot of time to research art, painting, photography and common tropes of struggle, that have been depicted through art for centuries.
“I wanted to bring a traditional painterly style to my photography and imbue that traditional form of expression.”
Having a footprint in the goldfields for more than 20 years, when able to do so, a full-time move saw out the remainder of the pandemic, and inspired an immersion in the local forest.
The exhibition delivers a sense of mystery and freedom, of exploring a new landscape and the liberation of finally being en plein air.
Photographs by David Rosendale can be viewed at Eastern Peake Cellar Door, 67 Pickfords Road, Coghills Creek from Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 3pm.
Link: www.ballaratfoto.org/program/photographs-by-david-rosendale/

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Kyle Barnes/Supplied

Tourism stalwarts Carol White, Tina Banitska and Alla Wolf-Tasker, will be the guests of honour when the Rotary Club of Daylesford celebrates its 70th anniversary next month.
Carol created and owns Lavandula at Shepherds Flat. She bought the property 35 years ago and started out with just 1000 lavender bushes.

Carol then started up European-style festivals which saw up to 10,000 people attending.
“The police told us we had to stop because we had cars banked up on all the roads,” she told The Local.
Carol decided early this year that it was time to move on and Lavandula is now for sale.
Tina created and owns The Convent in Daylesford. It was in 1975 when she first saw the old building. She knew then one day it was going to be one of the best galleries in Australia – which it became after she bought it in 1988 from the Presentation Sisters.

Alla created and owns Lake House in Daylesford. An icon in regional dining, Lake House has long been
considered to be one of Australia’s best restaurants, championing local seasonal cuisine long before it became a mantra for many. Alla is widely credited for getting regional destination dining started in Australia – against all odds.
The celebrations will be held at the Daylesford Town Hall on Saturday, September 23 from 6.30pm. Tickets are $60. To book a ticket contact Danny Moynihan on 0407 501 994. Tickets are selling fast and the cut-off date is September 13.

The Coomoora Ensemble, with Alison Catanach on baroque flute, Elizabeth Welsh on baroque violin, Edwina Cordingley on baroque cello, Ruth Wilkinson on viola da gamba and Ann Morgan on harpsichord, will play at Christ Church, Daylesford on Saturday, August 26.
The performance offers the elegance of Telemann’s Paris Quartets and an opportunity to enjoy the exquisite sonorities of these baroque instruments.
The Coomoora Ensemble brings together outstanding musicians who are passionate about performance on historical instruments. They have performed together over many years and in various chamber music combinations. Their 2023 Daylesford concert presents some of their favourite repertoire, Telemann’s wonderful Paris Quartets, and is an opportunity for an audience to enjoy the exquisite sonorities of baroque flute, violin, cello, viola da gamba and harpsichord.
Georg Philipp Telemann was held in high esteem by his 18th century musical contemporaries. Employed as musical director of the principal churches in Hamburg from 1721, Telemann composed prolifically in a wide range of genres, directed concerts and developed his own music-publishing business.
In 1738 Telemann published his six new quartets while on an extended stay in Paris. They were immediately recognised as outstanding chamber music and successfully taken up throughout Europe.
The Daylesford performance includes three of the Nouveaux quatuors, often called Telemann’s Paris Quartets. The quartets pay homage to French style with each designed as a suite.
Telemann wished to flatter his Parisian audience as well as impress with his musical inventiveness. The quartets display Telemann’s masterly exchange of musical ideas; the musical dialogue is constant and highlights the colour, virtuosity and character of each instrument.
The concert starts at 2.30pm and will be held at Christ Church, 54 Central Springs Road, Daylesford. Links: Christ Church concerts facebook page. Tickets: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1040691

Words & image: Janise Slater

Not to be outdone by The Matildas, Daylesford College junior girls soccer team was victorious in the Greater Western Region finals, earlier this month.
The pressure from Daylesford was relentless from the beginning of the game, with an early goal coming from winning the ball back from pressing the opposition.
Neisa Drogriski, captain on the day, lead by example, winning the ball back in the midfield, scoring a hat-trick and setting up a number of attacking phases.
The team went in at half time 2-0 against the wind, with goals from Lilly Willcocks-Fernandez and Neisa’s first goal after Martha Richard’s fantastic work as goalkeeper in the first half, including her great distribution with the ball.
Katie Newton took the gloves for the second half making an outstanding one-on-one save. With the wind behind them, the team dominated the territory battle, pouring on another four goals in the second half.
Abby Dunstan scored with a hard, low strike finding the bottom corner after Paula Ielo beat a defender, and played a ball for Abby to run onto.
Neisa found the net twice in the second half, the last being a great strike from range to give the goalkeeper no chance as she rounded out her hat-trick. Emma Koleski finished off a fantastic display in which she controlled the midfield with a goal coming from her stealing the ball off a defender before a tidy finish.
The final score was 6-1 with some incredible goals and passages of play. The team will now prepare for the state finals in September.