Mel Gibson is “to blame” for inciting a teenage Langley Rowbottom to play the bagpipes.

Fast forward a few years on from those teenage days and today Langley is pipe major with Daylesford and District Highland band.

Right now he’s among the many looking forward to being in the thick of the Celtic atmosphere at this Saturday’s Highland Gathering, Dec 7. Check out https://youtu.be/RqDF9vafwtA to soak up a bit of the Gathering vibe.

Quizzed as to what prompted him to take up the pipes, Langley recounts how, as a teenager, he switched from playing clarinet to the pipes after catching Mel in Braveheart.

Clearly something clicked. It may have been that certain percentage of Celts blood coursing through the veins.

“They’re a commanding instrument,” Langley chuckles.

This Saturday (December 7) the Daylesford and District Pipes and Drums will be part of the 9.20am morning parade involving some 250 bagpipes and drums marching down Vincent Street. 

The focus then switches to Victoria Park where this year’s Gathering will feature the much anticipated return of the Highland Heavy Games after an absence of almost three decades.

Once at Vic Park, the bands competition gets going from 11 am, and Langley says Daylesford and District Pipes and Drums will play as part of the official opening ceremony at 1pm.

“The street march down the main street in the morning is fantastic,” he says.

“And then at Victoria Park we’ll be playing with other bands at 1pm as part of the opening ceremony.”

“I’m just looking forward to having a great day. It’s a really good community thing, catching up with other people who you might not have seen since the last event.

“We will also be playing as part of the massed bands performance in the closing ceremony.”

Highland dogs, Highland cattle, state championship Highland dance, clan tartan and kilts, foods and bevvies and plenty of Celtic heritage stalls and vendors promise to make the day an atmosphere-soaked way to reconnect with both personal and regional links to Scots heritage.

“We really want people to come up to Victoria Park and see all the action there as well as just watching the street march,” committee president Chris Sinclair says.

“For the first time in nearly 30 years we are so excited to announce the return of the Highland Heavy Games.”

After the two-year Covid hiatus, Chris says the committee today remains extremely keen to maintain the momentum to reinvigorate the Daylesford Gathering that dates back to 1952.

This Saturday’s  notable return of the Highland Heavy Games competition including caber tossing, hammer throw, weight-over-bar and stone puts, is part of that push.

In fact, it will feature one of the biggest lineups of Heavy Games athletes ever fielded by Vic Highland Heavy Events, including open men’s and open women’s division events peppered with some very impressive world record holders.

And it won’t all just be about the kilts, cabers and haggis pie – although apparently they’ll be on offer too. There’ll also be some very lovely lassies milling about as Hi Paws Dog Training of Pipers Creek will be bringing a group of beautiful rough collie dogs (as in Lassie Come Home) and border terrier friends to go on show at 11.30am and 2pm.

Suffice it to say, the Gathering is dog friendly (on lead only) with the committee encouraging guests to bring along their Scottish breed pooches …

“We’ve had some cuties attend in the past, dressed in kilts and tartan, so don’t hold back.

“I’ve been going to the Gathering since 1975 when I was a teenager and played bagpipes in a band and the numbers back then were probably around the 3000 mark,” Chris says.

The aim is to see those sorts of numbers through the gate once more, and with widespread appreciation of Celts heritage enjoying a strong resurgence that goal is looking more than a wee dram achievable.

Entry on the gate is $15 for adults and free for kids under 16.

Link: www.daylesfordhighland.com

Words: Eve Lamb

Restoration works at the historic Daylesford Town Hall are set to begin in the coming weeks.

In a statement the Hepburn Shire Council said that since the building’s closure in September, significant preparation work has been underway.

Electrical systems were isolated to ensure safety, allowing specialist roof cleaners to remove years of accumulated debris and dust from the roof cavity.

This essential clean-up has provided safe access for the builder and tradespeople to prepare for the next stage of the project. 

To ensure the safety of builders and pedestrians, scaffolding will be erected along 76 Vincent Street and around the stage tower at the rear of the site. This stage of works is expected to be completed by July 2025. 

Daylesford’s dedicated local cinema group is holding a fundraising Christmas movie event at the Stanbridge Hall on Daylesford’s Central Springs Road this Friday evening December 6.

The group will be screening family-friendly film Miracle on 34th Street with dollars raised going toward efforts to resurrect the town’s cinema as Phoenix Cinema@The Rex.

Doors will open at 6pm for this Friday evening’s fundraising Christmas movie event and it’s expected that Santa will make a grand entrance around 8pm with lucky dip bags for children, and an opportunity for photos.

The community’s previous cinema had served as a cultural hub before its closure, offering films and events that brought together both locals and visitors.

Now, after years of uncertainty following the sale of The Rex, a plan has emerged to re-establish the cinema as a community-run venture in the original home of the cinema in Daylesford, the Rex building.

The Cinema Group aims to fit out the existing upper floor of The Rex into a modern, 60-70-seat cinema, with a café and bar.

But they say that the planned renovation will remain true to the art deco style of the original structure.

The group also plans to add an imposing street entrance complete with attractive lighting and signage that will invite both locals and visitors to experience the venue.

They’re calling for donations to assist in fitting out the cinema space and to support its ongoing operation.

The group has applied for a Victorian Tourism Infrastructure Grant and will also seek additional corporate funding. Donations can be made via: https://www.gofundme.com/…/phoenix-at-the-rex-a…

For more information, or to offer support, contact Jules McDonald, president of the Daylesford Cinema Group, at 0400 455 993 or via email at julesmcd11@gmail.com.

First responders to last year’s devastating Daylesford crash have been honoured one year after the horrific accident that claimed five lives on November 5, 2023.

Last Sunday, November 23 CFA dignitaries, including CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan and board member Rosemary Martin, presented the distinguished unit citation for service to the Daylesford, Hepburn, Franklinford, and Musk fire brigades during a commemoration service marking the tragedy’s first anniversary.

Nineteen members of the Daylesford Fire Brigade, nine from Hepburn, one from Franklinford, and one from Musk also each received Individual unit citations for service recognising their outstanding service.

“This award honours not only the bravery and professionalism of our CFA volunteers during such a harrowing event but also their unwavering commitment to their communities,” CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said.

“These volunteers worked under unimaginable conditions, demonstrating the very best of CFA’s values.

“This award is about appreciating the service of our members while also acknowledging the profound loss felt by the families and loved ones affected. We stand with you, as does this community.”

Daylesford Captain Glenn Webster, who also received a commendation for service alongside his citation, expressed immense pride in his fellow brigade members and the emergency responders who assisted.

“I’m in awe of what they did that day. They responded without hesitation and faced the most horrific scene you could imagine,” Mr Webster said.

“They worked professionally, did everything they could to assist the injured, and supported paramedics when they arrived. They were just outstanding.”

Reflecting on the wider impact, Mr Webster highlighted how the community rallied in the aftermath of the tragedy.

“On that terrible day one year ago, and in the days that followed, community was everything,” he said.

“They were fantastic – dropping off flowers to the brigade and even bringing meals on the night of the event because they knew we were exhausted.

“There was a great deal of kindness shown to us, and it’s a privilege to serve such a compassionate community.”

Turning his thoughts to the families impacted by the tragedy, Mr Webster offered a heartfelt message of support.

“They were not alone. They and you will forever remain a part of the extended family of this community.”

This story based on a media release from the CFA

Richard Herr, otherwise known as Ritchie Rich, is a Daylesford icon. There is no doubt about that. Many people are familiar with his sartorial excess as part of his many appearances in the yearly Chill Out parade. Others know him as the best dressed Santa in town.  

Flamboyant, gregarious, larger  than life, you could call him the soul of contemporary Daylesford. A living  encapsulation of the town’s inclusivity,  exclusivity and idiosyncrasies.  

Like so many of the eccentric creative types who have found their way to  this town, Ritchie’s journey has been a long and convoluted one and began in Melbourne.  

“I was born from German Polish parents with a very traditional European upbringing in the suburbs of Springvale.  I was bullied at school for being both European and effeminate and while my grandpa was an artist and my mother was very creative, my father tried to suppress  all my creative inclinations.”

Ritchie, like any boy with dreams of a career in a creative field, decided to go to art school. But his father put a stop to all that.

“He said ‘no, you’ve gotta go and get a job’.”  

Consequently Ritchie began running  little cafes, became a film crew caterer and also travelled widely in Europe with his then girlfriend.

It was the 80s, an age of neon, punk, gender bending and artistic decadence and certainly  a great time to be swanning around the continent soaking up ideas and influences. But if there is a time in his life, a point upon which everything  pivoted, it was at the grand age of 36.  

“That’s when I took on Merricks General Store (built in 1922 by the Joyner family on the Mornington  Peninsula),” Ritchie says.

“And it was also the year I came out. It was an era of madness and creativity, alcohol, happiness,  sadness and table top dancing.

“From that point in my life I just went full steam ahead. Ever since then I’ve never had any boundaries. I’ve had businesses, I’ve lost money and I didn’t care. I would just shrug and think: ‘right, that chapter’s over’ and go and do something else.”  

But the film catering gigs remained a constant. He could not get enough of the intrigue and glamour of visiting Hollywood productions with their pampered superstars and people with big bad egos.

And if there is any department privy to the gossip, stories and tantrums of a film set it is the caterer.

At one point or another everybody will pass through the dining marquee, eating, drinking and letting their guard down over bountiful food.

And ultimately, it was film production catering that brought Ritchie to Daylesford in 2001, sparking his love affair with the town that smoulders to this day.  

“I was working on the short lived TV series Ponderosa at Kataminga near Newbury and ended up living here for two years,” he says.

“I then moved to the town permanently in 2014.”  

But then life bowled Ritchie another curveball around 50 years of age. He got  diagnosed with HIV and two shots of cancer.

“I also got my first tattoo,” he adds.  

Of course Ritchie remains here today to tell his tale which means he conquered his bouts of cancer and is managing his health. To say he is a survivor is stating the obvious but to thrive is another thing entirely.

But thrive he has and one of the things that helped was his segue into the world  of philanthropy and fundraising. It was both a way of helping people in need and best of all, another way to express himself.  

“First up I walked 740 kilometres from the Mornington Peninsula to Canberra  with artist Clare Whitney in 2008 raising $50,000 for the Scaffidi Foundation,” he says.

“After this I helped raise approximately $100,000 for the Kids in Cambodia Charity.  I have also assisted the local CFA and organised a ‘homeless couture’ event at the  Daylesford Town Hall in 2018 – raising money for the purchase and distribution of  backpack beds for Central Victoria.”  

Ritchie has spent enough time in the town to be acutely aware of the changes  that have taken place over the years and the things that have stayed the same.

His  first impression of the town over 25 years ago was one of an absolutely vibrant  Vincent Street with very eccentric people and fabulous shops, something Ritchie  contributed to with own place, the sorely missed Ruby Slippers on Howe Street.  

“I look at Daylesford now and it has gone so mainstream and very business  oriented. But what I still like about the town is Monday to Friday, as daggy as Vincent Street is, the colourful people are still there and they all come out.”  

Words: Tony Sawrey | Image: Inkdfotogrfa Daylesford    

Fundraising for the new Rex Cinema has kicked off, fittingly enough, with a film. 

Radius Gallery in Hepburn Springs hosted a Flicks and Feast evening with an impromptu boost. Keen movie-goer and Rex supporter Dr Charlie Qi, of Qi Wellness in Daylesford, was involved in planning the Radius event and laid on a spectacular vegetarian Asian feast beforehand. 

The film was a delightful, animated fairy tale about the Clocks’, a family of “little people” living in a doll’s house who steal (or borrow) goods from the humans’ home. All is well until humans discover the family’s daughter and they flee for their lives. 

The message of the movie is about living together with nature in peace and harmony, a concept close to Dr Charlie’s heart. 

After this start, a host of other fundraising and promotional moves are in the works. They include raffles, a Christmas event, patron packages, business sponsorship, merchandise sales, such as vintage movie posters, t-shirts and badges, and a dinner. 

The Rex has a remarkable history of money raising, as recorded at the Daylesford Museum. The cinema’s founder, Aubrey Moulden Christie, began with weekly then twice weekly plus “weekly occasions” pictures at the old Drill Hall in Bridport Street, now the Daylesford Fire Station.

Next he bought an old hotel in Vincent Street and began building the Rex, securing more than 10,000 pounds, a massive amount for the time, to build a “Spanish colonial theatrical” style cinema. 

More money was needed to strengthen the foundations and flooring after old mining works caused some cave-ins. 

The Rex opened on Boxing Day 1929, showing an early version of The Student Prince, dubbed with synchronised sound before the modern integrated soundtrack, and before Mario Lanza.

One of the first small theatres, beyond Ballarat, Bendigo and Melbourne, to have CinemaScope in 1954, the Rex was badly hit by the local advent of television in 1960-61.

After 34 years’ operation the Rex was shut by Aubrey Moulton Christie’s son Max in May 1963, only to start again on a small scale, being run by dedicated volunteers between 2012 and 2016. 

To get involved contact Daylesford Cinema Group president Jules McDonald on 0400 455 993 

The Hepburn Shire Council’s partnership with Daylesford College, Central Highlands Rural Health and the team at Youth Live4Life has reached its six-month milestone on a youth mental health and suicide prevention program.  

Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas said he was proud to be partnering with Daylesford College and CHRH on the Youth Live4Life program which is tailored to regional communities.  

“The program is already having a positive impact on our young people, and we are seeing an increase in referrals,” Mr Thomas said.

“It is comforting to know that our young people are having more conversations about mental health and peer support.”

During a recent consultation with young people, 59 per cent indicated that mental health is an important issue in our community.

The council made a commitment in the ACE Youth Strategy to focus on mental health and as part of this commitment it partnered with Daylesford College on the Live4Life program. 

“Council will continue to run two free youth mental health sessions per year for community members who are working with or supporting young people in Hepburn Shire,” Mr Thomas said. 

“It is greatly empowering for our young people to have a program like Live4Life which enables them to step up into local leadership positions.

“We are also looking forward to launching nominations for the Young Mayors Youth Council in 2025.

“We encourage anyone who is passionate about these types of issues impacting young people to chat with our youth team.”

The council plans to continue the partnership program into the future and hopes to see some positive outcomes for the young people in our community. 

This story based on a Hepburn Shire Council media release. Image: Supplied.

More than 390 works were exhibited and a record 58 of them sold at the 2024 Daylesford Rotary Art Show held over the recent Cup Day long weekend.

All of the profits from the annual show, which was the 41st, will be used for community projects and causes, Daylesford Rotary President Danny Moynihan said.

He said most of the money raised from the show will be used in the Daylesford region but some funds will be going to national and international causes.

Each year the local Rotary club supports the Rotary International Polio plus campaign which has assisted to eradicate polio in almost all countries, Mr Moynihan said.

Daylesford Art Show Coordinator and Rotarian, Jenny Hopkins: “This year we had immense support from more than thirty volunteers and artists to set up, run the Art Show and pack up.

“Their support has been fantastic and we thank them all. Without them, we could not have staged this important event.

“Our art show organising committee started planning more than six months ago… Last year we made over $14,000 profit and this year we expect to improve on this.”

The Daylesford Highland Gathering has a new committee – and the December 7 event will now include Highland Games after more than a 20 – year absence. Think caber tossing, weightlifting, hammer throws and stone puts.  

There will also be a Highland cattle display and a Highland dog display – along with plenty of bagpipes, dancing and kilts.  

The day starts at Victoria Park at 9am with the pipe bands marching along  Vincent Street at 9.30am. Then it’s back to the park for the band competition from 11am with the official opening at 1pm.

President Chris Sinclair said Victoria Park will also be alive with loads of other attractions, stalls and a variety of vendors.  

“We are trying to reinvigorate the event. And we also want the locals to come up  to Victoria Park and see us in action rather than just watch the street march.”  

Chris said the event will end with final presentations around 4.30pm with the  mass bands event – with all the competing bands and invitational bands coming together to play a salute to the chieftain and receive their results.

“It’s the end of the day ceremony with as many pipers and drummers we can get on the field.”  

Chris said the aim of the new committee was to start off small and slowly build  the event in the years to come for locals and visitors alike.  

“We’re trying to attract people who are travelling in the region with an interest in Scottish heritage and also wanting to build a strong local network.

The Daylesford  band will be taking part in the street march and the Highland Gathering has been happening at Daylesford since 1952 with the exception of two years because of Covid.  

“Last year we only had 600 through the gate, although if you add the participants it’s up to about 900. But we would like to hit about 1400 this year and then upwards and onwards.

“I’ve been going since 1975 when I was a teenager and played bagpipes in a band and the numbers back then were probably around the 3000 mark.”  

Entry is $15 for adults with free entry for children 12 and under.  Link: www.daylesfordhighland.com  

A range of commemorative services and events will be taking place throughout the Hepburn Shire to mark Remembrance Day on Monday, November 11.

They will include the following public services and wreath laying events:

Creswick

Remembrance Service and wreath laying at 10.40am at the Fallen Soldiers Memorial, Creswick Cenotaph, corner Raglan and Albert streets, Creswick.

Following the service, light refreshments at the RSL Hall. Details: Secretary on 0490 374 006.

Kingston

Remembrance service and wreath laying at 10.45am at the Kingston Cenotaph, corner Victoria and Kingston roads, Kingston. Details: Julie on 0448 071 583.

Kyneton/Trentham:

Kyneton

Remembrance service at 10.45am at the Cenotaph, Mollison Street, Kyneton.

Trentham

Remembrance service at 10.45am at the Cenotaph, High Street, Trentham.

Aged Care

Services will also be conducted on Friday, November 8 at BUPA Kyneton at 10am, Trentham Aged Care at 11.45am and Respect RM Begg Kyneton at 2pm.

Daylesford:

Remembrance service and wreath laying at 11am at the Daylesford Cenotaph.

Clunes:

Remembrance service and wreath laying at 11am at the Clunes Cenotaph.

Wreaths can be ordered via creswicksmeatonrslsec@gmail.com until November 6 for $40.

St Michael’s Primary School in Daylesford is getting set to hold its annual school fete on Sunday November 10.

The much-anticipated event will feature a wide range of new and traditional fete activities and goods for sale.

A barbecue, face painting, spinning wheel, craft activities, laser tag, coffee, trash and treasure, mini animal farm, plant stall, cake stall, auction, carnival food and craft stall are all just part of what’s in store on the day.

It’s free entry through the gate and the day gets going from 10am and will run through to 3pm.

A crowd of several hundred has come together this morning to commemorate the first year anniversary since the tragedy that claimed the lives of five people in Daylesford on November 5 last year.

Family members and loved ones of those who lost their lives when a car slammed into people in the then beer garden outside the town’s Royal Hotel were among those who attended today’s commemorative event.

Emergency service personnel, Hepburn Shire Council representatives including the CEO Bradley Thomas, and members of the wider community were among those who have gathered to remember and pay their respects.

Last month a court heard that driver, William Swale, 66, was in the midst of a diabetic episode when his SUV crashed into a crowd of people seated in the beer garden of the historic hotel, killing five people including two children.

Bradley Thomas, Hepburn Shire Council CEO: “Today’s commemoration paid respect to the profound loss experienced by many, but also the incredible courage showed on that day to be there for those in their suffering. Their compassion and care for those in need in those moments means more than any words or tributes could ever express.”

Words & Images: Donna Kelly

Daylesford and the wider community are preparing to come together to mark the anniversary of last November’s tragic car crash that claimed the lives of five people.

The upcoming commemoration, marking one year since the tragic incident, is being held at 9am next Tuesday, November 5, outside Dayleford’s Royal Hotel, near the site of last November’s tragedy.

On November 5 last year, just after 6pm, a car driven by diabetic William Swale crashed into the then beer garden area, killing Point Cook lawyer and volunteer, 44-year-old Pratibha Sharma, her 9-year-old daughter Anvi and 30-year-old husband Jatin Kumar, and also Vivek Bhatia, 38, and his 11-year-old son Vihaan.

Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas says that next Tuesday the community is gathering not only to remember those lost but to support one another through the healing process. 

“This tragedy has forever changed our community, but it has also brought us closer, showing the power of unity, compassion, and resilience,” he said.  

The tragedy deeply shook the community and region, leaving a lasting impact. Next Tuesday’s commemoration will be a solemn occasion to acknowledge the profound loss felt by families and friends while also recognising the strength and compassion that the community has displayed over the past year.  

“This gathering serves as a reminder that the bonds of community can provide comfort and support even in times of immense tragedy,” Mr Thomas said. 

The commemoration will take place outside the Royal Hotel Daylesford at 9am. Members of the public are welcome to attend.  

The town’s Albert Street will be blocked to traffic between Howe Street and Duke Street from 8am to 10am, during the commemorative community event.

Cliffy’s Emporium is proud to announce the return of its highly anticipated Christmas Day fundraiser, now in its sixth year, with a  goal of raising over $100,000 to support the local CFA brigades.  

Set to take place on December 25 from 8am to 11am, the Daylesford event promises festive fun, delicious food, and the opportunity to give back to the community.  

Since its inception, this Christmas tradition has become a cornerstone of holiday celebrations in Daylesford, raising nearly $80,000 over the past five years.  

All proceeds from food, drink sales, and donations go directly to the CFA brigades that serve Daylesford and the surrounding regions, ensuring local firefighters receive the support they need to continue their life-saving work.  

This year, Cliffy’s is seeking donations of products or vouchers to be raffled off during the event, with all proceeds going to the fire brigades.  

Every donation, big or small, plays a crucial role in helping to reach this  year’s ambitious goal. In return, all donors will receive recognition across event promotional materials.  

“We know times are tough, but the generosity of this community has  always amazed us. Every contribution makes a tangible difference, and together, we can make this year’s fundraiser the most successful one yet,” said Liam Thornycroft, event organiser.  

Anyone interested in contributing to the event or learning more can email info cliffysemporium.com.au.

Donations must be submitted by November 29, 2024 with all invited to head to Cliffy’s on Christmas morning for a coffee, a mimosa, and the joy of knowing you’re supporting a cause that truly matters.

 Image: Chris Turner at Inkd Fotogrfa  

Cinema  

Thank you to members of this wonderful community for your enthusiastic response to the news that cinema is returning to Daylesford, upstairs in the iconic Rex building.  

The response on both Facebook and the Daylesford Community Grapevine  was huge with so many heartwarming messages and lots of offers of help to make it happen.

Thank you one and all. We are in the process of following up the many offers and channelling them in various directions according to interests and skills.

More offers are always welcome as there are many tasks to complete.  It is now time to call on all cinema lovers to dig deep and contribute financially.  

We have just launched our GoFundMe campaign and are very much hoping that  you will be keen to support us financially.

All contributions big or small are most  welcome. Simply go to: https://gofund.me/73e585b0 and follow the prompts.  

Your financial assistance will enable us to get underway with creating an art deco  interior to be proud of, a welcoming entrance with attractive lighting, carpeting, comfortable seats, state-of-the-art cinema equipment, well-equipped café/bar and  ticketing area as well as assisting us through the establishment phase.  

We envisage our community-run cinema being a wonderful space for locals to congregate and socialise as well as providing much-needed nighttime, weekend and  holiday activity for tourists to enjoy.

Involvement in all aspects of both creating and  operating the cinema, bar and café will provide great opportunities for people of all ages to socialise, learn new skills and engage in meaningful activity whilst making an  important contribution to this community.  

As well as providing a variety of film genres, the cinema will host locally made movies/documentaries, musical events, stand-up comedy and small theatrical  productions.

As the town hall will be closed for approximately two years, we see possibilities for the cinema to meet a variety of community needs in addition to its  core business.  

For those who have queries about fundraising and the GoFundMe campaign  contact Jenny Beacham, Daylesford Cinema Group Treasurer, on 0427 512 159.  

For more information contact me, Jules McDonald, on 0400 455 993 or email  julesmcd11k gmail.com

From – Jules McDonald, Daylesford Cinema Group president