By Donna Kelly  

As a journo of some years, let’s say 40, I have a love for words. I also like that language is always evolving. So it is always interesting to hear what the word of the year is, especially from the Australian Macquarie Dictionary.  

Drum roll please. The Word of the Year for 2024 is ‘enshittification’.  

The committee said the noun described the “gradual deterioration of a service or product brought about by a reduction in the quality of service provided, especially of an online platform, and as a consequence of profit-seeking”.  

They said it was a “very basic Anglo-Saxon term wrapped in affixes which elevate it to being almost formal; almost respectable. This word captures what many of us feel is happening to the world and to so many aspects of our lives at the moment”.  

I like it. And so did many others, as it also won the People’s Choice Word of the Year. For only the third time since the awards started in 2006.  And I agree that while it would be easy to say the world is going to shit, using the term enshittification almost sounds polite.

Committee Honourable Mentions included the right to disconnect, another noun, which is a law that grants employees the right to not work or be contacted about work during non-work hours. I must mention that one to Kyle.

The waking me at 3am with a query like “did you put that final advert in?” is getting ridiculous. Then there is rawdogging. At first I thought this was something rude but it means the act of undertaking a long-haul flight with no electronic entertainment, devices or reading material, as in film, music, games, laptops, books, etc.

Hmmm. When we went to America we did a long-haul flight but maybe a sky couch is not really rawdogging.  

The People’s Choice first Honourable Mention was brainrot, which it seems many people have these days, and means being on a social media platform for an extended duration causing diminished mental capacity.  

Second was social battery, which I think I get, and means a supposed energy reserve someone has for engaging in social interactions, the reserve being depleted or stimulated depending on circumstances and an individual’s personality.  

The rest of the shortlist went like this:  

Fairy porn — a subgenre of fantasy fiction which explores relationships between humans and supernatural characters.  Incidentaloma — a tumour which is unexpectedly discovered while undergoing a  physical examination or surgery for an unrelated procedure.  

Looksmaxxing — the act of improving one’s physical attractiveness as much as possible, especially as undertaken by young men.  

Kup murri — an earth oven for pit cooking in the traditional Torres Strait Islander style.  

Overtourism — a situation in which too many people are visiting a tourist  destination, causing damage and degradation, and adversely affecting local residents.  

Q-day — a theoretical point in time at which quantum computers will become large-scale enough to enable the decryption of public key encryption algorithms.  

Pig butchering — a type of fraud in which a scammer portrays themselves as a friend, romantic interest or financial adviser, in order to gain the trust of their victim.  

Rent bidding — the practice of a prospective renter offering a higher price than that advertised in the hope that their rental application will be accepted over others.  

Sigma — a person who is well regarded as being exceptional in some way.  

Skibidi — a nonsense word used to mean any of various things depending on context, but often ‘cool’ or ‘excellent’.  

Spoon bowl — a match between the two lowest teams in a competition to determine which finishes the season at the bottom of the table.  

Oh, one last one. Over at the Australian National Dictionary Centre, they picked Colesworth as their Word of the Year.  Just one question. Are you getting your Colesworth? Just sayin’…  

It may not be boughs of holly but Daylesford resident Jenny Paradisi, with the help of friends Wendy Berry and Heidi Hauck, has decorated the main streets of Daylesford with colourful hessian bows.

Wendy, (pictured above right), said Jenny, (pictured above left) put a social media post on Facebook asking why the community was not putting up Christmas decorations this year.  

“There were lots of comments but nobody did anything, so we put up another  post saying ‘let’s get together’ but it ended up with me and her and Heidi.  

“Jenny initiated it and went to Spotlight and bought two rolls of hessian, 60 per cent off so why not, and we went to her house on Sunday (December 8) and cut  them up, sewed the edges and tied them up with string.  

“Then we went down the street on Monday at 8.30am and just started putting  them all up. We just tied them around the posts at Jenny’s height, because she is tall.  

“It was just something we wanted to do and I know some of the businesses have already put up decorations, but it can be expensive.”  

Wendy said those passing them in the street as they worked were “just so joyful and happy that someone was doing it”.

“When we finished we went into the shops  and asked if they wanted to donate towards the costs and people were putting in between $10 and $50, even some employees, and people just shopping.

“Everyone was so happy, and we not only covered our costs, we had $50 left over  so we gave that to Michelle Clifford at the Daylesford Community Op Shop.”  

Wendy said there was a plan to do it all again next year but go even further, not  just covering the main street.

“It’s just such a nice thing to do and people were really  grateful. I know lots of people but I have never had that many come up to me and say thanks for what you are doing. It’s the real spirit of Christmas.”

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed  

The cost to clean, repair and repaint the Big Rainbow is $1500. The cost of adding sparkle will not be known until the contractor is available in the New Year. 

Vandals recently sprayed graffiti on the Big Rainbow at Daylesford Victoria Park. The well publicised vandalism happened after the Hepburn Shire Council had just had the rainbow refreshed, ready for next year’s ChillOut celebrations. 

Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that he, the councillor group and the organisation would not tolerate “a small few in the community who attempt to spread misinformation and deface public property with discriminatory language”. 

“Council stands firm in its commitment to combating hate in all forms. Council will not tolerate homophobia, racism or any behaviour that seeks to diminish and devalue another’s life experience. 

“We believe in the values of respect, kindness, and equality for all. I want to make it clear that we will not tolerate bigotry.

“We will not tolerate homophobia. And we will not tolerate racism. We are proud of the diverse, vibrant, and inclusive community we live in. Together, we will continue to stand against hate and discrimination in all forms.” 

Many people commented about the incident on social media. 

“Very sad that some in our community feel like they need to deface a symbol designed to represent diversity and unity.” 

“That is just so disappointing and really reflects on the childishness of the perpetrators. Pathetic behaviour.” 

“The council was covering it when we were there. Unbelievable, makes my heart heavy. It’s childish. Regardless of your personal beliefs.” 

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed 

The Daylesford Community Childcare Centre is turning empty containers into fresh opportunities with their latest initiative to raise funds for Joe’s Kitchen Garden, an inspiring project aimed at teaching children the invaluable skills of growing and cooking their own vegetables.   

As a donation partner for the Container Deposit Scheme, the centre is calling on the community to collect and deposit eligible drink containers, with refunds going directly to this hands-on learning project.  

At the heart of the initiative is Joe Bonanno, an educator of the four-year-old program at the kindergarten, and passionate cook who has been inspiring young minds with his love of food and sustainability.   

Joe said the centre was working on three projects – a kitchen garden, a bush food garden and a garden for wildlife in the near future.   

“We try to work them all in together and we also received a Landcare grant and a number of organisations have been pretty generous with donations.”   

Joe said he had taken on most of the gardening work because he enjoyed being hands-on.   

“We try and eat from the garden every day even if we are just experimenting, we  might go out and have a taste of something while we are there.  

“We have always wanted to do something in the garden that contributes to our lunch on a daily basis and the kids seem to enjoy it.   

“We have been growing Warrigal greens, a plant native to both Australia and New Zealand, and we had that in a pesto pasta for lunch and the kids just demolished it.   

Usually they are picking out the green bits but they had multiple serves. So, we have given them a new taste and they have really gone for it.   

“Joe’s Kitchen Garden is a space where children can get their hands dirty and learn about the journey from garden to plate,” says Joe.

“It’s about teaching them practical skills, fostering a connection to nature, and showing them the value of healthy eating.”   

Joe, who moved from the city to the country 11 years ago (“best thing I ever did”)  said the recycling was providing a good return “for not a lot of effort”.  

 “We have some bags at the centre for anyone who wants to help and we have a few people who have chosen to fill their bags for us. It is all appreciated.”   

The community can support this cause by depositing their eligible containers at the TOMRA Cleanaway Reverse Vending Machine at 37-39 East Street, Daylesford and donate the refunds to the Joe’s Kitchen Garden via the app.   

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed   

By Donna Kelly

I enjoy travel as much as imparting a cautionary tale. So you can’t imagine my joy at our latest travel adventure. Hmmm.  

After four years of Covid we were off on a cruise to Central America, a bucket list for Kyle if you will, as a confirmed boatie and someone who has always wanted to see the Panama Canal in action.

So off we went. Not cheap, but Mum left me some money in her will when we  lost her in 2020, well she died, and I always thought it would be a good idea to spend it on travel.  

Mum loved travel and we took her on a number of bucket lists, Iceland and Russia, and we had booked a 2020 trip to Japan, Hong Kong and China, but we all  know how that worked out. Stupid Covid.

Anyway, I felt we had Mum’s blessing to spend the inheritance on a once-in-a lifetime trip to America and beyond.  And it was an amazing voyage. But not without a few hiccups. As seems to be the  case. I think as a journo I attract issues. Not sure.  

Our first little blip was arriving at the airport, all excited and being asked if we had our ESTA – an Electronic System for Travel Authorization. So you don’t need a visa for the US.  Now I had read all about it and knew that as Australians we didn’t need a visa but  I didn’t know I needed a waiver so I didn’t need a visa.

But the woman at Air New  Zealand knew because when she heard we didn’t have one she simply said: “Well, you can’t go.” And that was that. I kid you not.  

They can take up to three days or 72 hours if you count slowly and our plane was leaving in two. So we hotfooted it to a travel agent over the way who said it might  come through in less. She helped us fill out the form, took some money from us and  said she would be in touch. FFS.  

Meanwhile, distraught, we decided we would fly to at least NZ, our stopover, and maybe end up having a few weeks there. The OK for the US came after we had checked our luggage and while we were in the security queue. Safe. Off we went, all smiles again. Doesn’t take much to make us happy. 🙂

Next little hiccup was feeling a bit average about a week before the cruise ended.  So off I popped to the ship’s medical centre for an antibiotic. Too easy. At 59 I know my health. Not as much as them apparently.  

Over that day and the next I was given a Covid/influenza/RSV nasal swab and a urine test for legionnaire’s disease – both clear, then a chest x-ray which showed I probably had pneumonia, despite no cough, and needed morning and night rounds of nebulisers, two rounds of intravenous antibiotics, a oral course of antibiotics and steroids, cough mixture, paracetamol and antihistamines.  

I got better really fast – although I nearly had a heart attack when I got the bill for the first day – US $4000. Again, I kid you not. I have not yet opened the bill for the second day. That has the urine sample – who knows what that added. We do have  travel insurance so it should work out – but if not, the crew Christmas party might be a bit low key.  

And now I think about it, I really should have gone for extras. Maybe asked for a quick tummy tuck, or get them to take care of that ingrown toe nail, perhaps a routine colonoscopy. I mean, in for a penny, in for US$20,000, said no-one ever.  

Oh, almost last thing. Our vaccination doctor talked us out of yellow fever vaccinations but coming back through border patrol they were a little unhappy with our decision not to bother. “If you feel sick, tell your doctor,” were the final words.  Not sure I ever want to see a doctor again though, just sayin’…  

The really last thing. This (below) was a dessert one night. Is it just me? Or, well, you know. Are they having a lend and laughing their heads off out the back as the passengers bite into this. Not sure…

“Travelling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a  storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta  

This is very true of our recent trip to America and Central  America. There were many moments where we were  speechless but we now have many tales to tell.  

Our trip started in Australia, read about almost not going thanks to a small mistake, on page 27, but then we were off.  First to New Zealand and then Los Angeles where we boarded  the good ship Norwegian Jewel for many amazing ports.  

First up was San Diego followed by Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia and the Cayman Islands.  Every stop was an eye-opener and to be truthful what really stood out to me was the abject poverty of Central America and then the juxtaposition of us stepping back onto a cruise ship with hot and cold running everything.  

While the residents of Central America lead their lives with below poverty line wages, lack of fundamental basics, some living in cardboard shacks, others wheeling people with disabilities  hoping to be handed a few American bucks, we and other passengers had all we could want.  

So much food that a lot was just thrown out, bottles of drinking water, sparkling pools for a casual dip, a river of alcohol coming out of the myriad bars, music to dance the night away and staff, also mostly from the poorer countries of the world, ready to clean our rooms and wish us Good Morning, Good Day and Good Night.  

Don’t get me wrong, I love cruising, but I don’t like myself for loving it so much. Yes, you can tip people and hand over a few dollars here and there, but you won’t make a difference in anyone’s life. And that is just the truth.  

So is travel a good thing. I guess it allows you to look into the real world, if you take the time, and we had some great conversations with people around the region.  

We do try and take the time to find locals to chat with and support their enterprises, not just end up where the tourists are taken to be shaken down with what I imagine are some hefty  kickbacks.  

So, just a few of our conversations.  We chatted to one female bartender in Guatemala who told us honestly, despite our tour guide saying they had the most  temperate weather in Central America, with a steady 25 degrees  Celsius, that “summer is hell”.  

The bloke who picked us up to take us to our rental car in the Cayman Islands said global warming was destroying his country along with the overdevelopment of the region.

“We used to have lots of bush and forest and now we just have buildings. We will lose even more soon.”  

A waiter on the ship said as we went through the Panama  Canal it was great they had been able to retain plenty of trees and greenery despite flooding the area. It was also good to be able to  provide plenty of employment opportunities, he said.  

A woman employee on the ship, who greeted us most mornings at the restaurant, admired Kyle’s white summery shirt.  Kyle decided to make it a gift and asked if she had a husband. Yes, she said, but her sister was free if needed. Hmmm.

She then told Kyle she would not give it to her husband but instead wear it to bed and think of us. Again, hmmm.  

Another female staffer told us we were working too much, on  day two of trying to get The Local uploaded from a table in her restaurant, and that we needed to “close the office”. She then gave us beer and wine to keep us fortified.  

Finally, a bartender in Tampa, Florida, said if you got angry if you didn’t get a tip, then you were in the wrong game.  

“I could say anything to rub a customer the wrong way, and not even know it, or they could be having a bad day, or maybe  I said something to someone else they didn’t like. You just have to take the day as it comes. Tips are great but we can’t bank on them.”  

It’s an interesting world out there, and great to visit, but I also do like coming home – to what I believe is the best country in the world.  

Words: Donna Kelly. Images: Donna Kelly & Kyle Barnes.

Wombat Forestcare convenor Gayle Osborne says the community is angered by the failure of the State Government to introduce the bill to create the new Wombat-Lerderderg National Park as promised.

Ms Osborne, pictured below, said members and supporters of Wombat Forestcare had been assured in letters from the Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas that the bill to create the Wombat-Lerderderg and Mount Buangor National Parks would be introduced to the Victorian Parliament this year.

“However, Thursday was the last sitting day for the year and the government failed to present the bill. We are devastated that the parks have not been legislated as promised,” she said.

The promised national park would have conserved 24,000 hectares of the Wombat Forest for its amazing animals, plants and fungi and for future generations to enjoy.

“National Parks are the cornerstone of species conservation in Australia and are greatly enjoyed by the general public as places to visit and engage with nature.

“The Wombat Forest provides habitat for so many wonderful creatures including the magnificent greater glider.

“The forest is also home to the critically endangered wombat leafless bossiaea. There are only five known plants in the wild and they are all in the Wombat Forest. “Powerful owls, listed as vulnerable, successfully breed in the Wombat Forest.

“This is a great indicator of forest health as the owls need a steady supply of food such as ringtail possums to sustain themselves and their chicks. It is incumbent on the state government to ensure that these and other threatened species are not reduced in numbers in our region.”

Ms Osborne said it was over five years since the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council released its Central West Investigation report and more than three since the government promised to create three new national parks. The delay in protecting these environmentally important forests is inexplicable, she said.

A state government spokesperson said legislation to create the first two national parks, Wombat-Lerderderg National Park and Mount Buangor National Park, was expected to be introduced to Parliament in early 2025.

“Existing recreational activities will be able to continue in the new national parks – including hunting, camping, walking dogs, hiking, bush walking, four-wheel driving, BMX and more.

“We want as many Victorians as possible to enjoy the great outdoors with access to a wide range of recreational opportunities, while also making sure we protect what we all love about the bush.”

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Sandy Scheltema

By Donna Kelly

I am sitting in an information centre in Puerto Rico – trying to finish The Local – after finding the promised  high speed internet on our cruise is not so high speed.  

You might think it is not a bad place to be but it is hot, really hot and humid, and a pretty poor country. At least the internet works.  

The info centre has a nice lounge  suite, a round table with four chairs,  some banner signs and two people sitting under aircon which is set at 23 and struggling to keep the temperature down.

The big swinging glass door is not quite built right and every time someone comes in it sounds like it is breaking.  Outside people perch on concrete steps, with colourful flags trying to wave in the wet conditions.  I guess I am not Hepburn Shire Toto.  

But the internet is whirring away and I have managed to download the photo of Jack and various other images. The download is not really the big problem, it’s when we finally finish and we need to upload this big ol’ edition of The Local.

I just asked Kyle how long the ship is in port and he answered: “Until we get The Local up.” Hmmm.

Now we couldn’t get our regular sub-editors involved, Nick and Lindsay, so  I have done my best to edit, but I am sure there are a few typos. If you find them please don’t tell me. It’s a need to know basis and I really don’t need to know.  

Last edition, after all our work, I had an email saying I had chosen a European/Asian crow as an image for a funny letter about some breakfast cereal. They said I  should build up an Australian bird catalogue.

Sadly I don’t know my birds and my free web photos come from a site that mainly sources from Americans, Europeans  and Asians. Not so much Australian content. Anyway, I will check from now on.

The cruise has been interesting. Long, but fun, although sadly we have lost two of our people so far. As in they died. I guess people die on land and with the age and,  let’s be honest, some of the health issues of the passengers, there has to be a few who don’t make it.  

There was also that brawl that Kyle has already mentioned over there on the left.  It wasn’t actually in the buffet but a high end restaurant. Apparently one bloke stood  up and said “Make America Great Again” and another bloke punched him in the  face.

Then the wives got involved and it was on. The blokes went to ship jail and the  wives were contained to their staterooms – and all four were escorted off the following  morning.

I wonder if they get a refund.  

Talking of America, there is a great piece by Jeff Glorfeld on the back page about the election results over there. And if you are over that you can read where you can listen to his radio show, The Down Under Hour. All good fun.  

Anyway, I think I better get going now. Time for a beer. It is 12 o’clock  somewhere – and it is actually just 12 in Puerto Rico. I wonder if they have chardy?  

So see you when we return in a week or so. Another column about travel perhaps.  Did you know you need an electronic form so you can waiver needing a visa for the US? Neither did we until we tried to check in at the airport. Always something to  learn. Just sayin’…  

By Donna Kelly  

There are a lot of big things going on. The biggest is the memorial service on Tuesday for the tragic incident last November which changed the history of Daylesford.  

There are also elections in the wind, a legacy of a book being launched and even a woman recognised for her tireless work in getting CresFest up and running – and  much more.  

So plenty to write about but I am going with what some people might think is a smaller thing, but it really is one of those things that keeps our communities strong.

You may have already read the story on page 9 but long-standing Korweinguboora resident, and renowned cook, Jean Howard has had the local reserve’s kitchen aptly named after her – Jean’s Kitchen.

The kitchen was part of extensive renovations at the reserve’s complex, with an official high tea attended by 50 people on October 27 to celebrate.  

Now even if you can’t spell Korweinguboora you should know where it is, on the Daylesford to Ballan Road. Blink as you drive by and you could easily miss it.  

And that is why some people might think it’s a story of little consequence. But I  reckon it’s a huge story and just one reason local papers need to continue. Like The Local.  Because without people like Jean, and committee chair Sue Bottrell, and indeed all the committee members, places like Korweinguboora could easily find themselves without a gathering space.  

And it is repeated throughout all the small towns and hamlets in Australia.  Volunteers giving up their time to ensure that future generations can enjoy  weddings, birthdays, dinner dances, Christmas parties and even funerals in their own communities.  

No matter how much money local, state and federal governments hand out, if  there’s not a willing band of volunteers, it ain’t going to happen.

Jean, who has lived in the town for 75 years and was on the committee for 26  years, says it was exciting to have the kitchen named after her. A real honour, she says.  

“It was a lovely get together and catch up, especially with those who mean the most  to me.”  

And the town is rightly proud of her work. Committee chair Sue Bottrell says the facility “is the most wonderful asset for Korweinguboora and brings people together to develop bonds and friendship”.

“In these times of unprecedented loneliness and isolation, it is very important.  Jean is renowned for her cooking and was a key driver behind upgrading the hall in the late 1990s by purchasing the local school and moving it to the reserve,  instantly doubling the size of the facility.

“Without Jean’s leadership, dedication and determination, we would not have this wonderful space to use today.”  

So that’s my take on the news this week. Wonderful people just going about their days, doing wonderful things for others. Never expecting anything in return but quite chuffed when their contributions are noted.

This is what keeps our communities  strong and vibrant. And why places like the Central Highlands make for such  wonderful living.  

Oh, back to the importance of local papers. I don’t think Jean’s Kitchen will make the Herald Sun or The Age or The Australian. But it makes The Local. Because Jean is local, and we only celebrate locals. Just sayin’…   

By Donna Kelly

“Every day I would wake up with this knot in my stomach thinking am I going to be screamed at, white-anted or publicly humiliated today, or is it someone else’s turn? Watching the humiliation happening to others was almost as bad as being the target, but at the same time you were grateful it wasn’t you that day.”

No, not another day at TL HQ, but many days at the Nine Entertainment Corporation according to an independent review of the company’s workplace culture.

The report is really damning. As we were all being entertained, although we mostly avoid free-to-air television, except for the ABC and SBS, the staff were being terrorised.

It’s hard to believe that it is still happening in 2024. Even after the Me Too movement, RUOK? and much research into mental health and the importance of being made to feel a productive part of life.

Surely someone would be standing up for these people being bullied and harassed but as the intro says, it was hard to watch but you felt grateful it was not you being targeted.

I worked at a newspaper a few years back, maybe 15 or so years ago, not in Victoria I would like to add. I applied for the role of deputy editor at a daily, and was successful. Or so I thought.

Every day we would have an editorial meeting and the editor would go around the room and sweetly ask: “Who wrote this piece?” It all seemed quite nice that first morning of my employment, for about a minute.

Someone slowly put their hand up and was then subject to the line: “Well, it’s really f..king stupid and I don’t know why we pay you.” I kid you not.

Next up was a sub-editor who got the same for their headline. “You are f…king useless and I don’t know why you turn up for work.”

This went on around the room and I just watched, in horror. For some reason I was exempt but I also know I did not jump to anyone’s defence, for which I remain truly sorry.

The meeting concluded every day with the editor saying: “Well, let’s move on and make tomorrow’s paper sing.”

I think people were more likely to be looking for a razor blade. However, the editor was heading off within a week for a four-week trip to Europe so I made an appointment with the bosses of the newspaper company and drove an hour to meet with them and tell them my concerns – basically that their employees were in harm’s way.

It was a very short meeting which ended when one of them asked me: “Why did you apply for the job if you don’t want to work with us?”

Hmmm. Top-down management and culture at its worst. So I quit.

I think I was there two months all up and then headed back to Victoria where things seemed a little saner. Started The Local not long after and had some T-shirts made up with our logo and the slogan: “Arsehole free zone” or something like that.

It’s a strange world, when some people make themselves feel better by bullying or intimidating. Must be something pretty wrong at home or in their heads.

I don’t know what will happen at Nine but I hope some heads roll. Probably not, but at least it is out in the open. I wish them all the best. And, more importantly, RUOK? Just askin’… (If you need help call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au, and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800) 

By Donna Kelly  

Let the games begin.  So, 12 candidates are vying for seven spots for the new Hepburn Shire Council.  The wards have been done away with and really, it seems a bit of a no-brainer as to  who will get in.

I won’t say that here but I will put the names I believe will get up in an envelope,  seal it and then open it after the votes have been counted. I reckon I will be pretty  spot on. I’ll let you know.  

The candidates include four former councillors for the shire, one former councillor for another shire, two business owners, a couple in the ALP and a couple  who didn’t worry about filling in a candidate form for the Victorian Electoral  Commission – which I do find a bit strange but each to their own.  

And the keyboard warriors are already busy at work with all sorts of rumours doing the rounds. Or maybe not rumours. There are some interesting Google  searches to be had if you have nothing else happening.  

It comes on top of the collapse of the final Hepburn Shire Council meeting for the year – with three councillors walking out on a confidential planning matter –  meaning there was no quorum and the final agenda item for the meeting ended with  no vote.  Strange way to end the year.

I have spoken to a few people and had some of the oddest conversations all about transparency and yet not actually being able to talk  about what happened.  

It is probably just as well it happened at the final meeting; some of the councillors  are not very happy with each other. Although I hear that might have been a bit of a  trend for 2024.

Those who stayed said they were doing their job while some of those who left said they were doing their best by walking away.  

Kind of reminds me of the Local Government Inspectorate report into the  council and The Rex. Like how the Inspectorate says it is “an independent agency  responsible for making sure Victorian councils follow the Local Government Act”  and then says, after a five-year investigation, there is nothing to see here. WTAF!  

Blind Freddie can see there is plenty to see. Well, maybe quite a few million  dollars not to be seen, but then there are the Bleakley Street apartments which are  looking very bleak indeed. I wonder if the council will lose yet more money there, say if someone decides they were led astray with their building permit on a pretty dodgy piece of land.  

Anyway, the games continue. Hepburn Shire Council has always been interesting.  I have covered the council for 11 years with The Local and another year or so with the  former Fairfax news company.  

I remember the Ned Kelly incident – nicely handled by Heather Mutimer – and  the coffin. Ahh, the fun we had.

Further back in my life I covered the Frankston City Council and that was also fun. Councillors calling other councillors fat, the moccasin jokes, a former CEO who said he was going to “get that bitch” – me. Good times.  

And then I also worked at Kingston City Council. Not so much fun being on the  inside. We used to have weekly meetings with journos and the mayor, and offer free cake and coffee. The journos loved that and forgot to ask the right questions.

Did you know Kingston had the last shit cart dunny? No, because no-one ever asked. What a  great story that could have been.  I guess the only thing all councils have in common is that now and again shit  happens. Just sayin’…  

The final meeting of the Hepburn Shire Council for 2024 went awry as three councillors left before a vote could be held on the final agenda item, a confidential planning matter.

With the three councillors gone, and only three remaining – with the resignation of Juliet Simpson earlier this year – a quorum was no longer met.

Those who left were councillors Tessa Halliday, Tim Drylie and it is believed Jen Bray. Ms Bray said as the matter was confidential she could not comment on it.

Those who remained were councillors Brian Hood, Don Henderson and Lesley Hewitt. Council CEO Bradley Thomas said four councillors were needed to meet a quorum so the meeting finished with the matter not voted upon.

It had however already gone before council with a decision made earlier this year. That decision was then upheld by Mr Thomas. Mr Thomas said it was not completely unusual for councillors to walk out of meetings but they were usually meetings open to the public and done to make a stand on an issue.

“This one is a bit weird because it was in the confidential section of the meeting so it is difficult for people to know what that stand was. But it is not illegal, councillors have the right to be in the room for whatever items they want to vote for.

“In this case three councillors decided for their own personal reasons that they didn’t want to vote on the matter so they left the meeting.”

Mr Thomas said the planning item had a previous decision so it would not return to council.

“From our point of view the matter is now closed and we have moved on and done what we needed to do with the planning permits.

“There are different personal thoughts on whether councillors should leave a meeting but there is nothing to stop them or force them to be in a meeting, that is the process we have.”

Mr Thomas said the issue had come back to council because “extra information had come to hand” and he made the decision to put it back on the agenda for the council to vote again with that added detail.

“Ultimately they didn’t make a decision because there were not enough (councillors) in the room and I have gone with the original decision.”

Tim Drylie, one of those who left the meeting, said he understood there was some community concern about councillors walking out without making decisions, calling it “somewhat extraordinary”.

“I am happy to go on the record, but as it was a confidential matter there is not a lot I can actually say, and I can only speak for myself.

“I am certainly standing on the platform of transparency and accountability in local government. It just makes it difficult to discuss the reasons behind it but fundamentally for me, it was a complex decision which involved ethical and legal issues around what was appropriate in that instance.

“It was not just a matter of walking out, it was a more complex situation. In this instance it was about accountability and transparency around that particular matter and also noting the CEO has stated it has not affected the overall situation in the broader scheme of things.

“It is certainly not a decision I took lightly and certainly not something councillors consider as a normal part of doing business – we are very respectful and understand the gravity of our position and the importance of governance and behaviours.”

Mr Drylie said it was not something that had been planned but rather “thought through on the day”.

“It was based on the evidence that was before us and I made up my own independent mind on that.”

Tessa Halliday, who also left the meeting, said she did not believe the council should have been voting on the issue which already had a decision in play and unresolved outstanding legal issues.

“It would not have been fair to the applicant, they have done nothing wrong.”

Words: Donna Kelly

A cinema is back on the cards for The Rex building in Daylesford – to be  aptly named Phoenix @The Rex.  

Daylesford Cinema Group president Jules McDonald said the group had  lobbied the owners of The Rex, the Comelli and Bromley partnership, along with  several commercial cinema operators including the Barton Brothers, Palace and Sun  Theatres.

 “Whilst these groups were open to the exploration, all parties decided that a  commercial development would not be viable given the population of the area even  including tourism figures in the mix.

“Negotiations commenced between the group and the owners of The Rex and an  agreement was achieved within our budget and projections. The group will lease the  upstairs area housing the cinema shell and the balcony area which will be used for  ticketing and a café/bar.  

“The owners will complete the building of the cinema shell previously built by  the council, the balcony area and the toilets. The group will be responsible for fit-out  including raked seating for approximately 70 patrons.”  

Ms McDonald said there were plans to promote the cinema to both local and  tourist populations and cater to the diversity of cultures, ages, and interests of these  groups.  

“The community-run aspect of operations will provide great opportunity for  volunteer activity which has been valued in the past for its contribution to relieving  isolation and providing purpose and interest for many residents.  

“The cinema will provide a variety of film genres as well as film festivals,  musical events, stand-up comedy and small theatrical productions. It will liaise with  programmers of our many festivals to ensure appropriate linkages and activities are  included.  

“We will promote our own film festivals showcasing for example, local film  makers and creative young people. When not being used for entertainment purposes  the space will be available for hire as a venue for presentations of various sorts.”  

But Ms McDonald said the $150,000 previously raised by the community  together with the volunteer efforts had been lost through Hepburn Shire Council  “mismanagement and decision making” and donations and in-kind support were  vital.

 “We have applied for a Victorian Tourism Infrastructure grant and will pursue  other grants. However, we will need your support in cash, in kind and cinema  membership and later, we will be calling for volunteers to help run the cinema.

If you  have skills of any kind that would help in completing the build, fit-out of the cinema,  bar/café and ticketing area and/or the ongoing running of the cinema, please contact  the Daylesford Cinema Group.

“There will soon be a Call to Action to kick start the Community Fundraising  Campaign, so please consider digging deep to help ‘Phoenix The Rex’ rise from the  ashes and spread its wings over Daylesford.”

History  

The Daylesford Cinema was first housed in The Rex Arcade, a private shopping  mall, but was left without a home after The Rex was bought by the council in 2016.  

The council intended to use the venue, after much public consultation, as a  community hub to include a new library, customer service centre, public toilets and  staff accommodation.  

That all fell through after a massive budget blow-out and planning débâcles, and  the building was sold in 2022.  For some time after 2016, the cinema ran out of the community rooms at  Victoria Park in Daylesford and in the Daylesford Town Hall, but neither offered a viable alternative.

Frustrated committee members and volunteers had been hopeful they would be  back in the building by the middle of 2021.  

Former cinema president Gina Lyons, pictured above, told The Local in mid 2021  there had been so many twists and turns with The Rex project since it was bought by  council in 2016.

“December/January was always a very busy time for us and we really hoped that  we would be in the new cinema this Christmas (2020) so that we could offer the  latest movies to our community and the visitors in town, as well as replenish our  coffers, which have been seriously impacted over the last four years.  

“How do we feel? Frustrated. Bitterly disappointed. Gobsmacked.”  

The Rex was originally built as a theatre in the 1920s and has had many iterations  including being a large budget variety shop.  

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Donna Kelly & Kyle Barnes  

By Donna Kelly

Hmmm. So Dan Murphy’s is appealing a Victorian Liquor Commission decision and still trying to open a store in Daylesford.

Back in August, the Commission decision was the first using the new definition of “harm” under the Liquor Control Reform Act, a landmark decision.

Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas said the decision was made namely on the basis that granting the licence could pose a public risk, encourage harm (particularly to minors) and have adverse social impacts.

In announcing its decision the Commission concluded “that granting the Licence would be conducive to or encourage harm, specifically to minors”.

“In particular, the Commission concludes that there is an appreciable risk that granting the Licence would result in an increase of secondary supply of alcohol to minors in Daylesford and (therefore) an increase in alcohol consumption by minors and (therefore) increased harm from the misuse and abuse of alcohol by minors.

“This conclusion is driven by the accumulation of a number of factors … deriving from the ‘particular local, social, demographic and geographic circumstances’ of Daylesford.”

But Dan’s apparently knows better and is giving it another go. I guess, if you were sceptical, you would think owners, The Endeavour Group, would be just a little bit worried it could lead to more knockbacks in other small towns.

Daylesford leading the way. Or do they just think we all have the right to cheap alcohol? Not sure. But it is a bit of a body blow to many in the town.

As Kyle, just over there to the left, has written, we have put our wonderful Glenlyon property up for sale. So many people say they would love it, and we did for many years. And still do but there comes a time when you realise you are getting a bit older and it’s time for some downtime in between getting The Local out each fortnight.

I remember when we first bought the property, we were so excited. Mum called it “a ruin” at the time but we just thought it was full of potential and fun.

We loved everything about our move from Frankston to the country – our home, its history, the people, the surrounding region. We even got rugged up and sat at the Glenlyon Store enjoying mulled wine during winter. Outside!

But it is time to call time, and we will look for somewhere in Daylesford, closer to restaurants and pubs, and supermarkets and stores. To be honest, the taxi ride home from Daylesford was always a bit of an adventure, thanks to the great, late, Serge. Miss him and his “hello lovers”.

I worked out I have lived in about 25 homes so far. And apart from perhaps 22 years all up at 2 The Range, Frankston, the second longest has been at Glenlyon.

There have been some strange places. Japan twice, in Niihama in the island of Shikoku and Ome, about an hour from Tokyo, Alice Springs, Karratha in northern WA and quite a few places around Queensland.

Then there is Caulfield, near the track, and Mordialloc, where we felt like we lived in a retirement village. Now and again an ambulance would arrive during the night and the next morning someone would tell us, “another one of us has gone”. I kid you not.

Anyway, time for a new caretaker for the school, and hopefully someone who gets the history, potential future and myriad possibilities. And The Local will continue, in a new office, with the same passion for sharing stories and connecting the community. Love this place. Just sayin’…

With the close of nominations and ballot draws for this year’s local council elections, 2231 candidates nominated for 646 council vacancies in 466 separate electorates.      

Hepburn Shire has 12 candidates for its seven vacancies.      

In the order they will appear on the ballot in the upcoming postal vote they are:  Don Henderson, Tony Clark, Christian Porochowsky, Tim Drylie, Derek Sedgman,  Benny Pettersson, Brian Hood, Cameron Stone, Pat Hockey, Lesley Hewitt, Shirley  Cornish and Bernie Winfield-Gray.      

Of the 12 candidates, four are former councillors.      

Following a review in 2023, the Minister for Local Government announced a new electoral structure for Hepburn Shire.      

The changes see the shire move from five wards with seven councillors, to no wards with seven councillors.

Voters will be able to vote for any candidate, regardless of where they or the candidate live in the municipality.      

The election will be conducted by mail in October.    

  A Victorian Electoral Commission media release said the number of candidates this year was higher than the 2186 candidates who nominated for 622 councillor vacancies in 298 separate electorates at the 2020 council elections.     

 “As of the close of nominations, 42 of the 466 individual elections are uncontested, where the number of candidates is equal to the number of vacancies.     

 “All wards in Yarriambiack Shire Council were uncontested, which means the general election for that council is entirely uncontested. Voters in these uncontested elections will not be required to vote.”  

Words: Donna Kelly