Ozact Theatre Company is preparing to bring its new autumn season of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the Hepburn Sound Shell with performances announced for April 5 and 6.

Following unprecedented demand in Ballarat, Williamstown, Geelong, and two sold-out weekends at Cloudehill Gardens in Olinda, Ozact has just recently announced the launch of its 2025 autumn season of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 

As one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream needs no introduction with the leafy surrounds of the Hepburn Sound Shell deemed particularly well suited to the famed Shakespearean play.

Since its inception by Bruce Widdop in 1995, Ozact has merged the natural environment with classic theatre, building a legacy of loyal audiences and unforgettable performances.

This year’s autumn season clearly aims to continues that tradition, transporting audiences into the whimsical world of fairies, lovers, and mischief-makers. 

As part of the newly announced autumn season, Ozact Theatre Company will also be bringing this magical production to Camperdown Botanic Gardens, Mont de Lancey Historic Homestead, Coolart Homestead in Somers, and Heatherlie Quarry in the Grampians. 

More information can be found on the Ozact Theatre Company website.

Words: Eve Lamb. Image: Supplied

The Trees Endure, The Land Has Memory is an immersive series of photographic works by David Rosendale. 

The exhibition, created on DjaDja Wurrung Country within the Hepburn Regional Park and Wombat State Forest, captures the essence of place and the profound ties that bind us to the land, David says. 

The exhibition will be held at Radius Art Space, Hepburn, from March 1 to April 12. The opening is on March 1, 3pm – 5pm.

Emerging during the global pandemic in 2021, David’s work represents a meditative response to an unprecedented time of adversity.

The series reflects the unique opportunity for introspection and exploration afforded by this period – time to reconnect with the local landscape, delve into art history, and investigate the timeless themes of struggle, survival, and reinvention. 

Through daily wanderings in the forests and waterways of Hepburn and Daylesford, David discovered metaphors for these universal themes, mirrored in the landscape’s rich and varied histories: ancient Indigenous connections, colonial legacies, and the scars of gold mining.

Yet, the series moves beyond historical documentation, offering an intimate and painterly exploration of personal connection and resilience. 

The Trees Endure, The Land Has Memory combines painterly qualities with photographic precision, blurring the boundaries between visual mediums.

With minimal human presence in the works, the focus rests entirely on the land’s narrative – the sun rising each day, the forest transforming from darkness to light, and the profound beauty of rediscovering the world ‘en plein air’. 

This series is both a reflection on the restrictive nature of the pandemic and a celebration of liberation and rediscovery. 

A percentage of any profit will go to both the Daylesford SES & Daylesford CFA

Words & image: Contributed 

The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is reminding voters in Hepburn Shire Council that they have until 6 pm on Friday 25 October to vote in the Hepburn Shire Council election.

‘You need to post your completed ballot pack before 6 pm on Friday 25 October, noting local clearance times may vary,’ Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said.

‘You can also drop your ballot pack off at the election office located at 79A Raglan Street, Daylesford before 6 pm on Friday 25 October.’

Any voter who still hasn’t received their ballot pack by Tuesday 15 October should go to vec.vic.gov.au to complete an online replacement ballot pack form.

Extended hours for voters to hand deliver their completed ballot pack apply from 9 am to 8 pm on Thursday 24 October and 9 am to 6 pm on Friday 25 October.

Voting is compulsory for voters who were on the state or council roll for this election at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August. Enrolled voters who don’t vote may be fined.

Voters enrolled in Hepburn Shire Council should have received their ballot packs to vote in this month’s local government election – or should check the mail, the Victorian Electoral Commission says.

Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel has been encouraging people to vote as early as possible.  

‘This election is postal, so it’s important to complete and return your ballot material as soon as possible to make sure your vote counts,’ Mr Bluemmel said. 

Ballot material must be in the mail or delivered to the election office at 79A Raglan Street, Daylesford by 6 pm Friday 25 October. 

Voters who haven’t received their ballot pack by today, Tuesday 15 October should go to vec.vic.gov.au to complete an online replacement ballot pack form. 

Candidates who have nominated for the election are listed in the ballot packs and on the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) website at vec.vic.gov.au If candidates have provided them, there will also be candidate photos and statements in the packs, and answers to the candidate questionnaire online. 

Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled for this election at 4 pm Wednesday 7 August. Voters who don’t vote may be fined.

In every community around the country there are a multitude of stories to be told. So many of those tales are ones of diaspora, of individuals and families from all backgrounds fleeing poverty, war and social upheaval and creating a new life.     

Hepburn’s Morgan Williams, of Radius Gallery, is currently writing a book about his own mother Stephany’s long journey from war-ravaged Holland to Australia.     

“I started writing a novel based on the experiences of my family,” says Morgan, “vignettes of the times and Mum’s life. The book has always been on my mind and I’m halfway through doing it.”

The tale is taken up in a small town called Borne close to the border of Germany and one Dr Rudolf Panhuysen. Born in 1897 he was a general practitioner and was known as a skilled, knowledgeable and well-respected physician.     

As a health officer, he was mobilised in 1939 attending to battlefield casualties before resuming his practice at 1 Korte Wensinkweg. The three-storey house held his surgery on the ground floor and his family home upstairs.

Unbeknownst to authorities it also became a stopover on an extensive underground resistance network against the occupying Nazis.     

At great risk to himself and his family, the house became a refuge for resistance fighters, fugitive Jews, British and American airmen and other people in hiding.

The examination table in his consulting room sat on a carpet that, when needed, could be moved aside to reveal a trap door and stairs to a hidden room below.  

“It was really full on when I first went to the house in the 1990s with mum,” says Morgan.

“The person who lived there recognised her from 30 years previously and invited us in. While the place has now been renovated, at that time little had changed, there were even still kids’ toys and names engraved on the walls in the attic.     

“Mum was amazed and got very nostalgic seeing the house as it pretty much was  when they left. While we didn’t open it, the trap door was still there along with bullet holes from when the Nazis raided the place.”     

That event took place in February 1945. Betrayal led a squad of Landwachters to surround and storm the house.

The Landwacht were the feared and hated internal paramilitary organisation that did the occupiers’ dirty work and they arrested a total  of 13 people that day.     

Amazingly, all those arrested, including Dr Panhuysen and his wife Helena (who was also part of an espionage ring), did eventually survive the war.

A miracle considering the ruthless methods of the Nazis and the common fate of so many members of resistance groups all over occupied Europe.     

In 1954 the Panhuysen family including Stephany, who was just eight years old, left Holland to resettle in Perth, Western Australia.

Perth was and remains one of the most remote capital cities in the world and light years away from the wreckage of post- war Holland. It was the ideal place to start life over.     

“After going through two major European wars within 30 years, they saw no reason why it could not happen all over again,” says Morgan. “Perth was isolated and that’s exactly where they wanted to be.”     

After migrating to Australia Dr Panhuysen continued practising medicine as a ship doctor on Dutch ships before retiring. He died in August 1976.     

Back in Holland, the country would slowly rebuild and along the way become one of Europe’s success stories, a prosperous and progressive country that went to great lengths to recognise those mostly anonymous heroes who maintained resistance against incredible odds in the darkest days of World War II.     

In the mid 80s as gratitude for his wartime efforts, the city of Borne named a street after Dr Rudolf Panhuysen. And the house at 1 Korte Wensinkweg, that held his old surgery, remains standing to this day.     

Meanwhile Stephany would grow up in Western Australia before moving over to the east coast and raising a family.

Today she lives with Morgan and his partner Kim in Hepburn, generations and half a world away from the trials, deprivations and memories of another time and place.     

“All of my cousins and family have gone over there to see the house, see the street and take a photo, just like me and mum did. The latest visitor in early September was our son Josh. It is kind of a family pilgrimage in a way.”     

Words: Tony Sawrey | Images: Supplied     

The 2024 Hepburn Swiss Italian Festa is looking for amicis – or friends.

The Festa is after 100 community supporters prepared to donate $100 to be recognised as a Festa Amici and provide a solid $10,000 financial base to help guarantee the future of the Swiss Italian Festa.

People can donate to the Swiss Italian Festa Bank Account – BSB: 633000, A/C Number: 117944470 with their name and email, or head to www.swissitalianfesta.com.au

The Hepburn Swiss Italian Festa is a community festival that celebrates the enduring contribution of Swiss Italian migrants who came to the Hepburn Springs and Daylesford region during the 1850s gold rushes.

These Italian speakers came from the villages and towns on either side of the Swiss Italian border. Into a world of mutton, potatoes and beer, they brought salami, pasta and wine.

The Hepburn Swiss Italian Festa was first staged in 1993 and has run for more than 25 years.

All students in years 3-6 from Hepburn, St Michael’s, Trentham, Yandoit and Daylesford primary schools participated in the Daylesford Region Interschool Olympic Games at Daylesford Primary on August 1.

Daylesford Primary principal Ali McHalliwell said the games were designed to foster essential values such as teamwork, belonging, and personal accomplishment.

“Through engaging in friendly competition, students experienced the joy of working together towards common goals and building a strong sense of community and inclusion,” she said.

“Additionally, this event offered a unique opportunity for students to learn about the rich history and significance of the Olympic Games, gaining a deeper appreciation for the spirit of global unity and athletic excellence.”

Live music venue, Palais-Hepburn, has closed its doors.

Owner Richard Fanale made the announcement on the venue’s Facebook page after sending out a message to patrons and performers.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Palais-Hepburn. 

“We deeply regret to inform you that, due to the current state of the economy, increase in expenses and other unforeseen circumstances, we have made the difficult decision to cease operations. 

“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the talented artists and dedicated agents who entrusted us with showcasing their work.

“Your creativity and passion have been Palais-Hepburn’s soul, and we are honoured to be part of your journey.  

“To our patrons, your unwavering support for local businesses has been the backbone of our success. Your enthusiasm for our events and commitment to our vision made each day at Palais-Hepburn special.  

“Lastly, to our exceptional staff, your hard work, passion, dedication, and resilience have been the driving force behind everything we achieved.”

Mr Fanale said on a personal note, he thanked his friends and family for their support, encouragement and understanding.”

The Local‘s music writer and Hepburn resident Darren Lowe said it was sad another venue had fallen victim to “these economic times”.

“Richard Fanale has run the beautiful, eclectic and stunning venue for the last five and a half years, since November 2018, where part of the experience has always been entering the venue itself, soaking in the atmosphere and feeling that you were somewhere else far more exotic than Hepburn Springs.

“In fact, for many tourists it was the experience of inextricably linking the venue with our town, perhaps making us feel a little more exotic.

“Elegance was always assured, where an acoustic act, rock band, cabaret style revue, fancy lunch, pulsating dance music or school concert were all catered for with aplomb, professionalism and respect for both artist and audience. Fine dining always accompanied gigs.

“Headline acts, up and comers and recent open mic nights were regular features on the calendar.

“Unfortunately, when we add this to the list of pubs, cafes and other venues lost in the area over the last few years, it is really devastating to dwell upon, perhaps reflected across the rest of the country and a reminder to get out and support live music wherever possible.”

Darren said there could be a number of low-key farewell events.

“Palais-Hepburn was an important and vibrant part of an official Christmas celebration of our little village, only late last year, where unfortunately six months later only one of those five to six venues still remain.”

Words: Donna Kelly. Image: Eve Lamb

An unlikely match produced an incredible 70-year bond for Joan and Stuart McEwen of Hepburn, who celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary next Wednesday, June 26.

It was possibly an unlikely match when a young airforce pilot officer courted an attractive young art student at Amberley RAAF Base in Queensland in 1953.

Joan was the only daughter of the senior accounting officer and was living on the base while attending the Brisbane School of Arts & Technical College.

Stuart, who grew up in Perth, had recently completed four years of officer training at Point Cook RAAF Academy and had been posted to Amberley where he was undertaking training on the RAAF 4-engined Lincoln Heavy Bomber aircraft, a derivative of the famous WWII Lancaster, which were shortly to see action in Malaya.

It must have taken some steely nerve one evening at an Amberley RAAF mess function for the young flight officer to approach the party of senior officers seated at a table with young Joan – a party that included senior wing commanders and commanding officers of the squadron, as well as Joan’s father.

Having been warned “he didn’t have a hope” Stuart nonetheless, knowing faint hearts never win fair maidens, asked permission for a dance, which was accepted.

Romance quickly followed, but within three weeks Stuart was posted to Malaya where he undertook numerous bombing and low flying missions, and fulfilled roles as navigator, bomb aimer and front gunner.

However, correspondence continued between the young couple and on Stuart’s return 10 months later, they were married in St Peters Catholic Church in Daylesford, where Joan’s parents had returned to live.

Her father, Charlie Menz, had had a long family connection with the Swiss Italian and German settlers of the area, and went on to serve the community as a councillor, Justice of the Peace and and on the Daylesford Hospital Trust.

Stuart remained with the RAAF for a total of 19 years, saw three and a half years further training in England with the RAF on Canberras, a twin-engined light bombing aircraft, then spent several months in Tennessee in the United States where he navigated the second Hercules aircraft to arrive in Australia.

The couple raised four children but Stuart’s numerous postings with the airforce – which included Singapore, Richmond, Darwin and Townsville – was difficult when raising a young family, so when numerous offers came from Ansett Airlines to consider civil aviation it was eventually accepted.

With Ansett, Stuart flew innumerable times as flight navigator overseas to Holland, Seattle and the tiny remote communities of Cocos and Cook islands off the coast of Western Australia, no easy task as radio aid was limited and astro sighting of the stars was required for navigation.

After 20 years with Ansett, Stuart retired and in 1986 he and Joan moved from Gladstone Park, a suburb of Melbourne to live in Hepburn and into the family home built by Joan’s grandmother.

Joan, despite raising a young family, continued to pursue her painting interests and talent – specialising in watercolour, oils and crayon – and contributing to numerous exhibitions in the local area.

Her works feature beautiful local studies of older buildings and the landscapes of Hepburn and Daylesford, enabling a look back into the past of the area. Though now in her 90s she continues to paint and tend to a large garden.

It is a rarity these days for couples to remain together for such an extraordinary amount of time and we congratulate them on this remarkable achievement and wish them all the best for the future. (And happy birthday to Stuart, who will be 95 on June 28!)

Words: Mike McEwen | Images: Contributed

EMILY/GRANT is the formidable duo of rock loving guitarist Grant Staines and conservatorium trained pianist Emily Coyle (piano, vocals).

Together their original songs traverse an “eclectic, complex yet accessible style which effortlessly mixes elements of classical, funk, blues, rock, pop and jazz”( X-press magazine)

Witnessing Grant’s “buckley-esque guitar work” (X-press magazine) alongside Emily’s “soaring vocals” (Hype Magazine) and ivory pounding skill at the piano, you won’t be left wondering why this duo’s cinematic sound and evocative lyrics have captured audiences from Spain, to Paris and New York.

EMILY/ GRANT are returning to the Palais to perform songs from their latest studio releases “The City” and “Turning Around” which consolidated their reputation as one of those unique Australian acts whose style cannot be put into a box.

If you love sophisticated, compelling Australian songwriting, you probably won’t want to miss this show set for Friday evening May 31 at the Palais, Hepburn.

All skill levels and styles will be welcome as The Palais, Hepburn brings back Musicians’ Corner Open Mic Night on the last Thursday of every month, hosted by Ben & Dan.

Starting next Thursday, May 30, the regular open mic nights will be prime opportunities for music-loving patrons to get along to the Palais and enjoy catching the local musos as they showcase their talent in a cosy, community atmosphere with everyone welcome.

Musician’s Corner is an Open Mic night, run by musicians, and is focussed on creating a fun, respectful and welcoming outlet for local musicians to share their music in an intimate live setting.

It’s a chance to meet and mingle with like- minded musos and get involved in the local scene.

Performers of all levels will be welcome and can bring along their friends and family or just meet some friendly people on the night.

The night is held in the cosy salon and runs from 7pm till 10pm, with sign up from 6:30pm, or registrations via the link on the venue’s website.

Much of the audience will be fellow performers and The Palais management says it will be encouraging everyone to stay the whole night and share the love with more details on the venue’s website.

Words: Eve Lamb

B Sharp Burlesk is an exciting new show with a focus on classic burlesque, traditional bump n grind, showgirl dance, vaudeville and comedic slapstick and it’s headed to The Palais, Hepburn early next month.

Aimed at those who love glamour, fancy costumes, feathers and old fashioned tease, the show promises a night of nostalgia but with a modern twist.

Featuring a sensational cast of the creme de la creme of burlesque stars and special guests, B Sharp Burlesk is scheduled for Saturday evening, June 1.

Get Rhythm The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show are heading to the Palais-Hepburn this Mothers’ Day, Sunday May 12 for a pretty special show.

Lead by real life married couple, Mark and Joanne Caligiuri, this duo have gained a reputation as “Australia’s most authentic Johnny Cash and June Carter Show’.

Mark and Joanne started performing as country music’s most famous couple 15 years ago and have gained a lot of attention for their close resemblance and vocals to Johnny Cash and June Carter.

The upcoming Palais gig will be a chance to step back in time and listen to Cash’s biggest hits such as Folsom Prison Blues, Walk the Line, Ring of Fire and famous duets Jackson and Long-Legged Guitar Pickin’ Man.

It’s a matinee afternoon show for 12:45 pm  4:00 pm and dancing is optional.

From 70s jams to 80s pop hits, Second Hand News will play two huge sets of songs spanning Fleetwood Mac’s incredible career in its upcoming live show at the Palais, Hepburn.

Those who get to this upcoming Saturday evening gig on May 11 can expect to hear those signature guitar solos and vocals brought to life in songs like ‘Rhiannon’, ‘The Chain’ and ‘Everywhere’.

Locals may remember this group from their sold out Fleetwood Mac show at the Palais last year, or perhaps they also saw their special tribute to Kate Bush.

With musical backgrounds ranging from cabaret to folk, blues, rock, punk and soul, this group brings a diverse skill set to their live music experiences.

Detailed instrumentation, awesome harmonies and a deep appreciation for the Fleetwood Mac songbook make Second Hand News’ upcoming Palais gig one to catch with more details available through the venue’s website.

Bringing smoky jazz to Palais-Hepburn, for a Friday night gig on May 10, The Valentines is a new duo in town.

Chrissy Schuler and Sarah Barlow have decades of experience between them, spanning classical, jazz, rock, soul and blues on piano, voice and horns.

Inspired by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Nina Simone, this duo is perfect for a cozy Friday evening of your favourite jazz tunes and fine wine.

Since its conception at the start of 2023, The Valentines have appeared at the Be_Hear/Now.23 Festival, the Ballarat Heritage Festival and residencies in wine bars.

The music spans swing, Latin, soul, bossa nova and R&B, played on piano, voice, flute, clarinet and saxophone.

More details about their upcoming gig at the Palais can be found on the venue’s website.