From keeping chooks in the backyard to grant writing a new series of free or low-cost community workshops offers something of interest just about everyone living in the Hepburn Shire.

The Hepburn Shire Council has teamed up with Trentham Neighbourhood Centre to offer the community a range of free and low-cost workshops over the next few months.

They include:
 
Grant writing workshops: Get tips on writing successful grant applications. Held on Thursday 23 March (in person) or Tuesday 28 March (online).

Optimise wellbeing through nutrition: Get ideas on ways to improve your wellbeing, gut health and nutrition. Held on Thursday 30 March. Cost is $10.

Energy Efficient Homes workshop: Join us on Saturday 1 April to learn about energy efficient all-electric homes and cars. Cost is $10.

Edible Gardens workshop: Find out how to create an edible garden in under eight weeks with author and award-winning horticulturalist, Craig Castreeon. Held on Saturday 15 April. Cost is $10.

Beeswax wraps workshop: Learn how to make your own beeswax wraps. Held on Saturday 22 April. Cost is $10.

Keeping Backyard Chickens workshop: Get tips on keeping chickens in urban spaces. Held on Saturday 29 April. More information is available through the council.

Forest Fire Management Victoria says it intends t take advantage of favourable weather
and forest conditions to undertake planned burns across the Midlands district in the coming weeks to reduce the threat of bushfires to the community.

FFMVic deputy chief fire officer Tony English said planned burning was one of
the most effective ways to reduce the impact bushfires have on people, property and
the environment.
“Reducing ground level fuels such as leaves, sticks, and fallen branches means
fires are less intense and slower to spread, making it more likely that firefighters can
keep bushfires small and contained before they pose a risk to communities,” he said.
“The wetter and cooler conditions this summer will mean communities can
expect to see firefighters conducting planned burns if the weather and forest
conditions are suitable and it is safe to do so.”
High priority burns are planned for public land near Daylesford, Hepburn
Springs, North Blackwood, Macedon, Greendale, Smythesdale, Linton and Beaufort.
“People in these communities may see and smell smoke, and some roads and
forests may be closed for public safety while these works are being undertaken.
“We know that smoke from planned burns may concern some people, and
we work with communities and stakeholders to reduce smoke impacts as much as
possible.
“However, it’s important that crews take every opportunity to reduce fuel loads
while conditions are suitable.
“For some large planned burns, our crews will use aircraft including helicopters
for aerial ignition, observation and to assist with the management of burn operations
throughout the region.”
FFMVic works closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to assess weather
conditions – such as humidity, temperature, and wind speed – and will only carry
out burns when conditions are safe to do so.
The fuel management program is underpinned by scientific evidence and local
knowledge, including bushfire history, to make sure works are focused where they
can be most effective.
To find out when and where planned burns are happening call 1800 226 226 or
go to www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns

Daylesford’s Alexis Saville and Odin Jonsson, who has just moved from
Trentham to Ballarat, have been dating for just one month but have known each other
for 10 years and been best friends for seven.
“So it feels like it’s been forever,” Odin says.
The 21-year-olds are working on Valentine’s Day, Alexis at Kadota and Odin at Bells’
Watergardens, but Odin has a suprise weekend planned.
In the spirit of love the couple agreed to meet for a photo on the ‘Love Locks’ bridge at Lake
Daylesford – adding their own lock to the 453 already there.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
Images: Kyle Barnes

Hepburn Shire locals are among Victorians now able to pick up two free packets of RATs through their local council to help with early detection and treatment of Covid-19.

State health minister and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the council RAT distribution program was
operating across more than 200 local sites, such as libraries and council customer service centres. All eligibility requirements have been removed.
Individuals can collect up to two packets for themselves plus up to two packets for each household member per visit while people with a disability or their carer can collect up to four packets of tests.