The state government says it’s making Macedon’s tiniest towns better places to live, work, stay and play, by investing in new community-building projects through the Tiny Towns Fund.  

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas last week announced eleven new projects across Macedon are being delivered through round 2 of the fund for towns with populations of  fewer than 5,000 people.

From walking track upgrades to community centre renovations, the grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 will help local communities across Victoria flourish, and in many cases, support local workers during project development.  

• Moorabool Shire Council will receive $50,000 for the Dales Creek Community  Reserve Upgrade  

• Moorabool Shire Council will receive $37,500 for the Blackwood Hiking Hub  Feasibility Study  

• Eastern Macedon Ranges Business and Tourism Association will receive $10,800 for  the Town Centre Action Plan Implementation: Riddells Creek Station Street  Enhancement Stage 1  

• The Jubilee Hall Committee of Management will receive $50,000 for landscaping at Jubilee Hall  

• Lancefield Mechanics Institute Committee of Management will receive $6,266 to  replace the annex space floor covering  

• Mount Alexander Shire Council will receive $50,000 for Barfold Community Hall Upgrades  

• Woodend Men’s Shed will receive$7,660 for the refurbishment of Seating at  Memorial Cross Reserve  

• Bolinda Hall Walking Track will receive $6,680 to develop a walking track located near the Bolinda Hall with the intent of building community connections through exercise.  

• Mount Alexander Shire Council will receive $49,400 for the Metcalfe Recreation Reserve Upgrades

• The Central Highlands Tourist Railway will receive $42,525 for completion of Bullarto Railway Station  

• Korweinguboora Recreation Reserve Committee will receive $24,000 for the  Korweinguboora Recreation Reserve Uplift  

Almost 350 projects are now being supported through round 1 and round 2 of the Tiny Towns Fund across more than 300 towns.  

The fund is a part of the state government’s record $45 billion investment over the past decade in projects and programs that support regional and rural Victoria.  

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas:  “The Tiny Towns Fund empowers small communities to thrive, ensuring projects that locals  are passionate about can become a reality.

“I’m looking forward to the tiny towns across the  Macedon electorate stepping forward with great ideas for projects that celebrate community connection and ensure they continue to shine brightly as welcoming destinations  for visitors.”

Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes: “Rural and Regional Victoria has so much to offer, which is why we’re continuing to support  projects that enhance our tiniest towns, strengthen community connections and encourage  more visitors to all corners of the state.”  

“The Tiny Towns Fund is refreshing community halls, creating new walking tracks, upgrading  local sporting facilities and boosting the regional art scene, making our smallest towns are  great places to live, work, stay and play.”  

The Victorian state government says it is backing men’s health and wellbeing with new grants to
strengthen and expand men’s sheds across the state.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas this week announced that applications have opened for
the 2025–26 Men’s Shed Funding Program, and she encouraged applications from Men’s Sheds in her state electorate of Macedon.

More than $860,000 is available to build new sheds, upgrade or extend existing facilities, and
purchase machinery and equipment to help sheds grow and thrive.

The program prioritises projects that tackle social isolation and deliver real value for local communities – especially in areas with limited spaces for people to come together.

With more than 360 men’s sheds across Victoria, these spaces continue to provide connection, inclusion and support for men who might otherwise be at risk of isolation.

The state government Men’s Shed Funding Program has provided more than 500 grants to support sheds and support the Victorian Men’s Shed Association.

For more information or to apply, visit: providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/mens-shed-program

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “I encourage our local Men’s Sheds to apply. These grants will help men’s sheds grow and welcome new members, providing a place for people across our community to connect and supporting their wellbeing.”

Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence: “Men’s sheds are so much more than just buildings – they’re places where friendships are formed, skills are shared and people look out for one another.”

“We’re proud to support the incredible work Men’s Sheds do in local communities across Victoria – helping men stay connected, healthy and supported.”

Major upgrades have improved safety for drivers and cyclists on a section of Black Forest Drive between Woodend and Macedon.

Works are now complete on a series of safety improvements along the busy route, with new continuous bike lanes from Macedon to Woodend and intersection upgrades at key locations.

Safety improvements include changing the lane configuration to one lane in each direction, installing dedicated cycling lanes in each direction, installing a painted centre median for vehicle turning lanes and pedestrian refuges, resealing the road surface and new linemarking.

Other upgrades include the installation of audio-tactile linemarking on the centre and edge line marking, sealing the entrances to higher-risk side roads and installing new street lighting to the Calder Freeway overpass section where there is no room for the dedicated cycling lanes.

The changes aimed to ensure everyone can move around safely, including cyclists and pedestrians sharing the road with cars, vans, motorcycles, trucks and buses, a state government announcement highlighted.

To complement safety improvement works on Black Forest Drive, several speed zone changes have been implemented, including extending the 60km/h zone at South Road by approximately 160 metres.

This enhanced safety by slowing vehicles on approach to the new pedestrian crossing and bus stops near the South Road intersection.

The speed from Willeys Road to south of Nursery Road has also been reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h. This improves safety as vehicles cross bicycle lanes to enter and exit the Calder Freeway. 

The speed on the exit ramps from the Calder Freeway has been reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h, improving safety as vehicles enter Black Forest Drive.

It is estimated the speed changes will add less than a minute to journey times between Woodend and Macedon on Black Forest Drive

Crews will return briefly in late January 2026 to complete some minor works including the remaining sections of green surface marking and the addition of audio tactile edge marking between New Gisborne and Woodend.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne:“We know that Black Forest Drive caters to a wide range of different road users and these changes mean that all road users can now share the road more safely.”

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas: “We want to thank the community for their input on these upgrades and for the patience shown while our crews delivered this important work to make this section of road safer.”

This story based on a state government media release

In the Mount Players’ production of A Bunch of Amateurs at Mountview Theatre, Macedon next month, keen to boost his flagging career, fading Hollywood action hero, Jefferson Steele arrives in England to play King Lear in Stratford – only to find out it is not the birthplace of the Bard but a sleepy  village in Suffolk.  

Instead of Kenneth Branagh and Dame Judi Dench the cast is comprised of a  bunch of amateurs desperately trying to save their beloved theatre from developers.  

Jefferson’s monstrous ego, vanity and insecurity is tested to the limit by the  enthusiastic thespians.

This laugh-out-loud comedy is full of hilarious characters and snappy dialogue as  theatrical worlds collide head on. Jefferson’s world implodes and he discovers some  truths about himself – along with his inner Lear.  

The play runs from November 1 to 17 with evening performances on Fridays and  Saturdays at 8pm and matinees held on Sundays at 2pm.  

Tickets via www.themountplayers.com  

Words: Karen Hunt, Mount Players president. Image: Supplied 

Victoria’s state government says it is empowering thousands of young Victorians to protect and care for the state’s natural environment and wildlife into the future. 

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas last week celebrated the achievements of four local schools recognised as part of the Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants program.

 • St. Michael’s Primary School in Daylesford will receive $4,999 for their Biodiversity Nature Trail

 • St. Brigid’s Primary School in Gisborne will receive $4000 to improving Gisborne Botanical Gardens’ biodiversity by planting indigenous vegetation and creating habitats.

 • Hesket Primary School will receive $1750 for their Biodiversity Blitz

 • Candlebark School will receive $567 for the Tye Estate BioBlitz 

The Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants program has awarded more than $409,000 to support the important work of 103 childcare centres, kindergartens, schools, Scouts, Guides and youth groups. 

Grants of up to $5,000 were awarded for educational activities that engage children conservation and environmental projects that improve and expand habitat for native plants, insects and wildlife. 

Since 2018, $3 million has been invested to support more than 47,000 young people undertake on-ground conservation projects and activities. 

Since then, these initiatives have achieved incredible results – including 99,000 new indigenous plantings and more than 1000 student excursions to wildlife sanctuaries. 

The Victorian Landcare Program forms part of the Labor Government’s continued commitment to combat the decline of the state’s native plants and animals, building on a record $609 million investment in the delivery of Victoria’s landmark 20-year Biodiversity plan since 2014.

Anyone keen to get more information about the Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants program can visit environment.vic.gov.au/grants/victorian-junior-landcare-and-biodiversity-grants. 

With Eve Lamb

Macedon Ranges Walking Track: Sanatorium Lake to Camels Hump and Return, 9.5km

While researching possible walks in the Macedon Ranges, it’s the name that catches my eye; the Sanatorium Lake Walking Trail.

Sanatorium? … More on that later.

It forms part of the Macedon Ranges Walking Track (MRWT) and at a very leisurely 2.6 km, joins nicely with a lengthier hike up to the Camels Hump, the highest point in the Macedon Range, making a more respectable 9.5km return walk all up.

So lunch, thermos, waterproof coats, camera and backpacks sorted we head off on an almost sunny Sunday.

Traveling to the Macedon Regional Park via Woodend we start to gain elevation and encounter a phalanx of motorcyclists out to grind their pegs on the sharper Mount Macedon bends.

Turning left off the main road that continues through to leafy Macedon, we instead take the Lions Head Road and continue on past Days Picnic Ground, navigating gravel and a serious pothole or two to arrive finally at the Sanatorium Lake car park.

Nearby a group of folk are on bent knees, all turned to Mecca, for afternoon prayer.  

But for us, first up is the lake. From the car park it’s a quick little saunter to the tiny lake’s edge, beside which, towering exotic conifers are impressive while the native forest too presses in around the water’s edge.

Signage provides a potted history of this little artificial water body in the bush. The lake was built around 1899 to supply water to a tuberculosis sanatorium that was located several kilometers to the south.

Perhaps it’s the predominance of shade and shadow, or perhaps some lingering ghosts of history, but I find this little aquatic feature just a tad eerie, pretty rippling forest reflections notwithstanding.

We complete a lap of the little lake and then follow the Sanatorium Eco-Tourism Trail, part of the Macedon Ranges Walking Track, on to the Days Picnic Ground that we drove past on the way here.

“Keep an eye out for horses… and stags,” advises my sturdy walking accomplice, Paddy H.

“What?”

 “We’re on a shared horse path on this section, and ‘stags’ is a name given to the big old dead trees that have become hollowed. Invaluable for wildlife, micro bats and the like,” my walking companion informs.

Turns out his assertion is spot on, confirmed by information signage a bit further along the trail.

We soon part ways with the horsey section and arrive at the Days Picnic Ground for our packed lunch and coffee with free entertainment courtesy of a large Aussie-Indian group locked in fierce cricketing combat.

Fortified, we again shoulder our packs and pick up the signposted MRWT just beyond the picnic ground’s composting loo block.

From here the trail quickly leaves the picnicking day trippers behind and wends through bushland including some imposing stags.

Carefully, we cross the main road that leads to Macedon, and we continue on the other side following the trail. From here the forest increasingly comes into its own.

Splendid tall eucalyptus tower while on our left glimpses of ancient rock formations impart a sense of drama in keeping with the fact that the Camels Hump is actually the weathered remains of a mamelon – a mass of sticky lava that oozed from the earth’s crust about six million years ago.

The walk now becomes a gradual gaining of elevation and by the time we emerge from the tall forest at the Camels Hump car park my walking companion and I have both worked up a respectable sweat.

From the carpark we tackle the last 1km push up to the summit. Short but sharp. The Camels Hump is 1011 meters above sea level and we’re rewarded with sweeping views across the northern plains.

We count our lucky stars that the rain which has vaguely threatened all afternoon has receded to be replaced by cool sunlight that now adds dazzle to the far-flung vista stretching before us.

But the wind is bloody cold and boisterous and we can only stay here so long to pay our due respects.

Just before hypothermia sets in we head on back down and retrace our steps all the way back to the start point at the Sanatorium Lake carpark to find the previously prayerful have departed, and ours is the only vehicle that remains, aside from a lone motorcycle.

“What stays with you the most about this walk?” I quiz my co-walker as we drive on to Macedon, reflecting on our expedition.

“The tall forest. The poignancy of the Sanatorium and the suffering of the people who had TB.  And the resonance of past Melbourne glories when this area was a summer retreat for the wealthy, when the beach wasn’t so hallowed,” he muses thoughtfully.

And I have to agree. I also think this walk provides just the right degree of exertion and variety for a decent day hike. A gnarly little slice of elevation without leaving you too smashed to enjoy a trip to the Macedon Hotel for afters.

Words & Image: Eve Lamb

Thousands of families have managed to slash an annual $279 million  off their energy bills with more than five million individual solar panels installed on rooftops, and help from the state’s Solar Homes program.    

As of this month, Solar Homes has delivered 2 gigawatts of power across Victoria – close  to double the amount generated by Yallourn and nearly as much as Loy Yang A.    

The program represents 13 per cent of the total renewable capacity installed in the state,  with its solar panels having cumulatively generated 6.5 gigawatt hours of power – enough cheap renewable energy to power every fridge in Victoria for almost two years.    

The program has seen 350,000 solar panel, hot water, and solar battery systems installed  through rebates and interest-free loans.    

The electorate of Macedon represents over 4480 solar panel, hot water, and solar battery systems installed  since the program began in 2018.    

The last 12 months have been Solar Homes’ biggest, with 7,873 approved applications last month – including 4,435 rooftop solar approvals and 3,125 solar hot water approvals.    

Eligible households can access a $1,400 rebate to install solar panels, a further $1,400 interest free loan and a further rebate of up to $1,000 to replace their hot water system – cutting $3,800 from upfront installation costs.    

Customers who maximise their solar can save around $1,000 each year on their energy bill. Combined with hot water, heat pump savings can be up to $1,400 a year or at least $1,600 with a battery.    

Victorians are taking control of their energy bills with solar now installed on 30 per cent of Victorian homes – a significant increased from 14 per cent when the Solar Homes program started six years ago.

Since then, the program has also supported 5,500 jobs and delivered  free training for plumbers and electricians to upskill, says Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “Macedon is leading the charge to take up solar energy, cutting emissions while saving    households thousands”    

For over 50 years, David Williamson has been the most produced playwright in the history of Australian theatre.

Writer of iconic plays such as Don’s Party, The Club, Money and Friends, The Removalists, Emerald City…the list goes on.

He has also written numerous film scripts and TV series. Williamson’s characters are often deeply flawed but at the core of his work there is a desire for a better and more tolerant society.

Almost always, each of the characters goes on a journey through the events of the play with most growing to make positive changes in their lives. The characters in this play are no exception.

Directed by Woodend local David Runnalls, Family Values introduces us to the Collins family as they gather to celebrate their father Roger’s 70th birthday.

The retired Supreme Court Justice and his wife Sue have their plans for a quiet family gathering blown apart after unwittingly bringing together a detention centre escapee, a border force commander and three siblings all on the verge of unleashing a lifetime of simmering resentments.

Humorous, thought-provoking and, at times, deeply moving, Family Values will have audiences laughing while prompting them to consider their own beliefs and values.

With a complimentary sherry on arrival, a well-stocked bar with the best prices in the Ranges followed by a treat after the show, why wouldn’t you come to our gorgeous Mountview Theatre in Macedon to enjoy a performance.

This stellar cast will not disappoint. Family Values by David Williamson runs from opening night tonight, August 16 to September 1.

Tickets via www.themountplayers.com or call 5426 1892.

Words: Karen Hunt | Image: Karlana Santamaria

Local women and girls in Macedon are being urged to share their experiences with the state government’s landmark Inquiry into women’s pain.

Member for Macedon and Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas said that for too long, women’s health hadn’t been taken seriously, with women’s pain missed and dismissed.

From debilitating period pain, to endometriosis, to managing the symptoms of menopause – it can be difficult for women and girls to get the diagnosis and support they need.

That’s why the Labor Government is holding a nation-leading inquiry into women’s experiences of pain and its treatment.

Launched in January, the Inquiry into Women’s Pain has heard from more than 9,000 women and girls.

But with four weeks until the survey closes, locals are being encouraged to make sure their experience is counted and their voice is heard.

Women, girls, their carers and healthcare workers can take part by making a submission or completing a survey at https://engage.vic.gov.au/inquiry-into-womens-pain-survey. The survey closes on July 31.

Member for Macedon and Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas: “This inquiry is a chance to make sure your voice is heard and achieve better care for women across our state.”

The state government says it’s delivering on a key promise of the landmark Housing Statement, with more support for Victorian renters in the Macedon electorate experiencing rental stress.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Gabrielle Williams has launched the $7.8 million Rental Stress Support Package, which will support organisations across the state to deliver a range of services to renters experiencing rental stress.

Around 5 per cent of Victorian households are facing serious rental stress, with demand increasing for organisations that provide information and advice, financial counselling, advocacy and legal assistance to Victorian renters.

The Rental Stress Support Package is expected to help families stay in their homes and prevent homelessness, and builds on the Housing Statement commitment to back the critical work of community organisations addressing the high demand for rental assistance we know is being seen across Victoria.

The organisations receiving funding are Anglicare Victoria, Launch Housing, Justice Connect, Housing for the Aged Action Group, Child and Family Services Ballarat, South East Community Links, Quantum Support Services and Mallee Family Care.

Tenants Victoria was also selected in partnership with local not-for-profit organisations ARC Justice, Barwon Community Legal Service, Peninsula Community Legal Centre and WEstjustice.

Skills and achievements of younger Victorians will be on show right across the state later this year at a month-long festival supported by the state government.

Grants of $2000 are now available for youth organisations, local government and schools in
Macedon to partner with Victorians aged 12 to 25 in creating youth-specific events. But the chance to secure one will close soon.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas said funding of $220,000 would be available for
up to 110 events that will be designed for and by young Victorians.

Youth Fest kicks off in September, with the investment aimed at supporting young people to organise
and deliver events, showcase their skills, share ideas, build social connections, and expand their networks.

In 2023, the Youth Fest program funded 111 activities including those focused on art, music,
sport and theatre, as well as recreational and community festivals, giving young Victorians
the chance to have their voices heard.

Applications are open until 15 March. To apply and to find out more about the grant program,
visit https://www.vic.gov.au/youth-fest-grants.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “Victorian Youth Fest gives local young people the chance to forge connections not only with their peers but also their community, as well as to lead positive change.

The state government says it’s supporting more multicultural organisations to deliver festivals and events statewide.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas recently announced Macedon group Victoria Arya
Samaj Inc. has received $2000 for the Holi Festival 2024.

A total of 183 organisations will receive funding to deliver festivals and events throughout
Victoria, with 47 regional organisations funded through the Regional Multicultural Festivals
and Events Fund and over 130 through the Multicultural Festivals and Events program.

The latest round of grants will support organisations to host events between January and
March 2024, with celebrations set to reach more than 220,000 Victorians.

Outcomes of applications for events being delivered April to June 2024 are expected to be announced soon.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas: “What an exciting time to live in Macedon, with our fantastic Holi Festival funded through the Multicultural Festivals and Events program. I encourage everyone in the local area to get involved in the festivities.

“This event celebrates the cultural diversity that forms part of Macedon and will encourage
communities to come together and boost inclusion and social cohesion.”

As of last week the tiny towns and communities in the state electorate of Macedon can apply for grants through the Victorian Government’s Tiny Towns Fund.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas late last month called on local community groups to submit their ideas and apply for a Tiny Towns grant, with applications opening from Monday 27 November.

From barbecues at the park to community centres, these projects will make a difference to those who
need them in towns across the Macedon Ranges Shire, Hepburn Shire, Mount Alexander and Moorabool Shire.

The fund will offer grants between $5,000 and $50,000 to deliver infrastructure projects, such as
hiking trails, splash parks, playgrounds, community hall and library upgrades, public art and more.

Eligible applicants include community and non-profit groups and councils in towns with under 5000
people across regional Victoria and outer metro-Melbourne.

The Government’s record $41 billion investment in rural and regional Victoria over the past decade
means small communities are already growing from projects that have helped them become even
better places to live and visit.

With more people than ever before choosing lifestyles away from major cities, new initiatives like Tiny
Towns will help ensure regional and outer suburban communities continue to flourish.

While Round 1 for the Tiny Towns Fund opened on Monday, 27 November, further rounds will be available from 2024.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “Our tiny towns have so much to offer and we’re helping them unlock new reasons for people to visit, explore, work and live in them.”

Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney: “Whether it’s renovations to a community centre or new barbecues at the local park, our investments in Victoria’s tiniest towns will support local businesses and jobs, and help attract more visitors.”

Three local sports clubs are among others statewide that will share in more than $600,000 for their efforts in campaigning to eliminate road trauma in their communities.
The state governmentand Transport Accident Commission in recent days announced this year’s
recipients of the TAC Club Rewards program, incentivising grassroots clubs across the state
for showing a commitment to promoting road safety during the 2023 season.

In Macedon three clubs have been successful:
-Gisborne Giants Football Netball Club
-Lancefield Jnr Football Club
-Woodend Hesket Football Club

Delivered in partnership with AFL Victoria, 251 clubs will receive rewards of up to $10,000
through the program, the highest number of recipients in the program’s five years.
The program encourages clubs to engage with players, members and their communities on
key road safety issues and promote safe behaviours, with the dangers of distracted driving a
key focus of this year’s campaign.
Successful clubs are able to use the money for a range of initiatives including education programs, club transport initiatives, new equipment and uniforms and facility upgrades and improvements.
Distracted driving is one of the major causes of fatal and serious injury crashes on Victoria’s
roads and is particularly concerning on regional roads where people are travelling at higher speeds.
AFL Victoria-affiliated clubs from across the state were able to apply for the program by
showing how they supported road safety throughout the year, including taking part in the
TAC’s Road Safety Round ‘Band Together’ campaign.
The TAC Club Rewards Program is part of the TAC’s 31-year partnership with AFL Victoria, aiming to empower clubs to develop a culture where players and members are expected to be safe on the roads.

Women across Macedon have spent the past week sampling some new sports as part of VicHealth’s This Girl Can Week that wound up on Sunday.
Building on the highly successful This Girl Can campaign, the week featured a range of fun, free (or low-cost) activities designed to welcome beginners, and those curious to try something new.
There are a wide range of fun, free or low-cost activities hosted by gyms and sports clubs
across the state, tailored to women and girls who want to get active but aren’t sure about
how to take the first step.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas said the beginner-friendly events were fun,
inclusive and ideal for women who want to move more but aren’t sure about how to take the
first step.
“This Girl Can Week is about supporting women to get back into exercise – whether that’s re-
joining a sports team, going for a walk with a friend or giving something completely new a
try,” Ms Thomas said.
“It’s about giving something a go and discovering again how good being active can make you
feel.”
“I encourage women and girls to check out the fantastic, beginner-friendly events happening
in our local area or join in online and show that in Macedon this girl definitely can!”
VicHealth’s Head of This Girl Can – Victoria, Rebecca Ahern said This Girl Can Week is about
creating more opportunities for women to enjoy movement amongst the busyness of life.
“This Girl Can is an uplifting, energetic and empowering campaign which speaks directly to
everyday women juggling work, family and trying to find time for self-care,” Ms Ahern said.
“We know how tricky it can be for women – especially mums – to prioritise their own physical
activity while caring for others. Five minutes is better than no minutes, whether it’s chasing
the kids around the park or walking around the block, I encourage all women to make time
for themselves during This Girl Can Week.”
“There’s no judgement if you haven’t exercised in a while or ever! All that matters is that you
give it a go and find what feels good for you.”
Ms Ahern said this year there are more opportunities than ever before to join in and it doesn’t
matter where you live.