In 2014, Kirsty Plews was living in Melbourne. She was married, pregnant with her second child, completing her psychology degree and raising a toddler. At 36 she was busy but had her life mapped out.  

The day she went into hospital to have her second child, her world fell apart.  

Kirsty suffered several inexplicable seizures prior to giving birth and two days later she woke from an induced coma with no memory, a newborn baby and the news she had brain cancer.  

Nothing could have prepared her for the life-shattering news that forced her on a path of determination and survival.

“The diagnosis was a devastating shock and I knew it was life limiting. I had just finished a degree in psychology and understood how statistics work so I told myself I’m going to be an outlier…the one that the stats don’t apply to,” she said.  

Sharing Kirsty’s story has been years in the making. We first met in 2020 while swimming in Lake Daylesford with our kids. We often spoke about sharing her story in The Local as a way to raise awareness and for Kirsty to thank the loyal  friends, school communities and charities, including the Good Grub Club and  The Daylesford Foundation.

Kirsty especially wanted to thank those involved in fundraising that helped her and her children to visit Scotland and see her family.  Importantly, Kirsty wanted to share her story this month to help raise awareness about brain cancer through the global campaign Go Grey in May.  

When she lived in Melbourne, Kirsty loved visiting Daylesford but never expected to make it her home. Then again, she had always planned to return home to Scotland  following a trip around the world 21 years ago.

Although she had a strong support network in Melbourne, family connections, a stable medical routine and an active  life, Kirsty and her family made the move.  

“We would occasionally drive to Daylesford for mini-breaks and in 2016 after seeing a house by chance, we put in an offer and made the move early in 2017.”  

Looking back, that first year turned out to be one of the toughest and saddest times of Kirsty’s life. Two friends died of brain cancer, her step-mum died days before her brother’s wedding in Scotland, her marriage broke down and by October she was a single mum living in a new town with no family support.

“It was supposed to be a fresh start. It wasn’t. I felt isolated and had to start my journey all over again. New doctors, new friends and a new town. It wasn’t the start I’d imagined.”  

Some days, Kirsty said she just made it through minute by minute, hour by hour.  With incredible support from friends she made in Daylesford, and online through a  brain cancer Facebook page she set up when she was first diagnosed, she was able to  keep moving forward. But accepting help was hard.  

“I was raised in a family that made sure others were okay so it was difficult for me  to drop my guard and ask for help. Thanks to medical support from my wonderful Professor Kate Drummond through to occupational therapists, the local community  and the most amazing friends I have made, I was able to navigate my way through.”  

Anyone who knows Kirsty knows that, along with her razor-sharp wit delivered with her distinctive Scottish brogue, she possesses an astounding determination and will to be that outlier and beat the odds.

“Brain cancer wasn’t really highlighted in the media and I knew little about it. But all the while I knew I had to beat the odds, even if I didn’t know what those odds were.”  

In  2015 when (TV and radio personality) Carrie Bickmore wore a beanie at the Logie Awards in memory of her late husband and to raise awareness, I was relieved that  brain cancer would be better understood and supported.

Initially, Kirsty was told that she would have to undergo the first surgery one month after her diagnosis and a possible second surgery in the future. When she did  have the second surgery she was diagnosed with PTSD.  

“When I was told I had an acquired brain injury, I didn’t know who I was anymore.  

“I was trying to put on a brave face but was internally falling apart. My nerves  were on high alert and I had to learn basic skills again like cooking and interacting  with people,” she said.  

Her bi-annual magnetic resonance imaging scans and numerous appointments are  taxing and she knows a third brain operation is possible. But as time has progressed, new medical opportunities have opened up, improving the odds just a little bit more  each time.  

“There is new gene targeted therapy and my surgeon said I’m a suitable candidate  for the therapy. It’s all about hope and belief.”

And while she continues her medical  fight, Kirsty isn’t wasting a single moment, still focused on giving back to the  community that has supported her through her battle.  

Kirsty coaches the local Under 9’s soccer team, something she never imagined  doing but that has helped her reintegrate into the community and allowed the kids to  continue to play.

She will soon complete her Certificate 3 in crisis counselling and continues to  raise awareness for brain cancer that affects thousands around the world with little  media focus compared to other life-threatening diseases.  

Among all her astounding achievements, Kirsty said her greatest honour was receiving the Dave Endacott Medal awarded by the Daylesford and Hepburn United  Soccer Club.

A small but fitting recognition for someone who has already given so  much to our community and continues to inspire through her goodness and strength.  

And despite her tiredness and health restrictions, Kirsty has never once given up  on life and lives daily with courage and the strength that inspires those in her life.

She  uses humour to get through the tough times and her love of her children, family and community is nothing short of inspirational.  

“It was a difficult beginning here in Daylesford but I can’t imagine being  anywhere else.”  

Donate  

Go Grey in May is an international brain cancer awareness campaign raising  funds for vital research and to support those living with brain cancer. Kirsty is  highlighting the cause through her social media presence by completing a cycling  challenge and hopes people support the campaign.

For Kirsty, that means we could be  a little closer to finding a cure. Scan the QR Code to find out more or donate.  Peace of Mind is the only organisation of its kind in Australia to help brain cancer  patients with one-on-one personal, financial and practical support.

The foundation  has been there for Kirsty through her brain cancer journey.  To donate go to challengebraincancer.gofundraise.com.au/page/TourdeForce  

Words & image: Narelle Groenhout  

I never imagined Mum would move from our family home in Traralgon – her home for nearly 60 years.     

But after experiencing some health issues and coming to the realisation that living alone was no longer practical or safe, she made the decision to make Hepburn House her home during a respite stay.     

It was in her own time and on her terms. It wasn’t long before mum  embraced her new chapter at Hepburn House.     

The welcoming front office staff provide the first introduction to a truly warm experience. Whether you meet the physios, the cleaners, personal care staff, nurses, engaging activity organisers, the much-loved in-house tradie or the gorgeous staff who ensure cuppa time is never missed, everyone is focused on the wellbeing of residents and their families.     

Hepburn House gives you real comfort in the aged care sector with residents being shown so much respect and care.     

Over the past six months Mum’s transition has been a joyful experience for her and the whole family.

Of course it’s an emotionally difficult time leaving your home, friends and community. But the team at Hepburn House has helped Mum to easily settle into her new home.     

Being able to pop in just two minutes down the road to see Mum is a far cry from a five-hour drive and I love that she is now so close.

Importantly,  the decision to move was Mum’s, and I’m incredibly proud of her determination to adjust to her new home.

But for Mum it is all about how easy the team at Hepburn House have made it.     

“The care is wonderful. Nothing is too much trouble and whether it is day or night, the staff are always close by. The compassion and support shown by the staff across all areas make it a wonderful place to call my home.”    

 Words: Narelle Groenhout     

Surrounded by family photos, keepsakes and memories of her late husband Donny, Daylesford’s Sandy Breen creates magic on canvas sitting on a stool in her kitchen.

Her happy place. It’s here she’s putting the finishing touches on her latest exhibition of botanical artwork. 

“I called this exhibition My Botanical Phase as over the years I developed a love of botanicals. It first started when I spent many happy years conducting colouring classes with a local senior citizens’ group,” she said. 

“Then around five years ago a friend asked if I could paint Australian botanicals that she could use for a series of scarves she was having produced for the local and overseas markets. I called on a local horticulturist who gave me three images to paint…I have been in my botanical phase ever since.” 

Sandy and Donny had been long- time visitors and over that time cemented life and connections in the community before moving here permanently in 2009.

Sandy spends countless hours giving back to the community every week, running the weekly community lunch in Daylesford – the 5000 Club. 

‘Honoured’ to be showcasing her botanical artwork at the Convent Gallery in Daylesford from October, Sandy’s love affair with art began as a child.

As a teenager she landed a cadetship in the advertising department at Myer Melbourne. These were the days when artwork was done by hand and Sandy created thousands of layouts for press ads with her own manual artwork, not design software on computers. 

While still living in Melbourne, and with three children, Sandy started her freelance design company in order to have the flexibility to work from home.

It wasn’t long before her clientele included major fashion houses, magazines, shopping centres and her beloved St Kilda Football Club. 

In the late 1990s Sandy experienced a yearning to get back to painting. She enrolled in a watercolour course and her love of painting bloomed.

In the early to mid- 2000s Sandy exhibited at the Gardiner Contemporary Gallery in Hawthorn and held a residency at the Sofitel Hotel in Melbourne.

Twenty years on and Sandy feels honoured to be exhibiting again. 

“Sandy Breen: My Botanical Phase (aka Pearl’s Petals), given Pearl has been my nickname for more than 50 years, is an exhibition of over 40 of my botanical images which I am delighted to be showcasing at the iconic Convent Gallery,” she said.

“My exhibition includes a trip down memory lane with a display spanning my working life.”

And while Sandy said she feels Donny’s presence sitting at her kitchen bench, paintbrush in hand, a canvas perched on a cushion, her exhibition will also feature her artist daughter Keele’s contemporary works.

Fitting for Sandy who believes her family is her greatest achievement, she is delighted that her daughter Keele will be exhibiting some of her works in tandem with hers.

“I never dreamed of having an exhibition at the Convent Gallery, but I am truly thrilled.” 

Sandy Breen: My Botanical Phase exhibition will be held at the Convent Gallery, 7 Daly Street, Daylesford commencing on October 3 until December 5. 

Words & Image: Narelle Groenhout 

On a beautiful autumn day, surrounded by loved ones, friends and community, Ros and Keith Pyers, holding hands in the family home sitting room, did what they have done so well for so long – shared their love, kindness and generosity.

This article could easily have been written as a love story. Ros and Keith met as young teachers, fell in love and raised a family.

They navigated their way through Victorian schools and around the world, finally carving out a life on the outskirts of Daylesford. Ros and Keith have also dedicated thousands of hours to helping community groups, causes and committees prosper for generations.

But the real story is about Ros (pictured above) and her love and devotion to children’s education, music and local history and her desire to give back to her community.

Thanks to advice from her astute father, Ros invested in a parcel of shares which later she set aside as a gift to the community. During her long years of retirement, these shares grew to fund the four bequests, helping Ros to realise her dream of giving back to her community.

“It certainly wasn’t millions,” said Keith.

“But Ros always talked about giving back to community groups using that money and as a family we knew it was important for Ros to see it happen. It was just a matter of when.”

Of course, there were no objections from Keith and the family but there was a great deal of organising and planning that Keith has undertaken on Ros’s behalf, including bank meetings, the setting up of trust funds and liaising with the recipients.

Given how widely she has volunteered and the number of community groups she has devoted her time to over the years, it must have been quite a challenge for Ros to choose the recipients.

The grateful beneficiaries of her generosity include Hepburn Primary School, Daylesford Primary School, Daylesford Community Brass Band and Daylesford and District Historical Society.

For more than 30 years Ros was a member of the Daylesford & District Agricultural Society and the Daylesford Highland Gathering collective.

She was also a valued member of the Daylesford & District Historical Society and helped establish Australia Day celebrations in the town. A founding member of the Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, Ros also supported Keith in his role as local Mayor over a four-year period.

Her devotion to charity, community work and volunteering roles was carried out while raising a young family, continuing her studies, and working as a school principal over a 40-year period.

Recipients spoke with gratitude and outlined the contribution the funds would make to their respective organisations.

A Rosalind Pyers stamp will be included in all new library books bought with the funds for Daylesford Primary School among other essential items.

Hepburn Primary School will plant a tree in Ros’s honour and will use funds to extend the school’s annual camping program.

An academic excellence award will be set up in honour of Ros to help children transition from primary to secondary school.

The Historical Society will use its donation to help preserve its newspaper collection. Funds will also support Daylesford Brass Band members to attend music camps. In a touching tribute to Ros, the band has also commissioned a piece of music to be written in her honour.

The gathering at the Pyers home celebrated important local institutions, each with their own unique stories. They are all an important part of Daylesford’s past and, thanks to Ros’s generosity, will continue to pave the way for the future.

Ros never wanted any accolades, just the knowledge that her community was being cared for. Ros’s legacy is so important for a small community like ours.

Making sure our history is preserved, our school children are cared for, and local institutions like the brass band can continue to proudly pop up at every community event.

At 90 years of age, her memory is fading at times. But on this beautiful autumn day, her husband of 67 years sits by her side along with her three boys and three grandchildren.

There is a strong sense of Ros’s contentment and happiness, emotions that are shared by most of the people gathered to honour her and her extraordinary legacy.

The gathering honoured family bonds, long-term friendships and a woman who embodies the very essence of community and generosity. It was one of those occasions when the true meaning of the words love, legacy and loyalty to a community shone through.

Hepburn Shire Mayor, Councillor Brian Hood perfectly summed up the feeling in the room.

“This is an extraordinary event. The impact of your generosity and compassion will be felt for many years to come. This is such a wonderful gesture and one that will make an incredible difference to our children and the wider community. What an extraordinary event to be a part of.”

Words: Narelle Groenhout | Image: Contributed

My first impression of Rogue Traders band members Natalie Bassingthwaighte and James Ash is just how grounded and real they both are.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of their first album, which has sold over a million records globally. Through it all they have remained the best of friends while navigating relationships, parenthood, fame and life.

So having the band headline at this year’s ChillOut Festival’s Carnival celebrations at Victoria Park in March is a fantastic coup for the event organisers and participants. And the duo is excited to be a part of it all.

While admitting they didn’t know a lot about the festival, after a rundown of its history and significance, they both felt ‘grateful’ for being part of such an event.

“I have goosebumps hearing about it,” was Natalie’s reaction.

“The history and the stories. It’s a weekend that is so inclusive; so full of joy that we are truly excited.

“In this world we all want a sense of community, without being judged and permission to be ourselves. Being part of ChillOut is being part of something that connects us, allow us to be ourselves and we all should be able to express ourselves exactly how we choose to.”

James knows just how much pressure there is for us all to conform.

“There’s a great deal of pressure for conformity and it’s a matter of finding your people, those who you feel safe with and connect with, and I think the queer community teaches us all that everyone is diverse and an individual,” he said.

It’s lovely listening to the two chat during the interview, which feels more like a catch-up than an interview. And it is obvious the two share a unique bond. They agreed their friendship goes far beyond the band – their kids have grown up together as they have shared life’s ups and downs.

Festival programming committee member Jacqui Walter said the committee was excited for this year’s line-up of entertainment and believes having Rogue Traders perform is testament to ChillOut’s reputation as Australia’s longest-running queer festival.

“We are super excited to have Rogue Traders at ChillOut as they are so prominent on the Australian music landscape. We can’t wait to welcome Nat and James live to the ChillOut experience – the feeling of connection and love. That’s what it’s all about,” she said.

Jacqui is also looking forward to performing with her band Lost Girls, who are all still enjoying performing into their late 50’s and early 60’s.

“I can’t wait to play ahead of Nat and James and the entire audience to show that age is no barrier,” she said.

Natalie, now 48 and touring while raising teenagers and navigating life, said ageism was a thing in the music world but she sees a shift happening.

“It’s like we give ourselves permission to let loose and don’t have the pressures we had when we were younger. And I think it helps when the likes of Kylie Minogue are creating amazing music…it sends a message that we can simply be who we want to be and be true to ourselves.”

For James and Natalie both agree playing at LGBTIQA+ events are where they have the most fun.

“The events are safe and we are fortunate to be asked to play at such events,” James said.

For Natalie, queer events have greater meaning in her life now ‘for obvious reasons’ and said she feels grateful to be part of ‘heartfelt celebrations’.

So, after a lengthy conversation (the pair were so generous with their time) about life, parenthood, and sharing reviews on streaming shows, the pair were getting ready for rehearsals and their next gig. And genuinely looking forward to being part of the 26th ChillOut Festival. Visit www.chilloutfestival.com.au.

Words: Narelle Groenhout | Image: Contributed

Sometimes there are people who wander into our lives and our communities with an unexpected gift
of compassion and connectedness. It is often hard to articulate the extent of their reach. Raman Richards is one such example.

Moving to Daylesford around four months ago, it’s incredible how this man with a passion for honouring his mum’s Indian cooking and a love of connecting people through food has had a much-needed positive impact on our little community.

It all started with Raman making a simple request on a local Facebook page asking where to purchase local produce and has now had an unexpected and beautiful impact on the lives of many.

“It has been overwhelming. The people I have met in such a short time; the friends I have made; the food producers and the local butchers and fruit shop owners I have connected with has been humbling. I’m so grateful for the love I have been shown in such a brief time,” he said.

“I have met people from all walks of life. From people living in small units to large properties, I have connected with people through my mum’s recipes and my love of sharing and connecting through food.”

When Raman received so many responses to his first request on Facebook, he responded with a thank you and a photo of the recipes he had made. Then people started asking for his recipes, and many then shared their attempts.

The messages continued. People sharing their photos with Raman, asking where to buy certain spices.

For Raman, it was a natural progression to have a cook up and share his recipes. He wasn’t expecting the response he received when he asked publicly if anyone would be keen to taste test.

“It was never planned. It all happened so organically. There was such a genuine passion for my recipes and food that sharing it was a natural progression. My passion is connecting people with local produce and sharing recipes and food with people.”

So, after a mammoth 18 hours of cooking, Raman drove around the countryside literally – delivering Indian food or as one Facebook message read: “His little gift of love.”

“I was humbled to receive produce from those I had visited, beautiful handmade gifts and most importantly the connections I made. I delivered a meal to a lovely lady in Hepburn who said it was hard for her to afford takeaway.

“She said she had invited her neighbour in to share the meal I had delivered. She recently told me they are now sharing a meal weekly. That’s what food does. It brings people together. It provides companionship.”

What’s also remarkable is that all of the private and public messages have been positive. Raman said initially he was warned that some messages might be negative, he has only had messages of support and kindness.

For Raman, sharing his food is his way of paying tribute to his mother. A strong woman, he says, who has taught him the importance of respecting others, connecting with others through the sharing of food and most importantly through kindness.

“My mother grew up in a little Indian village. After she moved to Australia, she opened several restaurants and still raised a family and imparted a love of sharing food on all of us. All of my knowledge of food, my love of food and sharing of food is all because of my mother. To be able to pass that on is so humbling,” he said.

For now, Raman continues to work in his corporate IT role, volunteers with Beyond Blue and has connected with local groups including the 5000 Club and the Good Grub Club and cooked up a feast for a local wildlife fundraiser – to help share his passion of food and his mum’s ideal that food connects us all.

His plan is to have a little patch of land where he can grow his own produce, have five kelpies running around and continue to share his mother’s legacy. But for now, he is preparing his next cooking adventure following a recent trip back to India with his mum.

And for the hundreds of us who have been part of Raman’s story to date, we are all looking forward to seeing his journey of food and friendship unfold.

Words & image: Narelle Groenhout

Narelle Groenhout, a journalist of many years, including with The Local, was enjoying a drink at the Daylesford Hotel on Sunday, November 5 when her life changed. She and her husband Pat, like many, raced to help those involved in the horrific accident in which five people died – Melbourne lawyer Pratibha Sharma, 44, and partner Jatin Chugh, 30, Pratibha’s nine-year-old daughter Anvi, family friend Vivek Bhatia, 38, and his 11-year-old son Vihaan. Bhatia’s 36-year-old wife Ruchi and other son, Abeer, aged six, were injured and both remain in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
Narelle, who comforted Abeer, told me a few days later, after an hour of just talking, that she would like to write something, not sure what, but something about love. And about reaching out for help. It would be hard but also, as a writer, help her heal, she said. This piece is about her memories and thoughts.
This November 20, current edition, of TL also includes interviews with others involved, from Central Highlands Rural Health’s Shane Richardson and Victoria Police’s Senior Sergeant Simon Brand, to Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Brian Hood and Anglican minister Father Neil Fitzgerald. We have also listed a range of
phone numbers which anyone can call if they feel they need to talk or have counselling. I realise that for some, it might be too soon to read this, and perhaps triggering. For others, they have moved forward. Each person has their own journey or reality. Editor Donna Kelly.
A sunny afternoon in Daylesford, rocked by a tragedy so devastating, so incomprehensible, it’s hard to conceive how we can even try to recover. For those of us who were there, lives have been altered in ways that can’t be fixed.
My husband and I weren’t even meant to be there – a last-minute cancelled trip to Gippsland, some friends rang and said we’re coming through, do you want to catch up for a drink? Long weekend. Beautiful day. Why not?
We are now all broken by what we saw. Tormented by our own reactions to trauma. Doubts, what ifs and grief. Lives lost and torn apart in an instant and lives left behind. The sadness is palpable. The grief is so deep it hurts. Our town is hurting. We are a community collectively in mourning.
I’ve been a journalist and communications professional for more than 30 years, working in regional and city areas, in radio and print media. My 15 years as a beat reporter saw me cover stories of hope and joy, sadness and despair, tragedy and loss.
Stories that became part of my life. Part of my own story. Amongst all the work I have ever done, this story is the hardest one I will ever write. But if there is a chance that one person reaches out for help, if one person who is struggling to deal with their grief and sadness reaches out for support, then there will be purpose in these words.
The team from Central Highlands Rural Health had garnered trauma counsellors within hours, reaching out to as many of the witnesses as possible to begin the healing process. I know I personally have a long way to go. Some days I’m paralysed by sadness. But the support locally is extraordinary. They can help us all heal – in time.
We just need to all know that healing through support is a phone call away. For my husband and me, a quick catch up with friends saw us end up at the Daylesford Hotel. Our office is between the Royal Hotel and the tyre shop. They are our work neighbours. Our community. But turning the corner from Howe Street we gravitated to the spare table outside the Daylesford Hotel remembering that one of
us remarked this isn’t our usual pub. But there we were. In full view of our office, the tables either side of us and the joy being had on the beautiful lawns in the heart of town. Within minutes everything had changed.
I know the word chaos has been used to describe the scene. Someone mentioned that not even the emergency services are trained for what unfolded that evening. But through the confusion, shock, trauma and disbelief, strangers came together.
I remember the gentle way people were being held, talked to, comforted and loved. Love is a powerful thing and easy to say. But that evening, among the mayhem and chaos, those victims were surrounded by the love of this community. It was tangible.
Every single person played a role that night. Some shielding families, some praying, some stopping traffic and many locals and visitors running to the victims. Staff and the owners of the pub reacting in such a way I find it hard to find the words that describe their actions. Calm, caring and measured, despite their own shock and grief.
At one stage I was with a woman comforting a little boy who was injured. So small. So scared. So brave. Kissing his forehead in that moment, my entire life was wrapped up in this little boy’s survival. When an ambulance driver appeared and we knew this beautiful little soul was going to be cared for, my husband appeared. A young family witness to the event were recovering in the pub. In shock. For Pat and I, it was a moment of purpose. The act of comforting a young family, feeling a desperate sense to offer love and support was a godsend for us. Somehow going into mum mode, singing Wiggles songs
away from the sadness and holding the hands of innocent children was a moment embedded in my heart. Our lives are now entwined. There are many stories of those on the night connecting. Strangers brought together through trauma now friends.
A special young woman from Melbourne who witnessed the event from the pub’s balcony. Consoling and comforting each other hours later in the pub, it was this woman who had the strength to come back to the site days later, who gave me the strength to stand by her side in that moment.
For those who lost their lives, for those left behind, for witnesses, first responders and for everyone who has reached out to others with love and kindness, hope and prayers, we will all somehow be connected by grief but united by love.

Words & image: Narelle Groenhout

Tributes continue to pour in from across Hepburn Shire, the state, the country and the world, following the recent untimely passing of Creswick’s Dr Kevin Tolhurst.
Kevin was Australia’s top bushfire scientist and one of the most measured voices that was quietly but unreservedly determined to promote science-based forest fire management.
The week of his funeral, he had been due to be in Queensland to receive the NW Jolly Medal – the highest honour for outstanding service to the forest science profession in Australia. He was instead honoured posthumously by nearly 500 of his peers.
Forestry Australia president Michelle Freeman said “Kevin’s contribution to forest and fire management has been phenomenal – his knowledge and passion were truly awe inspiring. Generations of foresters and forestry scientists were inspired and influenced by Kevin.”
It was standing room only at St Augustine’s Catholic Church in Creswick last Tuesday. Kevin’s son Michael shared stories of his father, paid tribute to the hands-on grandfather he was and for the work he did in his family, community and professional life.
Parishioner and friend David Preston spoke of Kevin’s tireless work in the Creswick community and for the church. On his early life at the Creswick School of Forestry where he met his future wife Rosemary, on his devotion to his faith and his profession. Kevin was part way through cutting a hedge on the church grounds. Testament to his tireless work.
Late last year, Kevin was a key contributor to a landmark body of work released to assist governments and private organisations to tackle Australia’s bushfire concerns, and to save lives, land and property.
At the time of the release of the report, he said: “We have developed this framework to promote greater coordination, collaboration across state and federal governments and are calling for buy-in at all levels.”
It is unlikely that we will ever have anyone with the experience, knowledge and training to do what Kevin has achieved as a forester, and particularly as an internationally renowned expert in forest fire.
Kevin leaves behind his wife Rosemary and children, Michael, Chris, Gen and their families.

Words: Narelle Groenhout

Teenagers who are part of theatre company Inside Out Dance Theatre in Daylesford, will take to the stage showcasing their passion and acting talents in a special production for Words in Winter.
The Day the School Went Under was written by director Jen Bray with the help of the students after improvising scenarios.
Two of the members, Dru and Jaime, have been attending classes for more than a decade. They will join fellow cast members Dante, Wren, Arlo, Alexander and Billy when they present their comedy play described as The Breakfast Club meets The Poseidon Adventure.
Two performances will be held on Saturday, August 26, at the Daylesford Town Hall. Book at Trybooking.com/CJYUG