The Little Gallery in Trentham has raised a whopping $10,450 at its annual Winter Show fundraising exhibition.

The money has been donated to this year’s nominated recipient, the East Trentham Fellowship.

Organisers say the Winter show received a high volume of visitors to the gallery over the three weeks of the exhibition and despite the current economic climate the gallery achieved record sales.

The famed annual fundraising art raffle was also generously supported.

Founded by the late Mario Satori in 2003, The East Trentham Fellowship supports local schools, CFA and sporting teams.

But the East Trentham Fellowship also quietly supports locals in the community in times of need.

The Fellowship would like to reach out to anyone in the community who may need their help or support in any way.

The Trentham Railway precinct has undergone huge changes in the last 18 months.   

Trentham Rail and Tramway Association secretary Phil Davis says with a new committee and volunteers, the gardens and amenities have been revitalised along with some restoration work to make the precinct “a very popular place for the community and visitors who come to Trentham”.   

“New wheelchair-friendly picnic tables have been installed around the gardens, a mobility pathway from the platform to the rail line has made it easier for people to start the Domino Trail walk from Trentham to Lyonville, and stairs onto the rail line allow everyone to explore some of the oldest rolling stock in Victoria.   

“The railway precinct is now the hub for our annual Tractor Pull, Spudfest and many classic car events. We have an amazing facility that the town is very proud of.”   

Mr Davis said to continue the rejuvenation of the railway precinct, and to raise much needed funds, TRATA will be running a seasonal market over the next seven months.   

The dates for the market are October 27, November 24, December 15, January 19, February 23, March 30 and April 27.   

The markets will be open from 9am to 1pm with the first market free to stallholders and not-for-profit organisations.  

Subsequent markets will be $10 for a stallholder not requiring power. Mr Davis said stallholders were needed to make the market, and fundraising, a success for the town.   

Contact: trataattrentham@gmail.com   

Cool Country Men’s Shed at Trentham has launched its website at www.coolcountrymensshed.org.au.

The Shed’s aim is to further communicate with the community and for new Trentham residents to easily access information about who they are, what they do.

An aim also with the new website is to reach out to men, encouraging them to take the next step and become a Shed member.

The Shed is a friendly environment and allows men to visit and enjoy the company of other men and engage in a variety of personal projects or community activities that make a positive contribution to the wider community.

The email address: info@coolcountrymensshed.org.au is another means of getting more information.

The inaugural Youth Acoustic Music Revolution event will be held at Trentham Mechanics from October 25 to 27.

YAMR is a community-based group who are passionate about encouraging young people to learn a musical instrument.

The aim for the event is to expose local youth to  a variety of acoustic instruments, to come and try, engage in a workshop and maybe  even perform an item on stage.

Program director Allison Walsh said many young people were engaging with  music on digital platforms, socials, etc but not so many were taking the next step to write their own music, play an instrument, or sing a song out loud.

“The neurological benefits of singing and learning to play an instrument are well known, we hope to encourage our youth to engage in a tangible way. All levels are welcome, and instruments can be provided for those without.”

There will be a free soft launch event on September 15 which will feature performances from local youth, including successful band The Mods and Victoria’s Ceoltioiri Naarm, who will hold a come-and-try instrument session with many acoustic instruments available to try.

Afternoon tea will also be served, and a door prize will include the chance to win a free family pass to the October event.

The event weekend will comprise of performances, workshops, ceili dancing, trad disco, traditional music sessions, blackboard concerts and artists in conversation.

Those who attend will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with many like minded others, including meeting world-class performers.

The tutors are mostly teenagers and young adults who have been playing for some time and are keen to share their knowledge and skills with those brave enough to step out of their comfort zone and take on something new.

Seeing young people  performing can be a great opportunity for others, it opens their minds to the  possibility of doing it themselves.

YAMR soft launch (free event) will take place at Trentham Mechanics, High  Street, Trentham on Sunday, September 15 from 1pm to 4pm.

Details: yamrmusic@gmail.com or Allison Walsh on 0407 280 272.

Funding from Telstra’s Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal is enabling the Hepburn Shire Council to host ongoing free sessions for local residents to learn how to make better use of their devices, stay safe online and improve their tech knowledge.

Interested locals are being invited by the council to: “just turn up with your devices to learn about scam awareness, getting the most out of your phone or tablet, staying safe online, trouble shooting, and the shutdown of the 3G network”.

The sessions have been designed to be fun and social and are open to all participants, regardless of age, experience or the type of device they are using.

Sessions begin on 2 September at the Creswick Hub on Mondays 10am-12pm, The Warehouse – Clunes on Mondays 2pm-4pm, Daylesford Library on Tuesdays 10am-12pm, The Mechanics Trentham on Tuesdays 2pm-4pm. 

The township of Trentham hosted a celebration late last week for recipients of grants aimed at improving biodiversity and environmental health throughout the Hepburn Shire.

Representatives from the Hepburn Shire Council and many community groups (pictured above) were present at the event, with a total of $80,111 distributed to groups across the shire. 

The council had received six applications for its Sustainable Hepburn Grants Program in 2024.

The applications represented a significant effort by organisations within the shire to help reduce emissions and become more energy efficient.

The assessment panel recommended all six applications for funding through the program with the total amount funded through this program $39,743.

Seven applications were received for the Biodiversity Grants Program in 2024. The applications represented a diverse range of activities focused on supporting and enhancing biodiversity in the shire.

For the first time, this year’s program featured a new 24-month category to allow for larger and longer term management of reserves and natural resources.

The assessment panel recommended the five highest scoring applications for funding through the program.  The total amount funded through this program for both 12 and 24- month applications is $27,368.

Thirteen applications were received for project funding through the Environment Group Grants Program 2024.

Applicants were invited to apply for the program and for the first time this year’s program extended beyond Landcare groups, to also include other organisations working in the environmental space.

All 13 applications were recommended by the assessment panel for funding and a total of $13,000 will be funded to environmental organisations this year.

Grant recipients are: 

Biodiversity Grants Program in 2024 

Hepburn Gardens for Wildlife awarded $4,780 for their 12-month project Better Gardens and Landscapes. 

Wattle Flat- Pootila Landcare Group awarded $7,490 for the 24-month project to Linking Creswick to Wombat. 

Shepherds Flat Landcare Group – awarded $4,634 for their 12-month project Noxious Weed Management at the Larni Barramul Yaluk, Mullers Lane Reserve, Shepherds Flat 

Friends of Kangaroo Creek Wheatsheaf, auspiced by Wombat Forestcare – awarded $8,000 for their 24-month project: Reinforcing collaborative blackberry control along Kangaroo Creek, Wheatsheaf. 

Friends of Cornish Hill awarded $2,464 for their 12-month project Redesign and replacement of large information board at Smith Creek Reserve, south-western end. 

Sustainable Hepburn Grants Program in 2024 

Trentham Sustainability Group – awarded $11,250 for their project Energy Resilient Trentham 

Daylesford Community Child Care Centre – awarded $7,500 for their project Powering our children’s future. 

Creswick Neighbourhood Centre – awarded $7,500 for their project A Cleaner, Greener, Comfortable for all CNC. 

Trentham Golf Club – awarded $9,000 for their project Trentham Golf Club Solar PV extension. 

Bullarto Hall Committee of Management – Awarded $2,993, for their project Solar to Bullarto Hall 

Friends of Cornish Hill – Awarded $2,000 for their project Renewable Energy efficient small equipment purchase.

Environment Group Grants Program 2024 ($1,000 each) 

The following groups were successful: 

Shepherds Flat Landcare Group

Friends of Cornish Hill 

Wattle Flat-Pootilla Landcare Group 

Trentham Public Purpose Reserves Committee of Management

 Wombat Forestcare

 Rocky Lead Landcare Group 

LVI-MT Bolton/Beckworth Landcare Group

Glenlyon Upper Loddon Landcare Group 

Trentham District Landcare Group 

Cornish Hill Committee of Management 

Clunes Landcare and Waterways Group

Bald Hills-Creswick Landcare Group Inc 

Great Dividing Trail Association.  

The CFA led a major multiagency training exercise in Trentham over last weekend, tasking emergency services crews with containing a hazardous material spill in a busy workplace.

More than 75 first responders from CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), Victoria Police (VicPol), and Ambulance Victoria (AV) participated in the four-hour drill at the Arxada facility, which was supported by the Department of Health, Hepburn Shire, and WorkSafe.

CFA District 15 Commander Adam Baker emphasised the importance of rehearsing multiagency emergency response scenarios.

“The objective of the exercise was to test and improve the way emergency services work together when responding to large-scale emergencies,” Adam said.

“It takes a coordinated effort from all our partner agencies to contain and combat an incident on site, so this training was an excellent opportunity for our senior leaders to engage with other agencies.”

When the exercise got underway, participants were briefed on the scenario to ensure their response was as realistic as possible.

Crews were then tasked with managing the hypothetical chemical spill, adapting to any unexpected circumstances, and establishing a course of action should the spill or vapour breach the site boundary.

“Emergency responders needed to be familiar with site-specific risks and ensure they’re prepared to respond to any issues at the site. That’s why we conduct these exercises almost annually at major sites,” Adam said.

As the lead agency for the exercise, CFA bore an increased level of responsibility, orchestrating the collaborative efforts of all participating emergency services.

Adam highlighted the critical role the lead agency plays when responding to emergencies. 

“As the control agency, we have the responsibility to bring the incident to a safe conclusion and then work to restore normality for the local community,” he said.

Adam added that Arxada was chosen for the exercise because it is the only site in that area, and one of 40 statewide, classified as a major hazard facility.

“The purpose of the training was to test Arxada’s emergency procedures and the emergency services’ response procedures to any incident there,” he said.

“I was really pleased with how the exercise went. Hopefully, we never have to put these skills into action, but at least all agencies and Arxada are well prepared.”

Words & Image: Supplied, CFA

Trentham’s newest event on the calendar, Winterfest, lit up the town on Friday, August 2 with businesses trading late and lighting up the town with colourful light displays.

The town’s traders embraced the cold winter night and celebrated with light projections, neon displays and special events.

Little Gallery held the opening night of their annual fundraising Winter Exhibition with proceeds benefiting local community groups and showcasing local and regional artists.

Belle Property director Will Walton, one of the organisers through Belle Property Trentham, said the feedback had been exceptional with the event attracting lots of crowds to Trentham hospitality businesses.

“The Trentham traders did a wonderful job embracing the event and putting on a bright colourful show. I imagine next year will be bigger and better.”

The next traders’ event is the regular Christmas traders’ night on the last Friday in November.

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Belle Property Trentham   

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.”

with Eve Lamb

Woodend photographic artist Deborah Mullins draws plenty of inspiration from the landscape, including frequent trips to the Outback and also from her own 1.6-hectare garden on the stunning 16-hectare Hesket Farm property where she and her husband Tom reside. Deborah’s work has been displayed in many galleries in Melbourne and the Central Victorian region. Some of her latest work will be part of Little Gallery’s winter fundraising show launching in Trentham this-evening Friday, August 2.

Eve: I can see why your surrounds inspire a lot of your work.

Deborah: Yes. We’ve been here for 14 years now and just absolutely love it. We have never regretted our move from Melbourne for a minute.

Eve: Your garden here inspires quite a lot of your work doesn’t it?

Deborah: It does, and the animals and birds within the garden itself. I also do quite a bit of still life photography as well. It’s a hard genre and not everybody likes still life but I enjoy doing it, and it is suited to winter.

Eve: Can you tell me a bit more about your process of creating images and the way you use the term photographic art or digital art, as distinct from ‘photography’?

Deborah: I like to push the boundaries. I have a huge library of photographic images that I have taken over the years and I do a lot of composite work. I do a lot of Photoshop work. I use the images I have taken using a digital camera to create new landscapes and scenes. I suppose it’s a bit like a digital collage. I use photographic images in a similar way so you could call it digital art. At the moment everything I create is of photographic origin. There’s no AI in it. I take the photos and mix them up and overlay and combine to create some sort of new image.

Eve: How did you get into photographic art?

Deborah: I did an advanced diploma of photography, finished in 2011 and pretty much started with straight landscape photography.

Eve: What work are you planning to exhibit as part of the Winter Show?

Deborah: I’m leaving it until the last minute to decide. I’ve got a couple of different series I have been working on recently. One is a series I’m doing called Entice which involves urban landscapes and the figure of a child…and another landscape series focusing on the colours of the landscape. We do a lot of outback travel. I draw a lot of inspiration from the Outback. The textures, colours, the birdlife. I also do aerial photography.

Eve: Do you use a drone for that?

Deborah: Yes. Tom drives the drone and I tell him where to go so I can focus on getting the image.

Eve: Have you ever worked in any other area besides photography?

Deborah: Yes, I was a physiotherapist and then a health educator. I managed health education programs.

Eve: What do you shoot with? And what sort of lenses do you use?

Deborah: A Canon R5 mirrorless and a standard DSLR, a Canon 5DS R. If I’m doing a lot of bird photos I use a 100-400mm telephoto lens with an extender that gets it out to 600mm. I also use a fixed 50mm lens which is an absolutely brilliant lens, a 100mm macro lens, and a very wide 11-24mm rectilinear wide angle lens.

Eve: Besides Little Gallery’s winter fundraising exhibition, do you have any other upcoming exhibitions on your radar?

Deborah: I have got work on display at Verdure in Romsey and I will be a feature artist at Art For All which is a major fundraiser for Fairfield Primary School in Melbourne over September 6-8. Then I will also have some work in the Kerrie Hall Art Show over October 18-20.

Eve: What do you enjoy most about your work as a photographic artist?

Deborah: I like the challenge of creating something new. I like trying to turn something that might be seen as quite bland into something that might be considered more interesting. As much as I can I try to create a bit of a story in my images. I think that lends itself to interpretation a little. I don’t like to spoon-feed people. I like to leave it a little more open to interpretation and it can be very interesting to see how differently various people interpret the same image.

Are you an artist or do you know an artist who might like to feature in The Local? Eve would love to hear from you. Email editorial tlnews.com.au

Winterfest transforms Trentham this Friday, August 2 from 4pm to 8pm with businesses trading late and lighting up the town with colourful light displays.

In the spirit of a European midwinter festival the town’s traders are embracing the cold winter night and celebrating the chill with light projections, neon displays and special events happening within each business.

Hepburn Shire mayor and Trentham local, Cr Brian Hood is among those looking forward to the debut free family occasion that’s hoped to become an annual fixture on the region’s calendar.

“It’s just such a good cause. It’s going to help all of the local traders and will help the whole mood of the town in the middle of winter,” said Cr Hood.

Cr Hood makes no secret of his enjoyment of community events and will be among quite a number of locals glamming up for the wintry occasion which is offering plenty of enticement to get out and be part of the sparkling atmosphere.

Little Gallery celebrates opening night of their renowned annual fundraising Winter Exhibition with proceeds benefiting local community groups and showcasing local and regional artists.

Featuring works by 16 talented artists from the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges shires, the exhibition launch gets started from 5.30pm with nibbles and drinks provided and all welcome.

“Our famed art raffle is offering $10,000 worth of original artworks donated by local artists with all proceeds donated to the East Trentham Fellowship,” Little Gallery’s Rose Wilson says.

“People will be able to buy a ticket on the night and they’ll be available for the duration of the show. Expect glow sticks, human butterflies and amazing art,” Rose says.

The gallery has raised funds for groups including Trentham Wildlife Rescue, The Path of the Horse and The Quarry Street Reserve. Tickets at www.raffletix.com.au/2024wintershowraffle

Just some of the participating traders include:

The Green Store – The theme at The Green Store for WinterFest is Aurora Borealis. The store will transform into a winter wonderland. There is also a book launch/ signing by author Caroline Parker for her first book The Medicinal Garden.

Belle Property – Enjoy the Belle Property Trentham neon experience, with bright colourful neon installations by international visual artist Carla O’Brien from Volter International.

Little Gallery – Little Gallery is set to light up with a night of shimmering glow for the grand opening of the highly anticipated annual Winter Show fundraising exhibition.

Bendigo Bank – Community Bank Trentham – Community Bank Trentham is lighting up Town Square for a magical and fun experience for all. Drop by and pick up some glow sticks.

Cosmo – Cosmopolitan Hotel is inviting festival goers to warm up beside the fireplace while sipping on a winter cocktail or mulled wine.

They’ll also be lighting up their exterior, with plenty of warming candles inside.

Words & image: Eve Lamb

(Wings courtesy of Rose Wilson at Little Gallery) www.tlnews.com.au  

Trentham now has a new EV charger powered by 100% local renewable energy.

The Mechanics Trentham is now hosting the Hepburn Shire’s fourth electric vehicle (EV) charging station thanks to a collaboration between Hepburn Energy, Chargefox and the Hepburn Shire Council.

The new charge point came online in recent days, co-funded through the state government’s Destination Charging Across Victoria (DCAV) program and installed by Jetcharge.

It’s the fourth and final one to be installed as part of the DCAV program in the Hepburn Shire.

The stations are helping the region’s tourism industry become more sustainable while strengthening shire-wide efforts to reach zero-net emissions by 2030 as part of the Hepburn Z-NET partnership.

All of them are part of the Chargefox network, Australia’s largest EV charging network.

Hepburn Energy’s General Manager, Taryn Lane, says she’s excited to see the roll-out contribute to local zero-net emissions efforts.

“We are delighted with the charger’s new location at the Mechanics Trentham and thank council for making this amazing site available for the community charger,” she says.

“Each EV station installed takes a crucial step towards decarbonising local transport and contributing to our Hepburn Z-NET zero-net emissions target for 2030. And with these new chargers, community members and tourists can feel confident making this shift.”

Hepburn Shire Council Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said the council was pleased to be working with project partners Hepburn Energy and Chargefox on delivering an additional charging station in the shire.

“We thank the State Government for the funding they have provided to make this project possible, and our local community-owned renewable energy provider Hepburn Energy for stepping up as financial and delivery partners for the roll-out of these important community assets,” Cr Hood said.

“The charging stations delivered across our shire not only help to boost tourism to our region, they will assist us in reaching our shire’s zero-net emissions target and further build on Hepburn’s climate action and sustainability culture.”

Chargefox CEO John Sullivan says that having Hepburn Energy and Chargefox working together was a fantastic example of home-grown innovation and collaboration.

”Hepburn has long been a pioneer in community energy, showing what’s possible when like-minded Australians come together to achieve an ambitious goal,” he said.

“This resonates so closely with the Chargefox story which is why we’re so proud to make these chargers available to everyone through the Chargefox platform.”

Trentham Bush Nursing Hospital, pictured, was officially opened by Governor Lord Huntingfield and Lady Huntingfield on September 7, 1934. 

Ninety years later, Central Highlands Rural Health will celebrate the rich history of Trentham Health with a community dinner on Saturday, September 7 at The Cosmopolitan Hotel.

The dinner will be hosted by Mary Delahunty and feature special guest speakers to reflect on the history and future of Trentham Health.

The event will also showcase a silent auction of new and pre-loved art that will raise funds for the residential aged care, community health and community nursing services located in Trentham.

The people of Trentham were instrumental in the establishment of the hospital as they banded together to finance the project along with funds from the Argus Trust. In 1936, Dr Gweneth Wisewould arrived and served the community until her death on January 19, 1972.

One of the hospital’s first babies continues to be one of its longest- serving supporters, Kit Manning.

The Trentham Hospital Auxiliary member is still actively raising funds for healthcare with Cath O’Connell, Valerie Smith, Ruth White, Janet Sims, Wilma Groves, Karen Gibb, Margot McKinnon and Maree Evans.

The auxiliary will co-host an afternoon tea for residents in Trentham Aged Care to celebrate the occasion and the Trentham Historical Society will be co-hosting an exhibition of hospital memorabilia with Central Highlands Rural Health at the The Mechanics Trentham.

For all details, and for locals interested in sharing stories and information about Trentham Bush Nursing Hospital, contact fundraising manager Kathryn Kosloff on 0439 705 039 or via giving chrh.org.au Link: www.chrh.org.au/donate

Trentham is preparing to ramp up the seasonal atmosphere and sparkle as  the town hosts its inaugural Winterfest event.  

Set for Friday, August 2, the debut trader-led evening event aims to light up  the little town, converting it into a winter wonderland featuring artist-curated light  installations and plenty of LED and neon razzle dazzle.  

One of the innovative forces behind the new event, Will Walton of Belle Property,  is especially looking forward to seeing the Trentham Belle office on the corner of  Market and High streets transformed with a neon light installation for the occasion.

 “It’s a trader-led winter trading experience for locals and visitors,” Will says.  

A fair chunk of the town, including Market and High streets, will be activated  with late trading offered by many of the town’s businesses, including plenty of special  dining opportunities.

The Bendigo Bank will be teaming up with the Trentham Lions  Club to host an evening sausage sizzle in the town square.  Of special note, the town’s Little Gallery will be launching its much anticipated  Winter Fundraising Group Exhibition on the evening as well.  

The gallery’s long-standing winter show will feature works by 16 talented artists  of Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges, with nibbles and drinks provided and over  $10,000 worth of raffle prizes to be won.  

The gallery launch gets going from 5.30pm on the evening and the show will then  run for three weeks, raising dollars for good community causes.

“I love the whole theme of the Winterfest. It’s beautiful,” said artist Rose Wilson  of the Little Gallery.

Rose says the gallery will be all lit up with a pink light theme and plenty of  additional glimmer and glam – including human butterflies – planned for the  occasion.  

Further enhancing the vibe, the first 100 children to show up at the Belle office  between 4pm and 7pm on the evening can expect to receive a free glow stick.  

Will says the event is hoped to become an annual fixture with local traders  encouraged to stage something a bit special to help warm winter, following the  success of the town’s annual twilight trading Christmas event at the other end of the  year.  

Supported by Daylesford Macedon Tourism, the festival runs from 4pm to 8pm.    

In a move likely to please local bushwalkers, Forest Fire Mangement Victoria has recently installed a new boardwalk on the Domino Rail Trail.

The Domino Rail Trail is an attractive six kilometre stretch that links Trentham and Lyonville, running through the Wombat State Forest.

The new boardwalk replaces a bridge that was severely damaged in the 2022 rain events.

The new upgrade complements surface works recently completed by the Hepburn Shire Council, and new signage installed by the Committee of Management.

The new boardwalk is 15 metres long, and crosses the headwaters of the Coliban River, keeping the slippery ground safe and firm for locals and visitors walking the trail in the wetter months.