Local input sought

Ballarat East MP, Geoff Howard is deputy chair of the state parliament Rural and Regional Committee, which is now commencing an inquiry into best practice in e-business and remote working policy.

With the Federal Labor rollout of the National Broadband Network, regional Victoria, including Kyneton, Castlemaine and Romsey, is now becoming closer than ever to Melbourne and other sites across the world.

This means that the disadvantages presented by distance are now no longer so limiting to economic opportunities for regional communities and regional Victorians can have broader work options.

The state parliament Rural and Regional Committee is now commencing an Inquiry into best practice in e-business and remote working policy.

Ballarat East MP, Geoff Howard, is deputy chair of the committee. Mr Howard said that there's no doubt that teleworking is growing more popular across the world as economies change from traditional models to become more information based. 

"At present we have a significant number of people who commute to Melbourne for work daily," he said.

"Not only does this see much time and stress added to the working day of commuters but it adds to traffic congestion and costs governments more as the pressure to build more freeways and upgrade public transport to meet this demand.

"Governments in other countries, including USA and many European countries, have taken action to require government departments and private businesses to set targets for more staff to be able to work from home for one or more days per week.

"Workers from home often say they are more productive and have a better work-life balance. Also the potential benefits of getting cars off the roads and keeping people in rural and regional Victoria are enormous while the opportunity to attract more people to come and make that lifestyle move away from Melbourne.

"This Inquiry will look to determine the best way to ensure rural and regional Victoria is prepared for the opportunities provided by the broadband rollout."

Mr Howard said he believed that many people who presently commute or who already work from home would have useful insights to share regarding what government could do to promote increased telecommuting and e-business.

"Our committee is calling for submissions to the Inquiry and I would encourage anyone prepared to share their views to contact me or go to the committee's website to register their interest," he said.

"We are interested in hearing from experts who can provide advice and information on the inquiry's Terms of Reference. We are also interested in people in regional areas who have first-hand experience of teleworking or establishing their own e-business."

To view the full Terms of Reference and information on how to make a submission to the Inquiry, visit www.parliament.vic.gov.au/rrc or phone Geoff Howard on 5331 7722.

Miranda is impossible to stop

The week's Macedon Ranges Guardian Sport Star of the week is 11-year-old Miranda Jones of Kyneton. The grade five Kyneton Primary School student is making giant strides as one of the rising young guns in the sport of basketball. 
Miranda is an enthusiastic member of the Kyneton Basketball Association. She is an emerging young gun who possesses great speed, agility and a little bit of extra height to give her an edge over her opponents. She plays in a variety of positions and is a great offensive and defensive rebounder. She started playing basketball three years ago and loves any chance that she has to go out and shoot some hoops. She started playing thanks to her dad who played a lot of basketball while growing up and she naturally took the game on through his great love of the sport.
"She took to it straight away," proud dad Rob said, "she was around very enthusiastic people."
Miranda started her basketball journey when her family lived in Northcote. She joined a development program in Collingwood and that gave her the skills to get her going in domestic competitions. Her family moved up to Kyneton two years ago and she slotted in comfortably in the exciting environment of the Kyneton Basketball Association. Last year she played in the Under 12s and Under 14s at domestic level. Basketballers were encouraged to get as much court time as possible to assist them with the confidence and team building to play representative matches. 
Miranda has had a stellar run in recent seasons. She won the Most Valuable Player award in the Under 12 Girls premiership team that competed in Ballarat over the Queen's Birthday weekend. She was a clear stand-out across the tournament and deserved her award in a very strong team that featured many outstanding stars. She was a valuable member of the team that won the premiership in Traralgon earlier this year. The team is coached by Alan Simmins and has worked wonders for Miranda and the team. The squad was on the receiving end of some heavy losses 12 months ago and they have since grown to be one of the most feared teams in the state. Alan has implemented a terrific defensive game plan that has made them very hard to score against. Miranda has learned lots of valuable tips from him as coach in order to be a better team player and sports person. 
"He has been a good influence on Miranda," Rob said.
Outside her love of basketball, Miranda has played tennis in Kyneton for the last 12 months. She is coached by Marcus Wills who has been terrific in her development of skills as a tennis player. She loves being in the outdoors and has a great group of friends.
"She is pretty fun, has good character, lots of energy and looks out for people," Rob said.
Miranda would love a career in sport but she also has a great love of animals and nature that might encourage her to follow a career path in nature.
For being featured as our Macedon Ranges Guardian Sports Star of the week, Miranda wins a $40 gift voucher to Amped Skate n Surf in Kyneton and may call in to our Market Street in Kyneton to collect his prize. If you would like to nominate any youngster doing their best in their chosen sport, contact our sports desk by calling 5422 1488 or email - sport@elliottmidnews.com.au
The award seeks to recognise sporting achievements and is as much as for those just doing their best as it is for those who reach great heights.

Working Woodend

Greens lead senate candidate, Janet Rice, and candidate for Bendigo, Lachlan Slade, in Woodend on Wednesday.

Greens lead senate candidate, Janet Rice, and candidate for Bendigo, Lachlan Slade, hit the campaign trail in Woodend on Wednesday, focusing on planning issues and the fears many residents hold that their community will be absorbed into Melbourne's suburban sprawl.

Mr Slade explained he wants to see Woodend keep its charm and beauty and remain a welcoming place to live, work and visit.

"I work here and love the place. The peace, tranquillity and atmosphere of the Macedon Ranges beats many places in Victoria," Mr Slade said. 

"I want to see sensible planning decisions made to ensure Woodend keeps its village lifestyle, ensuring access to the best facilities and services.

"Individuals and families move here to enjoy the lifestyle and community, all the while being surrounded by stunning mountain forests, not to see Woodend become an outer suburb of Melbourne."

Ms Rice is a strategic transport planning consultant, former councillor and mayor of the City of Maribyrnong, and former chair of the Metropolitan Transport Forum.

"People-friendly green development and safe streets mean people can get around by walking, cycling, and public transport," Ms Rice said. 

"Public transport creates healthier communities and connects people to vital services like health and education."

Mr Slade said the policies of both the Labor and Liberal parties would see Woodend become an outer suburb through sprawl and planning policies that do nothing to protect the parks and other natural areas that make the Macedon Ranges a special place to live.

"A vote for the Greens is a vote for sustainable planning and development that strengthens the livability of towns like Woodend, ensuring there remains a strong 'edge' to the town, making sure it doesn't just get absorbed into urban sprawl," Ms Rice said.

"The Liberals want a 'Big Australia' and the ALP has shown it always sides with developers despite their rhetoric about sustainable development. The Greens are the only party that stands strong with regional communities. We've shown that in parliament and in the community time after time."

A cast of thousands

The Tony Gould Quartet warms up before performing in the St Ambrose Hall. Photo: Chris Fleming

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival over the Queen's Birthday long weekend again drew an audience of thousands to Woodend, with about half of the 2500 tickets going to day trippers from metropolitan Melbourne.

Many more attended the free festival program of exhibitions, children's events, or were engaged through the schools program now run by the festival committee to take performers and authors into local schools. The festival comprised more than 30 events this year.

Six key events - including the headline performances of the Brandenburg Concertos and Bach Mass (two of each at St Ambrose Church), Tinalley Quartet and the The Chamber's landscape artists' panel - were sold out well before the weekend. Most other events were half to two thirds full by the time the festival fireworks signalled the official opening on Friday - attracting upwards of an estimated 2000 people to Buffalo Stadium.

Artistic director, Jacqueline Ogeil, said she was thrilled with every aspect of this year's festival - and planning is well underway for the 10th anniversary of what has become a premier regional arts festival nationally.

"We have the most amazing team of supporters - our committee, support staff and loyal volunteers have worked incredibly hard to make this happen, and of course all the brilliant artists who have come to Woodend to perform, speak and collaborate," she said.

"Even the weather was perfect!"

But Dr Ogeil, an accomplished and highly regarded classical performer herself (with several CDs on the market) said her personal highlight was the opportunity to perform again.

"The Bach' B minor mass was a personal triumph for me - as it is a massive work of great artistic and intellectual merit, something any musician wants to perform in their life. 

"We did it on minimal rehearsal and resources and it went brilliantly. Our audiences are so enthusiastic and it was great to look out into the audience and see their happy faces."

Dr Ogeil also noted that many of the audience are repeat visitors to the festival.

"The feedback forms are pouring in and many have come to all nine festivals. The positive feedback is just sensational."

For Woodend resident - and now published crime writer Andrew Grimes (author of The Richmond Conspiracy) - it was a new perspective - as part of the program and in company with experienced crime authors with significant back catalogues for the 'Life of Crime' panel event.

And while catching up with his newfound peers was exciting, Andrew made the most of his time immersed in the festival - one event simply led to another and he was hooked.

"The highlights for me were the stunning artworks of children's picture book illustrator Ann James, the virtuoso performance of classical pianist Stephanie McCallum and the superb rendition of the Brandenburg Concertos by Accademia Arcadia. I loved the festival and I'm really looking forward to next year," he said.

Committee member and literary visual arts program organiser, Sheila Drummond, said she noticed yet again how attentive and engaged audiences to the literary events. 

"Ramona Koval and Sally Warhaft's discussion on books and reading was an absolute gem; two feisty erudite, articulate women talking to spellbound full house. The panels on various aspects of writing and publishing were given full marks by the attentive audience. Crime writing in its various forms and Australia in the Asian Century were terrific," she said.

Locals and visitors alike were attracted to the newest venue in Woodend which hosted a series of festival events.

"The new, light, bright venue of the Norma Richardson Hall (St Mary's) proved popular as an exhibition space with talks, demonstrations and a film. Many people returned for another look," Ms Drummond said.

Those who booked early were responsible for selling out accommodation in Woodend, with key venues - such as Campaspe House - booked for all meal services a week before the festival - and cafes and restaurants that were open turning tables several times for each service.

In what has become a festival favourite, the Scout Log Cabin Café, run by the 1st Woodend Scout Group, had its best year yet - Committee member and coordinator of the pop-up café Leisa Macartney said business was up by about 50 per cent and meant a hasty restock of food was required by Saturday afternoon.

"The team of about 30 - 40 scouts, cubs and venturers were very enthusiastic waiting tables and serving, but not so enthusiastic about drying the dishes," she laughed. The café happens with the help of the young people, about half a dozen scout leaders and a team of 20 or so parents, with most of the food prepared and donated by scouting families.

This year also saw the café take its first booking - with a phone call before the weekend to ensure a table reservation.

"We couldn't believe it," Ms Macartney said.

"The people who come to the café are just amazing. There is so much goodwill towards the kids, who just love it. Some people came every day for lunch, and some others came three times a day - between events. It's just a wonderful, sometimes crazy, experience. But it's been fantastic - next year we're even thinking about whether we should put on a dinner service."

Budget brouhaha

Kylie Kitchen

A two per cent reduction in the proposed Macedon Ranges rate rise was met with instant community backlash as council adopted its 2013/14 budget on Wednesday night. 

At the special meeting, the adopted budget was amended from the document which was exhibited to residents. 

Residents filled the gallery and expressed dismay over decisions to again propose UL Daly Nature Reserve as the Gisborne Early Years Hub site and to sell four parcels of open space reserve in Gisborne (Wyralla Crescent, Namnan Way and Gardiner Street) to fund a planned netball courts project. 

Cr Henry McLaughlin made the submission to the budget (as a councillor and resident) that resulted in the Daly Reserve decision, and subsequent rate rise reduction. 

"The reality is though council, at the end of the day, we are the ones who have been elected to make the decisions and those decisions are tough decisions," he said.

"The council delivers a number of significant projects. The pockets of ratepayers are not bottomless and neither is the council budget. 

"The budget is about balance. Councillors this is a true balance."

Council cut the rate rise by saving $700,000 on the purchase of a new site for the Gisborne early years hub. 

It returned to its original proposal to make Daly Reserve the hub site, despite voting not to do so at a November 2012 meeting. The budget now allocates $25,000 for a masterplan on Daly Reserve. 

Cr Jennifer Anderson said there are other ways to reduce rates.

"What we're debating is have we got any other solutions," she said. 

"I have concerns for Daly Reserve and what might happen if we put the hub back on the agenda there."

Cr Russell Mowatt said the council has failed the community in lack of consultation and in going back on a decision made last year. 

Cr Sally Piper called it a good governance issue. 

"No wonder there's so many people in the gallery here tonight, they probably don't even know what's going on," she said. 

"I'm sorry to Daly Reserve and I'm sorry to the parcels of land that have been sold. So no, it's not balanced, it hasn't followed process and I'm very disappointed."

Cr Piper proposed a compromise to sell only one of the four parcels of land, which was lost in the vote. 

"Residents should not have to have their open space taken away from them to fund infrastructure for a town that is growing too quickly," she said. 

"Once our land is built on that's it, the concrete jungle is here to stay."

Cr John Letchford told council there are "$65 million reasons" to praise the budget. 

"My community says 'thank you if you can reduce the rates in the budget'," he said. 

"Councillors I suggest you start singing the praises of the budget.

"The budget is a complex process. We had so many conflicting submissions to judge this on."

Kyneton was a winner in the budget, with joint funding proposals for the Kyneton Bluestone Theatre and the Kyneton Community Park project. The theatre is promised a $90,000 council contribution to support a potential $290,000 government grant. The park will receive a $100,000 council contribution to support an application for a $300,000 government grant.

The budget includes more than $17 million in capital works, with $6.2 million in road and bridge works.

Council confirmed its $550,000 budget contribution to infrastructure upgrades at Hanging Rock, $764,000 to upgrade Woodend's Gilbert Gordon Oval, and $800,000 in playground projects in Kyneton and Romsey.

Other capital works include the Gisborne shire office extension ($800,000), footpath renewal program ($220,000), and the Tylden multipurpose courts ($210,000).

Among the 26 new initiatives is the implementation of the State Government's new residential zones ($40,000), and the Macedon Ranges Climate Change Action Plan ($40,000).

Council voted 5-4 on the budget (including the Daly Reserve decision). Those for were Crs McLaughlin, Letchford, mayor Roger Jukes, Graham Hackett and John Connor. Those against were Crs Piper, Mowatt, Anderson and Morabito.

Council voted 6-3 in the Gisborne land sales decision. Those for were Crs McLaughlin, Letchford, Jukes, Hackett, Connor and Morabito. Those against were Crs Piper, Mowatt, and Anderson.

Local girls light up the courts

(Top) The Macedon Ranges Under 14 Girls basketball team finished runner-up in Ballarat over the weekend - Ellie Neale, Emily James, Sam Turner, Hayley Bourke, Lisa James (coach), Taylah Lee, Jordan Athorn and Yani Dyer.
(Middle) Under 12 Girls Ballarat premiers - Amelia Andrews, Jaimeson Plant, Maddy Lee, Kasey Ward, Miranda Jones, Mackenzie Cameron, Taryn Cairnes, Adrienne Cameron and coach Simmo.
(Above) Under 12 Division Four premiers – BVCC Traralgon - Taryn Carines, Mackenzie Cameron, Maddy Lee, Miranda Jones, Jaimeson Plant, Ellie Torney, April Sims and Adrienne Cameron.

Basketball lifted off into overdrive at the Ballarat Minters Basketball Tournament held over the Queen's Birthday weekend. 
Kyneton entered an Under 12s and Under 16 Girls team while a combined squad of stars from Kyneton and Woodend combined for a Macedon Ranges team to play off in the Under 14 Girls competition.
The Under 12 Girls came out to play and put on a sparkling display of hard running basketball. They lost just one game during the preliminary rounds, to archrivals Castlemaine in the opening game, 23 to 12. This gave the girls plenty to look at in terms of improvement and gearing themselves up for a more polished performance against Ararat in the second game. They swept the floor with the opposition to dominate in a convincing 32-point win, 47 to 15. This gave them lots of confidence in game three where they defeated a strong Altona team by nine points, 22 to 13. They advanced through to the qualifying final full of running and defeated a competitive Bendigo Gold by 10 points in a game in which they had to work hard and show great teamwork against strong opposition. They prevailed 24 to 14. 
The Kyneton girls advanced through to the semi-final against the previously undefeated Kilsyth for a spot in the grand final. This was one of the great games of the tournament as both teams defended well and took strong defensive rebounds to prevent their opponents from getting the follow-up shot. Kyneton persisted hard and won in a thrilling contest by six points, 21 to 15. They advanced through to the decider to take on the determined Wild Cats. The girls were switched on from tip-off and led from the front with a strong 15-point win, 32 to 17 to be crowned the Ballarat tournament premiers. Congratulations to the squad of Amelia Andrews, Jaimeson Plant, Maddy Lee, Kasey Ward, Miranda Jones, Mackenzie Cameron, Taryn Cairnes, Adrienne Cameron and proud coach Alan Simmins. 
This week's Macedon Ranges Guardian Sport Star of the week, Miranda 'Mandy' Jones, was crowned the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Jacki Plant and Lisa James joined forces to coach the merged Kyneton and Woodend teams to form an Under 14 Macedon Ranges team. The girls were amazing with their performances and worked hard as a team. This is a credit to the girls gelling together at training and adapting to each other's playing styles. 
They went through the preliminary rounds and the opening rounds of the finals undefeated before going down to the all-conquering Sunbury Braves by three points in the grand final. The squad consisted of Ellie Neale, Emily James, Sam Turner, Hayley Bourke, Lisa James (coach), Taylah Lee, Jordan Athorn and Yani Dyer. Congratulations to the girls on their efforts and they should hold their heads high. The Kyneton Under 16 Girls were coached by Ash Clarke. They won all of their games except one and missed out on the grand final by percentage only. They should be congratulated on their endeavour to play well as individuals and as a team.
Kyneton Basketball Association has celebrated plenty of great success already this year. It had representative teams in the Basketball Victoria Country Commission Traralgon tournament earlier this year. The Under 12 Girls won the Division Four premiership in a stunning performance. The squad consisted of Taryn Carines, Mackenzie Cameron, Maddy Lee, Miranda Jones, Jaimeson Plant, Ellie Torney, April Sims and Adrienne Cameron. The Under 14 Boys finished runners-up in the competition. Cello Matricardi and Ash Clarke coached the team. Martin O'Sullivan coached the Under 18 Boys in a good performance.
The Kyneton U14 Girls squad had a wonderful tournament also in Bendigo earlier this year and finished the tournament advanced through to Division Three.
The winter season is now underway with the Under 10s, 12s and 15s taking to the court. Contact the association if you wish to play.

Masters storm home over Geelong

Florsy in action

By Woodsy

The Gisborne Masters Football Club 35s played at home against Geelong on Sunday. Inclement weather conditions made the ground look more like Skilled Stadium than Gardiner Oval, with lights required from the first bounce. Slow starts have been the story of the year thus far, so it was pleasing to get the jump early. The forward line of Darren 'Snake' Taylor, Danny 'the silverback' Klaaysen and Ryan 'fireman Sam' O'Meara were dominant from the outset. Each of the aforementioned bagged a couple of majors in the first quarter. This ensured the Dogs took a handy lead into quarter-time. The second quarter featured a more competitive Geelong team emerge from their huddle. Strong defence however, led by Cameron 'Duke' Ducas, Dave 'Martian' Kraljic, Michael 'where's the bottle shop' Woodier and Gisborne's very own leprechaun (we think his name is Dave, very hard to understand), made it difficult for Geelong to make the most of their forward attacks. At the long break, coach Brett 'election speech' Taylor made a few changes; Shannon 'Nollsy' Nolls (yep, the famous dude) up forward was having an immediate impact. Mike 'I have my own golf course' was carving up the flanks and wings and hitting the scoreboard with some majors. The other Penny (Dean) was at his best in the ruck, constantly putting the ball on the chest of the onballers. What write up would be complete without a mention of Mr Irresistible himself, Rossy Johns, another top game. Thank you for the gift you left us in the sheds, the memory will linger in our nostrils for many a moon. The final quarter had the Dogs get off the leash with numerous goal scorers blowing the margin out at game's end. The better players for the Dogs were Johnsy, Dean Penny, Snake, Richard 'Dickie' McKibbin and BT. The last quarter also produced two of the best Falcons you are ever likely to see in football. Firstly to Ant 'Florsy' Flores, who did well to still be standing after the incident (he also is quietly blaming Dave Griff for the deflection). The second, to Snake, whose lip now has its own postcode. Well done boys, much laughter was had at our own expense. Once again to all the people who helped out, Tony and Nicko, our trainer Kelly, Sticks and Luca who braved the weather in goals, your efforts are much appreciated. Next game is at Ballarat on Saturday the 15th. Go Doggies!
Gisborne 25.18 (168) defeated Geelong 3.0 (18)