Preps start school

 Best friends Haley Goodall and Zoe Kucic at Gisborne Primary School. 

 Benjamin says goodbye to his dad, Dean as he starts school at Woodend Primary. 

Courtney with her dad Alan, on her first day at Woodend Primary.

 Clementine Coone with her mum Emma Dodd at Kyneton Primary School.

  Sisters Ava and Amelie Le Blanc on Amelie's first day at Woodend Primary School. 

Brittney Flint has a last hug with her mum before starting the day at Gisborne Primary. Photos: Chris Fleming

Tylden Primary School's prep class.

Celebrating our newest Australians

Noorani Ishak and Azhari Dain with their daughters Nurfarhanah, Nurfarahin and Nurfarzana from Singapore, are new Macedon Ranges citizens. Photo: Chris Fleming

Richard Leach and Joanna Hambling from England. Photo: Chris Fleming

Jack Werrett

Azhari Dain, Noorani Ishak and their three children Nurfarhanah, Nurfarahin and Nurfarzana are among more than 20 new citizens recognised at the Macedon Ranges Citizenship Ceremony on Australia Day, last Saturday.
The family moved to Australia from Singapore in 2006. Education played the biggest part in their decision to settle in Gisborne with husband and wife, Azhari and Noorani wanting the best learning environment available for their three daughters.
"We wanted to give the kids the best education possible and we thought that was here in Australia," Azhari said.
Azhari said adjusting to Australian life took time but they were fortunate that his wife Noorani was able to secure a full-time job.
"We were lucky my wife was given a full-time teaching position when we arrived which made things easier," he said.
Azhari and his family were very proud and excited to finally receive their citizenship at the ceremony on Australia Day.
"It was a very happy occasion, the ceremony was quite overwhelming for all of us," he said.
Azhari has comfortably taken on Aussie slang and phrases, casually ending the Guardian interview with a traditional, "see you later mate".
***
Joanna Hambling and her partner Richard Leach, originally from the north-west of England, moved to Melbourne in November of 2006 because they were "sick of England," Joanna says.
"We wanted to go else where with our limited knowledge of foreign languages we decided Australia was the place to go," she said.
Joanna's partner Richard works in the renewable energy sector so they decided on Victoria as it was the state with the largest renewable energy industry in Australia.
Joanna and Richard lived in Melbourne for the first four years before they were presented with the opportunity to move to Macedon Ranges. 
Joanna jumped at the chance.
"I have a farming background so to get out into country was just perfect," she said.
Since moving into the shire Joanna and Richard have joined the Mt Macedon Fire Brigade and are really enjoying their new home.
"Everyone here is so friendly and welcoming, it's a great place to live," she said.
I ask if their allegiance to England still remains.
"Well, we decided during the Olympics to support team Great Britain first and foremost and if they were knocked out or weren't represented then we would support Australia," she said.
Joan and Richard are yet to decide who they will support for upcoming Ashes series, let's hope they make the right choice!
The Macedon Ranges Guardian would like to congratulate and welcome all the new citizens of the Macedon Ranges. The shire's newest residents come from the United Kingdom, Romania, Singapore, Ireland, Trinidad, Canada, the Philippines and the United States.

Train ticket upset

Jack Werrett 

Some V/Line passengers on the Bendigo line are getting a free ride by taking advantage myki ticketing, a Woodend commuter says. 
Sunbury commuters can ride V/Line trains to and from Melbourne without proving they have paid for a ticket, while Macedon Ranges passengers' tickets are inspected.
The introduction of the Metro service at Sunbury has given Sunbury residents the choice between the Metro and V/Line services. 
However, V/Line ticket inspectors are unable to check myki passes - the ticketing system newly introduced in Sunbury, but not yet in the Macedon Ranges (Macedon Ranges train stations still using paper tickets).
A regular Woodend commuter, who wishes to remain anonymous due to the animosity between Sunbury and Macedon Ranges passengers, says passengers who board V/Line services at Sunbury are rarely asked by conductors to show their myki passes.
"Conductors barely ever ask commuters who board at Sunbury to show their myki cards. Even on one occasion when the conductor did, customers just ignored him and he gave up," he says.
The same applies on the return journey from Southern Cross station, with people packing on V/Line services and exiting at Sunbury assuming they won't be asked to show their myki passes.
"V/Line trains from the city are packed every night as people know they can ride for free to Sunbury," he says.
Even if commuters have a myki, conductors aboard V/Line services have no way of checking whether or not it has funds on it or whether it has been swiped on by the commuter before boarding the service.
The Woodend commuter has asked V/Line to refund his ticket as he doesn't feel he should be paying while others travel for free. And he says he is not alone.
"There is a group of us who want our tickets refunded. I pay something in excess of $3000 a year for a ticket and others will not pay a cent, it's not fair at all," he says.
There has been an ongoing debate about whether Sunbury passengers should be allowed to catch V/Line trains since Metro services began operating in Sunbury late last year.
A 75 signature strong petition calling for Sunbury customers to be banned from V/Line services circulated late last year, but Sunbury residents are still allowed to catch either V/Line or Metro services.
A Public Transport Victoria spokesperson says passengers with invalid tickets risk being fined.
"Authorised officers check tickets at stations and on trains and anyone found travelling without a valid ticket risks receiving a fine," the spokesperson says.
"Myki is valid for travel on V/Line services between Sunbury and Melbourne. 
"As with all other services, myki must always be touched on to be valid and authorised officers will report passengers who do not have a valid ticket for travel."

Students' anti nuclear message

Members of the ICAN Hiroshima Youth Committee in Japan make paper cranes as part of a campaign against nuclear weapons. Gisborne Secondary College students have joined the campaign.

Students from Gisborne Secondary College will present 2,000 peace cranes to the Prime Minister's representative as a message against nuclear weapons.
They will give a gift of hand folded Japanese paper cranes to Senator Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, on Monday morning at their school.
Half of the cranes were folded by students from Hiroshima, Japan, which was destroyed by a nuclear bomb in World War II, killing 140,000 people. 
These will be presented by Dr Jenny Grounds, a GP in Riddells Creek, who will represent ICAN as president of MAPW (Medical Association for Prevention of War). 
The rest were folded by students from Gisborne, several of whom visited Hiroshima last October as part of their Japanese studies.
Bundles of 1,000 cranes - symbolising support for nuclear disarmament - will be delivered to every president and prime minister worldwide as part of a project of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), which is urging governments to negotiate a global ban on nuclear weapons.
Senator McLucas will travel from Queensland to accept the cranes on the Prime Minister's behalf. In a letter accompanying the cranes, the students from Hiroshima wrote:
"As youth from Hiroshima, we are deeply concerned that our future is still being threatened by close to 20,000 nuclear weapons. We are writing to you and other leaders to ask for help in eliminating this threat … We fear that unless governments and individuals do more to rid the world of these horrible weapons, another city might one day
suffer the same fate as our own."
More than 140,000 paper cranes have already been delivered to leaders worldwide, and messages of support have been
received from the presidents of Afghanistan, Cyprus, Greece, Kazakhstan, the Marshall Islands, Mozambique, Slovenia, Switzerland, Tunisia and Vanuatu, as well as the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
ICAN is calling on Prime Minister Julia Gillard to join other nations in calling for negotiations in 2013 on a treaty to outlaw and eliminate nuclear weapons.
www.icanw.org/resources/paper-crane-project

Penguins chill out at Macedon

Wild Action director Chris Humfrey splashes around with 'fairy' penguins at Macedon. Photo: Chris Fleming

Who would have thought that a colony of eight bachelor male 'fairy' penguins reside in Macedon. Where else of course but at Chris Humfrey's private zoo! 
The little penguins or 'fairy' penguins have been bred in captivity and hand reared to be part of Chris Humfrey's Wild Action program in Victorian schools. 
"The fairy penguin makes an ideal educational animal by being hand raised," Chris said. 
"They recognise my voice and call out when they are hungry, eagerly jumping into my lap for a feed of pilchards!
"The only drawback to having a fairy penguin as a pet is that your hands always smell of fish, and that you get some funny looks when you stand in line at the bank." 
Chris said the world's smallest penguin finds the Macedon ranges an idyllic climate most of the time, except for those really hot days in the middle of summer. 
"That's when the little guys have a reprieve in my bathtub…and boy can they make a mess!"
Chris prefers to call the little penguin by it's former name the 'fairy' penguin. 
Chris has a private displayers license with the Department of Sustainability and Environment, not everyone can keep a fairy penguin. 
"I am so lucky to be able to keep penguins, it is a dream come true," he said.
"My penguins are the only penguins in Australia which visit classrooms.
"They are the world's only blue penguin, and eat up to eight pilchard fish a day…each!"
Humfrey hopes his interactive wildlife education shows will help foster a greater awareness for the environment among children and adults alike. 
"I don't think that people fully appreciate our natural world, and how much of an impact on it with have," he said. 
Look out for Chris Humfrey and his penguins in Macedon Ranges schools and kindergartens over the summer months. 
Wild Action's rock pool discovery programs showcase Victoria's rocky shores biodiversity. 
www.wildaction.com.au

Woodend on the rise

The Woodsmen find themselves in the middle of round 11 with a bit of work to do to get into finals contention. The seconds are fourth on the ladder and are a long way behind the front-runners.

The firsts and thirds are remain in fifth position and need to win everything from now on to ensure finals. The Under 16s are fourth and the Under 14s are third. Sleepy Woodend is known to start slow and come home like a train.

SENIORS

McIntyre Cup – The Woods played Ruperstwood at Rupo. They routed Rupo for 115. Greggie Matthews got 5/21 and young Andrew (Smaley) got 3/32. The Woods put on 82 for the opening partnership before passing Rupo to be 3/159 at stumps. If I were skipper, ‘Badge’,I’d put ‘em back in next week to go for the outright, and I’m pretty sure I overheard him at the rooms saying just that!

C Grade - The seconds played Sunbury United at the GeeGee. They batted first and

creamed 315. Chris Boyer (the destroyer) made 121. He achieved his ton with two huge sixes. The last, was seen heading for the trees behind the footy rooms. Boyer is ex-army, built like the proverbial and one of the cleanest hitters and drivers at the club. You don’t take your eye off the ball at training when two guys are batting in the net. One is Chris and the other is Dan (wombat) Heaney. Mitchy Hannan also got 33, and Scotty Fuller made 42. With a strong bowling attack, me- thinks that the Woods’ have this one in the bag, but that would be mozzing us, so I won’t go on.

E Grade - The Terds played fifth placed Diggers Rest/Bulla at the

Racecourse in a must win game. They lost the toss, bowled first and got the Burras out for 170. The Woods had a scrappy start. They dropped a few catches but pulled them back thanks to some good

bowling by Grayham Hannan with 3/31 and Luke Mann with 2/17 and great catching. Brett (Trout) Beattie was tight, and his caught and bowled was something to behold!

Old Jamo and I had to face a nervous last half hour and I’ve got to admit, pretty good Diggers bowlers. We managed to survive on 0/10. It will be a tight game.

One Day - The Oncers played East Sunbury and won easily by making 6/201. Skipper, O’Meara (Bear) made 50, Waters made 48 and Jimmy (Soda) Hepburn with 40 all got into the run hunt. We then skittled them for 102 with Brendan (Funnel) Fennel getting 3/10. That’s gotta

be better than fishing, Funnel. He reminds me of Andrew Symons.

JUNIORS -

December 8 and 15

Woodend Tempest (under 16s) - Our boys played Bacchus Marsh Blue and got them out

for 115 off 40 overs. Saddington got 3/9 in what I have heard was a lovely spell of bowling.

Hamish Renwick was particularly miserly at one stage with three maidens from five overs. A great partnership between Jack Cubley with 37 and James O’Malley with 28 just about put

paid to the game, but we only just made it in the end, being 8/121 at the end of play - phew!

Under 14 East - Our Saplings played Gisborne Lightning. This is always a tough

game between traditional rivals. Our boys pummelled the ‘Gissie bowling for 186, with Jotham Hughes(y) and James Blyth (do your mates call you Blythy?) making 34 and 47 respectively.

Blythy took 3/5 and who I must imagine is his youngest brother, S Blyth took 2/22. A bag for the family? Brandon Nicholls was good too with 2/6 and ‘Gissie was all out for 113.

*Apologies to the Woodend Cricket Club and Macedon Ranges

Guardian for the lack of cricket write-ups for the last few rounds. I’ve been moving house. Happy new year, everyone.

Asbestos fears dismissed

A Woodend house undergoing renovations was taped off with warning signs following residents' complaints. Photo: Chris Fleming

Kylie Kitchen

The site of a proposed funeral parlour in residential Woodend is the subject of an asbestos risk.
Neighbouring residents are alarmed at the potential asbestos exposure they may have suffered during brick cladding removal at the Forest Street property last week.
When works began, residents suspicious the cladding could contain asbestos had four samples lab tested, resident Effie Konstantinidis says.
Ms Konstantinidis says the results returned positive for asbestos.
Neighbours approached Macedon Ranges Council and WorkSafe with their concerns, but both saw no reason to question the owner's asbestos audit which returned a negative result.
"The community is really distressed," Ms Konstantinidis says.
"Why do they trust (the owner) and not trust us? Why are they satisfied with the negative result but not satisfied with the positive result?"
With asbestos dangers so high, neighbours are appalled their concerns were taken so lightly.
"We don't want it to be positive (for asbestos)," Ms Konstantinidis says.
"We're not doing this to say to the council, 'we're right and your wrong', we just want to be safe.
"The council have not ensured the community is safe."
Neighbours called on council and WorkSafe to undertake independent asbestos testing of the site.
"What we need is a third party to come and take a sample and they weren't willing to do that," Ms Konstantinidis says.
"How's it going to hurt anybody to do a third sample?"
The neighbours' testing is invalid to council and WorkSafe as it was illegally obtained and the source of the test material cannot be proved.
Ms Konstantinidis argues council and WorkSafe are also unable to positively confirm the source of the material tested in the owner's audit.
"We could have been exposed to asbestos and the council's not doing anything about it," Ms Konstantinidis says.
"So now we have to wait 20 or 30 years to find out if anyone in the neighbourhood gets sick.
"If the positive is correct, and I don't understand why a laboratory would be wrong, they're all going to be accountable."
Despite the owner's audit stating a negative asbestos result, and council and WorkSafe endorsing the document, signage reading 'DANGER ASBESTOS REMOVAL IN PROGRESS and tape reading, 'DANGER ASBESTOS DUST HAZARD', surrounded the property last Friday.
WorkSafe inspected the site last week to investigate the potential exposure to asbestos during the demolition works.
"The builder conducting the refurbishment works had an asbestos audit conducted on the building being refurbished and the analysis of samples confirmed there was no asbestos containing material on the house," a WorkSafe spokesperson said.
"As a precautionary measure and to ease concerns of residents, the owner of the site engaged a licensed asbestos removalist last week to remove any remaining materials on the house despite the analysis confirming that the samples did not contain asbestos fibres.
"WorkSafe returned to the site to ensure the removal was carried out efficiently. WorkSafe is satisfied with how the matter was handled."
Council defended it's decision against undertaking independent asbestos tests of the site. 
"In this instance the landowner opted to undertake their own sampling to ensure there was no risk of asbestos affecting them or surrounding residents," planning manager, Rick Traficante explained.
"Council has been in close communication with the owner to ensure that the works do not pose a safety hazard to the community. 
"Council is satisfied from the certificates provided by the accredited asbestos expert that the works do not pose a danger to the public."

Local brigades in the hot seat

The Elvis water bomber helped fight the fire at Wallan on Monday. Photo: Chris Fleming

CFA crews from across the Macedon Ranges were called into action on Monday to fight a fast moving grassfire of about 50 hectares at Wallan.
Crews from Kyneton, Tylden, Gisborne, Riddells Creek, Mount Macedon, Lancefield and Darraweit Guim battled the fire which began on Old Sydney Road on the outskirts of Wallan. 
There were fears the blaze could threaten homes in the township but the seven firefighting strike teams and three aircraft in attendance were successfully able to bring the fire under control before it reached the town. 
Kyneton Fire Brigade 1st Lieutenant John Pearce led a strike team consisting of crews from Kyneton, Tylden, Riddells Creek, Mount Macedon and Gisborne which battled the fire from about 4pm through to 9pm.
"We were working towards the head of the fire, on the north flank trying to save a couple of houses which fortunately we were able to do so," Pearce said.
"We then spent the remaining time mopping up in preparation for Thursday which is estimated to be a day of extreme fire danger," he said.
BOLINDA FIRE
A fire in Bolinda spread to about 100 hectares on Tuesday.
More than 25 tankers and two water bombing helicopters attended to the blaze which was called in at 2.20pm.
Brigades at the scene included Riddells Creek, Romsey, Clarkefield, Gisborne, and a strike team of Macedon, Hesket, Newham, Woodend and Bullengarook. A number of units from nearby shires were also called in.
"It was a fully engulfed, running grass fire," Riddells Creek 1st Lieutenant Martin Leitch said.
"The first response was it was pretty hairy, obviously the flames were pretty high.
"One of the challenges they had was that there were quite a number of fences because it was running through two horse properties."
Romsey Deputy Group Officer Allen Beaton was proud of the fire fighters' work.
"They did a great job. The biggest problem we had is that it's all stone country here it's just horrendous driving through here, everywhere you drive it walking pace," DGO Beaton said.
"The fire fight was really good, they did a great job.
"We didn't have any stock losses, they were all protected. We just lost some hay bails and a small out shed, and of course fencing."
The blaze was under control by about 5pm.
Fire crews were blacking out on Wednesday, and remained on scene yesterday to monitor, with extreme temperatures bringing about high fire risk.
Police are investigating the cause of the fire.

Club tackling crisis

Kyneton Football Netball Club treasurer Chris Plowman, senior coach Brian Walsh, president Cello Matricardi and Sponsor Manager Glen Harris urge the community to get behind the club and help them stay alive in season 2013.

"Without a doubt there is a concern for players at senior and reserves level" - BFNL CEO Steven Oliver 
Chris Yeend

The Kyneton Football Netball Club (KFNC) fears its senior team could go into recess this year, as it battles to field a senior team for the 2013 Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) season. 
The club committee met with the BFNL board on Monday night to determine its short term future and share its progress on the senior player list. 
Club are required to produce a list of 25 quality standard players and present the list to the BFNL on Thursday January 31. The lists will be presented to the BFNL board on Friday February 1 to determine the next phase of action. 
If Kyneton cannot meet the standards set by the league, there may be no senior football club this year. 
The league is working closely with the club to field two senior teams.
Concerns surrounding the playing list of the club escalated the week before Christmas with a number of valuable senior players informing the club they are signing on with other teams. 
The lack of numbers in Kyneton's senior playing list has been an issue for a number of years and the BFNL is determined to find a solution before it gets worse. 
"Without a doubt there is a concern for players at senior and reserves level," BFNL CEO Steven Oliver said.
"We will consider what is in the best interest of the Kyneton Football Netball Club, the Bendigo Football League and all clubs in the Bendigo Football League."
THE TIGERS ARE STILL ALIVE
Oliver said the rumour mill was running wild this week. He has responded to many enquiries about the club's future since the meeting. 
Oliver said Kyneton Football Netball Club is still alive and needs local support.
"This is the opportunity for the community to really get behind the club and show their support," he said.
"The club is in desperate need of quality players."
The Tigers fielded more than 70 reserves players last year, but the BFNL will refuse a team that does meet the standard to compete. Oliver said a team that is thrown together will be open to weekly thrashings at the hands of other football clubs. 
"We feel that BFNL is the best fit for the Kyneton Footy Club and the Kyneton Footy Club is the best fit for the league," Oliver said, "We are working diligently with the club."
The Tigers faced a similar problem five years ago when the club had just 12 senior players committed to playing in mid-March. Oliver guarantees that the situation won't get to those levels again.
The committee is confident Kyneton will get the numbers needed to meet the BFNL criteria.
"It's getting there, we're working hard," club president, Cello Matricardi said.
"We're hoping that next week we'll get a few more signings and we'll have some more positive stories."
The Bendigo Football Netball League stands as one of the strongest leagues in Victoria and anyone who is looking to make their mark in the league is encouraged to talk to Kyneton.
Kyneton FC is focused on bringing about positive and progressive culture on and off the field. 
If you are interested in playing for Kyneton seniors, contact Cello on 0419 161 002.
The club will hold an meeting on the player issue after training at the Showgrounds on Tuesday night. All supporters are encouraged to attend.

The Tigers are still alive and roaring

Western Bulldogs stars Jack Redpath, Mark Austin and Mitch Wallis with members of the Kyneton Football Netball Club committee and senior coach Brian Walsh.


Chris Yeend

The Kyneton Tigers are not done with yet and have a big bite left in them ahead of the 2013 Bendigo Football Netball League season. 
The club returned to the track on Wednesday night for an important training night that featured favourite son and Western Bulldogs forward Jack Redpath with teammates Mitch Wallis and Mark Austin.
The AFL stars led the Under 14s and Under 16s in several training drills in front of a packed Showgrounds grandstand as the locals arrived in numbers to show their support. Seniors and Reserves players took to the track for their first training run of the year and slowly worked themselves back into football mode. It has been a tough summer for the yellow and black with several key players departing the team to other competitions. Former captain, Shane Page, heads the list of players to depart but as far as the Tigers are concerned, it is about taking forward steps to ensure that they get a Seniors and Reserves team on the paddock. The numbers at the Showgrounds on Wednesday night, on and off the field, ignited a spark, an exciting atmosphere that has not been seen since Nathan Thompson donned the colours on Good Friday in 2011. There was a sense of unity among the supporters, players and committee that the fight may not be an easy one, but the faith is alive and well.
"I started my football career with Kyneton and it has given me so much," Redpath said on Wednesday night, "the club will definitely be around for a very long, long time."
Redpath spoke to the juniors about how great it is to be a member of the Tigers and the opportunities it provides as a footballer and in the community. The three Bulldogs stars made themselves available to the kids to sign autographs and give advice on how to improve their skills. They completed several training drills with the senior playing group to finish off a successful night and an important forward step for the club in resurrecting itself as a successful football club.
NEW PRESIDENT
The club has announced that Anthony 'Oakie' O'Connor has stepped down as president. 'Oakie' made the decision in the best interest of the club and wishes the club well in all its future success. The Tigers expressed their thanks for his hard work over the past 26 years, including three stints as president. He leaves on his own terms and the club extends its appreciation for all his hard work. 
Cello Matricardi has taken over the position as president and is ready to work with and lead the club to an improved season. He has the backing of a new committee and it is working hard to move forward. The Tigers are still looking for players interested in playing Seniors and/or Reserves football this year and urges anyone looking to have a kick and enjoy a great social atmosphere to get on board and be part of the next big step for the Kyneton Football Netball Club. To register your interest, contact Cello on 0419 161 002.
To keep up-to-date with the latest news around the club, check out the Tigers' Facebook page by typing in 'Kyneton Football Netball Club' or log onto - kynetonfnc.comTUNE IN TO 100.7 HIGHLANDS FM TONIGHT FROM 6.15PM AND SATURDAY'S REPLAY FROM 12.15PM AS THE SPORTS TEAM CHATS WITH CELLO MATRICARDI

Riddells Creek Farmers Market turns five on Saturday - meet the producer of the week, Dragi Blazevski

At Dragi's stall, you'll find a huge array of delicious veggies including red oakleaf, cos and butter and generally all leafy greens! 

Yes, we have a little bit of Macedonia in the Macedon Ranges! Meet Dragi, a regular producer at the Riddells Creek Farmers Market, as well as at Lancefield, Kyneton and Woodend.

At Dragi's stall, you'll find a huge array of delicious veggies including red oakleaf, cos and butter and generally all leafy greens! The produce is all hydroponically grown and the property has 1500 square metres of greenhouse all producing delicious leafy greens all year round. The liquid nutrients (no chemicals, just a mixture of minerals) are mixed in tanks of water which circulate throughout the system.

Looking for a change, one more familiar to their Macedonian background, Dragi and his family moved from Epping to Diggers Rest and into agriculture. Five years ago they purchased the already established farm and then moved into the farmers market arena. With three small children, Dragi and his wife, with help sometimes from his mother-in law, run a successful business selling freshly harvested salad and leafy greens and herbs from the Riddells Creek market. You'll usually recognise Dragi wearing one of his more spectacular hats at the stall, and always there with a smile and joke. So next market, go along and meet the man producing the beautiful ingredients for your next summer salad!

Critters need water too!

A wild rabbit drinking from an alpaca's water trough last Sunday on a private property in Nulla Vale (near Lancefield). Property owner, Antonia Pusterla, says kangaroos and birds often use the trough, but it's the first time she has spotted a rabbit taking a sip. Photo: Antonia Pusterla

Kylie Kitchen 

Animals need hydration and shade in this hot weather too!

Pets, livestock and local wildlife are sensitive to extreme temperatures and can easily become dehydrated and heat stressed, and those with pale fur are particularly prone to sunburn.

Ensure your animals always have easy access to plenty of cool, fresh water and a shaded area.

Pets Haven Foundation also suggests placing a wading pool outside, keeping your pet well groomed, letting them indoors when possible, and giving them ice treats.

Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network asks residents to help wildlife by leaving containers of water out in shaded areas where you most commonly see the animals (plastic or ceramic are recommended to keep the water cool). Place a stick or rock in the container to avoid small animals getting stuck inside and drowning.

Signs of heat exhaustion include panting, increased water intake, loss of appetite, and lethargy.

If your pets, livestock or wildlife are suffering heat exhaustion, please call your local veterinary clinic or Wildlife Victoria (13 000 94535) for advice or assistance.

Labour of love - widowers seek support for cancer retreat promise

Builder, Paul Gray, and chairman and founder of The Otis Foundation, Andrew Barling, share ideas for a proposed new breast cancer retreat honouring their late wives. Photo: Max Lesser

Kylie Kitchen

A search is on for a generous landowner to help make a Macedon Ranges or Mt Alexander breast cancer retreat a reality.

Builder, Paul Gray, is offering to donate his time and skills to construct the retreat, in memory of his late wife, Kerri.

Paul was left a widower to the disease in 2011 following his wife's four-year battle.

Kerri and the family shared their precious last memories holidaying together on a rural getaway.

"It gave us family time (with children, Emily, now 13, and Darcy, now 10)," Paul said.

"It was more a normality of getting back to enjoying family time without the impact of what cancer can bring to your family, it gives you a holiday.

"Family was everything to Kerri ... I know she was also doing it for us, to give us normality as well."

Paul recalls those times so fondly that he decided to help open another retreat with The Otis Foundation, a charity providing free, short-term retreats for people living with breast cancer.

"To have lived and fought this disease with Kerri, our family knows how much a small getaway can help to forget the day-to-day stresses of this terrible disease," Paul said.

"So for us to be in a situation to be able to give that feeling to other families and friends with breast cancer is a small thing, after such a big loss. 

"For me personally to be able to build this home and have it named after Kerri is very rewarding and a labour of love."

Paul and Kerri's discussions about helping The Otis Foundation have motivated him to pursue the project.

"I just felt that I had to follow it through, being one of her wishes, and something that I can do as a legacy to Kerri," Paul said.

"It's great to know Otis (members) are completely behind it and excited. It's been something they took on with open arms."

Paul, owner of Paul Gray Builders, said he will be very 'hands on' in the project.

"My main aim is to be able to do it myself, it's something that I've got to be able to build personally," he said.

Otis chairman and founder, Andrew Barling, is working with Paul to help bring the project to fruition. 

During project discussions, Andrew and Paul discovered the coincidence that both their wives had passed away from breast cancer on the same day, 11 years apart. 

The Otis Foundation was inspired by Judy Burley who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 29 years old. Judy had a vision to deliver the peace, nurturing and comfort she found in nature, to others facing a similar challenge. 

Today, Judy's dream has become a network of 14 Otis retreats located in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.

"Ever since Otis began, we have relied and thrived on the generosity of the central Victorian communities and we continue to be very thankful to them," Andrew said.

"From Judy's original vision, I understand the significance of the gift that Paul and Kerri have offered to Otis and the ongoing contribution it will make to the lives of those living with breast cancer. 

"Now we're calling for another generous individual to contribute the land, to help Paul and I see this exciting project to fruition."

The Otis Foundation is calling for a significant donation of a picturesque piece of countryside, on which to build the new retreat.

To find out more or make an offer to Otis, contact Charmaine Vanderbeek at charmaine@otisfoundation.org.au or on 5444 1185.

Unanimous on danger

Kylie Kitchen

Macedon Ranges councillors were unanimous in their decision against VicRoads' reduced roadside slashing program on Wednesday morning.
Council called a special meeting outside of its regular meeting schedule to urgently address the fire hazard issue.
VicRoads notified council in December that it has cut back its level of strategic firebreaks in the shire in line with a bushfire risk assessment recommended by the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission.
The notification came only after councillors noticed significant overgrowth on arterial roads prompting the CEO and other officers to make enquiries.
"In essence, this advice indicates a reduced firebreak roadside slashing program in the Macedon Ranges Shire for the future," Cr Russell Mowatt said.
"This advice comes at a time when the state and nation as a whole are dealing with hundreds of fires across the board with conditions the worst (they have) been in decades."
Cr Mowatt criticised VicRoads' general approach.
"This is a regional approach by VicRoads rather than viewing our shire as an exception to the rule, given our history on bushfires (Ash Wednesday 1983)," Cr Mowatt said.
The new firebreak program replaces some mowing/slashing with roadside burn-offs, and removes fence-to-fence mowing.
"For example, the Calder Highway and Melbourne-Lancefield Road will no longer be slashed from fence to fence. I believe some of these areas are already feeling the impact of these changes," Cr Mowatt said.
"... we are a high fire risk area and are concerned for the welfare and safety of our neighbours and fellow residents."
Council agreed to write to the Premier, Emergency Services Minister, Roads Minister, local MPs, VicRoads and CFA to express its disappointment and dissatisfaction with the situation.
Councillors Mowatt, Jukes, Morabito, Connor, Letchford and Anderson carried the motion unanimously. Fellow councillors Hackett, Piper and McLaughlin were absent.

Man hit by train

A Bendigo man died after being hit by a train while attempting to cross the tracks at Kyneton Railway Station on Wednesday.

A man died after he was hit by a train at Kyneton Railway Station on Wednesday night. 

The 30-year-old Bendigo man was attempting to run across the tracks at 5.50pm when he was clipped by the train and thrown with force into a fence on the other side, Kyneton Police Senior Constable Willmott said.

He had jumped the pedestrian gate in an effort to reach the other platform and board the train. 

The V/Line train was an express service from Melbourne to Bendigo, not stopping at Kyneton.

The man was taken by air ambulance to the Alfred Hospital where he later died.

The peak-hour train service was detained for 2.5 hours.

Threat averted

Firefighters mop up after bringing a bushfire at Pipers Creek under control.

Angela Crawford

The well coordinated efforts of local fire brigades prevented a bushfire at Pipers Creek from escaping out of control in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Firefighters were called to the bushfire between Balls Lane and Three Chain Road at about 4am.
The nature of the terrain and lots of fallen timber in the bush made it difficult for vehicles to gain access, and a shire council bulldozer was called in to cut a line around the fire as a firebreak and access path.
The fire spread across five hectares and took about two and a half hours to control.
Twenty units from Calrsruhe, Kyneton, Pastoria, Benloch, Malmsbury, Tylden, Spring Hill, Metcalfe, Lancefield, Hesket-Kerrie, Woodend and Newham brought the fire under control and continued mopping up until midday.
Three brigades continued to patrol throughout the day and further patrols were conducted on Wednesday and Thursday morning.
Kyneton group officer, John Pearce, said he was very happy with the effort of all involved.
"They did an excellent job under very trying conditions," he said.
The cause of the fire is being investigated but is suspected to have resulted from the reignition of a burnoff conducted some time earlier.

Fishing for a podium finish

Kyneton dirt bike rider, Matt Fish is continuing to display his strong riding ability in the Dakar Rally, despite dropping from sixth place to 56th.
The 50-place loss came with teammate Joan Barreda's gas pump problems and an engine change penalty in stage five.
As the waterboy for the Husqvarna Rally Team, Fish is responsible for assisting teammates who run into problems.
Fish kept up with the team's strong start, earning a podium position in stage two of this, his first Dakar. He came third in that early stage, placing him sixth overall, not far behind first-placing Barreda, and ahead of other teammates Paulo Goncalves, 22nd, and Alessandro Botturi, 27th.
At the conclusion of stage five on Wednesday, the overall standings were: Botturi, seventh, Goncalves, 16th, Barreda, 54th, and Fish, 56th.
There is ample opportunity for Fish and the team to come back to the podium with nine stages remaining in the 14-stage event.
The prestigious world rally, in its 31st year, is being held in South America.

Young voices to broadcast

Cobaw's WayOut project worker, Lachlan Slade and WayOut member, Sam Morris practice interview skills as Cobaw prepares for is new youth radio program, Outlands.

A new youth radio program is calling for young people people to give it a voice.
The program, Outlands, will be broadcast on 100.7 Highlands FM in about two months.
The Cobaw Community Health facilitated project was launched at the Kyneton Botanic Gardens this week.
Outlands aims to give its young presenters a program to share youth interests, music and issues, also giving them skills in radio production and interview techniques.
"It gives young people an opportunity to really put their voice out there more than they would on any other platform," Outlands facilitator and Cobaw's WayOut project worker, Lachlan Slade said. 
Organisers are seeking people who are interested in radio presenting, production, and reporting stories.
Cobaw hosted a launch barbecue on Wednesday as an opportunity for young people to register their interest in participating in the program.
"Outlands is a great opportunity for young people to get their voice on radio and make a real difference to the community they are living in," Mr Slade said. 
"We are seeking people between the ages of 14 and 21 who are enthusiastic and excited about learning more about radio and broadcasting to become involved and help present the program."
"You don't need any special skills or knowledge. We will provide full training, including how to make the program sound amazing."
For more information and to apply to be involved, contact Lachlan Slade, at Cobaw Community Health on 5421 1666, at lachlan.slade@cobaw.vic.gov.au or via Facebook: facebook.com/outlands1007

Generations click

 Simon Darby and dad, Peter, celebrated five generations to work at one wool growing property (above). 

Peter and Simon at work on Wednesday (below). Photos: Chris Fleming.

History was made in a Woodend sheep shearing shed on Wednesday.
Young shearer, Simon Darby, 20, is the fifth generation Darby to shear at the Woodend property.
The property, on Woodend-Tylden Road, belongs to fifth generation wool grower, Trevor Pollard.
Wednesday marked Simon's first day of his first season working at the property, and was kicked off shearing alongside his dad, Peter, in celebration.
"Five generations have shorn at that shed in Woodend, my great grandfather, my grandfather, my father, me and Simon," Peter said.
"We were just born with sheep shearing on our brains really."
Simon has worked as a shearer for about 18 months, making Peter proud.
"He's going really good. It's good to see," Peter said.
Peter is hopeful to have a grandchild take on the sheep shearing tradition.
"One or more of them will carry it on anyway. We just hope there will be generations to follow," he said.
The pressure is on for the only grandchild so far, Sophie, who is 12 weeks old.
"I'd like to see a girl shearer in the family," Peter said.

Board 'confident' in running of hospital

"I believe it's a model for the state." - Kyneton Hospital board president, Graham Jasper

Angela Crawford

Despite growing community concern about the breakdown of the after-hours urgent care clinic and general service provision at Kyneton Hospital, board president, Graham Jasper, said he is confident the health service is being run "exceptionally well".

Mr Jasper said community members have expectations beyond what the hospital is funded to deliver.

"They don't understand. I believe it's run exceptionally well, it gets recognised all the time, but not in the local paper," Mr Jasper said.

"I believe it's a model for the state."

Board member since 1996 and former board president, Noel Harvey, agrees.

"Management runs the hospital consistent with the directions from the board, which are consistent with government policy," he said.

"I understand there's some people who don't necessarily like that direction."

In response to the Guardian's questions in relation to additional strain being placed on the ambulance service as a result of a lack of after-hours emergency care available at Kyneton, Mr Harvey pointed out that Victoria's whole health system is under strain.

"Kyneton is not immune from that," he said. 

"The hospital has increasing pressure from its community ... we actually did have a balanced budget last year, and we had planned on a balanced budget this year, but the argy-bargy between the state and federal government (in relation to the federal government's withdrawal of funding to the state) is having an impact on all health services, and we are no exception to that ... and we are going to have to make some reductions in our spending to comply."

Mr Harvey said the board takes full responsibility for the running of the hospital.

"In reality, criticism of management is actually criticism of the board, because management is implementing decisions of the board," he said.

Mr Jasper said board members have no reason to speak to staff members beneath the executive about any managerial issues they may have. He did, however, invite hospital staff members or members of the community with any concerns relating to the hospital to contact him directly.

"If they have concerns about the operation or processes at the hospital, I'm more than happy to discuss these with them personally, they can ring me on my home telephone number, 5422 2555," he said.

"I can't deal with these things if nobody talks about them. Those people can just as easily resolve this issue by coming and talking to me themselves. I don't like fighting these battles through the paper."

Nominations for appointments to the Board of Kyneton Hospital close today for four part-time vacancies - two of which are possible reappointments.

Mr Jasper explained that board members nominate a selection panel from within the board, which then makes recommendations to the full board, and those are forwarded to the Minister for Health.

"They are ministerial appointments, once they leave our hands we have no (further) input," he said.

Tributes flow

Coffin bearers at Lt Peter Harry's funeral in Gisborne on Wednesday deliver his casket to the hearse (above).

CFA and emergency services personnel line the streets to form a guard of honour as the coffin departs Dixon Field (below).Photos: Chris Fleming

More than 1000 people attended the funeral service for 2nd Lieutenant Peter Harry at Dixon Field in Gisborne.

Moving tributes were made by family and friends of the much-loved volunteer firefighter and community member.

Group officer of Mt Macedon Group, Ian Hay, gave the eulogy and thanked the Harry family for the privilege of being able to speak about Peter's CFA service.

Ian provided a long list of Lt Harry's contributions to the brigade and the CFA family.

"Just listing Peter's service does not really demonstrate how much he did for CFA and, ultimately, the community," Ian said.

"When he was living in Sunbury we could always be sure to see Peter on Good Friday for the Royal Children's Hospital Appeal. "With his contacts, Peter would always get Gisborne mentioned on the televised appeal. However, he was not happy with just a mention so, with some gentle arm-twisting, he would arrange with his brother in-law for a live cross from the station.

"The kids - and some adults - loved the chance to become a star for the short time of the cross, but no-one was happier than Peter because he had once again raised the profile of the brigade and CFA in the community. 

"A lot of people did not realise the work Peter did with the local media to get the CFA message out to the community. The respect that Peter had cultivated with the local papers has become very evident in the past few days.

"Peter would not have been such a big part of the brigade and group without the support of his family, and CFA would like to take this opportunity to thank Leanne and the girls for their generosity in allowing us to be part of Peter's life."

Ian closed with a quote from a Facebook post from a firefighter in Geelong, which in part read, 'Rest peacefully - you have done your duty. We will take over from here'.

Following the service, CFA and other emergency services personnel lined the streets to form a guard of honour as the coffin departed.

Locals prosper at the Rock

(Above) Override, ridden by Chris Nicoll claimed a win in Race 1 for new local trainer, Brent Stanley. 

(Below) Nicoll also rode Crystal Reef to victory in race 3, again for the Stanley stable. 

Photos: Chris Fleming

Kylie Kitchen

The New Year's Day race event at Hanging Rock was prosperous for two Kyneton trainers.

New trainer, Brent Stanley kicked off his winning streak in Race 1, the Team Staffing Solutions 3YO Maiden Plate (1000m $8,000) with Override, ridden by Chris Nicoll.

Stanley's second win came in Race 3, the NMIT 0-68 HANDICAP (1000m $8,000) with Crystal Reef, another at the hands of jockey, Chris Nicoll. 

"For Brent Stanley to have his first two starters at the rock and have two winners is a fantastic effort. He's had an outstanding start to his career," Kyneton & Hanging Rock Racing Club CEO, Mark Graham said.

Runner-up to Stanley in Race 3 was another Kyneton trainer, Neil Dyer, with Belle Diva, ridden by Ben Knobel.

Returning trainer, Mick Sell had his winning moment in Race 4, the Sportsbet.com.au Top Tote Plus 0-62 Handicap (2400m $8,000) with Dance Crew, ridden by jockey, Luke Londregan. 

Sell then had a runner-up in Race 5 (Glen Erin Group Maiden Plate (1800m $8,000) with Coin Toss.

"It was nice to see Dance Crew make it for Mick Sell," Mr Graham said.

Sell was absent from the meeting due to an illness in the family.

"There was a big cheer that went up when Dance Crew won. To see one win for the family was uplifting for those who know (Sell)," Mr Graham said.

There was a strong crowd to celebrate the local victories, with attendance numbers between 5,000 and 5,500.

"It was an absolutely outstanding crowd considering the issues we've had in previous years," Mr Graham said.

"That attendance highlights just what regard racing at Hanging Rock has in the wider community."

Last year's Australia Day meeting was abandoned after a horse with jockey almost fell in the first race due to a large cavity in the track.

Kangaroos intruded on the Australia Day meeting the year before, forcing all races to be scratched.

The track was in top condition this time around, Mr Graham said.

"Reports on the condition of the track from jockeys ranged from, 'in great order', to, 'outstanding'," he said.

Mr Graham praised the behaviour of attendees on Tuesday.

There were no arrests or evictions on the day.

"To have that many people in your venue for the day and have outstanding crowd behaviour was such a positive for us," Mr Graham said.

(Above) Race-goers were relaxed for the New Year's Day races. 

(Below) A good crowd of more than 5000 turned out to the popular Hanging Rock event. 

Photos: Chris Fleming