US expert to speak - Driving local business, jobs and wealth

Michael Shuman is one of the world's leading authorities on local wealth creation and retention and community economic development.

At a time when local business, local economies and communities are coming under increased stress, a unique opportunity exists to hear how communities in the USA are growing in challenging times, and how new strategies might be applied to business and communities in the Macedon Ranges.
USA-based Michael Shuman is one of the world's leading authorities on local wealth creation and retention and community economic development and he will be speaking in Woodend at a breakfast seminar next Wednesday titled 'Driving Local Business, Jobs and Wealth'.
Michael is a Fellow at the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), Cutting Edge Capital, and the Post-Carbon Institute. He regularly undertakes economic leakage studies and assists communities to identify and establish job creation opportunities. A prolific speaker, he has lectured for more than 30 years across 47 US states and eight countries. He has recently published his third book on local economies entitled Local Dollars, Local Sense: How to Move Your Money from Wall Street to Main Street and Achieve Real Prosperity. Michael is based in Maryland in the USA.
Sponsored by Great Place Woodend and Bendigo Bank, this breakfast seminar will address key economic opportunities and issues facing local communities like:
· Understanding the deep economic need for local business success
· Generating the conditions for well-paid employment opportunities
· Creating a local economy that maintains a strong sense of place
· How community can invest in local property and infrastructure development through Community Development Corporations
· Achieving sustainable prosperity across the whole community
Participants will also hear about new initiatives in the Macedon Ranges based on new thinking to drive local economic development in Woodend.
Michael will also be joined by civic strategist and Woodend local, Larry Quick (AUS and USA).
The event will be held next Wednesday, March 13, (7.15am to 9.15am) at Zarby's, 84 High St, Woodend. Cost including a sumptuous breakfast is $45.
Register now (limited places remain) by emailing Andrew Hynson: Andrew.hynson@greatplaceaustralia.com.au, or phoning: 0419 152 293.

Safe haven - Animal shelter saved by VCAT ruling

Happy Pets Haven volunteers, Sue Little, Mandy Elder, Serena Eldridge and Shelly Culpin, with founder Trish Burke and rescued dog, Poppy, are celebrating the foundation's permit approval.

Kylie Kitchen

Pets Haven has won its battle against Macedon Ranges Council to stay at its Woodend premises.
On Monday, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearing was held to dispute council's 2012 decision to refuse the shelter a retrospective planning permit.
In an unusual move, the VCAT member, Alison Slattery, spontaneously visited the premises and made an on-the-spot decision.
After hearing from both parties on Monday, Ms Slattery took up an invitation to see Pets Haven for herself.
She inspected the premises and handed down the ruling on site, instead of waiting the usual six weeks.
"I have decided to set aside the council decision to refuse the application and direct the council to issue a permit in accordance with the endorsed plans and subject to the conditions in the appendix to this order. My decision and reasons were given orally at the second part of the hearing held on site," Ms Slattery said in the order.
Pets Haven founder, Trish Burke was relieved at the prompt decision.
"Winning our VCAT hearing and being notified immediately instead of having to wait six weeks was such a surreal and emotional moment; many tears flowed," she said.
"The feeling among all of our Pets Haven members was like a major battle had been finally won and we could continue on in protecting our orphaned animals.
"Our history with Macedon Ranges Shire Council has been very stressful, our reputation was at times placed at risk and financially this has been very detrimental to our not-for-profit charity. The money and time we have spent should have gone towards our shelter animals.
"We hope that Macedon Ranges Shire Council will now finally leave us alone and respect the decision which VCAT has made.
"I would really love to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported Pets Haven.
"We plan on continuing to rescue and rehouse orphaned animals and to rehabilitate injured and abused animals."
Council planning and environment director, Sophie Segafredo gave a brief response to council's loss at the hearing.
"Council will continue to work with the operators of Pets Haven to ensure an appropriate level of service is provided to the community concerning the animal shelter," she said.
"VCAT's decision to support Pets Haven's proposal will be implemented following receipt of formal documentation from VCAT."
Council refused the permit application last March on a belief the shelter lacked core commercial activity for the business 1 zone.

Festival hit the right note

The Perch Creek Family Jugband delighted festival-goers in the Kyneton Town Hall.

Review: Damien Welch

Kyneton is a great town for a music festival and over the weekend of March 1-3, beautiful Kyneton put on an excellent festival performance, playing host to 40 acts during the second annual Kyneton Music Festival.
Happy crowds enjoyed sunshine, a great festival vibe and the charm of the town's unique venues. The festival organisers again did a superb job of including local pubs, halls, churches, restaurants and galleries as an integral part of this special festival experience.
The punters were an assortment of ages, from the younger crowd who turned out for the all-ages show on Friday night to a slightly older set for the more established acts on the Saturday night. Providing free entry to under-eights proved a popular move by the festival as families with young tackers wandered the venues adding to the relaxed feel of the event.
Broadening the scope from essentially a blues and roots festival to a festival of all-comers, the Friday night at the Royal George Hotel brought the dub, funk and ska to the festival. The hotel heaved with people shaking it to the infectious rhythm of The Resignators who followed the effortless groove of Woodend luminaries Brother Johnstone.
Stonefield closed the Friday night all ages line-up at the Town Hall and showcased why there is such a buzz about them with a ripping performance of soaring '70s-influenced rock. Stonefield is made up of the four teenage Findlay sisters from Darraweit Guim. The young women have a very polished sound indeed, confirming their musical growth since winning Triple J Unearthed and touring internationally.
After something of a rest, the Saturday morning was a holy musical tour of Kyneton's handsome churches featuring the Celtic folk offerings of Anam Chara, the classic blues of Reservoir Frogs and Marty and the Mudcats and the sweet jazz of Norm Gray's Quartet. Roaming around town over the afternoon, festival-goers could move between the melodies of acoustic artist Sarah Wilkinson at the Country Cob Bakery and the pastoral balladry of Alaskan/Kynetonian collaboration Dirt Hollow at the Pizza and Wine Club.
Saturday night saw the majority of punters converge on the Town Hall for the rootsier night of the festival. This reviewer was in the mood for a bit of a jig and Kyneton duly provided. A large crowd revelled in the charm of the Perch Creek Family Jugband, another bunch of overachieving siblings with infectious tunes. There was jug, there was washboard and the peculiarly moving playing of the musical saw.
The two stages at the Town Hall on the Saturday night worked a treat. Cherrywood provided two fantastic short sets of rollicking danceable tunes that saw the crowd squeeze into the front section for a town boogie. A real knees-up. On either side of those sets the larger stage saw longer, more expansive sets by the soulful alt-country of the wonderful Ramblin' Van Walker Band and the expert songwriting of Mick Thomas and the Roving Commission. Good stuff.
Those who ventured down picturesque Piper Street to the Stockroom over the weekend were treated to a great open air stage at the rear of the gallery space. A special child-friendly event, Tiny Dancers, took place at the Stockroom on Sunday morning. Many tiny dancers and a few longer-toothed interlopers rocked to the child-friendly beats and dance floor decor.
Hilary Blackman and the Afternoon Philosophers played a thoughtful and time-appropriate set to start Sunday arvo at the Stockroom, which also played host to a fantastic rare performance from the Dead Salesmen, in this incarnation a duo. The Stockroom itself was a highlight of the festival, the shop-cum-gallery yet another intriguing and welcoming space to all punters over the weekend, with food also served from the Nola Poorboy food van out the back.
The 2013 Kyneton Music Festival ended how it began, bathed in sunshine and drenched in music and more music. Though the summer festival circuit has a lot on offer across Victoria, this distinctive festival's curve should continue on its upward trend again in 2014. Assuming that the artists and venues continue to be selected so expertly, K-town can count on my attendance and my peculiar dance moves next year and beyond.

Sublime seven

SHE: Seven Harp Ensemble will perform at St Ambrose Church in Woodend on Monday.

It's not often Woodend hosts a harp concert - let alone one featuring seven harps. But the Labour Day long weekend will feature an exceptional opportunity to see and hear some of Australia's best - all at once.
The all-women SHE: Seven Harp Ensemble will perform at St Ambrose Church marking the launch of the 2013 Woodend Winter Arts Festival Program which will be available to the public from the concert onwards.
SHE brings together graduates of the Australian National University under the direction of world renowned harpist, Alice Giles and is brought to Woodend with the support of the festival and historic Mt Macedon's Duneira.
And for music students - or students curious about the harp - there will be a very special harp workshop at Duneira with Alice Giles in the morning before the concert which will include a chance to play the harp as well as learn how it works and when it was invented.
Monday's performance will be held from 2.30pm - 3.30pm in the St Ambrose Catholic Church in Templeton Street.
Cost $35 full / $25 concession. Bookings essential - online via www.duneira.com.au or at the door on the day.
Mark the festival in your diary - Queen's Birthday Weekend - June 7-10, 2013.

Smooth sailing

The stars were in action in the water last weekend.

Welcome to the first report from the Bendigo Yacht Club.
Macedon Ranges locals, Emma Fitt and Lucas Geddes, are in the club's junior squad and both sailed extremely well in the light conditions. An 'All Female' Catamaran Clinic was held at the club over the weekend and 15 ladies joined the afternoon race. The wind might have been low, but the enthusiasm of these keen cat sailors kept spirits high. Some started, and a few finished, but for those who had their first turn at skippering, the experience was memorable. On Saturday evening, the club had an amazing opportunity to meet, listen and learn from one of Australia's most dedicated sailors. Krystal Weir has represented Australia at the last two Olympics and is one of the top ranked women Laser sailors in the world. She had all in attendance enthralled by her journey from her first learning to sail programs to her two Olympic Campaigns. Members will be given the opportunity to set off flares under the watchful eyes of the local Coast Guard. This will take place on Saturday, April 20, following the final race of the summer series at approximately 4pm. Bring along old expired flares. Also bring along a barbecue tea to enjoy afterwards. The Coast Guard need to know numbers so please let the club know if you wish to take part.
Race results - 
Race three Kimbolton Series.
With light winds to contend with at Lake Eppalock last Saturday, some interesting results were seen.
Division two
1 - Phillip Mann (Mosquito)
2 - Stuart Ridge (Mosquito) 
There was quite a tussle with these two boats and there were several lead changes during the course of the race.
Division three
1 - Mark Gillies (Laser)
2 - Baz Floyd (Taser)
3 - Mick Floyd ( Laser)
Division four
1 - Anthony Wall/John Snowdon (Castle 650)
2 - Rowen Gillies (Noelex 25)
3 - Dane Boag/Carol Boag (Noelex 25)
Division five
1 - Emma Fitt (Pacer)
Division six
1 - Lucas Geddes (Pacer)

Stewart continues rapid progress

Kyneton's Chloe Stewart shows off another medal to add to the trophy cabinet on the back of her Singles victory on Saturday.

Kyneton bowler Chloe Stewart is in the thick of the action again. The young star has taken home the Under 18 Girls Singles Australian Open Singles Championship at Darebin on Saturday. Stewart took all in her stride as she defeated Queensland's Natalie Noronha in an epic final. After playing two games of nine ends, the girls finished at one-set all. They played a tie-breaker of three ends and the girls could not be separated, finishing at 3-all. Stewart played in a sudden death play-off and snuck over the line with three good bowls to win 6-3 in a very exciting game. 
The win at Darebin was crucial for Stewart as she continues to firm as one of the fastest growing talented young bowlers in the country. She has enjoyed a stellar 2012/2013 season where she finished as a semi-finalist in the Women's singles and won the Women's Triples. She has dominated at local level with wins in the Under 25 Girls singles, winner of the State singles and was Champion of Champions in the Central Highlands Bowling District. She progressed through to win at group level in the State Singles and Champion of Champions and will eye off the final round of 16 at the State finals in Bendigo next month. 
She has a massive month ahead to add to her event in Bendigo with the Under 18 Victorian Open State Singles event at Clayton. and she will represent Victoria as they take on New South Wales in Woolongong in a Test series. 
Stewart will be leading the senior team with Carla Odgers.

Finals around the corner for Woodend

(Top) Jesse 'Juicy' Waters was in cracking form last week to lead Woodend into the grand final of the One Day competition against East Sunbury. (Above) captain Max Ambler is confident that the Woodsmen are a great chance to take home the premiership. Photos: Chris Fleming

Barry Man

Firstly, on behalf of the committee, I want to say a special big thank you to Ronan Hume, Brenda McDonald, Julie Warner, Joanne McIntosh, Mel Gardner and the many others who made sure the Pink Stumps Day went off.  The $1500 in proceeds will be a welcome donation to this great cause for women.
The first day of the last home and away round for the 2012/2013 season was a mixed bag for the Woodsmen.  
SENIORS
McIntyre Cup -  The Woods, played Romsey at Romsey and got ‘em all out for 120.   Wazza Else snagged 4/18, Marcus Ciunik took 3/26.  Jamie Stembridge (Asia) continued his rich vein of form and chipped in with 2/12. This total would normally be well within our boy’s grasp, if not for the fact that we have wobbled to reach 4/37 by the end of the day.  There is still plenty of batting left in the shed, but it will be a good test of the nerves for those currently in (Gards and Digger) and those left to come in!
C Grade – The seconds played top side Digger Rest at the GeeGee. They batted first and made 259, with the two Dan’s (Eastley and Heaney) making 82 and 71 respectively, and putting on 130-odd partnership.   That’s pretty good against the best bowling team in the comp. If we can knock ‘em off their perch next week, Woodend will be a team to be feared and loathed in the coming finals.  Go get ‘em boys.
E Grade - The Terds played East Sunbury at Goonawarra and unfortunately lost the toss and were given the ball.  On a hot steamy day, East Sunbury eventually dragged along to get 5/235 on the small, quick ground.  Bomber O’Malley and Kezza Else toiled particularly well for a couple of very unfit guys, and we kept it tight all day. This is not enough I reckon for the pretty good batting line-up that we have.   This is a good opportunity for gathering intelligence too, as we play East Sunbury again next week in the first semi-final!
One Day Comp – The Oncers played Lancefield in the semi-final at the GeeGee, came back to form and caned the Lancers.   We batted first and made 7/190, with Jimmie (Soda) Hepburn making another 50, ably supported by Funnell with 39.
We then rolled the Lancers for 76, with J Waters getting 4/8 is a sizzling spell, and with Funnell and Soda getting a couple of wickets each.  Hard to pick the MoM for this one, but I guess it would have to go to Soda!   The Oncers play East Sunbury at Goonawarra next Sunday in the Big One, so I would urge all those out there who like to watch swash-buckling cricket to get along!  Go Boys!
JUNIORS
Woodend Tempest – The Under 16s played Wallan at Wallan, bowled first and got the Wallies all out for 112, with Whitey (2/19) and Briggsy (2/11) snaring a couple each, and young Jack Boyer getting 2/2!  Should be able to get those!
Under 14 East – Our Saplings played the Macedon at home batted first and made 121 off 37 overs, with young Nicholls again amongst the runs with 40.  Next closest score was 14 from Glamour Girl Jess Dugdale-Walker.   Well done Jess. Macedon then had a bat for a nervous 4 overs, and were 0/11 at stumps on first day.
Under 12 East – In a game full of wickets, our Seedlings played Romsey at Romsey.  The Romsey boys made 71 all out.  We then made, wait for it, 14/74!  Didn’t know you could bat that many, but for the kids it’s all about just getting a hit, and a lot of em did!  We lost on points!  Never mind it’s all good fun.