Take a Hike: Loddon Falls

If you are looking for a walk that combines spectacular geology, a waterfall, a beautiful river valley and a little local art history, the Loddon Falls walk near Glenlyon is hard to beat. And after recent rains, the falls are at their spectacular best.

Barry Golding and the Spa Fairy

The next Wombat Post and Rotary Conversation's guest speaker will be Barry Golding. Barry is an Honorary Professor from Federation University, Patron, Australian Men's Shed Association and author of four books. The conversation will take place on Thursday 17 September. This is a free event but bookings are essential. The ‘Spa Fairy’ with her magic wand was invoked a century ago to help promote the perceived healing effects of the many local mineral springs, including from their natural radioactivity, and to encourage tourist visitation. Barry Golding’s intention behind this Daylesford Conversations session is to critically interrogate some of the convenient myths behind the Spa Fairy...

Costs Awarded Against David Penman

The Magistrates' Court has awarded $180,000 in costs against David Penman following the dismissal of his private criminal prosecutions against former Hepburn Shire CEO Bradley Thomas and Councillors Clark, Henderson, Hewitt, Cornish, and Hockey. Mr. Penman initiated private charges alleging misuse of public office, which under the Local Government Act required the five elected councillors to temporarily stand down. However, the case collapsed when Victoria’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) formally intervened. Following a thorough evidence review, the DPP determined there were insufficient grounds to proceed and successfully applied to have all charges completely thrown out, allowing the councillors to return to their positions. With the criminal charges dismissed, the legal focus shifted to...

The History files: Daylesford Entertainment in the early 20th Century

In 1917 there was plenty of entertainment for Daylesford residents, from dancing, card tournaments, picture shows, socials and musical excursions to special train trips. From...

Another Local Member Retires

The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, has announced that she will not be seeking re election in November. This follows the retirement of the former Premier and Member for Bendigo East, Jacinta...

Councillor Column: Cr Tim Drylie

Last Friday I had to call RACV roadside assistance and was warned of a four-hour wait because of increased incidents on the Western Freeway associated with potholes. Thankfully my wait was much shorter, but it made the scale of the problem pretty obvious. 

Daffodils

The bulbs are out and Spring is on the way.

Private Prosecutions Bring Hepburn Shire Democracy to a Grinding Halt –...

Editorial Opinion Hepburn Shire Council has reached the point where it cannot function. Not because voters have withdrawn their mandate, and not because the state government has intervened, but because of a sequence of private legal actions that have forced...

Councillor Column – Cr Shirley Cornish

The Hepburn Shire budget was recently endorsed by Council. It proved to be a difficult budget considering the financial pressures confronting councils across Victoria due to rising costs, limited revenue growth, rate capping, ageing infrastructure and increasing demand for services.

The Wrap

Another Local Member Retires

The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, has announced that she will not be seeking re election in...

Choccies and Spielberg at the Phoenix

September is  Spielberg Month at the Phoenix. His filmography spans populist blockbusters and serious historical drama, often blending the two. He redefined mainstream cinema with Jaws (1975), Close Encounters...

Costs Awarded Against David Penman

The Magistrates' Court has awarded $180,000 in costs against David Penman following the dismissal of his private criminal prosecutions against former Hepburn Shire CEO...

Barry Golding and the Spa Fairy

The next Wombat Post and Rotary Conversation's guest speaker will be Barry Golding. Barry is an Honorary Professor from Federation University, Patron,...

Read more

Recreation

Choccies and Spielberg at the Phoenix

September is  Spielberg Month at the Phoenix. His filmography spans populist blockbusters and serious historical drama, often blending the two. He redefined mainstream cinema with Jaws (1975), Close Encounters...

 

Become part of the community

Another Local Member Retires

The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, has announced that she will not be seeking re election in...

Choccies and Spielberg at the Phoenix

September is  Spielberg Month at the Phoenix. His filmography spans populist blockbusters and serious historical drama, often blending the two. He redefined mainstream cinema with Jaws (1975), Close Encounters...

Costs Awarded Against David Penman

The Magistrates' Court has awarded $180,000 in costs against David Penman following the dismissal of his private criminal prosecutions against former Hepburn Shire CEO...

Barry Golding and the Spa Fairy

The next Wombat Post and Rotary Conversation's guest speaker will be Barry Golding. Barry is an Honorary Professor from Federation University, Patron,...

Daffodils

The bulbs are out and Spring is on the way.

Councillor Column: Cr Tim Drylie

Last Friday I had to call RACV roadside assistance and was warned of a four-hour wait because of increased incidents on the Western Freeway associated with potholes. Thankfully my wait was much shorter, but it made the scale of the problem pretty obvious. 

Take a Hike: Loddon Falls

If you are looking for a walk that combines spectacular geology, a waterfall, a beautiful river valley and a little local art history, the Loddon Falls walk near Glenlyon is hard to beat. And after recent rains, the falls are at their spectacular best.

Encore! An Afternoon of Salon Music Gems

Christ Church Concerts are delighted to welcome a return visit from virtuoso violinist, London based Patrick Savage. This will be Patrick’s third concert in...

The History files: Daylesford Entertainment in the early 20th Century

In 1917 there was plenty of entertainment for Daylesford residents, from dancing, card tournaments, picture shows, socials and musical excursions to special train trips. From...

Who’s Responsible for Those Potholes? A Guide to Getting Them Fixed in Hepburn Shire

Potholes are a persistent frustration for residents and businesses across Hepburn Shire—a hazard that can damage vehicles, create safety risks, and turn a smooth...

The History files: Daylesford Entertainment in the early 20th Century

In 1917 there was plenty of entertainment for Daylesford residents, from dancing, card tournaments, picture shows, socials and musical...

Read Alone, Together: Paradise Bookshop Launches The Society of Silent Readers

In an era of relentless notifications and crowded schedules, carving out an hour of uninterrupted reading can feel nearly impossible. Paradise Bookshop is offering a welcome antidote this winter with the launch of The Society of Silent Readers (TSSR), an initiative running as part of the Words in Winter 2026 festival programme.

Celebrate Dja Dja Wurrung Culture across Central Victoria

A diverse program of free and low-cost community events showcasing Dja Dja Wurrung art and culture is to take place on Djandak (Djaara Country) this September.

Glimpses into Words in Winter

This week, our Glimpse into Words in Winter features writings from Sandra Fiona Long, an award-winning theatre maker, writer, and artist working across performance, installation, and sound-based works.

The Rolling Stones “Foreign Tongues”

Trevor Shard looks at the latest Rolling Stones album, "Foreign Tongues". The core group of Jagger, Richards and Wood are in their eighties. Is there another album in them?

Glimpses into Words in Winter

Welcome to Glimpses into Words in Winter, a weekly showcase of writings from some of the talented presenters and...

Glimpses into Words in Winter

Welcome to Glimpses into Words in Winter, a weekly showcase of writings from some of the talented presenters and authors joining us for this year's festival. This week, we feature local poets Ross Gillett and EA Gleeson.

The Ultraviolet Moth: Debut Novel from Local Author

"And for all of that, this cobblestone, water-logged hearth smoke cloudy, riverside village-city (slowly, slowly more the latter) was...

The history files – Precursor to Social Media?

It’s fascinating to delve into the history of the New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Vincent St precinct!  The Daylesford & District Historical society have found that it officially started NYE of 1927 but may have been an event for several years before that!

Glimpses into Words in Winter

Welcome to Glimpses into Words in Winter, where every week we’ll showcase writings from various presenters and authors appearing...

Learn more about

Private Prosecutions Bring Hepburn Shire Democracy to a Grinding Halt – Minister Must Act

Editorial Opinion Hepburn Shire Council has reached the point where it cannot function. Not because voters have withdrawn their mandate,...

Councillor Column – Cr Shirley Cornish

The Hepburn Shire budget was recently endorsed by Council. It proved to be a difficult budget considering the financial pressures confronting councils across Victoria due to rising costs, limited revenue growth, rate capping, ageing infrastructure and increasing demand for services.