Local News
Pool Season Opens but the Water is Likely to Remain Chilly
As summer approaches, the 2025/26 swimming season begins for Shire pools on Monday 8 December. The state wide VICSWIM programme administered by Aquatics and Recreation Victoria is again offered this season at Daylesford pool.
Daylesford Cider wins Best in Show at the Australian Cider Awards 2025
Daylesford Cider has swept the 2025 Australian Cider Awards, taking home top honours in a field of more than 230 entries. The standout was Wild Oak, which claimed Best Traditional Cider, Best Australian Cider and ultimately Best Cider in Show.
Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens Day Basin Officially Opened
The Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens have entered a new chapter following the official opening of the upgraded Day Basin precinct on Tuesday 25 November. The heritage-listed gardens, more than 150 years old, remain one of the region’s most visited destinations for locals and tourists.
Council Condemns Occupational Violence
Council has passed an urgent motion condemning the attack against Council’s Chief Executive Officer, reaffirmed its support for all Councillors and officers in the work they carry out and asserted that they are entitled to a safe working environment.
Council Rejects Grant for Daylesford Cinema Equipment
The Daylesford Cinema Group will redouble its fundraising efforts after the Hepburn Shire Council this week refused to grant $50,000 to the growing cinema fund for sound and projection equipment.
The Wombat Post Seeks New Editor
The Daylesford and District Community News Association, publisher of The Wombat Post, is beginning the search for a new editor following the announcement that long-serving editor Tim Bach will retire from the role at the end of the year.
Local Government Reporting Exposes Strengths and Weaknesses in Council Performance
The 2024/25 Local Government Performance Reporting data has recently been published for Councils across the state and the result is not flattering for Hepburn Shire Council.
Surplus Council Land Sale Approved with Safeguards for Rea Lands Park
At their regular meeting this week, Council resolved to sell a number of parcels of surplus land in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 and Council’s Disposal and Acquisition of Land Policy. Council also confirmed that Rea Lands will remain a public park.
GDTA Offers Public Walks to Six Local Peaks
The United Nations International Mountain Day is celebrated each year on 11 December. The Great Dividing Trail Association is Celebrating the Day by leading six walks to peaks in Victoria’s Central Highlands.
Daylesford SES Unit – Recruiting Now
The orange-uniformed crews of the SES are a familiar sight across the region, often working through wild weather and difficult conditions to keep the community safe. The Daylesford Unit is now running a new recruitment drive and encouraging people from all walks of life to get involved.