Local News
ChillOut Parade One of the Best Yet
The 2025 ChillOut parade was a vibrant, colourful and unique event showcasing our pride in our LGBTQI+ community. Local photographers have shared some of their best photos to remember the event.
“The Block” Starts Filming in Daylesford – Expect Traffic Disruptions
Daylesford and surrounding areas are set to become the backdrop for Australia’s much-loved renovation competition reality TV series, The Block, with filming officially commencing this Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8. To ensure the safe and smooth running of filming activities, traffic management will be in place in and around Daylesford over the weekend.
Will Autumn Rains Come? Warm, Dry Conditions to Continue
Daylesford’s rainfall total for January and February was 31% below average, continuing the very dry conditions over the past year. In 2024 we only had 74% of our long-term average rainfall.
A Timeless Treasure: The Restoration of an 1880s Wedding Dress
A stunning wedding gown, once worn by Sarah Hosking at her 1885 marriage to Benjamin Trewhella, has been meticulously restored by Daylesford Museum conservator, Larry Edwards, who will present a seminar on the restoration process at the Museum on March 18.
Proposed Development at Bodhi: Expansion Plans Stir Community Debate
A proposal to expand the Bodhi retreat at 319 Daylesford-Trentham Road has sparked significant debate among residents, with supporters citing economic benefits and objectors raising concerns over environmental impact, traffic, and land use changes.
Daylesford Hospital Surgical Theatre Renamed to Honour Maddicks Family
Daylesford Health received another generous gift of $250,000 from the Maddicks Estate in January 2025 bringing the total donated since 1999 to an incredible $778,000. To recognise the family’s legacy, Central Highlands Rural Health have renamed the surgical ward the “Maddicks Theatre”.
Hepburn Shire Celebrates International Women’s Day and Honours Local Trailblazers
Hepburn Shire Council marked International Women’s Day with a community event celebrating the remarkable achievements of local women and marking the 20th anniversary of the Heather Mutimer Honour Roll. Mary Harvey, Jessie Leggatt (Posthumous), Donna Kelly, Mary-Faeth Chenery, and Lynda Poke were inducted for their exceptional work in the community.
Grant Help Needed – Notes from the DNC
The Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre is looking for people with grant writing experience to help them with funding applications. If that sounds like you, get in touch.
Councillor Column – Lesley Hewitt
Cr Lesley Hewitt considers some of the key decisions needed to resolve the Shire’s budget problems and plan for a resilient future.
Community Bank Back on Board for ChillOut Festival
Community Bank Daylesford District, part of Bendigo Bank, is proud to announce its continued support as a sponsor of the ChillOut Festival for the fifth year.