Local News
The Block Brings a Community and Economic Boost to Daylesford
The Block showcased their arrival in Daylesford with contestants highlighting the annual ChillOut parade. Locals anticipate that The Block will boost the local economy during filming and construction and will have longer term impacts on the local real estate market as the newly constructed homes become available in spring 2025.
Hepburn Shire Council Seeks 10% Rate Rise Amid Financial Pressures
Hepburn Shire Council has formally applied to the Essential Services Commission (ESC) for a rate cap increase of 10% for the 2025/26 financial year. This includes an additional 7% on top of the 3% cap already set by the Victorian Government, as the council attempts to secure its long-term financial sustainability.
Daylesford Community Facilities Project is Open for Community Feedback
Designs and artistic renders have been developed for the Daylesford Community Facilities project, and Council is seeking the community’s feedback on the initial design. A community engagement period will run from Monday 10 March to Sunday 13 April with scheduled drop-in sessions where community members can discuss the project with Council officers or members of the PAG.
Plenty of rainbows spotted at ChillOut Golf Day
Every fairway at Hepburn golf course last weekend was sparkling with joy, with lots of tinsel clad golfers getting into the spirit for the annual ChillOut Festival.
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”.