Local News
Transformed Learning and Play Spaces at St Michael’s Primary
What was previously a dark and dated hallway at St Michael’s Primary in Daylesford has been transformed into an open, welcoming and flexible learning and play space. The project was made possible with $2 million from the Federal Government’s Capital Grants Program and an additional $186,000 from the school.
Community Awards Winners
In a ceremony over the Australia Day weekend at The Mechanics Trentham, Hepburn Shire Council announced the recipients of the 2025 Community Awards, recognising individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the local community.
Council Begins Work on Strategic Direction
Hepburn Shire Council is is in the process of developing a new Council Plan that will guide its strategic direction for the next four years, from 2025 to 2029. Council is seeking 44 community members to form a Deliberative Engagement Panel to inform the new Council Plan.
Open Access Libraries Coming to Hepburn
Council will expand community access to its four libraries beyond opening hours by allowing library members to upgrade their membership to access library buildings outside regular opening hours. However, as part of Hepburn Shire Council’s budget savings measures, staffed hours of operation will be reduced at Trentham and Clunes libraries.
Dean Fire Forces Evacuations
Hot weather and windy conditions earlier this week fanned a bushfire between Dean and Creswick which required about 250 Forest Fire Management and CFA personnel to bring it under control worked.
Children Get Their Hands Dirty in Joe’s Kitchen Garden
The Daylesford Community Childcare Centre has launched an initiative to raise funds for Joe’s Kitchen Garden, an inspiring project aimed at teaching children the invaluable skills of growing and cooking their own vegetables.
Dja Dja Wurrung Host Community Celebration of International Mountain Day
DJAARA, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, hosted a celebration of UNESCO’s International Mountain Day with a public event at Lalgambuk (Mount Franklin). Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO Rodney Carter said the celebration of International Mountain Day was about sharing Dja Dja Wurrung Culture and vision for healthy Country with the community.
Heads Up for 2025 Events – Notes From the DNC
There are some great creative courses in painting and photography for parents and children over the school holidays. And don’t forget to enrol in the Grant Writing Training Session on Tuesday, January 21. Note that The DNC will be closed from Friday December 20, 2024, until Monday, January 13, 2025.
Highland Gathering Raises the Bar
Highland Cattle, Rough Collies and the return of the Highland Heavy Games (hammer thrown, caber tossing and weight over bar) along with the regular competitions for Pipe Bands and Scottish Highland Dancers, all made for an outstandingly successful 73rd Daylesford Highland Gathering on 7th December 2024.
Funding for Local Sports Clubs
Five local sporting clubs will benefit from funding recently announced under the Sporting Club Grants Program. The Sporting Club Grants Program has provided more than $18 million to community sport and recreation clubs across the state over the past decade.