Ralph Behrendt, Senior Technical Specialist – Sheep and Beef Networks After two tough years, many farmers across the state now have good numbers of lambs on the ground approaching weaning time. Weaning is a routine job on the calendar. But for lambs, it is one of the biggest changes they will face. Overnight, they move […]

Agriculture Victoria is continuing its crackdown on the illegal network trading in exotic pest animals, with another investigation resulting in convictions and significant fines. A Melbourne aquarium business and its director have been convicted and fined a combined $25,000 for offences involving noxious aquatic species and the illegal trade of protected native wildlife. M&R Aquarium […]

Hot hay, high risk 23 October 2026 Michele Jolliffe, Dairy Extension Officer, Hamilton Harvest has started and so has the risk of heating hay. Every year, Victorian farmers lose hay, machinery and sheds to hay fires caused by heating bales. A few simple checks in the weeks after baling can help prevent a costly and […]

Back at the beginning of August I saw a post on the Grapevine by a local woman I hadn’t met, Jodie Hawkins, with photos of the Senior Cits room at the back of the Daylesford Town Hall, asking whether anyone would be interested in getting together there as a community. Well, there was an overwhelming […]

Hepburn Shire Council’s interim CEO Janet Dore is loving her new role, saying the region is “a delightful place to be in – it’s just a little gem”. But Ms Dore also recognises there are financial challenges but says the council has a plan to ensure it can recover its financial health. “I think the […]

The state government will invest $7.8 million to upgrade Daylesford Aged Care through Central Highlands Rural Health. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas made the announcement on her Facebook page saying the funding is part of the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF), which gives rural and regional health services the opportunity to put forward their priorities for […]

Hepburn Shire Council’s Duke Street building in Daylesford is no longer fit for purpose. Council staff based at the office will be relocated to other workplaces, including 24 Vincent Street, the Daylesford depot and the Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre during this month and next. Interim CEO Janet Dore said council’s customer service channels would […]

The Daylesford water supply system has received improvements with Central Highlands Water successfully completing works on the high-level water basin at the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. Daylesford customers are now receiving water from the improved basin, which is back in full service in time for this summer. These works ensure the long-term viability of the […]

Remembrance Day, Wednesday, November 11 Creswick Creswick Remembrance Service and wreath laying, 10.40am at the Fallen Soldiers Memorial, Creswick Cenotaph, corner Raglan and Albert Streets, Creswick. Contact: Secretary on 0490 374 006. A special event at this year’s service, Hepburn Shire Town Crier Phil Greenbank has been invited to read the proclamation, as part of […]

Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas have announced the recipients of this year’s Anzac Day Proceeds Fund and Victoria Remembers grants programs. The programs help provide vital support to veterans and their families. The Anzac Day Proceeds Fund will provide grants of up to $150,000 to 15 ex-service organisations across the […]

Pickles the puggle has grown up… In December last year I wrote about a baby echidna who was brought to the wildlife shelter. Her mother had been terminally injured when a property owner using heavy machinery moved branches where her burrow was located. The mother died of her injuries but the little puggle, who Gayle […]

Council to move out of Duke Street Council’s Duke Street office in Daylesford will close, with staff relocating during November and December after a thorough evaluation identified building condition and safety issues. Planning, Building and Customer Service will move to the rear of the Visitor Information Centre in mid-December, accessed via a walkway and side […]