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Autumn festival is back

THE Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival has returned for a month-long celebration of food, wine, nature and creativity. It ends on April 30.

Spanning nine picturesque villages, the festival invites visitors and residents to slow down, explore and experience the region at its autumn best.

People can take part in a wide variety of experiences: from farmers and artisans markets, to guided walks, foraging, workshops and exhibitions. Open gardens across the region, including those on the renowned Mount Macedon Autumn Garden Trail, offer a chance to experience the seasonโ€™s colour at its peak, while wellness activities such as meditation and forest bathing provide opportunities to connect with nature.

At the heart of this yearโ€™s festival is an extensive line-up of food and drink experiences, including the much-loved Pie & Tart Trail with more than 50 savoury and sweet creations across the region. For those looking to sip and sample, the popular Tipple Trail returns, showcasing more than 35 venues. In 2026, the festival will also introduce a closing night celebration.

Mayor Kate Kendall said the festival offers something for everyone, whether youโ€™re looking for a relaxed local outing, or a full day of exploration.

Families can also enjoy a range of school holiday activities, including the Autumn Festival Colouring Competition.

For more information, visit visit macedonranges.com/autumn-festival.

Meanwhile, Macedon Ranges residents are invited to have their say on the councilโ€™s initiatives through its engagement platform โ€œYour Sayโ€.

Council is seeking feedback on several policies, programs and opportunities that will help guide decision-making and shape services across the shire. Current consultations include its Kerbside Collection and Associated Services Charge Policy. The consultation period closes on Thursday, April 16.

Council also acknowledges strong community interest in its Public Art Policy consultation to guide how public art is planned, delivered and reflects local identity, culture and place. The consultation period closes on Friday, May 1.

Residents can find out more and have their say by visiting yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au

Beveridge crash investigated

POLICE are investigating after a driver, believed to be driving a stolen car, fled the scene of an accident in Beveridge last Wednesday night.

It is believed a white Toyota Hilux ute, towing a trailer with another vehicle, collided with an SUV near the intersection of Merriang and Macgregor roads about 8pm.

The male driver of the Hilux fled on foot prior to police arriving.

Three occupants of the SUV, including a child, were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The male driver is described as Caucasian in appearance, about 20-30-years-old, with short, light brown hair and wearing a brown long sleeve top, shorts, runners and a bum bag.

It is believed he has a laceration to his right hand and it is possible he has sustained further injuries from the collision.

The investigation is ongoing.

It is believed the Hilux was stolen at the time of the incident.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam or CCTV footage or anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Sulky Snippets with Len Baker – April 7, 2026

ANOTHER interesting night of harness racing was held at Kilmore last Thursday, April 2 leading into Easter.

Romsey trainer/driver Chris Svanosioโ€™s smart 4YO Tactical Landing-Kyvalley Kyrie gelding Kyvalley Judge was most impressive in taking the Next Payments Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres.

A short priced $1.50 favourite, Kyvalley Judge began safely from gate three to follow the speedy Tictok (gate six) receiving the run of the race.

Easing away from the inside to follow the well supported Run Forest Run (gate three second line) which had gone forward three wide solo from four back in the running line in the last lap which had swept to the front on turning, Kyvalley Judge pounced in the home straight to record an easy 4.4 metre margin in a rate of 2.00.6 over Run Forest Run whoโ€™s effort was outstanding, with the polemarker roughie Watch And Act (three pegs) which had followed the winner all the way third 4 metres back.

Five-year-old Always B Micki-Young Janie mare Janiebquick was a welcome tonic for Dunnstownโ€™s David Murphy who has been on the unwell list for a considerable time.

Driven by son Brent, Janiebquick also enjoyed a cosy passage from gate two trailing Elizajane which flew away from gate five.

Angling outside the leader on turning, Janiebquick ran home nicely to blouse the pacemaker by a half neck, with Our True Colours (three pegs from outside the front line) third 3.6 metres away third. The mile rate was 1.57.4.

Cranbourne trainer Jayne Davies has never lost her enthusiasm for the sport and landed the 1690 metre La Dimora Retirement Resort Vicbred Voucher 3YO Maiden Pace with Captaintreacherous-Madison Louise colt Master Louise.

Raced in partnership by long time stable owner John McLeish and Noel Alexander, Master Louey driven by James Herbertson was given a sweet trip from gate five as polemarker Waysam led.

Going forward three wide in the last lap, Master Louey ran home stylishly to gain the day by 1.9 metres in a rate of 1.58.4 over Waysam and a death-seating Camerina who was a nose away third.

Local Kilmore trainer Maryanne Laffan and partner/reinsman Steve Matson almost pulled off a plunge after polemarker Topzavski backed in from $8 in the morning line to run at $2.60 finished third after leading behind Olly Odd Potts and Archaa in the 1690 metre Broadstead Kilmore Pace.

Driven by Taylor Youl, Olly Odd Potts a 8Y0 gelded son of Rock N Roll Heaven and Miss Polly Potts trained at Wangaratta by Sharon Hahne received the run of the race from inside the second line before making use of the sprint lane to greet the judge five metres clear of Ruth Shinnโ€™s Archaa (gate six โ€“ one/two โ€“ three wide last lap) and obviously Topzavski who was a half head back. The mile rate was 2.01.7.

Kialla father and daughter Wayne and Tasmyn Potter (formerly from Kilmore) snared the Coulter Legal 0-3 LTW Pace over 1690 metres with Captain Crunch-Kissmecatie gelding Caties Son.

Rated to perfection by Tasmyn who has been driving in rare form of late, Caties Son led throughout from the pole to account for David Milesโ€™ Indi Party Mood (gate three – one/one) which switched down to the sprint lane halfway up the running by 1.5 metres.

Handy mare Tivoli after being restrained to the rear from outside the front line by Josh Duggan raced three wide solo in the last lap for third 2.7 metres away. The mile rate was 1.57.6.

Nine-year-old Pegasus Spur-Sueno gelding Dels Destiny who has been racing well of late was a well-deserved winner of the MC Labour Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres for Daylesford trainer/driver Anne-Maree Conroy.

Coming off a third at Maryborough the previous Monday behind Piesridingshotgun, Dels Destiny received a charmed passage three back in the moving line from gate four as Kyvalley Jagger rocketed to the front from outside the front line.

Following polemarker Buslin Brody (one/one) home in the last lap to be poised one/one on the final bend, Dels Destiny raced clear shortly after to prevail by 4.3 metres over Bullapark Beno (solo second line) which followed her home, with Kyvalley Jagger third 1.3 metres back after giving a sight. The mile rate was 2.01.7.

Ballan mother and daughter Dianne Giles and Leilani Justice finished the night on a high note after winning the final two races โ€“ 4YO The Storm Inside-Miss Hooligan mare Hurricane Hooley taking the C&M Build Group Mares Pace over 1690 metres and 6YO Huntsville-Miss Woodport mare Shiralee the 2180 metre Picklebet โ€˜Get Your Pickle Onโ€™ Pace.

Trained by Dianne and driven by Leilani, Hurricane Hooley despite racing outside the leader Fake Cullection (gate six) for the final circuit was too strong for Weres Wood Wood (gate three from the tail, with Fake Cullection holding third. The margins 2.2 by 2.2 metres in a mile rate of 1.59.7.

Shiralee (gate six) trained and driven by Leilani outstayed her rivals after racing exposed outside Im The Wild One (gate four) and dashing clear in the last lap to register a 1.7 metre margin over Theroux (gate five โ€“ three pegs) which flashed late along the sprint lane. Mynameisruby (gate two โ€“ one/two โ€“ outside winner home turn) was third 2.1 metres away. The mile rate was 2.00.8.

Kilmore race again Thursday, April 16.

Five teenagers charged

FIVE teenagers have been charged by police following a robbery in Craigieburn.

Investigators have been told the victim, a 15-year-old boy from the Hume area, was in a store with a friend at a shopping complex on Craigieburn Road about 6.20pm on March 30.

They were approached by a group of teens inside the store.

Police said one of the teens demanded the victimโ€™s bag. When the boy refused, an offender allegedly assaulted him and took the bag before the group walked away.

Police were notified and the group was detected in Windrock Avenue by a member of the Dog Squad. He was able to detain the group until other units arrived and took them into custody.

Police have since interviewed a 15-year-old boy, a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl for robbery.

The 15-year-old boy from the Merri-bek area was charged with robbery and unlawful assault and has been bailed to appear before a childrenโ€™s court at a later date.

A 17-year-old male, a 16-year-old male and a 15-year-old male, all from the Hume area, were released pending summons.

A 16-year-old boy from the Hume area was released pending further inquiries.

A 17-year-old girl from the Hume area was released pending summons.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously atย www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Ray Carroll’s ‘From the Boundary’: April 7, 2026

THE GREATEST

UK historian Richard Smith has just written a book in which he names the best cricket team of all time.

ROVER 2026 04 07 Cricket Scoreboard

Three Aussies are included and there is no doubt Bradman, Warne and Gilchrist were true โ€œgreatsโ€. Viv Richards, Sir Garfield Sobers and Malcolm Marshall were champions of West Indies โ€œGolden Eraโ€, and their names stand in sharp contrast to the far less talented players in the once mighty cricket nation today. Jack Hobbs and Sidney Barnes are the Englishmen named. Barnes who played around the very early 1900s is rated by many as the greatest fast medium bowler of all time. Indiaโ€™s Gavaskar and Tendulkar were batting genius while Pakistanโ€™s Imran Khan was an all-round super star. In his book Smith has also named the best XI of every decade.

SHANEโ€™S STORY

Kilmoreโ€™s Shane Elliott has made the most of his time enjoying success in different occupations. He was head of catering at Assumption for several years where he was highly regarded by all. He then turned to teaching. He worked at Broadford College for a time and loved it. For the past few years, he has been principal of the special school in Seymour where along with a dedicated staff of about 10 he ensures a good education and care for the 80-plus students. Shane spends long hours in his role and describes it as a privilege. He likes getting out of the office to spend recess times playing games with the boys and girls. A Richmond footy โ€œtragic”, Shane is married to Jacqui, a fine lady who currently is part of the ACK catering staff. The couple have two daughters – Courtney, a local hairdresser, and Caitlyn, who lives and works in Eildon, and they are delighted to have recently become grandparents.

ROVER 2026 04 07 Man and Wedding

BRUCE BURGESS R.I.P

Long-time Broadford resident Bruce Burgess was farewelled by a large crowd at St Maryโ€™s Seymour. Father Eugene Ashkar presided over a requiem mass and delivered a splendid homily. Bruce, a much-loved husband, father and grandfather, is survived by wife Patricia (58 years married) and five daughters Jackie, Paula, Kylie, Gaybrielle, and Dionne and also by four brothers and sisters.

Family members were fully involved in proceedings and the heartfelt eulogies paid warm and loving tributes to a good man. Bruce was a skilled tradesman in life. His wife Pat was an almost legendary โ€œfront of houseโ€ receptionist for many years at Assumption. She knew all the students, their families and went way beyond the call of duty in assisting with fetes, extra-curricular functions and sporting celebrations. Among former ACK identities present at St Maryโ€™s were Denis Rae, Matt Mew, Ken Tonkin and Colin Ferris.

Bruce on his wedding day could almost have been an early โ€œdoubleโ€ for lionโ€™s champion Jonathan Brown.

Letters to the Editor, April 7, 2026

Fire facts

I am writing as a local resident regarding recent commentary about the fire at the former church site in Kilmore.

Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that a fire occurred and that this is unfortunate for the property owners. No one in our community would wish that on anyone.
However, it is equally important that the situation is described accurately. The building is not an approved mosque. While there may be intentions for it to become one in the future, that process has not yet been completed. Referring to it as a โ€œmosqueโ€ at this stage is misleading and does not reflect the current status of the building.
In addition, early claims suggesting the building had been deliberately firebombed were serious and concerning. It is widely understood that authorities have indicated the fire was not a targeted attack. Continuing to use or promote accusatory language after this point risks creating unnecessary division and unfairly reflecting on the people of Kilmore.
There is also a broader concern about how local residents are being portrayed. Kilmore is a welcoming community, but it is not a community that responds well to being implicitly blamed or spoken about as though it has done something wrong. That approach does not build goodwill.
If there is a genuine desire to become part of this town, it would be far more constructive to engage with residents respectfully, acknowledge the proper processes, and allow facts โ€” not assumptions โ€” to shape the conversation. Suggesting wrongdoing or using loaded language will not bring people together, nor will it encourage the kind of acceptance that any new group would hope for.
Kilmore residents value fairness, transparency, and mutual respect. Those principles should guide how this matter is discussed moving forward.

A Kilmore resident

Name and address supplied

Petrol prices

IS THE Federal Government going to immediately increase peopleโ€™s pensions by 50 per cent to compensate us for inaction against the oil companies obscenely increasing fuel prices, which also flows onto everything else we buy?

Is the government going to immediately ban all exports of our oil and gas production and keep it all to ourselves, and reduce prices back to where they were previously, and also ban all oil and gas imports?

If not, look out at the next election.

Russell Bardi Wandjina

Tasmania

A fair share for regional Victoriaย 

The height of disrespect is for any government to ignore the very people it represents.

A very real example of this is the Allan Labor Government bulldozing through new laws allowing the government, transmission firms, and energy distributors to seize farmland for power lines, without approval. These new powers were hurried through without the government undertaking any community engagement.

So it comes as no surprise recent data revealed 50 per cent of Victorians said they felt โ€œmostlyโ€ or โ€œcompletelyโ€ unheard by government, and of those who felt completely unheard, 29 per cent were from regional Victoria.

Regional Victorians have been ignored by Labor since it came to government in 2014. The independent Budget Office confirms regional Victorians currently receive only 12 per cent of the stateโ€™s infrastructure investment despite being home to 25 per cent of the population.

Labor has done nothing to fix and upgrade regional roads, sat on its hands on regional crime and firebombings, ripped millions of economic benefits from the regions by cancelling the Commonwealth Games, allowed housing to drop to record lows, done nothing on fuel shortages, and turned a blind eye on corruption โ€“ money that could have gone to roads, schools and hospitals in regional Victoria.

The Nationals will always fight for regional Victoria and ensure it gets its fair share.

Regional Victorians deserve to be heard and will get a chance to remove the Allan Labor Government at this yearโ€™s November election.

Danny Oโ€™Brien,
Leader of The Nationals

Petrol panic

The Deputy Leader of the National Party, Emma Kealy, states in her letter to the editor dated March 24 that โ€œThe New South Wales Government is rationing fuel in urban areasโ€.

As of March 27, the NSW government website (NSW Fuel Supply Update], states that โ€œThe NSW Government is not introducing emergency powers or restrictions on travel or fuel use.

There is enough misinformation being spread by irresponsible people on various social media without a senior member of the Victoria Parliament doing likewise via respected, local media.

Mick Hempenstall

Grace meets Queen Mary

KILMORE resident Grace Gibson met Queen Mary of Denmark on the same day as her annual check-up for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) last month.

Queen Mary and King Frederick X of Denmark visited the Royal Childrenโ€™s Hospital on Wednesday, March 18, as part of their first royal tour of Australia since Maryโ€™s coronation.

As the crowd gathered, so did the 13-year-old patientโ€™s interest in its reason.

Elle Gibson said Queen Mary stopped to talk to Grace as she might have recognised the Assumption College blazer, and she paused to ask the student how she was and why she was there.

Grace answered they were there for an appointment, and next Queen Mary made direct eye with Mrs Gibson to enquire โ€œis everything okay?โ€

Everything is okay thanks to the caring nature of a relative who shared their own childโ€™s DDH diagnosis.

โ€œA relative was diagnosed and she suggested Grace be checked,โ€ Mrs Gibson said.

โ€œI remember the Maternal and Child Health Nurse saying, she has no symptoms, but weโ€™ll send you [make a referral].

โ€œWe got [our first] appointment [at the Royal Childrenโ€™s], not knowing what to expect. A couple of hours later [after an ultrasound] Grace appeared wearing a brace, and she has been a patient ever since.โ€

Mrs Gisbon said: โ€œWe were really lucky it was caught early as Grace wore the brace for a short time, less than three months.โ€

Two daughters followed Grace and each were automatically screened for an extended period, but they did not need medical intervention.

Its thanks to the expert knowledge of the hospitalโ€™s orthopaedics department that children with DDH can live long and fulfilling lives. When DDH is not treated in the early stages, it may lead to stiff joints, hip pain, and abnormal limb development.

Grace enjoys playing netball, and all sorts of dancing including ballet, jazz hip hop and contemporary.

The Royal Childrenโ€™s Good Friday Appeal is held annually to raise funds to continue to support world-class paediatric care for children like Grace. To donate visit http://www.goodfridayappeal.com.au/donate

Sudoku – Hard (07/04/2026)

Sudoku (Hard) puzzle of the day

How to play Sudoku

The objective of Sudoku is to fill each row, column and sub-grid with exactly one of the possible entries (usually, the numbers 1-9). A conflict arises if you repeat any entry in the same row, column or sub-grid.


Play Sudoku together

Use the Play together option in the navigation bar to invite a friend to play this sudoku puzzle with you. Once connected, your friend’s icon will turn green. If either of you is disconnected from the Internet, the icon will turn red. If either of you is inactive, the icon will turn gray. You and your friend can now enter letters at the same time. Click on the chat icon at bottom right to talk with your friend. (Chat is not available if either player is on a mobile device.)


Want more Puzzles?

You can find more of our brain teasing puzzles here at puzzle corner!

Crossword 11×11 (07/04/2026)

11×11 Crossword puzzle of the day

How to play 11×11 Crossword

You can solve the clues in any order. Click or tap on either a clue or a box in the grid to start entering an answer. You can also use the arrow keys, enter/shift-enter or, tab/shift-tab to move around the grid. The clues for words that have been entirely filled in are marked gray, whether the answer is correct or not.


Play 11×11 Crossword together

Use the Play together option in the navigation bar to invite a friend to play this crossword puzzle with you. Once connected, your friend’s icon will turn green. If either of you is disconnected from the Internet, the icon will turn red. If either of you is inactive, the icon will turn gray. You and your friend can now enter letters at the same time. Click on the chat icon at bottom right to talk with your friend. (Chat is not available if either player is on a mobile device.)


Want more Puzzles?

You can find more of our brain teasing puzzles here at puzzle corner!

Sudoku – Medium (07/04/2026)

Sudoku (Medium) puzzle of the day

How to play Sudoku

The objective of Sudoku is to fill each row, column and sub-grid with exactly one of the possible entries (usually, the numbers 1-9). A conflict arises if you repeat any entry in the same row, column or sub-grid.


Play Sudoku together

Use the Play together option in the navigation bar to invite a friend to play this sudoku puzzle with you. Once connected, your friend’s icon will turn green. If either of you is disconnected from the Internet, the icon will turn red. If either of you is inactive, the icon will turn gray. You and your friend can now enter letters at the same time. Click on the chat icon at bottom right to talk with your friend. (Chat is not available if either player is on a mobile device.)


Want more Puzzles?

You can find more of our brain teasing puzzles here at puzzle corner!