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Come, said the Muse,
Sing me a song no poet yet has chanted,
Sing me the Universal.
In this broad Earth of ours,
Amid the measureless grossness and the slag,
Enclosed and safe within its central heart,
Nestles the seed Perfection.
By every life a share, or more or less,
None born but it is born—conceal’d or unconceal’d, the seed is
waiting.
(Song Of The Universal, Part 1, Walt Whitman)
Welcome to the March 2025 edition of Localising Leanganook ‘s e-newsletter. Enjoy our feature article on Transformative Adaptation. The newsletter also includes regular updates on upcoming local events for the month of March, 2025, plus activities, reading material and podcasts that contribute towards localisation. We hope you enjoy it.
Cheers, Nikki, Keppel, and Laurel
Note to Contributors and Readers
Localising Leanganook’s e-news continues to grow from strength to strength, reaching more than 700 subscribers. The monthly newsletter includes an ever expanding range of localising events, programs and creative initiatives in our central Victorian region. If you’ve got items for inclusion in future editions, let our editing team know – nikki.marshall@mmnet.com.au. To help our editing team, please email through your information in the following format: program/project/event name plus date, time and location if relevant; summary of event/issue/program, in word format; accompanying photo as a JPEG or PNG only.
- Feature Article: Transformative Adaptation: Another World is Still Just Possible.
- Arts and Culture
- Food Growing, Farming and Food Security
- Ecology and Environment
- First Nations
- Sustainable Living Resources
- Building Community
- The Spirit and the Sacred
- Local Government News
- Workshops and Courses
- Letters
- Food for Thought
1. Feature Article: Transformative Adaptation: Another World is Still Just Possible
Laurel Freeland shares some insights about transformative adaptation and Prof Rupert Read’s new book of the same name.
Transformative Adaptation (TrAd) is a positive form of adaptation, acknowledging the seriousness of climate chaos, understanding that there are no short-term fixes and also finding ways to reduce our impacts in all aspects of life that also transform our lives and society at large. TrAd is adaptation that works with, not against nature.
Prof. Rupert Read is co-director of the Climate Majority Project and Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of East Anglia, the author of several books, developed the concept of Transformative Adaptation and also invented the term ‘Thrutopia’; an act of imagining the actual mechanics of how we transition from this broken, collapsing world to one that is in a process of transformation and healing on all levels. Since then, he has been building Thrutopianism into his creative and scenarios work, including his viral internet short Out of the Ashes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHk9wZkH8u4
For a long time climate action was all about mitigation. Mitigation on its own is no longer sufficient to adequately address climate and ecological crisis. Prof. Read provides a reality check and offers real hope and practical pathways for ecologically viable future. ‘A liveable future is going to require relocalised living and once in a while, civil disobedience. It is also an opportunity to join up existing groups that can work together.’ There is a lot in this short book to put into action. It has many practical examples and case studies.
What is Transformative Adaptation?
‘Transformative Adaptation (TrAd) is a positive form of adaptation, acknowledging the seriousness of climate chaos, understanding that there are no short-term fixes and also finding ways to reduce our impacts in all aspects of life that also transform our lives and society at large. TrAd is adaptation that works with, not against nature.’
Prof Read further describes three forms of adaptation:
“Shallow Adaptation E.g. Building higher seawalls. This involves no significant psychological change, just business as usual while trying to cope with the deteriorating world. (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) calls this “incremental adaptation.”)
Transformative Adaptation (aka ‘TrAd’) E.g. Restoring wetlands/ mangroves, using appropriate technology, living closer to the land. Transformative adaptation is transformative because it is the route to system change. It requires willingness to undertake major psychological adjustments away from what has been ‘normal’. The IPCC calls this transformation adaptation, though what is meant by this phrase is often more modest than what we have in mind as TrAd. Part of the motivation for organising through the lens of transformative adaptation is to turn this inspiring phrase into a reality worthy of it.
Deep Adaptation E.g. Moving coastal cities in land and reducing their scale. Deep adaptation is adaptation to collapse. To a future where our existing society is going to be swept away. It requires massive psychological adjustments. I am strongly in favour of deep adaptation, which I regard as an essential hedge, a crucial precaution, and so I have co-edited a book with Jem Bendell on it. But on its own it is not enough. It might even run the risk of being a self-fulfilling council of doom.”
Prof Read was also interviewed by Jesse Damani from Urgent Futures
It is well worth watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHk9wZkH8u4
Listening to the Urgent Futures interview by Jesse Damiani, Prof Read spoke about exceeding planetary boundaries of essential elements we need to survive referring to Rockstrom’s Planetary boundaries. We can’t get by without oxygen. In 2023 globally we had transgressed 6 of the 9 planetary boundaries assessed by Rockstrom et el, Stockholm Resilience Centre. Over the years, the planetary boundaries framework has generated enormous interest within science, policy, and practice. Since September 2024, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research produces a yearly update to the framework, called the Planetary Health Check. ‘
Source: https://www.stockholmresilience.org/research/planetary-boundaries.html
Key Ideas from Transformative Adaptation
Start where you are at: move beyond the myth of the 1.5C pipedream that keeps fake hope alive. Recognise that we are rapidly moving into climate breakdown. ‘Truly facing up to ecological reality and undergoing the pain that facing up inevitably brings will in my view will lead to much larger movements of transformation and adaptation than we have ever seen.’
Identify where you want to go: This might be a broad brush stroke at first. Leaving a planet we’d be proud to leave for future generations. Or more specific, enough water, clean air, food and shelter for all beings.
Find a viable pathway: Co-create with others. Learn from nature. Become nature. Get into collective action, join or start a group. Develop the mindset. Educate yourselves. Share.
Transformative Adaptation for Local Communities
Community Sovereignty
Local communities wish to exercise the right to self-determination and self-governance. Communities want local control and decision making power based on shared culture on matters that affect them, rather than external authority. State and Federal government action on climate and environmental care have been inadequate, and in many cases prohibitive. They also wish to protest when they see wrong action or no appropriate action from authorities. We need to make ourselves and our communities more resilient, ground up.
In Central Victoria we have a strong degrowth group, the emergence of the first wellbeing economy in Australia and well informed climate groups.
Permaculture and Relocalisation
Permaculture is consciously designed landscapes which mimic the patterns and relationships found in nature, while yielding an abundance of food, fibre and energy for provision of local needs. From Essence of Permaculture by David Holmgren
In Central Victoria we have on our doorstep the best permaculture resource around. The practitioners and resources. https://holmgren.com.au/melliodora/
Bio regions
Rather than artificial boundaries of ownership and politics, bioregions are defined by shared environmental characteristics, climate geology, vegetation, landform and animal life. Knowing the characteristics of a bioregion helps humans live in harmony with the natural environment.
Hepburn Shire has three bioregions. Mt Alexander Shire falls within four bioregions. Connecting country is a useful reference. https://connectingcountry.org.au/
Wellbeing Economy
A Wellbeing Economy is an economy designed to serve people and the planet, not the other way around. Rather than treating economic growth as an end in and of itself and pursuing it at all costs, a Wellbeing Economy puts our human and planetary needs at the centre of its activities, ensuring that these needs are all equally met, by default. https://weall.org/what-is-wellbeing-economy
Mt Alexander is the first Wellbeing Economy government in Australia.
Groups joining together
Grass roots groups aligning for greater impact and clout. Or morphing to be more inclusive. E.g. a radical XR groups becomes more moderate to include a broader cohort of people interested and willing.
This small book exhorts us to be real about what is happening and draw on our collective resilience. It is a brilliant treatise.
2. Arts and Culture
Yandoit Cultural
The Bedridden Band
The Bedridden are returning to Yandoit Cultural with another lively, soulful and playful concert.
When: Saturday 1st March at 7.30pm
Where: Yandoit Cultural, the old church in the bush- Uniting Church Rd, off High St, Yandoit
Suggested donation: $15/10
The Bedridden describe themselves as “brilliant, childish, side-splittingly funny, mean-spirited, musically outstanding, puerile, visionary, insular, hugely talented, immature, poetic, condescending, and capable of making albums that challenge, disgust & inspire”.
You will be well entertained by Dave and Raz and Alex, on guitar, vocals, drum and double base.
Stories and Music from the Old World- with Vasko Drogriski and Band without Borders
For more information or to book, go to our website: https://yandoitcultural.org/
Newstead Arts Hub
Magnificent Local Landscape photos and Painting by Milton Moss
When: 15th February to 2nd March, Saturdays and Sundays 10am – 4pm
This series is worth seeing – the beautiful Moolart Plains, sunsets skies and fields and art work that is an affordable price range.
For more events go to: https://newsteadartshub.org/whats-on/
Newstead Writers
Join Newstead Writers for their first of three quarterly ‘The Writing Life’ sessions for 2025
What: First up, is local author (and absolute writing treasure) Carmel Bird.
When: Friday 28th March, 6pm to 7.30pm
Cost: Donation at the door to cover venue costs, All welcome. Drinks at bar prices, and snacks
Carmel Bird, originally from Tasmania, now lives and writes in Castlemaine. She says writing and living are to her more or less one and the same. She has published over forty books, mainly novels and short stories. Most of the stories in her recent collection, Love Letter to Lola, concentrate on the question of extinction of species. Her most recent novel, Field of Poppies, is set in a town very like Castlemaine. Her website is https://carmelbird.com/
Session follows the ‘Shut Up and Write’ session at the Hub from 1pm to 5pm – a focused writing time combined with the pleasure of writing with others.
Complete before the AGM
Phoenix at the Rex Cinema – Daylesford
As the cinema is being redeveloped and is not operational at present, the Cinema Committee has decided to provide free membership for existing and new members until June 2025. Membership of the cinema is important as a demonstration of community support and also provides the opportunity to vote at the upcoming AGM and to nominate for a position on the Committee of Management.
In addition, to support current development, we will provide an option for new and existing members to pay $40 now and that will take their membership through to 30 June 2026. Please click the button below to complete the form.
By June 2025, we will have developed varying categories of memberships including seniors and student concessions, member and volunteer fees and benefits. At that time, you may choose to alter your membership basis.
The Coolroom at the Northern Arts Hotel – Featured Events for March
International Women’s Day Concert ‘Striving Together’
Featuring an exceptional lineup of femaile performers including Kavisha Mazzella, Maggie Jackson and Macapella
When: Saturday 8th March, 7.30pm – 10pm Cost: $20
The Cartwheels
Iconic local band returns to the Coolroom to celebrate 20 years. Don’t miss their unique blend of country, bluegrass and western swing music!
When: Sat 15 March at 7.30pm., Cost: $25
Where: The Coolroom at the Northern Arts Hotel, 359 Barker St, Castlemaine
Bookings: all show bookings can be made here.
To see all of the other exciting shows and regular events happening at the Coolroom, please visit the events page.
Castlemaine Documentary Film Festival – International Women’s Day Eve
This International Women’s Day eve (Friday, 7th March), join us for a night of feminist icons, music, and celebration!
Co-presented by WIFT (Women in Film and Television) and happening at the iconic Theatre Royal in Castlemaine, we’ve got your night sorted with TWO films and a very special gig!
5pm – Looking for Simone
Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex ignited a global feminist movement. This documentary follows her U.S. journey, exploring the ideas that shaped her work and their relevance today.
7:30pm – Teaches for Peaches
Loud, fearless, and unapologetic, this documentary dives into the world of genre-smashing musician and performance artist, Peaches, who’s been breaking gender and sexual norms for decades.
9pm – Paddock Bomb gig
Join Central Victoria’s very own sisters of shred, Paddock Bomb for some seriously fierce, feminist-fuelled rock. Come and see why their last show sold out. Don’t miss out!
OUTFIT CODE: Dress to smash the patriarchy for this one!
When: Friday, 7th March, from 5pm, Where: Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
Whole Shebang: $50/$45 conc. Looking for Simone: $25/$20 conc, Teaches of Peaches plus gig: $30/$25 conc; Gig only: $15/$10 conc
Radius Art
David Rosendale: Photographic Works
We are proud to present “The Trees Endure, The Land Has Memory,” an immersive series of photographic works by David Rosendale. This evocative exhibition, captures the essence of place and the profound ties that bind us to the land.
When: 1st March – 12th April
Where: Radius Gallery, 76 Main Rd, Hepburn Springs
Cost: Free
Book Launch: Funga Obscura
Alison’s latest book is about fungi, and the photography of fungi. The title – Funga Obscura – unites the two.
DATE: FRIDAY 14 MARCH 2025, 6:30PM–8:00PM
LOCATION: – RADIUS ART GALLERY, 76 MAIN ROAD, HEPBURN SPRINGS VIC 3461
Beginning in elemental landscapes of ice and rock, the book traces the evolutionary path of fungi as enablers of life on land, and creators of soils and forests. Please join us to celebrate the launch of her book, hear some stories of her travels in the photographing and writing of the book, and enjoy a glass of bubbles. Funga Obscura and Alison’s previous titles will be available for purchase.
There’s no charge to attend but please register here. For other Radius events happening in March, please visit their webpage.
ChillOut Festival
ChillOut is so much more than a Festival. We are an organisation that has been supporting and bringing together the rural LGBTIQ community, artists and the broader community for 25 years.
The festival is held in the gay capital of regional Victoria – Daylesford. From humble beginnings, ChillOut has grown to become the biggest and longest-running Country Queer Pride event in regional Australia, and the largest festival in the Hepburn Shire.
While events in the capital cities might be a lot bigger, ChillOut retains a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to let your hair down, and has found a special place in the hearts of the LGBTIQ community across Australia – and the world.
When: 6th – 10th March
Where: Venues around the Daylesford region
Cost: See event listings for ticket costs
Bookings: https://chilloutfestival.au/tickets-2025
3. Food Growing, Farming and Food Security
Yes In My Back Yard Composting (YIMBY)
Participate in Research Project and Fundraise for YIMBY
A win win situation!
Help fundraise for YIMBY Compost by participating in Melbourne Uni’s Community Engagement for Disaster Risk Reduction (CEDRR) project. The CEDRR project is speaking with people in Mount Alexander about different types of risk, including the risk of bushfire. The research aims to benefit the community by growing resilience to current and future risk, through shared awareness and preparedness. Each participant in the study raises $25 for a local community group, such as YIMBY, for completing the initial conversation (30mins), and then another $25 if they also complete the follow-up (5-10mins) in a few months’ time ($50 total per participant).
Sign up to participate here, and remember to select YIMBY
YIMBY Information Session
When: Tuesday 4th March, 5.30 – 7.30pm
Where: The Hub Garden, rear of 233 Barker St, Castlemaine – enter through the green gates in Templeton St
Cost: Free but please register here.
YIMBY Continuous Hot Composting Workshop
When: Saturday 15th March 9.30am – 12.30pm;
Where: The Hub Garden; Cost: $80
More information and bookings: here. LIMITED PLACES!
The Orchard Keepers at Harcourt
A few specials to offer this week. First up is the delightfully vintage Bramley cooking apple, as well as some lovely Gala. The Gala are 2nds grade, so they have a few extra spots compared to the firsts, but its mainly cosmetic – they are still crisp, sweet and very enjoyable. We also have boxes of Mariposa blood plums, which are as juicy and sweet as always. In addition to the above we have some new plum varieties coming up and we also still have a few Greengage plums we’ll bring to the next couple of markets.
͏ Please save your peach & nectarine seeds.We use them in our on-farm fruit tree nursery (Carr’s Organic Fruit Tree Nursery) to grow peach rootstocks. Any seed from any variety of peach or nectarine will do! Don’t wash them, just put them in a plastic bag. It’s fine to store them in the fridge, or out. Bring them to the farm or a market. ͏ ͏ ͏
Castlemaine Farmers Market: This season we will be at the Castlemaine Farmers Market:
- Wednesday Weekly Market – 2:30-5:30 each Wednesday
Camp Reserve, Forest Street Castlemaine (near the Railway Line) - Sunday Monthly Market – first Sunday of the month, 9am to 1 pm Western Reserve, Forest Street, Castlemaine.
We have plenty of fruit ripening over the coming few weeks and we are once again able to offer fruit boxes and specials .You can order them through our page on the Open Food Network and pick them up from the Wednesday market if ordered by 10 am on Wednesday, or from our on-farm shop (see details below). Sunday Market pick up will also be available if ordered by 1 pm the Thursday before.
Farm Shop: If you can’t make it to market, we prefer if you can pick up your fruit from the farm on Wednesday arvo or Thursday.
4. Ecology and Environment
Natural Newstead Blog (Geoff Park) – The Loddon River
The Loddon River has been rapidly reduced to a series of pools … quite a contrast to this time last year when it was flowing steadily at a level of 0.75m. The graph below shows the data over the past 12 months where you can see the level not dropping below 0.65m until mid-December 2024, a spike back to this level in early January 2025 (after ~20mm of rain) and then plummeting to its current level around 0.25m. At this point the flow has ceased.
For more superb nature photography and observations of our local environment visit the Natural Newstead blog page here.
5. First Nations
6. Sustainable Living Resources
Newstead Yoga
- Friday 6.30-7.45am* experimental & seeking 8 minimum to get this one up & going)
- Friday 9am-10.15am
- Saturday 7.30-8.45am
Hopeful Action – A Handbook for Community-led Climate Transitions
A free resource is available to help you take action in 2025!
This handbook intends to make climate change a less wicked problem by building knowledge and capacity, determining where solutions exist, and sharing how to take action. Authored by our General Manager, Taryn Lane, with input from collaborators such as Saul Griffith and Renew and dozens of community case studies, including from our work at Hepburn Energy, it is a digestible tool for a wide range of people, from early adopters to those newly considering how to best take action in their home, workplace, and community.
Check out the e-book here: https://issuu.com/communityclimateaction/docs/hopeful_action_digital or you can download the PDF via our Hepburn Z-NET website, link here: https://hepburnznet.org.au/resources/
Bendigo Sustainability Festival
Highlight this year include:
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The Kitchen Table Talks Program: literally talks and conversations at kitchen tables, come and have a yarn with some of the country’s most inspiring speakers and thinkers: Jimmy Stanton-Cooke from Half Cut, Susan Fayad, coordinating the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid, Professor Kate Auty, environmental activist, and many local voices for you to be connect with.
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Main Stage Program: local awesome artists will provide the entertainment: Sherri Parry, Cadence, Mariah McCarthy, Eloise Jean and Kalo Davis.
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Art Show: Art classes on-site and art works displayed on the theme of sustainability, environmental and wildlife protection and climate change. To submit your art or get involved, see information below.
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Sustainable Fashion Show: models strutting their sustainable fashion on the main stage catwalk. Sign up here to participate.
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Clothes Swap: The Old Church Wardrobe will facilitate a clothes swap. Join in the fun and come and renew your wardrobe. To participate, register here. On the day, you will drop off your clothing to be swapped (no more than 10) by 11am sharp. Jess Marousche, the swap facilitator, will lead a short reflection space at 12noon as an opportunity to share what these clothes have meant to you in the past and then the swap will begin at 12:30pm. There will be changerooms set up and mirrors.
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Activities for kids and families: yoga, a scavenger hunt, art classes, River Detectives, recycling fun, and many more.
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Stallholders and information: Businesses, eco-products, services, information about animals, composting, recycling, energy, water, cooking, anything and everything. Come find out!
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An EV expo: electric vehicles of all shapes and sizes will be on display and available for you to ask questions and find out more.
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Emergency Services: will be in attendance to answer questions and provide information about how they respond to community matters regarding sustainability.
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First Nations Involvement: We will welcome attendees to Country and have First Nations speakers, artists and stallholders to provide a First Nations perspective on all things regarding sustainability.
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Food and drinks: coffee, lunch, curries, ice-cream, will all be available for your enjoyment.
And you get volunteer if you want to, or just come along. If you want more information or want to get involved, get in touch by emailing us at festival@bsg.org.au
Women’s Climate Congress – Victorian Congress 2025 to be held in Castlemaine
The Women’s Climate Congress (WCC) invites women of Australia, in all our diversity, to come together with other women to explore how women are leading a national and international paradigm shift to promote more rapid action on climate change based on compassion, kindness, and care for all life on Earth.
The first WCC international-level event was held in the Australian Capital Territory in 2022, and this second one is being held in Castlemaine from 28th – 30th March 2025.
For more information head to the Women’s Climate Congress website.
EV Insights
Enviroshop in Newstead hold a monthly series of EV Insights featuring a particular EV on display in the shop and a discussion with their owner about all aspects of their EV experience. Sessions are held on the first Saturday morning of the month throughout the year. To provide an opportunity for a close encounter with the vehicle (minus any showroom sales pitch) and the owner numbers are limited to 20 guests per session.
If you’d like to know more contact the EnviroShop, 49 Lyons Street, Newstead
P: 03 5472 4160 Web: enviroshopnewstead.au
Earth Economics week
Please join the Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA), New Economy Network Australia (NENA) and Future Dreaming for ‘Earth Economics Week’ 2025!
The current globalised economic system – driven by extractivism, expansion and material growth – is destroying the living world. Over the past 50 years, a range of important alternative economic systems have been proposed to replace ‘neo-classical’ or ‘growth’ economics – including Steady State, Doughnut, Wellbeing and Degrowth Economics. But what difference have they made? Are our economic systems changing? What approaches are working? Join us for a week of important discussions about our economic systems, the alternatives that are possible and what we can do to shift away from the extractivism that is destroying the living world.
** PLEASE NOTE – all times below are in AEST or Australian Eastern STANDARD Time (Brisbane/Qld time) Please convert to your own timezone ** Tickets are FREE, but bookings are essential. ONE TICKET gives you access to ALL ‘Earth Economics Week’ webinars
WEBINAR SCHEDULE (SO FAR – ADDITIONAL WEBINARS WILL BE ADDED THIS WEEK)
- Monday 3 March – 6.00pm AEST
“Ethics and the economy” with Professor Helen Kopnina, Northumbria University (UK) – Inaugural Haydn Washington Memorial Public Lecture
Join us for AELA’s Inaugural ‘Haydn Washington Lecture’, honoring our dear friend and colleague, Haydn, who passed away in December 2023. To find out about the legacy of Haydn’s ecological economics and earth ethics work please visit this website. Professor Kopnina is an internationally recognised researcher and writer, and collaborated with Haydn for many years. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion about the role of ethics within our economic systems. - Tuesday 4 March – 6pm AEST
‘Indigenous perspectives about the economic system we need’ – speaker details available soon - Wednesday 5 March – 12pm to 1.30pm AEST
‘Are Steady State Economics still relevant?’ with Matthew Washington, Phil Jones and Robert Perey, Centre for a Steady State Economy (CASSE) NSW – facilitated by Michelle Maloney.
- Thursday 6 March – 6.30pm to 7.30pm AEST
‘Can a Wellbeing Economy Save the Planet?’, with Katherine Trebeck, Co-founder of Wellbeing Economy Alliance International - Friday 7 March – 12pm to 1.30pm AEST
“What could a degrowth and decolonised economy look like?” with Mary Graham, Michelle Maloney and other speakers to be confirmed
7. Building Community
Mount Alexander Community Land Ltd – Seeking New Board Members
MACLL Board position: Mt Alexander Community Land Limited is looking for new board members. Established in 2007, MACLL has the mission to acquire land to provide a range of secure and perpetually affordable housing. We are looking for patient board members willing to stay the course for a housing project under the Community Land Trust model. This may include people with lived experiences thought to those who have professional skills in architecture, planning, communications, fundraising or project management. We meet at least quarterly, either in person or via zoom, after hours. A passionate community needs a resilient housing project from which to base itself. CLTs provide that vehicle. We have a number of potentials forming, so we hope you can apply. Send your cover letter and a two page CV to info@macll.org.au.
Karl Fitzgerald, Managing Director, Mobile: 0400 676 457 grounded.org.au
Repair Cafes
Repair Cafes are a wonderful volunteer-led initiative for enabling community members to fix everyday household items such as clothing and electrical goods and reducing waste. Below are the upcoming dates in March for the Repair Cafes in our region.
Castlemaine: Sunday 30th March, 10am – 1pm, Castlemaine Community House
Daylesford: Sunday 16th March, 1 – 4pm, Victoria Park Pavilion
Creswick: Sunday 16th March, 1 – 4pm, Creswick Community Centre Hall
Ballarat: Saturday 29th March, 1 – 4pm, Barkly Square
Bendigo: Every Thursday and Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Here is n recent ABC article on Repair Cafes : https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-13/fixing-more-than-broken-stuff-the-growing-impact-of-repair-cafes/104727868
Newstead CFA market
Held under the shade of large gum trees in Newstead’s Rotunda Park, this is a friendly community market where you can find almost anything: food, plants, crafts, tools, locally grown organic fruit and vegetables, clothes, second hand books, furniture, trash and treasure. Entry to the public is free, so come along and pick up a bargain.
Any funds raised go to help support the Newstead and District Fire Brigade, keeping our community safe.
Daylesford Museum and Historical Society
60 Year Anniversary Celebration
Daylesford and District Historical Society will be holding an open day to celebrate their 60th anniversary. Come along and learn more about the work of the Society in preserving the region’s rich history for future generations.
When: Sunday 2nd March, 10.00am – 2.00pm
Where: Daylesford Museum, 100 Vincent St, Daylesford
Cost: Adult entry $5, Children free
8. The Spirit and the Sacred
Stream Entering Monastery
Nestled in Porcupine Ridge, the Stream Entering Monastery is a mindfulness practice centre in the tradition of Plum Village, founded by the late Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Since relocating from Beaufort to its current peaceful setting in 2021, the monastery has provided a sanctuary for those seeking stillness, reflection, and mindful living.
The monastery regularly hosts Days of Mindfulness on Thursdays and Sundays, as well as community working bee days on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Open to people of all faiths and backgrounds, it offers a space for cultivating inner peace and harmony.
For more information, contact streamentering.office@pvaustralia.org or call 0402 924 800.
Castlemaine Johannine Community
The Castlemaine Johannine Community practises ‘pagan Christianity’, a spirituality based in the mystical tradition of St John, Mary Magdalene and the Rosicrucians, and grounded in deep reverence for the sacredness of the Earth and the wisdom of the ancient Celtic, Aboriginal and Native American spiritual traditions. Through both inner and outer work, we seek to collaborate with the impulse of Christ and Sophia to create bring healing and renewal to our communities and the Earth. We meet monthly at the Grail Chapel in Green Gully for Eucharist services and other special events shaped by the sacred calendar of the seasonal Christian and Celtic festivals.
Events in March:
5th March: Ash Wednesday bonfire 7.30pm
Sunday 9th March: Eucharist for the first Sunday in Lent, 11am followed by a shared lunch
Where: the Grail Chapel, 75 McMillans Rd, Green Gully
Cost: all events are free, donations are welcome.
Enquiries: contact Ken Killeen on 0423 194 878 or email: johannine@hotmail.com
Yandoit Sacred
Castlemaine Zen
We offer monthly orientation, weekly zazen (seated meditation), monthly zazenkai (day of Zen practice), dharma discussions, sutra chanting, dharma talks, special events and dokusan (dharma interviews) with Kynan Sutherland Roshi. We also offer seasonal yatras (silent Zen walks) in the beautiful box-ironbark forest around Castlemaine.
Our sangha (Zen community) is passionate about realising the dharma in the flow of everyday life. We place a strong emphasis on environmental action, social justice, community building and the arts. You do not need to be a buddhist to join our activities, just someone who longs for a settled, earthy and vital life. Beginners welcome!
Orientation, Full Sutra Service and Zazen
Sipwell Faith Community
The faith community of Sipwell is made up of people who wish to explore pathways of faith and spirituality outside the usual parameters of the traditional church. Our gatherings are an open invitation, a place for people to come as they are, with all levels of faith or doubt or wondering. Our intention is to be a ‘free and fearless space” to listen for God, and give room for Spirit to move and speak within and among us.A prayer time at the end of each gathering enables us to voice our thankfulness and concerns to God both as individuals and a group.
We meet from 5 until 7pm on the third Saturday of each month, and usually stay after the reflection and prayer time for a shared meal at Castlemaine Uniting Church
9. Local Government News
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. This initiative will outline the key outcomes Council is seeking to achieve to support the continued growth, development and well-being of the community.
The new Council Plan will focus on key areas such as financial sustainability, service delivery, and promoting economic growth. It will be informed by both Councillor and staff feedback, and feedback from the community.Council is seeking 44 community members to form a Deliberative Engagement Panel. The Panel will work through a series of questions and activities to review the Community Vision and help to prioritise outcomes the Council will deliver over the coming Council term.
An expression of interest for the Deliberative Engagement Panel is now open. For more information or to participate in the consultation process, please visit https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/hepburn-together-2025-2029. The EOI closes on 24 February 2025.
Open Access Libraries in Hepburn Shire
Open Access Libraries initiative, which allows library members to upgrade their membership to access library buildings outside regular opening hours in the absence of on-site staff. The extended access will encompass borrowing privileges, use of Wi-Fi, public computers, study spaces, along with the availability of print, scan and copy services.
Library members will be invited to participate in a comprehensive induction program to upgrade their library membership. This will grant them exclusive access to facilities during non-operational hours, from 8am to 8pm, seven days per week, including public holidays. The induction will include a safety briefing and contractual agreement, ensuring a smooth and secure experience. Security will be upgraded to ensure a safe environment, including automatic sensor lighting, security cameras and safety alarms.
Open Access Libraries has increasingly been rolled out with great success at both city and rural locations, including Victorian towns Numurkah and Tatura. Council will roll out Open Access Libraries from March starting with the Trentham library, and then introducing the program at Clunes, Creswick and Daylesford.
Listening Posts across Hepburn Shire
We will be hosting a series of Listening Post events throughout 2025, aimed at strengthening communication and engagement with the community. The events will be held in major townships as well as smaller communities, with the opportunity for residents to share their ideas, provide feedback on services, and discuss matters that are important to them. As part of the initiative, senior Council staff and Councillors will be attending local community spaces throughout the year. Next Listening post is: Thursday 27 March – Daylesford Coles, 4 pm to 6 pm
Details of other Listening Post events, including dates and locations, will be made available on our website.
Reusable products voucher program in Hepburn Shire
Want to make the switch to reusable nappies, period or incontinence products? Council is offering households a $50 voucher code to use on the purchase of eligible reusable products from local business Darlings Downunder.
Vouchers can be used for: cloth nappies; swim nappies; training pants; wet bags’ period products’ nursing pads; incontinence underwear; and more.The discount voucher code is valid from 1 February 2025 until 31 May 2025, unless allocated funds are exhausted prior. Find details about the program at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/reusables
10. Workshops and Courses
Feminine Futures Webinar Series- (Free)
This webinar series brings together the voices of seven women with a broad set of expertise – spiritual, psychological, ecological, and economic—to reassess progress from a feminine living-world perspective.
Camila Moreno
Helena Norberg-Hodge
Thais Mantovani
Eva Henje
Rutendo Ngara
Darcia Narvaez
Anja Lyngbaek
This webinar series will join the dots between some of our most pressing problems, such as the: climate crisis, mental health problems, food insecurity, and rising poverty, and explore key actions and strategies for change. This is not about gender, but about giving more space to the caring, nurturing, and life-giving within society itself. There will be a strong focus on moving from the “I” to a “We”, and on reconnecting with others and nature. We will look at localization as a solution-multiplier and draw on lessons from indigenous knowledge systems.
Participants will become familiarized with a broad international grassroots movement working for a systemic shift from the bottom up.
Join our free series taking us through the spiritual, psychological, and ecological benefits of localization. Sign up for the whole series or choose your favourite episode.
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/femininefutures/1525465
11. Letters
12. Food for Thought
Demystifying Degrowth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELfaaMLmhus
The Future is Local: Bioregioning 101
Inspiring, practical, relevant… Really worth a go if you’ve got some podcasting time on your hands.
https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/reality-roundtable-14
Story is so powerful- with Tyson Yunkaporta and Emergence magazine
https://emergencemagazine.org/conversation/deep-time-diligence
How Elite Surplus and Inequality Lead to Societal Upheaval – interview with Peter Turchin
Turchin has analysed societal breakdowns across human history and his insights into the causes of breakdown, and what can be done to avert it, make for compelling listening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk9bs0F_oIU
Ice Wisdom: Interview with Uncle Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq – Being Human Podcast
‘Uncle’ Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq is a shaman, traditional healer, storyteller and carrier of the Qilaut (winddrum), whose family belongs to the traditional healers of the Far North from Kalaallit Nunaat, Greenland. He talks about melting the ice, meeting Mandela and the simple acts of connection that can restore our humanity. His gentle compassion and deep wisdom make this a powerful, uplifting interview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u46ZtXYY3Q&t=2837s
Transition Australia Newsletter
Includes Stories of Hope & Inspiration: Tools for Action: Events & Opportunities; Collective Wisdom; and a Participatory Space
Companion Planting – Milkwood
https://mailchi.mp/milkwood/companion-planting-but-with-permaculture?
Recycled E-waste? – The Conversation
