A 2-Day Workshop with Minna Graham

Discover. Create. Fire.

Join artist Minna Graham for a hands-on, two-day exploration of working with wild clay and primitive firing techniques. From digging raw clay out of the earth to firing your finished pieces in a pit, this immersive experience will connect you to ancient processes and the natural materials beneath your feet.

Day One (7th June) : Harvesting & Handbuilding

Learn to assess, dig, and process local wild clay

Understand clay properties and how to identify them in the field

Experiment with natural additives to enhance strength, texture, and elasticity

Explore handbuilding techniques: slab building, pinching, coiling, and coil-and-paddle

Make natural clay slips for decoration

Decorate your pieces using imprinting, mark-making with found objects, and textured surfaces

Day Two (12th July) : Primitive Firing Techniques

Learn the fundamentals of pit firing and smudge firing

Prepare your own saggars (containers that influence firing effects)

Explore how organic materials—such as banana peels, cow manure, and corn husks—can create unique colors and finishes

Fire the pieces you made on Day One and witness the alchemy of earth, fire, and smoke

Reflect on your results and take home truly one-of-a-kind ceramic works

Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned ceramicist looking to deepen your connection to natural processes, this workshop offers a raw, grounding, and creative experience.

COST:

Both Days - $600

Day One Only - $400 (includes firing)

Memorial Dr, Riddells Creek. 9am-1pm

On 15 June 2025, the community will come together to raise awareness about elder abuse in observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

This year, Council is teaming up with Kindness to Elders to host a special event at Kyneton Mechanics Institute aimed at shedding light on the challenges faced by older adults.

The event will feature a matinee screening of the heartfelt movie Thelma, set to start at 2pm. The film tells the story of 93-year-old Thelma Post, a grandmother who falls victim to a phone scam that costs her $10,000. With the help of a supportive friend and his motorised scooter, Thelma embarks on a daring journey across Los Angeles to reclaim what was wrongfully taken from her.

Also taking place on the day will be a flag raising ceremony to begin the day at 12pm, a Scouts-led sausage sizzle, food and coffee vans, and a meet and greet space including information on financial guidance and support for seniors who may have concerns about fraud, abuse, or other related issues.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is not just for seniors - it’s for everyone. Bring your grandparents, parents, and other loved ones to the event to show your support for the elder community.

This is a perfect opportunity to have important conversations about elder safety and well-being in a relaxed, friendly environment.

For more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/Elder-abuse

A 2-Day Workshop with Minna Graham

Discover. Create. Fire.

Join artist Minna Graham for a hands-on, two-day exploration of working with wild clay and primitive firing techniques. From digging raw clay out of the earth to firing your finished pieces in a pit, this immersive experience will connect you to ancient processes and the natural materials beneath your feet.

Day One (7th June) : Harvesting & Handbuilding

Learn to assess, dig, and process local wild clay

Understand clay properties and how to identify them in the field

Experiment with natural additives to enhance strength, texture, and elasticity

Explore handbuilding techniques: slab building, pinching, coiling, and coil-and-paddle

Make natural clay slips for decoration

Decorate your pieces using imprinting, mark-making with found objects, and textured surfaces

Day Two (12th July) : Primitive Firing Techniques

Learn the fundamentals of pit firing and smudge firing

Prepare your own saggars (containers that influence firing effects)

Explore how organic materials—such as banana peels, cow manure, and corn husks—can create unique colors and finishes

Fire the pieces you made on Day One and witness the alchemy of earth, fire, and smoke

Reflect on your results and take home truly one-of-a-kind ceramic works

Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned ceramicist looking to deepen your connection to natural processes, this workshop offers a raw, grounding, and creative experience.

COST:

Both Days - $600

Day One Only - $400 (includes firing)

Watercolour masterclass with local artist Elizabeth Barnett.

Enjoy a private tour of the gardens at Duneira Estate, plus morning tea.

Duneira Estate, 1 Officer Ln, Mount Macedon.

9.30am-12.30pm.

$250.

In the spirit of Reconciliation and in celebration of Aboriginal culture, please join the wonderful duo of Ron Murray and Sarah James for Aboriginal Storytime.

Ron is a much-loved Victorian indigenous storyteller and a didgeridoo soloist. Sarah is of Scottish ancestry with haunting ability on the violin. Together they bring two musical cultures together – inspiring us to think about what it is to be Australian and about belonging in this country.

This very special event of music and storytelling is aimed at young families.

Proudly supported by the Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

Bookings – www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au or phone – 5429 3086

See more than 50 patchwork quilts made by members of A Patch of Lancefield.

Plus quilt raffle and stalls.

Lancefield Mechanics Institute, The Crescent, Lancefield.

9am-4pm.

$5.

See more than 50 patchwork quilts made by members of A Patch of Lancefield.

Plus quilt raffle and stalls.

Lancefield Mechanics Institute, The Crescent, Lancefield.

9am-4pm.

$5.

The Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group, in partnership with Murray PHN and Tomorrow Man, is thrilled to present A Night Out with the Blokes Workshop‚ a free event designed to foster meaningful conversations and strengthen mental resilience among men in our community.

This free two-hour workshop, provides men with the opportunity to take time out, reflect, and engage in discussions that build self-confidence and emotional strength. Through open and honest conversations, attendees will explore the evolution of masculinity‚ examining where traditional stereotypes have led men and envisioning a healthier, more connected future. With societal expectations shifting, many men, young and old, can feel isolated or unsure of how to navigate modern challenges.

This workshop offers a supportive space to break down barriers, challenge outdated beliefs, and encourage healthier perspectives on manhood and mental well-being. By addressing these critical issues in a safe and engaging environment, A Night Out with the Blokes is a chance for men to connect, reflect, and grow.

Thursday May 22

- Doors open at 6pm

- Workshop 6:30-8:30pm.

Newham Mechanics Institute Hall-1292 Rochford Road Newham

Finger food and drinks on arrival at 6pm

The Gisborne Singers invite you to join them for an afternoon of joyous music in their first concert of the 2025 season.

The program includes Purcell’s Come, Ye Sons of Art Away and Vivaldi’s choral masterpiece, Gloria in D Major which is considered one of sacred music’s most uplifting choral works. Featuring renowned soloists Merlyn Quaife and Kristen Leich, the choir will be accompanied by the Macedon Ranges Chamber Orchestra and conducted by Luke Severn.

CONCERT DETAILS:

Sunday 18th May at 2. 30pm - Castlemaine Town Hall

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1371639

Tickets $55 full, $45 concession, under 12 free

Enquiries via our website: www.gisbornesingers.org

Discover what’s available in Romsey.

• Showcasing the range of ways to be involved in Romsey.

• Stalls from a variety of groups, clubs, societies, businesses and organisations.

Come and see all of the great things Romsey has to offer!

Entertainment and food

• Fun for all the family

• Market stalls

• Food stall

For more information contact Romsey Neighbourhood House

Find out about Lancefield’s history and how it grew from a village on Deep Creek to the present-day town.

Lancefield Mechanics Institute, The Crescent, Lancefield.

2pm-4.30pm.

$20.

Join garden designer Sam Crawford for a workshop on creating gardens that feel natural, connected, and deeply rooted in their surroundings and your lifestyle.

Riddells Creek Nursery, 675 Kilmore Rd, Riddells Creek.

10.30am-11.30am.

$10

Drop in to the library and make some colourful pom poms in support of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

Memorial Dr, Riddells Creek. 9am-1pm

Maps $5. Money raised from the event will help 1st Riddells Creek Scouts.

Includes Indoor market and a car boot sale.

Riddells Creek Scout Hall, 26 Sutherlands Rd, Riddells Creek.

8am-2pm.

A Man Called Otto Screening

A Man Called Otto is a 2022 American comedy-drama film directed by Marc Forster. It is a remake of the 2015 Swedish film A Man Called Ove, which was based on the 2012 novel of the same name by Fredrik Backman. The film stars Tom Hanks and his son Truman in the title role, with Mariana Trevi, Rachel Keller, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo in supporting roles. The plot follows a bitter old man who reluctantly gets involved in the lives of his neighbours.

Creation and conversation abound at our monthly Curious Circle catch ups.

Come along on Tuesday May 13 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm to see what it‚ all about.

Coffee, tea and a light supper provided.

All craft materials supplied and no experience necessary.

Gold coin donation and bookings required.

Have you ever wondered how essential oils and hydrosols are made?

This workshop is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on experience where you’ll learn the art of distillation! Option to bring your own botanicals, or let the experts guide you to pick some fresh ones right from Chintin farm. Each participant will have their own still to load with botanicals and watch the magic unfold as you distill the botanicals and then guided to create your very own product using the oils and hydrosols.

The afternoon also includes a delightful afternoon tea, inspired by the very botanicals grown at Chintin Botanicals. It’s a perfect way to unwind and enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Limited spaces available! Book your ticket here - https://events.humanitix.com/distillation-workshop

Are you a local business owner? Running a home business? Wanting a chance to do some networking?? Come along to our local After Work Catch up!

These are informal opportunities to connect with other businesses in our small community, to build connections and help drive growth and success for individual businesses. You never know where a single connection can lead!

All businesses in the Eastern Macedon Ranges are welcome to come along - no bookings needed, just turn up!

Next event is at The Lancefield Hotel - pop it in your diary

Wednesday 2nd April @ 5:30pm to 7pm

Questions? Send us a DM or email to contact@easternmacedonranges.au