Michelle Dorian, Tarrangower Times

As you approach the home of potter/photographer Ellen Hansa- Stanyer you cannot avoid the feeling of being watched ... Firstly, you’re greeted at the gate by a white rabbit with table and teapot, ceramic figures from ‘Alice in Wonderland’; it’s a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party on the fence!

Maldon’s historic postbox has had a lick of lovely fresh paint and it seems like the perfect symbol of renewal to say: Happy New Year! But the inspiring story of how the pillar box came to be painted by Mick Slocum OAM also speaks of regeneration and rejuvenation at any time and any age.

Maldon Kids Club Christmas Concert was absolute pandemonium, according to the coordinator of the event, Reverend Darcy Vaughan. The usually unflappable Rev. Darcy was challenged in every direction; the play featured 25 kids and a pony ... And what is the story with the robot, you ask?

The group of riders known as Maldon Cycling has raised funds to purchase a trishaw for the residents of Mountview Nursing Home at Maldon Hospital, who are enjoying the opportunity to view the local neighbourhood at cycling pace … The residents, who simply nominate to have a ride and take turns each Thursday afternoon, are loving the trishaw.

Why do we call this the Silly Season? Partly because the title gives us permission to let go a little and relax after a busy, bustling and stressful year. We might get silly with indulgences, parties and gifts at Christmas … but a little bit of thoughtfulness goes a long way, too. Caring interactions with each other, quality time and gratitude; these are all part of a successful festive season.

Close to 50 people crammed into the supper room at Baringhup Hall last Thursday 5 December to attend an information session about the proposed quarry at Blue Hills. Staff from Mawsons Concrete and Quarries, the company behind the proposal, presented a slide show and answered community questions.

An application to have Maldon listed on the National Heritage register has not been successful. Michele Waddington, owner of Fairbank House accommodation, completed the laborious application process and has been in discussions with heritage officers from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for over 12 months.

A talk by Professor Barry Golding about the First Nations history of Mount Tarrengower attracted a large and engaged audience at Maldon Community Centre on Sunday 8 December. The event was one of a number of talks about the hills featured in his new book: Six Peaks Speak: Unsettling legacies in southern Dja Dja Wurrung Country.

Maldon Bakery was selected winner of a 2024 Golden Plate Award in the Unlicensed Café or Bakery section at a gala dinner on Monday 2 December. Maldon Bakery always rises to the occasion with its magnificent baked goods, served with a smile in a lovely environment: everyone in the local area knows it!

The Newstead solar project that was launched in August is rolling out and has been holding regular information sessions at the Newstead Rural Transfer Centre. The project, a partnership between Renewable Newstead and retailer Flow Power, centres around the newly operational Newstead Solar Farm.