In a world increasingly defined by digital connectivity and the relentless pace of modern life, there is a growing thirst for authentic, embodied healing. For Rachael Gibson, this quest has led to the creation of Heart of the Horse, a therapeutic sanctuary where the wisdom of horses meets the transformative potential of holistic practices.
Read MoreHis work is far more than a transactional process. Dominic is a storyteller at heart, bringing the histories of Australia’s grand estates to life. "The social history of a house tells us about its identity and soul," he says.
Read MoreIn the tranquil embrace of The Garden of St Erth, Julian Blackhirst stands as a custodian of nature's bounty, weaving a tapestry of beauty and sustainability that tells a story resonating far beyond the garden's borders.
Read More“It is our intention to take our national and international clients through a personal and professional transformational program whilst showcasing the best businesses, artisans, and alchemistic experiences this area has to offer.”
Read MoreIn the winter of 2019 the lights dimmed for me,” writes award-winning actor turned filmmaker Mark Leonard Winter.
Read More“I asked the zen master, ‘how do I become a better artist?’ And it was quiet for a while and he said, ‘attention.’
Read More“One of the really unique things about the region is that every bush track, you go down, there's another abandoned church or school hall, or little village and I suppose as a music promoter, I'm sort of peering into these beautiful LED light windows and thinking, imagine if we did an intimate show with some of these acts that we've worked with.”
Read More“Growing the festival is part of growing with the community. Everyone from the primary schools, to high school, police, to the elderly, to people with disabilities.”
Read More“It's not only the nourishment of the nutrients in the food that's important that nourishment of the time that we pay for eating, and taking notice of the texture, flavours and the environment that you're sitting; perhaps in a beautiful garden or in a room with a beautiful flower arrangement or the way that light might be falling through the window and leaving shadows in the room.”
Read MoreEventually, Tammi began working with a regional butcher in Ballan named Salvatore Fusca to learn the craft of butchering a pig. But the essence of what Jonai Farms was embarking on was about how we should be living, “the research is really clear that peasants and Indigenous peoples are the best custodians of biodiversity and maintaining a sustainable resource base, and they've done it for millennia. And industrial society is so separated from that, that they really need to look back to the small holders and the Indigenous peoples for guidance.”
Read MoreIt was the first pebble that sunk into what Brett describes as the imaginary pond, “and the ripples started.” The stories are kept secret, within the circle, “But I can tell you about my feelings. Something magical was happening. I thought, something really needed is happening here. And, and we've just begun it.”
Read MoreMark creates poetry from physical exercise. From behind long locks and a bushranger’s beard, his part-guru part-footy coach persona is a melting pot of an original larrikin spirit.
He writes, “I share my excitement for life with seekers, with my retreats and one-day events, I aim to inspire you to be your true authentic self, wear your heart on your sleeve and help you light a fire within.”
Read MoreThe Haymes business model only deals with other family businesses; 15,000 professional family trade businesses, independent paint specialists and independent hardware stores. “That whole idea of familyness leads to community, which leads to Australian, which leads to care for the environment. These are the cornerstones of what we’re creating,” asserts Matt. “We’re a family business because of the 300 families not because of our family. We always say, blood is thicker than paint. Sounds corny, but it is.”
Read MoreThe Ulysses Club is a social club for motorcyclists over the age of 40 years. “And I started my passion for riding about 40 years ago, on a farm, riding bikes with my brothers,” quipps Macedon Ranges' first female club president, Sylvia Behan.
Read MoreTeagan’s work, as photographer and filmmaker with a social conscience and international agenda, has in many ways become an empowering testament to young country-town creatives across Victoria. Armed with her mum’s advice, she embraced the unknown and her dreams came true.
Read MoreWinding down a path littered with fresh Feijoas, we discover Melliodora; a 2 1/4 acre property nestled on the edge of Hepburn Springs. However, it’s the integrity and significance of the philosophical landscape that startles the imagination.
Read MoreMara’s work is a holistic project titled Village Dreaming. It thrives on reviving the displaced community of her Italian heritage through the things that made her grandmother's hometown so special; hosting, cooking, baking, preserving, and foraging workshops.
Read MoreHepburn Springs' only historic bathhouse, has been providing traditional social bathing since 1895. “It makes us a pivotal part of this community,” explains Robbie, our guide to the Bathhouse. “We have our Spring Creek running next to the facility. And in Summer, this means it’s slightly greener. We get lovely wildlife; kookaburras raising their young next to our creekside deck.”
Read MoreChillOut Festival is more than a fabulous celebration of expression, dance and drink - it has become the the bedrock of Daylesford’s LGBTIQ+ community. ChillOut is recognised as a culturally important LGBTIQ+ pride event, supporting and representing queer pride for all regional people.
Early organisers wanted to emphasise the country feel of Daylesford. The event was also an important way of profile-raising for the gay and lesbian community in Daylesford as well as the wider Hepburn Shire region. From humble beginnings at a picnic in the mid 90s, ChillOut has flowered into Australia’s largest queer country pride festival.
Read MoreLavandula, or lavender as it is commonly known, means to wash in Latin - referring to the use of infusions of the plants. Behind the golden hills of Shepherds Flat, Lavandula Swiss-Italian Farm cherishes our mysterious relationship to the flower of the Old World.
“I love renovating and restoring old buildings. I would travel to Europe every year because my brother lived in Italy, he was working as an artist,” explains Carol, as she walks us through the curated gardens, “My brother and I went to the south of France and I saw these little patches of lavender, around Provence.”
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