Close to Clunes

17/08/2025

The Clunes Top Shop is getting a refurbishment, and will soon be back in business, reopening as a take-away once the work’s all wrapped up! 🍟

05/08/2025

A beautiful Clunes sunrise! 🌄

There’s nothing like a beautiful Clunes sunrise to start the day right.

We’re open from 7am — the coffee’s on, toasties and pies are hot, and the town’s just starting to wake up. Whether you’re on your way to work or just after a quiet moment to yourself, swing past and say hi.

See you soon!

25/07/2025

Craig and Cynthia Drewer ran the Clunes newsagency like a second home – greeting customers by name, checking in on their wellbeing, taking donations for the firies, helping oldies with bills and passbooks, you name it.

It wasn’t just a shop – it was a hub, a safe haven, and a lifeline for a tight-knit community. But after years of service, they’re getting shafted. Why? Because Bendigo Bank has pulled the plug on the agency they ran. No discussion, no loyalty.

And don’t swallow the corporate spin – this wasn’t about “efficiencies” or “future strategy.” This was a decision made in a boardroom a hundred kilometres away, with zero thought for what happens to the town left behind.

While Bendigo Bank talks a big game about being the “community bank,” they’ve been quietly closing branches across regional Australia, stripping back face-to-face services, and hanging loyal customers out to dry.

This has all been taking place while they are posting profits in the hundreds of millions. Their half-year 2025 result? $265 million in cash earnings – still not enough to keep a small-town agency going?

And here’s the kicker – the bank's top shareholders these days? State Street, Vanguard and BlackRock. The same three global giants holding the reins on everything from fossil fuels to pharmaceuticals. So much for community ownership.

The Drewers aren’t just losing their business, Clunes is losing one of its last human connections – all to keep shareholders smiling. Meanwhile, Bendigo Bank isn’t just turning its back on Clunes – it’s turning into everything it once claimed to stand against.

19/07/2025

“GUILTY, YOUR HONOUR!”

Applause has broken out in court as the ex-partner of the beloved Hannah McGuire suddenly pleaded guilty to her murder – eight days into his trial.

He’d spent over a week denying it was deliberate, claiming her death was an accident. But after being re-arraigned, he soon changed his plea.

19/07/2025

Congratulations to former Clunes local Paddy Milne on being named a finalist in the Creative Industries Business category at the 2025 Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards! 👏🌿

A talented landscape gardener, horticulturalist, and builder, Paddy is the driving force behind his business The Scape Artist – known for transforming outdoor spaces into beautifully crafted landscapes.

This recognition is a well-earned nod to his skill, vision, and dedication to his craft. Good on ya, Paddy – and best of luck in the finals! 🌱🏆

06/07/2025

The proprietors of the National Hotel in Clunes have issued a public statement ahead of what is expected to be a challenging period for the local community, as the murder trial of their daughter, Hannah McGuire, gets underway.

In a message posted to patrons, owners Deb and Glenn advised that while the pub’s operating hours and meal service would remain unchanged, patrons may notice changes in daytime bar staff as the trial progresses.

“The next few weeks at the Nash may look a little different, as we navigate our way through Hannah’s trial,” the statement read. “Please be patient with us – I’ve no doubt this will be a challenging few weeks.”

They also asked for respect from anyone attending court proceedings. “If anyone attends the trial, please respect the court. No ‘Hannah T-shirts’ to be worn and no communication of any kind with him, his family or any of his supporters.”

The trial follows the tragic death of Hannah, whose body was found in a burnt-out vehicle near Scarsdale in April 2024 at the age of just 23. A man known to her was later arrested and charged with murder.

The case has deeply impacted our small town, where Hannah was well known and loved. Community members are now bracing for what’s expected to be an emotional few weeks as details of the case are heard in court.

Support remains strong for Hannah’s family and friends, with locals continuing to rally together in remembrance and in pursuit of justice.

29/06/2025

Huge congratulations to the Clunes Magpies 13A Netball side – they’re having an absolute ripper of a season! 👏🏼‍

Still undefeated and sitting proudly on top of the ladder, the team’s hard work, skill, and team spirit are clearly paying off. 💪🏻

Keep it going, girls – you’re flying! 🐦‍⬛

01/06/2025

Check out this absolute stunner – the legendary Lollipop Tree perched proudly atop Mt Beckworth near Clunes and Waubra! 🌲

This beauty is a Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata) – 107 years old, 26 metres tall, and 5 metres around the middle – and was crowned the National Trust’s Victorian Tree of the Year back in 2018, the same year it turned 100!

A big shoutout to Alan Deumer for the cracking photo. What a view. What a tree. What a legend!

27/05/2025

Clunes Museum features a beautifully curated collection that wouldn't look out of place in any top cultural facility!

17/03/2025

The Clunes and Talbot Football Netball Clubs, alongside the McGuire family, have come together to introduce the annual Hannah McGuire Memorial Cup! 🏆

This special cup will be awarded to the winning team of the A Grade match, followed by a minute’s silence to honour Hannah, who was dearly loved by both clubs. ❤️

The Talbot and Clunes communities, along with anyone from the wider area, are warmly invited to attend the match and pay their respects to Hannah and her family. 🙏🏻‍

The minute’s silence and trophy presentation will take place on Saturday at approximately 3:45pm. A beautiful tribute to a truly special person! 🌟