More than 500 locals have been included, with personal snapshots uncovering their incredibly artistic and environmental talents.

Project co-ordinator Keira Lockyer said it was a great way to honour the group's milestone. 

“I have been here since 1998 but have learnt a hell of a lot about the region because of this book,” Ms Lockyer said. 

“A lot of our residents fly under the radar but this really shares that knowledge of local artists and all our volunteers and stories of permaculture and sustainability and community gardens.”

She said changes over the years were also discussed in the book.

“People have shared their thoughts on the changes and not all for the good,” Ms Lockyer said.

“Some members said what they missed, including the old Vincent Street, but more than anything, they said tourism had helped the town and attracted lots of young people to live (in Daylesford).”

Hepburn Shire, Bendigo Bank and Hepburn Wind have all contributed funds to the book's production.

“We have started to source the best colour photos we can find and hopefully they will all be by local photographers so we can showcase their work,” U3A president David Hall said. 

Those on board include U3A’s Garry Morcom, Anne Tamblyn and Marie-Louise Stafford along with local photographers Paul Mosig, Peter Brennan and Kyle Barnes.

Writing contributors include U3A members Lena Mazza, Diane Lyttleton, Janeen O’Connell and Jan Bragg.

Artists Petrus Spronk and Peter Tyndall and historian Gary Lawrence have also helped provide information for the book.

The book, as yet unnamed, will be launched on October 8 and can be pre-ordered through U3A.

After the launch it will be available at Paradise Books and Bookbarn at Daylesford.

U3A is a world-wide organisation for retirees or the semi-retired. 

The Hepburn Shire Branch has 152 members. 

Activities organised by the group include a book club, discussion groups, craft, crochet, food, films, writing, clogging and social games including Mah-Jong, Bridge and Scrabble.

U3A’s second semester starts on July 20, with an introduction to the program on July 9. Contact secretary Anne Tamblyn on 0411 866 643 for more information.