News
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Castlemaine vies for new world record
Castlemaine is set to go bigger this November, with a world record attempt for the most people wearing an Aussie band T-shirt in the same place at the same time, in support of musicians doing it tough. The gathering will be held on Sunday November 22 at the Old Castlemaine Gaol, in the lead-up to…
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Restoring dignity after death
An archaeological investigation into disturbed human remains at Castlemaine Cemetery has recently completed drone mapping of the cemetery. The mapping revealed that the number of piles containing disturbed graves is significantly higher than anticipated. The Castlemaine Cemetery Burial Recovery Project is a community-led investigation into the decades-long systematic displacement of human remains from their original…
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Push for state action on koala roadstrike
Wildlings Woodend Wildlife Shelter has launched a petition for a statewide electronic wildlife warning signage program for koala roadstrike hotspots. They are calling on the Victorian Government to establish a program that specifically responds to koala breeding and dispersal season. The move follows a series of koala fatalities and roadstrike injuries at Calder Freeway hotspots…
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A voice for the people
In an exciting first, Really Local and the Castlemaine Institute Democracy Lab are hosting a Castlemaine Festival for Democracy this Thursday, November 12 – a day of conversation, ideas and connection exploring what a genuinely citizen-led democracy could look like. In a moment when cynicism about politics runs deep, this is a chance to step…
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KYNETON DEVELOPMENT CHANGES REJECTED
Macedon Ranges Shire Council has refused a substantial amendment to the Edgecombe Road petrol station development at Kyneton. The existing permit approved a service station, two convenience restaurants, and signage and access arrangements within the Edgecombe Road commercial precinct. However, the applicant has requested several changes, including relocation of a convenience restaurant into a standalone…
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Council goes in to bat for speed change
Macedon Ranges Shire Council will support a petition to reduce the speed limit of Batters Lane, Kyneton, to 80km/h. The road’s ‘medium’ risk rating combined with high demonstrated crash rate over the 2.27km stretch, meets the criteria for change. Batters Lane comprises two main sections with both sealed and unsealed areas of road. Both sections…
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Push for Romsey oval upgrade
Romsey sporting clubs are calling for urgent upgrades to lighting, playing surface, drainage and parking at Oval 2 to match the town’s growth. Local soccer and junior football clubs say they have been forced to cap players in recent years due to strain on the limited playing grounds. Macedon Rangers Soccer Club president Matt Bender…
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Is it time to put ordinary people in decision-making roles?
Bryn Davies Imagine it is the Tuesday after the state election. The jostling for who will form government continues: filling your feeds, airwaves, newspapers. Bored of the endless scroll, you drop into your local supermarket and pick up a copy of the Midland Express. As you arrive home, you find an envelope in your letterbox.…
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Council probes battery project
Macedon Ranges Shire Council has called for further clarification and assessment on the proposed Battery Energy Storage System for Macedon, with bushfire risk a key focus. South Energy’s proposal is for a 100 MW four-hour BESS, comprising about 128 lithium-ion battery containers, and spanning about five hectares at Black Forest Drive. Raising a notice of…
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A fresh approach to fire preparedness
Taking a fresh approach to bushfire preparedness, globally recognised ecological designer and permaculture pioneer David Holmgren is bringing together fire survivors, experts and community members for a two-day forum in Campbells Creek this weekend. The event aims to move beyond fear-based bushfire messaging and give households practical knowledge and confidence to prepare their properties, protect…
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Ranges’ best wines celebrated
Macedon Ranges winemakers and vignerons celebrated the best wines of the region at the annual Macedon Ranges Wine Exhibition. The 2025 Shadowfax Midhill Chardonnay claimed the Laurie Williams Trophy for Best Wine of the Exhibition and Hesket Estate won the Gordon Knight Trophy for Best Winery. Judging was conducted under wine show conditions, by an…
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Voices for Bendigo and beyond
Voices for Bendigo officially launched at Bendigo Library Gardens on Saturday, October 24, bringing hundreds of people together to talk about their community and its future. A community-led, nonpartisan movement, Voices for Bendigo is founded on truth, integrity, respect, and inclusion. Inspired by Voices for Indi, it aims to strengthen community participation and give local…