News
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Bonanno runs as Independent
Back in 2022, Dom Bonanno was the Liberal Party candidate in the state seat of Macedon, trying to unseat Labor’s Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas. Fresh life was injected into the 2026 campaign with Bonanno — a Macedon Ranges Shire councillor for almost six years — announcing yesterday he was running as an Independent candidate. He…
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Does the political system need reform?
Bryn Davies, government and democracy lead, Castlemaine Institute and Really Local Are you sick of the election before it even starts? You are not alone (but there is another way…). September 15 was the International Day of Democracy. Don’t worry, most people didn’t know that either. There weren’t many street parties celebrating the day. And…
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Multi-million pub revival plans
It has not yet been decided whether a planning permit application for a proposed $8 million upgrade to the long-closed Romsey Hotel will be decided by Macedon Ranges councillors, or by council officers under delegation. Council’s director of planning and environment, Rebecca Stockfeld, stated this in response to queries raised by the Express last week.…
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Questions over skatepark tender and cost blowout
New questions have been raised over the tender process and delays surrounding Kyneton’s long-awaited skatepark redevelopment, with construction costs now estimated to be up to $1 million above the original budget. These questions come from local designers Baseplate and EastbyWest, whose quote to design the project was unsuccessful despite receiving a higher raw score than…
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A ‘second gold rush’ at Maldon
Armed with modern technology, mining companies determined to find what their predecessors couldn’t are buying up Victorian mining sites, in what some have called the ‘second gold rush’. At the centre of what is often referred to as the ‘Golden Triangle’ (from Ballarat to Wedderburn and Tarnagulla to Ararat), lies Australia’s First Notable Town –…
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Fix needed for koala roadstrike hot spots
Wildlife carers are calling for urgent action to prevent koala fatalities and injuries at Calder Freeway hot spots in the Macedon Ranges. Damaged wildlife fencing is enabling koalas and other wildlife access to dangerous roadways, and requests for maintenance are going unanswered. Wildings Woodend Wildlife Shelter has tended to five koalas at the Black Forest…
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Community joins statewide push
Castlemaine residents determined to protect their town from a McDonald’s store are joining forces with other communities across Victoria in a statewide fight to stop the spread of multi-national fast-food outlets. The MAC OFF – Protect Castlemaine campaign is joining the ‘Not Lovin’ It!’ campaign that arose after Darebin City Council rejected a proposed 24-hour…
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Lancefield town plan deferred
Macedon Ranges Shire Council has voted to defer discussion on a town structure plan for Lancefield until April next year. The Department of Transport and Planning had offered support towards the plan as one of two options to resolve the lingering Development Plan Overlay Schedule 24. The other option was to review and simplify DPO24…
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Celebration of diversity turned sour
Seasoned drag performer Miss Polly Filla has been the subject of online abuse, harassment and death threats after a video of their performance at a local high school was shared on Facebook. On Friday, one of our journalists attended Castlemaine Secondary College for the annual Wear It Purple Day celebrations and Story Time with Polly.…
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Burglary leaves builders reeling
A Kyneton building company has been dealt a devastating blow after thieves twice raided its factory, making off with up to $90,000 worth of tools. Impact Build managing director Luke Said said the theft had left the company’s team feeling “defeated”, with the stolen equipment including tools belonging to two employees. The company’s Regent Place…
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Discover your new career
Looking for a career change or new skills? Visit the Training and Skills Fair! Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting local job seekers, career changers, students and aspiring entrepreneurs to attend the free Training and Skills Fair on Wednesday September 2 at Castlemaine Town Hall. The event will bring together 35 organisations offering employment opportunities,…
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Sewer spills raise fresh concerns
Heavy rain has again triggered sewer overflows in Kyneton and Malmsbury, prompting renewed concern from residents about the impact on local waterways. The incidents last Wednesday followed similar spills from pump stations in the two towns just two weeks earlier. Edgecombe resident Graham Connell said sewerage from the Kyneton spills was flowing into the Campaspe…