Latest News
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Residents push for 60km/h on Grahams Road
A large amount of in-depth evidence has been collected to justify action to cut the speed limit from 100km/h to 60km/h on an unsealed rural road close to Lancefield. “In summary, the problems could be solved through three major signage installations, saving the shire council considerable time and money,” local resident Denis Graham said yesterday.…
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Songbird joins campaign to ban duck hunting
“Duck hunting in Victoria needs to end.” That’s the emphatic statement of acclaimed Malmsbury singer songwriter Lucy Wise who is throwing her weight behind the fight to end the annual blood sport. “These beautiful animals are vital to the ecosystem that we and all living things on this land depend on,” she said. “It is…
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Residents fundraise for Bald Hill battle
Kyneton residents opposing a proposed nine-lot subdivision adjoining Bald Hill Reserve are raising funds for legal representation ahead of a VCAT hearing. A small group of community objectors launched a fundraising campaign after Macedon Ranges Shire Council rejected the development in December last year. The Melbourne-based developer has appealed the decision, with the matter due…
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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…
Sport
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Kyneton Soccer takes a trifecta!
On Saturday Kyneton District Soccer Club saw its junior teams battle it out at the Super Cup finals series in Epsom. The club fielded six teams in the final round – four girls and two mixed – with three coming out on top with the winning flag! Congratulations to the following teams, coaches, assistant coaches…
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Tigers celebrate season to remember
Kyneton Football Netball Club celebrated a successful 2026 season at its annual Presentation Night, with players, volunteers and supporters recognised for their contributions to the Tigers. The event was held at major sponsor Kyneton Bowling Club, with representatives from the club’s sponsors helping present awards throughout the evening. Leanne from Kyneton Bowling Club, Sam from…
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Footy triumph for Gisborne
They came, they saw, and they conquered! Gisborne senior footballers exit the Bendigo League with a remarkable premiership triumph, beating favourite Sandhurst by 29 points in a low-scoring grand final on Saturday. A fitting end to 26 years and six premierships before embarking on a new journey in the Ballarat League in 2027. Even more…
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Double for Gisborne netballers
Gisborne netballers came home from the Queen Elizabeth Oval with two premierships on Saturday. Capping off a successful season, Gisborne B-graders totally outplayed Strathfieldsaye to win the grand final 53-26. Shooter Rylee Connell was in dynamic form, and scored heavily, with the ‘Dogs always in control. The Gisborne team comprised Rylee Connell, Taylah Ranieri, Monty…
Community
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Faces of Kyneton captured
The heritage-listed library at Old Kyneton Primary School came to life recently with the sounds of enthusiastic young people learning new photography skills. Guided by photographer Sandy Scheltema in collaboration with Social Foundry — a not-for-profit social enterprise in Kyneton — the budding photographers operated a pop-up studio during the Kyneton Arts and Daffodil Festival,…
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Ready, set, run!
Run The Maine is back for its 18th edition this Grand Final Eve, Friday September 25. The Midland Express and Castlemaine Mail are proud to be event sponsors and to have highlighted this year’s inspirational Run The Maine ambassadors. Catch the last instalment in today’s paper! 2025 was the biggest year yet—just under 1200 runners…
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A journey through grief
Tomorow night, Castlemaine audiences are invited to experience The Return, an intimate and deeply human theatre work exploring love, grief, memory and the enduring bonds between parents and children. Inspired by the true story of Marwan Abu Samra, a Palestinian father from Gaza whose two daughters, Rozan and Nagham, were killed in Gaza, The Return…
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Let’s talk dementia
A Woodend group supporting people living with dementia and their carers is inviting the community to come together for a morning tea during Dementia Action Week. Woodend Lifestyle Carers Group will host the event at Macgregor’s Farm, 78 Old Lancefield Road, Woodend North, on Wednesday, September 23, from 10am. The morning tea will provide an…
Leisure
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Discover the Golden Wellness Festival
Golden Wellness Festival is an immersive celebration of holistic health, taking place in Castlemaine on Saturday October 31. The one-day festival will offer workshops, movement classes, ceremonies, creative sessions and insightful panel conversations, bringing together a plethora of wellness practitioners and alchemic explorers. Explore and restore with yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, sound healing, homeopathy, massages,…
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Ravens reveal exciting new talent
Castlemaine’s newest theatre company – The Ravens Theatre Company – launched its highly anticipated second production Waiting for Godot by acclaimed playwright Samuel Beckett to a full house at the Phee Broadway Theatre last Friday evening. Two men wait beside a tree for the mysterious Godot. As time passes, Vladimir and Estragon talk, argue, joke,…
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Epic album launch at Lot 19
Join ZÖJ live in Castlemaine this Sunday for the epic album launch of May The Devil’s Ear Be Deaf – good vibes only! The album represents a powerful cross-cultural journey through deep listening, improvisation and Persian poetry. As part of their 2026 Australian and European tour during September, October and November; ZÖJ presents their captivating…
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A work of staggering genius on stage
The Ravens Theatre Company is set to launch its second production, Samuel Beckett’s renowned work Waiting for Godot, at Castlemaine’s Phee Broadway Theatre this Friday. The play is being directed by Janice Mueller who has had a stellar career in Australian theatre. She has developed and directed new work for Malthouse Theatre, Belvoir Street Theatre,…