Latest News
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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…
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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.…
Sport
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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…
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Harcourt pride! From heartbreak to triumph, Lions roar to victory
After an incredibly challenging start to the year, the Harcourt community is celebrating after its senior footballers claimed premiership honours in the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League Grand Final at Princes Park, Maryborough on Saturday. The club was proud to have both Senior and Under 12s football sides in the big one. While the…
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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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,…
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Dreams, memories and midnight musings
Dreams, memories and midnight musings have been stitched, sewn and woven into a striking new textile exhibition at Newstead Arts Hub. Night Thoughts – Dreams and Inspirations brings together the work of local artists Sally Roadknight, Liz Sardone and Lee Shelden, whose shared love of textiles has grown into a regular creative exchange of ideas,…