Latest News

  • Folk and fun awaits!

    Folk and fun awaits!

    Town Folk Festival has dropped its second artist announcement and welcomes five more Australian acts to round out its 2026 lineup. Joining the already stacked bill are buzz-worthy Adelaide band Any Young Mechanic, Geelong’s vintage-folk newcomer Daisy Kilbourne, the hypnotic Gaia Scarf, scene-stealing Melbourne folk rocker Maggie Alley, and Castlemaine’s own new-wave pioneers Tiramisu Misterioso.…

  • Ex-mayors to go head to head

    Ex-mayors to go head to head

    Two of Macedon Ranges’ former mayors will go head to head for the seat of Macedon at November’s state election. Last week, Kate Kendall resigned from her mayoral duties and was announced the Liberal Party candidate for Macedon. Kendall’s resignation from her mayoral duties will be effective from this Friday (close of business), and she…

  • Kendall to contest Macedon seat

    Kendall to contest Macedon seat

    Macedon Ranges mayor Kate Kendall has been announced the Victorian Liberal candidate for the seat of Macedon at November’s state election. Kendall resigned from her mayoral duties last week (effective from this Friday), and has indicated she will continue to serve as a councillor. “Serving as mayor has been one of the greatest honours of…

  • Two-car crash on Black Forest Drive

    Two-car crash on Black Forest Drive

    Two drivers have been treated injuries at the scene of a crash on Black Forest Drive, Macedon, that closed road in both directions shortly after 2pm today. It is believed the 79-year-old female driver from Woodend exited the service station into the centre crossing and was involved in a collision with a north-bound vehicle. The…

Sport

  • Kyneton FIDA Tigers chasing back-to-back

    Kyneton FIDA Tigers chasing back-to-back

    Kyneton’s FIDA football team will run out for an historic second consecutive Grand Final this Sunday (July 26), looking to defend the premiership they won in stunning fashion last year. The Tigers meet Sunbury at Kyneton Showgrounds, first bounce at 11:30am, in the 2026 FIDA Grand Final. Last year’s flag ended a long wait for…

  • New chapter for Gisborne FNC

    New chapter for Gisborne FNC

    “Now, we’re excited to begin an exciting new chapter in the Ballarat Football Netball League.” This was Gisborne Football Netball Club’s reaction to AFL Victoria approving the Bulldogs’ application to switch from Bendigo League to Ballarat League, from the beginning of the 2027 season. Last week’s Express reported the Bendigo FNL had approved Gisborne’s transfer, and AFL…

  • Riddell District Football Netball League stresses zero tolerance

    Riddell District Football Netball League stresses zero tolerance

    With an eye on finals coming up for plenty of teams, the Riddell District Football Netball League has emphasised it has a zero tolerance policy towards poor behaviour. “We are asking all clubs to speak to their players and let them know that umpires will be cracking down on dissent and will be awarding 50-metre…

  • Cats claim a big scalp

    Cats claim a big scalp

    Macedon senior footballers dug deep under pressure to beat highly rated Diggers Rest by a goal with a resurgence last quarter at Tony Clarke Reserve on Saturday. The victory was one of the best by the Cats in recent years as they swamped the visitors by outscoring them five goals to one in a pulsating…

Community

  • Tiny Homes on Wheels – An affordable housing option for homeless women

    Tiny Homes on Wheels – An affordable housing option for homeless women

    The housing crisis is hitting our community hard, and sadly, older women are an increasing demographic predisposed to homelessness. Mount Alexander Shire has a higher percentage of homeless women than the Victorian average, and the drivers for that are gender inequity and men’s violence against women. The local council changed the local law a few…

  • Youths raise funds for Gaza

    Youths raise funds for Gaza

    The second Gig 4 Gaza event held in Castlemaine last Friday was a huge success, with hundreds filling the Town Hall to raise more than $8000 for three important not-for-profit organisations. The evening featured six local and Melbourne-based acts, spanning indie, rock, folk, grunge and electronic music. DJ Luqman finished off the night with a…

  • Men encouraged to ‘See Your GP’

    Men encouraged to ‘See Your GP’

    McEwen MP Rob Mitchell is a big fan of the men’s shed movement. As co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Men’s Sheds he has long supported the valuable work they do and the important role they play in men’s health. Last week, during Men’s Health Week 2026, Mr Mitchell paid a visit to the Lancefield…

  • Romsey artist in international project to lift spirits

    Romsey artist in international project to lift spirits

    Romsey artist Debbie Daks is continuing her connection with Ukraine through a new cultural children’s mural project. Ms Daks has worked closely with the Association of Ukrainians in Victoria and, in particular, young people from Ukraine. Following the recent launch of the book Many Colours of Home, a montage of thoughts, art, poetry and recipes…

Leisure

  • ‘Words in Winter’ at the Athenaeum

    ‘Words in Winter’ at the Athenaeum

    As part of the upcoming ‘Words in Winter’ event on Saturday July 25, author Lynne Cooper will speak at Maldon’s Athenaeum Library. Cooper is the author of The Mystery Medal, which tells the story of her great grandfather, Sergeant Henry Frood of the Victorian Police. In 1889 a small delegation of Chinese men from the…

  • Up close and personal with Elliot Goblet

    Up close and personal with Elliot Goblet

    Ever wanted to ask one of Australia’s funniest comedians the question you’ve always wondered about? Here’s your chance. Up Close and Personal is unlike any comedy show you’ve been to. Part live performance, part candid conversation, the intimate evening features a special guest performing before sitting down for a relaxed interview – with the audience…

  • Karaoke to support local theatre

    Karaoke to support local theatre

    Kyneton Theatre Company is holding its annual fundraiser next Saturday, July 18, and this year, it’s a karaoke disco night. “It was all inspired by the ‘porch karaoke’ we used to have at cast parties,” committee member Lucy Watson explained. “We would all pull songs up on YouTube and sing them to the party on…

  • Local art brightens the building

    Local art brightens the building

    The work of more than 150 local artists is on display in Castlemaine’s historic Market Building as part of the winter season Market Building Art exhibition. Mount Alexander Shire Council’s team leader of visitor services, Aileen Walsh, said the exhibition had a range of paintings, sculpture, jewellery, glassware, prints, photography, textiles and more. “These exhibitions…