Latest News
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Roads a risk to riders
South Gisborne motorcyclist Rodney Brown is part of a growing chorus of road users urging action on dangerous road conditions. He has long championed motorcycle road safety, and said it was time road repairs were carried out with motorcycles specifically in mind. “On a motorcycle you can feel it go through your neck and spine,…
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Fight to keep open space
The fight to keep Gisborne Pine Plantation as public open space in perpetuity has reignited as the site’s future is up in the air. Local families and community groups donated the 4.5 acres at 121 Aitken Street to Gisborne Primary School in the 1920s. It was intended for use as ‘Endowment Plantation Scheme and Bird…
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Local bee losses alarming
A concerning number of amateur apiarists across the Mount Alexander Shire and beyond have reported bee/hive losses in recent months. While many attribute this to the bee-killing Varroa mite (Varroa destructor), some say they are unsure of a clear cause. One local amateur beekeeper told the Express they lost four hives, but only one showed…
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Five years and 65 local films
Castlemaine Documentary Festival is celebrating its archive of 65 locally made short films and inviting anyone interested to help make the next ones. LOCALS is Castlemaine Documentary Festival’s (CDoc) annual homegrown documentary showcase of short films (six minutes or less) made by people with a meaningful connection to central Victoria. Over the past five years,…
Sport
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Premiers open with a victory
After a first round cancellation due to wet grounds, Gisborne District Cricket Association’s 2026-27 season opened in favourable conditions on Saturday. The one-day fixture brought wins for reigning McIntyre 1sts premiers Woodend, Gisborne, Romsey and Rupertswood. Woodend, comfortable at Gilbert Gordon Oval, did not get everything its own way against Wallan although the final scores…
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Castlemaine cricket swings into action
Castlemaine District Cricket Association A Grade and Women’s divisions kicked off the 2026-2026 summer last weekend with round one matches. A Reserve features two divisions this season and both will commence this Saturday October 17. C Grade (Under 16) competition also begins this Saturday and B Grade competition commences on October 24. Highlights of the…
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Caddington — a very special day
Racing is synonymous with stories and the Caddington story is one that will touch many hearts. That’s how Kyneton and Hanging Rock Racing Club summed up the very special occasion when locally trained filly Caddington won at the club’s first meeting for the 2026-27 racing season last Thursday. Caddington’s journey is a community-driven tribute to…
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Hay makes his mark in Tassie
Talented teenage footballer Lachlan Hay crossed from Macedon to be a senior premiership player with Riddell seniors last season, then seized upon a remarkable opportunity to try his luck with the Tasmania Football Club (Tassie Devils) in 2026. Last week Lachy’s success story was enhanced when he accepted the inaugural ‘Honour the Map, Inspire the…
Community
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Duigan brothers’ memorial site recognised
Spring Plains in Mia Mia has been recognised as a site of great significance to the Australian and global aerospace historical record. On Monday September 21, the Duigan brothers’ memorial at Mia Mia was presented with a plaque by members of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. It is one of three sites in…
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Men’s shed in race to build new home
The Woodend Men’s Shed has just 12 weeks to build a new workshop, relocate its machinery and equipment, and be ready to reopen by mid-December — and its members are rolling up their sleeves to make it happen. The Men’s Shed has been based at the old Mill site at 988 Black Forest Drive, Woodend,…
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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…
Leisure
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Things are not what they seem
Excitement is building as the mystery thriller Deathtrap (written by Ira Levin and directed by Bette Sartore) opens in just 10 days at the Kyneton Masonic Centre, 7 Yaldwyn street West. Sidney Bruhl, once a successful playwright is drowning in treacle. After 18 years of flops, his creative juices have all but dried up, and…
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Private gardens put on a show
Explore stunning private gardens during the Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens from Saturday October 24 to Tuesday November 3. A curated selection of 19 gardens will open their gates to the public for 10 days up to, and including, Melbourne Cup Day. Whether you’re an avid gardener or simply enjoy nature’s beauty, these serene…
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Countdown on for Lancefield Show
The countdown is on for this year’s Lancefield Show. Happening on Sunday October 18, 9.30am-4pm, you can expect to see crowd favourites such as the dog show, horse events, sheep shearing and care, camel rides, show bags, line dancing, the jaws of life demonstration by the Kilmore SES, the traditional woodchop and much more. Due…
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Art on show at Kerrie Hall
Art lovers are invited to Kerrie Hall for the 17th annual Exhibition of Artwork by Selected Artists this month. The exhibition will open on Friday, October 16, with Tim Murphy officially opening the event at 8pm. The evening will begin at 7.30pm, giving visitors the opportunity to gather with family and friends before viewing the…