Latest News
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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…
Sport
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Agonising finish — Tigers bow out
Oh, so close. Kyneton senior footballers bowed out of the 2026 Riddell League finals in a desperate last term finish that saw Wallan snatch victory by three points on Sunday. The Tigers put themselves in a great position to advance to the preliminary final when they opened up a lead of 21 points with a…
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Hawks into grand final
Chasing four premierships in succession, Woodend-Hesket A-grade netballers reached the RDFNL grand final by defeating Riddell 55-41 in Saturday’s semi-final. The Ty Coppinger-coached Hawks had to work hard to overcome the Bombers, drawing away in the last quarter in the clash between these two keen rivals at Kyneton Showgrounds. With an array of quality young…
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Five championship wins to Kyneton
After the season’s end, Kyneton District Soccer Club secured five junior teams at the top of the ladder claiming them FV Greater Bendigo League Champions. This is the premier winning spot in soccer that shows a teams consistency in skill and game play over the whole season. KDSC president Ron Cole said the coaches and…
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Record score stuns ‘Dogs
Seemingly set to play in the Bendigo League’s 2026 qualifying final, Gisborne senior footballers were unceremoniously pushed into an elimination final due to reigning premier Eaglehawk kicking an astonishing all-time record league score on Saturday. The impending bad news for Gisborne players, officials and supporters at Gardiner Reserve became more apparent as progress scores began…
Community
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Gathering for Good
With the Macedon Ranges shaking off its winter blues, local refugee support group, Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees, has decided to welcome the new season with their ‘Gather For Good’ celebratory fundraising luncheon. In recent years, MRRAR has thrown its support behind the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project. Established in Melbourne in 2001, BASP was…
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Neighbourhood House opens its doors
Woodend Neighbourhood House will open its doors to the community next Saturday, September 5, giving locals a chance to discover the wide range of activities, groups and programs on offer. The Spring Open House will run from 9am to noon alongside the Woodend Farmers Market. Visitors can meet tutors, activity coordinators, volunteers and staff, explore…
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Inspiration from a Storm star
“If I can resonate with a couple of kids, then that’s a job well done” Kyneton High School’s Vocational Major students got hands-on life skills training from NRL player Josh King last week. The students are undertaking an applied learning program that prepares them to move into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education or directly into the…
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Step behind the badge at Kyneton
Step behind the badge and discover the rich history and modern policing of the Macedon Ranges at Kyneton Police’s inaugural Emergency Services Community Open Day. Bring the whole family for a unique opportunity to tour the Kyneton Police Station and meet members from some of Victoria Police’s specialist units and their partners including Kyneton CFA,…
Leisure
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Creative Industries Incubator
Applications are now open for a free 10-week professional development program in artistic direction, event management and stage and production management. Kwabo Events and Ausdance VIC have announced the 2026 Kwabo Creative Industries Incubator, a free 10-week professional development program designed by and for People of Colour, delivered as part of the HARAMBEE Creative Futures…
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Cuban beat set to get Castlemaine dancing
Castlemaine is set to turn up the heat with Cuban music, Latin dancing and food at a new monthly event at the Goods Shed. The 11-piece Son Quba will bring its infectious Cuban rhythms to the venue beside Castlemaine Railway Station on the first Sunday of each month. The band has its roots in workshops…
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Electronic dance party fundraiser
The Castlemaine Fringe Festival and Ballarat’s Wild Otter Club have teamed up to deliver a Dance Party fundraiser for the Fringe on Saturday, September 5, at Boomtown Winery and Bistro. When two fun-loving, artistic towns collide, expect next-level creativity erupting through music, dance, fashion, art and vital community connections. This event is an exciting cross-cultural…
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Get ready for the Daffodil Dash
Lace up your runners and be part of an exciting new addition to the Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival. The Daffodil Dash Fun Run, proudly supported by Maple Physiotherapy and Embracia Aged Care, invites runners, walkers and families of all ages to enjoy the beauty of spring while getting active. Starting and finishing in the…