HelloPlus: Exploring Life & Philosophy.
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It’s Woodend v Dragons!
The stage is set for a pulsating 2025-26 McIntyre Cup 1sts Grand Final between Woodend and Gisborne this weekend. Each scored decisive victories in the knockout semi-finals, with the Woodsmen defeating Rupertswood by 93 runs, and Gisborne losing just two wickets in chasing down Romsey’s 229. The Grand Final is being played at a neutral…
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State league volleyball arrives in Gisborne
Gisborne is set to welcome a new level of sport in 2026, with the Volleyball Victoria State League coming to the Macedon Ranges for the first time. Introduction of state league competition marks a major milestone for the growing volleyball community and will see the region not only develop its own athletes but also host…
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Impressive double at Kyneton races
The in-form Liam Howley stable scored two impressive wins at Kyneton races on Friday. Promising three-year-old filly Milos Filos and Broadhurst both won easily, much to the delight of connections and others who followed the Kyneton-based gallopers. Having her sixth start, Milos Filos was ridden by Alana Kelly and started as favourite in the Woodside…
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Wallan cricket premiers
In an extremely close Kookaburra A-grade women’s grand final on Sunday, Wallan defeated the well-credentialled Gisborne lineup with 10 balls to spare, at Greenhill Reserve. Gisborne captain Brianna Woodburn top scored with 61, and Emily McDonald made 29, in a total tally of 133 (30 overs). Megan Farrell claimed 4–18, and Terrie Haydon 3–17. Farrell…
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FIDA Tigers eye back-to-back glory
The Kyneton FIDA football players have officially set their sights on going back-to-back in 2026, building on the momentum that has defined their remarkable journey so far. The Kyneton FIDA program was established to ensure that players of all abilities could enjoy Australian Rules Football in a welcoming, empowering and community-driven environment. The program is…
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Fest to showcase exciting local talent
After a near sell-out first event, Forest Creek Fest returns this Sunday with a matinee gathering of some of Victoria’s most exciting established and emerging singer-songwriters, sharing songs and stories at the historic Theatre Royal, Castlemaine. Presented by local indie label and artist collective, Forest Creek Records, this annual series is designed to celebrate and…
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Secrets of a showbiz dame
Former Chewton resident and beloved Aussie entertainer Stan Munro is set to return to Castlemaine this Friday to launch his new book Stan Munro –Secrets of a Showbiz Dame. From the grey streets and isolation of the Welsh valleys, to the glittering stages of Sydney’s Kings Cross, Stan Munro has lived a life larger than…
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A peek behind the curtain
Take a look behind the studio door as 53 incredible local artists from Mount Alexander Shire invite you inside for the Artists Studio Walk 2026. Castlemaine Art Museum and Friends of Castlemaine Art Museum have joined forces to host the walk, which coincides with this year’s Castlemaine State Festival. They have curated an engaging pocket…
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Team Uno to hit the road
A Kyneton family is gearing up to hit the road for the Variety Brats Bash, to raise funds for children who are sick, disadvantaged or living with a disability. Travelling as Team Uno, Kaitlin and Christian Pearce, along with their kids Toby (11) and Mabel (12), will depart from Daylesford for Kangaroo Island on Easter…
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Award-winning author to launch new memoir
Local author and illustrator, Trace Balla is set to launch her latest book Treeshape – the shape of a tree, the shape of me as part of the 2026 Castlemaine State Festival. The book launch and a sold-out workshop will take place at the Phee Broadway Theatre this Saturday March 21. An extraordinary, inspiring and…
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Back from the brink
Bouncing back from the impending oblivion that often ensues after voluntary administration, the Castlemaine State Festival will kick off its 50th anniversary event this Friday with its trademark street party. Seasoned festival directors Martin Paten and Linda Sproul, whose collective expertise and guidance have steered the festival to safer waters, are humble about their role…
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Newham General Store to re-open
Newham General Store has been sold and is expected to re-open to the community within the next few months. Woodend resident Jo Bombardier will re-open the store and cafe with her daughter Kayla Bombardier and son-in-law Nicholas Shepherd. Renovations are now under way for a new-look European farm-house style interior and many of the things…