HelloPlus: Exploring Life & Philosophy.
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SES to host open day
Woodend SES is kicking off 2026 with a new member recruitment drive. Hoping to boost member numbers, the unit holding an Open Day to answer questions, provide insight and share experiences with interested locals. The SES is the state’s peak control agency for natural disasters such as floods, storms, earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides. It also…
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A concert to celebrate women
Raise Her Voice is a special concert marking International Women’s Day, celebrating women artists from the Macedon Ranges and Spa Country. Presented by Vocal Ranges Inc, the concert will take place on Saturday February 28 from 6.30pm at the Malmsbury Town Hall. This uplifting evening brings together established and emerging female voices in a warm,…
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Firies battle 45ha blaze
Firefighters battled a grassfire that burnt 45 hectares at Bullengarook last Wednesday afternoon that had residents in Bullengarook, Coimadai, Gisborne and Lerderderg on alert. More than 30 brigades turned out to with air support and Forest Fire Management Victoria to bring the blaze under control within about six hours. They continued to patrol the grounds…
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Two great farmers markets back-to-back
This weekend features two great farmers markets back-to-back; Lancefield District Farmers Market on Saturday and the Castlemaine Monthly Farmers Market on Sunday both running from 9am to 1pm. You will find an excellent selection of fresh, in season, locally produced fruits, vegetables and mushrooms, regeneratively farmed meats and smallgoods, seafoods (Lancefield), award-winning fresh pasta and…
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Volunteers celebrate their garden
The gardens at Macedon and Mount Macedon Community House are in full bloom — and so too is the community spirit behind them. Surrounded by ornamental and productive plantings, the Community House has become a thriving hub for local volunteers who have spent the past year transforming the grounds into a series of vibrant garden…
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Mill returns to public life
Campaspe Mill has long captivated people with its grandeur, history and intrigue. Now, for the first time, the general public has the chance to step inside the bluestone walls and see it for themselves. This circa 1856 beauty began life as a flour mill, and after decades as a private residence, has once again returned…
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‘Heroes amongst heroes’
The tight-knit community of Harcourt North held a gathering on February 13 to thank some of the heroes who assisted them during the devastating January 9 fire and its aftermath. Ravenswood South property owner Bryan Palmer thanked all the firefighters who came to their aid on that fateful day in “what must have been unfathomable…
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Homeless in Harcourt
Over the past month, the Express has reported extensively on the devastating loss of homes and businesses caused by the fire in the Harcourt district on January 9. Emotional, financial and practical support has been readily available to those who lost their homes, but for people who do not fit into ‘traditional’ living arrangements, those…
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New tourism brand launched
Tourism industry representatives from across the Mount Alexander, Macedon Ranges, Hepburn and Central Goldfields shires descended on Castlemaine’s Boomtown Winery and Bistro last Thursday evening for the official launch of new visitor brand – ‘Victoria’s Heartland’. The unveiling marks an exciting new chapter for the region following the inception of Destination Central Victoria last year.…
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Wedge-Tailed Eagles take flight
The Kyneton women are officially ready to soar. After months of uncertainty, persistence and passionate advocacy, the Kyneton Women’s Football Club has been given the green light to compete as the Wedge-Tailed Eagles in the Central Victoria Football League for the 2026 season. For players and supporters who refused to give up, the moment marks…
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World record within reach
Angus Johnstone will next month attempt a Guinness World Record by flying a single kite continuously for 24 hours straight. The Kyneton local has set himself the ambitious goal of ‘Longest Kite Flight by an Individual’ to raise funds for health and education in Myanmar. The challenge will take place in Killarney, just outside Port…
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Runners brave the wet
Runners from across Australia descended on Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve for the 2026 Castlemaine Gift, which is a popular fixture in the Victorian Athletics League calendar. The day was much cooler than previous years with overcast skies and intermittent showers, but this did not dampen the spirits or the enthusiasm of the athletics. More than 374…