HelloPlus: Exploring Life & Philosophy.
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Wendy Lovell won’t recontest Northern Victoria seat at next election
Member for Northern Victoria Region Wendy Lovell has announced she will not recontest her seat at the November 2026 state election, after 24 years of service. Ms Lovell made a public statement on Monday, saying “it has been a great privilege for me to represent the region in the Victorian Parliament. “Shepparton has been my…
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Kyneton trainer Neil Dyer pursues Devonport Cup
Long time Kyneton racehorse trainer Neil Dyer is hoping for success in the $125,000 Devonport Cup on Wednesday. Dyer pulled off a training coup when his recent acquisition Vega Magnifico won the Bordertown Cup in mid-December. The Irish-bred seven-year-old was formerly in the Sydney stable of Annabel and Rob Archibald, and has five wins to…
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Race caller Matt Hill broadcast Hanging Rock races for first time
Recognised as one of the world’s most eminent race callers, Matt Hill broadcast the Hanging Rock races for the first time on New Year’s Day. The multi-talented broadcaster and commentator was pleased to come to Hanging Rock, and acknowledged the drawcard qualities of the iconic location for country-style racing. “We are really pleased to be…
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Third time lucky for Gascoyne at Hanging Rock
Before New Year’s Day, Kyneton owner-trainer Glen Gascoyne had only ever taken two horses to race at Hanging Rock. On both occasions he went home disappointed. Kangaroos on the track led to one meeting being called off, and an undetected hole in the home straight caused that meeting to be abandoned. Gascoyne’s luck changed last…
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Gathering the community
Castlemaine’s Community Lunch has provided nourishment and companionship to the community for more than 25 years. Local chef Duang Tengtrirat, who has been responsible for coordinating the lunches for the past two years, is now passing on the coordinator’s baton. Castlemaine Community House community development manager, Kez Jennings, said while it had only been two…
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Kyneton’s parking woes
During the busiest time of the year, parking in Kyneton’s CBD is more difficult than ever with construction works blocking out vital retail parking spaces on Mollison Street. A week out from Christmas, a conga-line of tradie vans, utes and construction sites wiped out 17 parking spaces in the town’s centre, leaving shoppers and local…
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2025, a big composting year!
This year has been a big year for YIMBY community compost in Castlemaine and surrounds. We end the year with 43 composters, with 23 of those joining us just this year! These people are turning the food scraps of 573 households and 23 local businesses into wonderful rich compost in their backyards and helping improve…
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Taking a stand against drink driving
Hanging Rock Cricket Club is proud to have joined the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Good Sports Game Ready Round, a national road safety initiative helping community sporting clubs take a stand against drink driving. The club hosted their Game Ready Round on Saturday December 13 at Hanging Rock Reserve, where they promoted road safety messages,…
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What a difference a day makes
There was a buzz in the air at the T20 Bash on December 13 at Gilbert Gordon Oval between the Woodend Cricket Club against their rival club Macedon Cricket Club, with orange all around. The Woodend Cricket Club participated in the global campaign for the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, supporting the campaign…
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Shock and dismay at RDFNL: MP weighs in, league president in hot water over comment
EXCLUSIVE – Local MP Mary-Anne Thomas has expressed her “genuine shock and real disappointment” in the Riddell District Football Netball League for blocking the Kyneton Women’s Football Club from playing in season 2026. The MP has written to league CEO Jordan Doyle stating she was “disappointed and confused by the actions of the league” in…
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New superintendent steps in to region
A new divisional police commander last week began overseeing the Greater Bendigo, Macedon Ranges, Campaspe and Goldfields areas. Superintendent Paul Gardiner – a 32-year police veteran and central Victorian local – has spent the past four years managing the force’s Public Order Response Team and State Liquor Unit. PORT, while known for managing major protests,…
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Kids try to reduce kangaroo deaths
Grade five and six students at Chewton Primary School have collaborated with Mount Alexander Wildlife Watch on a project protecting local wildlife. With a focus on reducing kangaroo deaths on Forest Street, the children have been making posters to express their concern about the impact of vehicles hitting kangaroos. On Friday, the children took their…