HelloPlus: Exploring Life & Philosophy.
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Council throws off “blanket solution”
Macedon Ranges Shire Council calling for the Victorian Government to hit pause on sweeping planning reforms they fear will shake the Ranges. Under the Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Bill 2025, Victoria’s new homes, duplexes, townhouses and low-rise apartments will not require notice and there will be no third party appeals. It also seeks…
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“What is the point?” Protections ignored
A document built to protect Macedon Ranges’ distinctive areas and landscapes is being “ignored” and lacks power, Macedon Ranges Shire councillors say. While Macedon Ranges was the first declared Distinctive Area Landscape in 2018, the council says vital steps have lagged that would ensure its special protection. The Macedon Ranges Statement of Planning Policy 2019…
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One national title, two podium places
Two Kyneton race drivers have claimed podium positions and one has the title of Improved Production Under Two Litre National Championship. Well-known Kyneton race champion Brad Vereker won the IPRA Nationals title at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit last month. “The win is still slowly sinking in,” Vereker told the Express. The national championship…
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Nurturing connection on Country
An excited crowd of local First Nations and non-Indigenous community members gathered on Friday at Me-Mandook Galk Indigenous Education and Bush Tucker Place in Chewton for a celebration filled with music, connection and hope for the future. The event marked the launch of Uncle Rick’s Community Shed and the announcement of major BIG Project funding…
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“We love the game and we want to play footy”
Whether you’re a seasoned player or lacing up the boots for the first time, Gisborne Football Netball Club is calling all girls and women who are keen to join their club for the 2026 footy season. The club stands apart from others in the region as the only one to offer a full range of…
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Inquiry calls for change
The Victorian Government has been warned that the current model of volunteer wildlife rescue is unsustainable and wildlife roadstrike danger in increasing. The Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee tabled its final report on the Parliamentary Inquiry into wildlife roadstrike in Victoria last Tuesday. It presented 32 findings and 18 recommendations to respond the crisis…
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The enduring magic of handmade gifts
As the festive season approaches, Trio Art Studio and Gallery Kyneton is excited to announce its annual Christmas celebration, inviting the community to rediscover the joy of meaningful giving. This year’s event highlights a curated selection of handmade and vintage gifts, each crafted by local artisans or sourced from unique vintage collections. The gallery’s initiative…
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Let’s celebrate diversity
Celebrate International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) by joining in a free community event in Castlemaine on Wednesday December 3. IDPwD works to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. It’s also a day to celebrate diversity and think about how we can make our shire a more welcoming and inclusive…
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Cannons and Rockies into CBL final
The Castlemaine Cannons and the Macedon Ranges Rockies are set to face off in the Country Basketball League North West grand final showdown this Saturday evening December 6 after each side won their respective semi-finals. Castlemaine hosted the at the Mildura Heat in their semi-final clash at the War Memorial Stadium at Wesley Hill last…
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Mayor caught drink-driving, won’t stand for re-election
Macedon Ranges mayor Dom Bonanno has lost his driver’s licence after being caught speeding and drink driving in the mayoral car last month. Police said Cr Bonanno was pulled over on McGeorge Road in Gisborne South about 8.15pm on Friday, October 31. He returned a positive roadside breath test and was taken to a local…
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Old hospital rebirth begins
Embracia Victoria has begun early works on the redevelopment of the Old Kyneton Hospital into a mixed-use destination. Director Sarah MacKenzie said Embracia had long awaited the chance to restore the Old Kyneton Hospital into a mixed-use destination. “The proposed adaptive re-use development will combine commercial offices on the ground floor, which will endeavour to…
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Classic cars cruise in to Trentham
The Trentham Cool Country Classics Car Club is again hosting its annual Show and Shine event for 2025 at the historic Trentham Railway Station this coming Sunday. CCCT club members collectively own a significant number of classic, vintage and veteran vehicles including cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors, many of which have been part of the…