HelloPlus: Exploring Life & Philosophy.
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Luke claims title
Woodend’s Luke Kirby has claimed the national dressage (secondary) all abilities class title at the Australian Interschool Championships. He joined more than 100 student riders as part of team Victoria to compete at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre last month. Luke, 18, has autism, a moderate intellectual disability, very little language and epilepsy. He may…
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Club welcomes overseas coach
Woodend Cricket Club has pulled off a recruiting coup by obtaining the services of an experienced and explosive former First-Class cricketer as a player and coach. Jacques Du Toit, originally from South Africa, has played a wealth of high-level cricket in England and now brings that knowledge, skill and passion to Woodend. “He had a…
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Rangers take the championship
This season, the Kyneton Rangers U16A Mixed team achieved more than just victories—they set the standard for unity, respect and lasting friendship. Under head coach Gavin Waterson’s calm leadership and fitness coach Craig O’Bree’s focus on wellbeing, the team thrived in an environment where every player felt valued. Captain Riley Crozier’s leadership inspired the squad,…
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Gisborne girls winning
The Macedon Ranges is home to more state championship teams in Gisborne Soccer Club U14 and U18 Girls. Winning in dramatic fashion that will be etched into the club history, the U14C Girls team claimed the premiership and championship title, defeating Bentleigh Green 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a nerve-shredding Grand Final on Sunday.…
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Folk dance and friendship
Ten members from the U3A Kyneton International Folk Dance group were excited to share their skills with students at Lockwood South Primary School earlier this month. They were even more excited when the RSL Kyneton branch donated their minibus, together with a driver. The group’s dance instructor Sarah Brooke said that after a delicious morning…
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From little things big things grow!
The Bolobek Garden Fair has evolved from a much smaller event started more than 20 years ago by the Mount Macedon and District Horticultural Society to now host thousands of visitors and more than 50 stallholders selling rare plants, garden tools, trees, sculpture and many other garden related items. There will be delicious local food…
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Building thriving communities
Community Bank Gisborne and District is celebrating its contribution to building thriving communities, with $518,718 returned to the southern Macedon Ranges, funding 46 projects over the year to June 30, 2025. Chair of Macedon Ranges Community Enterprises Ltd, the social enterprise behind the bank, Mal Carter said they were proud to be part of the…
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Castlemaine through the lens
Various Castlemaine vistas are featured in a new photo book by talented Melbourne photographer Warren Kirk. Beyond Suburbia has been published via Scribe Publications and hit bookstores earlier this month. Author and screenwriter Don Watson says that in the margins between the city and the bush, Kirk uncovers the quiet poetry of Victoria’s hinterlands. “These…
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Open space plans open to feedback
Destination-level open spaces, use changes for existing sites and new open space areas are among plans highlighted in the draft Macedon Ranges Open Space Strategy. Last week, Macedon Ranges Shire Council endorsed release of the draft document for community consultation for four weeks, launching in early October. The strategy outlines how the council plans to…
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Trump’s headache advice
Medical practitioners across this region and wider Australia have refuted the U.S. President’s claims last week when he suggested there was a link between autism and the commonly-used painkiller paracetamol. Donald Trump announced last Tuesday, “I think we found an answer to autism”. A White House press conference proceeded and U.S. officials suggested pregnant women…
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Shop from the producer
This Sunday the Castlemaine Farmers Market is inviting you to shop direct from the local producer community. “In purchasing here we all get to build on the rich history of developing this diverse production across central Victoria,” said market manager Meggs Hannes. Last count of attendees conducted by the SES showed in excess of 2500…
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Small acts of kindness create big change
Found shivering and alone on the roadside in rural Victoria, tiny Reggie the piglet could so easily have become another tragic statistic. Instead, he has found sanctuary at Edgar’s Mission in Lancefield, where more than 550 rescued animals live lives defined by compassion, not cruelty. This week marks Be Kind to Animals Week, a national…