Community News
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Ranges residents can dispose of their festive tree for free
Macedon Ranges residents can opt to dispose of their real Christmas trees for free this month only. Resource recovery facilities at Romsey, Kyneton and Woodend will accept the delivery of pine trees at no cost on weekends in January (including January 31/February 1) during regular hours (10am-4pm). Conditions applying to this offer include that trees…
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RSPCA Victoria warns pets suffering in dangerous hot weather
RSPCA Victoria is calling on all pet owners to protect their animals during this week’s scorching weather. The RSPCA Inspectorate had received 20 reports before midday on Wednesday from concerned community members about pets allegedly left without access to shelter or water. RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said restricting an animal’s access to water…
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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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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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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…
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Students offer free health checks
A group of first year La Trobe University Bendigo nursing students are currently visiting Castlemaine and surrounds as part of the university’s ‘Healthy Towns’ project. Project coordinator Brad Hodge said Healthy Towns was a community-driven rural health initiative designed to support under-served rural communities while giving university students the chance to develop real-world skills. “Through…
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Community plea for funding
More than a thousand postcards will make their way to parliament backing increased funding for Macedon Ranges’ strained Neighbourhood Houses. Years of inadequate funding has put the services at risk of closure and threatened the vital programs they provide. Kyneton, Woodend, Gisborne, Lancefield, RIddells Creek and Romsey services have joined the state-wide ‘Keep Our Doors…
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Kyneton unites for Christmas
Kyneton community groups are gearing up in collaboration this Sunday for a celebration of community and carols and all things Christmas. Kyneton Christmas Collective together with Social Foundry and the Rotary Club of Kyneton, are gathering and guiding Kyneton’s melting pot of community groups and churches to collectively host a night of carols and entertainment…
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Dry grass and pea straw, not what you might think
With the fertility of spring drawing to a close and the dry of summer approaching, we often find ourselves with lots of dry grass to deal with. So, what role will it play in our compost? It is easy to think that if a compost ingredient is dry and brown, it must be on the…
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Time to light up Kyneton
Get ready to light up the town for the Kyneton Christmas Light and Decoration Competition. The Kyneton Christmas Collective competition encourages residents and businesses to get into the festive spirit with a chance to win prizes. Prizes include Best Overall Display, People’s Choice, and Most Resourceful Display (for creative, budget-friendly and eco-friendly decorations). Participants have…
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Memorial gates’ new gleam
Malmsbury’s heritage World War I memorial gates have a new shine with restoration works now complete. Friends of Malmsbury Gardens and Environs led the project with a $27,492 grant from the Victorian Government’s Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Program, and in-kind support from Macedon Ranges Shire Council. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas, friends…
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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…