Community News
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Firies in training for virtual climb
Gisborne firefighters are in training to take part in the seventh annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb to raise funds for mental health, only this time the challenge will be a virtual one. The stair climb is an annual charity event that sees firefighters and other emergency services personnel come from all over Australasia and the…
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Kyneton’s kindness coins
To help charities around Australia through these tough times and beyond, the Royal Australian Mint has just released a unique $1 coin designed expressly to be given to those in need. Kyneton’s community-owned not-for-profit aged-care facility RM Begg is inviting everyone to join in and put some ‘fun’ into FUNdraising! Some of the elusive ‘Donation…
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Generosity in hard times
The Lancefield Romsey Community Support initiative has highlighted the generosity and support of the region throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Since March, volunteers and local businesses have helped cook and provide in excess of 1700 frozen meals, deliver food parcels, conduct weekly friendly chats and provide additional support through referrals to other agencies. The initiative is…
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Foodies connect
A community of passionate Macedon Ranges cooks and foodies has formed to share ideas, recipes, tips and tricks, and swap food. Three mums who parked next to each other to drop and pick up their kids from school are the women behind the Facebook group ‘Macedon Ranges Food, Foodies, Wine and Cooking’. Joni, Anita and…
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Program grows wings and saves lives
Live4Life, the only youth mental health and suicide prevention model designed specifically for rural communities, has received outstanding validation in an independent two-year evaluation. The evaluation of Live4Life in Benalla and Glenelg Shires found that 75 per cent of young people expected the skills they learned to be useful throughout their lives and 65 per…
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It takes a village
Perhaps now more than ever, we are all keenly aware of just how important it is to shop local and rally community support for those most in need. As aged-care facilities around the world are under unprecedented duress and small businesses, particularly in hospitality, are under enormous financial strain, a wonderful good news story has…
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Help for new parents
Castlemaine-based doula Elloise Moffatt has launched a free online parent group aimed to support first-time and new parents across the region. Elloise specialises in supporting parents with postpartum care and grappling with the challenges of feeding and caring for their newborn. The doula said the first few weeks could be enough of a challenge for…
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Dicko to the rescue
Electricity runs through Gordon Dickeson’s veins. The Powercor linesman has worked with live wires for 37 years and still to this day loves his job. Even in the depths of Kyneton’s winter, he’s one of that rare breed who looks forward to getting up and going to work. “I love it with a passion,” he…
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‘Pay it forward’ balloons bring joy
Birthday parties may be out during the pandemic but one recurrent house guest has likely attended more celebrations in the Macedon Ranges than anyone at this time. A cheerful balloon garland has made its way to about seven children’s ‘iso’ birthdays and shows little sign of feeling flat as families continue to pass on the…
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Lancefield market makes a comeback
The Lancefield and District Farmers Market has been rescued by a passionate group of locals and will go ahead this Saturday at a new location: the Romsey Community Sports Oval. The market, usually held along Lancefield’s village green, has operated at Lancefield Park for the past few months to allow for greater social distancing, but…
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Events play a role in recovery
Events will play an important role in Macedon Ranges’ economic recovery from the impacts of coronavirus, according to the draft Macedon Ranges Event Strategy 2020-25. The strategy suggests establishing ‘signature events’ of state or national interest and support for events that promote the shire’s ‘brand strengths’ such as arts, culture, nature and produce. It also…
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Teen’s generous donation
Demand for Piper Spaltman’s handmade face masks in Gisborne is high and with good reason. The 14-year-old last week donated $1000 from their sales to Gisborne Foodbank, which helps locals put food on the table in hard times. With the need higher than ever, Piper donated 30 per cent of her face mask sales, which…