Community News
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HELPING BATTLERS
Castlemaine’s Bridge Hotel has teamed up with local businesses to offer free meals to those doing it tough during the coronavirus crisis as part of its ‘Trooper Tuesdays’ initiative. The Bridge recently introduced a pub meal takeaway and home delivery service to enable them to keep their chefs and kitchenhand employed during the pandemic closure…
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Solidarity in times of crisis
It may seem a very long time ago now that Australia was shocked by the devastation of the summer’s bushfires, but the kindness and solidarity shown during that crisis continues in our communities today. During the bushfire crisis the team from Harcourt Valley Winery wanted to do its bit to help raise much-needed funds for…
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Foodbanks meet changing needs
Foodbanks in Kyneton and Gisborne are preparing to meet the changing needs of Macedon Ranges locals amid the coronavirus pandemic. Kyneton Caring Community’s Kerryn Wildenburg said the Kyneton foodbank experienced a spike at the end of March as many workers were stood down and unable to access basic necessities. Ms Wildenburg anticipates more people will…
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Community pantry up and running
Local volunteers, community groups and organisations are working together to provide food relief for residents in need in Mount Alexander Shire. The newly created Mount Alexander Community Pantry is a centrally coordinated food relief system that aims to provide assistance in the absence of a local foodbank. Castlemaine Community House manager Martyn Shaddick said everyone…
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Good Friday Appeal online not on foot
For more than 40 years, CFA brigades in the Mount Macedon and Mount Alexander regions have been collecting for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, and in that time they have collected many millions of dollars. However, this year, due to the virus, things have had to change. Traditionally, brigades have used the Good…
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Never lonely with letters
Cheerful letters, drawings and paintings have been making their way to elderly residents across the Macedon Ranges to help them stay connected during the coronavirus pandemic. It is the result of a Kyneton-born pen pal project that coordinator Katy Condliffe said had a simple aim: “to bring some joy, happiness and love to our older…
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Dancing a jig with dad
By Sandy Scheltema It’s been two years since Matt Harding, an internationally renowned sculptor living and working in Trentham, tragically died from suicide, leaving behind his beloved partner Freya Maclaren and their four young children. His death shook the local community, where Matt lived with his family. Trentham resident Jacinta Bourke thought it was a…
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Funds needed to boost Macedon hub
A bold plan to transform Macedon’s much-loved former maternal and child health centre into a community hub is fast gaining community support. A group of dedicated Macedon residents who rallied to save the old Victoria Street house from council sale, have raised about $4000 since launching a fundraising campaign last week to renovate and revive…
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In Mark’s memory
The Maldon and district community has rallied around the family of the late Mark Brasser to make his final dream a reality. The proud family man and respected community member died suddenly at his Baringhup farm on January 8. Before his death, Mark was planning to take hay to fire-affected farmers in the High Country…
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Community leads bushfire relief concert in Macedon Ranges
A community-led bushfire relief concert with an impressive line-up is expected to attract up to 400 people in Kyneton on Saturday, February 1. Lancefield siblings Angel and Jesse Ashman are partnering with Macedon Ranges Shire Council to deliver the event with proceeds of all ticket sales to go directly to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. Angel,…
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Walking the walk…Nordic pole style in Castlemaine
Castlemaine’s Johanna Winchcomb admits she loves few things better than a bracing Nordic pole walk. “Nordic pole walking is actually fitness walking,” says Johanna, one of an increasing number of locals taking up this international outdoorsy activity originally developed in Finland to keep skiers fit in the off season. “You exercise 45 percent more of…
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A home of their own
Providing secure, affordable and accessible housing options for local people with intellectual disabilities has been one of two major priorities for the Mount Alexander Shire Accommodation and Respite Group since it formed almost a decade ago. Over the past three months, MASARG has been consulting with local groups and businesses about their ‘A Home of…