Community News
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Integrating permaculture and landcare principles
Newham and District Landcare Group is hosting what promises to be a fascinating illustrated talk on Friday September 12 at Newham Hall. Permaculture’s co-founder David Holmgren will talk about his 12 permaculture principles and how they integrate into landcare’s aims on small to medium sized landholdings in the Macedon Ranges. “David’s observations and practical experience…
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‘Her mother’s strength’
A 10-year-old Kyneton girl who lost her mother to breast cancer a month ago is the leading fundraiser across Australia for a campaign to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Grade four student Evelyn Strang and her older brother Henry are walking 116km to raise funds for their mother Nicole, who died on…
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The good news is, you’ve got worms!
It is common to draw a distinction between composting systems and worm systems, but they are more similar than you might think. Good composts will all have worms contributing to the decomposition in some way, at some stage, and worm farms need compost microbes doing lots of the work, not just the chomping, grinding work…
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Golf swings big for research
The Rotary Club of Kyneton has raised $10,000 for prostate cancer research following a successful charity golf day in February. The event, held at the Kyneton Golf Club, drew strong community support with 10 businesses sponsoring between $500 and $1500 and dozens more donating prizes and auction items. “Our main aim was to highlight prostate…
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Tiny homes offer affordable housing
As the housing crisis hits hard, the appeal of Tiny Homes On Wheels has risen. The My Home Network has established a Tiny Homes On Wheels working group to work towards improving the appropriate uptake of THOW in Mount Alexander Shire. Group member Tom Danby said that while THOWs were not for everyone, for some…
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Medals of friendship to local volunteers
The volunteer work of 26 Timor-Leste friendship groups from across Australia was recognised with the Order of Timor-Leste Medal at a special event held in Melbourne last Tuesday. President, His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, presented the awards. The Order of Timor-Leste is the highest honour currently awarded by the nation. It recognises the contributions of…
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Rising Tide: 20 years of action
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the initial activist actions aimed at forcing the closure of Newcastle Harbour, the largest coal export port worldwide. The inaugural demonstration continued for five hours before being dispersed by law enforcement authorities. Rising Tide, the people’s blockade, continues annually. A special screening of Rising Tide: Turning the Ship,…
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Cats, dogs and compost
Dean Bridgfoot BVSc (Hons) MA (EnSci) Compost – what’s not to like about it? Well, if you’re a cat, probably everything – cats avoid compost like coal companies avoid paying taxes. But dogs – well, they do love a rummage in a compost heap, especially if it contains bread, meat or dairy products or corn…
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Podcast shines light on menopause journey
Inspired by their own experiences and conversations with friends about menopause, MainFM radio hosts Lucy Armstrong and Kya Moore decided to create a platform where local stories could be shared, myths could be dispelled, and support could be amplified. Recognising the isolation many feel and the significant gaps in public discourse, The Pause wanted to…
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Landcare looking for leaders
The Upper Campaspe Landcare Network is making a public call for new committee members to join its work supporting environment groups across the region. Established to resource and assist landcare and environmental friends groups, the UCLN has 14 active member groups with members from all sections of the community. UCLN president John Walter said the…
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Learner driver mentors needed
Young learner drivers who otherwise wouldn’t have had access to a car or a supervising driver have spent more than one million hours behind the wheel thanks to the Transport Accident Commission’s L2P Program. The program aims to provide opportunities for young people to overcome disadvantages through community support to successfully obtain their driver’s licence.…
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Brigades step up for fundraiser
A firefighter in their full turnout gear is not what you expect to see at the gym, and definitely not using the stair master. But it has become the norm for Ashley Krive. The Malmsbury firefighter has begun training for the gruelling Melbourne Firefighter Stair-climb in recreating the experience. “Training has become a bit more…