Community News

  • Rising Tide: 20 years of action

    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,…

  • Cats, dogs and compost

    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…

  • Podcast shines light on menopause journey

    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…

  • Landcare looking for leaders

    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…

  • Learner driver mentors needed

    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.…

  • Brigades step up for fundraiser

    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…

  • Malmsbury hall open day

    Malmsbury hall open day

    The Malmsbury Town Hall is hosting an open day this Sunday for people to view its recent renovations. The hall is now fully electric and no longer depends on portable gas. It also benefits from numerous cosmetic works and a new projector and screen. Committee works have included installation of a split system under the…

  • Gisborne Ambulance celebrates fifty years of volunteers

    Gisborne Ambulance celebrates fifty years of volunteers

    The Gisborne Ambulance Auxiliary celebrated 50 years of service at its station last Friday, with dignitaries, media outlets and paramedics in attendance. Visitors included Mary Anne Thomas MP and CEO of Ambulance Victoria, Jordan Emery, who showed appreciation for the volunteer group that has raised vital funds for the station, particular during the 1970s when…

  • “I feel more confident now”: Australia, a place to call home

    “I feel more confident now”: Australia, a place to call home

    The Macedon Ranges had 31 of its residents obtain Australian Citizenship last Tuesday night at the Kyneton Town Hall. The new Australians hailed from the UK, Albania, Thailand, New Zealand, France, Columbia, Germany, China, Brazil, India, Turkey, Ireland and Sri Lanka. To be eligible for citizenship, one has to live in Australia for a minimum…

  • Chasing dreams at Castlemaine North PS

    Chasing dreams at Castlemaine North PS

    Students from Castlemaine North Primary School have created a heartwarming music video, celebrating curiosity, kindness, culture and community. Dion Brownfield, who manages local award-winning performers KIAN and Dallas Woods, works across the country making music videos, largely in rural Indigenous schools. Recently, his two young daughters, Bettie and Goldie, were fortunate to go out on…

  • Copy centre in new home

    Copy centre in new home

    After proudly serving the community for more than 30 years, the Kyneton Copy Centre has found a new home at 67 Baynton Street, Kyneton. While the address may have changed, the heart of the business remains the same — dedicated service, quality printing and a deep commitment to community inclusion. For three decades, locals have…

  • Trentham tops the list

    Trentham tops the list

    Trentham has been crowned the 2025 Victoria Top Tourism Town in the Tiny Tourism Town category. Selected from a highly competitive field of outstanding towns, Trentham stood out for its charm, community spirit and visitor appeal. Set on the edge of the Wombat State Forest, Trentham is known for its goldrush-era streetscape, boutique stores, welcoming…