Featured
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Newstead’s solar farm plan
Plans for a small-scale solar farm, big enough to generate enough electricity for Newstead, have opened for public review. Renewable Newstead, the community group behind the plan for a solar farm of up to 10 megawatt, said the planning permit application was a great step towards its goal of delivering affordable and reliable renewable energy…
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GemLife Woodend in bid to expand
GemLife Woodend is seeking to extend its over 50s lifestyle resort with an additional 19 homes to the west, which one objector fears may impact neighbourhood character and amenity. The 9720m² extension would take in abutting land at 29-33 Sullivans Road resulting in an overall development of 245 dwellings, a manager’s residence and recreation facilities.…
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‘Coldie’ hits at Woodend
A “weak tornado” ripped through a farm at Woodend last Thursday afternoon. The unusual weather system whirled through a paddock about 5.30pm. The tornado was short lived and only affected a small area, but it tore through hay bales, throwing them into the air and leaving a small trail of damage in its wake. Bureau…
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Gisborne fight not over
Opponents to Gisborne Business Park’s expansion fear their voices have fallen on deaf ears as the proposal lives on in Macedon Ranges Council’s draft Gisborne Futures project. More than 300 residents petitioned council last year to scrap the plan that seeks to expand industrial and commercial activity to Saunders Road by rezoning Rural Living land.…
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Circus aims to bring a smile
The creators behind the inaugural Castlemaine Circus Festival are watching COVID-19 developments closely and continuing to plan their highly anticipated event. Campbells Creek couple and international circus performers Caz Walsh and Mason West said their November show would definitely go ahead either way. Caz said they had been working closely with Mount Alexander Shire Council…
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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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Be technology savvy
A free mentorship program being offered in Castlemaine and surrounds aims to take the fear factor out of using digital technology for those lacking confidence in the digital communications space. With communication technology assuming greater importance than ever during the pandemic, the Be Connected digital mentorship program aims to ensure nobody – particularly older residents…
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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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A toast to Karens
For the first time in their lives, middle-aged Karens are in the spotlight, for all the wrong reasons. They’ve gone about their own business for the past five decades, under the radar, with little or no interest in them … living their lives, pursuing their careers, raising their children. Now, all of a sudden, Karens…
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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…
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‘Miner must stay’
Castlemaine residents have raised concerns about potential plans to move the iconic gold miner monument at the entrance to town to pave the way for traffic lights. The plan to investigate moving the monument and water feature from the Forest Street roundabout is muted as a ‘low priority’ in Mount Alexander Shire Council’s recently adopted…
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Married and buried in the age of COVID
It’s a tough time to need a funeral or to want to get married. But local celebrants say that despite COVID-19 restrictions it’s still possible to mark these important life ceremonies – particularly using technology. Under Victoria’s COVID-19 restrictions, weddings are now limited to just five people including the religious minister, priest or celebrant presiding,…