Featured
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Alleged cockfighting: 200 birds seized near Malmsbury
RSPCA inspectors have seized 75 roosters allegedly groomed for cockfighting and 119 other birds at a property near Malmsbury. RSPCA Victoria executed a warrant last Wednesday on a suspected cockfighting operation, with assistance from Victoria Police. Among the 119 other birds seized were chicks, mature hens, and juvenile roosters. Cockfighting implements were also discovered and…
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To the beat of a drum at Newham
Traditionally, in Africa, women don’t drum: they dance. But that’s the one tradition that Simone Lang doesn’t mind breaking if it means spreading joy of the djembe. “I found my voice through drumming and teaching. I think it’s beautiful for women to say, “Here I am”, through drumming. It’s the antithesis of being seen and…
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Castlemaine wildlife reserve welcomes friends
It’s a little natural jewel, easy walking distance to the centre of Castlemaine, and right under residents’ noses. But many locals don’t even realise the Kaweka Wildflower Reserve is there say the dedicated committee members who help look after it. Kaweka Wildflower Reserve is an L-shaped 2.5-hectare parcel of conserved bushland that was presented to…
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Castlemaine-Guildford rail trail idea starts rolling
The disused Castlemaine to Guildford railway corridor should be turned into a rail trail, keen local cyclist Lou Citroen believes. The Castlemaine recreational cyclist has contacted Mount Alexander Shire Council to canvass the plan and seek support to make it happen. His suggestion comes as the disused Castlemaine to Guildford track is currently being taken…
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Backing cash-for-cans
It is not yet known what impact a state-wide container deposit scheme would have on kerbside recycling services but both Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander shire councils have welcomed the move. A soft announcement of the state government’s likely introduction of scheme came last week as Macedon Ranges began its four-bin waste collection service that…
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Kyneton and District Tennis Club gets love
After 10 long years of planning and fundraising, Kyneton and District Tennis Club had good reason for a celebration late last Thursday afternoon. The club’s six aged courts have been replaced with four modern grass courts and two safe and compliant hard courts. And on top of that, lights have been installed – a great…
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Newstead a perfect platform for long dinner and art auction
Take a vintage country railway platform, throw in lots of good food and wine, add a very long dining table – and you’ve got the makings of a very memorable fundraising dinner. These are just some of the elements coming together for the inaugural Fundraising Dinner and Art Auction soon to transform the heritage railway…
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Bid to protect Gisborne avenues of honour
Unregistered avenues of honour in Gisborne and New Gisborne are at risk as the towns reshape for population growth. Several of the 100-year-old oak trees have already been lost to road widening and duplication works over the years and residents fear more may be lost with no protection, while development and changes to road networks…
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Exploring Ibsen in Castlemaine theatre residency
Castlemaine’s latest At Home Phee Broadway Theatre residency kicks off today and will explore the dark themes of 1881 play Ghosts by 19th century Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. In this unique residency, three women explore their lives and culture in these horrific times and find connections to Henrik Ibsen’s amazing play and the echoes of…
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NETWORKS DOWN
Residents across the region vented their anger last week with mobile phone services disrupted from Tuesday to Thursday and power outages during Friday’s 40-degree heat leaving many sweltering. Seven days of planned works to the Kyneton area mobile phone network were abandoned on Friday after Telstra reassessed their suitability going into the day’s forecast heat…
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Macedon Ranges wildlife rescuers head to fire grounds
Macedon Ranges wildlife rescuers are getting help to animals in fire ravaged areas across northern Victoria – an effort expected to span several months. Venturing into burnt-out bushland areas late last week, the Terra Mater Wildlife Rescue Crew has begun deploying wildlife waterers and identifying animals in need of care and supplementary feed. The crew…
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Climate action convoy headed to Canberra
The road leads to Canberra for a growing contingent of determined locals heading there to join a national rally calling on the federal government for effective climate change action. They’re inviting anyone who shares their concerns to join them and secure a spot on one of two charter buses headed to the People’s Climate Assembly…