Featured
-
Mass duck casualties under investigation
Lisa DennisParks Victoria and wildlife experts are investigating a mass casualty event involving ducks and other birdlife at Bells Swamp Conservation Reserve at Neerman just outside Maldon. Local wildlife carer and volunteer wildlife rescuer Sam told the Express the issue was first reported on January 29. “I saw a post on Castlemania where a local…
-
Resurgence of ‘wild swimming’
The Campaspe River in Kyneton is the place to be for “wild swimming” this summer, according to local residents. Kyneton local Dave Allen said the town had a long history of people swimming in the river and he was pleased to see its resurgence. “There is nothing more wonderful than seeing a bunch of kids…
-
Art lovers – become a museum guide
Are you excited and curious about what you have seen at the Castlemaine Art Museum? If so, why not consider volunteering as a guide and joining their team of like-minded art lovers. Volunteer guide James McArdle said the CAM guides welcomed visitors to exhibitions, helping them enjoy their experience by interacting on a one-to-one basis…
-
Working towards net zero
Mount Alexander Net Zero Working Group is a group of seven passionate individuals who are helping local businesses reach 100 per cent clean energy. To increase their campaign, the group has produced a short documentary, featuring the owner of The Mill in Castlemaine, to increase visibility of local businesses that are taking huge strides towards…
-
Cyclists call for action
Community members are calling for urgent improvements to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure at McKenzie Hill on the outskirts of Castlemaine following several near misses in recent months. With ever-expanding housing developments sprawling across McKenzie Hill and consequently bringing a significant number of cars onto the Pyrenees Highway from Diamond Gully Road and other intersections local…
-
Romsey Market reboot
Lancefield Romsey Lions Club is bringing back Romsey Market after more than a decade. The market will make its return on Sunday, February 12, at the corner of Romsey Skate Park with plenty to browse. Coordinator Angela Heywood said about 47 stallholders have signed up with goods ranging from arts and crafts to produce and…
-
AO for Woodend’s Professor Tonge
Bruce Tonge’s ground-breaking work in child psychiatry over five decades has focused on autism spectrum disorders and behavioural and emotional disturbance in children with intellectual disability. The Woodend-based Emeritus Professor has been named an Officer of the Order of Australia in this year’s Australia Day Honours in acknowledgement of his service to research and education…
-
Citizen of the Year honoured
Sue Anderson has made thousands of rescues in more than 20 years as a wildlife carer. Last week the Gisborne resident was honoured for her tireless work as Macedon Ranges’ Citizen of the Year. No two rescues are the same and being nimble is almost a prerequisite for the job when rescues can involve anything…
-
A lifelong passion
Watching a child have a light-bulb moment in education is one of the greatest joys in teaching for Elaine Murphy. Her successful 40-year career in primary teaching, and dedication to the arts, saw her awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in this year’s Australia Day honours. Ms Murphy told the Express teaching had been a…
-
2023 festival line-up revealed!
A huge crowd packed The Goods Shed on Saturday morning for the launch of the impressive 2023 season line up for the Castlemaine State Festival’s highly anticipated 24th biennial event. The diverse curation of the very best local and international arts talent and events will bring focus to Castlemaine, spotlighting the arts culture of the…
-
Prison healthcare shake-up
Following a massive shakeup to the state’s prison healthcare system Dhelkaya Health in Castlemaine will become the lead healthcare provider for prisoners at Tarrengower Prison from July 1. Private healthcare provider GEO Group Australia will be replacing Correct Care Australasia in the state’s male prisons, including the two in Castlemaine, and maximum security Dame Phyllis…
-
Mount Macedon Memorial Cross plans questioned
Significant native vegetation is earmarked for removal in a proposal to restore views to Melbourne from Mount Macedon Memorial Cross. Built in the 1930s, the cross is considered one of the most significant war memorials in Victoria but decades of growth have altered its original view lines. Parks Victoria’s viewscape project seeks to clear up…