Featured
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Porcupine Village project advances
The team behind the redevelopment of Maldon tourist attraction Porcupine Village has submitted an amended planning permit for consideration by Mount Alexander Shire Council. Construction at the site was forced to a standstill in January this year due to breaches of permit application conditions and a lack of approved planning permits, with the exception of…
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The harsh realities of living rough
People often talk about the pervasiveness of homelessness but what does that really mean? There are a multitude of different forms of homelessness, from staying temporarily with friends and family, couch surfing, living in a car, or living on the streets. But what does living rough really look like? One local man, Angel, and his…
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Full-fibre NBN ahead
More than 12,000 residential homes and businesses across McEwen will be able to place an order to upgrade their NBN connection to world-class full-fibre as part of the Australian Government’s plan for a better National Broadband Network. McEwen MP Rob Mitchell said eligible premises in Gisborne, Riddells Creek and Romsey, currently served by slow and…
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Ward structures under review
Mount Alexander Shire Council and Hepburn Shire Council are among 39 Victorian local councils undergoing electoral structure reviews throughout 2023-24. The Local Government Act 2020 introduced several changes, including that all metropolitan, interface and regional city councils must now have single-councillor ward electoral structures. Macedon Ranges Shire Council will not have its electoral structure reviewed…
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We can eradicate poverty
Through his charity, I Am Someone, Steve Argent has worked tirelessly for 18 years to raise more than $4M and help thousands of impoverished children living in Uganda, Kenya and Sierra Leone. The charity has given more than 11,000 impoverished children a helping hand by setting up 12 schools and eight children’s villages. It has…
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Dogs seized from alleged illegal breeding property
RSPCA’s major investigations team seized 29 dogs and puppies from a Macedon Ranges property last Monday. The seizure is the latest development in an ongoing major investigation into a network of alleged illegal dog breeding. Inspectors attended the rural property, with assistance from Macedon Ranges Shire Council officers, and seized the dogs due to animal…
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Breaking the cycle of chronic clutter
Rooms stuffed to brim, clutter piled to the ceiling … Catherine Carney has just about seen it all but she does not judge a person based on their home. She is a professional home organiser and expert declutter coach. She’s working to destigmatise hoarding and clutter, while creating a social enterprise. “There are 1000 reasons…
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Woodend centre to stay open
Woodend Customer Service Centre will remain open with reduced operating hours after facing potential closure. Macedon Ranges Shire Council voted in favour of the move last week following community feedback in favour of keeping the Woodend service. The facility’s viability was in question when it recorded low visitation alongside other operational challenges such as cost…
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Housing policy adopted
Macedon Ranges Shire Council has adopted a new policy to inform future decisions around affordable housing. Council’s Affordable Housing Policy directions focus on three key roles in relation to the issue: advocacy, decision making and facilitating/investing. The policy was adopted last week following community consultation. Councillor Jennifer Anderson said local government was limited in what…
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NAIDOC honours for Brodie
Talented young local storyteller, playwright and performing artist, Brodie Murray, was among the finalists at the National NAIDOC Awards held at the Brisbane Convention Centre on Saturday evening. While the Yapeen local did not pick up the award on this occasion he was extremely proud to once again be recognised for his work in the…
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Car ploughs into home at Campbells Creek
Castlemaine Police are investigating after a car ploughed into the front of a home on the corner of Moscript and Chapel Streets at Campbells Creek last week. Leading Senior Constable David White said the vehicle lost control while attempting to turn left into Chapel Street from Moscript Street – after earlier colliding with a front…
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Riddell study gets moving
The Riddells Creek Movement Network Study is taking shape with a draft recommendation report complete and aims for the final study to be presented by the end of the 2023/24 financial year. Future infrastructure projects identified include pedestrian facility upgrades, cycling facility upgrades, intersection upgrades, speed limit reduction, and streetscape and amenity improvements. Pedestrian safety…