Featured
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Mishap and tragedy in Maldon’s mining past
If you think things can get a little hairy in today’s working world, spare a thought for the gold miners of yesteryear. ‘Spine tingling’ is the way a new exhibition unearthing mishaps, hardships and tragedies of 19th century gold mining in the Maldon area has been described. Its launch by an enthusiastic band of history…
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Dance fun on wheels…
Not about to be rolled by something like a mere global pandemic, the Maine Rollers are actively doing their bit to get the good times up and rolling again. With COVID restrictions eased, the enthusiastic Castlemaine group has been quick to return to the Wesley Hill Stadium for their much-loved weekly Skate Fit Friday Sessions…
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History lost in demolition
The demolition of a historic hill station home on Mount Macedon this month has left local residents shocked. Benue Lodge on Syndicate Road dates back to 1885 and was recently renovated before being purchased by new owners for $3.5M late last year. But modifications made to the home in the 1930s meant it did not…
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RRV to consult on Black Forest Drive
Calls for further community consultation on proposed changes to Black Forest Drive have been heeded. Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas has announced in-person listening sessions in December to allow the Macedon Ranges community to provide more feedback on the project. The $6 million project for 11.7 kilometres of works on the road linking Woodend and Macedon…
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Hearing loss no barrier
When Victoria State Emergency Service volunteer Shanleigh Meldrum learned her hearing had suddenly declined, her team rallied to ensure it was no barrier. A dual responder with VICSES Bendigo and Gisborne Units, Shanleigh is also the section leader for events and presentations at Gisborne; responsible for community engagement, fundraising and social media. She is now…
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Council restructure to be reversed
Macedon Ranges Shire Council will transition to a four-directorate structure in early 2022, separating corporate and community services back into stand-alone directorates. The surprise move reverts back to the council’s original four-tier structure, which was reduced to three directorates under former council CEO Margot Stork in 2020. New CEO Bernie O’Sullivan said the changes would…
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The magnitude of all things
In the wake of COP26 in Glasgow, Castlemaine Documentary Film Festival’s latest pop-up offering, The Magnitude of All Things, couldn’t be more timely. The latest offering by award-winning Canadian filmmaker Jennifer Abbott was launched at Sydney Film Festival last week and will enjoy its Victorian premiere at Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal on December 1. When Jennifer Abbott…
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Cheque brings welcome paws for thought
In the past few days the crew at Mount Alexander Animal Welfare’s Castlemaine animal shelter have received more than 6000 good reasons to pause and celebrate. Danielle Cuskelly and Lis Templeton of ASQ Garden and Landscape last week dropped by, shouldering a cheque for $6560 and the pleasant task of presenting it to the local…
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Visit the artists of Macedon
After two successful Open Studios in February and April this year, Macedon artists are opening their studios once again this coming weekend. The studios, large and small, are all in garden settings within a short drive of each other (plus a display at Top of the Range tearooms Mount Macedon). The artists invite you to…
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Sisters deliver gratitude boxes
Four Kyneton sisters have teamed up to deliver care packages to Victorian healthcare workers. Condliffe sisters, Alison, Angela, Katy and Janice, are collecting goods and kind messages to bring a smile to those on the frontline during the pandemic. Katy, a nurse and midwife herself, said the pandemic had been hard for all, especially those…
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Vet takes to the skies
Gisborne veterinarian Robert Payne has turned a stress-relieving hobby into a charitable contribution for patients in need – but not the four-legged kind that you’d expect. On his days away from the clinic, the Macedon resident takes to the skies as a volunteer for Angel Flight. The charity coordinates non-emergency flights to help country people…
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Creating a ‘safe space’ in Castlemaine
Suicide prevention and postvention group ELM (Every Life Matters) has received funding to create a new ‘Safe Space’ in Castlemaine to support community members struggling with mental health issues. The dedicated volunteers are now on the hunt for a suitable venue for the new initiative and members of the community who would be interested in…