Featured

  • Keeping watch on Mount Macedon

    Keeping watch on Mount Macedon

    A new fire observer cabin has been installed on top of Mount Macedon. Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning project officer, Andrew Johnstone, said the new cabin and access ladders replaced an older model and included improved safety features for the fire lookout observer. “The new cabin looks similar to the old one but…

  • Hot rod stalwarts honoured

    Hot rod stalwarts honoured

    Castlemaine hot rod stalwarts Larry and Mary O’Toole have been recognised with a special ‘Legends’ award by the Australian Street Rod Federation. The founders of Graffiti Publications and creators of Australian Street Rodding magazine were awarded the honour by the ASRF National Control Council, the governing body for street rodding in Australia. It is understood…

  • Running on high

    Running on high

    With COVID putting an indefinite halt on big running challenges that typically attract throngs of keen contestants, a group of Castlemaine runners has set its own small group challenge. The keen local runners are heading off later this week to run about 100km through some of Victoria’s most breathtaking high country over three days. Castlemaine’s…

  • Truck convoy returns!

    Truck convoy returns!

    In a tribute to the trucking industry of Australia and the people who have kept the wheels turning during an extraordinary year, the Castlemaine Rotary Club is conducting a ‘reverse’ truck convoy from Campbells Creek this Sunday. Truck Show coordinator Kerry Anderson said that while the local Rotary Club might not have been able to…

  • Newstead Arts Hub returns

    Newstead Arts Hub returns

    The Newstead Arts Hub is re-emerging from lockdown with a new look, a very special exhibition and a relaunch celebration event this Sunday. The Hub, which has been closed during lockdown, is a community creative space in a converted railway station that hosts exhibitions, events and workshops. The Hub has just launched new branding and…

  • Global project heads to Castlemaine

    Global project heads to Castlemaine

    Renowned French street artist JR is preparing to make his mark on Castlemaine, inviting Mount Alexander Shire residents to participate in a global large-format outdoor art project. The Inside Out Castlemaine project encourages locals to share a large black and white self-portrait photograph that makes a statement about who they are and what they stand…

  • Budget win for Kyneton High

    Budget win for Kyneton High

    Kyneton High School will receive a $10.991 million upgrade as one of Macedon Ranges’ big winners in the Victorian Budget 2020/21. Making the early surprise announcement last week, Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the upgrade would include modernising the school’s Block J, Block I and Science Block. “It’s important that kids in this community to…

  • Spreading joy through jazz

    Spreading joy through jazz

    A former Castlemaine girl now based in the US is preparing to launch an uplifting new jazz album recorded during the pandemic. Let’s Get Serious is the third album from soul-jazz singer, songwriter and saxophonist Gemma Sherry, who left Australia bound for New York a decade ago to pursue a career in jazz. Shortly after…

  • SOCIAL HOUSING ROLLOUT

    SOCIAL HOUSING ROLLOUT

    Macedon Ranges Shire has been identified as one of 21 priority areas across Victoria in a plan to increase the state’s social housing supply. The Victorian Budget 2020/21 will deliver $5.3 billion to build more than 12,000 homes throughout metro and regional Victoria, and a minimum investment of $30 million locally will see new homes…

  • High-speed crash at Carlsruhe

    High-speed crash at Carlsruhe

    A Woodend man had to be cut from his vehicle following a high-speed crash at Carlsruhe on Saturday. Emergency services were called to the scene on Cobb and Co Road about 4pm, after the driver lost control of his vehicle and crossed to the wrong side of the road, rolling several times and landing in…

  • Riding out of lockdown

    Riding out of lockdown

    By Penny Gilbert CycleSafe Mount Alexander is excited to be rolling out a series of bike rides to help our community ride out of lockdown. With assistance from Healthy Heart of Victoria and Mount Alexander Shire Council we present a ride to suit everyone. In collaboration with our friends at Bike Bendigo, you’ll find a…

  • Intricate illustrations

    Intricate illustrations

    Imagine setting off from your home in Castlemaine to wander among forests and castles in France, carrying your camera, lenses and iPad (which doubles as a light-box). You would also need heaps of zip-lock bags for collecting feathers, leaves and insect wings. In 2019 that is what Lorena Carrington did. She was working on the…