Health
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Hitting the open road
All of us have owned a ‘shitbox’ at one stage of our lives and have probably been grateful if it simply got us from A to B. There is a brave band of adventurers, however, who like to push the limits of their ‘shitboxes’ in the bi-annual Shitbox Rally across the wide open expanses of…
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Fun for a cause
For the second year running the family fun day event Race Ya will be held in Maldon supporting the Asthma Foundation in memory of Ned Cameron. Ned Cameron died suddenly just over two years ago, at the age of 14, from an acute asthma attack. His mum Kristy Lang initiated Race Ya last year in…
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Men unite!
A fun and social evening for men covering topics including men’s health, nutrition, fitness and mental health will be held next week in Kyneton. Hosted by Tasting Fitness, the Men United event is being held for the second time after an incredibly successful night two years ago. Kate Coleman created these events to empower men…
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Getting the message across
An inspirational and thought-provoking address by renowned mental health advocate Wayne Schwass took place in Woodend’s Buffalo Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Schwass, a former champion AFL footballer, battled silently with depression for much of his sporting career and now heads the Puka Up organisation which plays a key role in raising awareness about mental health,…
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Smashing the stigma
Two years ago Jacob Pearce was at a party and in a highly intoxicated state. In a moment that changed his life forever, he fell from a balcony in a high-rise apartment in Melbourne, falling 22 storeys and landing on the roof of a restaurant below. The Malmsbury-raised 30-year-old said it was a miracle he…
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Respect our cyclists: road aggro alarm
Castlemaine health professionals, parents and cyclists are calling for more care and respect on our roads following recent incidents of motorist aggression towards local cyclists. Castlemaine chiropractor Dr Marg Peck and psychologist Susie Burke both have cycling sons who regularly train on the roads, and they contacted the Midland Express to raise concerns about incidents…
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Don KR evacuated: Hazardous gas leak
About 250 workers at Castlemaine’s Don KR factory had to be evacuated from the factory late last Thursday night following a hazardous ammonia gas leak on site. Ammonia is used as an industrial refrigerant and the leak was understood to be due to an equipment breakdown. Once in volatile gas form ammonia may cause severe…
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Residents petition for water change
A petition calling for Coliban Water to stop its chlorination trial, which began in October, has so far attracted a total of 204 signatures. Lead petitioner Vivienne Hamilton said she began the petition as she was offended by the strength and nasty quality of the smell and taste of the water since the treatment change.…
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‘Knocks on the factory door’ – Organics company opens first concept store
One of the first companies to bring natural and organic alternatives to the Australian market is based right here in Riddells Creek and has now opened its first concept store in Gisborne. An international success, Organic Formulations has been manufacturing organic and natural body care and environmentally friendly cleaning products in Riddells Creek for the…
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Change the culture
Businesses in Mount Alexander Shire are encouraged to go orange for 16 days to show their support for gender equality. The #respect campaign led by the Mount Alexander Family Violence Prevention Network is part of Victoria Against Violence, which aims to change the culture that drives family violence. It coincides with the global 16 Days…
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Push for defib
Momentum is building to get a defibrillator installed for after-hours public access in central Castlemaine. Bronwyn Grieve, community health nurse at Castlemaine District Community Health, is among those busy gathering signatures for a petition for a chance to win a defibrillator for after-hours public access. Bronwyn says Australian Hearts has a competition running and those…
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Kyneton Men’s Shed opens its doors
The new Kyneton Men’s Shed officially opened its doors last week. The purpose-built facility, complete with a workshop, is a meeting place where men young and old can learn valuable skills, make connections and contribute to their community. Shed chair John Mitchell said the land offered by Bupa at 2 Riverwalk Boulevard had been a…