Latest
-
‘REINSTATE THE RAILWAY’
Rail campaigners are calling for the Castlemaine-Guildford railway line to be reopened to trains as part of a vision to reinstate the rail connection linking Maryborough to Ballarat and the port of Geelong. Scott Ramsay, the prominent spokesperson for the Rail Revival Alliance, has renewed the call as the old and outdated track between Guildford…
-
Upper circle sitting pretty – Vintage 1930s seating restored at Theatre Royal
Taking a seat in the upper circle at Castlemaine’s historic Theatre Royal is acquiring a new significance. Seat by seat – row by row – the 150-year-old theatre’s vintage 1930s upper circle seating is gradually being restored to its former glory. Theatre managers Felicity Cripps and Tim Heath said they were amazed to discover 1930s…
-
From shadow to farm: New shared knowledge program launches
Aspiring farmers can now experience life on the land through a new program that allows experienced farmers to share their knowledge. Kyneton tree-changer Melissa Connors introduced the Macedon Ranges to This Farm Needs a Farmer in 2018 and is about to officially launch a new Shadow Farming initiative to the program. “Through shadow farming, tree-changers…
-
Food forest takes root
Kerryn Wildenburg has planted the seed for a permaculture ‘Food Forest’ in Kyneton. She is donating four acres of her own land to provide vulnerable community members with a place where they can learn to grow and cook nutritious food. “Food brings people together. It allows connection, and builds relationships and sustainable change. We want…
-
Alleged cockfighting: 200 birds seized near Malmsbury
RSPCA inspectors have seized 75 roosters allegedly groomed for cockfighting and 119 other birds at a property near Malmsbury. RSPCA Victoria executed a warrant last Wednesday on a suspected cockfighting operation, with assistance from Victoria Police. Among the 119 other birds seized were chicks, mature hens, and juvenile roosters. Cockfighting implements were also discovered and…
-
To the beat of a drum at Newham
Traditionally, in Africa, women don’t drum: they dance. But that’s the one tradition that Simone Lang doesn’t mind breaking if it means spreading joy of the djembe. “I found my voice through drumming and teaching. I think it’s beautiful for women to say, “Here I am”, through drumming. It’s the antithesis of being seen and…
-
Castlemaine wildlife reserve welcomes friends
It’s a little natural jewel, easy walking distance to the centre of Castlemaine, and right under residents’ noses. But many locals don’t even realise the Kaweka Wildflower Reserve is there say the dedicated committee members who help look after it. Kaweka Wildflower Reserve is an L-shaped 2.5-hectare parcel of conserved bushland that was presented to…
-
Castlemaine-Guildford rail trail idea starts rolling
The disused Castlemaine to Guildford railway corridor should be turned into a rail trail, keen local cyclist Lou Citroen believes. The Castlemaine recreational cyclist has contacted Mount Alexander Shire Council to canvass the plan and seek support to make it happen. His suggestion comes as the disused Castlemaine to Guildford track is currently being taken…
-
Backing cash-for-cans
It is not yet known what impact a state-wide container deposit scheme would have on kerbside recycling services but both Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander shire councils have welcomed the move. A soft announcement of the state government’s likely introduction of scheme came last week as Macedon Ranges began its four-bin waste collection service that…
-
Kyneton and District Tennis Club gets love
After 10 long years of planning and fundraising, Kyneton and District Tennis Club had good reason for a celebration late last Thursday afternoon. The club’s six aged courts have been replaced with four modern grass courts and two safe and compliant hard courts. And on top of that, lights have been installed – a great…
-
Newstead a perfect platform for long dinner and art auction
Take a vintage country railway platform, throw in lots of good food and wine, add a very long dining table – and you’ve got the makings of a very memorable fundraising dinner. These are just some of the elements coming together for the inaugural Fundraising Dinner and Art Auction soon to transform the heritage railway…
-
Bid to protect Gisborne avenues of honour
Unregistered avenues of honour in Gisborne and New Gisborne are at risk as the towns reshape for population growth. Several of the 100-year-old oak trees have already been lost to road widening and duplication works over the years and residents fear more may be lost with no protection, while development and changes to road networks…