Latest
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New Castlemaine locomotive stable takes shape in $1M move
Work has begun on Victorian Goldfields Railway’s new Castlemaine locomotive stable as part of a wider project forecast to boost tourism to Castlemaine and surrounds. The $1 million service reorientation project has $500,000 in state funds with VGR adding the rest in a move that will see it shift its operating base from Maldon to…
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The price of fun: CASA fines for drone activity at Kyneton reservoir
Fun has come with a high price tag for two men fined over a daring drone fishing stunt at Upper Coliban Reservoir, Kyneton, last year. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has issued nearly $4000 in fines for aiding and abetting unlawful drone flight following a four-month investigation and two house raids. Project leader, Sunbury local…
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Lancefield (Macedon Ranges) Relay effort ‘awesome’
The annual Lancefield (Macedon Ranges) Relay for Life held at the weekend raised $58,312, with anyone wishing to make further donations having until March 29 to do so online. Seventeen teams participated this year, with favourable weather conditions appreciated by participants, organisers and helpers alike. The progressive total for funds raised to help the work…
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Let’s celebrate – New women’s group forms in Macedon Ranges to celebrate diversity
A new group has formed in the Macedon Ranges that aims to celebrate women and their cultural origins. Women Of Macedon Ranges Equality Network (WOMEN) was born from a conversation between three Kyneton locals from culturally diverse backgrounds. Terry Morley from the Philippines, Maryla Korinfsky from Poland and Teaote Davies from Kiribati saw a need…
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Seed library to sprout benefits
The Macedon Ranges community will reap the benefits from growing its own plants as a new initiative gets underway. The Macedon Ranges Seed Library will launch on March 7 in a bid to encourage locals to grow their own food supply and help to protect plant diversity in the region. The idea of the seed…
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GDCA celebrates a centenary
Gisborne District Cricket Association celebrated its centenary in style with a memorable gathering at Romsey on Sunday afternoon. The milestone was marked with 36 inductees into the new Hall of Fame to honour former players, administrators and umpires who had played prominent roles in the GDCA’s growth from humble beginnings into one of the strongest…
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‘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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…