Latest
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Innovation and creativity shine at 2019 Mount Alexander Business Awards
Ten local businesses have been recognised for excellence in their field at a gala event to announce winners of the 2019 Mount Alexander Business Awards last Thursday night. The independent judging panel had the difficult task of selecting winners from 23 high-quality finalists. Mt Alexander Timber & Hardware took away the coveted Business of the…
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Nothing new? Sixth book from Castlemaine writer Robyn Annear
Castlemaine writer Robyn Annear is a self-confessed fan of op shops and loves nothing better than the thrill of finding the unexpected within them. Now she has published a new book – an entertaining history about all things second-hand – dating back through the ages to the now. Nothing New: A History of Second-Hand is…
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New chapter begins for Castlemaine Sergeant Peter Lukaitis
Long-time Castlemaine policeman and well-respected community member Sergeant Peter Lukaitis hung up his hat and badge for the final time last Sunday. But before Sgt Lukaitis signed off at the station for the last time he had the opportunity to spend one special day on the local beat with his daughter and newly graduated Victoria…
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Co-located aged care and childcare planned for Old Kyneton Hospital
After years of false starts, new plans have emerged to restore the Old Kyneton Hospital building to its former glory following the site’s sale last month to aged-care provider Embracia Victoria. Plans by previous owner Winport Developments to develop the 1850s bluestone building into apartments and build 64 houses on the surrounding five acres were…
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Woodend intersection dubbed a ‘lesson in irresponsible planning’
A notorious Woodend intersection has been dubbed “a lesson in irresponsible planning” as it moves up Macedon Ranges Council’s priority list. Users of the High/Urquhart Street intersection have reported an alarming number of ‘near misses’ and say it’s the result of “development not done right”. They contend with main street congestion, a confusing layout with…
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Dog park still to have its day
Efforts to settle on a site for Castlemaine’s long-mooted off-leash dog park are progressing – slowly – with hopes a location will be finalised soon. Castlemaine ward councillor Dave Petrusma raised the issue at the most recent council meeting and also attended a meeting last week involving a local committee charged with managing a site…
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Roo shot near Woodend devastates wildlife rescuers
The death of two rehabilitated and hand-raised kangaroos shot near Woodend has saddened local wildlife carers. Both kangaroos were discovered with gunshot wounds to head and face in two incidents occurring within weeks of each other, prompting the Conservation Regulator’s appeal for information last week. “All native wildlife is protected in Victoria. It is an…
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Castlemaine joins climate rallies
As thousands joined climate rallies in cities and major centres across Australia on Friday, Castlemaine was not left out. Friday’s rally involved people from all walks of life – young and otherwise – who were all there to add their voices to the growing calls for more effective actions to address climate change and runaway…
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Grogan’s big day at Kyneton races
Hardworking local trainer Ted Grogan is kept busy with thoroughbreds and quarter horses, and stole the limelight when his very long-priced entrants made their presence felt at the Kyneton race meeting last week. Grogan had four runners at Kyneton, with rank outsider Evolvement winning at odds of $61, Cerveau running second at $101, Discombulate finishing…
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Bioenergy plant plan for Castlemaine
Hopes to build a Castlemaine bioenergy plant using waste product generated at Don KR, in a bid to drive down greenhouse gas emissions while generating clean power, have received a significant boost with the proposal collecting a national innovation award in recent days. Driving the vision for the past four years, the Mount Alexander Sustainability…
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Film to fill a cultural void
Barfold will become the backdrop for a film that seeks to change the portrayal of Chinese-Australians on screen. Fire Rabbit is the simple story of two brothers foraging for food in the Australian bush but explores complex familial and cultural relationships, in a 1939 setting. “The importance of telling this story is that there’s quite…
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Brigades battle burn-offs
Fire brigades across the region have been kept busy bringing escaped fires under control over the past fortnight. In one incident last Friday morning, a contract slasher working to create a fire break sparked a grassfire at Baringhup when the equipment struck granite. Baringhup Fire Brigade captain Brendan McKnight said striking granite was almost 100…