Latest
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Grounds for celebration at Buda House
Sometimes it’s what lies beneath the surface that counts. This is the case with much of the significant ground works project now completed at Castlemaine’s Buda House. Over recent months a $50,000 state grant has enabled the local tourism attraction to complete the project that includes harvesting rainfall that had previously been going to waste,…
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Creating pathways for people in crisis
A Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Forum being held in Castlemaine next week aims to highlight the pathways available to people in crisis. Local suicide prevention organisations HALT (Hope Assistance Local Tradies) and The ELM Network (Every Life Matters) are joining forces to host the forum, which will bring representatives from a range of local…
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Tower call answered for Woodend
A community call has been answered in Macedon Ranges Council’s rejection of a proposed phone tower at the entrance to Woodend. The plan would have seen a 33-metre Optus tower built at the town’s train station near the Christian Street/Corinella Road intersection. Councillor Jennifer Anderson gained unanimous support for her motion to refuse the tower…
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Here’s cheers Harcourt – New venture to showcase regional produce
It was a champagne, cider and canapés event as the new Harcourt Produce and General Store opened on Friday. “Employment, economic development and collaboration,” said owner and chef Annette Larsen Rae when asked about the vision she had for the new venture that will showcase regional produce and wine to visitors. “Everybody has been backing…
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Climate petition gathers support in Mount Alexander
A group of Mount Alexander Shire residents with serious concerns about a lack of urgency by government at all levels in addressing climate change is calling on the shire council to declare a climate change emergency. The newly formed Mount Alexander Climate Emergency Team is urging council to take a stand and join the 36…
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Drone daredevils take fishing to new heights at Upper Coliban Reservoir
A daring Kyneton fisherman and his mates have tackled the first-ever drone fishing at Upper Coliban Reservoir in a stunt that put everything on the line. Armed with his rod and a VB stubby of courage, Sam Foreman dangled metres above the water, suspended in a chair from a purpose-built drone while captured on film.…
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Glass key in solving state recycling crisis
Macedon Ranges’ answer to Victoria’s recycling crisis could provide some relief for several councils struggling since the closure of recycling processor SKM. Council will not only consider adding glass collection to its recycling service, but also the establishment of sorting and processing infrastructure with potential to service beyond the shire’s needs. The ambitious move addresses…
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Documentary celebrates unique and quirky characters of Lancefield
A cinematic documentary about the unique and quirky characters that live and work in Lancefield is set to be launched at a local screening tonight at 6.30pm. Co-produced by Mike Jones, Harry Jon Nanos and Paul Carter, and co-funded by the Lancefield Community Bank and members of the Lancefield community, Lancefield Dreaming interviews a number…
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Market joy for Malmsbury
Malmsbury residents have been given the green light to hold a monthly farmers market on the town’s village green. The inaugural market kicks off on September 15 after positive meetings with the council and VicRoads confirmed support for the proposal. The plan had earlier hit a snag when organisers were told a $700 monthly fee…
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Castlemaine health service faces closure
Castlemaine District Community Health is in severe financial difficulty and faces possible closure if a solution to the funding shortfall can’t be found. The not-for-profit organisation provides Mount Alexander Shire with vital services such as homelessness support, nursing, counselling, alcohol and drug services, and community-based programs such as walking and strength training groups. Without immediate…
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Wastewater to be released to Deep Creek at Romsey
A proposed discharge of low-grade recycled wastewater into Deep Creek at Romsey has been upgraded following community backlash. Western Water aims to release 300 megalitres of recycled Class B water over two years to discharge excess wastewater that cannot be stored at its local Portingale Lane plant. General manager Graham Holt said the planned discharge…
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$60M apartment-style aged care proposed for Gisborne
A proposed $60 million development at Gisborne aims to introduce apartment-style aged care living by 2023. The plan follows amalgamation of Macedon Ranges Health and Victorian aged care provider Benetas in 2018. Benetas spokesperson Bruce Webb said diverse ageing services and retirement living in the region was particularly important considering population forecasts. “Population in the…