Latest
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Storm ravages region
Power and communications cut for days, damaged property, fallen trees blocking roads, entire towns isolated and undrinkable mains water.This is the destruction from one of the worst storms to lash the Macedon Ranges region in years.Wind gusts in excess of 100km/h wreaked havoc across central Victoria last Wednesday and Thursday.Powercor crews worked to restore power…
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Fourth win easy as pie!
Country Cob Bakery has reclaimed its crown for Australia’s Best Mince Pie for the fourth year running.The win was among five national titles and 14 gold medals for the Kyneton bakery at Australia’s Best Pie and Pastie Competition in Sydney. This year’s Baking Association of Australia competition attracted almost 2000 entries nation-wide and Country Cob…
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Prepare for power outages ahead of extreme weather
Householders are being urged to prepare for potential power outages with strong winds expected to hit parts of the state late tonight and into tomorrow. Weather forecasts are predicting wind gusts of more than 100km/h in parts of central and western Victoria, with strong winds also predicted for the metropolitan region.The worst of the weather…
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Artist makes Archie 100
The work of a local artist and painting teacher from Castlemaine has been included in the landmark Archie 100 exhibition that opened at the Art Gallery of NSW last Friday. Gabrielle Martin’s painting, Tony Clark with Jasperware (Landscape), 2003, was selected from thousands of Archibald Prize finalists to be included in this exhibition of 100 paintings drawn from…
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Preserving our heritage apples
Harcourt has always been known as the ‘apple centre of Victoria’ but in recent years some of its heritage apple varieties have almost disappeared.One family of long-time Harcourt orchardists is trying to do its bit to save these heritage gems by making them available to the wider community. Carr’s Organic Fruit Tree Nursery co-owner Katie…
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A re-purpose focus
An op shop with a focus on funding local natural environment projects will open its doors in Castlemaine this Friday. Named The Good Op Shop, the not-for profit will be fittingly based at the Salvage Yard, with a re-use and re-purpose focus.“The Castlemaine community has been such a great supporter of both environmental action and…
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Hospitality hit hard
Labour market shortages and COVID uncertainty are placing strain on Macedon Ranges’ hospitality industry. Many have successfully pivoted to takeaway models during COVID lockdown periods but some have been forced into temporary closure and are struggling to keep staff.Those reliant on Melbourne and tourism trade have also taken a financial hit during last week’s state…
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International acclaim
Performances in short film recognised around the world Castlemaine resident John Flaus is well known to Australian audiences and has been appearing on our cinema and TV screens for more than 50 years (The Castle, Jack Irish, Lillian’s Story), but it is his recent performance in the short film Trust Frank that has earned him and his co-star international…
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Join the ‘Vacctorians’
Some Mount Alexander Shire councillors were among those lining up on Friday morning to get their COVID-19 jabs, joining the increasing number of people in the state who might now be called ‘Vacctorians’. Mount Alexander Shire’s deputy mayor Cr Bill Maltby and Tarrengower ward’s Cr Stephen Gardner were both anxious to get their first jab…
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VICTORIAN FIRST FOR WASTE
Mount Alexander Sustainability Group has secured DON Smallgoods in Castlemaine as the development site of a proposed multi-million dollar bioenergy facility. The planned project represents the first community led integrated waste-to-clean-energy initiative of its kind in Victoria.Confirming support, DON Smallgoods signed a term sheet covering energy off-take, waste supply and land to the north of…
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Grand plans for Clarkefield?
Developers have hatched a grand plan for the future of Clarkefield and yesterday began community consultation on their proposal. APD Projects is overseeing the proposed development of between 350 and 450 homes on 26 hectares of land in the town’s centre that would form the first stage of what its website describes as the “future…
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Top shot from firie
Chewton Fire Brigade volunteer Steve Womersley has been named runner-up in the annual CFA National Volunteer Week Photo Competition.Steve snapped a picture of fellow brigade members in smoke at a fireground. “It’s a photo of my mate Mouse (Barry Mounsey) who’s always got a keen eye for a dangerous tree,” Steve said.“A fire had broken…