Latest
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Business park controversy
Controversy now surrounds a plan to expand New Gisborne’s business park. New Gisborne residents are petitioning Macedon Ranges Shire Council to re-think the proposal that will see about 29 hectares of Rural Living land rezoned for industrial and commercial development. Resident Linda Amarant said the plans were “soul destroying” and encouraged people to voice their…
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Getting the message across
An inspirational and thought-provoking address by renowned mental health advocate Wayne Schwass took place in Woodend’s Buffalo Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Schwass, a former champion AFL footballer, battled silently with depression for much of his sporting career and now heads the Puka Up organisation which plays a key role in raising awareness about mental health,…
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Get your head around climate
Understanding climate change impacts at a local level is the focus of a public information session coming up at Maldon next week. All are invited to attend the Understanding Climate Impacts presentation taking place at Maldon Neighbourhood Centre on Thursday evening, February 28. “It came out of our strategic planning process that we did last…
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RAR welcomes medevac
Local refugee rights advocates are welcoming last week’s historic medevac vote in federal parliament but say more needs to be done to treat those seeking asylum in Australia humanely. Rural Australians for Refugees Castlemaine members are welcoming the historic medical evacuations legislation that establishes new conditions by which sick people on Nauru and Manus Island…
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$10M for sports precinct
An elected Shorten Labor Government will invest $10 million in stages one and two of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct. Shadow Minister for Sport Senator Don Farrell made the commitment at the New Gisborne site before an excited crowd on Friday with local Federal MPs Rob Mitchell and Lisa Chesters. The project evolved from…
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Soil scientists share knowledge
Landowners in the district can gain a better understanding on soil management by attending a free workshop hosted by the Upper Campaspe Landcare Network on an olive farm in Edgecombe. Soil scientists Christian Bannan from South East Soil and Water, and Melissa Cann and Martin Hamilton from Agriculture Victoria will bring their wealth of knowledge…
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Glenlyon entries open
Glenlyon and District Pony Club is in full swing in preparation for its annual horse trials on Sunday February 24. Whenever the club holds this event, riders travel from all across the state to take part in the competition, which involves three phases over the day including a dressage test, show jumping round and a…
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Shield drought over!
Central Highlands bowlers created history on Sunday by winning the elusive Courier Shield for the first time, breaking a drought of more than 30 years. “This was a terrific and well-deserved victory,” said Central Highlands men’s team manager Gary Dickenson – a former CHBD president and life member – after accepting the elusive shield after…
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New beginning
The installation of a new flag pole to fly the Aboriginal flag was celebrated last Friday at Trentham District Primary School. Proud Dja Dja Wurrung man Damien Saunders conducted a smoking ceremony and spoke to the students, parents and teaching staff about the importance of acknowledging and respecting the Dja Dja Wurrung culture. “This ceremony…
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Platypus protectors
Lucky students from four primary and secondary schools in our district are learning how to become Platypus Protectors and care for our two beautiful rivers – the Campaspe and the Coliban. The students are involved in the Platypus Project, a collaboration between the Upper Campaspe Landcare Network and platypus ecologist Josh Griffiths from EnviroDNA. The…
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Smashing the stigma
Two years ago Jacob Pearce was at a party and in a highly intoxicated state. In a moment that changed his life forever, he fell from a balcony in a high-rise apartment in Melbourne, falling 22 storeys and landing on the roof of a restaurant below. The Malmsbury-raised 30-year-old said it was a miracle he…
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Aunty Su sets sail
You know the feeling – that project you start, yet never quite get around to finishing. But Campbells Creek local Luca Royle has cause for self congratulations, and some useful tips to share, after finally completing a special project she began about 15 years ago – building a classic sailing boat from scratch. The professional…