Local News
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A day to remember for jockey duo
It was a joyous occasion for 19-year-old apprentice Kiran Quilty and her father Cameron when they finally rode in the same race together for the first time at Kyneton on New Year’s Day. But behind the thrill of Kiran winning the 1850m TAC Be Races Ready BM52 Handicap with a fast-finishing dash alongside the inside…
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Kyneton servo plan revealed
Plans for a McDonalds restaurant and multifaceted 24-hour service station for Kyneton’s northern gateway have been revealed. A stand-alone McDonalds restaurant and drive-through is proposed for the Pipers Creek Road and Edgecombe Road corner along with a 26-space car park and associated signage. A service station with a convenience store, trucker’s lounge and second –…
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‘Won on raw ability’
Having his second start, local galloper Snappy Magnus won by three lengths at Kyneton’s New Year’s Day meeting. Jockey Dylan Dunn told connections: “He won on raw ability”. Owner-trainer Danielle Chapman has been around racehorses for too long to get carried away with a win in a Maiden over 1100m, but the signs are encouraging…
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Paddock talks continue
Macedon Ranges Shire Council will continue negotiations with the state government to sell Hanging Rock’s East Paddock despite one councillor’s push to abandon the prospect. Cr Geoff Neil last week questioned the council’s need to sell the land associated with the “icon that’s very close to residents’ hearts”. “To be truthfully honest I haven’t come…
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‘Glamping’ comes to Castlemaine
While this year has been immensely difficult for local tourism operators, Big 4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park has used the lockdown closures as an opportunity to continue to revamp the historic park on the fringe of the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens. Park owner Claire Height said she decided she needed to get on with things. “In…
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Help in your pocket
A handy new wallet card is available from local businesses and community hubs to keep local residents mentally well in Mount Alexander Shire in the lead up to Christmas. Central Victorian Primary Care Partnership executive officer Shelly Lavery said the the new cards were easy to understand with tips on how to stay on top…
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Making memories for Ethan McCulloch
Completing VCE, getting a driver’s licence and travelling the world sound like any teenager’s dream but for Gisborne’s Ethan McCulloch they top a bucket list that he is determined to achieve. Doctors have declared the bright 16-year-old “incurable” as he fights a rare aggressive cancer known as rhabdomyosarcoma, which forms in soft tissue. His mother…
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Youth shine in awards
Extraordinary and diverse achievements of young people were celebrated in the Macedon Ranges Youth Awards last week. Eight youths recognised across six categories were: Michael Smith, Daniel Smyth, Isaac Fletcher, Shyla McPhail, Kirk Close, Kyle Hayes, Monet Lewis and Emily Medbury. Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson said the event acknowledged the many ways young people participated…
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Maldon pioneer settlement sold
Maldon’s former ‘Porcupine Township’ Pioneer Settlement has sold to a Victorian buyer for an undisclosed sum. The unique 15-acre property offers visitor accommodation and a glimpse into our colonial past. The 1850s-themed attraction was created by Peter and Cristina Mitz back in the early 1990s and opened to the public in 1992. It ran very…
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Heroes of the halfpipe
A nine-year-old skater and his friends have rallied more than 700 youth to call for improvements to Gisborne Skate Park. Gisborne local Thomas Gilmour is seeking expansion including more challenging elements, a pump track, water taps and lighting to meet increased demand at the site. He launched his campaign in October when he noticed a…
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Woodend to welcome IGA
Woodend’s Coles supermarket will have competition for the first time next year with a new tenant for its former site in the 19th Hole Shopping Centre now revealed. Marks Group will open an IGA supermarket in 1400 square metres of space and will relocate their current Cellarbrations liquor store to the site. Managing director Bradley…
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Malmsbury made: Geoff Achison a blues ‘hall of famer’
Blues-roots legend Geoff Achison has helped put his hometown of Malmsbury on the map. The guitarist and singer-songwriter has seen international success and more recently been inducted to the Blues Music Victoria Hall of Fame. His new status recognises him as one of the significant contributors to blues music in Victoria and he was amazed…