Local News
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Communication breakdown?
Residents cut off from power and telecommunications for days in June’s storm are questioning Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s communications with residents in emergency.Web, social media and phone proved ineffective means of communication for thousands of residents cut from power for between one to six days. “We were cut off from power and running water for…
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Missing dogs feared stolen
Five missing dogs are feared stolen after not being sighted since mid-May in the Macedon Ranges.The dogs, all desirable breeds, disappeared within two weeks of each other from Lancefield, Clarkefield, Hesket and Benloch.missing are a black staghound, two dachshunds, a tri-coloured border collie and a pure-bred husky. Owners have contacted local authorities and made a…
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Line crossed at school crossing
Police are ramping up their focus on Castlemaine’s school crossings following a concerning near-miss last week.The increased policing focus follows last Wednesday’s incident in which a motorist drove a car through the Hargraves Street school crossing as an on-duty supervisor stood in the middle to assist school children who were preparing to cross the road…
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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…