Local News
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Become a Loyal Royal!
Lovers of independent cinema, live music and the arts are once again being asked to make a contribution to help secure the future of Castlemaine’s iconic Theatre Royal by becoming a ‘Loyal Royal’ member. The inaugural ‘Loyal Royal’ membership drive in 2019 was a resounding success and has helped to ensure the theatre can continue…
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Teen climate activist empowers change
Castlemaine teen and climate change activist Harriet O’Shea Carre has won the prestigious The Bridge Create Change Award at the 2020 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards. The Create Change Award acknowledges and celebrates the commitment young people make in achieving or participating in positive activities that empower change locally, nationally and/or internationally. The 15-year-old won the…
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Free thermal home assessments
Maldon couple Linda Pannan and Graham Thomas are already reaping significant savings from making their new home highly energy efficient. Now they’re about to share their knowledge through a new community project aimed at helping the town’s residents become “climate ready”. The two are among a small band of local volunteers who will next month…
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Generosity in hard times
The Lancefield Romsey Community Support initiative has highlighted the generosity and support of the region throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Since March, volunteers and local businesses have helped cook and provide in excess of 1700 frozen meals, deliver food parcels, conduct weekly friendly chats and provide additional support through referrals to other agencies. The initiative is…
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FUTURE GISBORNE? Call to reshape 30-year plan
Gisborne ratepayer Dean Markham is leading a fight against a 30-year plan for his town that he fears foreshadows a ‘Sunbury future’. He is challenging Macedon Ranges Council’s draft Gisborne Futures documents that plan for a population boom and map impending development. Determined to keep the town regional, Mr Markham has launched his own campaign…
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Farm plans fast-tracked
Madeleine Jenkins and Tim Harvey had the rug pulled out from under them before they found solace in farm life at Tylden. The couple had a five-year plan in mind when they purchased their 48-acre block in 2018, but the double blow of the 2019 bushfires and COVID-19 ended Tim’s work in the events industry.…
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After the shockwaves
Former Elphinstone girl Indi Phillips was among thousands lucky enough to escape the devastating August 4 explosion in Beirut with her life. The blast killed 191 people, injured more than 6000 and destroyed much of Lebanon’s capital. Now the risk analyst and researcher is working with friends across the globe to help rebuild the Lebanese…
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WORLD HERITAGE BID
Castlemaine and surrounds are in plum position to benefit from a momentous bid to see the wider Central Victorian Goldfields attain World Heritage listing. In a key document highlighting why the site is significant and should be given UNESCO World Heritage listing, a UK World Heritage expert has described the Central Victorian Goldfields as the…
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Compelled to fight
Last week the Express reported on comment in the Victorian Parliament about the tragic death of Kyneton woman Alicia Little, and the early release of the man responsible. Today, Riddells Creek resident and Gisborne solicitor, John Herron, offers a compelling first-hand account of how his own daughter lost her life, the follow-up actions, outcome and…
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‘Keep open space’ call
Macedon Ranges Council is seeking to secure significant Gisborne land for public open space to prevent it being snapped up for housing in a projected population boom. Councillor Helen Radnedge launched an appeal to the state government to retain or return the land known as the Gisborne Pine Plantation to the community. The 1.8 hectares…
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Foodies connect
A community of passionate Macedon Ranges cooks and foodies has formed to share ideas, recipes, tips and tricks, and swap food. Three mums who parked next to each other to drop and pick up their kids from school are the women behind the Facebook group ‘Macedon Ranges Food, Foodies, Wine and Cooking’. Joni, Anita and…
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Farewell Target, K hub is coming
Residents at Castlemaine and Woodend will soon bid farewell to their trusty Target stores, but the news isn’t all bad with Kmart announcing the two stores will be among the first in Victoria to be remodelled as new-look K hub stores. Kmart opened the first three of the new look K hub stores at Seymour,…