News
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WORKFORCE CRISIS – Overworked vets understaffed and under stress
Castlemaine veterinary professionals are among those demanding something be done to address a widespread shortage of vets amid reports the problem has become a crisis. Castlemaine Veterinary Clinic practice manager Athena Williams said vets were under increasing stress with compounding anecdotal evidence of a vet workforce crisis particularly impacting rural and regional areas.“There is little…
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Another assault at Malmsbury YJC
A Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre staff member was assaulted in yet another attack by an inmate yesterday.A Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson confirmed the incident occurred but said paramedics were not required to attend. “A staff member has been transported to hospital for assessment and Victoria Police were notified,” the spokesperson said.“The safety…
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Feedback sought on Hanging Rock plan
Feedback has opened on Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s updated Environmental Management Plan for Hanging Rock.The plan will continue environmental works, such as weed control and revegetation, and focus on enhancing the site’s vegetation and habitat. Ecological restoration specialists, Practical Ecology, updated the plan funded by the Victorian Government.The plan builds on the work outlined in…
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Video celebrates local landcarers
A new ‘Landcare Celebration’ video pays tribute to the hardworking and passionate volunteer groups across the Mount Alexander region. The Connecting Country video was funded through a Mount Alexander Shire Community Grant and features a number of landcare volunteers talking about why landcare is important to their community and the vast diversity of projects across…
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Telstra payphones are now free for calls within Australia
Telstra today announced that all Australians can now make calls right across the country for free on Telstra’s network of more than 15,000 payphones. In the past year, about 11 million calls were made across Australia from Telstra payphones. This included more than 230,000 calls to critical services like ‘000’ and Lifeline, proving a crucial…
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Bus pilot to test waters
The official launch of a new community minibus in Castlemaine late last week was not just about the bus.It was as much about the destination. State public transport minister Ben Carroll and Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards were on site in front of Castlemaine old town hall on Thursday as Mount Alexander Shire Council publicly…
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Kind-hearted generosity
We only have to witness the trials and tribulations leading up to the belated 2020 Olympics in Tokyo to realise that even a big budget and teams of people cannot guarantee a successful event in these challenging times. But that didn’t deter the kind-hearted ‘good sports’ that surround Kyneton’s not-for-profit, community-owned aged care facility RM…
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Postie pilgrimage
They’re not hitting the road for a mail run, but these Australian ‘postie bikes’ are destined to deliver a different kind of message. The Postie Bike Pilgrimage is raising funds and awareness for the Cancer Council in a trip from Bannockburn to Warrnambool, via The Great Ocean Road. Kyneton organiser Callum Leemon said the pilgrimage…
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Festival flexible
Even a small setback won’t deter the Woodend Winter Arts Festival from this weekend’s performances. With the past few weeks being rather tumultuous, anyone would forgive the festival crew if they decided to pack their bags and go home!But, not to be beaten, the committee has vowed to bring the program to Woodend and cope…
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Oarsome Olympic effort
Water sport was never on the horizon for a young Ria Thompson growing up in Woodend.But that didn’t stop the now 23-year-old from scoring a bronze medal in her Olympic debut in Tokyo last week. Together with her rowing crewmates, Harriet Hudson, Caitlin Cronin and Rowena Meredith, Thompson secured a podium position by powering from…
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Farmer wants a home
A Malmsbury cattle farmer is fighting to make his shed turned ‘man-cave’ into a legal residence. Travis Bruni is seeking permanent residence to farm a purebred Angus and Hereford breeding herd and fodder production.He said his shed at the Youngs Road property gradually evolved into a residence over 18 months as he found increased presence…
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Schwass to speak
Since retiring from Aussie Rules football in 2002, Wayne Schwass has been a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, and became one of the first footballers to speak openly about his experience with depression.At a special online Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing event hosted by Sacred Heart College, Wayne will share insight into his passion…