News
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A new national park
Three new national parks will be created following the Victorian Government’s tabling of its response to the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council’s Central West Investigation report last week.The Wombat State Forest will become a combination of national, regional and conservation parks. Wombat Forestcare campaigner Gayle Osborne said the new Wombat-Lerderderg National Park was a great result.“Areas…
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‘Heavenly trio’ up for sale
Castlemaine’s grand historic Presbyterian Church at 11-13 Lyttleton Street is being sold out of church hands for the first time since it was built in 1894 – alongside its imposing old manse residence and original church hall. Waller Realty director Rob Waller said the unique and historic sale was attracting significant interest with multiple interested…
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Tragedy touches Taradale
The tragic sudden loss of Taradale father Vange Missios to snakebite has moved a heartwarming community response for his family left behind.A fundraiser launched last week reached $10,000 in less than 48 hours to support Vange’s life partner Anet Moran and 10-year-old daughter Evie through the challenging months ahead. “We are asking for help to…
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Film and fiesta!
Castlemaine Documentary Film Festival will return to the big screen at the Theatre Royal Castlemaine next month.The festival will kick off with a launch party on Friday July 23 and will then see eight incredible films light up the big screen at the Royal on July 24 and 25, including three Australian premieres. The film…
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Fairytales for grown-ups
Think fairytales are just old-fashioned stories you read to children at bedtime? A special event coming up at Castlemaine Library is going to change your mind.South of the Sun – Australian Fairy Tales for the 21st Century is a ground-breaking anthology put together by the Australian Fairy Tale Society. As part of the book’s launch, the…
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Speed reduction supported
Councillors have pitched their support behind a call from Yapeen residents to lower the speed limit on the Vaughan Springs Road at the increasingly popular lifestyle locality.At last week’s June meeting Mount Alexander Shire Council unanimously endorsed the local residents’ call, agreeing that the current 100km/h speed limit on the winding Vaughan Springs Road should…
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Storm over but event not ended
Macedon Ranges is expected to face repercussions from June’s destructive storm for the next month as initial clean-up continues.Woodend SES unit controller Kevin McNair warned “the bulk of the storm is over but the event has not ended”.The Woodend unit responded to almost 600 calls for storm assistance – doubling its yearly average in a…
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Colombian rhythms move Castlemaine
Afro-Latin dance teacher Castlemaine’s Camila Serrano is among country-dwelling Victorians set to feature on new ABC TV series Movin’ to the Country.Originally from Colombia, Camila moved to Australia in 2009 and lived in Melbourne before three years later making her treechange to Castlemaine where her dance and fitness classes have since taken off. Camila’s decision to…
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Clubhouse condition critical
Woodend golfers are urging action to bring their dilapidated clubhouse up to building code or for demolition to rebuild.Last year, Macedon Ranges Shire Council set aside $200,000 to bring facilities up to scratch but members report little movement. “We haven’t seen any evidence of that money being spent,” Woodend Golf Club secretary, Barney Hearnden said.“The…
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Austin on the road to recovery
Courageous Castlemaine youngster Austin Vearing has successfully conquered two rounds of surgery in the United States and is now on his road to recovery.The four-year-old and his family flew to America earlier this month where he underwent life-changing SDR (selective dorsal rhizotomy) surgery at St Louis Children’s Hospital. Austin’s mum Kat and dad Julian said…
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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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Forests and parks remain closed to visitors
Following the severe weather and storm event last week, the Wombat State Forest, the northern part of Lerderderg State Park, Macedon Regional Park and Trentham Falls remain closed to the public.Forest Fire Management Victoria crews have been working hard over the past week to access impacted areas and assess damage to roads, recreational sites and…