News
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Arduous firefighters at ready to respond in remote areas
A group of CFA firefighters are ready to fight fires in remote areas across the state following seven weeks of intensive training to become arduous firefighters. The pilot program is a first for CFA where 15 arduous firefighters will have the capability to attack and suppress fires in difficult terrain that aren’t accessible via a…
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Wendy Lovell won’t recontest Northern Victoria seat at next election
Member for Northern Victoria Region Wendy Lovell has announced she will not recontest her seat at the November 2026 state election, after 24 years of service. Ms Lovell made a public statement on Monday, saying “it has been a great privilege for me to represent the region in the Victorian Parliament. “Shepparton has been my…
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Kyneton’s parking woes
During the busiest time of the year, parking in Kyneton’s CBD is more difficult than ever with construction works blocking out vital retail parking spaces on Mollison Street. A week out from Christmas, a conga-line of tradie vans, utes and construction sites wiped out 17 parking spaces in the town’s centre, leaving shoppers and local…
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Shock and dismay at RDFNL: MP weighs in, league president in hot water over comment
EXCLUSIVE – Local MP Mary-Anne Thomas has expressed her “genuine shock and real disappointment” in the Riddell District Football Netball League for blocking the Kyneton Women’s Football Club from playing in season 2026. The MP has written to league CEO Jordan Doyle stating she was “disappointed and confused by the actions of the league” in…
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New superintendent steps in to region
A new divisional police commander last week began overseeing the Greater Bendigo, Macedon Ranges, Campaspe and Goldfields areas. Superintendent Paul Gardiner – a 32-year police veteran and central Victorian local – has spent the past four years managing the force’s Public Order Response Team and State Liquor Unit. PORT, while known for managing major protests,…
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Romsey project skating ahead
Construction has begun on the new Romsey Skatepark with completion expected early next year. The impressive design includes a large bowl, quarter pipe, pump track and a series of hips and corners, as well as shade shelters, seating, lighting, landscaping and pathways. It has been 11 years in the making and a big-focus project for…
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Short-term thrill, long-term wound
Irresponsible and destructive trail bike riders have been accused of getting a short-term thrill while leaving a long-term wound in a highly significant flora and fauna location in the Macedon Ranges. With the holiday season coming up, Riddells Creek Landcare president Ross Colliver has spoken out about what is happening at Barrm Birrm on the…
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Making sure everyone is able to take part in Christmas
Christmas spirit is alive and well in the Macedon Ranges. It’s an expensive moment for everyone and the Kyneton Foodbank has ensured everyone can open a present and have a feast on December 25. Foodbank manager, Rhonda Holmes, said people shouldn’t feel shame about using the service. “Our kitchen is floor-to-ceiling with presents,” Ms Holmes…
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Kyneton artist claims VAS prize
Kyneton artist Tim Murphy has been named Hylton Mackley Artist of the Year for the Victorian Artists Society. The $17,000 prize is awarded to the artist with the most accumulative votes across VAS seasonal select exhibitions and the Artist of the Year exhibition. This award is unique as it is not awarded by a committee…
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‘Mini tornado’ strikes
Castlemaine State Emergency Service volunteers faced a demanding weekend of severe weather, responding to 10 requests for assistance. The impact was concentrated heavily in the Maldon and Tarrengower area, where a freak weather event caused significant destruction. The most severe damage occurred at a property in the Treloars Road area. Local crews arrived to find…
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News story becomes elevator pitch
An out-of-service and broken elevator in a council building left a senior citizen unable to compete in her bi-weekly table tennis tournament for the entirety of this year. “I’ve been trying to get it fixed since the beginning of this year, and I’ve just given up,” the senior said. The Express asked the Shire, “Does…
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Vital flood study wins funding
With a flood-prone creek on one side and overland tributaries on the other, Campbells Creek residents are well-versed in major flood events, the most recent occurring in 2022. The Campbells Creek Flood Study, which costs just shy of $200,000, will take about 12 months to complete and will help Mount Alexander Shire Council better understand…