News
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Learner drivers back on the road as restrictions ease
Shanti Steventon-Lorenzen is gearing up to new freedom after gaining her ‘Ps’ with a little help from TAC and CHIRP Community Health in Castlemaine. The TAC L2P program has been running through CHIRP for five years, and it helps young learner drivers attain their probationary licence. The program matches them with trained volunteer mentors to…
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Interstate raider wins Kyneton Cup
Former New Zealand galloper Mongolian Marshal, now trained in South Australia, won the 2020 bet365 Kyneton Cup in a thrilling three-way finish this afternoon. The six-year-old’s previous victory was in the Waikato Cup nearly two years ago, and he came off a fourth placing as a rank outsider at Caulfield, not having been placed in…
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Final touches for CSC
The redevelopment of Castlemaine Secondary College is fast nearing completion with contractors Fairbrother Construction just weeks away from putting the final touches on the new-look school. The redevelopment has been a decade in the making with planning for the ambitious four-stage project beginning back in 2010 and the first stage – the Wellbeing Precinct –…
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Red reigns at Riddell
Mt Charlie Red Angus at Riddells Creek has exhibited in The Red Angus Society Victoria On-farm Challenge for the first time. Co-owner Paul Rathbone said it was a terrific opportunity to demonstrate the great qualities of the breed in the challenge, which took place from October 31-November 2. The event featured 217 head of cattle…
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Samson goes the chop
Unlike his biblical namesake, Woodend’s Samson Briscomb has decided himself to lop off his locks. It’s a big move for the 12-year-old whose tresses measure about 80cm in length, and will help power the Leukaemia Foundation through the World’s Greatest Shave fundraiser. Samson’s aversion to the hairdresser has seen his golden curls grow out for…
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Final days for year 12
Year 12 students have faced one of the toughest years as the state adapted schooling during the coronavirus pandemic, but most have finished their last days on a positive note. Sacred Heart College year 12 students celebrated their last day in the classroom with a Celebration Day breakfast, fancy dress, mass and early graduation ceremony.…
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A salute to women
Macedon Ranges author Kathy Mexted has penned a riveting salute to women who refused to keep their feet on the ground. From pioneering and outback flights to delivering Spitfires or tackling the jungles of New Guinea, Australian Women Pilots tells of 10 Australians with extraordinary stories, packed with drama, adventure and sometimes heartbreak. Women have…
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Out-of-control burn-offs prompt warning
CFA is urging Victorians to take extreme care when burning off after responding to several escaped private burn-offs across areas of the state yesterday. Deputy chief officer Gregg Paterson said there were some simple steps Victorians could take to keep their burn-offs safe. “We encourage residents to clean up their properties before fire danger periods…
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Site secured for Gisborne South school
Land near Willowbank Road has been secured for a new primary school with onsite kindergarten in Gisborne’s south. Education Minister James Merlino said the new primary school would open in 2022 and cater for 475 students once completed. The on-site two-room 66 place kindergarten, with associated administrative facilities and outdoor play spaces is also due…
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Castlemaine locals in tree-sit actions
Castlemaine residents were among up to 60 protesters arrested last week at a controversial highway upgrade site in Western Victoria, after emotions ran high amid claims a culturally significant tree had been felled. Castlemaine’s Gabe Lillington, 21, was arrested and bailed late last week after spending several days and two nights up a tree as…
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The lift in thrift
If you thought op shops were all about pre-worn clothes and dated kitchenware, think again. In recent days the Salvation Army’s Castlemaine thrift shop manager Peter Bottomley has seen some particularly intriguing items come through the donation bay of the local store. For starters there’s the Swiss travelling clock circa mid-1920s. Then there’s the vintage…
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TOXIC CULTURE: Local leader speaks out on Ambulance Victoria experience
By Karen O’Sullivan Prominent Macedon Ranges leader Donna Fabris has broken her silence, revealing she was a victim of harassment, bullying and sexism when working for Ambulance Victoria. Responding to recent media attention concerning a misogynistic culture within AV, Ms Fabris revealed she too had been the victim of a campaign of abuse that included…