News
-
Camp Reserve master plan draws debate
A “once in a lifetime opportunity to improve our premier reserve” is the way one local councillor has described the adoption of an amended Camp Reserve Master Plan in recent days. At its September meeting last week, Mount Alexander Shire Council voted 6:1 in favour of adopting the new plan intended to guide some $6…
-
Malmsbury marks cultural heritage
New cultural signage has been installed at Malmsbury Common Reserve in conjunction with Djandak, the business enterprise of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation. Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s director of planning and environment, Angela Hughes, said a desire was expressed by the community to have Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners acknowledged and reflected in…
-
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…
-
Kyneton’s kindness coins
To help charities around Australia through these tough times and beyond, the Royal Australian Mint has just released a unique $1 coin designed expressly to be given to those in need. Kyneton’s community-owned not-for-profit aged-care facility RM Begg is inviting everyone to join in and put some ‘fun’ into FUNdraising! Some of the elusive ‘Donation…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Minerals exploration explained
Local communities can learn about minerals exploration in their region at an online information session this month. The Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions is hosting a session in response to an increase in minerals exploration licence applications and ongoing activity looking for evidence of gold and in-demand minerals. “We have seen a rise in…
-
The Paddock to feature
The Paddock Eco Village in Castlemaine will be featured as part of Sustainable House Day this Sunday. Established in 2001, Sustainable House Day is a national event coordinated by Renew that allows the public to see and learn from the best environmental homes in Australia. It aims to inspire people to live sustainably, showing them…
-
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.…
-
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…