News
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GemLife Woodend in bid to expand
GemLife Woodend is seeking to extend its over 50s lifestyle resort with an additional 19 homes to the west, which one objector fears may impact neighbourhood character and amenity. The 9720m² extension would take in abutting land at 29-33 Sullivans Road resulting in an overall development of 245 dwellings, a manager’s residence and recreation facilities.…
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Get your ISO scarecrows ready!
While the Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival has been postponed, a favourite part of the event can still be enjoyed by the inventive Kyneton community in 2020. In view of Stage 3 restrictions until at least mid-September, the much-loved scarecrow competition will take place after lockdown finishes. Festival secretary Marg Dearricott said there would be…
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A host of golden daffodils…
Longtime Newstead locals Peter and Lilian Skillbeck have more than 2000 excellent reasons to look on the bright side of life. Earlier this year, around the time news of COVID-19 was starting to really hit home hard, Peter decided it would be a great idea to purchase a couple of thousand daffodil bulbs. “The Kyneton…
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‘Coldie’ hits at Woodend
A “weak tornado” ripped through a farm at Woodend last Thursday afternoon. The unusual weather system whirled through a paddock about 5.30pm. The tornado was short lived and only affected a small area, but it tore through hay bales, throwing them into the air and leaving a small trail of damage in its wake. Bureau…
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Hens rescued in Cobaws
Three hens found boxed and abandoned in the Cobaw Ranges have been given a second chance at Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary in Lancefield. Local residents examined the suspicious box to discover the ISA brown hens inside while out for a walk with their dogs. They were determined to bring the hens to safety. A fourth…
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Gisborne fight not over
Opponents to Gisborne Business Park’s expansion fear their voices have fallen on deaf ears as the proposal lives on in Macedon Ranges Council’s draft Gisborne Futures project. More than 300 residents petitioned council last year to scrap the plan that seeks to expand industrial and commercial activity to Saunders Road by rezoning Rural Living land.…
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Circus aims to bring a smile
The creators behind the inaugural Castlemaine Circus Festival are watching COVID-19 developments closely and continuing to plan their highly anticipated event. Campbells Creek couple and international circus performers Caz Walsh and Mason West said their November show would definitely go ahead either way. Caz said they had been working closely with Mount Alexander Shire Council…
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Lancefield market makes a comeback
The Lancefield and District Farmers Market has been rescued by a passionate group of locals and will go ahead this Saturday at a new location: the Romsey Community Sports Oval. The market, usually held along Lancefield’s village green, has operated at Lancefield Park for the past few months to allow for greater social distancing, but…
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Be technology savvy
A free mentorship program being offered in Castlemaine and surrounds aims to take the fear factor out of using digital technology for those lacking confidence in the digital communications space. With communication technology assuming greater importance than ever during the pandemic, the Be Connected digital mentorship program aims to ensure nobody – particularly older residents…
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Bus commuters without shelter
Castlemaine CBD bus commuters have been left without shelter from the elements thanks to an ongoing campaign of vandalism. Local resident James Taylor contacted the Express over his concerns about the town’s Mostyn Street bus shelter. “Unfortunately, it seems there has been a silent war going on between the council and the group of yobbos…
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An opportunity of rest
This week’s ‘Life in The Time of Corona Virus’ photo features local identity Annie Smithers, holding young ducks Willow and Buttercup, Susan, Hannah-Rose and Amelie, plus terriers Tommy and Misty on their driveway at Babbington Park in Lyonville. Chef and restaurateur Annie runs du Fermier restaurant in Trentham. The restaurant was forced to close in…
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Marvellous masks
We’re loving our masks! That some people have gained a few minutes of fame by refusing to wear one doesn’t just shine a light on their totally self-centred nature but their complete lack of being able to grab it while the going is good! Like any other workplace, at the Midland Express office we’re all…