News
-
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…
-
WORLD HERITAGE BID
Castlemaine and surrounds are in plum position to benefit from a momentous bid to see the wider Central Victorian Goldfields attain World Heritage listing. In a key document highlighting why the site is significant and should be given UNESCO World Heritage listing, a UK World Heritage expert has described the Central Victorian Goldfields as the…
-
Compelled to fight
Last week the Express reported on comment in the Victorian Parliament about the tragic death of Kyneton woman Alicia Little, and the early release of the man responsible. Today, Riddells Creek resident and Gisborne solicitor, John Herron, offers a compelling first-hand account of how his own daughter lost her life, the follow-up actions, outcome and…
-
Time travel team launches series
A friendship formed playing and coaching basketball has led to a children’s book series collaboration between two talented Macedon Ranges men. Chris ‘Roy’ Taylor (Woodend artist, illustrator and author) and James Crabtree (Kyneton writer), are the creators of the recently released Tina and Tom’s Time Travelling Toilet, which combines some brilliant moments in history with rip…
-
An eye-catching cargo
It’s not every day you get to load a massive life-sized dinosaur and great white shark onto a truck. But that’s exactly what was going down in Castlemaine on Thursday as two very realistic full-scale models, that had been handcrafted in Castlemaine, were loaded onto an enclosed truck ready for transportation to Western Australia’s new…
-
‘Keep open space’ call
Macedon Ranges Council is seeking to secure significant Gisborne land for public open space to prevent it being snapped up for housing in a projected population boom. Councillor Helen Radnedge launched an appeal to the state government to retain or return the land known as the Gisborne Pine Plantation to the community. The 1.8 hectares…
-
Roadmap to reopening
From 11.59pm on September 13, some restrictions will be eased across Victoria. Regional Victoria and Melbourne Metro each have their own roadmaps, relating to how many active cases are currently in the community. Summary of Steps towards COVID Normal First Step First step only applies to Metro Melbourne. Expanded social interaction. Key points Curfew in…