News
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It’s time to harvest frost-tender plants
Sandy Scheltema Now that the cool cold nights are here in central Victoria and the frosts are starting, it’s time to pull out frost-tender plants like zucchinis and tomatoes. We had a prolific harvest of tromboncino zucchini this year, an heirloom vegetable common throughout Italy. The plants look beautiful growing over fences and supports with…
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Nature needs you
In cities and towns across the globe, people are taking walks in nature, seeking solace in nature – and yet nature needs us more than ever. That’s the call from local environmental group Biolinks Alliance, amid growing concerns the coronavirus is deflecting urgent attention from the climate and biodiversity crisis. “So many of us are…
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Cost blowout for saleyards plan
A major cost blowout for Kyneton Saleyards upgrades has put pressure on Macedon Ranges Council to find additional funds to complete the project. A feasibility study of the two-stage plan for modernisation and compliance requirements projected a cost at more than $1 million, with an estimated payback period of 17-18 years, but stage one alone…
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Not up to scratch
Poor tree pruning has brought Powercor’s electric line clearance works to a standstill in the Macedon Ranges until the company and local council agree on a work plan.Powercor contractors were criticised for leaving trees damaged and unsightly at several locations across the shire during its bushfire mitigation program, prompting council intervention in January.Since then, council’s…
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Addition to town’s creative mix
The establishment of a new media school for Castlemaine looks set to further enhance the town’s profile as a creative centre for Victoria. Founder of the new Castlemaine Media School is Luca Royle, a professional photographer and award-winning documentary maker with a longstanding international background in media. Ms Royle has now taken a year-long lease…
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Coronavirus testing ramps up with new sites opening in Kyneton and Daylesford
Coronavirus testing is ramping up across the Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shire regions, with testing now available at Kyneton District Health, and a testing location soon to be established at Daylesford Community Health Centre. This follows an announcement from the Victorian Government of a major testing blitz across the state to better understand how the…
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Cyberbullying of council needs to stop
Macedon Ranges Council is calling for a crackdown on bullying and threatening behaviour online as abuse of staff and elected members increases. Councillor Jennifer Anderson called out the escalating behaviour at last Friday’s special meeting and sought greater cyber protection for local government employees and representatives. “Increasingly we are seeing people go to social media,…
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Pen pals multiply
The Pen Pal Project launched by the Rotary Club of Castlemaine last month has taken off! Another 25 letter writers joined the initiative aimed at sending cards and letters to residents at Castlemaine Health’s aged-care facilities since the article appeared in our sister paper the Castlemaine Mail a fortnight ago. Pen Pal Project coordinator Kerry Anderson said…
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Family violence … you’re not alone
Mount Alexander Shire Council is urging anyone at risk of family violence to seek the help you need from the dedicated support services available. While we are all being asked to stay at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, home may not be the safest place for everyone. “It is important to know that…
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Health facility completed
A year since works first began on the Caroline Chisholm Drive site, Cobaw Community Health’s new Kyneton home has now been completed. The purpose-built new facility, made possible by a $9.7M grant from the Victorian Government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund, will replace Cobaw’s main office at 47 High Street. “This vital part of local infrastructure…
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Sweet treat for romance lovers
Romsey author Sarah Fiddelaers has penned a new romance in a collection of four unforgettable stories of love, hope, humour and faith. Set in the first half of the 20th century, Easter Promises features strong women overcoming obstacles of their time to pursue their dreams and, of course, find love. The collaboration showcases Fiddelaers’ story entitled Easter Dawn as…
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Constant interruption to ADSL internet
Residents of Ashbourne and Woodend are struggling to work and study from home during lockdown with constant interruption to their old technology ADSL internet service. Congestion on the Mount Macedon mobile tower that services the district has impacted mobile data use, especially in the outlying area to the east and south-east of Woodend. Some residents…