News
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From shadow to farm: New shared knowledge program launches
Aspiring farmers can now experience life on the land through a new program that allows experienced farmers to share their knowledge. Kyneton tree-changer Melissa Connors introduced the Macedon Ranges to This Farm Needs a Farmer in 2018 and is about to officially launch a new Shadow Farming initiative to the program. “Through shadow farming, tree-changers…
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Bee kill on the agenda
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s use of chemicals to kill a swarm of bees at Castlemaine’s botanical gardens will be discussed at tonight’s council meeting. The council in November received a petition containing 17 signatures from people concerned about its use of chemicals to kill the bees at the gardens on October 19 last year. The…
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Food forest takes root
Kerryn Wildenburg has planted the seed for a permaculture ‘Food Forest’ in Kyneton. She is donating four acres of her own land to provide vulnerable community members with a place where they can learn to grow and cook nutritious food. “Food brings people together. It allows connection, and builds relationships and sustainable change. We want…
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Alleged cockfighting: 200 birds seized near Malmsbury
RSPCA inspectors have seized 75 roosters allegedly groomed for cockfighting and 119 other birds at a property near Malmsbury. RSPCA Victoria executed a warrant last Wednesday on a suspected cockfighting operation, with assistance from Victoria Police. Among the 119 other birds seized were chicks, mature hens, and juvenile roosters. Cockfighting implements were also discovered and…
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To the beat of a drum at Newham
Traditionally, in Africa, women don’t drum: they dance. But that’s the one tradition that Simone Lang doesn’t mind breaking if it means spreading joy of the djembe. “I found my voice through drumming and teaching. I think it’s beautiful for women to say, “Here I am”, through drumming. It’s the antithesis of being seen and…
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Castlemaine wildlife reserve welcomes friends
It’s a little natural jewel, easy walking distance to the centre of Castlemaine, and right under residents’ noses. But many locals don’t even realise the Kaweka Wildflower Reserve is there say the dedicated committee members who help look after it. Kaweka Wildflower Reserve is an L-shaped 2.5-hectare parcel of conserved bushland that was presented to…
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Castlemaine rail bridge targeted again
Castlemaine community members are furious that a historic rail bridge metres from Castlemaine’s CBD has once again been targeted by a graffiti vandal. The Express was contacted by an angry local resident on Friday after noting the Forest Street bridge had again been targeted sometime overnight Thursday or in the early hours of Friday morning.…
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Castlemaine-Guildford rail trail idea starts rolling
The disused Castlemaine to Guildford railway corridor should be turned into a rail trail, keen local cyclist Lou Citroen believes. The Castlemaine recreational cyclist has contacted Mount Alexander Shire Council to canvass the plan and seek support to make it happen. His suggestion comes as the disused Castlemaine to Guildford track is currently being taken…
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New bins roll out in Macedon Ranges
Macedon Ranges’ new four-bin kerbside waste collection service rolled out last week as many other Victorian councils await state government direction on the waste crisis. The shire’s new service has introduced glass only and full ‘food organics garden organics’ recycling. More than 14,000 customers are part of the first stage of the FOGO service, each…
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To the rescue: Ranges Rescue in Riddells Creek helps bushfire recovery
Non-profit group Ranges Rescue aims to provide ongoing support for wildlife shelters, beyond bushfire recovery efforts, as a new charity. Since forming earlier this month, crafters have united in Riddells Creek to create more than 1200 pouches, wraps and nests for animals injured or orphaned following the recent bushfire crisis. Founders Kate Nabarro and Sally…
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Backing cash-for-cans
It is not yet known what impact a state-wide container deposit scheme would have on kerbside recycling services but both Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander shire councils have welcomed the move. A soft announcement of the state government’s likely introduction of scheme came last week as Macedon Ranges began its four-bin waste collection service that…
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Kyneton and District Tennis Club gets love
After 10 long years of planning and fundraising, Kyneton and District Tennis Club had good reason for a celebration late last Thursday afternoon. The club’s six aged courts have been replaced with four modern grass courts and two safe and compliant hard courts. And on top of that, lights have been installed – a great…