News
-
Seed library to sprout benefits
The Macedon Ranges community will reap the benefits from growing its own plants as a new initiative gets underway. The Macedon Ranges Seed Library will launch on March 7 in a bid to encourage locals to grow their own food supply and help to protect plant diversity in the region. The idea of the seed…
-
GDCA celebrates a centenary
Gisborne District Cricket Association celebrated its centenary in style with a memorable gathering at Romsey on Sunday afternoon. The milestone was marked with 36 inductees into the new Hall of Fame to honour former players, administrators and umpires who had played prominent roles in the GDCA’s growth from humble beginnings into one of the strongest…
-
‘REINSTATE THE RAILWAY’
Rail campaigners are calling for the Castlemaine-Guildford railway line to be reopened to trains as part of a vision to reinstate the rail connection linking Maryborough to Ballarat and the port of Geelong. Scott Ramsay, the prominent spokesperson for the Rail Revival Alliance, has renewed the call as the old and outdated track between Guildford…
-
Shelter for staffies: Community foster care facility opens in Carlsruhe
Rescued staffordshire bull terriers now have a place to take shelter and recover in Carlsruhe. Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes cut the ribbon for a new community foster care facility last week, which was built with the support of community fundraising and a $50,000 Animal Welfare Grant. The facility is vital for the work to…
-
New works to conserve old treasure
Vital works to conserve Castlemaine’s historic Buda House are to begin in coming days after the local attraction earlier secured a $120,000 state Living Heritage Program grant. Victoria’s planning minister Richard Wynne visited the grand old home and gardens late last week to announce that applications for the next round of Living Heritage Program grant…
-
Protection plan launched
The state government’s long-awaited plan to protect the Macedon Ranges from overdevelopment and urban sprawl was launched during a tour of the region by planning minister Richard Wynne last Thursday. Joining Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas, local indigenous elders and shire councillors at Blackhill Reserve, Mr Wynne launched the Statement of Planning Policy, a 50-year strategy…
-
In Mark’s memory
The Maldon and district community has rallied around the family of the late Mark Brasser to make his final dream a reality. The proud family man and respected community member died suddenly at his Baringhup farm on January 8. Before his death, Mark was planning to take hay to fire-affected farmers in the High Country…
-
Upper circle sitting pretty – Vintage 1930s seating restored at Theatre Royal
Taking a seat in the upper circle at Castlemaine’s historic Theatre Royal is acquiring a new significance. Seat by seat – row by row – the 150-year-old theatre’s vintage 1930s upper circle seating is gradually being restored to its former glory. Theatre managers Felicity Cripps and Tim Heath said they were amazed to discover 1930s…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…