News
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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…
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A maid among men
It’s 1968 and 19-year-old Dimity Pettifer, a young Arts undergraduate at Melbourne University, has left home for the first time and gone to live at the all-men’s Queen’s College as a student maid. The world is at her feet and a realm of possibilities open before her. A Maid Among Men is a fascinating new…
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Bonjour madame! Renault mini muster to roll into town
There will be a hint of French flair around the towns of Castlemaine and Maldon when the coming Labour Day weekend arrives. The Renault 4cv Register of Australia is holding its very first mini muster across the two towns over the long weekend from March 7-9. Members from Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia,…
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Newstead a perfect platform for long dinner and art auction
Take a vintage country railway platform, throw in lots of good food and wine, add a very long dining table – and you’ve got the makings of a very memorable fundraising dinner. These are just some of the elements coming together for the inaugural Fundraising Dinner and Art Auction soon to transform the heritage railway…
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Council ordered to clean up ‘unofficial’ Lancefield tip site
Macedon Ranges Council has a clean up bill of about $40,000 after it was ordered to secure an “unofficial tip site” at Showlers Lane, Lancefield. The Environment Protection Authority issued a notice for remediation works on the council-owned road reserve, following an investigation that resulted from a community tip-off. Council workers have covered the area…