News
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Innovation and creativity shine at 2019 Mount Alexander Business Awards
Ten local businesses have been recognised for excellence in their field at a gala event to announce winners of the 2019 Mount Alexander Business Awards last Thursday night. The independent judging panel had the difficult task of selecting winners from 23 high-quality finalists. Mt Alexander Timber & Hardware took away the coveted Business of the…
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Nothing new? Sixth book from Castlemaine writer Robyn Annear
Castlemaine writer Robyn Annear is a self-confessed fan of op shops and loves nothing better than the thrill of finding the unexpected within them. Now she has published a new book – an entertaining history about all things second-hand – dating back through the ages to the now. Nothing New: A History of Second-Hand is…
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A lasting legacy
Vale – Ernie Barker January 25, 1945 – November 26, 2019 Ernie Barker’s life and achievements impacted so many, and thoughts are with family, friends, and the wide breadth of people whom Ernie had a great influence over the years. Ernie passed away peacefully at RM Begg in Kyneton, comforted by Carol and family last…
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New chapter begins for Castlemaine Sergeant Peter Lukaitis
Long-time Castlemaine policeman and well-respected community member Sergeant Peter Lukaitis hung up his hat and badge for the final time last Sunday. But before Sgt Lukaitis signed off at the station for the last time he had the opportunity to spend one special day on the local beat with his daughter and newly graduated Victoria…
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Co-located aged care and childcare planned for Old Kyneton Hospital
After years of false starts, new plans have emerged to restore the Old Kyneton Hospital building to its former glory following the site’s sale last month to aged-care provider Embracia Victoria. Plans by previous owner Winport Developments to develop the 1850s bluestone building into apartments and build 64 houses on the surrounding five acres were…
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Woodend intersection dubbed a ‘lesson in irresponsible planning’
A notorious Woodend intersection has been dubbed “a lesson in irresponsible planning” as it moves up Macedon Ranges Council’s priority list. Users of the High/Urquhart Street intersection have reported an alarming number of ‘near misses’ and say it’s the result of “development not done right”. They contend with main street congestion, a confusing layout with…
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Dog park still to have its day
Efforts to settle on a site for Castlemaine’s long-mooted off-leash dog park are progressing – slowly – with hopes a location will be finalised soon. Castlemaine ward councillor Dave Petrusma raised the issue at the most recent council meeting and also attended a meeting last week involving a local committee charged with managing a site…
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Mount Players’ 12 Angry Men scoops awards
The Mount Players’ production of 12 Angry Men has won an extraordinary five Victorian Drama League awards at the league’s annual awards night in Melbourne. The production, staged in May, won major awards in four categories, which led to the ultimate accolade of Best Production for 2019! Awards included: Best Set Design – Alison Dudon…
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Roo shot near Woodend devastates wildlife rescuers
The death of two rehabilitated and hand-raised kangaroos shot near Woodend has saddened local wildlife carers. Both kangaroos were discovered with gunshot wounds to head and face in two incidents occurring within weeks of each other, prompting the Conservation Regulator’s appeal for information last week. “All native wildlife is protected in Victoria. It is an…
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Rise, unite, resist
This year’s International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 saw 80 community members attend the Macedon Ranges Family Violence Network launch of its 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The event was held at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute reserve in what was a strong show of support for respecting women…
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Join Windarring for an end-of-year wing ding
Windarring disability services is holding an end-of-year ‘Wing Ding’ concert, plus a special performance of Haiku, an award-winning play by the Cathouse Players, in the hope of welcoming the community to get to know its participants. Windarring board member and Cathouse director Bette Sartore said it had been her dream for seven years to host…
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Forest friends unite
Forty members of Wombat Forestcare made the trip down to Parliament House last Thursday to take part in the Nature For Life Rally. They joined with 45 environmental and community groups from across the state who attended the rally to call for urgent and bold action from the Andrews government to guarantee a secure future…