News

  • ‘Knocks on the factory door’ – Organics company opens first concept store

    ‘Knocks on the factory door’ – Organics company opens first concept store

    One of the first companies to bring natural and organic alternatives to the Australian market is based right here in Riddells Creek and has now opened its first concept store in Gisborne. An international success, Organic Formulations has been manufacturing organic and natural body care and environmentally friendly cleaning products in Riddells Creek for the…

  • On the house

    On the house

    Castlemaine café operator Dot Hardman of The Dot in Barker Street has embraced the community movement ‘One on the House’ that aims to brighten the day of locals doing it tough. Dot said well-loved local ‘Nana’ Barb Templar of the Castlemaine RSL first suggested the idea of ‘donating’ an extra coffee for those doing it…

  • Castlemaine base for Glenrowan film shoot

    Castlemaine base for Glenrowan film shoot

    Castlemaine has been chosen as the base for next year’s anticipated filming of Glenrowan, the latest ambitious film project of established filmmaker Matthew Holmes. Holmes is the filmmaker behind 2016 bushranger film The Legend of Ben Hall and with Glenrowan turns his attention to portraying the final 48 hours of Ned Kelly’s life as a…

  • Strong endorsement

    Strong endorsement

    Premier Daniel Andrews has declared Victoria “the most progressive state in the nation” following Victorian Labor’s landslide win over the Liberal Nationals in Saturday’s state election. Significant swings to Labor across the state were mirrored in local electorates with Labor MPs Mary-Anne Thomas and Maree Edwards returned easily in their seats of Macedon and Bendigo…

  • In need of TLC

    In need of TLC

    Kyneton’s botanic gardens have the potential to be a real visitor drawcard but are in need of some tender loving care. The Friends of the Kyneton Botanic Gardens are calling for support from the community to help them renew the town’s beautiful gardens. The group was formed in 2005 but membership has waned and a…

  • Express wins two

    Express wins two

    The Midland Express took out Best Magazine Publication and Best Photographic Study at the Victorian Country Press Association’s annual awards last Friday. Best Magazine Special Publication went to our Lifestyle in the Macedon Ranges magazine, which was compiled by the Express team. Judge Garry Baker’s comments were: “This magazine is well planned, categorised for easy…

  • A way of life under threat

    A way of life under threat

    A multi-pronged approach is needed to help combat the serious threat posed by fruit fly, advocates say. An action plan to combat the destructive insect pest will be launched at Harcourt’s new twilight market this Saturday. Harcourt Valley Landcare earlier received $5000 from the state government to develop a fruit fly action plan and deliver…

  • Raising the roof

    Raising the roof

    Founder of the highly successful Vocal Ranges Festival and director of the Pollyphonics Choir, Polly Christie is bringing her latest choral project to the bar stools of Kyneton. The KC Pub Singers are inspired by the rising movement of pub choirs – kicked off by the Choir! Choir! Choir! project in Canada – bringing together…

  • Student project a hit

    Student project a hit

    Cafe visits to Kyneton’s Social Foundry have been made more fun for children since the unveiling of new purpose-built play equipment last week. The play space was a focus project of Sacred Heart College students undertaking the school’s Learning, Initiating, Networking and Connecting for Success program. After meeting with the Social Foundry’s Paul Dettman, the…

  • Change the culture

    Change the culture

    Businesses in Mount Alexander Shire are encouraged to go orange for 16 days to show their support for gender equality. The #respect campaign led by the Mount Alexander Family Violence Prevention Network is part of Victoria Against Violence, which aims to change the culture that drives family violence. It coincides with the global 16 Days…

  • History-making Kyneton show

    History-making Kyneton show

    The 2018 Kyneton Show made history when the pavilion opened for the first time on the Friday night. Kyneton Agricultural Society president Michael O’Sullivan said it was a real hit. “It did mean bringing forward everything with entries closing a day earlier but people really embraced it and there was no resistance to it,” he…

  • Home grown champ

    Home grown champ

    Chloe Stewart has added to her very impressive list of local, district, state and national lawns bowls achievements by capturing the 2019 American singles and pairs titles. While Bowls Australia was unable to confirm that the 22 year-old who spent so much time honing her skills on the Kyneton green is the first Aussie to…