News
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Small producers on cloud nine
Artisanal producers are expected to find some relief in a $2 million agriculture and premium food state government fund designed to help grow the emerging industry. The program will include an Industry Development Plan for the artisanal agriculture and premium food sector in Victoria, a grants program, and biosecurity and industry support services tailored to…
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Heat over CFA sale move
Local firies are fighting to halt the shock sale of the Romsey Group Headquarters. Group officer Ralph Hermann said the bombshell news had left brigade members baffled as the decision appeared to be made in Melbourne CFA headquarters without proper consultation at a local level. The old courthouse at Stawell Street has served the brigade…
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Living treasures
At a carefully estimated 530 years of age the mighty yellow box tree standing at Maldon’s Bill Woodfull Reserve was there well before Captain Cook found his way to Australia. It stood during the Renaissance, as Leonardo da Vinci completed The Last Supper, and as Michelangelo added the finishing touches to The Last Judgement in…
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Funds for local LGBTIQ community
Friday was a great day for the local LGBTIQ community in Castlemaine and surrounds with news of a $76,140 state government grant delivered through the LGBTI community grants program. Castlemaine District Community Health was the successful applicant – in partnership with Castlemaine Community House, the Central Victorian Primary Care Partnership, and the local LGBTIQ community.…
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$780,000 beds boost
The bedding comfort factor is set to improve for staff and patients at Castlemaine Health thanks to a tidy $780,000 state government funding boost. Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards was in Castlemaine on Friday to announce the dollars through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund. The funds will be used to replace 130 outdated beds…
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Parking pressures mount
Car parking pressure is mounting in Gisborne’s CBD as the town faces growing pains and Gisborne Roads and Transport Group is demanding action. The group has launched a petition to see the creation of a long-term parking precinct plan “highly prioritised” for the town as well as additional short-term parking using funds available from the…
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$11.75M scoop
Castlemaine Secondary College is celebrating Friday’s announcement that the May state budget will include $11.75 million for it to continue its major capital works upgrade. State MP for Bendigo West Maree Edwards visited the college first thing on Friday morning to deliver the announcement the college community had been hoping to hear. The $11.75 million…
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A family affair!
In a ‘perfect in every way’ coincidence, Sprout Theatre Company’s upcoming production of Mary Poppins the Broadway Musical boasts a host of performing families. Artistic director Billy-Jo Royle’s vision was to bring high-quality family entertainment for locals, by locals. Billy-Jo’s vision was shared by Green Room and Helpmann Award singer Tiffany Speight who came on…
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A shared love of flowers and writing
A shared love of flowers and writing has seen an online Instagram connection between a Melbourne novelist and a local rose and peony farmer blossom into a real-life friendship. Finding herself inspired by the emerging ‘slow flower’ movement (micro, sustainable, flower farming) in Australia and the world over, Vanessa Carnevale decided to set her latest…
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Songs in the sticks
Tucked away deep in the local bushland, Chewton’s Dingo Conservation Centre makes a pretty special backdrop to this Sunday’s Songs in the Sticks music festival. The rather aptly named first-time festival is raising funds for the Fryerstown CFA, something the Conservation Centre’s operators have been keen to do for some time. “This is a specific…
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A life-changing donation
Just over a year ago Clare Beatson would not have thought about competitive sport let alone getting into a pool, but a life-changing surgery has realigned her goals. The former Kyneton resident has just celebrated one year since her successful double-lung transplant and now has her sights set on swim training for a future Australian…