News
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Now or never for Hub
Time is nearly out for the Castlemaine Community Investment Co-operative to buy the Hub. At the time of printing, the Co-op had raised more than $1,184,000 (61 per cent) of investments needed from 150 members. Anyone still considering investment needs to act now to be part of making history in Castlemaine. The Co-op officially formed…
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Old ‘Res’ needs some TLC
A project is under way to explore options for strengthening the dam wall of Expedition Pass Reservoir, near Castlemaine. The project, supported by a $6.2 million state government investment, will help ensure the ‘Res’ remains safe for residents and visitors who enjoy visiting the tranquil swimming hole located in the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park.…
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Half-time for Hub
At the time of going to press on Monday, the Castlemaine Community Investment Co-operative had raised $818,500 or 42 per cent of the funds for the purchase of the Hub, a beloved landmark property in the heart of Castlemaine. The investments have been raised from 103 of its 315 members. The offer closes June 29,…
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Drought funding boosted
Drought is an enduring feature of the Australian landscape, one that central Victorians know too well, and managing drought is becoming more challenging as the climate continues to change. In response to continuing drought conditions, the federal government has committed an additional $2.8 million to the Rural Financial Counselling Service and an additional $36 million…
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Growing pains for Ranges wildlife
Joanna Beard It’s a crisp, June morning on the outskirts of Gisborne. Stolen glances of Mount Macedon and the comforting smell of woodsmoke are among the wintry delights here. But there’s something that distracts from the beauty. It’s the dead animals splayed along the roadside. Two eastern grey kangaroos, one ringtail possum, one crimson rosella…
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OAM honour for Ray
Guildford Grumpies ‘legend’ Ray Pattle has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to the community of Guildford. The 82-year-old said he was humbled to receive the award and thanked the Grumpies and fellow community members who had put his name forward for the honour. “I was in two…
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Levy topic still hot
Farmers and rural councils continue to push back against the Victorian Government’s controversial emergency services levy despite news of a reprieve for farmers. On May 30, the government announced it would cap its Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy at the 2024/25 rate for primary production properties for the 2025-26 financial year. Hitting pause for…
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For sale: The Church of England
The historic Church of England in Riddells Creek is about to be sold to developers according to several sources and documents viewed by the Midland Express, despite efforts from the Church to keep its sale under wraps. Fr Scott Mudd has been the region’s vicar since October last year. He sent a letter on May…
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Long weekend road blitz
Victoria Police will be conducting a road blitz over the King’s Birthday long weekend, with regional roads in their sights.
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Co-op offer officially launched
A packed house attended the official launch celebration of the Castlemaine Community Investment Co-operative debenture offer at Shedshaker Brewing on Sunday evening. The atmosphere was filled with possibility as the Co-op’s inspiring vision to raise the capital to purchase The Hub, a beloved landmark property in the heart of Castlemaine, was laid out by multiple…
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Tackling Australia’s hidden housing crisis – one spare room at a time
Three women, in their 50s or older, are being offered a unique, long-term, co-living opportunity in a large Mount Macedon home. Wanting to fill his empty family home with life, Sev Clarke joined The Room Xchange – an online homeshare platform matching home owners with tenants. Sev’s adult daughter lives in Melbourne, and his wife,…
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STATE FIRST TREATY BID
The Dja Dja Wurrung People of central Victoria have become the first traditional owners to seek to negotiate a local treaty with the state government. Under Victoria’s Treaty Negotiation Framework, traditional owner groups can negotiate their own treaties, which will reflect aspirations and priorities for their local areas. DJAARA (the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal…