News
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Road repairs under way
Rehabilitation works on a 3668 metre section of the Kilmore-Lancefield Road at Lancefield are expected to start early this month and take about 12 weeks to complete, weather permitting. Transport Victoria is undertaking the works to rebuild a section of road between Melbourne-Lancefield Road and Grahams Road to provide a stronger, smoother surface. During works…
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Council reimagines the economy
Mount Alexander Shire Council is at the forefront of changing the way we look at the economy by using the ‘wellbeing economy’ ethos as the basis for the council’s Economic Development Strategy. Late last year, the council hosted a screening of ground-breaking documentary, Purpose, to help explain the wellbeing economy model to the community. The…
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An accident waiting to happen?
As the weather heats up, so too does public outrage at the parking situation at the ‘Res in Chewton (Expedition Pass Reservoir). The issue of limited parking at the popular swimming spot has been occurring for years, as visitors and residents keen for a dip, park haphazardly on the narrow roadside curb on the sharp…
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Urgent traffic solutions sought
Macedon Ranges Shire Council is calling on Department of Transport for urgent traffic solutions for Woodend’s notorious Urquhart/High Street intersection. Users of the intersection contend with main street congestion, a confusing layout with several turning points and high volumes of traffic accessing service hot spots including the Coles supermarket and train station. More than four…
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Program forced to relocate
The Castlemaine Secondary College Flexible Learning Options program has been relocated from the Etty Street Campus to the mainstream campus at Blakeley Road, in preparation for 2025. Principal Justin Hird said that after years of pursuing additional funding for the program, the college had no option but to relocate the program. “At this stage, we…
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Council seeks input on 2025/2026 budget
Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting residents to have their say on the council’s 2025/2026 budget. The submission process is now open for community members and organisations to submit a proposal for projects or funding considerations in the new financial year. This is the opportunity to have your say on what you would like to…
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Glimpse at plant’s future
The Castlemaine community had an opportunity to have its say on plans to upgrade the Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant at two public drop-in sessions this month. Feedback from the public acknowledged the need to upgrade the plant to meet the area’s growing population, while ensuring improved wastewater treatment that will continue to benefit Campbells Creek’s…
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Theme set for dawn service
Planning is under way for the 2025 Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service, with the theme for next year’s event unveiled by the volunteer organising committee. The theme for the 2025 event will be ‘The Unseen Wounds of Conflict’, exploring the many impacts that war has on those who serve, from the physical injuries to…
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Highlighting rich heritage
It’s been a roller coaster year for the Castlemaine State Festival, which is now preparing for its triumphant return in 2026 and its 50th anniversary celebrations. Following heavy losses from the 2023 festival, Australia’s longest-running regional multi-arts festival was forced into voluntary administration in March 2024. A few months later, the committee announced it had…
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Critical upgrades for primary school
Castlemaine Primary School will soon begin works to refurbish the school toilets which, with a ceiling that is collapsing, a hole in the floor and a leaking urinal, are in desperate need of repair. Utilising $499,879 allocated through a capital works grant, the school will also create a new gender-neutral toilet to ensure children of…
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Studio extension wins accolade
A master bedroom and ensuite extension at Carlsruhe has been recognised at the Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Housing Awards. Romsey based Macedon Ranges Building Services won Best Renovation Addition Under $300,000 for the build, and was also a national awards finalist. Project ‘Two Hares’ was a studio cottage extension to create a private space,…
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Ciao from a town icon
It’s the end of an era for much-loved local institution, Kyneton Pizza. Operated by the Matricardi family for 50 years, ‘The Billy’, as it is affectionately known for its billiard tables, is closing its doors this month. For generations of kids and teens, it was the place to go for “pizza, pool and pinnies” and…