News
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Burial recovery begins
More than three decades after a police investigation confirmed the unthinkable, a quiet but determined effort is under way to restore dignity to those displaced at Castlemaine Cemetery. The Castlemaine Cemetery Burial Recovery Project has begun its first stage, marking the start of a multi-year archaeological investigation into human remains disturbed during decades of cemetery…
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Wilson on top of the world with new M70 record
His world ranking just entered top two, but for Kyneton ultramarathon runner Greg Wilson, the ultimate achievement was smashing Cliff Young’s record. Wilson has written his way into the record books for breaking the long-held Australian M70 Age Record for six days by about 9.8kms in New Zealand. He was the second male, with about…
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Mist lifted on captivating mountain gardens
Elizabeth Langslow describes Mount Macedon as a place of great natural beauty and mysterious allure. It’s the reason she felt compelled to explore the mountain’s past and how it came to have one of the most significant collections of 19th century gardens in Australia. The Woodend filmmaker has captured a piece of its history in…
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Mass fish death at Malmsbury
A mass fish death has occurred in the ornamental lake at Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, prompting an investigation by local authorities. Macedon Ranges Shire Council parks staff became aware of the incident on March 20 after the Friends of Malmsbury Botanic Gardens and Environs reported about 20 dead carp floating on the lake. Council chief executive…
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Erin takes the stage
Gisborne performer Erin Haberecht is set to take the stage this weekend in Theatrical Symphony, a spectacular musical theatre concert celebrating some of the genre’s most iconic songs, performed alongside a full orchestra. Presented by Theatrical Inc, the special three-night event will be held at The National Theatre. The production brings together some of the…
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Daylight theft – van wrecked
Police are investigating the bizarre background to a mid-morning theft of a caravan that was wrecked when it smashed into a tree on the outskirts of Lancefield. The alleged offender was last seen driving an early model utility with a yellow stripe towards Woodend. This brazen theft, which took place around 10.30am last Monday, has…
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Adverse possession claim on McCubbin’s former Mount Macedon home
An adverse possession claim has been lodged over ‘Fontainebleau’, the former summer residence of prominent Australian artist Frederick McCubbin, located on Mount Macedon. Long-time caretaker Trevor Hoare has applied for title to the property on Glover Road, after caring for the estate for about 18 years. Adverse possession, sometimes called ‘squatter’s rights’, is a legal…
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3AW hosts visit Castlemaine, Harcourt
In a boost for local tourism businesses, 3AW Breakfast broadcast live from Shedshaker Brewery on March 16, celebrating autumn with a special show designed to encourage people back to the region. Supported by Visit Victoria, this live show saw hosts Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft showcase all there is to do and see in Castlemaine…
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Call for improved access to water
A group of Mount Alexander Shire locals is petitioning Coliban Water to improve water access from public standpipe taps. Petition organiser Rosemary Sorensen said the shire was well behind other shires in the region when it came to this basic service. “We want Coliban and the council to plan now to make the necessary changes,…
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Food relief under pressure
Kyneton Community House’s food relief service is under pressure as grant funding ends and increasing costs of living continue to put strain on households. Last year, the not-for-profit organisation provided 4850 community meals with support from a state government Community Food Relief grant. That funding ended in December with Kyneton Community House continuing the high…
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Bumper State Festival launches
Melbourne-based dance crew, the Jungle City Dancers, pumped up the crowd during Castlemaine State Festival’s opening-night dance party in Mostyn Street last Friday night. Launching 10 days of events celebrating the festival’s 50th year, the enormous and varied program includes the highly anticipated production of Castlemaine The Musical, eight nights of entertainment at the Castlemaine…
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Rescuer threatened as birds die
An experienced Trentham wildlife rescuer has been threatened with arrest by Game Management Authority officials and has had his game licence suspended as he attempted to report a duck hunter breaking the law at Lake Leaghur near Kerang. Manfred Zabinskas OAM from the Five Freedoms Animal Rescue watched a shooter blast a duck from the…