News

  • Tours on Country

    Tours on Country

    In honour of his father Uncle Brien Nelson’s vision, Uncle Rick proudly announces the launch of his social enterprise, Uncle Rick’s Waaman Tours. The launch party will take place at the Theatre Royal in Castlemaine on Sunday from 3pm to 6pm. Waaman Tours, led by Uncle Rick, are held out on Country and offer an…

  • Castlemaine RSL future in doubt

    Castlemaine RSL future in doubt

    The future of the Castlemaine RSL Sub-branch will be in doubt if the local group cannot attract new members to boost its dwindling numbers. Sub-branch president John Whiddon, secretary Barb Templar and treasurer Alan Lane said the group had taken a hit since covid with many members still reluctant to attend meetings and gatherings. “With…

  • Riddell fight rears again

    Riddell fight rears again

    Riddells Creek residents are preparing to continue the fight to keep the rural identity of their town. Plans for an Amess Road Precinct Structure Plan and development are now in the hands of the state government despite Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s rejection last year. The Department of Transport and Planning has confirmed a pre-application request…

  • ‘Everything we need’

    ‘Everything we need’

    The first two episodes of an exciting new climate podcast, produced by Barkers Creek’s own Kyla Brettle, launched yesterday – Earth Day 2024. Often when talking about climate, the tone is bleak and the outlook dire, but Kyla’s positivity and passion for a better way to live shines throughout Everything we need – a beautifully…

  • Ginger beer to kick goals for Falcons

    Ginger beer to kick goals for Falcons

    A collaboration between Shedshaker Brewing and Mt Alexander Falcons has produced a new ginger beer that will raise money for the club and its community programs. The Falcons Non-Alcoholic Ginger Beer will be on sale through the club and at their home games, giving drinkers a big kick of ginger, a warm mark of cinnamon…

  • Gisborne Golf Club destroyed in blaze

    Gisborne Golf Club destroyed in blaze

    Gisborne Golf Club’s clubhouse was completely destroyed by fire in the early hours of this morning. Firefighters were called to the scene at 2.35am and took about two hours to bring the blaze under control. The cause of the fire is being investigated by CFA and police and could take several days to be determined.…

  • Jessica chases Olympic dream

    Jessica chases Olympic dream

    Jessica Dertell will be the youngest dressage rider in Australian Olympic Games team history if selected for Paris 2024. The 19-year-old from Bolinda has already met all qualifying criteria for the 2024 Paris Olympics in dressage, riding Sabble Farm owned stallion Cennin. The pair flew to Europe last Tuesday to continue their qualifying campaign in…

  • Student harnesses AI

    Student harnesses AI

    Kyneton High School student Olivia Hedge has won SpaceBase Challenge 2023 for her project using satellite imagery to measure methane emissions on Earth. Olivia led the team that claimed the $8000 NZD ($7300 AUD) prize through New Zealand organisation SpaceBase. The challenge coincided with the launch of MethaneSAT, which is a new satellite that can…

  • Gardens a tourism drawcard

    Gardens a tourism drawcard

    Macedon Ranges’ gardens have great tourism potential to be further unlocked, says Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show chairman Michael Warner. Making the move to Kyneton, Mr Warner is excited about the region’s natural beauty and possibilities it has to offer on many levels. He has more than 40 years’ experience in the horticulture industry…

  • Event to showcase local producers

    Event to showcase local producers

    A new food and drink festival is coming to Castlemaine to entice food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike with a diverse array of workshops, master classes, tours, tastings and more. Running from Thursday April 25 to Monday April 29, the Mount Alexander Tastes Showcase promises a unique experience celebrating the shire’s exceptional food and drink producers.…

  • LICENCE EASED FOR COLIBAN

    LICENCE EASED FOR COLIBAN

    Coliban Water has won concessions on its operating licence for the Kyneton Water Reclamation Plant after challenging Environment Protection Authority requirements at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. A December 2023 EPA approval to amend the licence for the operation of the plant set a ratio of less than one part effluent released from the…

  • Full speed ahead for rail trail

    Full speed ahead for rail trail

    The quest for a world-class rail trail in central Victoria is full speed ahead now that the Castlemaine Maryborough Rail Trail has secured council funding. Both the Central Goldfields and Mount Alexander Shire Councils have agreed to contribute $40,000 each as co-funders, if CMRT’s grant application to the Enabling Tourism Fund meets with success. CMRT…