News
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Tourism-draw questioned
A multi-million dollar redevelopment of ‘The Old Factory’ in Woodend has been rejected at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Impact on the town’s commercial core, question of genuine tourism draw and the need to maintain industrial areas were key factors in the decision. Branded a tourist destination, the original plan included a 40-stall market,…
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Community throws support behind two young Lancefield boys injured
Romsey Mitre 10 is leading a community charge of support for the family of two Lancefield boys recovering from severe burns following an accident last Friday. Brothers Xander, 3, and Tanner, 22 months, suffered burns to their hands and faces after a small explosion from an aerosol can accidentally put into a fire at their…
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Expose yourself to jazz
Eve Lamb Castlemaine slips into smooth this Queen’s Birthday long weekend as the town’s jazz festival makes its post-COVID comeback. Festival director Callum McClure said that while ticket sales were a little sluggish at this point – with patrons possibly spooked by the last two year’s cancellations due to COVID – organisers expected they would…
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Cut the Silence: Live music launch party
An afternoon of live music next Monday will launch the Cut the Silence campaign, which aims to get men talking about their mental health. The event at the Macedon Railway Hotel will also mark the beginning of Men’s Health Week in the Macedon Ranges. The campaign features a series of videos of actor and local…
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Walk for reconciliation
Chewton Primary School led a community ‘Walk for Reconciliation’ along the Leanganook Walking Track at Chewton last Friday. Inspired by ‘The Long Walk’, students shared teachings they had learned during Reconciliation Week about the importance of listening to and learning from our Indigenous elders, identity, kinship, connection to Country, Sorry Day, Reconciliation and celebrating Aboriginal…
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‘Bad kills’ need to stop
A kangaroo with its jaw blown off and left suffering for days to die is a wildlife rescuer’s worst nightmare. Wildlife Victoria rescuer Sue Anderson said she and others faced this reality under the state’s increased Kangaroo Harvesting Program. Last week Ms Anderson was called to Macedon to euthanise a mother kangaroo left severely disfigured…
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Community calls for action
Campbells Creek residents are calling for Mount Alexander Shire Council and Regional Roads Victoria to improve road and pedestrian safety in the township. Community group Campbells Creek Matters has drafted a petition asking for a number of issues to be addressed and is urging residents to sign the petition and voice their support. The petition…
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Nation’s best at Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock Winery’s 2021 ‘The Jim Jim Three’ pinot gris gewürztraminer riesling has taken out the Blended White Trophy at the National Wine Show of Australia. The wine show is an invitation-only event, showcasing the best wines from other wine shows throughout the year, which makes the winner the best in Australia in each category.…
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Ned on song for big reveal
Eve Lamb Castlemaine’s Ned Middleton is getting used to being described as ‘inspirational’. Living life with Down Syndrome has never stopped him from living life to the fullest – and with an added dash of creative flair. Having already made his mark in the worlds of dance and community radio, Ned is now preparing to…
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Saving our apple heritage
Carr’s Organic Fruit Tree Nursery at Harcourt is urging community members to ‘plant a fruit tree you’ve never heard of’ in a bid to save our heritage fruit varieties from extinction. Carr’s Nursery’s Katie Finlay said there were hundreds of different apple varieties in the world, but many were on the brink of disappearing. “If…
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Talent awarded ahead of art show
Eve Lamb Castlemaine Rotary has celebrated some significant local arts talent with its annual Paul Harris Fellow Awards ahead of what’s shaping as a bumper art show. At its awards evening held at Mount Alexander Golf Club last Wednesday, the club presented its Paul Harris Fellow honours, named after the Rotary movement’s Chicago-based founder, to…


