News
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Council restructure to be reversed
Macedon Ranges Shire Council will transition to a four-directorate structure in early 2022, separating corporate and community services back into stand-alone directorates. The surprise move reverts back to the council’s original four-tier structure, which was reduced to three directorates under former council CEO Margot Stork in 2020. New CEO Bernie O’Sullivan said the changes would…
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The magnitude of all things
In the wake of COP26 in Glasgow, Castlemaine Documentary Film Festival’s latest pop-up offering, The Magnitude of All Things, couldn’t be more timely. The latest offering by award-winning Canadian filmmaker Jennifer Abbott was launched at Sydney Film Festival last week and will enjoy its Victorian premiere at Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal on December 1. When Jennifer Abbott…
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Cheque brings welcome paws for thought
In the past few days the crew at Mount Alexander Animal Welfare’s Castlemaine animal shelter have received more than 6000 good reasons to pause and celebrate. Danielle Cuskelly and Lis Templeton of ASQ Garden and Landscape last week dropped by, shouldering a cheque for $6560 and the pleasant task of presenting it to the local…
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Visit the artists of Macedon
After two successful Open Studios in February and April this year, Macedon artists are opening their studios once again this coming weekend. The studios, large and small, are all in garden settings within a short drive of each other (plus a display at Top of the Range tearooms Mount Macedon). The artists invite you to…
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Sisters deliver gratitude boxes
Four Kyneton sisters have teamed up to deliver care packages to Victorian healthcare workers. Condliffe sisters, Alison, Angela, Katy and Janice, are collecting goods and kind messages to bring a smile to those on the frontline during the pandemic. Katy, a nurse and midwife herself, said the pandemic had been hard for all, especially those…
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Vet takes to the skies
Gisborne veterinarian Robert Payne has turned a stress-relieving hobby into a charitable contribution for patients in need – but not the four-legged kind that you’d expect. On his days away from the clinic, the Macedon resident takes to the skies as a volunteer for Angel Flight. The charity coordinates non-emergency flights to help country people…
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Creating a ‘safe space’ in Castlemaine
Suicide prevention and postvention group ELM (Every Life Matters) has received funding to create a new ‘Safe Space’ in Castlemaine to support community members struggling with mental health issues. The dedicated volunteers are now on the hunt for a suitable venue for the new initiative and members of the community who would be interested in…
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Newstead calls for flashing lights
The Newstead community is lobbying Mount Alexander Shire Council in the hope of getting flashing safety lights installed to highlight the 40km/h zone near Newstead Primary School on the busy Pyrenees Highway. A document with more than 170 signatures was presented to the council at its November council meeting last week amid growing school concerns…
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Epic orchestra performance
This Saturday is a special one for Resonance String Orchestra as it delivers Epic, its debut Mount Alexander Shire live performance in the Castlemaine Town Hall. Led by its artistic patron Zoe Knighton of Victoria’s acclaimed Flinders quartet, the 50-piece community string orchestra comprises both adult and junior members who live in the Macedon Ranges and Mount…
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Regional pride on show
An evening celebrating fashion, self-expression and affirmation is planned for the Macedon Ranges this week. ‘Queers on the Catwalk’ will celebrate rural and regional pride with a focus on LGBTIQA+ identity expression through clothing and accessories. After the success of the first Queers on the Catwalk in October 2019, this year’s event will bring together…
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Gisborne aged care approved
Benetas will soon deliver a new, architecturally designed residential aged-care home for Gisborne. Macedon Ranges Council granted a permit for the facility following community engagement. Benetas says the design aligns with the proposed Gisborne Futures Plan and the town’s Village in the Valley feel. Benetas CEO Sandra Hills said the council’s approval of the New…
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Plant sale fundraiser a success
A wet weekend did not deter Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees volunteers. On Saturday, their outdoor plant stall went ahead as planned, despite inclement weather. With about 1500 plants for sale, as well as a sausage sizzle, CWA cake stall and live musical entertainment, Woodenders refused to let the elements spoil the fun. A…