News
-
Youth lead the way
An archer with four world records, an army cadet sergeant and an inspiring theatre group are among the winners in this year’s Macedon Ranges Youth Awards. The annual awards attracted 33 nominations across six categories and were presented in an online ceremony last week. Archer Hugo Lobb was named winner of the Nicely Played Award…
-
Near-miss scare on railway line
Victorian Goldfields Railway crews were left in shock following a near miss between a train and a child on the railway line on October 31. About 4.45pm on the Sunday, the crew of the train operating from Castlemaine to Maldon saw four young children on the rail corridor about 100 metres from the Midland Highway…
-
New role to address housing challenge
A dedicated housing officer has been appointed by Mount Alexander Shire Council to address the issue of boosting affordable housing in the shire. Clare Richards began in the new role early last month and has already begun meeting with community groups and other key stakeholders to identify opportunities for affordable long-term housing for low and…
-
Call for sanctuary
A bid to have duck shooting banned at Cairn Curran Reservoir near Baringhup is gaining support. Environmental community groups say the activity is no longer appropriate for safety reasons and the area should be made a sanctuary for the threatened species that call it home. The groups have written to Mount Alexander and Central Goldfields…
-
Collective presents
Today the Macedon Ranges is known for its vibrant creative community but the area has always been home to creative souls. The Buttlejorrk Artists group is one of the longest-running artist collectives in the area and will present its 45th exhibition in November. It began in 1976 as a group of potters wishing to share…
-
Concert for a cause
As the state’s live entertainment sector comes back to life, Castlemaine locals have a unique chance to enjoy some top-shelf live music while supporting a good cause for the region’s wildlife. A classical afternoon concert taking place in Castlemaine on Saturday November 13 will feature music performed by Melbourne’s Zephyr String Ensemble and MSO principal…
-
Ditch the plastic for No Packet November
Kyneton local Kate Coleman started the healthy eating and environment campaign, No Packet November, back in 2017 after noticing how many packets were in kids lunchboxes. The awareness campaign offers free recipes on the website, and Kate has just produced another e-book, which is available for sale with 20 per cent of funds going to…
-
Musos conference in the ‘maine
Much of the region’s live music muscle will be headed to Castlemaine this month for a debut three-day music conference aimed at helping the industry rebound from COVID-19. To be staged at Castlemaine’s Phee Broadway Theatre, Senior Citizens Club, Town Hall and Theatre Royal over Friday to Sunday, November 19- 21, the inaugural Gold Sounds…
-
Excited about compost?
YIMBY is calling for experienced and enthusiastic composters to come on board and join The YIMBY (Yes in My Backyard) team. They’ve been busy behind the scene since receiving funding to roll out phase two of the YIMBY composting trial across Mount Alexander Shire. “This is an exciting milestone towards creating a truly local system…
-
Crafting good health
Henry O’Sullivan is discovering Macedon Ranges’ creatives and what makes them tick. The Kyneton YouTuber explores people’s creative pursuits while discussing strategies to build positive mental health through his channel Crafting Good Health. “The goal was to create a space that fosters creativity, destigmatises mental health conversations, and showcases some of our amazing local crafters,” he…
-
An apocalyptic point
Things got a little creepy on the streets of Castlemaine last Friday. Halloween-themed ‘ghouls’ were out in force, strategically positioned at the front of the National Australia Bank on the town’s main drag, and dancing to the tunes of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Capturing the attention of passing motorists and media, the Zombie Apocalypse being staged on…
-
RM BEGG SEEKS WHITE KNIGHT
Kyneton aged-care provider RM Begg may be unable to continue operating as an independent facility next year as it faces increased year-on-year operating losses. The community owned not-for-profit facility reported an operating loss of $1.5M for the last financial year, up from a loss of $600,000 in 2020. Board chair Phillip Irvine acknowledged losses over…