News
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Ceramicist to open studio
Sculptural but functional are the wonders created in the studio of Macedon ceramicist Vanessa Lucas. And people can watch her at work when joins the Australian Ceramics Association National Open Studio event for the first time next month. During November 13-14, people can learn about the process and browse the porcelain tableware she creates from…
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Psychedelic therapies show promise
Hope of providing safe and effective psychedelic-assisted treatment for Australians suffering from severe depression, post traumatic stress disorder and other mental illnesses is gaining ground. The Australian Therapeutic Goods Association recently releasing the findings of an independent review it had commissioned on the therapeutic value, benefits and risks of MDMA and psilocybin (magic mushrooms) for…
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Tapping success
Macedon Ranges Plumbing’s Andrew Jan is in the running for a national title after winning Victorian Apprentice of the Year in the Industry Excellence Awards. The Drummond resident took up a plumbing apprenticeship to begin a new career after 11 years in the thoroughbred breeding industry. Andrew said he was keen to learn a trade…
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Construction passion
Newnham Earthmoving’s James Horvat has been named Victorian Apprentice of the Year in the Civil Contractors Federation Earth and Training Awards. The Gisborne local joined Newnham Earthmoving in 2018 after completing school with a strong academic performance but his career at a “loose end”. He had taken a gap year to assess his options and…