News
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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…
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Everything begins with an idea
The North Central Catchment Management Authority has created a new program aimed at facilitating natural resource management investment in local projects, and is looking for community ideas. The Business Development Program is about turning community ideas into action, by working together to identify, develop and deliver NRM projects for the region. “This is an exciting…
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Mastering the self
Life in lockdown has created many a new phenomenon, including making it difficult for artists to paint live subjects. For this reason, the famed Doug Moran National Portrait Prize has attracted a greater number of self-portraits than usual in 2021 as a reflection of a new reality. It’s an irony not lost on semi-finalist Daniel…
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Heart-starter for Macedon
The Macedon community was quick to rally behind a bid to secure a defibrillator for the heart of their town. Local nursing student Emily Moody’s online fundraiser reached its $2875 target in less than 24 hours. “I was pretty excited – I didn’t expect that sort of support straight away,” Emily told the Express. “I had…
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People connectors reach out
Sometimes all it takes is a conversation. A new project in the Macedon Ranges aims to talk with community members about their mental health and help link them with wellbeing services in the area. With the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic still felt throughout Australia, the Assisting Communities through Direct Connection project is going door-to-door…
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Local talent ‘play on’
Castlemaine’s Bridge Hotel and a host of talented local artists are set to feature in huge lineup of live events this weekend as part of the launch of the state government’s ‘Play On Victoria’ regional series. Regional Victorian music fans can rejoice with the return of live music with 18 artists to perform in eight…
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SURCHARGE SOLUTION?
Holiday surcharges could save Kyneton traders from a repeat of last year’s empty stores during the Christmas period, Business Kyneton says. The traders group has proposed a town-wide 15 per cent surcharge to remove the obstacle of increased holiday wages that saw many traders stay shut last year. Business Kyneton president Kate Fairley told the Express customers…