Leisure
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Woodend Winter Arts Festival kicks off this weekend
The stage is set as Woodend prepares to come alive with music, conversation and more as the Woodend Winter Arts Festival returns this coming weekend (June 6–9). Tickets are selling fast and at pre-pandemic levels. Celebrating its 20th festival in 2025, the event promises a rich and diverse program that caters to all tastes—from a…
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Beau is back cooking up a storm
Local MasterChef Australia season four contender Beau Cook, 40, is back on our television screens as one of the contestants on MasterChef Australia: Back to Win currently airing on 10 and 10 Play. MasterChef Australia: Back To Win marks the 17th season of the popular show and is full of fan favourites from seasons one…
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History buffs gather
The inaugural The Alchemy of Gold forum has been declared an outstanding success. The event attracted huge crowds of goldfields history buffs from across Australia to the Campbells Creek Community Centre from May 16-18. The three-day forum featured more than 40 experts, historians and community members sharing their value insights into the discovery of gold…
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Festival to be a ripper
The lineup for the 2025 Town Folk Festival dropped today and it is set to be huge! Town Folk Festival returns to Djaara / Castlemaine in November with yet another impressive lineup of local and international music, this time led by Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory, who will return to Australia with their…
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MAIN Game set to return
Castlemaine’s highly anticipated and much-loved community event, the MAIN Game, returns to the Camp Reserve on Sunday June 8. Featuring a footy friendly between the Rockatoos and the Radio Galahs, the event brings footy and fundraising together for local radio station 94.9 MainFM, which has long been a cornerstone of the community. Both teams, composed…
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Authors to livestream
Goldfields Libraries are participating in the much-loved Sydney Writers Festival ‘Live and Local’ program again this year. A selection of excellent speakers will be live-streamed to big screens at Castlemaine, Woodend and Bendigo libraries. Best of all, it’s completely free! The Sydney Writers Festival is Australia’s largest celebration of books and ideas, bringing the world’s…
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Dive into words and ideas
The 20th edition of the Woodend Winter Arts Festival is set to deliver one of its most engaging Words and Ideas programs to date. This year’s lineup features a diverse array of topics and speakers. Delve into the intricate designs of William Morris, learn about the transformative power of music, explore the enduring legacy of…
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Grammy winner to headline
The Castlemaine Jazz Festival (June 5-8) is set to welcome renowned African singer, dancer, songwriter and percussionist Dobet Gnahoré to Castlemaine’s historic Theatre Royal for what will be an unforgettable opening night show on Thursday June 5. Dobet is known for her dynamic performances and ability to blend various musical styles from across the African…
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Growing edible flowers in the Macedon Ranges
Lauren Richardson lives and works in the Macedon Ranges growing edible flowers. Her business is called Foraged Flavour. She will be the guest speaker at Kyneton Horticultural Society’s AGM next week where she will share her flower farming and edible flower business journey. Lauren’s talk will reveal the challenges she has faced and lessons learned,…
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Gather celebrates connection
The opening of the Gather exhibition at the historic Castlemaine Market Place on May 3 was an outstanding success. Gather brings together 11 local makers connected by community who take unique approaches to creating through their chosen materials. Artists featured include Ann Ferguson, Catherine O’Leary, Catherine Pilgrim, Charlotte Harriman, Deb Lemcke, Emily Fong, Gina Pederick,…
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Local artists share ground
Local artists Jeremy ‘Jez’ Forbes and Brett Igmus Davies have joined forces to create a one-of-a-kind exhibition. Shared Ground is a unique and engaging exhibition, combining Forbes’ striking, bold and colourful paintings, alongside the natural movement of Davies’ beautiful sculptural mobiles. Inspired by the works of American artist Alexandra Calder, accomplished wood sculptor Brett ‘Igmus’…
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A symphony of winter delights
There will be melodies to melt the winter chill at the 20th Woodend Winter Arts Festival. From festival exclusives to international acts, homegrown talent to a special family friendly performance, there truly is something for everyone at this year’s event. Opening night sets the tone for a big weekend as Italy meets Ireland in a…