coronavirus
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Community pantry up and running
Local volunteers, community groups and organisations are working together to provide food relief for residents in need in Mount Alexander Shire. The newly created Mount Alexander Community Pantry is a centrally coordinated food relief system that aims to provide assistance in the absence of a local foodbank. Castlemaine Community House manager Martyn Shaddick said everyone…
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Ready to tackle the crisis
An army of volunteers has been working behind the scenes to sew gowns, caps and masks for Castlemaine doctors to ensure they are well protected and ready to tackle the coronavirus crisis. A grateful Dr Richard Mayes and Dr Dominic Blanks of Castlemaine’s Lyttleton Street Clinic described it as a “massive effort”. “We have had…
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Coronavirus update for Victoria
The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1291 – an increase of 10 from yesterday, as testing for the virus expands in Victoria. There were no new deaths reported yesterday. To date, 14 people have died from coronavirus in Victoria. The total number of cases is made up of 672 men and…
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Never lonely with letters
Cheerful letters, drawings and paintings have been making their way to elderly residents across the Macedon Ranges to help them stay connected during the coronavirus pandemic. It is the result of a Kyneton-born pen pal project that coordinator Katy Condliffe said had a simple aim: “to bring some joy, happiness and love to our older…
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Aged care residents keep in touch with outside world
The residents of RM Begg Kyneton Aged Care may currently be in lockdown but the staff are making sure they still have contact with the outside world. No visitors are permitted but residents continue to be connected with their family and friends via email, face time, phone calls, letters and social media. Families also have…
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Coronavirus update for Victoria
The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1191 – an increase of 33 from yesterday. Yesterday a woman in her 80s died in hospital, taking the number of people who have died in Victoria from coronavirus to 11, as new measures come into force from tonight to further slow the spread. The…
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Gain solace from gardening
Sandy Scheltema In these extraordinary times when we must stay at home and cancel everything except our commitment to our common humanity, many of us are finding solace in growing food. To dig the soil, plant seeds, tend to and nurture a garden can bring great joy and calmness, and seeing something growing from what…
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DOCTORS, NURSES NOT PROTECTED
Stress is mounting for medical professionals as they struggle to access basic personal protective equipment to face the coronavirus pandemic, including Macedon Ranges’ own. A local doctor, who did not wish to be identified, said supplies were shockingly low and healthcare workers were now resorting to desperate measures to feel safe in their work environment.…
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Impact and opportunity for VGR tourist railway
The coronavirus pandemic has forced the Victorian Goldfields Railway to suspend all of its advertised passenger service until the end of June. The VGR has also had to halt its project taking up the old disused main line track between Guildford and Castlemaine for recycling on part of its tourist line. “We’re not happy with…
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Local business offers smart response to crisis
Local businesses are finding innovative ways to adapt amid the current coronavirus restrictions. One such businesses is Castlemaine’s Mulberry’s Delicatessen, which has been quick to respond to the crisis by developing a new phone and email based ordering and home delivery service. The innovative new way of continuing to function rolled into action on Friday…
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TAKE THE MESSAGE SERIOUSLY
Authorities are urging people to take the self-isolation message seriously as Victoria steps up measures to flatten the curve in new cases of coronavirus. Victoria has entered stage three of its response, with people facing fines of more than $1600 for breaching social-distancing rules. Gatherings will be restricted to no more than two people except…
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Trade takes new shape
Trade is taking new shape for many innovative local businesses adapting to COVID-19 precautions. Drive-through options, online platforms and extra delivery services are helping locals adhere to spatial distancing and assuring the region is still open for business. Malmsbury Hotel owner Anda Gazzard said it was important for local businesses to adapt as needs and…