Macedon Ranges
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Out of the shadows
Four Macedon Ranges artists will soon unveil their works in a new project that uses visual expression to explore mental health issues. The Art Bomb Project is set to showcase the work of visual artists from Romsey, Gisborne and Kyneton. Project artists – Mark Ingall, Fiona Farrugia, Aimee Timpson and Lachlan McKenzie – have very…
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Calling entrepreneurs
Got a new business idea or an existing business looking to scale up and expand into new markets? If so, you might be interested in Startup Central Victoria’s second accelerator program that commences in February 2022. Aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs based in Macedon Ranges, Mount Alexander, Greater Bendigo, Campaspe, Loddon and Central Goldfields are eligible…
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Gisborne bridge fight to planning panel
The fight to protect Gisborne’s Bunjil Creek bridge, bluestone channel and significant trees will progress to an independent planning panel. Last week Macedon Ranges Council revealed the Department of Transport had denied any heritage value of these features that are threatened as intersection works on Kilmore Road continue. The $12.5 million upgrade was a Labor…
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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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Exemption on farm worker accommodation
Farmers will no longer require a permit to build on-farm worker accommodation under new Victorian planning changes. The permit exemption is available to accommodate up to 10 workers engaged in agriculture and must be on at least 40 hectares of land in the Farm Zone. Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas said the amendment would remove…
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Hundreds turn out for testing
New COVID exposure sites across Macedon Ranges and Castlemaine led hundreds of people to front up for testing on the weekend. On late Friday afternoon the Health Department listed seven new local exposure sites including two contacts at Coles Gisborne, Gisborne’s Woks N Dumplings, McDonald’s Gisborne, Romsey Compounding Pharmacy, and Castlemaine Hospital. Most were listed…
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Ranges interrupted
Poor telecommunications is hindering business, social interaction, health and learning online in the Macedon Ranges. A survey conducted across the shire in May identified that more than 70 per cent of respondents were not satisfied with their current reliability. Just under 60 per cent of survey responses referred to being unable to access education. More…
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Police report influx of unauthorised workers
Police have reported an influx of unauthorised workers from metropolitan areas coming into Gisborne and Macedon Ranges. They warn that under the current restrictions, employees of businesses such as nail and hair salons and other beauty services are not listed as authorised workers at this time. “We wish to remind people that those living and…
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Meet our new commander
Drugs, firearms, road policing, youth engagement and COVID response are areas of focus for Macedon Ranges’ new police area commander Inspector Tom Ebinger. He began in the role in July, marking his first regional post in a policing career that spans 34 years. “I come to this role with a bit of experience behind me…
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Six months on – heading in the right direction
How time flies! Six months ago Liam Howley Racing was launched and has become firmly established at a state-of-the-art training complex in the Macedon Ranges at Pipers Creek. “Spring is the best time of the year (from a racing viewpoint),” meticulous trainer Liam Howley said yesterday. Howley and his valued staff were buoyed when ultra-consistent…
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Timeless Macedon
Tonight’s instalment of ABC TV’s Back to Nature mini-series will feature the Macedon Ranges. When we’re in nature, it sometimes feels like time slows, and becomes elastic. This episode begins at Organ Pipes National Park, on the eastern edge of an ancient lava flow. Hosts Aaron and Holly meet Indi Clarke, who has a strong connection to…
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‘We can’t take your word for it’
People from lockdown postcodes have been caught flouting restrictions and trying to gain entry to businesses in the Macedon Ranges. State-mandated identity checks for hospitality and retail have revealed an alarming number of rule-breakers, people refusing to cooperate and abuse directed at small business owners.Businesses found serving people who should not be in the regions…