Macedon Ranges
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Family devastated by loss
Harcourt mum Bianca Hitchens and her sons were among the community members to lose their homes in Friday’s fire at Harcourt.Bianca and her sons Tyler and Will were devastated. “I’m broken-hearted. Friday’s fires that hit Harcourt so quickly, claimed my beautiful modest 100-year-old cottage that I’ve lived in with my boys for 23 years. It…
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Trees down, buildings damaged across the region
Volunteers from Victoria’s State Emergency Service responded to a spate of disasters last week, and official numbers confirm there were about 1800 incidents state-wide between Monday and Sunday. It was a result of the ongoing bushfires, strong winds and damaging lightning. In the Loddon Mallee unit support team area, which includes Mount Alexander Shire, SES…
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Ranges residents can dispose of their festive tree for free
Macedon Ranges residents can opt to dispose of their real Christmas trees for free this month only. Resource recovery facilities at Romsey, Kyneton and Woodend will accept the delivery of pine trees at no cost on weekends in January (including January 31/February 1) during regular hours (10am-4pm). Conditions applying to this offer include that trees…
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Mount Macedon Memorial Cross funding deadline looms
A major project cost blowout has cast doubt over Anzac Day services at Mount Macedon Memorial Cross unless funds are raised by the month’s end. Unexpected structural challenges have tipped Mount Macedon Memorial Cross restoration expenses more than $200,000 over budget. During construction, engineers discovered that the original footings did not align with the 1990…
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Arduous firefighters at ready to respond in remote areas
A group of CFA firefighters are ready to fight fires in remote areas across the state following seven weeks of intensive training to become arduous firefighters. The pilot program is a first for CFA where 15 arduous firefighters will have the capability to attack and suppress fires in difficult terrain that aren’t accessible via a…
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Wendy Lovell won’t recontest Northern Victoria seat at next election
Member for Northern Victoria Region Wendy Lovell has announced she will not recontest her seat at the November 2026 state election, after 24 years of service. Ms Lovell made a public statement on Monday, saying “it has been a great privilege for me to represent the region in the Victorian Parliament. “Shepparton has been my…
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Kyneton trainer Neil Dyer pursues Devonport Cup
Long time Kyneton racehorse trainer Neil Dyer is hoping for success in the $125,000 Devonport Cup on Wednesday. Dyer pulled off a training coup when his recent acquisition Vega Magnifico won the Bordertown Cup in mid-December. The Irish-bred seven-year-old was formerly in the Sydney stable of Annabel and Rob Archibald, and has five wins to…
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Race caller Matt Hill broadcast Hanging Rock races for first time
Recognised as one of the world’s most eminent race callers, Matt Hill broadcast the Hanging Rock races for the first time on New Year’s Day. The multi-talented broadcaster and commentator was pleased to come to Hanging Rock, and acknowledged the drawcard qualities of the iconic location for country-style racing. “We are really pleased to be…
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New superintendent steps in to region
A new divisional police commander last week began overseeing the Greater Bendigo, Macedon Ranges, Campaspe and Goldfields areas. Superintendent Paul Gardiner – a 32-year police veteran and central Victorian local – has spent the past four years managing the force’s Public Order Response Team and State Liquor Unit. PORT, while known for managing major protests,…
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Making sure everyone is able to take part in Christmas
Christmas spirit is alive and well in the Macedon Ranges. It’s an expensive moment for everyone and the Kyneton Foodbank has ensured everyone can open a present and have a feast on December 25. Foodbank manager, Rhonda Holmes, said people shouldn’t feel shame about using the service. “Our kitchen is floor-to-ceiling with presents,” Ms Holmes…
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Community plea for funding
More than a thousand postcards will make their way to parliament backing increased funding for Macedon Ranges’ strained Neighbourhood Houses. Years of inadequate funding has put the services at risk of closure and threatened the vital programs they provide. Kyneton, Woodend, Gisborne, Lancefield, RIddells Creek and Romsey services have joined the state-wide ‘Keep Our Doors…
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“Passion alone can’t keep the lights on”
Financial strain is putting Macedon Ranges’ Neighbourhood Houses at risk of closure and threatening the vital programs they provide. After years of inadequate funding, almost half of Victoria’s houses have been forced to operate at a loss for two consecutive years, according to Neighbourhood House Victoria data. NHV said the Neighbourhood House Coordination Program —…