Mount Alexander Shire Council
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New headache for Backyard Fest
A new shadow of doubt has been cast over planning for the debut Backyard Fest live music event proposed for Newstead Racecourse and Recreation Reserve in February, following relocation from its originally intended Elphinstone venue. Expected to attract up to 1500 patrons, the live music festival had originally been proposed to happen last November at…
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Councillor raises curfew concern
A councillor has called for understanding and moderation as local cat owners adjust to living with Mount Alexander Shire Council’s new cat curfew mandate. The new requirements mean all cats within the municipality must be securely confined to their owners’ premises at all times. The restrictions came into effect on December 22 after the council…
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Check off that Christmas list
Castlemaine traders will be open late again this Friday evening as part of two late night shopping nights that have been coordinated by Business Mount Alexander and supported by Mount Alexander Shire Council in partnership with the Castlemaine Fringe Festival and local businesses. Business operators will be open until 8pm providing the perfect opportunity to…
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Collaboration for change
Mount Alexander Shire residents plan to reframe and refocus their efforts to address climate change through the launch of an innovative new project – the Wararack Initiatives. Launched at Victory Park last Thursday, the Wararack Initiatives will see council and the community work collaboratively on a 10-year Community Transition Plan addressing climate adaptation, cultural renewal…
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Creating a ‘safe space’ in Castlemaine
Suicide prevention and postvention group ELM (Every Life Matters) has received funding to create a new ‘Safe Space’ in Castlemaine to support community members struggling with mental health issues. The dedicated volunteers are now on the hunt for a suitable venue for the new initiative and members of the community who would be interested in…
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Newstead calls for flashing lights
The Newstead community is lobbying Mount Alexander Shire Council in the hope of getting flashing safety lights installed to highlight the 40km/h zone near Newstead Primary School on the busy Pyrenees Highway. A document with more than 170 signatures was presented to the council at its November council meeting last week amid growing school concerns…
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Portrait Prize 4 Respect
Locals are encouraged to get creative and submit a portrait for the ‘Portrait Prize 4 Respect’ community art event being held as part of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. The 16 Days of Activism campaign calls for people around the world to unite and raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge…
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New role to address housing challenge
A dedicated housing officer has been appointed by Mount Alexander Shire Council to address the issue of boosting affordable housing in the shire. Clare Richards began in the new role early last month and has already begun meeting with community groups and other key stakeholders to identify opportunities for affordable long-term housing for low and…
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Musos conference in the ‘maine
Much of the region’s live music muscle will be headed to Castlemaine this month for a debut three-day music conference aimed at helping the industry rebound from COVID-19. To be staged at Castlemaine’s Phee Broadway Theatre, Senior Citizens Club, Town Hall and Theatre Royal over Friday to Sunday, November 19- 21, the inaugural Gold Sounds…
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Awards entries closing soon
Entries for the 2021 Mount Alexander Business Awards are closing soon and local businesses nominated for this year’s awards are urged to get their submissions in before the October 4 deadline. Residents in Mount Alexander Shire and beyond have shown their support for the work of local businesses, with more than 170 businesses nominated in…
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Rubbish in focus
Mount Alexander Shire Council is investigating the introduction of tip passes and a potential kerbside hard rubbish collection. At last Tuesday’s council meeting Cr Christine Henderson moved a notice of motion that council receive a report outlining the estimated costs of providing tip passes to all residents on an annual basis and an annual hard…
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Nominate now for the Mount Alexander Business Awards
The Mount Alexander Business Awards are on again and it’s time to nominate your favourite business.The awards are proudly run by Mount Alexander Shire Council, in partnership with gold sponsor Don Smallgoods and media partner Castlemaine Mail / Midland Express. Council’s manager of economy and culture, David Leathem, said local businesses were the backbone of our community.“Your vote…