Mount Alexander
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New organics partnership forms
A new coalition of Mount Alexander farmers, businesses and community groups has put $100,000 of its own money behind a home-grown plan for the shire’s food and garden waste. They are offering to fund a trial to demonstrate how the scheme could scale across the shire. The Mount Alexander Organics Partnership is concerned that Mount…
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Folk and fun awaits!
Town Folk Festival has dropped its second artist announcement and welcomes five more Australian acts to round out its 2026 lineup. Joining the already stacked bill are buzz-worthy Adelaide band Any Young Mechanic, Geelong’s vintage-folk newcomer Daisy Kilbourne, the hypnotic Gaia Scarf, scene-stealing Melbourne folk rocker Maggie Alley, and Castlemaine’s own new-wave pioneers Tiramisu Misterioso.…
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TV signals still on the blink
The January 2026 bushfires in regional Victoria caused significant damage to broadcast infrastructure at two sites operated by BAI Communications, formerly Broadcast Australia, at Mount Alexander. The damage resulted in the loss of FM radio services and free-to-air television services to communities across the region including Castlemaine and other areas in central Victoria. Power systems…
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PM witnesses Harcourt destruction, funding announced
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Harcourt on Sunday and unveiled a $19.5 million support package for those affected by the ongoing bushfires. He was joined by state MPs from across the Bendigo electorates – Maree Edwards, Lisa Chester’s, and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan. The joint funding between the federal and state governments will establish a…
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Emergency services continue fire fight
The Harcourt, Ravenswood South and Walmer communities and surrounds are shocked and devastated following Friday’s fire. The fire began in Fogartys Gap Road at Ravenswood South on Friday afternoon and the catastrophic conditions saw it get away from emergency services, pushing it through parts of Walmer towards Harcourt. It then jumped the Calder Freeway and…
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Harcourt fire not expected to expand far beyond current footprint tonight
The Ravenswood Fogarty’s Gap Road fire that has impacted Harcourt is not expected to expand far beyond its current footprint tonight, authorities have told residents. Incident controller Michael Masters explained what occurred during the fire and its current status at a community meeting this afternoon. The meeting was held at Kyneton where about 80-100 fire-threatened…
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State of disaster declared for Mount Alexander
Premier Jacinta Allan has declared a State of Disaster for Mount Alexander and 17 other Local Government Areas and one Alpine Resort as fires burning across the state continue to pose risk. The declaration comes following advice from the Minister for Emergency Services and the Emergency Management Commissioner. The Premier is satisfied there is an…
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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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Medals of friendship to local volunteers
The volunteer work of 26 Timor-Leste friendship groups from across Australia was recognised with the Order of Timor-Leste Medal at a special event held in Melbourne last Tuesday. President, His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, presented the awards. The Order of Timor-Leste is the highest honour currently awarded by the nation. It recognises the contributions of…
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Working towards net zero
Mount Alexander Net Zero Working Group is a group of seven passionate individuals who are helping local businesses reach 100 per cent clean energy. To increase their campaign, the group has produced a short documentary, featuring the owner of The Mill in Castlemaine, to increase visibility of local businesses that are taking huge strides towards…
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Cyclists call for action
Community members are calling for urgent improvements to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure at McKenzie Hill on the outskirts of Castlemaine following several near misses in recent months. With ever-expanding housing developments sprawling across McKenzie Hill and consequently bringing a significant number of cars onto the Pyrenees Highway from Diamond Gully Road and other intersections local…
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Twilight market a hit
The inaugural Maldon Twilight Market was a huge success with more than 1000 attendees and 32 market stalls, showcasing fabulous food, regional produce, and artisan makers. Held last Friday on a warm summer’s evening, the historic town came alive with music performed by local band ‘The Martini Set’, performances by the exotic Bellydance Goddess troupe,…