Latest News
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Parents call for halt on tree carnage
Elphinstone Primary School parents are calling on the Department of Education to halt vegetation removal works at schools across the region, after finding large sections of the small school grounds cleared during the school holidays. Parents say they support measures to protect children from bushfire but want the department to allow time for community consultation…
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Let your imagination run wild
The Newstead Arts Hub will transform into a literary village this Sunday as some of Australia’s best-loved children’s authors, illustrators and storytellers gather for the Newstead Young Writers Festival. It will be a full day of creativity, stories and inspiration for young people and their families, with something new, exciting and whimsical around every corner.…
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Fuel apps help motorists find cheaper prices
With fuel prices stretching household budgets, motorists are increasingly turning to online tools to find cheaper petrol and diesel. Unleaded and diesel prices have fluctuated significantly in recent months, with prices currently ranging from about $2.30 to $3 a litre depending on location. Earlier this year, the Australian Government temporarily halved the fuel excise on…
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The science of the super oil
A Macedon Ranges olive oil producer’s focus on the potential health benefits of olive oil has been rewarded with a gold medal at the International Australian Olive Oil Awards. Quartz Hill, founded by Melissa Lococo and Deb Radford, received gold for its Q600 oil, along with silver medals for its Estate and Gilt oils. The…
Sport
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Hay makes his mark in Tassie
Talented teenage footballer Lachlan Hay crossed from Macedon to be a senior premiership player with Riddell seniors last season, then seized upon a remarkable opportunity to try his luck with the Tasmania Football Club (Tassie Devils) in 2026. Last week Lachy’s success story was enhanced when he accepted the inaugural ‘Honour the Map, Inspire the…
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Bernacki, Shepherd top awards
Gisborne Football Netball Club’s 2026 Presentation Night was one to remember for many years. It celebrated the club’s final season in the Bendigo League, with thoughts turned to making an impact in the Ballarat League next season. There were three Bendigo League premierships to applaud — the senior football victory over Sandhurst, and the netball…
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Upset as bowls season begins
Highlands pennant bowls for the 2026-27 season began on Saturday, with the big surprise in the top division being the last end defeat sustained by Kyneton at Diggers Rest. A strong Kyneton side comfortably won the 2024-25 premiership against Romsey, then went down to the Redbacks in an extraordinary double extra time finish in last…
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Treble for Ruby!
Ruby Watts’ rating as the outstanding player in Riddell League women’s football was further enhanced as she captured the league’s best and fairest for the third season in a row. After winning the top award with 31 votes in 2024, and 35 last season, Watts finished ahead of her Macedon teammate Taya Konias in the…
Community
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Men’s shed in race to build new home
The Woodend Men’s Shed has just 12 weeks to build a new workshop, relocate its machinery and equipment, and be ready to reopen by mid-December — and its members are rolling up their sleeves to make it happen. The Men’s Shed has been based at the old Mill site at 988 Black Forest Drive, Woodend,…
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Faces of Kyneton captured
The heritage-listed library at Old Kyneton Primary School came to life recently with the sounds of enthusiastic young people learning new photography skills. Guided by photographer Sandy Scheltema in collaboration with Social Foundry — a not-for-profit social enterprise in Kyneton — the budding photographers operated a pop-up studio during the Kyneton Arts and Daffodil Festival,…
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Ready, set, run!
Run The Maine is back for its 18th edition this Grand Final Eve, Friday September 25. The Midland Express and Castlemaine Mail are proud to be event sponsors and to have highlighted this year’s inspirational Run The Maine ambassadors. Catch the last instalment in today’s paper! 2025 was the biggest year yet—just under 1200 runners…
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A journey through grief
Tomorow night, Castlemaine audiences are invited to experience The Return, an intimate and deeply human theatre work exploring love, grief, memory and the enduring bonds between parents and children. Inspired by the true story of Marwan Abu Samra, a Palestinian father from Gaza whose two daughters, Rozan and Nagham, were killed in Gaza, The Return…
Leisure
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Art on show at Kerrie Hall
Art lovers are invited to Kerrie Hall for the 17th annual Exhibition of Artwork by Selected Artists this month. The exhibition will open on Friday, October 16, with Tim Murphy officially opening the event at 8pm. The evening will begin at 7.30pm, giving visitors the opportunity to gather with family and friends before viewing the…
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Set sail at Cairn Curran
If you’ve ever imagined gliding across the water with the breeze in your hair, Cairn Curran Sailing Club is ready to make that moment happen. This season, CCSC is offering a series of free, beginner-friendly sailing experiences designed to help people of all ages discover the joy of sailing. Participants will be guided by trained,…
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Discover the Golden Wellness Festival
Golden Wellness Festival is an immersive celebration of holistic health, taking place in Castlemaine on Saturday October 31. The one-day festival will offer workshops, movement classes, ceremonies, creative sessions and insightful panel conversations, bringing together a plethora of wellness practitioners and alchemic explorers. Explore and restore with yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, sound healing, homeopathy, massages,…
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Ravens reveal exciting new talent
Castlemaine’s newest theatre company – The Ravens Theatre Company – launched its highly anticipated second production Waiting for Godot by acclaimed playwright Samuel Beckett to a full house at the Phee Broadway Theatre last Friday evening. Two men wait beside a tree for the mysterious Godot. As time passes, Vladimir and Estragon talk, argue, joke,…