Message lost on the media

Trevor Scott, Castlemaine
In the wake of a vicious attack on our First Nations’ People at Camp Sovreignty on August 31, Victorians turned out in their thousands last Saturday to support them. I was fo...

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No surprise

K Bishop, Castlemaine
It's no surprise that the vegetation removal at McKenzie Hill was permitted ('Vegetation investigation concludes', Castlemaine Mail, September 12, 2025), nor that DEECA didn't ob...

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Thank you to our striking kindergarten teachers

Cr Lucas Maddock (personal opinion and not necessarily that of Council)
The early years of childhood are some of the most important and impactful. We’re facing a shortage of educators and the Australi...

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Winters Flat student champions support for school chess team

Leto (left) was proud to assist his school chess team to attend Tuesday's tournament.

Winters Flat Primary School student Leto made a bold move off the chessboard by helping fellow students attend one of Australia’s largest school chess tournaments.
Using $150 from a grant awarded by M...

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Have your say on tiny homes

As housing pressures grow in our shire, Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOW) are becoming an increasingly important option for affordable and flexible living.
The My Home Network THOW Working Group has launche...

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Slither into snake season

As temperatures rise, snakes become more active, emerging from a period of reduced activity to seek food and mates. While they may be more visible, snakes generally pose little danger to people when l...

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Goldfields Green strive for Super Cup

Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club's Senior Women's Green and Gold soccer sides have had an incredible 2025 season and finished second and third on the ladder respectively.
The two sides faced off i...

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Mini Roos celebrate massive 2025 season

Photo: Max Lesser

Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club marked a hugely successful season of Miniroos Football with 190 young players celebrating with free snags, icy poles and certificates at Chewton Soldiers Memorial ...

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Seniors Fest: October 1 – 31

This October, Mount Alexander Shire will come alive with a wide variety of events celebrating the shire's seniors.
Some of the events to look forward to are: the annual community lunch and mini-expo a...

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Community calls on council for better biodiversity protection

Architect, and environmental activist, Trevor Scott, and members of Harcourt Valley Landcare addressed their concerns about the recent vegetation removal in Diamond Gully Road, McKenzie Hill at Tuesda...

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Bowling over breast cancer

Gay Buchanan is living with Stage 4 breast cancer. Grateful for the support and treatment she has received she is hosting a fundraiser to support the Breast Cancer Network Australia at the Harcourt Bo...

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Mount Alexander Shire Business Awards closing soon!

Boomtown Winery & Bistro owner Tim Sproal, Midland Express/Castlemaine Mail advertising manager Lynda Brew, Community Bank Maldon & District Community Partnerships Lead Sophie Guerin, 2023 category winner and Big 4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park owner Claire Height, Mount Alexander Shire Council Tourism, Marketing and Development Officer Jessica McNamara and Economic Development Coordinator Daniel Bone encourage local businesses to nominate for this year's awards.
Boomtown Winery & Bistro owner Tim Sproal, Midland Express/Castlemaine Mail advertising manager Lynda Brew, Community Bank Maldon & District Community Partnerships Lead Sophie Guerin, 2023 category winner and Big 4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park owner Claire Height, Mount Alexander Shire Council Tourism, Marketing and Development Officer Jessica McNamara and Economic Development Coordinator Daniel Bone encourage local businesses to nominate for this year's awards.

Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting local businesses to share their story and nominate for the 2025 Mount Alexander Business Awards.
The awards celebrate the people and enterprises that drive positive change in our local economy – through innovation, care, sustainability and community connection.
The 2025 award categories include:
– Outstanding Workplace
– Sustainability Hero
– NextGen Champion
– Local Food Excellence
– Accessibility Champion
– Community Impact
– Innovation and Technology
– People’s Choice
– Business of the Year
Council’s Manager Economy and Culture Merryn Tinkler said every business has a story and this is their chance to tell it.
“The awards are not about being the biggest or loudest – they’re about recognising the impact local businesses have in shaping a thriving and inclusive shire,” she said.
The entry process is straightforward and designed to be accessible to all.
Businesses are encouraged to speak in their own voice – no need for perfect wording or polished imagery. What matters is sharing what drives your work, how you support your team and community, and what makes your business unique.
An independent judging panel will assess submissions and develop a shortlist of businesses for site visits. Finalists will be selected based on both the written entry and the insights gathered during visits.
Council encourages all businesses to consider entering, noting that the process itself can be a valuable opportunity for reflection and recognition.
To be considered for any award category – including People’s Choice or the overall Business of the Year – businesses must submit an official entry form. This is required even for those nominated by the public.
Entries close this Sunday September 21.
The awards ceremony this year will be held on Wednesday November 19 at Boomtown Winery & Bistro at The Mill, Castlemaine.
To enter or find out more, visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Business-Awards.
For further information, contact Daniel Bone, Economic Development Coordinator, on 5471 1700 or email d.bone@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

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