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Nina (left) is joining the program to gain a greater understanding of local farming. Deane is passionate about sustainable agriculture practices.

Pathways for young people

Five local farmers are on the hunt for a handful of young people with an interest in regenerative agriculture for an exciting hands-on experience.Mt...

Tiny Homes on Wheels – caretaker model information session

As the housing crisis hits our community hard, the appeal of the Tiny Home on Wheels (THOW) has risen.Over two years ago, the Mount...
The cast of Castlemaine The Musical - an all original, all singing, all dancing musical about the town we all love. Photo: Leonie Van Eyk.

Curtain opens on festival jubilee

The wait is over! Australia's longest-running regional arts festival is celebrating its 50th year. The 2026 Castlemaine State Festival opens this evening with a...
The stadium on Castlemaine State Festival opening night 1976 featuring the infamous seats.

Behind the scenes of the inaugural state festival

A prison workforce, two very different committees and a stack of chair dramas, the behind-the-scenes of the inaugural Castlemaine State Festival were somewhat akin...

Big polluters foot the bill

Lily Tuck Mount Alexander Shire councillors have backed a push to make major polluters help pay for the growing cost of climate damage.The shire has...
The RAD Silver Swans Adult Ballet Class will feature Sunday.

Dancers to descend for summit

Dancers, educators and dance professionals from across regional Victoria will gather in Castlemaine for a full day of movement, creativity and connection at the...

Petrol prices soar – Independents and farmers worst hit

As the impacts of the war in the Middle East filter through to Australia, soaring fuel costs and scarcity fears are at the forefront...
Annie (MainFM), Jane, Emmaline, Mark (Lot19 founder), Toby, Ramona, Azzy (Fringe) and Zephyr gear up for IDYLL 2026 earlier this week! Photo: Lisa Dennis

Movie Soundtracks, big band energy and community courage

Castlemaine IDYLL returns to Lot19 this Saturday March 14 for its sixteenth-ish year, bringing together locals, live band complete with big horns and serious...
Friends of Castlemaine Library (FOCAL) members and local librarians toast the end of an era.

FOCAL farewelled

The Friends of Castlemaine Library (FOCAL) has wound up after 30 years of providing friendship, advocacy and fundraising support to the Castlemaine Library.FOCAL members...
Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards celebrated the announcement with Chewton Primary School last week.

Inclusive playground on the way for Chewton

Students at Chewton Primary School will benefit from an upgraded, outdoor, inclusive learning space from 2027.Principal Bernadette McKenna said the small school has a...

Trial pole protection for bushfire prone areas

Victoria’s largest electricity distributor Powercor is trialling a new product designed to protect power poles during bushfires, strengthening the power network for regional communities...
Pictured: Billie, Christine, Jude, Ollie, Charlie and Katie. Photo: Jade Jungwirth

Baked with love

A dedicated group of parent volunteers from Harcourt Valley Primary School have been busy baking a record number of apple pies for the school's...

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