Easter bilby news
The Australian alternative Easter emblem, the bilby, is iconic but at risk. Bilbies once occupied much of arid and semi-arid Australia but have disappeared from about three quarters of their historic range.
In the barrel – why oak matters
Peter Christen. There's a certain silence in the winery right now. The rush of harvest is behind us. Fermentation tanks have calmed, but many exciting steps of the process still need to be completed. Now, it is barrel time.
Australia first survey targets the role of local papers
Political leaders across Victoria are being asked their views on the importance of local newspapers and their ongoing sustainability as part of an Australia-first research project. The Victorian government is the only state government in Australia to make this guaranteed commitment.
Guerilla piano in Maldon for Castlemaine Fringe
An underground piano movement is putting donated upright pianos in prominent locations around the shire as part of Castlemaine Fringe Festival, which runs from Friday 21 March until Sunday 6 April. One of the pianos will be plonked at Maldon Bakery and available to be played by the public or in pop-up concerts by ‘Pianists at Large’.
Maldon Campdraft turns 50
Maldon and District Campdraft Club celebrated its 50th anniversary last weekend over Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 March, filled with horses, dust and riding challenges for all levels. The occasion inspired some reminiscing and a chance for some to reflect upon campdraft events in Maldon going back to the 1970s, while others were just focused on the competition!
New faces in the MANet Art Gallery
It's time to drop in to the MANet Art Gallery to see a particularly interesting exhibition of the work of three women. Two new MANet members are currently on show at Maldon’s bijou gallery, together with guest printmaker Leah Mow-Yoffee ... the two new artists who have joined the MANet Art Gallery group are Liadaan and Karen Holland.
Core values
Tucked in the picturesque and fertile Harcourt Valley is a hub of apple production and its annual festival is this weekend on Saturday 8 March from 10am to 3pm at Harcourt Leisure Centre. Harcourt Applefest 2025 features activities to please every member of the family and it has grown so much that it has now spread to a larger location.
Nominate an apprentice or trainee
Kerry Anderson. Encouraging trainees and apprentices in any trade or vocation can motivate them in their long-term career aspirations. 2023 winner of the Castlemaine Rotary Apprentice/Trainee Awards, Griffin Day, says that the experience is one that has stayed with him.
Nice weather for ducks
Ian Riley. I was asked recently (on MainFM actually) why we chose to live in Maldon. All the usual reasons, pretty little town, interesting shops, My Tarrengower Hill Climb, etc ... Acting on a tip-off, I went down to Cairn Curran on Sunday morning because I was told the Duck would be there.
Archiving history at the Athenaeum
Lynda Achren. Behind closed doors on Monday mornings, a team of Athenaeum Library volunteers is busy archiving our historic documents. For the past six months, with input from an experienced archivist, we’ve been meeting to sort, organise and catalogue such things as ...