Family history looking for a writer
It has taken her three years to stitch it all together: former Maldon resident Leigh Jacobs has meticulously compiled an album of photos and documents that tell the story of her father Keith Laity’s life. The [Tarrangower] Times had the privilege of looking through Leigh’s tribute to her father ... In demolishing the old building on Bank corner and building a new garage, Keith changed the face of Maldon forever.
Porcupine Village seeks Ministerial approval
A decision has been made to take planning matters for the proposed Porcupine Village development out of Council hands. The Minister for Planning will now make the final decision, in a process which is designed to fast track projects which are judged to make a significant contribution to the State’s economy and to provide substantial public benefit, including jobs for Victorians.
Craig Gough – the power of colour
Colour is uppermost in the mind when you view Craig Gough’s latest exhibition, which is on show at Cascade Art. The exhibition was officially opened by Linden New Art Director and CEO Dr Vincent Alessi last Saturday.
Maldon’s motorbike mystery solved
Thanks go to Maldon resident Barry Murfett, who read last week’s article in the [Tarrangower] Times about a postcard (c. 1907) which pictures an early motorbike. Barry put the [Tarrangower] Times in touch with Greg Smith, the owner of an antique motorbike which is almost certainly the machine pictured on the old postcard.
Council electoral structure: final report
An independent review appointed by the Minister for Local Government has released its final report on the electoral structure of the Shire of Mount Alexander Council. The electoral representation advisory panel recommends that Mount Alexander Shire adopt a single-councillor ward structure, with a total of eight councillors, eight wards and one councillor per ward.
Cascade re-opens
Fine art lovers rejoice - the Cascade Art Gallery re-opens next week ... The fine art gallery’s opening will be a boost for the town of Maldon, which has been feeling the pinch with the temporary closure of the Kangaroo hotel, the loss of a restaurant and the impending closure of Le Sel.
Goldfields Re-Imagined book launch
If you’re interested in the history of the goldfields, here’s an event not to be missed: the launch of historian Marjorie Theobald’s latest book The Goldfields Re-Imagined: Militant Miners, Miscreants and Poor Mary Anne ... Speaking to the [Tarrangower] Times about her book, Marjorie said that the most interesting period of Castlemaine’s history was the early goldfields days.
Family treasure returned
Here’s a great story that ends in Maldon: Newstead resident Chris Simmins rescued a grotty-looking object from a skip in Campbells Creek, took it home, cleaned it up and discovered that he’d found a treasure. It was a wooden christening bowl with a hallmarked sterling silver rim and shield, dated 28 July 1908 and engraved with the name John Boys Ponder. Who, Chris wondered, was John Boys Ponder?
Ambulance service medal for paramedic
Maldon resident and Advanced Life Support paramedic Barry Curtain is one of five Ambulance Victoria workers who have been awarded Ambulance Service Medals, as part of the 2024 national honours list. The Australian honours list acknowledges Australians for achievements, service and contribution to community above and beyond the call of duty.
Tower’s 100th birthday
It was quite the gathering at the Mount Tarrengower tower’s 100th birthday last Friday, especially when you consider that it was an impromptu event put together in a matter of days ... Former fire tower operator Peter Skilbeck pointed out that he had spent almost a third of his life - 26 years - working on top of the tower.

