Armed Crime Squad detectives have charged a 42-year-old man after two licensed venues were allegedly robbed at gunpoint earlier this month.

It’s alleged the man threatened a female staff member with a firearm at a Hicks Street licensed venue in Lara about 5.40pm on 15 August.

During the second incident it’s alleged the man threatened a female staff member with a firearm at a Mollison Street licensed venue in Kyneton about 9.20am last Friday.

The man had escaped with cash during both incidents, and neither staff member had been physically injured.

Detectives arrested the Woori Yallock man at a Clarendon Street hotel in Melbourne’s CBD on Saturday morning, August 26.

He was charged with two counts of armed robbery, three counts of possess/carry/use handgun, possess testosterone and possess cocaine.

He had been required to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.

The Kyneton Fire Brigade has celebrated its long 140-year history with members and dignitaries attending a commemorative dinner and awards presentation event.

The brigade marked the important milestone alongside Chief Officer Jason Heffernan and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas MP on Saturday 27 July, at a dinner that featured significant service awards.

Macedon Ranges Shire Deputy Mayor Janet Pearce proposed a toast to CFA and the brigade, commending and thanking the members for being ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the community.

Kyneton Captain Greg McIntyre said the brigade has been operating continuously since 1884 – when it had 30 members and was located at the former bluestone police stables.

“Eventually, it was moved to a timber building next door to the current fire station,” Greg said.

In 1998, the brigade moved into its current location in town, maintaining a strong presence in the community.

“The brigade has always been a very active brigade in the community and in CFA competitions as well as operations,” Greg said.

“We have about 70 members at the moment and over half of them are active firefighters. We also have close to 30 per cent female firefighters.

“We provide urban support to brigades in the group and beyond; we respond to the recently closed Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre, which used to have lots of alarms.

“And we do a lot of the usual incidents such as structure fires, car fires and motor vehicle accidents.”

Receiving around 170 callouts every year, the brigade has a 2007 Hino 3.4C tanker, a 1998 Type 3 Isuzu pumper and a field command vehicle, alongside a hazmat trailer servicing the wider Macedon Ranges area.

“I remember our pumper when I first joined was a Mazda, it was a very small vehicle and not very powerful, so the one we have now is a big improvement on that.” 

Greg said the brigade is proud of its heritage.

“We certainly had a lot of people involved, before my time, in the Ash Wednesday bushfires and we were heavily involved in Black Saturday as well as Black Summer,” he said.

“We’ve had many members participate in those and they’ve contributed a lot to the culture and learning at the brigade.

“We have quite a heritage program in the brigade with trophies and other memorabilia and we try and encourage members to be good representatives of the brigade and of CFA as they serve in the community.”

For Greg, not only does his passion lie in mentoring up-and-coming firefighters but helping community members during a traumatic time.

“Sometimes it’s hard if we get called at Christmas dinner time but then I think well, actually this is the worst day of somebody else’s life so I haven’t got anything to complain about,” he said.

“I think the brigade is very well respected in our community. We’re included in a number of community activities.

“I’m very proud when I see members committing, putting in the effort to train, and then being able to apply that when the situation requires it.

“To see the members working with one another, even though we’re immensely different people, and we come from different backgrounds, we’re all there to carry out the functions of the brigade and help save lives and property.”

A plaque commemorating an extension finished in 2016 – now officially named The RG & RB Walker Extension – was handed over to members at the event.

The extension is named after members Ronda Beckley Walker OAM and ex-Captain Roger Gordon Walker AFSM.

“I felt honoured to participate with our Chief Officer in the official naming of this facility and the presentation of the commemorative plaque to honour two members who have contributed so much to the culture and development of the brigade for many years,” Greg said.

“This commemorative plaque will serve as a reminder to future brigade members of the heritage of service on which we build.”

Police have been investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Kyneton earlier this month.

Officers had attended a property in Windridge Way about 2.30pm on Tuesday July 2 as part of an investigation.

A 27-year-old Kyneton man was arrested at the address and shortly after appeared unwell and became unresponsive.

Police immediately called for medical assistance and performed CPR on the man, however he was unable to be revived.

At this early stage it appears the man may have ingested some sort of substance.

As a result, five police officers who attended the scene were taken to hospital as a precaution.

Detectives from the Homicide Squad have been investigating the incident with oversight from Professional Standards Command,in line with standard procedure when a person dies in police custody.

The state government has announced the locations of the final six Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hubs – with three to be established in regional Victoria including Central Highlands Rural Health at Kyneton.

Hubs are expected to help at least 4000 more girls and women access sexual and reproductive health services every year.

A public submission and survey process is currently underway with close to 9000 responses to date – it closes on July 31.

Anh Do’s bestselling book The Happiest Refugee has made readers laugh and cry, and was described by Russell Crowe as ‘the most surprising and inspiring read I have had in years.’

The celebrity artist is headed to Kyneton Town Hall this August with his stage show that takes it a step further, combining stand-up comedy with real life stories, photos and filmed pieces to retell his amazing story.

When one of Australia’s most talented comedians delves deep into his own life’s joys and sorrows, the result is an unforgettable night at the theatre that leaves an audience uplifted and quite simply experiencing… happiness.

Anh’s upcoming show takes place at Kyneton Town Hall on Wednesday 21 August, 07:30 PM to 09:00 PM with more information abut bookings available through the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s website.

The Kyneton Town Hall will be illuminated purple this Saturday, June 15, in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).

WEAAD is held globally each year on 15 June to raise awareness of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, and to highlight the importance of the rights of older people.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Director Community Maria Weiss said elder abuse can take many forms including physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual, and is often carried out by someone known and trusted by the person (i.e. a family member, carer or friend).

“Research by Senior Rights Victoria suggests that up to 14 per cent of older people in Australia may experience elder abuse,” she said. 

“Elder abuse is often hidden, so it’s important we as a community look out for any signs of it and empower and support our vulnerable residents to report this behaviour or seek help.”

Warning signs may include an older person seeming fearful, anxious or isolated, injuries, an absence of personal care, or unexplained changes to legal documents or finances.

The council has implemented a range of initiatives through its PARTICIPATE Positive Ageing Plan 2020-25 aimed at supporting older residents in the community, including:

• the introduction of an age-friendly community directory, consisting of a range of supports and information including organisations specialised in seniors advocacy and elder abuse prevention
• social activities via the Village Connect program designed to promote inclusion and an opportunity for residents aged over 55 to come together in a safe environment and discuss issues relevant to them
• digital scam awareness workshops to teach older residents about common scams and tips to stay safe from them, as well as what to do if they’ve been scammed.

“Council will continue to look at ways we can proactively support and empower our older residents and ensure they feel safe and secure in their community,” Ms Weiss said.

If you are experiencing elder abuse, or concerned about an older person, you can get help by calling Seniors Rights Victoria on 1300 368 821.

Police have been appealing for public assistance as they search for missing woman, Harriet.

The 23-year-old was last seen on Mollison Street in Kyneton about 8.15am on 30 May.

Police and family have concerns for her welfare due to her disappearance being out of character.

It is believed she may be driving a white 2013 Toyota Corolla sedan with the registration MCAODA.

Police have released an image of Harriet in the hope that someone can provide information on her current whereabouts.

She is described as being Caucasian, of medium build with long black hair.

Harriet was last seen wearing a black polo top, black pants and black sneakers.

Anyone with information was urged to contact Gisborne Police Station on (03) 5428 2500.

Two Kyneton residents who stole firewood from the Metcalfe State Forest for profit have been ordered to pay a combined amount of $3000 and forfeit the tools and machinery used in their offending, after being found guilty of six charges each at Kyneton Magistrates’ Court.

On Tuesday, April 9, a 37-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man were each convicted and fined $1500 after they admitted to illegally cutting, removing, and selling red stringybark timber, dumping rubbish, and damaging wildlife habitat on public land in September 2022.

A 39-year-old male co-offender was convicted and fined $3000 after pleading guilty to two offences related to illegal firewood theft at Bendigo Magistrates’ Court in February.

The offenders were caught on concealed cameras installed as part of the Parks Victoria-led Operation Centaur, targeting the illegal removal of critical habitat and hollow-bearing trees on public land.

Kyneton’s Grace Larson, founder of The Sisterhood Project, has recently been named this year’s AgriFutures Victorian Rural Woman of the Year.

Grace is a paediatric nurse who’s making first aid training more accessible for rural and regional families.

The Sisterhood Project was established after Grace and her sister Skye Larson recognised the need for affordable first aid training in rural and remote areas.

Grace, a nurse turned health-care educator, observed a discrepancy in access to baby and child first aid courses, driving her mission to ensure equal opportunity for all to acquire life-saving skills.

The project’s aim is to curb higher child mortality rates in rural Australia by empowering parents and carers to know how to act in an emergency.

The Sisterhood Project is partnering with First Aid providers to offer free infant and Child First Aid training to parents and carers that can’t otherwise afford it. A main aim is to help prevent and respiratory disease and save lives.

“First Aid training has been shown time and again to have a significant impact on the outcomes of adults and children that suffer respiratory disease as a result of an accident, injury or a cardiac arrest,” Grace and Skye say on their website.

“With courses costing anywhere from $90-$150, for some parents it could mean going without groceries or rent for the week.

“For others, they simply do not have access to their finances or the freedom to choose how that money is spent.

“By providing free Infant and Child First Aid courses to vulnerable and low income mothers we are empowering them to know what to do in an emergency.

“This knowledge can significantly improve infant and child survival rates from respiratory disease and save lives.”

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is calling for community feedback on the preferred site for a new multipurpose facility at Kyneton’s Barkly Square.

The council had previously endorsed the development of a multipurpose facility for the Kyneton and District Soccer Club and Kyneton Obedience Dog Club to replace the existing ageing infrastructure.

The outdated existing infrastructure currently includes Obedience Dog Club rooms, old soccer change rooms, social room area and public toilet block.

Several site location options have been considered for the construction of a new facility, with council
officers recommending the western side of Barkly Square as the most optimal.

At its recent February meeting the council endorsed putting the matter out for community consultation. Those eager to have input are now able to do so up until March 31 via the council’s website.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is inviting the community to join a special free lunch event and shared storytelling at the Kyneton Town Hall on Friday 22 March to celebrate Cultural Diversity Week.

Cultural Diversity Week is an annual state-wide celebration held in March that recognises the value cultural diversity brings to our community.  Its timing coincides with the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March.

In partnership with Regional Victorians of Colour, Kyneton Community House and The Kindness Collective, the council will bring together culturally diverse people living in the community to share their stories along with information from the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health.  

The event will also feature a lunch lovingly prepared by community chef Valme, who will bring a taste of the Philippines to the town hall.

The council’s community director, Maria Weiss, said the event reflects this year’s theme of Our Shared Stories – Celebrating Together and will be the first since the council adopted its inaugural Cultural Diversity Statement in 2023.

“Council is committed to promoting an inclusive community ensuring that people of all faiths, cultures, languages, genders and abilities are welcome and connected,” she said.

“We warmly welcome everyone to join us in this inclusive event to celebrate and reflect on the value what cultural diversity brings to our community.”

According to the latest 2021 Census data, overseas-born residents living in the Macedon Ranges form about 13 per cent of the population, with non-English speakers representing about 4.5 per cent.

The free event will be held from 11am-2pm.

Kyneton’s Barkly Square will soon welcome back local user groups following a comprehensive upgrade of its playing surface.

State Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas and Council Mayor Annette Death were among those to inspect the ground recently and mark the $1.26 million project’s completion, which comprised close to $756,000 from Council and $500,000 from the Victorian Government’s World Game Facilities Fund.

Currently home to the Kyneton District Soccer Club, Kyneton Obedience Dog Club and Kyneton Smallbore Rifle Club, the ground’s drainage issues had previously made it prone to waterlogging, resulting in events – such as soccer matches – often needing to be cancelled or relocated.

Identified as a key project in the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Barkly Square Master Plan, the completed sports field reconstruction aims to provide a fit-for-purpose, water-resilient playing surface that results in better reliability and greater opportunities for participation.

On the project, Mayor Death said: “It’s so pleasing for Council to have been able to deliver these much-needed Barkly Square upgrades, which will allow user groups to expand their offerings and future-proof their existence.”

“I’d like to thank the Victorian Government for their vital contribution to making this project a reality, and I’d also like to thank the user groups for their patience and collaboration during the works – particularly Kyneton District Soccer Club, which advocated for these upgrades for several years.”

Works undertaken throughout this year included removing the existing turf wicket table, installing new irrigation and drainage systems, and overhauling the existing playing surface by stripping, regrading, cultivating, and resurfacing it.

New sporting infrastructure, including a synthetic cricket pitch and soccer goals, was also installed. The ground is anticipated to be ready for use in February 2024 once the turf has established.

As a primary user of the ground, Kyneton District Soccer Club President Ron Cole said: “The big benefit for our club is that we’re going to be able to train and play throughout the year without having to worry about moving – that makes it more enjoyable and beneficial for everyone involved.”

“We’d like to thank Council, the Victorian Government, all our sponsors and everyone else who continues to support us. We’ve managed to continue to grow our numbers and we’re excited for what the future holds.”

The Barkly Square Master Plan also proposes to build a new pavilion to replace the current ageing changeroom facilities. Council is continuing planning and design work on this aspect.

The Kyneton and Districts Toy Library has successfully relocated and reopened in recent days, ensuring local families will be able to continue lending quality toys.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has worked closely with the toy library committee to find a suitable alternative location, following the decision to hand back its former home – the leased site of the former Lady Brooks Kindergarten on Hutton Street – to the Victorian Government.

The toy library is now located at 127 High Street in Kyneton – adjacent to the current Visitor Information Centre – and is open from 10-11am on Saturdays, with its transition also supported by a $3,000 grant through the council’s Small Project Grants.

Mayor Annette Death said the council’s Children, Youth and Family Services team had been working with the toy library committee to investigate alternative accommodation options and ensure a smooth transition to a new site.

“We’re really pleased for the toy library to have a new dedicated space, which we hope will make it easier for their volunteers to run sessions and manage toys,” she said.

“Thank you to the Kyneton and Districts Toy Library committee members who worked closely with Council on the relocation and new fit-out, and thank you also to the council staff involved on this positive outcome.”

The toy library’s move follows the other remaining tenant of the former Lady Brooks Kindergarten – council’s Maternal Child and Health Service – moving to Kyneton Health’s Ambulatory Care Centre in February this year.

The Old Kyneton Primary School is preparing to host a range of festive season community events next month in the lead-up to Christmas.

On December 2 there will be a celebratory cardmaking workshop from 11am to 1pm followed by a live On the Couch with Beck Lister chatting with Tonia Todman, Terry Jaensch and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas.

On December 18, from 11am to 2pm, there will be an End Of Year Cheer concert with three local choirs hosting a singalong and live music for young and old. Those who plan to get along are advised to bring a chair.

The Kyneton community came together in recent days for a celebration of First Peoples’ culture, and to launch a new series of ongoing creative community events at the Old Kyneton Primary School site.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas attended the event which was the first in a
series of community focused activities aiming to open up the much-loved site to the
community while construction works continue on the heritage bluestone building.
The free event featured a performance of Ngarrandjeri/ Djab Wurrung/Gunditj Mara
musican and dancer Amos Roach in collaboration with Kulin Nations dance troupe
Murrundaya Yepengna Dancers.
Future activations will nw take place on two Saturdays each month through until March 2024
and local creative and community groups werre encouraged to submit proposals for activities.
The early Early Activation Program is being delivered by prospective site managers, Working
Heritage and is supported by the state government through Creative Victoria.
November and December dates are now confirmed with events today and 18 November
focusing on activities for young people and families and events on 2 and 16 December
celebrating the theme ’Radio GaGa’ including radio workshops, choir singalongs and a
Christmas-themed “crafternoon”.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas: “This Old Kyneton Primary School project is about revitilising the site for the people of Kyneton and creating a vibrant new creative drawcard for the region.
“This event is the first of many as part of the activation program which will bring the site to
life and provide opportunities for local creatives to showcase their talents.”