Newcitizens welcomed

Macedon Ranges Shire officially welcomed 29 new citizens at Australia Day celebrations last week. The newest citizens originate from New Zealand, United Kingdom, Netherlands, France, Canada, Taiwan, Germany, Zambia, Ireland, Iraq, South Africa, Italy, Scotland and Iran.

“Council extends avery warm welcome to all of our newest Australian citizens who have chosen the Macedon Ranges as the place to complete their citizenship journey. We wish them all good health and happiness in the years to come,” Macedon Ranges Mayor Annette Death said.

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WHATDOESTHEFUTUREHOLDFORYOURCHILD?

Thefuturerequiresambition, determinationand resilience

It’s fueled by positivity,agrowthmindset, openness to new ideas, and newwaysofdoing things

It needsamoral compassand thestrengthofcharacter to stand up when requiredand be accountablewhenmistakesare made.

Thefutureisthe ability to collaborate, to support others and applaud theirsuccess whilestriving foryourown.Totruly be part of ateamwhileembracing individuality

It’s reaching outand reachingup, lending ahandtofriends and strangersalike.It’ssaying“yes” and puttingkindness above self-interest.

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To findout moreabout the Girton differenceand howwecan help your childbecome future ready,including scholarship opportunities, call our Registraron5441 3114 or see our website: girton.vic.edu.au

Trivia fun

Atrivia night at Victoria Hotel in Woodend will raise funds for Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria on February 24.

People are encouraged to form teams of up 10 people, join in the fun with 'Quizmaster Sean', compete for aprize and support PHHWV's programs.

PHHWV is anon-profit organisation committed to providing hope for equines through education, rehabilitation and advocacy.

The trivia night will be held at the hotel on February 24 at 7pm.

Cost is $25 per ticket. Bookings are essential as seating is limited.

RSVP by February 17 to: treasurer@phhwv.org.au

Free RATs available

Rapid antigen tests are now available free of charge at Macedon Ranges, Mount Alexander and Hepburn shire council customer service centres.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas last week announced all Victorians are eligible to pick up two free packets of RATs through their local council to help with early detection and treatment of COVID-19.

The council RAT distribution program is currently operating across more than 200 local sites and is open to all with eligibility requirements now removed.

Individuals can collect up to two packets for themselves plus up to two packets for each household member per visit while people with adisability or their carer can collect up to four packets of tests.

The Woodend Warblers are inviting new members with an open rehearsal next week.

The acapella group has azest for music that continues to grow with direction of local choir leader Andrew Price.

Formed in 2018 and with just less than 20 members at the first rehearsal, the choir has continued to grow not only in numbers but also in reputation.

Like every choir, the two years of pandemic lockdowns meant no rehearsals.

Andrew worked hard to find novel ways to keep the choir’s interest in singing alive and his efforts paid off because the Warblers emerged in 2022 even stronger than before.

There are now about 50 regular members and the choir has recently performed at Mur- toa’s 150th Anniversary, Ulumbarra Theatre in Bendigo as part of the Symphonia Choralis and at the Newstead Live Music Festival.

The Warblers have also been invited to perform as part of Choir Party at MPavillion in Melbourne in early February.

The choir has been complimented on its versatility and has arepertoire that includes Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now and Elbow’s rousing One Day Like This -bothgreat crowd pleasers but our arrangement of Sinead O’Connor’s haunting In This Heart can also woo audiences. They are always learning new pieces, and Andrew has many songs lined up for 2023.

The Warblers are known for their engaging performances, their love of music and the bond this creates is palpable. The focus is on fun and they often go to the pub and sing more after rehearsal.

Membership is not based on experience or skill level and there is no audition. Everyone is welcome whether they have never sung with agroup before, or singing has been an ongoing part of their life.

On Wednesday, February 8, the Woodend Warblers are having an open rehearsal and all those interested are invited to come and try!

There is no cost involved in trying it out, just come along to Norma Richardson Hall, Buckland Street, Woodend, at 7.30pm.

For more details contact Andrew Price on 0419 604 444, or just go along.