Achievements and lookahead From Council Elections in October 2024 through to adopting the Budget 2025-26 in June 2025, the 2024-25 financial year was another busy one for Council.
Preparing for the fire danger period Learn how to prepare your property for the Fire Danger Period, find out about Council’s fire prevention efforts, read the latest on our fire hydrant audit, and stay informed over summer.
Fair returns Hanging Rock’s reputation as a legendary destination for unforgettable events will be further enhanced with the Lost Trades Fair returning to where it all began, the Macedon Ranges, in 2026.
The gift of time The Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme continues to be an important support for our older residents who may be unable to socialise as they would like.
Get involved in 2026 Autumn Fest Following a successful 2025, the Autumn Festival is set to return for 2026, with the month-long celebration scheduled for April.
All action at Hanging Rock Back by popular demand, TV personality and Zoologist Chris Humfrey and the Wild Action Zoo team return to Hanging Rock just in time for the 2025 spring school holidays!
Community hails our businesses The winners of the biennial Telstra Macedon Ranges Community Choice Awards 2025 were crowned earlier this year, with the community driving nominations and then voting to highlight excellence in customer service.
Learning about Waa and Bunjil A daily visitor has been a talking point between children and educators at Woodend Kindergarten. In the Kulin nation he is known as Waa, a protector and ancestral being. He is more commonly known as ‘crow’.
Libraries are for slowing down Life with a little one can be full-on. Sometimes you just need a moment to slow down — in a space that isn’t home.
Immunise and protect Council is dedicated to supporting families with free immunisation services for infants and children eligible under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Enjoy Council’s outdoor pools Want to beat the heat this summer? Why not visit one of our outdoor pools, located in Woodend and Lancefield.
Learn to swim, it’s a life skill Australians have a strong affinity with water – whether that be with our beautiful beaches, free-flowing rivers, or backyard pools. That’s why learning to swim is one of the most important steps you can take for you or your children to stay safe around the water.
Major projects progressing Two of Council’s multi-year, recreation-focused major projects are continuing to progress into 2025-26, to provide more space to play and utilise active transport for locals and visitors alike.
Pawsitive deals Here at Council, our Local Laws team members LOVE responsible pet owners, so we have a few pawsitive deals in place to say thanks.
Land, buildings and permits Are you a landowner planning your next summer renovation or add-on, or perhaps even buying a new house? Or are you thinking about using your property in a different way to how it currently functions?
Improving road safety Council is dedicated to improving road safety for all users, including through the design and construction of safer road systems, guided by objectives in our key strategic documents such as the Mobility and Road Safety Strategy.
Water planning and management When it comes to the use and the management of water, Council holds a number of responsibilities to help support our Macedon Ranges residents and our natural environment.
Guiding Council’s strategic direction Throughout 2025, we have been undertaking a thorough review and refresh of a number of key Council documents that drive what we deliver, in consultation with – and on behalf of – our community.
Sign up and have Your Say Council’s Your Say online engagement hub is your go-to source for information and feedback on all Council-led consultations, in addition to other external consultations Council may support.
Rates instalments Rates and charges can be paid in four instalments by no later than the due date, or for the 2025-26 financial year as a single payment by 30 September 2025.
Vouchers and special offers Look out for your printed copy of the newsletter, which includes a free indoor or outdoor swim coupon, and Green Waste Drop-off voucher.