Heather Macdermid, Castlemaine, Dip Fam. History Research UniTas
Re Your Opinions July 10, 2026 ‘Restore the people’s camp’.
I write as a social history aficionado, and a lover of local history in particular. But, the misuse of our local goldfield’s history to obstruct vital updating of facilities at the Camp Reserve leaves me dismayed and even appalled.
Yes, Colonial John Bull, our first gold commissioner, had the foresight to achieve the ‘Camp’ being designated a public recreation reserve in perpetuity. But John Bull did not say the Camp should remain a static memorial to the handful of years of his goldfield administration. I am sure that the John Bull that I have grown to know and admire would be rapt at the wealth of activity that continues to evolve at the Camp, and especially the atmospheric vibrancy and heartbeat that footy, cricket and netball have brought to the Camp ever since his time. Because he chose to retire here in Castlemaine there is a very good chance that he was a fervent barracker at games of the Castlemaine Football Club at the Camp! That football and other sporting activity immerses thousands of citizens in a historic precinct is a huge positive and to be celebrated!
Colonel Bull was a great contributor to the common good of the Castlemaine community. He led the development of community facilities such as a public hospital and public school. Our Mount Alexander Council is entrusted to do that leading of community development now. I think John Bull would champion the pursuit of the ‘greater good’ in civic development just like our local council must pursue ‘the greater good’ now in relation to the Camp Reserve. The array of active recreation that happens so close to the centre of town at the Camp, helps puts one of council’s core responsibilities, health promotion, front and centre.
The Football Netball Club are the experts in what facilities and developments are needed to maximise involvement in the sports they so generously organise. The Camp committee of management have done the heavy work integrating Camp ‘user groups’ needs into an agreed plan. The previous councils have done the planning work following democratic due process. The current council’s role is to bring this due process to fruition without delay.
Continued active recreation at the Camp can help focus on our local goldfield’s history. John Bull would be proud.