Castlemaine residents are being invited to support local emergency services at a fundraising high tea aimed at helping the Victoria State Emergency Service Castlemaine Unit replace a vital rescue vehicle. The event will be held this Sunday, May 17, from 2pm to 4pm at the Buda Historic Home and Garden.
The Castlemaine SES unit responds to a wide range of emergencies across the region, including storm damage, road crash rescue, and search operations.
Organisers say replacing the ageing rescue vehicle is essential to maintaining the unit’s ability to respond quickly and safely to incidents in the local community.
Event organiser Kristina Forbes said the high tea is designed to both raise funds and increase community awareness of the SES’s broader role.
“Many people associate SES with storms and floods, but our volunteers are called out to a wide range of incidents throughout the year,” she said.
“This event is an opportunity for the community to connect with our members and directly support the equipment we rely on to keep people safe.”
Guests will be welcomed with refreshments on arrival and can enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury items while meeting local SES volunteers and learning more about their work. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange in support of the SES, with prizes awarded on the day. A raffle will also be held, with a format allowing winners to select their preferred prize.
Tickets are $55 per person and available online via Humanitix, with limited seating.
Funds raised will go directly towards the replacement of the unit’s rescue vehicle, supporting the ongoing emergency response capability of the Castlemaine SES.
There’s still a few tickets available so head to: events.humanitix.com/castlemaine-ses-high-tea
ONI Street Wear in Castlemaine is set to host a launch party tonight, Friday May 15, to showcase the winter collection of Rascal Clothing.
Rascal Clothing creator Casey Tosh said he is passionate about upcycling street wear into modern fashion.
“This is an area I started to explore after a collaboration in Seoul, South Korea, two years ago, with a fashion brand called Chemical Sister.
“I was screen printing my artwork on to vintage clothing and the two sisters would add colour and sewing designs,” Casey says.
“Since that time I have began to learn more about construction and sewing,” he said.
A chance meeting with Josh Salmon of ONI Street Wear has led to the latest collaboration.
“We met at the Castlemaine Artists Market where both had screen printed clothing displays. Josh invited me to visit his skate store and screen print shop,” Casey said.
“After seeing the space and what Josh was doing we agreed that it would be cool to work together.
“As a skateboarder and clothing designer I thought our work could be complementary, trading our different areas of expertise and skill sets.
“Where possible adding in some upcycled designs. Old fabrics are often of a higher quality in their design and materials. This also aims to address the problem of fast fashion,” Casey said.
Tonight’s launch will include a live performance by The Punk Monks. The band will be modelling some of the new designs.
There will also be a DJ set from Sir Elbow from Guildford.
The launch is part of a larger collaboration takeover, including an in-house art work, and will run for a month. Be sure to pop into ONI Street Wear at 22 Hargraves Street and check it out.
The launch will run from 5.30pm-8pm tonight, with the band to hit the stage at 6.30pm.
Jade Jungwirth
Castlemaine’s inaugural Town Open Day will be held this Saturday May 16 – giving residents a taster of the wide breadth of groups, teams and hobbies on offer locally.
A fun-filled day full of food, activities, demonstrations and workshops, the Town Open Day is the perfect place to meet new people, pick up a hobby and get involved.
From sports to choirs, and bird watching to roller skating, there really is something on offer for everyone.
Organised by Castlemaine Community House and Get Connected Mount Alexander, the family-friendly, accessible event is designed to help bring people together.
Community Connector Isis Jordan said there will be around 30 clubs and groups available on the day.
“It’s kind of like O’Week at university, a community open day with a range of hobbies, activities, and clubs,” she said.
“It can be really hard to find where the action is, especially if you don’t live in the centre of Castlemaine. Maybe you’re on the periphery, and you don’t know anyone, maybe you’re not tech savvy, maybe you’re not on Facebook.”
CCH executive officer Mahira Sobral said Get Connected is a social prescribing program that identifies the need for a more medical approach to social inclusion, one which identifies that mental health and community wellbeing are key.
“We see great outcomes from people being connected,” she said.
“Town Open Day is the brainchild of Get Connected – bringing that work to life in a physical space.”
Local holistic practitioner Rich Moffat is one of the many stallholders who will be offering demonstrations on the day.
“I teach yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong; they’re all a little bit different, so it’s good for people to understand what they are, so I’m going to teach short classes on the day so people experience them for themselves,” he said.
Other groups include: the Falcons, Bird Life Castlemaine, Queer Book Club, the Nordic Walking Group, Silent Disco, Pickleball, Nalderun, and a variety of local choirs just to name a few.
Pizza De Wheels, Ice Cream Republic and Les Bean Coffee will be on site, plus a BBQ cooked by CCH.
Town Open Day will be held on Saturday May 16 from 10am to 2pm at The Goods Shed, 21 Kennedy Street (*no longer at the Botanical Gardens due to the weather).
This is a free event, and transport is available across the shire. Call CCH on 5472 4842 to book your place on the free bus.
For more information, please visit www.cch.org.au/town-open-day or follow Castlemaine Community House on socials for updates.
Castlemaine’s thriving food scene has once again proven its famous creativity, with four local businesses taking top honours in the 2026 Edgy Veg Awards in Mount Alexander Shire.
Now in its fifth year across the Macedon Ranges and second in Mount Alexander Shire, the awards saw a record-breaking 946 diners sample and vote on vegetable-focused dishes over the month-long competition. The results confirm what locals already know — Castlemaine’s chefs are redefining how vegetables are enjoyed.
Leading the charge was Shedshaker Brewing, which claimed the Restaurant, Pub and Bar category for the second consecutive year with its Pumpkin and Ricotta Ravioli. Described by voters as “Delicate, sublime flavours. Beautiful presentation. Left me wanting more!”, “Made with love – flavour all the way through!” and “It is a wow factor dish. I don’t expect such rich flavour from a veg dish!”.
Shedshaker Brewing head chef Bec Murphy said they were thrilled to claim the honours in the restaurant category for the second year running.
“It really puts the pressure on for next year!” Bec said.
“We felt like there was a lot more engagement this year, polling was definitely up.
“We don’t think vegans should miss out on flavour. It’s nice to put something out there that shows people plant based foods don’t have to be boring.
“It took a bit of tweaking to get the dish just right, but we were really pleased with the final result and obviously diners were too,” Bec said.
In the café category, a rare tie saw both Saffs Café with their Autumnal Okonomiyaki, and Togs Place Café with their Zaatar Tofu share first place.
Saffs’ rave reviews included: “I can’t believe you don’t have this exciting delicious dish on your menu. Thank you for making it for the competition. We had never been to Saff’s Cafe and were drawn by the description of this unique dish.”
Togs’ dish was described as, “Beautiful presentation! Fresh and flavourful, I would definitely recommend this and order it again.”.
Saffs Cafe chef Emily Jennings said they too were pretty excited take out the gong.
“The feedback has been really amazing,” she said.
“We have had Okonomiyaki on the menu before, but this particular dish was developed especially for the competition and we were delighted it was so well received,” Emily said.
Elissa Wilsher of Togs Cafe said it was super exciting to be recognised.
“There was a lot of interest in the competition this year and our waiters and kitchen staff really encouraged our patrons to try the dish and cast their vote.
“Our fully qualified chef is vegan and started the development process, but the whole team had input into the final offering and we are thrilled it was so warmly received.”
Meanwhile, Johnny Baker took out the bakery category with its Ginger, Carrot & Pineapple Cake, described as, “Absolutely sensational. A beautiful combination of flavours that feels decadent yet healthy” and “So yummy! I have never had this combo in a cake before and it really worked!”
Johnny Baker chef Josh Bendeich said they were surprised and elated to win the bakery category.
“The Ginger Carrot and Pineapple Cake is a staple on our menu and well-loved by our regulars.
“However, it flew off the shelves during the month long competition. We went through a lot of ginger!” he laughed.
“It really opened a lot of people’s eyes about vegan cuisine. One customer asked for it and I commented ‘the vegan cake?’ And he said ‘no way’. I pointed out it was what he had been enjoying all along!” Josh said.
The award winning cake is not going anywhere.
“It will definitely remain on our menu,” he said.
The awards, delivered by Veg Action of Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, continue to support local businesses during challenging economic times, bringing a burst of interest and increased custom from both locals and visiting Edgy Veg Awards diners.
The Edgy Veg Awards are supported by Healthy Loddon Campaspe and Mount Alexander Shire Council.
Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Toby Heydon praised the winners, noting they are “leaders in our communities,” helping to build a healthier and more sustainable local food culture.
Homelessness, high rents, mortgages unavailable, government housing estates too few and poorly managed. There are so many issues making life difficult for people trying to find a home they can afford!
A group of concerned citizens of Mount Alexander Shire, on the land of the Djaara, are planning a rally and concert to address this issue.
The day will include information stalls, speakers and live music on Saturday May 23 at the St Mary’s Hall Castlemaine.
One of the organisers of the event, Peter James Wreford Dawson says in what he considers the richest country on Earth there should be no homelessness, families should be able to obtain a mortgage at a reasonable interest rate or affordable rental.
“Why are governments wasting money on beautification of streetscapes rather than building houses? How is it that $quillions are earmarked for useless
submarines and jet planes while housing, health and education are always at the bottom of the list?
“With our population aging, more and more people will need affordable accommodation especially in government estates. Apart from the financial
pressures, the stress of finding suitable accommodation is a serious factor in the detriment of mental health in our communities. Existing estates are too few and appallingly managed. Maintenance is haphazard and issues are ignored by Housing Officers,” Pete says.
Determined to make a difference Pete and friends have organised the rally and concert.
“The rally, supported by St Mary’s Catholic Church, Castlemaine is designed for those with a need for information about help that is available and
also an attempt to get government to listen!” he says.
Speakers have been invited from the Department of Families, Fairness & Housing, DJAARA Corporation, Housing groups, etc.
Speakers confirmed to appear will include Mayor Toby Heydon – Mount Alexander Shire Council; Tom Danby – Tiny Homes program; Malcolm Robins – Environmentally friendly community housing; and Dr Jamel Kaur Singh – Financial Literacy & Using Government Incentives towards Home Ownership.
Musicians to perform on the day will include Andy Dunne, Ange Lawson, Georgia Darcy, Les Thomas, Loz Lawrey, Peter Bodin, Trudy Fatnowna Edgeley, Silverfish and Scott Sanders.
The Homes For All rally will begin at 12 noon in St Mary’s Hall cnr Hargraves and Lyttleton Streets, Castlemaine with the concert following the speakers at approximately 3pm.
For more information email mujik@y7mail.com or check out the Housing In The ‘Maine Facebook page.
Highly anticipated local production Camp Darwin directed by Kate Stones and written by Arjun Raina which will be making its debut with the Castlemaine Theatre Company tonight.
After a desperate year-long wait to be repatriated back to Australia from India at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, 150 Australian residents finally land in Darwin after boarding a government-assisted Qantas flight.
The play follows the experiences of six intrepid travellers who find themselves at the ‘Centre for National Resilience’ at the Howard Springs Quarantine Facility, each assigned to their own donga, they sit and wait, counting down the 14 days, ever hopeful that they never return a positive test.
Based on Gisborne-based playwright Arjun Raina’s experience at the Howard Springs Quarantine Facility during the pandemic, the play asks audiences to consider the nature of human resilience, the importance of connection and ultimately the unwavering desire to return home – wherever that may be.
The dedicated CTC cast hail from Hoppers Crossing to Bendigo and everywhere in between!
Camp Darwin will be performed at 35 Etty Street, Castlemaine, in a new and exciting space downstairs.
Performance dates May 15-31 (Fri/Sat 7.30pm and Sun 2pm).
For tickets visit www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1556179
Castlemaine motorcycle riders are set to gather once again this Sunday May 17 for the annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride raising money for men’s health.
The DGR originated in Australia and is now a worldwide fund raising effort to improve men’s mental and physical health.
On the same day around the world riders get dressed ‘Dapper’, dust off their old classic or modified machines and go for a ride.
Castlemaine boys and girls have raised over $70,000 in the last three years thanks to the generosity of friends, family and our community.
This Sunday, over 50 riders will gather at the Castlemaine RSL in Mostyn Street from 10.30am. The RSL continue to support this event with morning tea.
This year’s ride will take in Castlemaine, Harcourt, Chewton, Fryerstown and conclude at the Five Flags Hotel in Campbells Creek for lunch.
Be sure to give riders a wave as they pass through your region to let them know you care.
Unique to our local DGR event, Castlemaine has a featured guest speaker. This year, psychologist Darren Eger will offer some advice on the signs to look for regarding mental health.
Darren is part of a cohort of professionals who travel to country and remote regions promoting mental wellbeing. Calling themselves ‘Psychs on Bikes’ they hope to reduce the devastating effects of mental trauma among men.
You can support the Castlemaine riders by either registering to ride or donating to a rider. Go to www.gentlemansride.com select Australia, scroll to Castlemaine and either donate to a rider or generally to the Castlemaine ride.
Thanks to the organising team of Brian Rix, Mick Morgan, Dave Petrusma and Ian Lihou for once again putting on this special event.
This National Palliative Care Week, Dhelkaya Health, in partnership with the Palliative Care Consortium, will host a free community panel discussion at the Phee Broadway Theatre, located in the Castlemaine Library foyer, on Thursday May 14 from 11 am to 12 noon.
Titled ‘Getting to the heart of it – big questions, real answers,’ the session will explore important conversations around end-of-life care in an open and supportive setting.
The panel will feature guest speaker Adam Rutnya, Voluntary Assisted Dying Navigator for the Loddon Mallee region, alongside Hayley West, a local death literacy advocate, ceremony creator and independent death worker, and Jane Furze, Team Leader of Dhelkaya Health’s Community Palliative Care Program. A local GP will also join the discussion.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the panel during a Q&A session, followed by morning tea.
The event is free to attend, and no bookings are required.
Community members seeking further information about Community Palliative Care services can phone 5471 3495 or visit the Dhelkaya Health website.
