Shedshaker Brewing is hosting a very special evening of song and art on Wednesday October 29 to raise money to help Castlemaine Safe Space address elder abuse in the region.
The night of fun and entertainment will get underway at 7pm and all money raised will go towards supporting Castlemaine Safe Space to raise awareness of the issue of elder abuse in the community.
According to Victoria Police data, elder abuse is on the rise in Victoria, with more than 6,000 reports of elder abuse in the year to March 2024. This includes a 32 per cent rise in family violence affecting those 65 and over during the last five years, with psychological and financial abuse the most common types reported.
The night will feature live entertainment by talented local Australian Folk Music Awards 2025 finalist Archer and renowned local band Crosswind.
Archer is a regionally based folk/country/blues singer who is no stranger to the Taproom. His ethereal voice and old-timey approach to songs have earned him a popular following. He enjoys playing monthly gigs at Arcare Castlemaine and various other nursing homes and helping residents relive the songs of their youth.
Crosswind is a locally based band that wanders from bluegrass to folk, classic rock‘n’roll to jazz in their musical stylings while boasting solid rhythms, tasty solos and four-part harmonies.
Local Seniors advocate and one of the event organisers, Sam Crassweller said that she was keen to celebrate the role that seniors play in our community.
“Seniors are revered in many cultures, but in Australia, there seems to have been a shift and this negativity about Seniors and their ability to embrace new technologies etc. We want to break down these stereotypes, combat ageism in the workplace and wider community, and encourage younger generations to take a fresh look at what our ageing community can offer,” she said.
The night will feature silent auctions of donated artworks, with all proceeds going to Castlemaine Safe Space.
The fundraiser will also celebrate Seniors Month, which runs all of October.
Castlemaine Safe Space working group member Helen Dewhurst said they are incredibly grateful to Shedshaker and the wonderful musicians for making the event possible.
Entry is $10 on the night or by donation.

The Elphinstone Facilities Committee and Elphinstone Progress Association have joined forces to organise a town-wide garage sale this Sunday October 26.
The groups are raising funds for air conditioning in the Elphinstone Hall.
Elphinstone Facilities Committee member Nikki Lens said they have had garage sales at Elpho over the last few years but this year decided to make it a town-wide event with a common goal.
“The community has got right behind us and we will have a large number of garage sale stalls set up in the Saw Pit Gully Reserve next to the Elphinstone Post Office.
“We encourage community members come and pick up a map from the Elphinstone Post Office, grab a snag and a coffee and browse the stalls, and then go hunting for a bargain around the garage sales at homes dotted throughout the town,” Nikki said.
The event will run from 8.30am to 2pm.
You can find the Elphinstone Post Office at 9 Bateman Street, Elphinstone.
Stall registrations is $10. For more information call 0410 523 270 or email elphrechall@gmail.com
In the event of inclement weather the community stalls will be moved to the Elphinstone Hall.