Castlemaine Golf Club news…

A later start was necessary last Thursday at Castlemaine Golf Club as players waited for the morning frost to clear.

Once play got underway, Peter Verlaan (14) made the most of the crisp conditions, claiming the par round with an impressive +3, securing A Grade honours. Les Prendergast (19) put up a strong fight but had to settle for runner-up after a tight countback with Peter.

In B Grade, Ron Jenkins (19) was the only other player to finish in the positives, carding +1 for the win. Tony Strong (19) followed closely behind, earning runner-up with a square round.

On the birdie board, Klai Jermyn led the way with four birdies, while Leon Thomas and Norm Bellis were right on his heels with three apiece. Norm also claimed Nearest the Pin on the 12th hole, with Leigh Campbell taking the honours on the 7th.

Despite cold and wintery conditions on Saturday, 40 determined players rugged up to compete in the June Monthly Medal. The tough weather didn’t faze Tayler Walsh (16), who claimed the overall medal with an impressive nett score of 69. Walsh also secured the B Grade victory, finishing six strokes ahead of Billy Burgess (16), who posted a nett 75.

In A Grade, Matthew O’Brien (3) led the field with a solid nett 74, finishing three shots clear of Greg Sinclair (6), who carded a nett 77. Malcolm McKellar (23) topped C Grade with a strong nett 72, while Joel Maddern (21) claimed runner-up honours with a nett 75.

Birdies were scarce in the testing conditions, with only five recorded across the entire field. Joel Maddern managed to snag two of them and also took home the NTP prize on the 7th hole. Rob Prendergast was awarded the NTP prize on the 12th.

With no rain in sight, players took advantage of the break in the rain to celebrate the King’s Birthday with a Stableford round. Stephen Cooper (18) rose to the top with a solid 37 points, finishing two ahead of Chris Milham (20), who posted 35 points to claim runner-up honours.

Scoring highlights were few, with just three birdies recorded on the day—one each to Liam O’Brien, Matthew O’Brien, and Beau York. Vin Walsh claimed the only NTP, landing it on the 12th hole.

On Tuesday, following recent rain, the conditions proved a little tricky for the ladies who played a stableford round. Trish Sharrock (22) handled the challenge best, finishing with 32 points to claim the win—just one ahead of Mary Harris (31), who carded 31 points. Glenda Jefferies’ impressive drive on the 12th earned her the IGA voucher for NTP.

Action at Wattle Gully

Wattle Gully Working Group members: Vin Cappy, David Bannear, Noel Muller (formerly Parks Victoria), Greg Planke, Tim Barber and Glenn Bray-brook are pictured assisting with the clean-up

After several meetings with Earth Resources Victoria, local state member Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards, Parks Victoria and Heritage Victoria over the last two years there was finally a breakthrough re...

Subscribe to the Castlemaine Mail to read the full story.

Already a subscriber? Log in below

Problems logging in?

Rain, Mud, and Magic at MAIN Game

PHOTO: Max Lesser. The Rockatoos and Radio Galahs battle it out on the Camp in slippery conditions.

Not even sideways rain and squelching mud could keep the crowds away from one of Castlemaine’s most beloved events—The Main Game, MainFM’s annual footy fundraiser held at the iconic Camp Reserve. In t...

Subscribe to the Castlemaine Mail to read the full story.

Already a subscriber? Log in below

Problems logging in?

Two loves, rain and art

The winning entry: Kate Hudson in her studio, by Esther Schouten

More than 250 art enthusiasts amassed at Cascade Art Gallery in Maldon to await the final announcements for the Maldon Portrait Prize last Saturday.
As the rain poured down cleaning the rosemary leav...

Subscribe to the Castlemaine Mail to read the full story.

Already a subscriber? Log in below

Problems logging in?

Neurokin continues this weekend

Chloe Elizabeth will entertain visitors on Saturday afternoon

'Neurokin', Australia's pioneer neurodiversity arts festival kicked off last weekend with a series of online events and continues this weekend with in-person events based at the Campbells Creek Commun...

Subscribe to the Castlemaine Mail to read the full story.

Already a subscriber? Log in below

Problems logging in?

Celebrating the winter solstice in Maldon

As the last of the autumn leaves begin to fall and everyone's attention turns from fire risks and watering the garden, to stocking up the woodpile and dusting off their winter wares, the folk in Maldo...

Subscribe to the Castlemaine Mail to read the full story.

Already a subscriber? Log in below

Problems logging in?

Where on earth is Dave?

Castlemaine's Dave set off on his latest journey in late April

The Mail featured a ‘My Community’ profile of Dave Stephens in the April 18 edition of the paper. The article discussed his love of folk music, Bueno chocolate, and connecting with country. Yet, there was more to his story.

Dave was about to embark on a journey across Australia by bicycle – from Wilson’s Prom to Darwin – to raise money for endometriosis. This is his second epic ride after cycling solo from Sydney to Perth in 2023 and raising $5000 for the cause.

“It was just this quiet illness that I kept hearing about in these stories from people who were close to me… and it hadn’t sort of entered the mainstream conversation with men,” Dave said.

Thus far, Dave has raised $3,114.78 on his travels and has a goal to reach $5,000. Before he left he advised his only fear was wild dogs chasing him, and so begs the question – where is he right now?

Dave had phone signal on June 5 and contacted The Mail to advise he had crossed the border into the Northern Territory.

“I have been chased by a Maremma at Murray Bridge, but the dingoes are friendly and curious. A few camp fire visitations, but [they get] spooked away easily,” Dave said.

“I keep finding pianos in tiny towns and pubs and ended up writing a little ditty that I’ve kept going on my mandolin – hoping to polish it up as I travel”.

Anyone wanting to support Dave’s fundraiser to raise awareness for a condition that impacts one in seven Australian women can donate here.

My Newstead: Jasmine MacDonald

Jasmine (fourth from left) with her mother and siblings

This is part two of Jasmine's story. The first installment was published in last week's edition of the Mail, Friday, June 6.

Jade Jungwirth
Jasmine met Malcolm, who was a scientist, immunologist and...

Subscribe to the Castlemaine Mail to read the full story.

Already a subscriber? Log in below

Problems logging in?

Journey Beyond Fear

Jade Jungwirth
To coincide with Refugee Week, the Rural Australians for Refugees Castlemaine and Theatre Royal are hosting a special screening of Journey Beyond Fear at 7pm on Tuesday, June 17.
An ins...

Subscribe to the Castlemaine Mail to read the full story.

Already a subscriber? Log in below

Problems logging in?

Friday, June 13, 2025

Subscribe to read full editions of the Castlemaine Mail online.

Already a subscriber? Log in below

Problems logging in?

Pat turns 90! 

Pat Wilson is pictured here with her husband Rex (front right), son-in-law Ross and daughters Chris and Di (back).

Well known local identity Pat Wilson celebrated her 90th Birthday with an intimate luncheon surrounded by close family and friends in the Red Room at Five Flags Hotel at Campbells Creek last Thursday ...

Subscribe to the Castlemaine Mail to read the full story.

Already a subscriber? Log in below

Problems logging in?

Pride Choir calls for members 

The Castlemaine Pride Choir is looking for new members!

The Castlemaine Pride Choir is currently on the hunt for new members! 
The group performs annually at Castlemaine Pride and for the Rotary Carols, so they only meet a few times a year to rehearse...

Subscribe to the Castlemaine Mail to read the full story.

Already a subscriber? Log in below

Problems logging in?

Featured