An estimated crowd of 2500 people flocked to the Flowserve TKL open day on Saturday October 18 to mark the iconic Castlemaine foundry’s 150th anniversary.
Visitors enjoyed free coffee compliments of Flowserve and a snag thanks to the team from Rotary Castlemaine and the rare chance to wander through the factory as the sounds of the Thompsons Foundry Band filled the air.
Visitors learned about some of the history and incredible products produced by the foundry over the last 150 years from former employee and longtime local resident George Milford who has penned a new book, The Foundry – 150 years of Thompsons Castlemaine.
The company founded by Irish brothers David and James Thompson who descended from a long line of foundry workers. Thompsons was born following a mining windfall at Quartz Hill at Chewton. They initially built a flour mill which produced award winning flour, before shifting their focus to engineering and supporting the mining, agriculture and engineering needs of Castlemaine and district and beyond before branching into to rail and trains, wartime munitions and triple-expansion steam engines for the HMAS Castlemaine, and ultimately forged a name for its world-renowned pumps.
The event gave those in attendance a wonderful chance to chat to past and present employees.
Among those to attend were former employee Ken McDougall, pictured below, who was responsible for keeping the boilers firing – hauling 17 ton of wood a day!
During his time with the company Ken also worked on the cranes and forklifts, filled in as staff nurse, spent time as a night watchman, and also had the responsibility of sounding the whistle for shifts and breaks.
“It was hard work but it was a great team and we had a lot of fun along the way,” Ken said.
Ken said one of his most memorable days on the job was when the police approached the company for assistance to destroy a multi-million dollar cannabis haul.
“We really put the boilers to work that day and Channel 9 were on hand to film the spectacle!” Ken said.
Among the special guests at Saturday’s event was Bendigo Federal MP Lisa Chesters who assisted Flowserve Project Engineer Specialist and event organiser David Lawrence to unveil a plaque to celebrate the 150 year milestone.
The celebrations coincided with supporting events attended by hundreds of visitors at Billmans Foundry where spectators enjoyed a live metal pour, Castlemaine Historical Society, and the Maldon Vintage Engine Museum.

The inaugural Spring Fashion Show last Friday will be remembered as a highlight event of the year by everyone who attended.
There were queues of well-dressed patrons waiting to enter the fabulously adorned historic town hall, to cheer as their friends and family braved the runway and a full house (including a bus full of Newstedians) enjoyed the festivities.
Held to raise money for the Castlemaine State Festival, which starts in March 2026 and will celebrate 50 years of operation, the event was planned by one of the CSF founders, Phee Broadway, with talented fashion designer Ulrike von Radichevich from Rike Designs.
Support was provided by five local fashion houses including; Rike Designs, Mensland Castlemaine, Ivy & Grace, Corner Store Merchants, and Aolita, together with over 30 models representing the diversity of the town and an impressive front and back-of-house team.
The organisation required was massive and was achieved with precision, while the atmosphere created for the audience was ‘Party time, Relax and Enjoy!’
The fashions were worn with confidence and style by models often well-known to the audience who cheered them on, and by the end of the evening, the models were even dancing down the catwalk!
Georgina Heydon, as the creative MC, encouraged the audience to take note of where the garments and accessories could be purchased and reminded us that Castlemaine was indeed a Fashion Capital where new trends are being set.
There are many highlights to remember: the ‘Stair Angels’ were two young men who waited at the top of the catwalk to help the models descend effortlessly. They were dressed in military style and acted out their part impeccably.
The MC announced a ‘celebrities recognition’ as one of the highlights for the night – a totally at ease Rosie Annear appeared in a stunning outfit, followed by the co-directors of the State Festival, Linda Sproul and Martin Paten, dressed in outfits we hope to see them wear next March!
The ages of the models ranged from teenagers to older members of the community. After all, isn’t fashion for everyone?
This event showed that art and fashion are perfect partners and that the community is ready to embrace both!

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.