After four decades, long-running local business Tender Chook has been sold and their last business trading day is today, Friday May 1.
Longtime owners Paul, Effie and Christopher Katis took over the business 26 years ago.
Effie grew up in nearby Kyneton and said her mum and dad ran a very successful small business there for many years.
Effie and Paul met while she was visiting Greece and, after a whirlwind visit to Australia, he later emigrated to start a new life here with Effie.
Going into their own small business was a natural progression.
The business had formerly been operated by Cheryl Maxfield for nine years and prior to that, the McMillan family operated it.
Paul and Effie continued to build on the successful business model over the next two and a half decades.
Their son Christopher has been along for the whole journey.
“We were newly married and I was three months pregnant with Christopher when we took the business on. My parents and our family and friends were incredible helping us along the way,” Effie said.
“We lived in the house out the back for the first 13 years and would put him down for his nap during lunch hour. We had the monitor on as we worked,” Effie said.
Christopher has lots of memories growing up in the store and, in later years, pitched in to help. In fact, he has been working Friday evenings for a number of years, downing tools at his day job and then pulling up his sleeves to assist with the weekend rush.
Paul and Effie say the success of Tender Chook has come down to great customer service, a consistent top quality product, a clean well-presented store, and the relationships they have built and connections they have made with the local community.
They have worked incredibly hard over the last 26 years, initially operating seven days a week, before more recently dropping back to six days.
Paul said for him Christmas has always been the busiest time of the year.
“It was a huge undertaking. Each year we’d roast up to 500 chooks. It takes around 36 hours to prepare and cook them to ensure they are fresh and ready to be collected Christmas morning,” he said.c
Over the years the couple has also thrown their support behind the community that has supported them, sponsoring Castlemaine, Campbells Creek, Harcourt and Newstead FNCs at various times and donating coleslaw and vouchers to assist local schools.
The couple said they have also been very fortunate to have had some great staff over the years. In fact, staff member of 15 years Meghan Pellas will be joining them today for their last shift to help them say farewell and thanks to the community.
A recent Facebook post announcing the sale was met with an outpouring of love, positive feedback and well wishes from the wider community.
“We were really moved by this and it makes all those years of hard work worth it. From the bottom of our hearts, we wish to express our sincere gratitude for the loyalty and support all our customers have given to our business over the last 26 years. We have been truly blessed with the amount of kindness and appreciation that people have shown us for so long,” Effie said.
“This was a tough decision for both Paul and myself, but we knew it was time to move into the next chapter of our lives,” she said.
The couple revealed that the business has been sold to Sideshow Burgers and the store is destined for a refit and new direction. The remodel will begin as early as Saturday and is expected to take around a month.
“We have mixed emotions, whilst we are sad Tender Chook will not be continuing, we are pleased the legacy ends with us and we are looking forward to what’s next,” the couple said.
They are not sure what that looks like at this stage.
“We look forward to taking some time out and thinking about what the future looks like. We are not retiring just yet, but we look forward to being able to spend more time with our extended family and friends and having our weekends back!” they said.
It has been an exciting time for Castlemaine Bowling Club once again, with local bowler Joe Smith competing in the 2026 Victorian Para State Championship Singles Titles.
Kangaroo Flat Bowling Club were the hosts of this event, the matches on their excellent green and surrounds were live streamed, and there was plenty of room for spectators to enjoy their facilities.
Castlemaine bowlers were there to support Joe in his first time playing in this prestigious event.
Joe won his section on the Wednesday after playing three games, then came back on Thursday for finals day.
Ross Higgins (Shepparton Park) had made it through with three wins, and Thomas Ross (Port Melbourne) also made it through with three wins. In the Semi Final Ross Higgins defeated Thomas Ross to make his way into the Grand Final.
On the other side of the bracket, it was Joe Smith (Castlemaine) who made his way through his section with a big win in his last game. He then played last year’s champion Josh Thornton (Murray Downs) in the Semi Final. Joe settled his nerves and took his game to another level, doing the damage with his fourth bowl, he made his way to his first Grand Final.
It was Ross Higgins versus Joe Smith in the B7/ B8 Singles Grand Final, and it would be a game for the ages! An incredibly high standard of bowls from both players where they would both bowl a brilliant bowl one after the other. On his debut, Joe Smith won 21/20 in an amazing high standard game played by both himself and Ross Higgins.
Castlemaine Bowling Club members are very proud of Joe. His speech after the medals were presented was very heartfelt as he thanked Castlemaine Bowling Club for believing in him. Officials from Bowls Victoria were there watching, hopefully the Grand Final performance may lead to Joe furthering his bowling career.
Castlemaine lady bowlers have been playing in District events with some success and into the prize money at Golden Square and Eaglehawk.
Brian Smith (Castlemaine) is also currently playing at the Marion Bowling Club in Adelaide, South Australia in the 66th Australian Police Bowling Championships.
At this stage the sides event Victoria will play New South Wales and the winner will be the Champion. Singles, pairs, triples and fours all make up the total of events, final results will be in next week’s Castlemaine Mail.
Club News
Social Bowls are continuing to be very popular Saturday and Wednesday, names in by noon, 12.30pm start. All bowlers welcome.
Presentation Dinner Saturday May 2.
The AGM is coming up on Tuesday May 19.
Dhelkaya Health is very pleased to offer its annual Memorial Service of Reflections and Memories once again.
This inclusive, non-religious service will be held in the hospital auditorium on Cornish Street, Castlemaine, on Tuesday, May 19. Arrive at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. The service will go for approximately 30 minutes and will be followed by light refreshments.
The service, which began in 2019, provides an avenue through which family members, friends, staff and the wider community can remember and give thanks for the lives of patients, residents and clients of Dhelkaya Health who died between 1 December 2024 and 30 November 2025.
Kynan Sutherland and Danni Moore, the pastoral care coordinators at Dhelkaya Health, will be conducting the service.
Mr Sutherland said they really want to create a space for people to remember and give thanks to those they have lost.
“The first twelve months after a death can be very difficult, and we believe it’s important to acknowledge the complexity and depth of people’s grief. This is our way of paying our respects to those who have been part of Dhelkaya Health and their families and friends,” he said.
Ms Moore said that after four years as an online service, they reintroduced the service as an in-person event last year.
“It was satisfying to offer a more intimate, personal event, with those present saying how much it meant to them to be with others who have been through different yet similar experiences of loss and grief,” she said.“While a hospital event, we are also very happy for other members of the community wishing to remember loved ones to attend. If you are unable to attend, but would like your loved one to be remembered specifically by name during the service, please let us know. We look forward to sharing this event with the community.”
People are invited to bring a photo or other memento to the service. Memorial booklets will be available and qualified staff and volunteers will be on hand to provide support if desired.
Parking is available at the rear of the hospital but please be aware there is very little lighting in the Odgers Road car park or along Beddard Street.
For further information, please contact Danni and Kynan on 5471 3542 or email pastoralcare@castlemainehealth.org.au.
The Mail has received a number of enquiries from community members keen to locate the image circa 1940s-50s of a pack of cyclists making their way into Castlemaine from Thompson’s Foundry.
It is believe the photo may have featured in the Castlemaine Old Pioneers and Residents Transport exhibition at the Castlemaine Town Hall a few years back. However, nobody appears to have any information about its whereabouts. If you can assist please contact our editor Lisa Dennis at ldennis@midnews.com.au or call 5472 1788.
Kavisha launches her latest album, ‘There is a Field’, on Saturday, May 16 at The Coolroom, Northern Arts Hotel in Castlemaine.
Kavisha, now happily a permanent local resident, recorded ‘There is a Field’ with another resident, Nic Lyon, in a tiny cottage in Malmsbury.
She described the recording experience as ‘a unique, transformative and soul-searching experience, it’s one that I believe is positively reflected in the album.
Whilst also hoping that the songs might help the listener ‘steer through the stormy waters of this crazy beautiful world’.
On first listening, the new album is also an instant worthy companion to 2019’s beautiful album Empty Sky.
Kavisha is known for her warm and engaging performances, and in 2024, she was rewarded with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Folk Alliance of Australia.
Opening for Kavisha and Nic Lyon will be another award-winning singer-songwriter and storyteller, Melbourne’s Les Thomas.
Tickets are on sale through Humanitix.
Floursmith is delighted to announce its inaugural Old School High Tea Luncheon at the historic Old Schoolhouse, South Muckleford, on the weekend of May 9 and 10.
Founded in 2025 by Jess and Al Stanley, former owners of Saint Florian cafe Castlemaine, Floursmith is a micro-bakehouse and pop-up dining venture reflecting their shared culinary passions.
Set among mature gums and rolling farmland, this latest venue a charming Victorian schoolhouse provides a picturesque backdrop for a relaxed and celebratory afternoon. Guests will enjoy a contemporary take on High Tea, with a creative set menu crafted from exceptional local, seasonal produce by chef Jess Stanley.
Stanley’s food is creative and from the heart – known for delightfully surprising flavour combinations, attention to detail, and passion for creating convivial food experiences. Husband Al Stanley hosts with warmth and charm, bringing their shared vision to this unique pop-up experience.
The event pairs modern High Tea fare with old-school charm — antique chinaware, tiered displays, and the schoolhouse’s original Victorian features of timber floors, cathedral windows, open fireplace, and hand-calligraphed honour boards. Seating is communal, encouraging conversation, connection, and celebration.
Set on Mother’s Day weekend, this event offers a very special way to celebrate mothers, grandmothers, friends, and the women who nurture us.
The High Tea will run from 12.30pm-2.30pm both days.
For tickets visit https://www.floursmith.com.au/events
Registrations are now open for the 2026 MiniRoos program at Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club (CGFC), with local families invited to be part of one of the region’s most vibrant junior sporting communities.
Running on Friday evenings at Soldiers Memorial Park in Chewton, MiniRoos is a fun, inclusive football (soccer) program for children aged four to nine. The program focuses on participation, confidence and connection, welcoming players of all abilities — whether they’re kicking a ball for the first time or building on existing skills.
More than just a sport, MiniRoos has become a weekly community gathering. With over 180 children involved last year, Friday nights see families coming together to connect, share food from the club BBQ and kiosk, and enjoy the energy of kids playing and learning together.
Coordinators Maddy and Jen say the focus for 2026 is on building an environment where every child feels supported and able to thrive.
“MiniRoos is about much more than football,” they said.
“It’s about creating a space where kids feel confident to participate, parents feel welcome, and the whole community comes together.”
This year, the program will introduce a number of small improvements to better support neurodivergent children and create a more inclusive experience for all participants.
As a fully volunteer-run program, MiniRoos also relies on local parents and carers to get involved as session leaders, assistants, or helpers across the evening.
“People don’t need a background in soccer to help out,” Maddy and Jen said.
“It’s about showing up, encouraging the kids, and being part of something positive.”
The 2026 MiniRoos season begins on Friday May 1 and runs across Terms 2 and 3.
Families can register: 2026 Coles MiniRoos New Participant Term 2 & 3 $160
https://membership.mygameday.app/regoform.cgi?formID=120129&programID=774482026
Coles MiniRoos New Participant Term 2 only $95 https://membership.mygameday.app/regoform.cgi?formID=120129&programID=77449
For enquiries or to get involved as a volunteer, contact Jen and Maddy at: cgfcsmallsided@gmail.com
Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters MP and Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Toby Heydon announced an $844,500 project to replace the James Creek Bridge in Redesdale on Wednesday.
The project was made possible thanks to a $675,000 grant from the federal government via the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.
Ms Chesters said it is great to see the James Creek Bridge receive the funding it needs to ensure it is finally repaired and replaced.
“We will continue to work with state, territory and local governments to deliver even more critical road upgrades in the future,” she said.
James Creek Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure that was deemed non-functional and has been closed since June 2025 following damaging weather events.
Mr Heydon said the closure of the old James Creek Bridge in June 2025 had created a significant 10- kilometre detour for residents.
“Since then, a short-term low-flow creek crossing has allowed some much-needed relief,” he said.
“We know this funding for a new bridge will support residents, farmers and emergency services, so this investment will make a real difference to daily life and safety.”
The project to replace the bridge will include the demolition of the existing non-functioning structure and the construction of a new concrete bridge at the same location.
The new structure will feature a 100-year design life, be engineered to accommodate current vehicle load standards, and include the installation of modern safety barriers and guardrails along its length and immediate approaches.
Due to popular demand Castlemaine State Festival exhibition ‘Just One in the Crowd’ at Shedshaker Brewing has been extended until this Sunday May 3.
The exhibition is must visit for local music fans as it features an unparalleled collection of photos and memories by local photographer Harley Parker that capture the spirit and essence of the music scene in Melbourne in the early 70s.
The exhibition coincided with the launch of new publication Just One in the Crowd: Harley Parker Photography at the Taproom on March 25.
Harley said the event attracted an enthusiastic crowd.
“Bobby Valentine and Mike Rudd performed a few numbers during the launch, with Mike Rudd finishing the event singing his hit song ‘I’ll be Gone’ with the crowd enthusiastically joining in,” he said.
The body of work features a dynamic collection of photographs and accompanying storyboards that document the raw energy, characters, and cultural pulse of live music and social gatherings in Melbourne in 1971.
“The exhibition has sparked conversations and celebrates the vibrant local scene that continues to keep Castlemaine’s creative spirit alive,” Harley said.
“Viewers have connected deeply with the candid images of performers—capturing not just the glamour of rock n roll, but also its grassroots, rebellious heart within an Australian context,” he said
The new book Just One in the Crowd is available to purchase from the Taproom.
