We need better options

Karen Lamb, North Geelong


How is it that towns like Maldon are being left in the lurch by companies like Solstice Energy winding up energy supply? (‘Energy decision sparks concerns’, Castlemaine Mail, August 15).
We already know that gas is a gamble because it exposes households and small businesses to volatile prices – now it’s exposing us to energy insecurity. We need better options that aren’t rolling the dice on our regional communities.

Councils join alliance with union protesting new fund

A working group comprised of 14 Victorian councils is supporting the United Firefighters Union's protest against the state government's new Emergency Services Volunteer Fund.The contentious fund, whic...

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MZ off to nationals!

Movement Zone Castlemaine’s talented dance crew won High Gold in Senior Hip-Hop (Small Groups) at the Hollywood Bound regionals in Sydney last week with a score of 282.90 out of 300.
This means they have made it through to Nationals at the Gold Coast January 12-18, 2026!
This was an fantastic outcome, Movement Zone were competing against professional dance studios with students attending Brent Street Sydney.
Movement Zone founder Sarah ‘Sas’ Cook said she is beyond proud of the crew and the hard work they have put in.
“We also got to show the city schools what Country Vic has to offer! Thank you again to all of the parents, community members and Rotary Castlemaine who got behind us make it to Sydney!” she said.
The crew will be working hard to raise funds once again to attend the nationals with hopes of achieving success and winning a coveted place at Hollywood Bound in the US! Watch this space for details.

CDNA tournament draws big numbers

A young CDNA side take on Valley at Wesley Hill last Sunday. Photo: Max Lesser.
A young CDNA side take on Valley at Wesley Hill last Sunday. Photo: Max Lesser.

Castlemaine District Netball Association held their annual tournament on Sunday August 17 and saw the Wesley Hill Netball Complex a hive of activity.
The CDNA welcomed 36 teams from all over the region including eight CDNA Squad teams ranging from 11/Under through to Open.
A massive thank you to all the volunteers who made the day possible, the players, coaches and umpires.
After the tournament the CDNA also held its first inaugural boys only game. It was great to see so many young men having a good hit out on the court.
Results of the tournament were as follows:
11/Under Valley 11 def Kyabram 7.
13/Under Open NPNA 9 def Kyabram 7.
13/Under Reserves NPNA 12 def CDNA Purple 4.
15/Under Open NPNA 13 def Surf Coast 6.
15/Under Reserves NPNA2 13 def NPNA3 5.
17/Under CDNA 10 def NPNA 7.
Open Boroondara 13 def NPNA .4

The CDNA were proud to have nine squads hit the court.
After many years of trying the CDNA finally held their first male only game. Huge thanks to Jack Davidge and Carly Haddock for umpiring.
The CDNA’s 13/Under Purple Squad finished runners-up in a fantastic effort and are pictured with proud coach Lisa Farrugia.
The CDNA held its presentations after the event with Reagan Broad awarded the 15U Most Improved Award for 2025. Reagan is a quiet achiever who has worked hard at her game and confidence this season.

Jurassic wonders come to life

Discovery Centre general manager Alissa van Soest and Lisa Chesters MP digging for fossils at one of the new experiences.
Discovery Centre general manager Alissa van Soest and Lisa Chesters MP digging for fossils at one of the new experiences.

The federal government is supporting science education in regional Victoria with a $10,385 grant for Jurassic Wonders, a new program at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre, delivered as part o...

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Geoff Achison Solo Acoustic Show

Join Geoff Achison for an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling as the internationally acclaimed blues-roots guitarist, vocalist and songwriter returns to his roots to celebrate a major mile...

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Funding win for Punctum

Local artist and Punctum creative Shirin Shakhesi, Punctum artist director Jude Anderson and Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters at Tuesday's announcement.

Punctum is thrilled to be among nine local creative projects selected to receive funding under the Creative Australia Arts Projects and International Engagement Fund programs.
A total of $278,040 will...

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Harcourt Carpet Bowls Legacy Night

Harcourt Carpet Bowls Club conducted their annual Legacy Carpet Bowls Night last week.
All entry and raffle money from the night was generously donated to Castlemaine Legacy group.
This year the event...

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Boriss wows judges

Castlemaine's Boriss Bendrups appeared on Monday night's blind auditions for The Voice Australia 2025!
The 18 year old impressed celebrity judges and global superstars Melanie C of Spice Girls fame, I...

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Castlemaine derby draws a crowd at Chewton

The Castlemaine Goldfields Lions two senior women’s teams battled it out last Sunday in a home ground derby that ended in a nail biting 3-3 draw.
The two teams - Green and Gold - currently sit at fir...

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Creek and Grasshoppers face off in final round

Campbells Creek Football Netball Club played host to Navarre in their final home and away game of the 2025 Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League season on Saturday.
The Grasshoppers...

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Can we fix it? Yes, we can!

Newstead Men's Shed celebrated the re-opening of their newly refurbished fire shed on Tuesday in the glorious sunshine, following the coldest morning we've had in a long time!
According to the outgoi...

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