Ballarat synth-pop sweethearts, The Mavis’s (spearheaded by siblings Matt and Beki Mavis) are set to return to Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal this Saturday night March 14!
Fresh from a run of sold-out shows with TISM, the band are gearing up to release brand new material — their first in years!
They have kicked this off with another glistening pop masterpiece in their new single ‘Heaven’ which dropped on February 24.
Produced by the legendary Mark Opitz (AC/DC, INXS, Divinyls, Cold Chisel), ‘Heaven’ is already gaining airplay across Australia and also featured on Coast To Coast AM in the USA, syndicated across 700 radio stations.
The Mavis’s rose to fame in the late 90s with their multiple ARIA Award nominated single ‘Cry’ and album ‘Pink Pills’ – touring with Kylie Minogue, Green Day and playing all the major festivals.
The Mavis’s perform live at Theatre Royal, Castlemaine from 7pm with guest DJ Jane Gazzo. Get your ticket at https://theatreroyalcastlemaine.com.au/music/ or via Oztix.com.au
The Mavis’s to visit Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal
Trial pole protection for bushfire prone areas
Victoria’s largest electricity distributor Powercor is trialling a new product designed to protect power poles during bushfires, strengthening the power network for regional communities in high bushfire-risk areas.
Powercor will wrap fire-retardant mesh around the base of a pole, protecting it from low-intensity grass fires. In normal conditions, the mesh allows the pole to breathe, but when exposed to heat, it expands and hardens to shield the pole from flames and embers.
The trial will focus on protecting wooden power poles in areas most exposed to grass and scrub fires, helping limit damage to the network and reducing the length or likelihood of outages for when customers rely on power the most.
It is the first time the technology has been used in Victoria and forms part of Powercor’s broader work to deliver a stronger, more resilient network as extreme weather events become more frequent.
Crews trialled installation of the mesh in a controlled environment at Powercor’s Ballarat depot in February, with the first field trials expected to begin within weeks. Initial
installations are planned for locations including the Grampians, Maryborough and areas west of Ballarat.
Head of Strategic Projects Craig Savage said the trial was about further improving how we prepare the network for fire conditions and reducing the impact on the power network and local communities when fires occur.
“Victoria is one of the most fire-prone parts of the world, and at the same time our customers rely on power more than ever, especially during emergencies,” Mr Savage said.
“This trial is about strengthening our network in known high-risk areas so we can limit damage during fires, reduce outages and restore power faster for the communities we serve.”
Almost 300 poles were impacted by grass and scrub fires across Victoria in January, including at Harcourt, Cobram, Skipton and Natimuk. While Powercor crews responded quickly to rebuild the network, in some areas, it was days before crews were able to safely access fire-damaged areas, meaning customers were off supply for longer periods.
If approved by the Australian Energy Regulator in April, Powercor plans to roll out the technology more broadly as part of its 2026 to 2031 investment program.
“This solution costs significantly less than installing a new concrete pole and provides a stronger level of protection against passing fires than existing treatments for wooden
poles,” Mr Savage said.
Powercor has more than 250,000 wooden poles across its network and expects to propose a rollout of a combination of fire mesh and concrete poles in more than 1000 high-risk areas by 2031.
Queerthentic returns to the Macedon Ranges
An opportunity to learn Contract Bridge
Every Tuesday some 40 enthusiastic players gather at the Church of Christ in Blakeley Road, Castlemaine to have a friendly competition game of contract bridge. Some of these return on Thursday for a second game in their week.
Numbers in Castlemaine playing bridge are constantly growing and have doubled over the last five years, mainly because players enjoy themselves so much playing bridge and exercising their mind to keep the gray brain cells active.
The majority of the people playing there started their bridge by attending a U3A class to learn how to bid at Contract Bridge. In some cases they have returned to serious card playing after having learned to play 500, Solo or other card games in their youth, or when they needed a break from studying at University or College.
If you enjoyed playing cards when you were younger and you are looking for a captivating interest for Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in your retirement then perhaps it is time to get into contract bridge. Perhaps when you were younger you played Scrabble or Chess and again are now looking for a mental challenge in the company of a friendly group of people.
The U3A Monday morning class ’26MON09: Learn Contract Bridge’ starts on Monday March 30 and the Class Leader Graham Forbes who has been teaching these classes for over eight years would love to see you there. Any questions please to Graham on 0406 346 466.
To register visit the U3A website is at u3acastlemaine.org.au
Premiership success for Castlemaine bowlers
Daylight in the Daydream
Baked with love
A dedicated group of parent volunteers from Harcourt Valley Primary School have been busy baking a record number of apple pies for the school’s annual major fundraiser. The baking sessions have created a space for the parents to connect, talk and process the recent bushfires. Thanks to generous donations from Bendigo Foodshare, Backpack for a Firefighter, La Manna Supermarkets, Lauke Flour Mills, Hillcrest Orchard and the tireless work of the volunteers, 650 pies will be available for purchase at tomorrow’s Applefest.
Michael Henry, Henry of Harcourt
Just two months ago, our town of Harcourt was reeling. The January 9 bushfires tore through our valley, claiming 54 homes, devastating the Harcourt Cooperative Cool Store, and leaving scars on properties like my own orchard at Henry of Harcourt. In those dark days, as we gathered at the Leisure Centre hub sharing meals and supporting neighbours who had lost everything, the idea of celebration felt distant.
But Harcourt is not a town that stays down for long.
On Saturday, March 7, from 10 am to 4 pm at James Park, the 2026 Harcourt Applefest will return, and it’s doing so ‘bigger and better than ever before.’
This year, the festival carries a deeper meaning. It’s not just about apples, though there will be plenty of toffee apples, apple pies, and local cider to go around. It’s about something far more significant: community recovery.
The theme for 2026, officially embraced by organisers, is ‘coming together, supporting one another and helping the Harcourt community recover.’ Half of the ticket sales will be going directly to support the Harcourt community.
What to Expect
The day will feature all the beloved traditions: the bustling Applefest Market with local produce and crafts, entertainment on the Main Stage, the crowning of Applefest royalty, and the gloriously messy apple pie eating contest. With the new permanent stage in James Park slated to be finished in time, it means we can have a second stage in Stanley Park, doubling the acts.
Entertainment is headlined by the Australian Women’s Choir, followed by the much-loved Solaris Dance Collective Dancers, King Stone, and Skyscraper Dan, with plenty of other local talent on display throughout the day.
Art and cookery competitions will showcase local talent, and a Lego competition promises fun for the younger crowd.
This year carries an extra layer of meaning. Businesses that were defending the town just weeks ago are now ready to welcome you. The Harcourt General Store (run by Annette, one of our earliest relief stalwarts), Woop Woop Gardens (Judy’s beloved spot), Rodilesa Nursery, and my own Henry of Harcourt cidery are all open. The Victorian Miniature Railway, which literally split the fire in two and saved the heart of Harcourt, will be running and is very much part of our rebirth.
More Than a Festival
In the weeks since the fire, our community has shown what resilience looks like. The relief hub at the Leisure Centre has distributed countless meals and essentials. Tania and her team at the distribution centre have worked tirelessly to ensure affected families feel supported. The HPA’s GoFundMe has surpassed $300,000, and government support is flowing. But Applefest represents something different: it’s our invitation to you. It’s the moment we collectively say, “We’re still here, we’re open, and we’d love to see you.”
As I’ve said before, there’s no need to rebuild the community because the community was never broken. The spirit was always there, in the CFA volunteers who fought the flames while losing their own homes, in the neighbours who showed up with trucks to move hay, in the 450 scoops of ice cream donated by a business owner who’d just evacuated .
On March 7, we invite you to experience that spirit firsthand. Come for the apples, stay for the music, and leave knowing you’ve supported a community that refuses to be defined by disaster.
Harcourt is back. And frankly, we can’t wait to see you.Event Details:What: Harcourt Applefest 2026
When: Saturday, March 7, 10am–4pmWhere: James Park, Harcourt
Cost: $10 adults, kids free
More info: Follow Harcourt Applefest on social media
Michael Henry is the owner of Henry of Harcourt cidery and a lead coordinator with the Harcourt Bushfire Relief Group.
See today’s Mail for more Applefest happenings.
Big turnout expected for Taradale Mineral Springs Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Taradale Mineral Springs Festival is set to return this Sunday March 8.
The festival is a major feature on the Central Victorian calendar for the Labour Day long weekend.
The Mineral Springs Festival Committee is planning to make this year’s event another memorable day for families from local towns and day trippers. Attractions include live music on stage all day, a huge variety of stalls offering a wide range of food, wine, craft beer and spirits.
There will be local artisan stalls, a CFA display plus children’s activities including face painting, storytelling and a visit by Captain Koala.
Committee President, Matt Butta said they have worked for many months to assemble a great lineup of stallholders and entertainment for this year’s event.
“We have a raffle with over $8,000 in prizes including a $5,000 travel prize courtesy of Broadhurst Property, with tickets just $5 each,” Matt said.
Entry to the festival is $5, with free admission for children under 15.
All proceeds from the day go towards Taradale Volunteer Community Groups to assist with local projects.
“We are very grateful to our major sponsors Broadhurst Property and our Raffle and Event sponsors. The event is supported by the Mount Alexander Shire Council Event Grants Program. Come one, come all, bring a rug and enjoy the festivities,” he said.
The festival kicks off at 10am and runs through until 4pm.
Bold vision for the future
The roof that couldn’t roof
Rehearsals bring old Castlemaine to life
