Castlemaine-based Climate Futures project coordinator, Dr Michael Chew, is setting up a Climate Futures Incubator, bringing together artists from Australia and Indonesia.
The not-for-profit project, designed to explore climate futures through community-engaged art and exchange, is currently seeking donations.
Michael told the Mail that while the group has already secured some Creative Australia funding for the basic project foundations, they are now raising an additional $10,000 to ensure that the pilot can fulfil its potential and create sustained impact.
The project was chosen as one of 25 projects nationwide for Creative Australia’s flagship MATCH Lab program – meaning that every dollar raised to $10k will be matched by the Australian government.
“This is a genuine Australia–Indonesia collaboration co-designed with renowned Yogyakarta artist collective House of Natural Fibre, and connected to local sites and communities,” Michael said.
“Rather than treating climate change as an abstract issue, the incubator goes beyond technical framings of climate change to elevate real environments, local cultural knowledge, innovative artistic practice, and shared ecological relationships.”
The incubator will bring together traditional and digital practices, cross-cultural perspectives, and community participation.
Participating artists will create site-responsive new climate artworks from July to early August across multiple sites in Yogjakarta, alongside a public program of workshops and artist talks which will be accessible over the web.
“The Climate Futures Incubator is an invitation to co-create, experiment, and imagine futures,” Michael said.
“A space where human, nonhuman, and technological systems meet to explore possibilities for ecological coexistence in an era of planetary transformation.”
To donate visit: chuffed.org/project/climatefuturesincubator
Support positive climate arts exchange
Carinya through a climate lens
Jade Jungwirth
Established in the late 70s, the Castlemaine Childcare Cooperative (or Carinya as it is widely known), has maintained its ethos of valuing sustainability throughout its formation and growth.
In recent years, the centre has begun actively working towards achieving goals, both big and small, to reduce its impact on the environment. This makes the centre the perfect subject for a film produced by Mt Alexander Net Zero Working Group (MANZW), who are highlighting some of the amazing local initiatives being taken towards reaching Net Zero.
Local media maker and environmentalist, Kyla Brettle, a parent from Carinya, undertook a thorough audit of the service and wrote a document called Carinya – Through a Climate Lens. Unfortunately, COVID meant the document was put aside. It was rediscovered a year ago, and determined to see it brought to life, the staff took steps to implement changes at the centre, big and small.
Carinya’s governance administrator, Laura Noonen, sat down with Fran Gleeson from Mt Alexander Net Zero Working Group (MANZW) for a video interview about the project.
“I was confused where to start, so I contacted Bruce from 1820 Green, and he provided a list of suggestions, which we called Bruce’s Checklist,” Laura said.
“We amalgamated that with Kyla’s audit and came up with a sustainability action plan.”
Some of the big-ticket items on Bruce’s Checklist include repairing the rooftop solar, replacing the hot water systems with heat pumps, installing a battery, utlising government rebates has helped reduce the cost of some of these items, but there has been a significant investment from the cooperative as well.
There have also been a range of smaller, low or no-cost things such as tracking electricity usage, and stopping up droughts coming from old air conditioning units in the roof.
“It’s been very satisfying to tick things off the list,” Laura said.
“I learned that it is not a linear experience and that it stops and starts, and also that it is ongoing – there will always be something we can improve on or change.”
Having installed the heatpumps, battery, and repaired the solar, the staff are now looking at their next steps. The building has been added to over the years, resulting in different levels of insulation, so the team would like to install and replace aged insulation.
“We’re also looking at setting up a compostable nappy program, but there is a lot involved,” Laura said.
“We are working with the local composting group, YIMBY, who collect our food scraps every couple of days, and we would like to reintroduce washable hand towels.”
The centre has had different versions of kitchen gardens over the years, and they are looking at starting a new child-led one. They have also worked closely with local landcare groups to propagate indigenous plants at the centre, and the four-year-old bush kindergarteners meet with the Campbells Creek Landcare group each week in the bush.
The impetus for this work is fourfold. Incorporating environmental awareness and practice is part of the child care centres Early Years Framework. It makes good financial sense and minimises the impact the centre has on the environment. But largely it is because the staff are working the next generation, and that is at the forefront of their minds.
MANZWG member Fran Gleeson said they were proud to have produced the video showcasing the Carinya through a Climate Lens’ story.
“With help from a Mount Alexander Shire grant, we have created this with the express purpose of guiding and educating other businesses and organisations in becoming more sustainable,” she said.
“In Carinya, we see an organisation that has, over a relatively short time frame, identified a list of short to long-term actions they can take to reduce their environmental impact, and has made significant steps towards implementing them.”
For more inspiring local sustainability stories, visit: mtalexnetzeroworkinggroup.org/
Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week
The community is invited to come together to commemorate National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week through a series of local events.
Sorry Day, held annually on May 26, is a day of remembrance that acknowledges the pain and injustice experienced by members of the Stolen Generations and the ongoing impacts felt today.
National Reconciliation Week follows from Wednesday, May 27 to Wednesday, June 3. This year’s theme, ‘All In’, calls on all Australians to actively commit to reconciliation — recognising that meaningful change requires participation, learning and action from everyone.
Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Toby Heydon said these commemorations are an opportunity for reflection, learning and unity.
“Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week invite us to pause, listen and stand alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Cr Heydon said.
“Our community has a strong sense of care and connection. By showing up, learning and reflecting together, we take meaningful steps toward healing and reconciliation.”
As part of the council’s commitment to reconciliation, the council hosts the Mount Alexander Shire Indigenous Roundtable, co‑chaired by Uncle Rick Nelson and the Mayor. The council also works under its Reconciliation Action Plan 2023–2026, adopted in November 2023, guided by the vision to walk together with courage and purpose.
Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation has released a full program of events on its website: nalderun.net.au/
Sorry Day Commemoration
When: Tuesday May 26, 10.00am–12.00pm
Where: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens (near the playground), Castlemaine
The event will include:
- Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson
- Reflections from Mayor Toby Heydon and local school leaders
National Reconciliation Week Launch
When: Wednesday May 27, 10.00am–12.00pm
Where: Market Building, Castlemaine
The launch will feature:Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson (right) at the Welcome Baby to Country Ceremony
- Launch of Uncle Ron Murray’s The Little Platypus Teaching (Wamba Wamba, Tatiara man)
- Nalderun Awards
- First Nations‑made artworks and products for sale
- Morning tea provided
New committee installed at Harcourt Bowling Club
Harcourt Bowling Club held its Annual General Meeting last Sunday May 17.
President Gary Maddern presented the Annual Board Report to members and noted the reports from committees, pointing out the need for further voluntary participation from members in the running of the club.
The opening of the season 70th celebrations and the impact of the fires on the whole community in January were also noted.
Treasurer Rod Harris spoke to the Audited Financial Statements noting the financial viability of the club and extended thanks to Auditor George Milford for his sound advice.
Retiring board members Carl Roberts and Ron Douglas were thanked for their service.
For the six vacant board positions, there were six nominations – therefore all declared were carried.
At the subsequent meeting of the new board the executive appointments were elected as follows: President Gary Maddern; Vice Presidents Heather Braid and Brian Leech; Treasurer Rod Harris; Secretary Diane Marsh. Other members are Kay Francis; Chris McAuliffe; Kaye Grant (co-opted);
and newly appointed Alan Taylor and Michael Saward.
Following the meeting members enjoyed a light lunch.
Social Bowls at Harcourt
Monday and Saturday afternoon Social Bowls have been well attended and will be on-going – weather permitting.
Names must be in at the club before 12 noon on both days for a 12.30 – 1pm start.
Come and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of social bowls – all welcome.
Advocates and musos to rally
The community is urged to turn out in force for the Homes For All – Rally and Concert at St Mary’s Hall in Hargraves Street, Castlemaine tomorrow, Saturday May 23.
The event has been organised by a group of concerned citizens of Mount Alexander Shire, on the land of the Djaara, to shine a light on the issues of homelessness and affordable housing.
The event kicks off at 12 noon with a range of speakers to take stage including: mayor Cr Toby Heydon who will speak on Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Housing Policy and Future Plans; Cr Lucas Maddock who will address the impact of short stay accommodation on local housing; Tom Danby – Tiny Homes on Wheels; Pete Dawson – on life in a government housing estate, Malcolm Robins – environmentally friendly community housing; and Dr Jamel Kaur Singh – Financial Literacy & Using Government Incentives towards Home Ownership.
The speakers will be interspersed with live performances and the event will be capped off with a concert from 3pm.
Numerous local musos have pledged their support including Andy Dunne, Ange Lawson, Georgia Darcy, Les Thomas, Loz Lawrey, Peter Bodin, Trudy Fatnowna Edgeley, Silverfish, Meg Nightjar, Merchants & Thieves and Scott Sanders just to name a few.
The day will also include information stalls to assist affected community members to connect with vital local support services.
For more information email mujik@y7mail.com or check out the Housing In The ‘Maine Facebook page.
Cheers to the volunteers!
It’s National Volunteers Week and there have been a host of events to celebrate our incredible local volunteers across the community.
The team from Run the Maine gathered to model their new 2026 t-shirts.
This year’s National Volunteer s Week theme is Your Year to Volunteer — and honestly? We can’t think of a better way to spend a September morning than being part of something like this special event which raises funds for Dhelkaya Health.
Run The Maine runs on the energy, heart and smiling faces of incredible volunteers. From bib collection to finish line cheers — every single role matters.
Thinking about getting involved in 2026? They’d love to have you. No running shoes necessary. Email volunteers@runthemaine.org for more information.
Registrations for the September 25 event are already tracking stronger than ever – this is shaping up to be the biggest Run The Maine yet.
The Grainger Legal Half Marathon field is building fast.
Keen to pull on the running shoes and hit the track for the 18th edition? Register now at runthemaine.org
Fibre to Fabric
Newstead Spinners is holding an exhibition at the Newstead Arts Hub over two massive weekends, May 30 and 31 and June 6, 7, and 8.
The Newstead Spinners have been gathering and crafting for 49 years. The group currently boast 65 members from across Central Victoria and beyond and meet fortnightly
The exhibition aims to showcases the skills of members and to inspire members and guests to even greater creative achievements.
Ilka White, a renowned local fibre artist and weaver, Ilka White will be formally opening the event on Saturday May 30 at 11am.
Throughout the exhibition there will be displays, sales, and rotating demonstrations of weaving, dyeing, spinning, felting, sock machine knitting, and carding alpaca fleece.
One of the highlights of this year’s exhibition will be ‘Fibre to Fabric in Action’- where a team of five spinners will be carding, spinning, plying and knitting, creating a beanie/hat in real time for the enjoyment of visitors.
There will also be a raffle with some fabulous prizes to be won.
The Newstead Arts Hub is located at 8a Tivey Street, Newstead. The exhibition is open from 10am-4pm each day. Entry is by gold coin donation.
The Newstead Spinners meet every second Tuesday at the Newstead Community Centre from 10.30am to 3pm. Visitors are welcome.
Goldfields celebrate Female Football Round
Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club proudly celebrated its strong commitment to female football during Football Victoria’s Female Football Round at Epsom last Saturday.
Over 40 fixtures were played across the day, with all nine of the club’s girls’ and women’s teams hitting the pitch — a huge achievement that makes Castlemaine the only club in the Bendigo region with teams in every female division.
Castlemaine Goldfields FC’s s commitment to female football has a long history with the club having fielded a senior women’s side for an incredible 32 consecutive years.
That commitment has only continued to grow, especially since girls’ teams were introduced into the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League (BASL) in 2016.
The day’s action kicked off with the youngest Matildas, as the Under 10s showed plenty of enthusiasm, improvement and teamwork. Their energy set the tone for a fantastic day and highlighted the strength of the club’s junior program.
One of the day’s biggest highlights came in the Under 14 Girls competition, with Castlemaine’s Green and Gold teams facing off in an exciting derby clash. The match had plenty of intensity but was played in great spirit, with Gold just edging out Green in a thrilling 3–2 win. The close result showed just how much talent and depth is coming through the junior ranks.
The day also provided a great opportunity for connection between the juniors and seniors. It was a joy for all to see the women’s side walk onto the pitch alongside younger players, symbolising the pathway from junior football through to senior competition and for some of the players to walk hand in hand with their kids.
As the evening rolled in, attention turned to the main event under lights, with Castlemaine’s Division 1 Women taking on league leaders Spring Gully. Coming up against a side that had already recorded several big wins this season, Castlemaine knew they were in for a challenge — but they rose to it with determination and skill.
Castlemaine struck first when Kasey Sparks headed in a perfectly delivered corner from Sophie Milton to give the home side an early lead. Spring Gully responded quickly before eventually claiming a 4–2 victory, but the contest was far closer than the scoreboard suggested and proved Castlemaine can match it with the competition’s best.
It was great to see some of the club’s younger players who have come through from U10’s out there playing high quality senior football.
Congratulations to all those awarded Player of the Match honours, including Lucy Braszell (Under 16), Angel Perttzel (Under 14 Green), Frances Watt (Under 12B Green), and Arki Jones (Under 12B Gold).
Alongside the players, Female Football round is also a chance to recognise the contribution of the club’s female referees, coaches, team managers and other volunteers whose ongoing dedication continues to help grow and strengthen the women’s game at every level.
Vika & Linda at the Royal
Iconic Australian duo Vika & Linda will be gracing the stage Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal on Saturday May 30 ahead of the launch of their ninth
studio album Where Do You Come From? – their most personal and revealing body of work to date.
The album will be released on Friday June 5 via Mushroom Music.
To celebrate the new release, Vika & Linda will embark on their largest ever national tour to date with their band The Bullettes and Castlemaine is the second stop on their 46-date tour!
The audience will be treated to songs from the new album together with the songs and stories of their inimitable career.
After a lifetime of lending their voices to the stories of others, this new era marks a defining moment: the sisters stepping forward to tell their own story in full. While they’ve written at different points across their career, Where Do You Come From? will be their first album of predominantly original material since Princess Tabu (1996), a return to songwriting rekindled through the process of writing their 2022 memoir No Bull.
The album takes its name from the single of the same name which began with a memory the sisters have carried since childhood. Growing up in suburban Melbourne, they were asked the same question repeatedly: ‘Where do you come from?’ And when they answered, “here”, the response often came back: ‘No, where do you really come from?’.
“‘Where Do You Come From?’ is a question we have been asked all our lives. Is it because we don’t look the same? We ask ourselves – who are we? Where do we fit in? Who are we now? Where are we going? While we’ve been trying to figure it out, faces in Australia have changed and we don’t stand out anymore. And yet, as we look out at the world today, the question remains and the struggle continues.” – Vika & Linda
The single came to life with longtime collaborator Mark Seymour, whom Vika handed her lyrics to, trusting him to help shape them into a powerful track about identity and belonging. ‘Where Do You Come From?’ sets the tone for what is their most compelling collection to date – a body of work shaped by lived experience, reflection and truth.
The album also features contributions from Ben Salter, Glenn Richards, Helen Shanahan, Mark Seymour and Cameron Bruce, each bringing their own voice and perspective.
“This isn’t a light or fluffy record,” Vika says. “It’s real life, mistakes, forgiveness and trying to find some peace.”
After nearly 40 years of music, Where Do You Come From? marks the sound of two artists standing firmly in their truth.
“Every record has mattered,” Linda says, “but this time we reached for something deeper.”
For tickets to this unmissable event visit https://theatreroyalcastlemaine.com.au/music/
Please support the Red Shield Appeal
Please support the Red Shield Appeal
The Salvation Army, Secretary for Communications, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Hately
Across Australia, the sight of the Red Shield appearing outside local shops, and worn proudly by volunteers in their communities marks a special moment each year, a reminder that it’s time for Australians to come together to support those doing it tough.
On the weekend of May 30 and 31, The Salvation Army’s official Red Shield Appeal collection weekend will once again see thousands of volunteers take to streets, shopping centres and local communities across the country, raising vital funds for Australians in need.
This year, the need has never been more urgent. New Salvation Army research has revealed the devastating impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on families across the nation. Parents and children are going without food, and alarmingly families are struggling to even afford to take their children to the doctor when needed.
Every day, The Salvation Army is supporting people facing homelessness, financial hardship, family and domestic violence, addiction, loneliness and crisis. Last year alone, through our network of more than 2,000 services across Australia, the Salvos provided assistance to one person every 17 seconds.
But none of this happens without the generosity of the Australian community. The Red Shield Appeal is more than a fundraiser; it is communities helping communities. Whether it is dropping a few dollars into a collection bucket, tapping your card, volunteering your time, making an online donation or simply spreading the word, every contribution helps provide hope to someone who needs it most.
Importantly, funds raised locally stay local, directly supporting people and families in your own community who are struggling right now.
This year, The Salvation Army is aiming to raise $41 million nationally to continue delivering critical support services across the country. We know times are tough for many Australians, but if you are able to give, your support can make a life-changing difference.
So when you see a Salvos volunteer across the Red Shield Appeal weekend of May 30 and 31, please stop for a moment, say hello and support this important cause however you can.
Together, we can be the hope our communities desperately need right now.
To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal or if you need support from the Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.
A town divided – Camp Reserve application comes before council
Jade Jungwirth
The monthly meeting of council on Tuesday was an emotional rollercoaster. There was tension, tears, debate, disagreement and in stark contrast, a celebration and a round of applause.
Items raised during public time included the controversial FOGO bins, a desperate plea for a renewed lease for the local childcare cooperative, a question about land purchased to build a McDonald’s and a citizen concerned about illegal vape sales.
The agenda covered topics ranging from a levee bank in Newstead that won’t be able to prevent flooding to nine houses, the council’s groundbreaking housing trust being assigned a trustee and renaming Campbells Creek to an indigenous name.
The controversial and highly divisive Camp Reserve redevelopment, argued ad nauseam by previous councils over many years, was also back on the agenda – this time as a planning application.
The councillors quickly split into two camps: those who had served previously and the first-timers.
Newcomers, Crs Lucas Maddock, Phillip Walker, Rosalie Hastwell and the mayor Toby Heydon, were on the side of advocating for the heritage values of the property and trying to find alternatives to suit all parties.
Long-termers, Crs Tony Cordy, Matthew Driscoll, Rosie Annear and Bill Maltby, argued that a planning application motion was not the appropriate time for debate about a master plan that had been previously discussed and decided on by two previous councils.
Maddock presented a motion to defer the application to enable exploration of an alternative location for the netball courts and pavilion to minimise heritage impact.
“I’m concerned that the conclusion of the heritage impact statement appears to be predicated on the notion that there are no other feasible locations for the pavilion and netball courts. Despite acknowledging an impact on the heritage of Camp Reserve and environs,” he said.
“Where there are notes in there about it being cost-prohibitive, I’d like to see the costs. How much would it cost to do this project… and could we save some of these heritage values as well?”
This amendment was defeated five votes to two.
Walker then offered an alternative amendment, an attempt at a compromise between the heritage advocates and the sporting clubs. This long amendment essentially proposed to move the netball courts over, move the parking, shrink and reconfigure the oval (still maintaining AFL standards) and save some of the trees.
The altered substantive motion was rejected by the mover and seconder, Crs Annear and Maltby.
Annear argued that the Master Plan was adopted by a previous council in 2020 and a motion in 2023, following community feedback, and that changing an adopted master plan “by stealth” was bad governance.
“I feel very uncomfortable about it,” she said.
“We should not be discussing the master plan; it is not in the spirit of what we are deciding today, and it is not the proper way to make a decision.”
Walker said the amendment was an attempt to preserve some of the flora of the park, heritage trees that were extremely important and to retain some of the original heritage appearance. He referred to the changes as being minor, which Cr Cordy strongly disagreed with, saying that reshaping the oval had already been debated at length by the previous councils.
“As elected councillors, it is our job to question. It is our job to explore these issues, and we need to explore further,” Cr Walker said.
Driscoll said he lived and breathed Camp Reserve for six years and had seen the amendment for the first time just before the meeting.
“I think it is dangerous to be making decisions on the fly, and I don’t accept it,” he said.
A split vote against the amendment resulted in the mayor using his casting vote in favour of the amendment.
In the debate that followed, Cordy said the amendment killed the endorsed Master Plan and referred to it as a “total disaster”.
“It’s a stuff-up and the sporting clubs haven’t been consulted. They don’t support it, they’re never going to support it, and what we have before us now I am not able to support in the reduction of space of the playing surface,” he said.
Among the varied arguments that were presented, Cr Maddock strongly alluded to an unjust decision by a previous council.
“I watched the original 20-20 debate by the previous council, which we had changes to the officer recommendations, then really highly favouring certain user groups of the Camp Reserve to the exclusion of others,” he said.
“What we have is, I think, a proposal that fits the needs and desires of these groups very succinctly and is quite unsatisfying to many others in the community, and it is really not an ideal situation.
“We can do better in this design, and we have the ability to bring more people along.
“If it takes another review of the master plan and another planning application, then so be it. It’s better to do it now, get it popular, and it will have a better chance of getting funding,” he said.
“This is literally our last chance.”
Asked what would happen next if the motion failed, CEO Darren Fuzzard said the officers would bring the matter back to councillors, asking what they would like done about it.
“If the permit application fails, the implications of the master plan and the rework of that is a matter for another day.”
Put to the vote, Crs Annear, Walker and Heydon voted in favour of the amended motion, and Crs Maddock, Driscoll, Cordy and Hastwell voted against.
In a strange twist, no official decision was made regarding next steps, leaving council executives to figure out how to ensure correct procedure. They decided to take a break, confer and tack the item on the back of the meeting as special business. Seven councillors then voted to defer the Camp Reserve planning matter to a future meeting to allow time for council officers to prepare grounds for refusal, with Annear abstaining.
Housing trust sparks hope
