Singalongs with the Foundry Band return

Thompson's Foundry Band band members, Bob, Pip, conductor Dan, Reece and Sandra have fun juggling song books and instruments at a recent rehearsal for the singalong.

The band will present lots of songs including the Beatles, Neil Diamond, Queen and other ageless standards. With an eye on Oktoberfest, an interlude of German drinking songs will be included.

Once upon a time Castlemaine people loved singalongs with the Thompson’s Foundry Band.

Now it’s all happening again in the Theatre Royal’s garden in Hargreaves St on Sunday October 8 between 4 and 6pm.

There will be a surprise guest as well.

All ages and voices are welcome. Entry is by gold coin donation and no bookings are required.

The band and theatre are part of Castlemaine’s story, both going back to the 19th century.

Mark on the drums.

Get along to the Emergency Expo

Emergency services from across the region are encouraging residents to head down to the Castlemaine Expo on October 14 to have a chat and get ready for the upcoming fire season.

How prepared are you in the event of an emergency? And how does the El Niño climate pattern affect your response plans? After last year’s flooding event and predictions of extended period of hotter, d...

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Cumby pays it forward

Cumberland Hotel manager Tammy Clelland wants to share the hotel’s food and hospitality with Castlemaine.

The Cumberland Hotel is generously donating its $1000 footy tipping winnings back to the community. 
The Cumby is offering five $100 food and drink vouchers to readers of the Castlemaine Mail, an...

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School’s “Wellbeing Garden” officially opened

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards MP with Castlemaine Secondary College Student Leaders Billy Lister and Lucie Price and staff.

Castlemaine Secondary College’s new Wellbeing Garden, made possible thanks to a $72,253 state government investment, was officially opened by MP Maree Edwards on Monday. The Wellbeing Garden has been ...

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Youth offer free tech help for seniors

Mars helping Helen learn some new techniques on her phone at the Castlemaine Library.

Do you need some friendly help with your phone, tablet or laptop? Well Mount Alexander’s Youth Advisory Group (YAG) is here to help! 

On Wednesday October 18, 4-5.30pm, Castlemaine Library will be hosting a drop-in session connecting seniors that need a bit of help with the young people that can help them, as part of Get Online Week 2023. 

It can be anything from individual support to taking part in some of our fun online activities. The aim of the session is to encourage everyone to try something that may be new or different – and there will be prizes for those who do! 

Castlemaine Library Manager, Jess Saunders, says that while the current rate of Australians who are digitally excluded is quite shocking at one in four, this rate is even higher for older people. 

“Being digitally included means having access to the internet and the skills and confidence to use it safely. If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s how vital this is for staying connected with loved ones, and for our health and wellbeing,” said Jess. 

Digital Inclusion Officer for Mount Alexander Shire Council, Lesley Payne, agrees. 

“We’re trying to reduce the barriers that seniors often feel around using technology. The young people from YAG are patient and non-judgemental, and hope to encourage everyone to just give something a try!” She adds that as the new season of the successful TV series Old People’s Home for Teenagers kicks off, it’s great to extend the same concept to the library.Come along for a cuppa and afternoon tea, and try one new thing – it may be the start of something big! BYO devices if you can – we will have some to use, too. 

This is a free event, run in partnership with Mount Alexander Shire Council and Castlemaine Library for Get Online Week 2023. Bookings are not required; for more information call the Library on 5472 1458. 

Star of the court: Harcourt netballer Maycee Rinaldi

The Castlemaine Junior Sports Star of the Week is talented Harcourt netballer, CDNA squad member and AFL CV Netball Academy participant Maycee Rinaldi.
Maycee's Harcourt 13 & Under and 15 & U...

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Opinion: Respect the hallmark of the Yes Campaign

Sally Kaptein, Castlemaine 
Like many others I have watched and listened to Aboriginal spokespeople articulating the importance of the Yes vote. Their plea is for this nation to at last recognise...

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Meet novelist Chris Hammer for book sales and signings

Best-selling author Chris Hammer will be in Castlemaine on Monday.

Best-selling author Chris Hammer will be in Castlemaine on Monday. 
Castlemaine Library is hosting best-selling author Chris Hammer next Monday evening at 5.30pm. 
Hammer's fascinating new thriller, T...

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Critical fundraising for Castlemaine Primary School

The deteriorating playground at Castlemaine Primary School has long been in desperate need of upgrades, but despite the school's attempts to obtain government funding, the area has been permanently cordoned off since April, leaving the students with nowhere to play.

The deteriorating playground at Castlemaine Primary School has long been in desperate need of upgrades, but despite the school's attempts to obtain government funding, the area has been permanently co...

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My Castlemaine/Newstead with Valda Rees

Hi Valda, you grew up in Newstead as a young child in the '30s. Can you tell us a little about what that was like? 
My mother's family immigrated from England to Tasmania in 1832. My great-great grand...

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Eventful week for Harcourt bowlers

Members and guests joined in the fun of the AFL grand final by wearing their favourite team colours.

Four Harcourt bowlers enjoyed success at Golden Square Mixed Fours tournament recently. 
Diane Marsh, Fran Corstorphan, Barry Marsh and Mary-Anne Doyle are all keen bowlers and were delighted to ...

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The referendum and beyond

‘The Referendum and Beyond: Your vote, and what next?’

Democracy for Dinner are hosting a special event 'The Referendum and Beyond: Your vote, and what next?' at 6.45 pm on Tuesday October 10 at Shedshaker, featuring two of Central Victoria’s foremost Abo...

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On the piste

Countdown to CDoc 2025

Now or never for Hub