Celtic Piping Club is presenting a rare musical treat in Castlemaine on Sunday August 30 – a concert of Baroque music with bagpipes!
Historical music specialist Simon Rickard will perform on the musette de cour, accompanied by Nicholas Pollock on theorbo, and club musicians Sarah Wade and Matthew Horsley on the Scottish smallpipes, uilleann pipes, and pastoral pipes.
According to Simon, the musette de cour is the smallest and poshest member of the bagpipe family, and the most sophisticated of the bagpipes during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Hugely popular with the French aristocracy at the time, it formed part of the aural backdrop to the glittering interiors and formal gardens of the Palace of Versailles.
Performing as Ensemble Pompadour, Simon and Nicholas will bring the music of the French court to Castlemaine’s Anglican Church, cnr Forest and Kennedy Streets, as part of the Celtic Piping Club’s annual Goldfields Piping Weekend.
The concert starts at 2pm, duration one hour. Tickets: $20 full price, $15 concession, free for 18-years and under.
Bookings recommended, payment at door also available
You can book at https://www.trybooking.com/DOPKL
A touch of Versailles comes to Castlemaine
Castlemaine Rifle Club celebrates 165 years
Castlemaine Rifle Club celebrated its 165th anniversary on the weekend.
Although shooting commenced on the land in the 1850s it wasn’t officially recognised until Colonel John Edward Newell donated the land to the Volunteer Rifles and it was officially gazetted as a rifle range in 1861.
So, last weekend the club celebrated 165 years of military and civilian tradition on our local range. The range has served our nation and the Castlemaine community in both times of peace and war. Members have trained on this range and gone to war giving their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.
The club has had many great leaders such as Sir Henry Lawson who was the President of the club from 1904 and the President from 1912 to 1946 during which time he was also Premier of Victoria.
Castlemaine was selected as the back up range for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
The club has a long list of exceptional shooters who have been representatives of State and Australian teams. Of the six members of the National Rifle Association of Australia Team to Bisley, United Kingdom in 2024, five were Castlemaine Rifle Club past members.
Castlemaine is the home of the Victorian Precision Service Rifle Series.
Celebrations started with the ‘Vintage Service Rifle’ competition. A good number of shooters attended coming from all parts of Victoria as well as Sydney and Canberra and as far as Brisbane. Most rifles used were .303 Lee Enfields with a mix of Mausers and other military rifles.
Castlemaine members shot well.
The next competition was the ‘Service Optical’. Again there was a good number of entries, with many local members excelling.
The final stage was the third round of the Victorian Precision Service Rifle. The event was contested from the 600 yard mound to 200 yards.
The course of fire varies at each distance with 10 serials shot in different positions with different target exposure times at both static and moving targets. It takes about three hours for a competitor to complete the course of fire. It was a very high class of competition. With Castlemaine members achieving excellent results.
The club’s best results were in ‘NATO Class’, with scores being unbelievably close. The winner was Stuart Elam with a score of 311, followed by Max Elson on 310 and James Dolphin third with 310.
In the ‘Open Class’ Dan McColl had a good win scoring 324 in a class dominated by interstate shooters.
The ‘Pairs Event’ was won by Dan McColl and Jamie Griffin, with Stuart Elam and Tony Strong second. Other Castlemaine members placed well.
It was a great series hosted by Castlemaine being one of the oldest sporting clubs in Australia.
It was very pleasing to have so many shooters travelling long distances and spending time in Castlemaine and Maldon, staying in local hotels, motels and B&Bs and dining at local hotels and cafes. Colonel Bull would be pleased.
This week a practice will be held on the local range. For more on the sport of big bore rifle shooting call the captain on 5474 2552 or see Max at Castlemaine Fresh.
K160 returns home
Victorian Goldfields Railway (VGR) is thrilled to be welcoming home its beloved historic K160 steam locomotive tomorrow.
The return of coal burning steam locomotive marks an exciting milestone in the overhaul and restoration of this 86-year-old gem.
Built by the Victorian Railways in 1940, K160 is a member of the famous K Class of steam locomotives that were once a familiar sight across Victoria’s country railway network. Designed as versatile branch-line locomotives, the K Class worked passenger and goods trains throughout the state and became synonymous with Victorian country railways during the steam era.
The VGR acquired K160 from the Victorian Railways in September 1979 after its service as the Bendigo Workshops Shunter ceased, for the scrap steel price of $1,600.
The VGR completed an initial restoration of K160 in 1986 and it had the honour of hauling the first VGR train from Maldon Station in Easter 1986. K160 served the VGR until 2012, when it became necessary to undertake a heavy overhaul. It was moved by truck to Newport Railway Workshops in 2014 to facilitate this major project.
After many years of work by a dedicated team of volunteers and with the assistance of Steamrail, K160 received a complete restoration to mainline operating condition and was welcomed back onto the mainline in early 2026.
This overhaul work was made possible through some extremely generous donations and countless painstaking hours work by dedicated volunteers.
K160’s is returning home to the VGR tomorrow Saturday August 22 and will be hauling Steamrail Victoria’s Vintage Train with sister engine K183 – the train will be making its way up from Southern Cross Station arriving into Castlemaine Station around 10.15am.
Once transferred over the VGR’s railway line at Castlemaine, the train will venture out to Maldon to celebrate this milestone in K160s history – arriving into Maldon around 12.30pm.
The Vintage Train will return to Melbourne later in the afternoon, however K160 will remain at the VGR to complement their other Steam Locomotive J549.
VGR CEO Will Maylor said it will be a monumental day for the volunteer organisation.
“K160 is an important part of Victoria’s railway story, and we’re delighted to see it returning to the Victorian Goldfields Railway.
“The return of K160 demonstrates the enormous amount of work undertaken behind the scenes to keep Victoria’s railway heritage operating for future generations.
“Heritage railways are about much more than preserving locomotives in museums. They allow people to see, hear and experience these machines doing
the job they were built to do,” Maylor said.
K160 will be pressed into service operating VGR’s Goldfields Explorer Services in late August and September, complemented by J549 until October when J549 will enter the workshops for some maintenance.
The Victorian Goldfields Railway operates over the former Victorian Railways branch line between Castlemaine and Maldon, preserving not only historic locomotives and carriages but the experience of travelling by rail through the Central Victorian goldfields.
The special services are expected to attract railway enthusiasts as well as families and visitors to the region, providing an additional tourism drawcard for Castlemaine, Maldon and the wider Central Goldfields.
Further information and tickets for Victorian Goldfields Railway services are available from www.vgr.com.au.
Students need public transport
Service facing closure?
The Castlemaine Childcare Co-operative board has confirmed that it has resolved to explore the potential closure of the long-running Mount Alexander Shire Family Day Care Service due to a funding shortfall.
The move follows an unsuccessful Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) federal government grant application that had been bridging a long-standing structural funding gap.
Castlemaine Childcare Co-operator chair Lucas McGauran said no decision has been made at this stage.
“This is a proposal currently under genuine consultation with staff, not a confirmed decision.
“We’re very conscious of the impact this uncertainty has on local families, and we want to be clear on exactly what’s happening: our service provides administration, compliance and educational support to nine Family Day Carers, who are independent sub-contractors providing wonderful in-home care to around 100 families across Mt Alexander and Greater Bendigo Shires.
“If the service does close, our educators will be provided with comprehensive administrative support to assist them to transfer to a new provider, as well as a cash incentive to encourage them to do so. Beyond that, it is a decision for each educator as to whether they will continue to provide care in 2027.
“Families and educators will be informed directly and promptly of any Board decision.”
RTM turns 18!
Run The Maine (RTM) is back for its 18th edition on September 25, 2026 and will once again be raising valuable funds for our local hospital, Dhelkaya Health.
RTM has come of age and has grown into a wonderful community event which promotes health, inclusion and raises valuable funds for our local hospital.
Early Bird tickets for the 2026 event close this Sunday so be quick to register for your preferred event – will it be the half marathon, 10 kilometre scenic run or the flagship 5 kilometre event?
2025 was RTM’s biggest year yet with almost 1200 runners hitting the course and helping RTM smash their fundraising target, raising a record $50K for Dhelkaya Health towards the establishment of a Children’s Therapeutic Playground.
RTM race director Gavin Krasner said registrations are already well above last year’s and they hope to smash even more records in 2026!
With the half marathon (taking a steam train out to the start line), a challenging 10 km run through beautiful woodlands and a 5 km run/walk that takes in Castlemaine’s stunning Botanical Gardens there is a course to suit everyone!
“The half marathon is quickly filling up so if you want to be part of that unique Maldon train experience be quick to secure your spot!” he said.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the profiles on the 2026 RTM Ambassadors in the Express and Mail in the lead up to the event for inspiration on what motivates them and how they are preparing for the event!
The RTM team is also on the hunt for volunteers to fill a wide array of roles across the event.
“Run The Maine doesn’t happen without our incredible volunteers. Volunteering is a lot of fun and a fantastic way to give back to our community. From event set-up and registrations to marshalling and water station attendants there is a role for everyone. No experience is necessary and volunteers also get a discount on our merch,” he said.
To learn more about becoming a volunteer check out the website or email Volunteers Coordinator Pam Joseph at volunteers@runthemaine.org
“For the first time this year will also be welcoming the crew from Axis Physiotherapy who will be providing support and advice to participants,” Gavin said.
“We have also expanded our food offerings with Rotary cooking up a storm on the barbecue with an array of tasty offerings, and also Pizza de Wheels, Konjo Mama, Icecream Republic, and Lesbean & Co Coffee to feature.”
Not a runner? Why not just come along to the Camp Reserve, soak in the atmosphere and show the runners/walkers your support.
To register visit runthemaine.org
CDNA welcomes netballers from near and far
Castlemaine District Netball Association hosted their annual tournament at the Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve last Sunday August 16.
The day saw the CDNA host 32 netball teams ranging 11 & U to 17 & U, located from Bendigo, across to Ballarat, down to Torquay/Geelong, up to Kilmore, Broadford, Kyabram and then back down to Macedon Ranges.
Castlemaine really put on a show, featuring the core personality of the town. The icy morning followed by beautiful sun, smiles and laughter, the Lions Club were on hand cooking up tasty treats.
The netball courts got heated from competitiveness.
The day was a wonderful success thanks to the hard work of the CDNA’s volunteers.
Castlemaine District Netball Association would like to thank the following: Leonie Clifford – Canteen/Medals, Russell Chapman – Fixtures/results, Kylie Giddings – Fixtures, Lions Club – Food van/coffee, Nate Brain – First Aid, Lara O’Toole – Time Keeping, Nat Broad – RUOkay Raffle.
With special mention to all the businesses that donated prizes including, Stonemans Bookroom, Coffee Basics, Hot n Crusty Country Bakery, Love Shack Brewing, Skin n Tonik and Sutton Grange Winery.
The CDNA were proud to be able to raise $268 to be donated to RUOK.
And finally congratulations go to all our local Junior Development Squad members – they posted some great results, but also displayed wonderful sportsmanship as they supported each other throughout the day.
Results were as follows:
11 & Under Grand Final Pink Lemonade 6 def Maiden Gully Blue 2.
13 & Under Reserves Grand Final Castlemaine 12 def KBNA Red 4.
13 & Under Open Grand Final Castlemaine 12 def Kyabram Baby Bombers 9.
15 & Under Grand Final Surf Coast 11 def Kyabram Bombers 2.
17 & Under Grand Final Castlemaine 14 def KBNA 12.
Upcoming events
In other CDNA news the popular Twilight will commence on October 2.
The Annual General Meeting has been scheduled for November 9.
To find out more on how to get involved in the CDNA connect with them via the Facebook page – Castlemaine District Netball Association. Visit the website – www.castlemainedna.au or email – cdna1962@hotmail.com
Castlemaine won the 13 & Under Reserves final.
Fiona Thorn sings Serge Gainsbourg
Magpies rack up the wins at Broadford
Castlemaine Football Netball Club made the trek to Broadford to tackle the Kangaroos in round 17 action in the Bendigo Football Netball League last Saturday.
This weekend Magpie fans can expect two blockbuster days of footy action at the Camp with Castlemaine FNC to host Sandhurst FNC Saturday and the club to host the first round of the AFL Central Vic Women’s League finals on Sunday.
Saturday’s club report is as follows:
Football
Seniors
The game against Broadford was one of the best games of the season!
Mindful of the position they have found themselves in 2026, our boys looked for all options and played classy football from one end to the other.
Josh Tull, on his debut played a great game and scored himself a goal to boot! Jack Sutherland and Harper Kneebone also were goal kickers for the day. With 13 players scoring goals, it showed how the play was shared! Darby Semmens must of settled into fatherhood very easily putting in a standout performance (Congratulations Darby and Cass on the arrival of Delaney).
As the season comes to a close, we can reflect on some outstanding performances, breaking records such as twice beating Square, Flat and Broadford, albeit falling short of the goal of playing Senior finals.
The Under 18 and Reserves boys that stepped up the level and gave it their all are to be congratulated. To the Senior boys stick with us, do the hard work and we will be playing finals next season. To our first-year coach congratulations Bailey! Thanks also to the support crew who put in unbelievable hours thank you!
Best were Darby Semmens, Harry Sheahan, Jack Sutherland, Bodhi Robinson, Kal Huntly, and Ashton Frankling.
Reserves
Our young Reserves side travelled to Broadford for the first time and were consistent throughout the game scoring 11 goals and held Broadford to 3. The Magpies finished on 76 points to 21. Aidan Goddard led the way with 5 goals.
Other good players were Josiah Bell who continues to improve. Brodie Brown-Kerr also played very well as did Patrick Leatham. Good to see Caspian Lord back who played well and took the mark of the day. A good team effort by the whole side which was well coached by the new father.
Under 18s
Due to a lack of numbers through injuries, illness, as well as Harper Kneebone and Josh Tull being given the opportunity to play Seniors, the Under 18s were up for a fight. Broadford played a super first quarter and saw them kick 2 goals to our 4. After a few adjustments at the first break our boys broke away early into the second quarter to lead by 6 goals at half time. The second half was in a similar
vein as our boys continued their strong half to break away 112-point winners.
Jack Archer kicked another bag full of 9 making him the fast climber on the U18 goal kicking ladder. It was a great win. Best were Oscar Giddings, Ben Jardine, Jack Archer, Oliver Britt, Max Matheson and Brian Shafik-Eid.
Round 18 sees the boys take on Sandhurst at home which looks to be a super game.
Women’s Finals Sunday
In the final round of the AFL Central Vic Women’s season the Senior Women were scheduled to travel to Malone Park to tackle Marong, but Marong forfeited giving Castlemaine the points. The Magpie Women finished the season in second spot on the ladder trailing Golden Square on percentage, both sides drawn on 16 wins and two losses.
The Magpies will now take on Golden Square in the Qualifying Final this Sunday August 23 in a bid to progress and strive for their fifth premiership flag. The Magpies have won two of their three clashes this season, but Square have been kicking some big tallies and will hope to get an edge over the legendary side. Be sure to get along to the Camp and cheer our girls on. It will be a massive day for the club which will also host AFL Central Vic’s two Under 18 Girls finals and the second Senior Women’s finals. Go Magpies!
Unfortunately, the Magpies Under 18 Girls were forced to forfeit to Woorinen last weekend. The Magpies finished in seventh spot with five wins under their belt. The girls should be incredibly proud of the improvements made this season and we look forward to seeing what they can do in 2027.
Netball
U15s
– No game
U17s
Our trip down to Broadford came with a well-fought win. We played a strong game as a team; with many things we’ve been working on at training coming into action. We played hard throughout all four quarters with Broadford making us work hard which led us to continue to support each other right until the end We were super proud of our result and the effort everyone put in to get the win!
B Reserve
The B Res girls played a great game of netball, being neck and neck the whole game and only losing by 3 goals in the end. They played our style of netball, kept their heads and the intensity up until the final siren went. All of the B Res girls were very happy with the way they played as individuals and a team.
B Grade
A tough contest against Broadford saw us start strongly, trailing by just three goals at the first break. Broadford found their rhythm in the second quarter, extending their lead to 18–29 at halftime. Our girls kept fighting through the third, with plenty of determination and effort across the court, heading into the final change at 27–39. Broadford finished strongly in the last quarter, with the game ending 30–61. Despite the result, the team never stopped working, and there were plenty of positives to take away. Best on went to Charley Pedretti whose consistent effort, determination and defensive pressure stood out all game.
A Reserve
– No Game
A Grade
A Grade hit the court strong. Playing like a team, the connections, speed and noise was too much for Broadford. With Castlemaine having
the upper hand. The game was very close and a tight battle for both teams. Broadford dug deep and scored from a penalty shot after the siren meaning the game was a draw. Awards went to Bridie S and Abbey T.
This weekend
Tomorrow is the club’s final home and away round for the 2026 season and they will welcome Sandhurst to the Camp.
Club President Tim Matheson took the opportunity to thank everyone who has assisted the Castlemaine FNC with another successful season.
“Footy clubs are a vital part of our communities, often being the social, cultural and emotional heartbeats of our local towns. They embody the history, resilience and spirit of our area and offer crucial support through shared belonging and mateship,” he said.
“Footy clubs bind families together across decades as grandparents, parents and children play, volunteer and support the same jumper! The number of hours it takes to continue to make our club successful and competitive, cannot be counted. To everyone who has made the effort, you have contributed to the success of Castlemaine, this is essential to keep our club viable.
“To our players, who some have suffered injuries and setbacks, but continue to support us by giving us their time, on and off the field, at training and on Game days – thank you for your time and effort it is greatly appreciated and we love watching you play the games we love. It is not a small commitment. To all our coaches, support staff and helpers, thank you for all you do. See you in 2027!
“A huge thank you to our very generous sponsors. Your contributions are noted by us all. Remember to support those that support us! Our sponsors are listed on our website and social pages,” Matheson said.
David McCann Special Effort
This Saturday evening, August 22 the club has its David McCann Special Effort reverse draw and Annual Auction. Your ticket enables you to a scrumptious meal and fun watching the live draw.
The Club’s Presentation Night has been set down for Thursday September 24 – see you all there!
Another great season. Don’t forget to come and support our fabulous Under 18s in the finals series! Go Magpies!
Bushfire clean-up support still available
Was your home, business, farm, or community asset damaged by the January 2026 bushfires? You might still be eligible for free clean-up.
Registrations for Emergency Recovery Victoria’s Clean-Up Program will close on August 31, 2026.
If your property was damaged and you don’t have insurance (or not enough), you may be able to get free clean-up support. This may also include supporting structures like sheds.
Anyone who might be eligible should register. This includes properties that are insured, but where there is not enough to cover clean-up and a level of rebuild.
You can register if you are still talking to your insurer.
If you withdrew from the program, you can get back in touch with ERV to continue your clean-up registration.
Visit vic.gov.au/register-for-clean-up or call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 (select option 3) to discuss your situation.
There is no wait time to speak to a member of the clean-up team.