Rising Naarm/Melbourne-based folk artist Bec Sykes has been carving out her corner of the Australian music landscape with her songwriting prowess, striking voice and captivating stage presence.
Bec will be visiting the Taproom at Shedshaker Brewing on Sunday August 9 for a matinee show as part of her first solo tour of the eastern states.
The magnetism of her live performance is as palpable when performing stripped back on the iconic Melbourne Recital Centre stage as it is with her full band at lauded sticky carpet venues; performances that are grounded with a refinement and growth in confidence that mirrors the deeply personal evolution traced on her “beautifully intimate” (Atwood Magazine, US), Australian Music Prize-nominated debut album Pepperpot Magic (2024).
Released alongside lead single ‘Last to Know’ – which has since had more than 1.3 million streams on Spotify alone – Pepperpot Magic saw Sykes reclaim her power after leaving behind her Christian upbringing and a lonely relationship. Its arrangements are meticulous yet understated, spanning the minimalist to textural, and lay the foundation for Sykes’ voice to work its spellbinding power.
After her breathtaking debut single ‘Edithvale’ led her to win iconic Melbourne record label Pieater’s (Maple Glider, Big Scary) ‘Pie School’ competition and the Josh Pyke Partnership in 2020, Bec Sykes toured nationally with Josh Pyke and has since supported Sarah Blasko, Merpire, Telenova, Jem Cassar-Daley, Mia Wray, Teenage Dads, Didirri and Katy Steele.
Pepperpot Magic has received acclaim and praise from triple j, Double J, triple j Unearthed, ABC News Breakfast, ARIA The Future of Music, frankie magazine, Rolling Stone and many others.
Bec told the Mail she can’t wait to return to Castlemaine with her solo show after appearing at the Theatre Royal in support of Didirri a couple of years ago.
“As an independent artist it has felt really amazing to be able to step out of the organisation and promotion role and back into the role of musician and entertain a crowd. I’ve performed in the Simba Sessions in Kyneton, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Angelsea and I’m scheduled to play in Bendigo this Saturday.
“At Castlemaine I will be supported by local artist Jules Sheldon and fellow Naarm artist Guthrie who regularly performs in Daylesford.
“I’ll be performing in a duo and will be joined on stage by Ronan Nicholson on pedal steel guitar,” she said.
Bec revealed that the album got its name Pepperpot Magic from a now-defunct fairy/occult shop that existed in 90s Boronia.
“My older sister used to work there and I remember visiting it as a child. The songs on the album are quite heavy and personal, but I am more playful by nature. I like the juxtapostion between the title and the music,” she said.
Whilst touring Bec has also been treating audiences to a sneak peek at some new material including ‘Convincing Ground’ which is quite different from her previous material and touches on her family’s connection with the Portland region on the Great Ocean Road, aboriginal history and decolonisation – an issue she is deeply passionate about.
After the whirlwind tour she aims to take some time and space to delve into writing and recording new material.
“I don’t really have a timeframe in mind. I will trust in the process,” she said.
The show will kick off at 4pm. Entry is free.
Bringing the magic!
New ‘Drive Forward’ course to unlock automotive careers
Castlemaine Community House and Autoplex Castlemaine are launching a new introductory course ‘Drive Forward’ connecting locals with the region’s booming automotive industry.
Perfect for school-leavers, those looking for a career change and for folks who are curious about cars but never had the opportunity to learn!
The local automotive industry spans far more than mechanics — covering welding, auto electrics, diesel mechanics, retail, electric vehicles, parts, sales and more, meaning there are pathways to suit almost every interest and skill set.
Drive Forward is a short, hands-on course for anyone considering a career change, applying for their first job, or simply wanting to learn more about cars. No prior experience or qualifications are needed.
This new and exciting course is being delivered in partnership with Autoplex and has been designed by a leading female mechanic, ensuring the program is inclusive and creates opportunities for anyone interested.
The course covers practical car mechanic skills participants can use from day one, alongside the workplace skills employers say they value most.
Participants will combine classroom learning with practical, hands-on activities, including visits to local workshops, tool-based learning, a tour of Bendigo TAFE, and opportunities to connect directly with local employers.
Local employers say the timing couldn’t be better, with the industry facing a shortage of skilled workers.
Phillipa, from PJ’s Tyre & Auto, said the business was eager to welcome new talent into the trade.
“It’s hard to find great people to join our team. There is a shortage of people coming into the industry and we’d love to have skilled locals we could employ. It’s such a big industry and we need people with skills from electrics to reception to mechanics,” Phillipa said.
Ryan, from Central 4×4, said the industry had changed significantly in recent years, and that adaptability was now central to the job.
“Working with vehicles isn’t like it used to be. These days you have to be interested in learning all the time, the introduction of electric vehicles and other tech means we are constantly skilling up and that’s what keeps it interesting,” Ryan said.
Bookings close next Friday July 24. The course will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at CCH at 30 Templeton Street and kicks off on July 28. The course is being offered for the special introductory price of $40 (Full) / $25.00 (Concession).
Register for an information session at: www.cch.org.au/courses/drive-forward-mechanics-course-castlemaine/
Castlemaine to host Women’s Climate Conference
Rural and regional women across Australia are facing growing impacts of our changing climate system: floods, droughts, bushfires, frosts, other extreme weather patterns – putting our families and community at risk from climate impacts.
The Women’s Climate Congress (WCC) to be held in Castlemaine on Friday July 24 seeks to explore what could happen if women across our region came together to shape practical, community-led solutions for the future.
The event follows on from the WCC’s ‘Women Changing the Climate’ Victorian Congress at the Castlemaine Town Hall in March 2025, and the subsequent launch of the WCC’s Rural & Regional Climate Hub (R&RCH) pilot in Castlemaine which has continued local conversations around building community resilience.
The 2026 Castlemaine Women’s Climate Congress, headed up by local R&RCH coordinators Heidi Michael and Margaret de Kam, in partnership with
Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, are inviting women from the Loddon Mallee region to explore what matters most to to women in the area, and how we can work together to create meaningful local impact around climate solutions.
The congress will comprise two events the first being a ‘Tea Circle on Climate Conversations’ at Castlemaine Community House, 30 Templeton Street from 10am-12pm.
This free event will be an opportunity to enjoy a cuppa and connect with other local women of all ages to talk about climate.
From 1pm participants can then join visiting Australian director Liz Courtney at the Phee Broadway Theatre for a special Castlemaine screening of her internationally acclaimed documentary exploring Antarctica, climate science and the global changes shaping our future.
Antarctica – The Giant Awakens is a breathtaking journey to the frozen edge of our planet, where science, courage and discovery come together to reveal the beauty, wonder and urgency of understanding our changing world.
The documentary follows a team of young female climate scientists as they embark on a mission to Antarctica, led by Prof Benjamin Horton, one of the world’s leading experts in sea-level rise.
Antarctica, nearly twice the size of Australia, holds 75 per cent of the world’s fresh water. However, the Antarctic ice sheet, perched on a bedrock base, is now under threat as colossal ice cliffs surrounding the West Antarctic coastline are collapsing due to warming ocean temperatures.
Prof Horton emphasises the urgency of understanding the rate of glacier melt and the impacts of increased fresh meltwater into salty ocean currents.
Liz Courtney said the documentary aims to inspire communities and younger generations to engage with science, leadership and solutions for the future.
“Antarctica may feel far away, but what happens there affects us all. This film is about courage, discovery, science and hope – and the importance of communities coming together to understand and respond to change,” Courtney said.
The screening is open to people of all genders and ages and will be followed by a live Q & A with the director.
There will also be a second screening later that evening from 5pm-7.30pm so parents, their children, and interested people working during the day can also attend and see the film.
To book tickets for the Tea Circle visit https://events.humanitix.com/tea-circle-on-climate-conversations-castlemaine
Tickets for the film screenings are $10, $5 concession, children free (up to 18 years) visit https://events.humanitix.com/rural-and-regional-climate-hub-castlemaine-film
Golden moment for Felix
Lisa Dennis
Castlemaine’s Felix Matheson, 17, was thrilled to pull on the green and gold and represent Australia’s Under 18 Gridiron team in the international ‘Festival of Football’ in Auckland, New Zealand last weekend.
Felix and his Aussie teammates defeated their New Zealand counterparts 34-22 to bring home the ultimate prize!
The win caps off a whirlwind 10 months for the Castlemaine Secondary College student, who made his first foray into American football back in September 2025 when he began training with the Bendigo Dragons Gridiron Club.
Felix is a longtime soccer player with the Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club, where he was highly respected for his goal keeping abilities, but was looking for a new challenge to keep him fit during the summer months.
He could never have anticipated where the journey would take him, but the decision has potentially unlocked a future full of possibilities.
After a quick introduction to the game, Felix soon found himself lining up for the Dragons Men’s Div 2 side in the Gridiron Victoria competition tackling sides across the state from Ballarat and Geelong to metro Melbourne.
One fellow player commented, “He was thrown deep end at times last year going up against some of the league’s best defensive lineman whilst still learning about the sport in general! Not once did I ever hear him complain! He took it all on board, learned as the games went on and he had a lot of fun at the same time which is the most important part!”
Felix was delighted to play in the Vic Bowl Championship final in his first season.
Whilst the prize eluded the Dragons, Matheson’s inaugural season was reportedly nothing short of outstanding and saw the talented Offensive Lineman named the 2025 Bendigo Dragons ‘Rookie of the Year’, 2025 Gridiron Victoria Div 2 League ‘Rookie of the Year’, and saw him receive an invitation to attend the NFL Scouting Combine in Naples, Florida, USA in January 2026.
Felix and his family subsequently made the journey to the US where he really took a deep dive into the American sport.
Felix’s coaches said competing and testing in an international environment takes courage and commitment, and it’s an experience that has no doubt helped shape him into the player he is today.
In late 2025 he was also invited try out for the Victorian Under 18 State Team and was chosen to represent Victoria at the National Championships in Queensland in April.
The Vic side played three games across the tournament winning one and losing two.
Felix’s performance in Queensland saw him come under the notice of national selectors and he was invited to try out for Australian Under 18s squad.
He was thrilled to make the cut and attend a week long training camp in Sydney, before being named in the starting line-up for the Festival of Football in Auckland, New Zealand.
On Saturday Felix and his teammates dominated from start to finish to claim a decisive victory.
Felix thanked everyone for their support to get him to this point.
“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent Australia, and I was really determined to make my family, friends, coaches and the Australian Gridiron community proud!” he said.
Felix’s sister Stella was among family and friends which made the trek to New Zealand to support Felix and the Australian side and couldn’t be more proud.
“It was an honour to be there to support him and his teammates. It’s been a real rollercoaster for us too! Learning about the sport, visiting the US and now New Zealand. We never would have envisaged this journey 12 months ago. But we are very excited to see what comes next for him,” she said.
Felix is now focusing on completing his Year 12 studies and enjoying his second season with the Dragons.
But he’d love to see where the sport could take him.
“I’d love to secure a college football scholarship in America. That would be the ultimate goal,” he said.
Focusing on crime prevention and community safety
Community backs itself with $100,000 for home-grown organics plan
SES sandbagging facility upgrade
Castlemaine State Emergency Services has received a $20,000 NAB Foundation Community grant to rebuild the unit’s sandbagging facility.
Located behind the SES headquarters in Castlemaine, the facility provides a place for the volunteers and members of the general public to fill sandbags in preparation for flood events.
The current facility is ageing and does not protect the sand from wet weather. The bags are manually filled, and wet sand is much heavier to carry. The funds obtained through the foundation will assist in removing the current facility and installing a new base and wet weather protection.
“We are very grateful to receive the funds and thrilled to be able to get this work happening,” SES volunteer Kristina Forbes said.
“Having dry sand is much more efficient.”
NAB representative Jane Lincoln visited the site on Wednesday to formally acknowledge the unit’s successful grant through the NAB Foundation Community Grants Program.
“The Castlemaine SES plays a vital role in supporting the local community. Whether responding to floods, storms, road rescue incidents, or helping people during times of crisis, the volunteers consistently put the needs of others ahead of their own,” she said.
“Their dedication, professionalism, and willingness to help make a real difference to the safety and resilience of our region.”
She thanked the Castlemaine SES for their service, commitment, and countless hours they dedicate to helping others.
“Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and our community is safer and stronger because of what you do,” she said.
“On behalf of NAB and the NAB Foundation, we are proud to support the Castlemaine Unit through this grant.
“We hope these funds assist the unit in continuing its important work and enhancing its ability to respond when the community needs it most.”
Steal City Trio
Steel City Sue and her trio are coming to The Coolroom this Sunday. This concert is part of an East Coast tour for the Hunter Valley-based band, it also launches their new album The Red Zone.
Sue Morley is an award-winning composer best known for her hit song Boom Town plus a pile of fetching anti-coal songs from the belly of the Hunter Valley beast, served up with humour and regret. Flirting, bad driving, and climate catastrophes also get a run in her driven-yet-touching repertoire.
The Steel City Sue trio features the fearsome playing of Naomi Jones (Midnight Chicken) and Tim Merrikin (Coomba All Stars) – all swapping out twin fiddles, old-time banjo, Cajun accordion, double bass and guitar with loads of harmonies.
The new Steel City Sue album ‘The Red Zone’ was recorded in Wales with Mike & Katie West of Truckstop Honeymoon fame.
Genre-bending slide guitarist Dan Musil rounds out the afternoon’s bill. Dan was last seen at The Coolroom playing with Van Walker. It’s fair to say Dan plays like no one else, weaving otherworldly musical journeys with incisive songwriting. Melding masterful lap steel guitar and dobro, his Irish tunes emerge from stomping blues.
This Sunday, July 19, The Coolroom, Northern Arts Hotel. Bookings through Humanitix.
Thankyou Bob and Team at the Castlemaine SES
Name and Address supplied, Castlemaine
Last week after two weeks of consistent and heavy rains impacting on my house, a timely phone call from a reassuring Bob of Castlemaine SES immediately changed an awful situation.
Bob’s kind, calm, human response quickly allayed my overwhelming feelings of panic, isolation and helplessness.
His team of professional men and women (volunteers) quietly arrived, assessed and remediated the situation over a couple of hours: all with absolute cooperation and competence.
Yes, volunteers they were!
I have since contributed to Castlemaine SES, Give Now at www.givenow.com.au/castlemaineses
And at the monthly Farmers Market last weekend I remembered to drop in a donation to the SES at the entry. I admit my donations on such occasions had been dropping off recently; they are now back on track.
This is such a worthy organisation and deserves our continued support.