Mount Alexander Shire Council is calling on residents and local organisations to contribute their ideas and priorities for the upcoming 2026/2027 Budget.
The annual budget helps drive the new Council Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan by making sure there are resources available to achieve the council and community goals over the next four years.
The community submission process is now open, offering a chance for community members to propose projects or funding needs to be considered in the 2026/2027 Budget. Whether it’s a new initiative or support for an existing program, this is an opportunity to influence what gets funded.
Council’s current $56 million budget supports the delivery of over 100 services. These range from maintaining roads, bridges and public spaces, to waste and animal management, maternal and child health, aged care, events, and emergency response and recovery.
Mount Alexander Shire Mayor, Cr Rosie Annear, emphasised the importance of community input in shaping Council’s budget decisions.
“As a small, regional Council, we stretch every dollar to deliver for our community,” said Mayor Annear.
“With rising costs and increasing responsibilities and community needs, it’s becoming more and more challenging to meet expectations with limited resources.
“That’s why your input is so valuable. It helps us to understand what matters most and where to focus our efforts. We’re not able to do it all, so we have to focus on doing the best we can with what we have.
“Alongside this, we will continue to advocate to other levels of government for more equitable and sustainable funding for councils, so that we are able to do more within our communities and say ‘Yes’ more often to great ideas and projects, and to further support community needs and priorities.”
Residents are encouraged to provide input into the 2026/2027 Budget development on the council’s engagement platform, Shape Mount Alexander. Visit www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au.
Submissions close on Monday 27 November.
All community input received will be collated and provided to councillors for their review and consideration during the budget process.
Councillors will consider the draft budget for adoption at a Meeting of Council in June 2026.
For more information, contact customer Service on 5471 1700 or send an email to info@mountalexander@vic.gov.au.
Castlemaine Theatre Company’s latest production Piece of Mind opens this Friday evening November 14.
Written by award-winning playwright Emma Wood, Piece of Mind is a quirky comedy, that tackles some universal themes: aging and mortality, financial insecurity, difficult relationships and the vitality of women’s relationships.
With not-so-comfortable retirements looming, long suffering nurses Gwen and Allie launch a daring (and maybe-not-entirely-thought-through) business venture — a peaceful parlour featuring a really quite splendid coffin which couples can rent by the hour as means of ‘getting things off their chest’. It’s quick-fix relationship therapy with a bit of funeral cosplay for fun.
What could possibly go wrong? Especially when Gwen and Allie leap in with more enthusiasm than business acumen?
Throw in some cross-generational confusion, a few less than stable clients, a dynamic, tech-savvy daughter, and a fearsome octogenarian aunt with deep pockets and things quickly get out of hand, threatening Gwen and Allie’s savings, their future and even their friendship.
Directed by writer, actor and director Stephen Mitchell, a regular contributor to Castlemaine Theatre Company as designer and photographer.
Cast: Jan Cook, Laura Elliott, Jane Montgomery Griffiths, Carolyn Palmer, Kate Stones, and Michael Uniacke.
Friday November 14 to Sunday November 30
Upstairs at 35 Etty Street, Castlemaine
To book visit: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1469985
The Castlemaine Cannons Country Basketball League Women’s and Men’s sides both had double headers last weekend.
The sides taking on the Bendigo Braves at Red Energy Arena last Saturday night November 1 and then making the trek south on Sunday November 2 to face off against Bacchus Marsh at the Moorabool Aquatic & Recreation Centre.
The Cannons Women’s found the going tough against an in-form Braves side. The Bendigo Women got out to an early lead 28-16 in the first quarter.
Castlemaine fought back in the second netting 19 points to 23, but the Braves ran away with the match in the second half eventually winning 105 to 57.
Top scorers for the Cannons were Poppy Blanch with 15 points, Georgia Garlick and Graycen Dillon 13 points and Elise Hogan 12 points.
Best on Court went to Poppy Blanch.
The Castlemaine Men’s side jumped out to an early lead against the Braves with a 27 to 13 effort in the opening term.
The second stanza was a much closer affair with the Cannons netting 21 and Braves 18.
Castlemaine stamped their authority on the match in the third shooting a whopping 35 to 18.
The Braves fought back in the last quarter winning the term 17 to the Cannons 16. But the Cannons won the day 99-66.
Top scorers for Castlemaine were Ray Turner 26, Rossi Stevens 19 and Matthew Andronicos 12. Best on was Kallum Wills.
On Sunday the Women were first to hit the court and their Bacchus Marsh opponents dominated early. However, to their credit the Cannons fought back in the final term shooting 16 to 22. But the damage had been done and the Lions Women ran out winners 98 to 56.
Top scorers for the Cannons were Poppy Blanch 21 points and Elise Hogan 13. Best on went to Blanch.
The men started strongly against the Lions and had a 17 point advantage at half time.
However, Bacchus Marsh pulled out all the stops in the third period shooting 27 to 12 in an attempt to bridge the gap.
The Cannons regrouped and came back firing in the last term shooting 18 points to 16 to win the match 77 to 73 and retain top spot on the ladder.
Top scorers for the Cannons were Daniel Hansen 23, Rossi Stevens 18 and Ray Turner 13. Best on for Castlemaine was Jake Lloyd.
This weekend the Cannons sides enjoy a week’s rest due to the bye.
The sides will then host Bacchus Marsh at Castlemaine’s War Memorial Stadium next Saturday November 15 at 5pm and 7pm.
The Cannons Men then make the trek south on Sunday November to tackle the Kyneton Tigers at Kyneton Sports & Aquatic Centre at 12pm. Go Cannons!
Celebrating 25 years of the Hush Foundation and 10 years of the Gathering of Kindness from Monday November 10 to Friday 14.
After 25 years of pioneering work proving that kindness and the arts can transform the healthcare system, the sector is still going in the wrong direction with Safe Work Australia stepping in and calling healthcare an unsafe working environment and in July this year, introducing a new model Code of Practice for healthcare.
When Professor Catherine Crock founded the Hush Foundation 25 years ago and then introduced the annual Gathering of Kindness ten years ago, she was a rare voice calling for kindness and arts in healthcare. Now it’s a global movement with academic research partnerships, policy influence, grassroots practitioner networks and patient advocacy integration.
“While zero-tolerance policies such as those from Safe Work Australia are necessary, positive reinforcement like kindness offers a more constructive approach, tapping into people’s intrinsic desire to be part of a positive, supportive community,” she said
“Kindness is a simple but extremely effective cure in sustaining and empowering the healthcare sector. Fostering a sense of community is proven to enhance the performance and wellbeing of healthcare staff, with reduced errors and improved patient safety and experience – saving lives. When kindness is at work, everyone thrives!”
For more information and the full program please visit https://hush.org.au/gathering-of-kindness-2025/
Over 30 friends and members of the Campbells Creek Bowling Club gathered together to celebrate the Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday.
Everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch of bubbly and chicken served with plenty of laughter and conversation.
The combination of good food, racing excitement, and friendly company, made for a relaxed and enjoyable afternoon.
A highlight of the day was the hat parade with an impressive array of hats ranging from elegant and classic designs to quirky and imaginative creations, adding a playful competitive spirit to the event.
Overall the Melbourne Cup Day Celebration at Campbells Creek Bowling Club was a great success with a blend of community spirit, fashion food and racing excitement. It was a memorable day had by all, and the club looks forward to next year’s event.
The 171st Castlemaine & District Agricultural Show once again delighted crowds at the Camp Reserve last Friday and Saturday.
After a late start to due to some hold ups with road closures the beloved show parade got underway with the Castlemaine Highland Pipe Band proudly led parade entrants to the Camp Reserve.
Among the parade entries were the Mt Alexander Knitting Nannas, the YIMBY composting crew, Castlemaine Scouts and Guides, Windarring, Busy Bees Childcare, Campbells Creek Primary School and Guildford Campus with a fantastic halloween entry, local emergency service personnel, local trucking companies and members of our local classic car and hot rod community just to name a few.
At the showgrounds perfect conditions greeted show-goers who enjoyed the rides, sideshows and carnival festivities, the excitement of the Midland Axeman’s Association woodchop, and the wonderful pavilion displays with everything from fleece to flowers and art and craft to cookery on show.
The evening was capped off with a stunning fireworks display.
On Saturday, the fun continued with show day events and displays, including free creative activities for the kids with the team from ‘Fural’ and the Grubby Boots Animal Farm.
BREAKING: Due to inclement weather predicted tomorrow, Saturday November 8 the Castlemaine Pride Picnic has been relocated to a new venue at The Goods Shed in Kennedy Street, Castlemaine.
The event will once again take place between 11am and 4pm.
Get ready for a vibrant day of connection, celebration and community on Djaara Country.
There will be endless activities throughout the day to keep you entertained. Get ready for soulful tunes from Wild Gloriosa, boot scootin’ fun with Country Struts, Castlemaine Circus performances, interactive workshops and Sunset Jam and Shanti Steventon live! Strut your style or cheer on the stars at the Gender Affirming catwalk and you won’t want to miss the Iconic Dog Show, a crowd favourite!
Of course, there will be plenty of food and drink at the market stalls and food trucks.
The Castlemaine Secondary College Pride Crew and Over the Rainbow youth groups will be there, providing even more fun and entertainment.
Thanks to the generosity of The Good Op Shop, there will also be a Fierce & Free clothing stall, helping you play, express yourself, and find a fabulous new outfit for the fun.
Castlemaine Pride committee member Cristina Pantazis said Pride has always been more than a party – it’s solidarity in action.
“It’s about showing up across generations, identities, and culture to say: you belong here,” Cristina said.
“As hostility and misinformation rise against LGBTQIASB+ communities, across the world and here in so-called Australia, we gather to reclaim visibility, safety, and joy. Events and spaces like this matter.”
Whether you’re loud and proud or quietly curious, this is a gentle, welcoming space for the LGBTQIASB+ community, families, friends, and allies alike.
Stay tuned to the Castlemaine Pride socials for interviews, spotlights, and ways to get involved as we count down to the big day – let’s make this the most joyful Pride Picnic yet!
Castlemaine Pride proudly operates as a program of Castlemaine Community House.
The Pride Picnic 2025 would not be possible without the collaborative efforts of Bi+ Pride Victoria and Mount Alexander Shire Council, and support from the Victorian Pride Events and Festivals fund program.
For more information visit castlemainepride.org.au
