New tourism brand launched
Tourism industry representatives from across the Mount Alexander, Macedon Ranges, Hepburn and Central Goldfields shires descended on Castlemaine’s Boomtown Winery & Bistro last Thursday evening for the official launch of new visitor brand – ‘Victoria’s Heartland’.
The unveiling marks an exciting new chapter for the region following the inception of Destination Central Victoria (DCV) last year.
Formerly known as Daylesford Macedon Tourism, the new entity now represents four shires, doubling in size and scope and now boasting a combined visitor economy worth close to $1 billion dollars.
Backed and funded by both state and local government, DCV is dedicated to leading tourism development, promotion, and collaboration across the four local government areas.
DCV unveiled the fresh new consumer brand ‘Victoria’s Heartland: Place of Plenty’ which aims to capture the spirit and heart of Central Victoria and is designed to unite communities, attract visitors and drive sustainable growth across the region.
Interim CEO for Destination Central Victoria, Paul Matthews said the new brand was developed following close consultation with the four council areas and key industry partners.
“Victoria’s Heartland was born through extensive engagement and collaboration with stakeholders. While preserving the strong brand equity already associated with Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges, our new identity aims to spotlight the region’s key brand pillars and hero destinations, reinforcing its appeal to visitors,” he said.
“This brand captures the very essence of our region – warm and authentic, welcoming to all, rich in creativity and natural beauty, and forward–thinking while honouring our past,” he said.
Alongside the new brand identity, DCV also launched its brand–new Victoria’s Heartland visitor website and a dedicated Victoria’s Heartland Visitor App – both of which have been created to enhance the experience of visitors and locals exploring the region.
The app features geocaching so visitors can tap into local experiences in their surrounding area.
The new brand will also be bolstered by social media influencers visiting all corners of the heartlands and sharing their experiences at local accommodation, eateries, stores and attractions.
“The new brand, website and app are set to strengthen Central Victoria’s position as a must–visit destination, a place with authenticity, creativity, diversity and heart,” Mr Matthews said.
Whether it’s nature, food, wine, creativity or connection, visitors can expect to leave with more than they came for.
Visit the Victoria’s Heartland website at victoriasheartland.com.au or socials to discover more.
Build skills that save lives
Lifeline Loddon Mallee, deliver practical, evidence–based training programs designed to help create a more resilient, connected, and safer community.
Their mission is simple: to equip everyday people with the skills to recognise, respond, and refer those experiencing distress, poor mental health, suicidality, or domestic violence.
Their next fully-funded local SafeTALK training session will be held at Campbells Creek on Thursday March 5 from 9am-12.30pm at the Campbells Creek Community Centre at 60 Elizabeth Street. Register at https://campbells-creek-castlemaine-safetalk-workshop.raiselysite.com/
Cato claims Una Carroll Trophy honours
A solid field of 24 players teed it up at Castlemaine Golf Club for the Men’s Monthly Medal last Thursday.
The day belonged to Lachlan Brown (6), who produced a great nett score of 71 to claim the Monthly Medal and the top prize. Brown’s round stood out in a tightly packed leaderboard, with just two shots covering the leading contenders. Finishing runner-up was Peter Sharrock (23) with a nett 72, edging ahead on a countback. The competition was fierce behind him, with Kors Van Eyk (22) also posting nett 72 to take third on countback, while Ian Fraser (16) finished fourth with the same score. Peter Farrell claimed the Nearest the Pin on the 7th hole, while Kors Van Eyk was accurate on the 12th to take the other NTP.
The 9 B4 9 stableford competition drew 18 early starters Saturday morning. It took a countback to split winner from runner up with Dorian Fay (10) finishing in top spot with 19 points and Jan Barratt (12) settling in runner up position.
A strong field of 45 players contested the Par competition at Castlemaine Golf Club last week, with scoring conditions proving challenging but rewarding for those able to stay steady under pressure. Leading the way was Lachlan Brown, who produced an outstanding round to finish +6, a superb performance that secured both the overall win and Grade A honours.
Brown’s consistency across the card set the benchmark for the day. Matthew O’Brien followed closely in Grade A, finishing runner-up with a commendable +4.
B Grade was keenly contested, with Vin Walsh claiming top spot on +2, edging out Michael Bottomley, who finished just one point back on +1 after a solid and controlled round.
In Grade C, Marty Cross put together an impressive performance to take the win on +3, while Mick Josey
finished runner-up on +2, continuing his run of good form. The placegetters list reflected the tight nature of the competition, with several players separated only on countback. Notable efforts came from Lachlan O’Brien, Peter Mangold, Peter McCoombe and Jen Dyer, all featuring among the top ten.
Nearest-to-the-pin prizes added extra excitement on the day. Mick Josey was pinpoint accurate on the 7th hole, while Michael Kehoe claimed the prize on the 12th .
Sunday saw close to 50 players dressed in pink from Castlemaine Golf Club and visiting clubs take to the course for a Stableford round in support of breast cancer fundraising. The event was a wonderful blend of competitive golf and community spirit, with players proudly showing their support for a very worthy cause.
In the women’s section, Jenny Cato delivered an outstanding performance to claim the Una Carroll Trophy, finishing the day with an excellent 38 points. Marty Cross topped the overall leaderboard with a superb round of 39 points to take out the event honours. The day was a great success both on and off the course, with a total of $2,400 raised for breast cancer support. Organisers thanked all players, volunteers, and supporters who contributed to making the event such a memorable and meaningful occasion.
On Tuesday, 15 ladies teed off early to beat the heat in a par event. Helen McEwen (31) was the standout performer, claiming victory with an impressive +2. The runner-up spot was decided on a countback after Barb Livingstone (22) and Bronwyn Gudgeon (24) both finished on +1, with Barb eventually edging ahead. Julie Cross collected the IGA voucher for NTP on the 12th hole
Red Box Wildlife Shelter Nature Art Soundscape fundraiser
Nature Art Soundscapes will hold a performance fundraiser for Red Box Wildlife Shelter at the Old Castlemaine Gaol this Saturday February 28.
Nature Art Soundscapes are musicians Hilary Blackshaw (violin, guitar and vocals), Joel Bloom (lap steel guitar), Clara Schutz (cello) and artist Jane Rusden. The quartet celebrates local woodland wildlife through weaving beautiful live art making with evocative musical soundscapes.
The current bushfire crisis has seen Red Box Wildlife Shelter inundated with wildlings on the search for food and water, as well as a constant stream of burn affected kangaroos called in by the public or transported from other rescue groups.
Help Red Box Wildlife Shelter continue to provide ongoing rehabilitation and care of kangaroos by donating today. Operating as a not for profit charity we do not receive any government funding so we rely entirely on the generosity of people just like you. Your donation will go directly to funding vital food, medicine and veterinarian treatment required to provide the best level of care.
Entry by donation, with funds going to Red Box Wildlife Shelter to help provide ongoing rehabilitation and care of kangaroos and other wildlife injured in the fires.
The performance will take place at 7pm at the Old Castlemaine Gaol, 36-48 Bowden Street,
Castlemaine. Visit natureartsoundscapes.com/ for more information.
Massive redevelopment for Bendigo Art Gallery
Construction is set to commence on the redevelopment of the Bendigo Art Gallery.
The project is backed by $21 million from the state government, $9 million from the City of Greater Bendigo, $4 million from the Gallery Board and more than $9 million in philanthropic support.
The redevelopment will deliver a second-floor exhibition space, innovative learning centre, theatrette and a home for Dja Dja Wurrung cultural materials.
This will give the gallery the space to attract even more major local and international artists and exhibitions which means more jobs for people in Bendigo.
Construction will take two years and create about 260 local jobs.
Once complete, it is expected to inject $35 million into Bendigo’s economy every year and create 170 ongoing jobs.
New piste proving popular at Chewton
Some month’s ago the Chewton Domain Society opened an opportunity for donations towards the construction of a petanque piste in Chewton’s Ellery Park.
Captain James Trewartha had owned and run the Golden Hope Hotel on that very site and had provided community entertainment for the gold rush community of the time. That community entertainment included bowls games.
When the piste fundraising had nearly met the target, the bullet was bitten and the court constructed – and what a success it has been! Regular gatherings, family games and even questions raised about booking arrangements!
And on Sunday it was bocce. A Chewton Bocce Club (founded 2025) turned out in force, complete with spectators, nibbles and drinks. Impressively, they had their own flag to denote their presence, and a scoreboard to keep tabs on member’s progress. Despite the games and competition, the group were happy to take a break for a group photo, and ask questions about the history of the site, the former Golden Hope Hotel and the diversions on offer there.
There are plans ahead for future bocce outings, and next Sunday will see Chewton Bocce Club face off against a team from Castlemaine at 4pm.
The Castlemaine Thumpers versus Chewton – an event sure to stir up memories of Chewton/Castlemaine rivalries that have festered since gold rush times.
New professional theatre company launches in Castlemaine
Feedback sought on Elsie Palmer Field at Wesley Hill
Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting community feedback on concept designs for the upgrade of Elsie Palmer Field at Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve to support both cricket and soccer at the site.
Elsie Palmer Field is home to the North Castlemaine Cricket Club and council has worked closely with the club to ensure the upgraded design continues to support cricket as a primary user.
The concept includes a new synthetic centre wicket, retention of the turf wicket table, and new cricket training nets on the eastern side.
To meet growing demand from the Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club, the shire’s only soccer club, the design also proposes a multi-sport field that accommodates both cricket and soccer, along with improvements for informal community use.
Mayor Toby Heydon said the project aims to create a flexible and inclusive community facility.
“With such fond memories of playing the Red Hats there – though never troubling the scorers much – I know how important Elsie Palmer Field is to our cricket community, and these upgrades will ensure cricket remains a strong and supported presence at the site,” Cr Heydon said.
“At the same time, we’re responding to major growth in soccer participation to create a shared space that works for both sports and the wider community. We want to hear from residents, players, parents and neighbours before the design is finalised.”
The community consultation is open until March 13.
Residents can contribute by completing a short survey, attending an onsite information session or by providing a written submission.
Details and links are available at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/upgrades-wesley-hill-recreation-reserve
