The Mount Alexander Vintage Engine Club is set to open its gates at the Dave Bennett Reserve at Muckleford for two massive days of festivities this weekend, November 7 and 8.
MAVEC is holding its 29th annual Vintage Engine and Machinery Rally this Saturday November 7 and the club’s popular 5th annual Tractor Pull on Sunday November 8.
The blockbuster two day event will give locals and visitors to the region the chance to see some incredible vintage machinery displays and catch tractor owners push their beasts to the limit on the track.
This year’s feature engine is the Ronaldson & Tippett and the feature tractor is the David Brown.
The rally will run from 10am to 5pm Saturday and entry is free. It is always a great family day out and a chance to take a trip back into Australia’s mechanical past with working exhibitions, memorabilia and collectibles of yesteryear.
The MAVEC crew are excited to show off their permanent exhibit a Thompson & Co Engineers Vic No. 143 stamper battery.
They will also fire up the renowned Chamberlain tractor – a hybrid of two different models which was built by local farmer Morrie Oxley.
MAVEC will also have its 1854 horse drawn Belgian Carousel operating which is sure to delight the young and young at heart.
There will also be a jumping castle, face painting and a lucky dip for the kids, tons of vintage and historic vehicle displays, market stalls, a tractor Show & Shine display and lots more.
Sunday’s Tractor Pull event will run from 10am to 4pm. All tractor classes are welcome. See the club’s Facebook page for details on how to enter.
The home of MAVEC at the Dave Bennett Reserve can be found at 811 Muckleford/Walmer Road right alongside the Muckleford Railway Station.
Take a trip back to yesteryear
You’d Think We’d Be Used To Change By Now
On the back of performing eight housewarming shows at the Arts Centre in front of audiences of thousands, and singing the National Anthem at the opening of the Special Olympics, Castlemaine’s own multi-award-winning songwriter, musician, advocate and writer Eliza Hull (OAM) said all her dreams are coming true.
Last week Hull released her latest song Balcony, from her forthcoming album You’d Think We’d Be Used To Change By Now.
Written and partially recorded in London with Sneaker Pimps’ Liam Howe (fka twigs, MARINA), Balcony flits between bittersweet nostalgia and sky-high euphoria, sonically drawing from atmospheric 90s trip-hop; “a song about trying to hold onto something beautiful long after it has passed”.
To celebrate the launch of her new album on December 4, Hull will host an intimate conversation and perform the full album live at the Diggers Store, where she recorded most of the album.
“It’s the record that I am most proud of, and recording it in Campbell’s Creek makes it more meaningful,” she said.
“The album is about the changes that happen in the world every day, and for me, as a woman, as a mum, as a person with a disability and a person who has my own critical inner voice, it still doesn’t get any easier. The songs explore letting go of control and surrendering, which helps us to evolve as people and in relationships.”
You’d Think We’d Be Used to Change By Now is Hull’s first full album release since 2015 and has been two years in the making and her most fearless and personal music of her career – co-producing for the first time – all the while fighting against what she describes as her “inner saboteur”.
Across 11 tracks, You’d Think We’d Be Used To Change By Now is stunningly raw, contemplative, brooding, and expertly layered with organic and electronic textural elements; a record at its core about change via a culmination of honest conversations Hull has had with herself, sharing stories that have manifested from periods of self-doubt and identity shifts – ultimately arriving at a place of replenished empowerment and trust in her own place as “a woman, mother, partner and artist”.
“Being an independent, disabled artist, even having had and continuing to have huge success, making an album is still really hard and costly, and I really need the support of my local community,” she said.
You’d Think We’d Be Used To Change By Now heralds a bold and emotionally expansive new era from one of the continent’s most compelling artists, and is out independently on Friday 4 December. Pre-order today at: elizahull.com
For tickets to the launch, visit: events.humanitix.com/eliza-hull-album-launch-you-d-think-we-d-be-used-to-change-by-now-castlemaine
Cannons look to bounce back
The Castlemaine Cannons Country Basketball League Men’s and Women’s sides were excited to invite the community to come along to the Castlemaine War Memorial Stadium last Sunday October 25 for their first home games of the 2026 season.
The Cannons Men unfurling their 2025 flag. The side playing for their third consecutive title in 2026.
The Cannons Men played a double-header.
On Saturday they headed down the Calder to tackle the Kyneton Tigers at the Kyneton Sports & Aquatic Centre. The match came right down to the wire with the Tigers snatching a narrow three point win 90-87. Top scorer for Castlemaine was newcomer Madiar Chipuowuop with 31 and teammate Morgan Lockwood also excelled with 21.
On Sunday at Wesley Hill the Cannons looked to bounce back when they faced the Melton Thoroughbreds. However, their visitors had other ideas locking down the Cannons opportunities to score and holding them to 60 points. At the other end of the court the Thoroughbreds registered 94 points to grab the win. Top scorers for the Cannons were Rossi Stevens 14, Madiar Chipuowuop 12 and Casey Wills 11.
This weekend the Cannons will host a double header at Castlemaine’s War Memorial Stadium taking on the Macedon Ranges Rockies Saturday October 31 at 7pm and on Sunday November 1 at 2pm they will welcome the Maryborough Blazers.
The Cannons Women also travelled south on Saturday to face Kyneton and had a tough outing going down to the Tigers 85 to 53 despite a terrific effort.
Top scorers for the Cannons were Graycen Dillion 13, Kaleah Bonanno 12 and Elise Hogan 10.
On Sunday they hosted the Melton Thoroughbreds and gave their all to put up 51 to 110. Top scorers in a valiant effort were Kaleah Bonanno 16 and Graycen Dillion 11.
This weekend they will also host a double header playing the Macedon Ranges Rockies Saturday October 31 at 5pm and Maryborough Blazers at 12 noon Sunday November 1.
Get along to the War Memorial Stadium in McGrath Street this weekend and support our local sides in action. Go Cannons!
Relax at one of these Australian favourites
With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, and daily life about to get more chaotic than ever, you can relax knowing that the most popular holiday destinations in Australia await you.
According to Google Trends, when it comes to summer and you’re in need of a break, look no further than these top 8 locations:
1. Melbourne
2. Sydney
3. Gold Coast
4. Cairns
5. Hobart
6. Sunshine Coast
7. Byron Bay
8. Whitsundays
With beaches being the popular theme among these, we think the data is trying to tell you something. It’s time to put on the thongs, sunnies and bathers and get yourself a bevy.
Step away from the chaos of life and relax at one of these Australian favourites. Whether you’re looking for fun, sun and beach or something away from the crowds and closer to nature.
There is so much to see and do, so why not get out there and enjoy it.
This content is part of a paid partnership with Google to promote Google Trends. It uses Google Trends data to explore search interest in fuel price apps. Google Trends data is aggregated and anonymous. Search interest is measured on a relative scale and does not represent total search volume.
Find your wellness
What if one day could connect you with the practitioners, practices and people who help you feel healthier, calmer, stronger and more connected?
The Golden Wellness Festival takes place tomorrow at the Sunken Oval, Castlemaine from 10am – 4pm and is free entry.
The festival invites you to discover your own personal wellness team through a diverse program of workshops, talks, experiences and community gatherings led by some of Central Victoria’s most respected wellbeing practitioners.
Rather than searching endlessly online for support, festival-goers can meet practitioners face-to-face, experience their work firsthand and discover the people and practices that genuinely resonate with them.
Whether you’re curious about movement, mindfulness, holistic health, spirituality, creativity, sound healing, personal growth or natural health, the festival offers a rare opportunity to explore dozens of modalities in a welcoming and affordable setting.
Visitors can experience sessions including Feldenkrais with Julieta Mateo, Kundalini Yoga, Ayurvedic wisdom with Marye O’Brien of Maiaveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine with Rich Moffat, astrology with Shu Yap of Interpsycle Astrology, holistic pet health with Dr Ed the Healing Vet, deep relaxation experiences, community song circles, women’s circles, creative workshops and explorations into herbal medicine, alchemy and ancestral wisdom.
Enjoy delicious food and no-alcohol drinks in the Food Garden accompanied by music from Kavisha, Georgia Darcy and handpan by Stephanie Mansour.
Festival Director Ciel Lindley says the event is designed to help people build meaningful relationships with practitioners who can support their wellbeing long after the festival ends.
“Many people know they want support for their health and wellbeing, but they don’t know where to start. The festival provides a rare opportunity to sample a wide range of practices, meet experienced practitioners face-to-face and discover the people who may become part of their ongoing wellness journey.”
Win a Year-Long Wellness Journey
Golden Wellness Festival has also launched its Golden Scrolls Raffle, with tickets on sale throughout November. One lucky winner will receive a curated package of wellness experiences valued at more than $1,000, designed to support a year-long journey of restoration, learning and self-care.
The prize includes a Golden Wellness Festival 2027 Guests of the Festival Package valued at $550, an astrological consultation with Shu Yap of Interpsycle Astrology, a luxurious Lakshmi Bliss Spa Ritual from Maiaveda valued at $320, a $200 Naia Bathhouse voucher, an Ancestral Divination Reading with Zenith Flume, a Know Thyself One Day Retreat from Heart of the Horse, a comprehensive Autonomic Responsiveness Testing session with Nikki Valentini of Supernature Nutrition valued at $295, guest access to Otway Flow Festival, and a collection of experiences from FOLK Gym, including session passes all housed within a bespoke handcrafted urn created by acclaimed ceramic artist and official Golden Wellness Festival ceramicist Carmen Tuke.
“Wellness isn’t something that happens in a single workshop or treatment,” says Lindley. “We’ve created a prize that gives someone the opportunity to explore different approaches to wellbeing across an entire year, guided by some of the region’s most experienced practitioners.”
Raffle tickets can be purchased at Merchants of Mostyn, at Golden Wellness Festival pop-up events throughout November, and at the Golden Wellness pop-up at Town Folk Festival 2026.
With dozens of practitioners gathered in one place, the Golden Wellness Festival is more than a day of inspiration. It’s a chance to find your wellness team, connect with your local wellbeing community, and leave with trusted contacts, practical tools and fresh motivation to support your wellbeing all year round.
Festival tickets, program information and raffle details are available at www.goldenwellnessfestival.com
Show marches on!
The 172nd Castlemaine & District Agricultural Show begins tonight with all the colour and spectacle of the beloved street parade.
The parade will weave along the new route from Walker Street, along Gingell Street and into the Forest Street entrance gates to Camp Reserve.
Castlemaine Show secretary Debbie Hamilton said they had strong entries for this year’s parade including Castlemaine Highland Pipe Band, Thompson’s Foundry Band, the colourful crew from YIMBY, Busy Bees Childcare Centre, and the Castlemaine Football Netball Club, including five time premiership superstars – the Castlemaine Magpie Women’s team and their five AFL Central Vic cups!
“And of course we are delighted to welcome Castlemaine SES and many of our wonderful local fire brigades,” Debbie said.
The parade will be followed by Carnival Night at the Camp Reserve.
Enjoy the sideshows, carnival rides, pavilion displays, woodchop from 6.30pm proudly supported by Mt Alexander Timber and Hardware and pick out your favourite showbag! The night will be capped off by the popular fireworks display at 10pm.
Saturday will feature all the traditional Show Day events, including sheep dog demonstrations, pony rides, an animal nursery from 10am, plus Feral Woodwork and Painting for the children. The animal nursery and craft activities are free.
“Mayor Cr Toby Heydon will be coming along to test his skills and trial one of the sheep dogs. They are wonderfully talented,” Debbie said.
The pavilion displays are always a highlight with community members showcasing their skills in everything from horticulture, fleece, flowers and cookery to art, craft and photography.
The Mail was on hand as hopeful entrants descended on the Camp this week to drop off their entries in the traditional categories. Be sure to check out the magnificent display and the wealth of local talent during your visit to the showgrounds!
Entry to the show is $15 Adults, $8 Pensioners, $8 17 year old student, $8 Child 7-16, Children 6 & Under Free.
For more information visit www.castlemaineshow.com.au
Asking the important questions and getting involved
A homecoming, a celebration, and a festival highlight in the making
For over five decades, the Maldon Folk Festival has brought music, dancing and plenty of lively conversation to Maldon, becoming part of the fabric of the town.
Kicking off today, October 30, the four-day festival has a jam-packed program of events across different locations in the historic township.
Featuring big names like fourteen-time Australian Blues Award winner Lloyd Spiegel, national treasure Fred Smith, and Nick Charles.
Victorian-based performers include the international sensation Claymore, Maldon favourites Rich Davies and the Low Road and a warm and soulful collaboration from Marcia Howard (Goanna) and Damian Howard (The Ploughboys).
With rich harmonies, poetic songwriting and a deep connection to community, Marcia and Damian create music that feels intimate, generous and unmistakably Australian.
Drawing on decades of shared history, the siblings blend stories of love, loss, hope and healing into a sound that moves effortlessly between folk, country, soul and roots.
As Marcia says, it’s about “sharing stories, celebrating connection, and making music that feels like home.”
Both artists are woven into Maldon’s musical fabric. Marcia has graced the festival’s stages for decades, while Damian’s first-ever festival gig over 30 years ago with The Ploughboys happened in Maldon, sparking years of touring across Australia and the world.
Now, Marcia and Damian return to Maldon, ready to reconnect with the people and places that shaped them.
The 2026 festival will run from October 30 to November 2, offering four days of performances, dancing, workshops and social gatherings, with camping available at the Maldon Football Ground in the centre of town.
Children under 12 are admitted free, while family, youth, day and weekend tickets are available.
All venues are within walking distance of the centre of town and have access for people with a disability.
www.maldonfolkfestival.com
Big shift for Castlemaine SES volunteers after weekend storm
A fast-moving storm cell swept across Mount Alexander Shire on Saturday evening, leaving a trail of fallen trees and keeping Castlemaine SES volunteers on the go right through until Monday morning.
Four crews were deployed across the district, receiving 25 calls for assistance across Guildford, Yapeen, Campbells Creek, McKenzie Hill, Barfold, and Castlemaine.
Pockets of the shire were hit by torrential rain and hail that piled several inches deep, with fierce winds uprooting gums and bringing down branches across roads, driveways, and homes.
Volunteers focused heavily on residential properties, attending eight callouts where trees had crashed onto roofs, garages, and verandas, alongside several leaking ceilings.
During the height of the storm, crews were also dispatched to a car accident at the corner of Barker and Forest Streets in central Castlemaine.
Fortunately, all occupants were able to get out of the vehicles without SES assistance.
Castlemaine SES Section Lead Daniel Bone said the isolated nature of the storm gave residents almost no warning.
“When an event like this hits so quickly, there’s very little anyone can do in the moment,” Mr Bone said.
“We saw trees of all shapes and sizes come down. Some were perfectly healthy and were just overpowered by the gusts, but in other cases, an inspection by an arborist beforehand could have spotted hidden rot or weak limbs and prevented damage to a home. This can be a stormy time of year, and now is a great time to look up and have mature trees near your home assessed.”
Mount Alexander Shire Council road crews worked through the night clearing tree-littered roads, allowing SES volunteers to focus their attention on damaged homes.
For emergency storm assistance, call VICSES on 132 500.
