RedGum – The Waldorf School of Central Victoria was thrilled to recently be named as the 2026 ResourceSmart School of the Year!
This award recognises outstanding sustainability achievement in Victorian schools through:
• positive impact and innovation
• addressing sustainability as a cross-curriculum priority
• engaging the broader community
• improvements to campus operations and/infrastructure
• sustainability leadership in the education sector/other schools.
RedGum holds sustainability as a core value, and this ripples out from students to families and the broader community, creating a network of inspired sustainability champions.
RedGum is a 5 Star ResourceSmart school fostering strong connections to nature which are embedded in their Steiner curriculum and includes First Nations perspectives and whole community in the care of the land the school occupies.
Biodynamics, permaculture principles, and a passionate school community were key in transforming the school site from barren grazing land with just three trees to the thriving ecosystem it houses today.
The school garden, using rain water tanks for irrigation, is maintained by parents, staff and students.
The produce from the veggie patch is used for cooking classes, shared with local charities, and sold by students at school and the Young Growers Market.
As well as installing nesting boxes across the school campus and championing a comprehensive recycling system, the student-led RedGum Eco Club built a bird hide to encourage students to observe local birdlife during their breaks. RedGum has more recently opened this space up to birdwatchers and has also used it as a space to mentor other schools who are just beginning their sustainability journey.
A few Eco Club representatives attended the awards at the MCG and were thrilled with the outcome for RedGum
“I knew we had a chance, but we were still surprised when our school was announced,” Sonny said.
“It’s an amazing feeling!! All of the other schools had incredible entries too,” Hamish said.
“It felt great, I loved meeting Dirtgirl!” Yolande said.
Student initiated Eco Club meet weekly and (with supportive staff mentors) have been a driving force in keeping sustainability at the forefront of the School’s practice and partnerships.
“We started RedGum Eco Club so that students notice nature even more and to help the school become a 5 Star ResourceSmart School. In the Eco Club we make new friends from different classes and learn from each other’s interests in birds and animals,” Sonny said.
“I have really enjoyed learning to become a leader and encouraging others to get on board with the many projects the RedGum Eco Club has started. Looking forward, I’m keen for EcoClub to keep developing our wetlands and help the universities with their research collection. I have an idea of us building some floating islands of water plants to make the dams healthier for native fish,” Sonny said.
Taking an innovative approach to using their wetlands as a classroom, RedGum students are collaborating with RMIT university to study gas emissions from stagnant waterways. They are also working with Junior Landcare, North Central Catchment Management Authority and Charles Sturt University to increase biodiversity in the wetlands, and to study what impact this may have on native aquatic species.
Judges at the awards said: “RedGum models what is possible when a deep commitment to sustainability is paired with strong local and global awareness.”
RedGum claims top honour!
Celebrating Maldon’s iconic Athenaeum Library
Maldon Athenaeum Library will be hosting an exhibition of beautiful photographs that capture the character of the library, its book collection and its visitors titled ‘Around the Margin of Books’ on July 11-12.
The exhibition is part of the Maldon in Winter festival. The photographs are the result of an ongoing project by well-known artist, Darron Davies.
Darron poetically explores the beautiful atmosphere of this famous Maldon landmark, including its architecture, books and personalities.
Based in Castlemaine, Darron has worked primarily in photography and has produced a wide variety of projects, ranging from the classical style portraiture of rodders, to quiet and reflective macro-photography, landscape photography and alternative darkroom methods. He has received a number of prize finalist nominations for his photography including being a finalist five times for the prestigious Blake Art Prize, as well as a recent finalist in the Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize. You can enjoy some of his work at https://www.instagram.com/darrondavies/
Darron sees every project as an artistic exploration, as well as a deep dive into a culture and its history, all the while deepening his knowledge and sense of photographic practice.
His Maldon Athenaeum Library project, ‘Around the Margin of Books’, is an extension of his Book Physical Project photographically exploring old
books, which has been exhibited in Melbourne and Bendigo.
Over the past few months Darron has spent many days in the library, working carefully to best capture its physical features as well as talking with library members and volunteers to immerse himself in the community and culture. His amazing images will be available for purchase during the exhibition.
During the course of the exhibition Darron will be available to discuss his exhibition and answer any questions you may have about his art of photography.
Entry to the exhibition is free. However, a small donation to help support the library would be welcomed.
You can view ‘Around the Margin of Books’ Heritage Photo Exhibition at the Maldon Athenaeum Library, 97 High Street Maldon on July 11 and 12 from 10am-2pm.
Camp Reserve plan fails on basic safety
Alice Matthiesson, Castlemaine
Our community is failing to understand that the Camp Reserve proposed redevelopment prioritises clubrooms on the Gingell St rise, at the expense of creating a safe, to code, oval with regulation run off. Crash mats strapped to trees and metal pipe-framed fencing along narrow boundaries have never been acceptable.
This planning application does not address this. Two recent letters in the Castlemaine Mail (Opinions, June 19 and 26) speak about the role of sports in developing good mental health, resilience and emotional regulation – ideally, they can do this. Acquired brain injuries, even minor concussions, and as we are now realising, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) result in the exact opposite. Why would we embrace a plan that fails on the fundamental principles of safety? New clubrooms on the wing looking across to crash mats on the perimeter – what are the priorities here?
Calling former Chewton footballers and supporters!
Former members of the Chewton Football Club will be holding a Premiership Reunion at the Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve on Saturday July 11.
The club are inviting Life Members, Past Committee Members, Players and Supporters along to the celebrations which will kick off at 12.30pm.
The club disbanded after the 1990 season but have continued to hold premiership reunions every ten years, following their 1986 Senior and Reserves premiership wins in the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football League.
This reunion will include the following premiership wins:
– 40th anniversary, 1986 Senior & Reserves Premiership.
– 50th anniversary, Under 19 Reserves Premiership.
– 51st anniversary, 1975 Senior Premiers & Champion team.
Reunion attendees will be watching Campbells Creek take on Harcourt in a MCDFNL match at Campbells Creek.
An entry fee is to be paid at the main gate, and drinks will be available for purchase in the clubrooms. Finger food will be available throughout the afternoon.
A display of Chewton Football Club memorabilia, including trophies, flags and photos along with a short history of football at Chewton from 1884 to 1990 will be given during the afternoon.
Following the senior game, we will adjourn to the Five Flags Hotel at Campbells Creek for tea at participants’ own cost.
Black Hoodies with the club name and tiger logo are available for $65 from local company Thrill Therapy with the tiger logo taken from Jack Finning’s 1977 Life Membership certificate. They can be purchased online at thrilltherapy.com.au/collections/chewton-f-c
If you are interested in attending the reunion please book with the following by Wednesday July 8 – Wayne Walsh 0421 845 434, Gary Holden 0406 642 906 or Russell Chapman 0418 507 767.
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Rock for a reason
Two of Castlemaine’s community groups are joining together for the first time to present a fundraising event – Rock for a Reason.
Castlemaine Safe Space (CaSS) is a non-clinical drop-in space for anyone in emotional distress or experiencing loneliness or suicidal thoughts. Community designed and led, and staffed by trained peer volunteers with lived experience, the Safe Space has been operating in Castlemaine for four years, and has supported hundreds of individuals in need.
Mount Alexander Shire Accommodation and Respite Group (MASARG) is an independent group of parents, carers and community members working to address the accommodation needs for adults with intellectual disabilities in the Castlemaine area. They own Melissa Court, a short-term respite house in Castlemaine, which is operated by Bendigo based Amicus Community Services.
CaSS Working Group member Helen Dewhurst they are really looking to the event.
“It will such a fun night, with music and dancing, and the knowledge you are supporting local need.”
The event will take place on Saturday July 4 at the Shedshaker Taproom and showcases two local bands.
Jet Set is a Castlemaine based four-piece band playing Chart Toppers from the 60s and beyond. Jet Set will be performing, pop, rock, country, soul and funk.
Featuring David Silvagni (Tyquins Lane, The Blackouts and more) on percussion and vocals, Chris Imfeld (jazz combo Vested Interest, All That Jazz, Serenada and Maine Course) on bass, Lachie Walter (Der Brains, The Dank and more) on saxophones, and finally Steve Walter (Wizzpoppa, The Blackouts) on guitar and vocals.
Also playing are the Bob Wills’ Poor Relations.
Bob Wills was an American musician, songwriter, and bandleader and considered by music authorities as the founder of Western swing.
The Castlemaine band started in 2020 and now comprises of experienced musos Valerie Colyer, John Ross, Brian Paulusz, Helen Dewhurst and ‘Wallace White’, who together play a variety of songs including Mack the Knife and Cow Cow Boogie.
Chris Jameson who MC’d the very successful CaSS music fundraiser last year will be the MC.
All funds raised will go directly to Castlemaine Safe Space and MASARG, helping to keep these two important community organisations running.
The night runs from 7pm-10pm, and tickets $20 full price, $15 concession. For tickets visit https://www.trybooking.com/DMSTT
Buy Local campaign continues to grow
Business Mount Alexander’s Buy Local – Spend Smarter campaign is continuing to gain momentum, with over 30 local businesses now participating and more joining each week.
The campaign encourages residents to shop locally, helping keep money circulating within the Mount Alexander Shire and supporting local businesses, local jobs and thriving local economy.
Participating businesses now include: Beehave Fashion, Body & Soul Solutions, Castlemaine Central Wine Store, Castlemaine Property Group, the Castlemaine Mail & Midland Express, Drawing South Homes, Fred Farquhar Photography, Five Flags Merchants, Green Goes the Grocer, Healing Well
Chinese Medicine, Maine Mind Counselling, Midland Pet Supplies, Mulberry’s Deli, Musk Architecture, Over the Moon Studio, Shedshaker Brewing, Smith and Brown Design, Storyland Creative, The Departure (end of life planning), ONI Street Wear, Woollykins at the Mill, Woop Woop Mini Golf & Sculpture Gardens, Legion Office Works and Influence Global consultancy.
Maldon businesses include; Cafe Maldon, Maldon Getaways, the Gold Exchange Cafe, Maldon Lolly Shop, Maldon Butchers, Maldon Bakery and the Laine & Col fashion store.
Business Mount Alexander Chair Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns said the campaign was about strengthening the local economy through everyday purchasing decisions.
“Every dollar spent locally helps support local businesses, local employment and the services that make our community unique. The response from both businesses and residents has been really encouraging, and we’d love to see even more people get involved.”
Community members can pick up a free Buy Local card from any participating business or from the Mount Alexander Shire Customer Service Centre. By registering their card on the Business Mount Alexander website, participants also go into the draw to win Dinner for Two at the Taproom at Shedshaker Brewing at The Mill, Castlemaine, with the winner to be announced at the end of August.
Business Mount Alexander Executive Officer Lisa Mills said the campaign was designed to make it easy for people to discover and support local businesses.
“Our participating businesses are offering a great range of special deals and incentives. It’s a simple way for people to save money while making a real difference to our local economy.”
The latest list of participating businesses and current offers can be found on the Business Mount Alexander website at businessmountalexander.org.au/buy-local-current-offers.
Good Grief Lounge returns
The Good Grief Lounge returns to the Northern Arts Hotel this Saturday July 4.
The lounge offers a relaxed facilitated opportunity to engage with the community in dealing with death and loss in open conversations with a series of
qualified speakers.
Participants talk about practical matters and also lead healing arts and crafts workshops to increase mental health, based on the scientific proof that that the chemistry invoked by engaging in the arts affects your mind and body, that it transforms your brain and charges your wellbeing.
In the July GGL, Castlemaine Cemetery Manager Debra Tranter will offer information about the cemetery, its history and its services, and Arts Therapist Marita Jacobssen will lead those in attendance in creating Grief Poetry.
There will be time to sit and share if you wish over a home cooked morning tea.
The session runs from 11am-1pm in the embracing space of the Northern Ats Hotel, 359 Barker Street, Castlemaine.
Entry $10 donation to cover costs. Please register your attendance: https://events.humanitix.com/good-grief- lounge
Call Jill Rivers on 0418 389 189 or email hello@art-fullliving.com for information.
Dates for your diary
During the rest of 2026 the Lounge will open on August 8 for Dying to Know Day, September 5, and November 7.
Little mouse carries a big story of hope
A small mouse with a big heart is helping share a powerful story of courage, connection and recovery following the January 2026 bushfires in Harcourt and District.
Harcourt Valley Mouse, a locally written and illustrated children’s picture book, will be officially launched as part of a special event at the Victorian Miniature Railway (VMR) in Harcourt this Sunday July 5.
Created by Harcourt and District resident Rachel Vanstone, the book was inspired by her experiences volunteering at the Harcourt Bushfire Donation Centre.
Through the eyes of Violet, a small mouse navigating fear, change, hope and belonging, the story gently explores resilience, recovery and the
importance of community.
“This story celebrates the bravery, kindness and care shown by the community, and I hope it can support other bushfire-affected communities in the future too,” Rachel said.
The book honours Harcourt District’s people, places and wildlife, featuring local landscapes, native animals and the Victorian Miniature Railway — a place that provided connection, support and community spirit throughout the fire response and recovery journey.
The community-led project was developed with input from local educators, community members, authors and artists, with feedback from Harcourt Valley Primary School and Harcourt Preschool. It was printed locally by Greengraphics Castlemaine.
A generous local donor fully funded the first print run of 500 copies, allowing around 170 copies to be gifted to local families, including kindergarten and primary school families, families who lost homes, community organisations and the Castlemaine Library.
Importantly, proceeds from remaining book sales will support the Harcourt & District Lions Club and contribute to community initiatives, with a focus on supporting local children. Such is the positive response to the new book that a second print run has already been ordered, and the Lions Club will print further copies if needed.
The launch event itself also aims to raise funds for the VMR.
“VMR played a vital role before, during and after the bushfires. Their work slashing and preparing the site and their brave efforts to fight the blaze using two of their water tankers, and allowing the CFA to tap into the dams on site, has been credited with helping to save much of central Harcourt township,” Rachel said.
“VMR also opened its doors in the wake of the disaster to be a base for the initial relief effort, providing a space for locals to gather as a community and access essentials such as food, water and internet services,” she said.
Funds raised from $5 train rides and donations at Sunday’s event will help support the VMR’s ongoing development, including the construction of a community barbecue pavilion that will allow local organisations to hold fundraising activities and community events throughout the year.
“The Lions and VMR have managed to complete Stage One of the works and had hoped to secure a Tiny Towns grant for Stage 2 but were unsuccessful. Come along and help us make this important project a reality. The barbecue facility will be used to raise funds by a wide array of community groups from the Lions to the Harcourt Football Netball Club and the pre-school to the VIEW Club (The Smith Family),” Rachel said.
The launch event gets underway at 11am Sunday and will include the first public reading of the book, author meet-and-greet, book signings, food and miniature railway rides. Community members are invited to celebrate a project that honours the strength, kindness and connection shown throughout Harcourt and District’s recovery journey while helping support the future of a much-loved local community tourism asset.
Local author Carmel Bird describes the book as “a warm and charming tale” that encourages people “to persevere in hope, even in the face of great disaster.”
Following the launch, copies will be available for $17 at the Little Red Apple, Harcourt Produce and General Store, Harcourt Valley Community House, and Victorian Miniature Railway. A digital version will also be available for free download from the Harcourt Valley website.
Agitation Hill Artists unveil new work
The Agitation Hill Artists will be holding an exhibition at the Grist Bakery during July.
The exhibition opened on July 1 and runs until July 31.
The small group of artists gather at the Anglican Church Hall on the third Thursday of each month from 1pm to 4pm to create together in their chosen mediums.
The sessions are held in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where budding and experienced artists guide each other in painting oils, acrylics, watercolours, pastels, pen and ink drawing and graphic drawing.
The group often welcome guests artists for workshops and demonstrations in a range of mediums to broaden their skill sets. There most recent workshops explored contours, contrast and gesture, and watercolour.
The artists told the Express they are looking forward to presenting an incredibly diverse exhibition which will feature everything from landscapes to portraits and everything in between.
Artist Chris Moule coordinates the monthly gatherings with partner and fellow artist Vivien Pells and will present an array of new landscape works of Harcourt before and after the fires. A larger solo exhibition will feature at the Harcourt General & Produce Store in August.
New member Irma Zimmerman will present an array of oils inspired by the Melbourne cafe scene.
“I love capturing the detail, colour and shade, everyday features and capturing the essence of each space,” Irma said.
Suki Lee has been attending the group for around two years now and most recently has been enjoying creating beautiful imagery of local birdlife in coloured pencil.
Richard Hollis will present some of his stunning acrylic works.
Catherine was putting the finishing touches to a landscape featuring a bold blue tree, which stands by the roadside near Daylesford, and provides a message of strength to those facing struggles with mental health.
Mandy is creating intricate pen and ink works on segments of wallpaper, Gary will enter some watercolours, and Julie will present acrylic works inspired by her imagination.
Young interstate artists Hadaassah and Isaiah, who often join the group when visiting their grandmother, will also have works featured.
The gallery space is accessible 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Enjoy the most delicious pastries, coffees and teas whilst taking in the artwork.