Victorian Goldfields Railway will kick off its Easter festivities with a Good Friday evening, Wine and Cheese Soiree Train which will depart Castlemaine Station at 5pm, as the heritage train meanders along the tracks, you’ll be transported into a world of decadence.
Savour a delightful selection of wines carefully curated for your palate. Tasting notes will guide you through the nuances of each wine as the VGR stewards serve a lavish cheese platter during the journey.
Dinner will be held at the Porcupine Village’s Golden Nugget Restaurant upon arrival at Maldon. The return journey wouldn’t be complete without a dessert wine to accompany a delectable dessert! Grab your ticket before they sell out!
The regular Goldfields Explorer trains will operate on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Sunday.
Two special trains will also operate over the Easter Weekend, offering something a bit different and are a great way to get from Castlemaine to Maldon for the 149th Easter Fair!
Easter Monday the fair finale, the Maldon Fair Easter Procession will take place. This year, VGR have a steam train departing Castlemaine Station at 9.15am, to get you out to Maldon early enough to watch the procession and then partake in the Easter festivities departing Maldon at 2.45pm.
For those who haven’t got time for a full day on the train, Easter Monday will also see a short one hour travel option starting at Maldon at 12.45pm – for a quick trip out to Muckleford and back.
It’ll be a busy year again for the team at the VGR, with the return of Steam Locomotive K160, following a 12 year overhaul at Newport Workshops.
It also marks 40 years since heritage trains starting operating out of Maldon station back in 1986, festivities to celebrate the two big achievements are in the planning phase for August.
2026 also marks Maldon’s 60th anniversary of being declared ‘Australia’s First Notable Town’ and the VGR is looking forward to helping the town celebrate this milestone on May 10.
The VGR continues to be a volunteer run and maintained non-for-profit organisation, helping to preserve and maintain a slice of our local history.
Please head to their website: www.vgr.com.au for more details and to get involved – they’ve got a job to suit just about everyone and there is always plenty to do!
All VGR trains can be booked via the website or contact the VGR office on (03) 5470 6658 or via email at info@vgr.com.au
Big year ahead for VGR!
Campbells Creek Magpies focused on future
The Campbells Creek Football Netball Club has a new committee at the helm and has been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the 2026 Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball Club season.
The Mail caught up for a chat with new president Peter Manning earlier last week about the latest news at the Creek.
Peter comes to the Magpies with decades of experience on football club committees in Melbourne and is delighted to be able to throw his support behind the grassroots country club.
Peter credited outgoing president Renee Taylor and the committee with doing a power of work to get the club on track.
“I’m thrilled to have the support of secretary Maddy Dzioba and treasurer Marg Stevens behind me. They have once again been working tirelessly to get our teams on the ground and court.
“The club is in a strong financial position and we continue to work hard to build our playing group and I am sure we will see some positive results on the field in the not too distant future,” he said.
Peter’s son Matt Manning returns as Senior Football Coach, alongside Assistant Coach Luke Dzioba.
Peter said the club has been able to retain their core playing group and bring in some fresh new talent from Melbourne.
“We have secured five experienced players from the city who have provided a real positive injection into the side and will really lift us to a new level.
“We are also thrilled to welcome back a few former players to bolster our local talent and we are excited for 2026.”
In the Reserves, coaches Ben Tombs and Jordan Picken have also returned and are looking forward to the challenge of the new season as they continue developing the club’s emerging talent.
On the netball court, the club is pleased to welcome new A Grade coach Tyler Fratantaro.
Fratantaro, along with B Grade coaches Lisa Clark and Sheryl Rose, and C Grade coaches Molly Kennedy and Tarni Williams, were impressed by the effort and enthusiasm shown by players during last Thursday night’s practice match against Castlemaine.
Peter said for the new committee there is a strong focus on the future and forward planning.
“We realise that nurturing the junior side of our club is essential to a bright future. Therefore we are making all junior registrations across our football and netball sides free.
“We could use another five or six Under 15 footballers and a few more Under 12s and welcome new faces,” he said.
“Our Auskick program will also be free to encourage little ones to try their hand at Aussie Rules. We are currently on the hunt for a coordinator for this program and would love to hear from anyone who would be keen to lead this important program,” he said.
The Campbells Creek club is also placing a strong focus on community connection and wellbeing.
“We have formed a partnership with Castlemaine Community House and will be encouraging members to donate non-perishable items to support their Food Pantry for those doing it tough,” he said.
“We are also keen to support the valuable work of Castlemaine Safe Space. We are holding a special Sponsors and Volunteers Lunch on June 27 which will feature special guest and ex-AFL great, Australian media personality, and sports commentator Sam Kekovich.
“Many will remember Sam the ambassador for the We Love Our Lamb campaign. He has had an incredible career both on and off the field,” Peter said.
The club held their season launch and jumper presentation at the Five Flags Hotel last Saturday night March 28.
To learn more about playing football or netball at Campbells Creek in 2026 check out the club’s Facebook page or call Marg 0412 807 971 or Maddy 0407 050 838.
Blood, sweat, and tears – Volunteers mend Harcourt fences
Lily Tuck
BlazeAid volunteers are rebuilding fences across the region as recovery from January’s Harcourt-Ravenswood fires continues.
The BlazeAid camp based out of Maldon has been led by Lynn and Stan Russmussan since it was established in late January. The pair bring 25 years of fencing experience, having run a Bendigo-based business before retiring in 2019.
Lynn and Stan first became involved with BlazeAid in 2020 during the Corryong fires.
“We planned to go for four days and ended up coming back a month later,” Lynn said.
More than 165 volunteers have contributed to the effort. Since January 23, 84 properties have been registered for fencing, with work completed on 27 and a further 16 underway.
Before fencing can begin, properties must be assessed, and in many cases, cleared of debris, either by the property owners or relief efforts. BlazeAid provides the tools and labour, while materials are supplied by property owners through insurance or at their own expense. Further materials have been donated by community members and local businesses.
One Castlemaine local has offered unused gates, with businesses like Steel Blue showing support by donating 20 work boots when the camp opened.
The Harcourt BlazeAid camp also received a donation of $10,000 from Deepcore Drilling on behalf of the Mitchell Services Foundation earlier this month.
The community donations “make a big difference”, Lynn said. “Not just helping them get a fence up, but helping them get a start.”
BlazeAid also operates by offering accommodation at their Derby Hill camp on Phoenix Street in Maldon. Volunteers can either bring their own tents or camper vans, or alternatively, stay in the bunk rooms on-site.
Extreme heat and changing fire danger ratings have slowed progress, with the first week in March the only period crews were able to work six full days. Wet weather has also caused delays, with volunteers not deployed when conditions pose safety risks.
Stan said, “It’s the craziest season I’ve ever seen.” Originally, Lynn estimated the camp would be finished by April 30, but with the setbacks and extreme damage, the end date remains unclear.
A typical day begins at 7am with breakfast, followed by a 7.30am safety briefing and job assignments. Most volunteers return by 4.30pm, with dinner served at 6pm. Many locals have turned up to assist the effort, with women from the Beaufort Golf Club pitching in to help for a day. The camp has received donations of baked goods, bread, eggs, and other items, with some even assisting with composting. The camp has seen an array of different volunteers, with many working holiday visa holders choosing to spend their 88 days assisting in the bushfire recovery effort.
BlazeAid Harcourt has seen volunteers from Argentina, the US, the UK, Malaysia, and Chile.
Maurico Acuña hails from Chile and has been staying at the camp since February 1. Maurico has worked on producing a website for property registrations and volunteer management, which Lynn has said, “has helped a lot, saved us so much time.”
The volunteers learn on the job. “The more they do, the better they get,” Stan said.
“To have those skills means they can go out and get jobs on farms in the future,” he added.
Properties require between 50 metres and five kilometres of fencing. With the scale of damage and ongoing delays, work is expected to continue for some time as crews support recovery across Harcourt and surrounding communities.
Community groups critical to recovery
Whitegoods, clothing and $30,000 in donations have arrived in Castlemaine, as Lions Club members from Victoria and New South Wales unite to support ongoing recovery efforts. On Wednesday afternoon, community groups gathered at the Castlemaine Distribution Centre.
Long-serving Lions member and Disaster Relief Chair Ged McLaughlin announced that $30,000 from the Lions district disaster fund would be made available this week to support revegetation efforts for fire victims.
“We want to make things feel like the grass is coming back again … to help bring lifeback into their community,” Ged said.
District Director Samantha Wu assisted in coordinating the donation and oversees 74 clubs across northern Victoria. The district, spanning from Swan Hill to Melbourne, has raised $220,000 for their disaster fund.
Lions Sydney District Governor Mohan Nanayakkara and former District Governor Ron Gattone departed from New South Wales at 5am to deliver 40 kilograms of donated clothing to the Castlemaine distribution centre. The group also stopped in Bendigo to purchase additional whitegoods. 11 new microwaves and 10 new rice cookers were donated. The hand-off was also attended by a number of local Lions Club Members.
Samantha Wu presented Castlemaine Distribution Centre organiser Tania Butterworth with a certificate of appreciation for her efforts within the area.
“Without the community groups we wouldn’t be here,” Tania said.
Members of other service organisations were also in attendance. Trevor Bray, President of the Rotary Club of Castlemaine spoke to the group.
Trevor highlighted the collaborative effort between Lions and Rotary clubs in the Harcourt region.
Both the Rotary and Lions clubs contributed to funding the stage at James Park in time for Harcourt Apple Fest earlier this month. At least 40 Rotarians have assisted on the ground toward the ongoing relief effort.
As recovery continues,the distribution centre remains a key point of support for residents rebuilding after the January fires
Edgy Veg Awards return!
If you think vegetables are boring, bland or only something you eat out of guilt, the Edgy Veg Awards 2026 would like a very polite (but firm) word with you.
Returning to Mount Alexander Shire for the second fabulous year, and to the Macedon Ranges for the fifth year of vegetable-powered fun, the Edgy Veg Awards in April are a month-long competition for the Most Vegelicious Dish, created by our talented local chefs.
Mount Alexander Shire Mayor, Toby Heydon said they are proud to support the Edgy Veg Awards.
“They shine a light on the growers, chefs, and communities strengthening our local food system – and they champion the kind of vegetable–forward eating that supports better health for everyone,” he said.
Local cafés, restaurants, bars and pubs will throw down the gauntlet to prove that vegetables can be crave-worthy, indulgent and absolutely worth travelling for. This is not a food festival where you stand around clutching a paper plate. This is a full-scale culinary showdown.
How does it work?
Local venues create a signature vegelicious dish featuring seasonal veg and compete for the coveted title of Most Vegelicious Dish. The twist? You decide the winner.
Explore 29 venues from Maldon to Gisborne, taste your way through the region and rate each dish for a chance to win prizes. Democracy has never tasted so good.
Expect everything from smoky, saucy comfort food to surprising fine-dining moments that will make you question your whole approach to cooking veggies. Even the most devoted carnivores have been known to mutter: “I could eat this again”.
This April, skip the cooking. Instead, support your local venues and veggie farms far and wide by eating your way through the Edgy Veg Awards. Your tastebuds will thank you. Your favourite café might win. And vegetables? They’ll never be boring again.
Warning: side effects may include changed attitudes, full bellies and a sudden urge to order vegetables everywhere you go.
Plan your delicious Edgy Veg Trail now – visit www.edgyvegawards.com.au, and Eat Well! Be Well!
Jacksons dominate at Masters
Champions crowned in CDCA
Castlemaine District Cricket Association grand final sides battled it out for premiership honours last weekend across the competition.
Highlights of the round were Barkers Creek A Grader Bailey Henderson’s 53 with the bat, whilst Newstead Women’s team member Eve Righetti claimed 5-7 with the ball.
Results were:
A Grade
Two Day
Barkers Creek and Muckleford faced off in the A Grade Grand Final at Camp Reserve in a two day clash. Barkers Creek won the toss and elected to bat first.
Opener Bailey Henderson started strongly with 53 before he was stumped by Jack Smith. However, fellow opener Nash Robinson fell cheaply for 4 and captain Darby Semmens stepped in with a handy 51 before he was caught by Brett Cole.
The Barkers’ middle order quickly found themselves in trouble losing seasoned campaigners Bodhi Robinson and Mark Noonan for 8 and Chris McKnight for a duck. Benjamin Leech chipped in 15 before Kalan Huntly fell for a duck.
Fortunately, Andrew Mead-Harding 27 and Brayden Yanner 19 not out were able to add a few late runs with the side all out for 10-193 putting the Maroons in a strong position to chase down the total.
Pick of the bowlers for Muckleford were John Watson 4-59, James Cole 2-24, Brandon Weatherson 2-38 and Declan Slingo 2-63.
Barkers bowlers were also quickly on top on day two dismissing Muckleford’s openers Dakota Slingo for a duck and Edward Gingell for just 7.
Daniel Peckham 53 got the run rate ticking over before he was bowled by Nash Robinson and Luke Filer made 32 before he was caught by Mark Noonan off a delivery from Darby Semmens.
Stalwarts John Watson and Declan Slingo both fell for ducks each caught by Benny Leech and bowled by Semmens. The same combination also sent Brett Cole back to the shed with 11.
Jack Smith lifted Muckleford fans’ spirits with 17 before he was bowled by Nash Robinson.
But the wickets continued to fall with Patrick Leathem and James Cole falling for ducks ending Muckleford’s hopes for a flag with a final score of 10-128.
Nash Robinson 4-16 and Darby Semmens 4-37 led the way with the ball, whilst Chris McKnight claimed 2-43.
Barkers Creek claiming the premiership honours. Darcy Semmens was named ‘Player of the Match’.
A Reserve
One Day
In the A Reserve Grand Final Newstead tackled at Heathcote at Wesley Hill. Heathcote won the toss and elected to send Newstead in to bat first.
Steaders opener Charlie Chapman quickly fell for 5 lbw to Liam Hubble. Fellow opener Kris Walter made 29 before he was caught by Tim Gleeson off a delivery by Nick Malavisi.
Cameron Hepburn contributed a quick fire 12 before he too was caught by Malavisi off a delivery from Tim Gleeson.
The Steaders then found themselves in real trouble when Koby Smith fell for 8 and Ciaran Gardner for 3 before the next three bowlers were dismissed for a duck. Late order batsman Josiah Park 15 and Leigh Walker steadied the ship to take the side to a final score of 10-92.
Nick Malavisi did the majority of the damage with 5-19.
Heathcote opener Brett Polson made 19 before he was caught by young gun William Garsed off a delivery by Gerald Chapman.
The side then lost Brad Rowe for a duck and Bradley Polson for just 2.
However, Tim Gleeson 29 not out and Cale Polson 34 not out shored up the middle and helped get the side over the line with six wickets in hand and a total of 4-96 to claim the flag. Congratulations to Nick Malavisi who was named ‘Player of the Match’.
B Grade
One Day
In the B Grade Grand Final Taradale hosted Hepburn at Taradale Recreation Reserve. Taradale won the toss and elected to bowl sending Hepburn to the crease. The visitors started strongly with Ashley Lovick making 57 before he was caught by Kym Szegedi off a delivery from Leigh Bennett. Daniel Bell fell for just 9, but Nathaniel Lowe made a quick fire 30. The middle order found themselves struggling against the Taradale pace attack with Tom Crosswell 4, Vineet Kumar falling for a duck, Corey Pedley 10 and Isaac Pedretti 6. Sam Quinn 15 not out added some valuable runs at the close with the side 8-144 following their 40 overs.
The wickets were shared by Taradale bowlers Steven Curnow 2-9, Leigh Bennett 2-33 and Matt Curnow 2-36.
Taradale opener Anthony White started on the right foot with 13 before being caught by Ashley Lovick off the ball of Nathaniel Lowe, but then Taradale found themselves under seige with Richard Shill dismissed for 3 before Kym Szegedi and Steven Curnow fell for ducks.
Julian Vearing 19, Andrew Vance 10, Leigh Bennett 28 and Nicholas Worthington and Russell Muir 18 not out batted admirable for Taradale to try and reel the target back in. But the damage was done and they were eventually all out 123. Heathcote claiming the 25-26 flag.
Nathaniel Lowe led the way with the ball taking 3-13 and claiming ‘Player of the Match’ honours, Daniel Bell took 2-16 and Vineet Kumar 2-26.
Women
One Day
In the Women’s Grand Final on Friday night Campbells Creek Colts hosted Newstead at Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve. Creek won the toss and elected to bowl sending Newstead in to bat first.
The Steaders opener Eve Righetti led from the front making 21 runs before retiring, Dawn McNabb also made a solid 19 before retiring not out. Newstead making 110 off their 15 over spell. Colts Jessica Cox 1-1 and Indiana McKenzie 1-19 were best with the ball.
Creek opener Louise Simpson notched up a handy 11 before retiring, Caz Walsh 9 and Johannah Maher 12 before retiring now out. The trio’s teammates dug in and tried their best to score vital runs but the side fell short of the target set making 89 off their 15 over tilt.
The Steaders Eve Righetti was on fire claiming 5-7 and Dawn McNabb took 3-10.
Newstead claiming the premiership honours.
Congratulations to Eve Righetti, awarded ‘Player of the Match’.
C Grade (Under 16)
Two Day
In the C Grade (Under 16) Grand Final Muckleford hosted Castlemaine United Gold at Muckleford Recreation Reserve. The home side won the toss and elected to bat.
The Muckleford side wasted no time racking up the runs with Seth Gross making 17 before being caught and bowled by Otis Whitesmith. Jack Smith 50 retired not out, Francis Walls 50 retired not out, Abraham Isdale 13, Aihen Turner 23 and Callum McGee 28 not out with the side winding up with 4-208 off their 40 overs.
The wickets were shared between Gold bowlers Will Fitzgerald 1-11, Otis Whitesmith 1-23 and Louis Parsons 1-32.
Gold started strongly in response with Louis Parsons making 25 before he was caught by Jack Smith off a ball from Abraham Isadale and Charlie Cordy made 17 before he was caught by Isdale off a delivery from Lewis Pepper.
Otis Whitesmith 8 and Coden Coulthard chipped in essential runs, before Ted Cordy 11 and Zane Davidge 14 put together a handy partnership.
Gold then ran into strife losing their next three batsman for just five runs before Noah Trainor made a late run with 17. Despite a top effort Gold fell short with 10-135 off 33.5 overs. Elise Curran was the pick of the bowlers for Muckleford with 2-12.
Muckleford was thrilled to claim the premiership hounours. Jack Smith was awarded ‘Player of the Match’.
Festival turns 50!
Castlemaine State Festival’s 50th anniversary event is well underway. The opening weekend delivered something genuinely memorable.
Around 2,000 people filled the streets of Castlemaine on Friday night for the free Opening Night Street Party. It began with the Nalderun Songbook Project — over 200 school children performing alongside Uncle Ron Murray, Faye White and others.
From there the evening opened up into circus, with local and international performers taking to the air, before Amaru Tribe brought the whole street together for a night of celebratory dance music.
When the street party wrapped, the underground opened up — After Dark / Underground with Millú & Pjenné drew crowds into the Maxi IGA underground carpark with Harvey Sutherland in the Theatre Royal for an EDM dance party that kept the energy going well into the night.
Across the weekend, The Goods Shed transformed into the Festival Club, with packed houses every night. The Glitterbug Club earned a review of 100 out of 5 from one audience member leaving their premiere session. The Situationist Travel Agency at the Market Building brought a different kind of energy — laughter ringing out through the space as audiences found themselves very much part of the show.
Out in Chewton, the world’s possibly smallest gallery, The Chewton Small, opened its doors. And in the churches and grand halls, full houses welcomed Parvyn & Josh, Victoria Opera, and acclaimed Russian violinist Sergej Krylov alongside pianist Konstantin Shamray.
Workshops across Buda Historic Home & Garden, Castlemaine Art Museum, Newstead Arts Hub and Castlemaine Library rounded out a weekend that truly had something for everyone.
Head to the website to see what’s on this weekend and grab any remaining tickets at castlemainefestival.com.au
The 10 day festival will wrap up this Sunday March 29 with another massive free Closing Day Garden Party from in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens from 11am to 5pm where you can enjoy entertainment by Super Mandé Percussion, Belly Savalas, Gusto Gusto, World Kitchen, Thompson’s Foundry Band, Dandyman, Castlemaine Circus, Castlemaine Fringe and more.
Taylors celebrates 45 years
The recovery effort is not over
Lily Tuck
Rows of donated goods line the warehouse of the former Mitsubishi building on Johnson Street.
Volunteers are continuing to sort clothing onto racks ten weeks after January’s blaze. Volunteers say the recovery effort is not over.
“People have said ’surely everybody issorted by now,’ I just think you cannot be serious,” distribution centre organiser Tania Butterworth said.
The centre is seeing between 15 to 20families and individuals a day, servicing around 40 households a week. Volunteers say that the centre is still seeing people come through who have suffered great losses, reaching out for the first time since January.
“People are coming in forgetting what they need, some are just asking for one shirt and a toothbrush,” Tania said.
The centre focuses on providing a listening ear and understanding the needs of fire-affected residents. The old display area of the store now homes what Tania has dubbed ‘little David Jones.’ A space for people to browse clothing, and toys set up to look like a local op shop. Equipped with a craft room, organised extensively by the dedicated volunteers into wools, and needles, and patchworking. Piles of handmade quilts and blankets from knitting and craft have also been donated.
“We always need more,” Tania said.
Over the ten weeks, more than 150 volunteers have given their time to the centre. Now, due to many volunteers needing to return to work, as well as create a structure and a sense of normality, the centre will only be open two days a week.
Stacy Baselli and Donna McMahon are some of the dedicated volunteers who have been therefrom the start.
“People are coming away better than they came in,” Stacy said.
Volunteers say the recovery effort is taking a toll with some residents telling them, “ it feels like years.”
As winter approaches, the need for support at the centre continues, the distribution centre is calling for new donations to service the community. Some people only had “whatever shoes were on their feet” when the fires occurred, volunteers told the Mail.
Fire victims are living in sheds, in-between housing, and many families have been separated, with some people still unable to renter parts of Harcourt that were heavily burnt. Boots, and heavy-duty shoes are in high demand as rainfall increases, allowing some autonomy to return to those affected.
“People are not okay at the end of the day,” Tania Butterworth said.
Distribution Centre wish list
– Gum boots
– Warm, solid shoes (Blundestones, Steel blue)
– Wet weather gear (raincoats, windbreakers, thick jackets)
– Men’s clothes in sizes S,M,L due to an influx of XXL+ sizes
– Vouchers from local businesses
– New Air Fryers
– New Hair dryers
– Vacuums
– Bucket and mops
– Saucepans
– Hoses
– Irons
– New winter doonas
– New linen
– New electric blankets
The new hours for the Distribution Centre at 5 Johnstone St Castlemaine, are: Monday and Wednesday from 10am to 1pm.