A new public art work by local artist Kirsten Moegerlein celebrating the Loddon River is to be installed at Newstead.
The work has been commissioned by Mount Alexander Shire Council and will be a wrap–around mural on Panmure Street in Newstead on the soon-to-be refurbished toilet block.
Kirsten is an emerging artist, experienced designer and researcher living on Djaara Country, based in Yapeen.
She paints landscapes, has a PhD in participatory design and has exhibited work locally, including at Artpuff and in Melbourne.
Kirsten will work in partnership with Newstead Landcare to design and paint the mural over the next three months, celebrating over 30 years of revegetation work on the Loddon riverbanks.
Mayor Toby Heydon said that council is proud to support a local artist and celebrate the natural beauty of the river.
“Kirsten is a wonderful artist and brings great skills in collaborating with the community. We look forward to seeing how she commemorates the transformation of a degraded river habitat into an oasis of plant and animal life.
“We’re delighted that Kirsten will celebrate Newstead Landcare’s hard work restoring the riverbanks and create this mural to brighten up a well-used corner of Newstead.”
Kirsten was selected from a pool of 26 artists who responded to an expression of interest in early 2026.
The commission follows community engagement where Newstead residents showed strong interest in telling the story of the Loddon River and revegetation.
Kirsten’s artwork will connect with wider community celebrations of the river.
On the other side of the riverbank, Newstead Arts Hub has developed ‘Weaving the River’, a program which includes a month-long exhibition and the River Story Day on April 26, in the lead up to the creation of a public artwork on the arts hub fenceline.
Together, both the council mural and Newstead Arts Hub’s fenceline artwork will create a cohesive, collaborative celebration of the river on both sides of the Loddon.
Kirsten will be sharing her concept design for the Panmure Street mural at the River Story Day Sunday April 26, 10am to 3pm, at the Newstead Arts Hub, 8A Tivey Street Newstead.
Public artwork commission to celebrate Loddon riverbanks
Threads Along The Silk Road
A stunning exhibition of photographs Threads Along The Silk Road by Chewton photographer Aaron Keith is currently on show at Castlemaine Contemporary Arts Space (CASPA).
Aaron said this collection of photographs was taken over a few months travelling through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Georgia.
“They form a journey of documentation of the complex cultures and histories of these countries, which grew as crucial regions of influence along the silk road over many centuries, and much more recently as former members of the Soviet Union,” he said.
“As such, I want to present fleeting snapshots of how these vastly different periods of history and ways of life coexist in the modern day, through the lens of candid moments of the people I came across crossed while traversing the ancient trade route from east to west.”
The exhibition runs until April 30.
You can catch the exhibition and enjoy a chat with Aaron about his travels until 3pm today, 11-4 Saturday April 25 and Sunday, April 26, and 11-4 Wednesday April 29 and Thursday April 30.
CASPA is located above Stoneman’s Bookroom and is accessible via the laneway on Hargraves Street.
Castlemaine Junior Magpies ready to take flight
Footy season is just around the corner for Castlemaine Football Netball Club Juniors (CFNCJ) and the club is primed for a big year ahead. The Under 12s will be the first team to get things started, scheduled to play in the afternoon on ANZAC Day, while the Under 14s & Under 16s will have their first games the following day on April 26. The Under 9s and Under 10s have to wait a little longer, starting their campaigns on May 9.
Vice-President of the CFNCJs, Mekaal Hassan, says the club is ready for the season ahead. “We’ve had lots of excitement from our new and returning players who are now just keen to get the games started. Our volunteer coaches have been running training sessions for some time and all is ready-to-go.”
One change followers of the Juniors may notice is the club referring to their home ground at Wesley Hill as ‘Castlemaine Fresh Oval’. This is in recognition of long-time club sponsor, Castlemaine Fresh, who have continued their support for junior football in Castlemaine into a 30th year. Mekaal says, “When the opportunity came up to continue our association with Castlemaine Fresh we jumped at the chance. We’re
also pleased to have a new connection with Grainger Legal who have come on-board with a focus on our volunteers.”
Excitingly, the club will also have a new clash jumper to unveil this season that has been created by local First Nations artist, Daikota Nelson. The club is seeking to launch the design as part of a round of home matches early in the season and Mekaal hopes negotiations with the Bendigo Junior Football League about this are finalised shortly. “All fans of junior sport are welcome to any of our games. Our kids love having supporters there to play in front of. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for fixture updates.’ Anyone interested in playing or being involved is welcome to contact the club via email (cjfc@outlook.com) or the see the club Facebook page for further information. The Castlemaine Mail looks forward to keeping our community updated on the progress of our young Magpie stars.
Community invited to attend Anzac Day services
RSL Castlemaine invites community members to attend their Anzac Day services this Saturday morning, April 25.
The dawn service will take place at the cenotaph outside the RSL Hall in Mostyn Street, Castlemaine from 5.45am followed by a gunfire breakfast.
The Lions Club of Castlemaine will also have their coffee van alongside the Market Building if you want a cuppa.
The main service will take place from 8.45am with marchers to gather outside the Town Hall in Lyttleton Street. The march will head towards Hargraves Street and down to Mostyn Street to the cenotaph.
The crowd will be welcomed by RSL Castlemaine vice president Owen Scott who will be the MC on the day.
The guests will include mayor Cr Toby Heydon, special guest speaker Lieutenant Colonel Neil James, and two students from Sacred Heart College in Kyneton.
Four representatives from the SES, Police, CFA and Ambulance will again form the catafalque party around the cenotaph.
Scouts and Guides and various other community groups will attend to lay tributes on the cenotaph.
The Sporting Globe Bar & Grill in Bendigo will also be supporting RSL Castlemaine by donating the proceeds of their Two Up Games on the day.
All are welcome to attend.
Exhibition opens at Grist
An exhibition by up and coming young artist Liam Muir launched at Grist Bakery at Wesley Hill last Friday April 17
The neurodivergent artist loves to play with colour. The exhibition is a collection of pieces he has been working on for the last 18 months with the support of mentor Scottie Charalambous at Lot 19 art space.
“Painting gives me a wide and well-rounded landscape of pleasures ranging from accomplishment, peace, purpose, something to start a conversation about, complex skill and escape from the outside world,” Liam says.
He is super excited to be able to share his work with you! The exhibition runs until April 30 so be sure to pop in and check it out.
Pink Golf Day raises $1100
Tuesday’s 9 hole competition at Mount Alexander Golf Club had Myrl Hauser winning the ladies event with 33 nett.
Runner-up was Robyn Scoles and Fleur Smith won the putting with 13. Phil Blackmore won the men’s round scoring 32-1/2 nett and Joe Norris was best on the greens with 13.
On Thursday the club held its annual Pink Day. Out on the course the club had several novelty events eg: hitting off a raised tee, putting a tennis ball, teeing off with opposite hand club. Members were also able to buy coupons to buy a putt and have a mulligan where needed. These and other items helped raise money on the day.
The winners were Ladies – Robyn Scoles, runner-up Jan Steen. Men – Pip Avent, runner-up Bob Pratt.
Nearest the Pins went to Ladies – Myrl Hauser, Men – Bob Pratt. Straight drive Ladies – Myrl Hauser, Men – George Potts. Best dressed Ladies – Fleur Smith, Men – Joe Norris.
The biggest winner on the day was the Bendigo Cancer Wellness Centre as the club raised well over $1100 to be presented to them.
The club sends huge congratulations and thanks to all the members and others for their support and donations.
Saturday’s event was Stableford with Joe Norris winning the day scoring 36 points followed by runner-up Brian Baker with 30 points.
Meanwhile in Castlemaine
A new exhibition ‘Meanwhile in Castlemaine’ featuring the work of Irish artist Julie Lovett was unveiled at Lot 19 artspace last Saturday April 18.
Julie hails from County Kerry, Ireland, working across painting, performance and durational video. Her practice draws on the landscape, labour and lived experience of her rural upbringing. Working from this context has required her to generate her own opportunities, shaping a strong sense of independence and authorship.
Her work explores the tension between artistic professionalism, vulnerability and belonging.
Julie says the work presented at Lot 19 emerges from the unstable space of the artist residency — a site that promises reflection and transformation but often delivers something far less resolved.
“Working across painting and film, I treat the act of making as both subject and material, allowing the work to turn back on itself.”
The exhibition runs until May 2.
Tom and Alby Cups contested
Castlemaine Rifle Club members contested the ‘Tom and Alby Cups’ on April 11.
This event honours two of rifle shooting’s champions.
Tom Hollinger and Alby Jackson both had great shooting careers right up to Olympic standard. When Williamstown Rifle Range was closed they joined the Castlemaine Rifle Club and introduced 300 metre shooting, which has become very popular. It is quite a unique event as it combines shooting over both imperial and metric distances.
The first range is 300 yards. In ‘Target Rifle’ Richard Ruddick started well scoring 44.2 followed by Chris Jolme with 44.1.
In ‘F Class’ Greg Brown scored 57.4 to lead Sam Swagemakers with 56.1.
The leader in ‘F Open’ was Shannon King with 59.4 from Tony Skinner with 59.3.
The next range was 300 metres. Conditions had been pretty good, but a light shower of rain made it difficult for the last shooters on the mound.
In Target Rifle Dan McColl scored 94.2 to lead Richard Ruddick with 92.1.
Greg Brown was again the leader in F Class with 99.6 followed by Sam Swagemakers with 96.4.
There were some good scores in F Open. Tony Skinner scored 100.7 to lead Shannon King with 100.5.
This event is a handicap shoot so results are decided by adding handicaps to scores.
This year Target Rifle was won by Dan McColl from Chris Jolme who won last year and third was Richard Ruddick.
The F Class trophy winner was Sam Swagemakers with Greg Brown second and Kerry Keven third.
Scores were very close and it was an excellent day’s competition.
It was a great way to honour two great marksman who did such a lot for our local club.
This Saturday a practice will be held on the local range.
Edgy Veg awards on now!
Mount Alexander’s food scene is in the spotlight as the Edgy Veg Awards 2026 draw diners out to experience a fresh take on seasonal, veg-rich cuisine.
Local cafés, pubs and restaurants – as well as an abundance of venues in Macedon Ranges are participating in the April-long event, each offering a signature plant-based dish designed
to impress. From bold, flavour-packed plates to comforting classics reimagined, the competition is showcasing the creativity of Mount Alexander Shire’s hospitality scene.
See the full range of vegelicious options and plan your tasting schedule at: edgyvegawards.com.au/
Castlemaine venues include The Royal Sultan, Klua Sathorn Thai, Johnny Baker, Toggs Place Café and Staks Café.
Further afield, Maldon Rose and Fook Shing, Kyneton Ridge Estate and Social Foundry (all in Kyneton), have embraced seasonal produce, crafting dishes that showcase both flavour and
sustainability. Diners have been eager to explore the offerings, enthusiastically supporting businesses while discovering new ways to enjoy veg-rich meals, and voting for their
favourites.
As a boost to help with more sustainable and cheaper transport, Victoria’s free public transport initiative for April makes it easier than ever to explore. Hop on a train or bus and
spend the day sampling dishes, rating your favourites, and discovering just how impressive veg-rich dishes can be.
Diners are encouraged to visit multiple venues, taste as many dishes as possible and submit their ratings. The goal, find the most vegelicious dish, with you helping choose them.
The Edgy Veg Awards is run by Veg Action and supported by Healthy Loddon Campaspe, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Mount Alexander Shire Council, RT Edgar, Snap Fitness and
Community Bank Gisborne & District.
With the event now well underway, organisers say it’s the perfect time to get involved.
Whether you’re local or visiting, the combination of free transport and standout food makes April an ideal month to explore Mount Alexander’s thriving autumnal dining scene.
Big waste of money?
Bill Wiglesworth, Castlemaine
Are Castlemaine residents struggling to find or remember their postcode? They can fret no longer because Australia Post has rented a large billboard on Johnstone Street to proclaim Castlemaine’s 3450 postcode.
Our corporatised Australia Post paid its CEO $3.3 million dollars last year, the highest salary for a public servant. Our postage rates have skyrocketed in recent years, yet its financial loss for 2024 was $88 million dollars. Even so, it chooses to spend big bucks to tell us what we already know.
I wonder if this remarkable financial decision will help Australia Post’s CEO earn another performance bonus this year. The mind boggles…
Who is responsible?
Mavis Price, Castlemaine
In my early days when an issue came up, the pros and cons of each side were presented. I looked carefully at the report of the Council meeting (‘Big polluters foot the bill’, Mail March 20); only one speaker was mentioned, an activist, and ‘several councillors who spoke in support’.
‘In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.’ (Proverbs 18:17)
Was there discussion of the large amount of toxic waste left when the solar panels and turbines reach the end of their productive life every 20 to 25 years? About the damage done while mining for the rare earth minerals? About the removal of toxic waste and damaged land left after these companies leave? Is that covered by the National Compensation Fund and Climate Pollution Levy? Oh that’s right, rules for fossil fuel companies are different from those for “green” energy companies, even though both damage the environment. A lot of fossil fuels could be saved if less solar panels and turbines and transmission wires were made!
How things have changed! There used to be concern for workers in foreign countries being exploited. Now, Australians are very happy to import solar panels, EVs, turbines, electronic appliances and building materials, etc from China in the name of Net Zero. Environmental standards are much lower in China. Water systems, the land and the air are being contaminated by processing of rare earth minerals and industrial waste from production of cheap products, leading to wide-spread major health issues, not to mention children in Mozambique dying in mines. But that’s OK, Australia can boast of reducing its emissions!
Actually, I believe that both the fossil fuel and the ‘renewable’ companies are equally at fault. Most of them are greedy, seeking to make maximum amount money and are not concerned with the environment or the welfare of people. But neither are we, most consumers, willing to give up our energy intensive lifestyle. We want to restrict the use of fossil fuels everywhere, meaning that other countries will never enjoy the comforts we enjoy. Meanwhile enjoy a taste of Net Zero during the engineered fuel crisis.