‘All Over Again’
Rhiz & The Sugarplums are hittin’ the road to launch their new album All Over Again and are stopping by the Taproom this Sunday for a hootenanny!
Reviving a retro sound that’s as timeless as it is irresistible, Rhiz & The Sugarplums breathe new life into vintage vibes. They blend cleverly written songs, powerhouse vocals, a funky rhythm section, and a whole lotta twangy guitar into one big, bold sound.
‘All Over Again’ is a love letter to classic country, filtered through a contemporary Australian lens. Rooted in traditional styles yet unequivocally fresh and original, the album pairs timeless melodies with Rhiz’s own unique voice and perspective.
5 pm Sunday, September 13 at Shedshaker Brewery, The Mill – bring your dancing shoes!
Magpie Magic! Castlemaine claims five from five
Castlemaine Football Netball Club’s Senior Women’s Football team has claimed legendary status after securing their fifth consecutive premiership in the AFL Central Vic Women’s League.
The Magpies faced off against top of the table Golden Square in rain-soaked conditions under lights at the Queen Elizabeth Oval on Friday evening.
The sides had faced-off four times during the year with the Magpies winning the first encounter by 13 points, the Bulldogs the second bout by 8 points, Castlemaine their third battle by 16 points, and Square claiming the Semi Final by 11 points.
The Magpies bounced back defeating Sandhurst in the preliminary final to set the stage for the ultimate showdown between the two powerhouse sides of the competition.
The Castlemaine side were determined to claim their fifth consecutive flag from five outings, whilst the Bulldogs were seeking validation after their devastating 2025 grand final loss.
The game opened in steady rain with Golden Square getting the upper hand early in the slippery conditions kicking 2.2 and holding the Magpies to just two points.
At quarter time they led by two straight kicks.
The Magpies lifted in the second, getting first to the ball and making the most of their opportunities to slam on three goals to one and snatch back a narrow three point buffer at half-time.
The rain continued to fall as the third term opened, both sides struggled to handle the footy, soccering it along the ground in desperation to push forward. Castlemaine’s experience shone through with the side clinching another vital goal and keeping the Bulldogs scoreless to go into the final term with an 11 point advantage.
The Magpies looked dangerous in the last term, relishing the wet and going hard at the ball. They kicked another 1.3, whilst restricting Square to just three points to extend their lead to 15 points.
As the final siren sounded there were scenes of jubilation.
The Magpies had shown their class claiming another hard earned premiership in the most challenging of conditions.
A huge throng of Magpie faithful spilled onto the ground to join them in their celebrations.
Castlemaine’s Aisling Tupper was named Best on Ground, whilst the AFL Victoria Country Best on Ground Medal went to Kate Douglass of Golden Square.
Other top contributors for the Magpies were Jemma Finning, Tiahna Cochrane, Taylah Sartori, Eillish Cumming and Mikaela Trethowan.
Hannah Cochrane and Maeve Tupper were also outstanding kicking two goals each.
Coach Jordan Cochrane congratulated Golden Square on an incredible season which saw them finish on top of the ladder.
“You are just getting better and better. Stick together, keeping working hard and the rewards will come,” he said.
Cochrane said he was absolutely thrilled with the win and so proud of his side.
“They have worked so hard all season. We went into this match as the underdogs and came out on top and that is a credit to every single one of our players,” he said.
He also thanked everyone behind the scenes.
“Just look at this turn out tonight. It’s just incredible. Thanks to everyone for their support,” he said.
Under 18s bow out
The Castlemaine Magpie Under 18 Men’s squad continued its finals campaign on Sunday tackling Sandhurst in the Bendigo Football Netball League 1st Semi Final at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.
The first quarter was scrappy with the Dragons managing five points, whilst the Magpies were scoreless.
Sandhurst opened the second term with three goals in quick succession, before the Magpies finally replied with one of their own.
At half time the Dragons led by 19 points.
Castlemaine continued to apply pressure to the Dragons in the third forcing errors in front of goal. But they eventually settled and piled on another three goals, before the Magpies returned fire with one of their own.
At the final change the margin had blown out to 35 points.
Castlemaine grabbed another two in the final term, but the Dragons found another in reply and eventually ran out winners by 31 points ending the Magpies finals hopes.
Best for the Magpies were Oscar Giddings, Angus Fitzgerald, Joshua Tull, Flynn Culph, Zachary Thompson and Harper Kneebone with 2 goals.
Jumping for joy!
Award-winning artists, immersive experiences and hands-on creativity will transform Ulumbarra Theatre into Australia’s most playful festival for kids when ‘The Creativerse’ returns to Bendigo this October.
Children won’t just watch the action they’ll become the artists, inventors, performers and storytellers.
Following a successful inaugural festival in 2025, Arena Theatre Company’s annual celebration of art, technology and play returns to the Ulumbarra Theatre on Saturday October 3, transforming the venue into an immersive world where creativity takes centre stage and children aged 3 to 12 (and their grown-ups) are invited to help shape the experience.
Arena’s CEO Debra Allanson said The Creativerse is built on the belief that children experience art most powerfully when they are invited to become part of it.
“Children are naturally curious, creative and full of ideas. The Creativerse gives them permission to follow those instincts – to make, play, explore and even lead the experience. It’s a festival where creativity isn’t something you watch, it’s something you do. There really is nothing else quite like it.”
This year’s program features a diverse mix of ticketed performances alongside a free Immersive Zone that invites families to drop in, explore and create throughout the day.
Award-winning puppetry company Things of Foam and Wood present RAVEN, an uplifting story inspired by wildlife rescuer Raven Kinski.
Renowned artist and animator Kenny Chan will lead manga drawing and comic-making workshops, while Bendigo Art Gallery presents Composing Space, a relaxed sensory experience. Comedy meets creativity in Rockin’ Reptiles!, where children invent larger-than-life reptile rock stars, while Props Theatre encourages participants to create original performances.
The Creativerse’s free Immersive Zone offers families an entire day of discovery, with Country & Belonging: On Country forming a centrepiece of this year’s experience, along with the chance to make puppet dragons with the Golden Dragon Museum, and learn circus skills with Castlemaine Circus.
For more visit www.thecreativerse.org.au
“You are valued, you are supported, you belong” Castlemaine rallies around LGBTQIA+ community
Jade Jungwirth
The Castlemaine community has flooded social media with support for drag performer Polly Filla, who was vilified online for their performance at Castlemaine Secondary College as part of the Wear It Purple Day celebrations.
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said the hateful response to this event demonstrated precisely why the day remained so necessary.
“Polly is a highly acclaimed and much-loved performer who has entertained audiences for more than 30 years. More importantly, Polly is a kind and generous person who has brought enormous joy, colour and warmth to our community,” Ms Edwards said.
She continued by pointing out that those responsible have revealed nothing about Polly’s character, but a great deal about their own.
“There is nothing heroic about joining an online pile-on from behind the safety of a screen. It is cowardice in its most pathetic form,” she said.
“Wear It Purple Day exists because too many LGBTIQA+ young people still experience bullying, discrimination and isolation simply for being who they are. Visibility and acceptance tell them they are not alone, that they are valued and that they should never feel ashamed of who they are.”
The local MP commended Polly for having the courage to speak out and Castlemaine Secondary College for standing firmly with its students and fostering a culture of safety, dignity and inclusion.
“Schools should be places where every young person feels safe to learn, grow and become who they are — not battlegrounds for the imported grievances of angry adults.”
Ms Edwards said it was profoundly disappointing that the conversation remained necessary — that people must still defend their right to live openly, safely and with dignity.
“A loud minority does not speak for Castlemaine or Victoria,” she said.
“To every young person distressed by what they have seen online: you are valued, you are supported, and you belong. Hate may be loud, but it will not have the final word.”
Castlemaine Secondary College principal Justin Hird told the Mail that the school proudly took part in the optional event to mark Wear it Purple Day.
“Every student has a right to feel safe and included at school,” Mr Hird said.
“It is important that our school shows support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer and questioning (LGBTIQ+) inclusion by celebrating days that support LGBTIQ+ young people and their wellbeing.”
Mount Alexander Shire Council mayor Toby Hedyon, who attended the Wear It Purple celebrations at CSC last week, said everyone needs to show more respect for their fellow citizens, no matter how they identify or what they look like.
“This is a diverse country, made up of a myriad of different people. I love that about Australia, and I wish we could all just appreciate the humanity and express joy in our shared journey together.”
Castlemaine Police Acting Senior Sergeant Curtis Dillon said that any behaviour that crossed into threats, criminal harassment, vilification or intimidation would be taken seriously and might be investigated.
“There is absolutely no place for this type of concerning behaviour in our community,” he said.
“We stand with all members of our community and will keep working hard to ensure Castlemaine is a place where everyone feels safe, valued and included.”
If you or someone you know has been impacted by this situation, support is available through LGBTQIA+-inclusive and rainbow-friendly services, including:
Switchboard/QLife 1800 184 527
Headspace Bendigo (03) 5406 1400
Thorne Harbour Health Mental Health & Wellbeing Locals
Castlemaine Safe Space
Magpies strive for five!
The Castlemaine Football Netball Club’s Senior Women’s Football side will take on Golden Square in a bid to claim a history-making fifth AFL Central Vic Women’s premiership tonight under lights at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Make sure you get along to catch what is anticipated to be an epic showdown set to kick off at 7.30pm.
The side was treated to a surprise at their final training session at the Camp Reserve on Wednesday evening with AFLW St Kilda veteran Nicola Barr popping in to congratulate the Magpies on another incredible season and wish them well in their grand final showdown.
The visit was organised by the Magpies’ friends as Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme in recognition of their superstar collection and fundraising efforts.
Stay tuned for a special feature on our local stars!
Tonight’s final is sure to be one for the books with both sides having clocked up 16 wins and only suffered two losses for the season, the Bulldogs edging the Magpies out of top spot on percentage.
Magpies coach Jordan Cochrane said he couldn’t be more proud of his side.
“The team has the opportunity to win a fifth consecutive premiership which is rare across any levels of community football,” he said.
“They know it’s not going to be an easy game, but the work they have put in this season and the connection they have amongst each other is going to be what drives us to get it done,” Cochrane said.
The sides have had four face-offs through the season the Magpies winning the first by 13 points, the Bulldogs the second bout by 8 points, Castlemaine their third battle by 16 points, and Square claiming the Semi Final by 11 points.
Will the Magpies extensive finals experience win out over the Bulldogs nerves?
Only time will tell. Go Magpies! See today’s Mail for our Grand Final Feature!
Under 18s play on
The Magpie Under 18s boys faced a tough battle against Golden Square in their Bendigo Football Netball League Elimination Final last , with the contest proving to be hard-fought throughout the first half.
Both sides came out strongly, with plenty of pressure and tough footy making it a real arm wrestle early on. Castlemaine led at every change.
The boys stayed composed and continued to fight hard, knowing they needed to lift after half time.
The second half saw the boys really stand up. They lifted the pressure, worked hard for each other and started to take control of the game, building a solid lead and putting themselves in a strong position to secure the win.
A great team effort saw Castlemaine get the job done and keep their season alive. Castlemaine led at every change, winning by 39 points.
Well done to the two coaches in their first year Tyson and Harry.
Now, the focus turns to the next challenge, with the boys heading to the QEO this Sunday September 6 ready to go again against Sandhurst at at 10.15am. Best of luck to the side which is the future of CFNC!
Taking on the world
Cuba comes to Castlemaine!
Castlemaine is set to turn up the heat with Cuban music, Latin dancing and food at a new monthly event at The Goods Shed.
The 11-piece Son Quba will bring its infectious Cuban rhythms to the venue beside Castlemaine Railway Station on the first Sunday of each month, kicking off this Sunday September 6.
The band has its roots in workshops held by Cuban group El Son Entero during the 2015 Castlemaine State Festival, which inspired a group of Castlemaine Secondary College students to take up Cuban music.
Musician and band founder Stephen Breheny mentored the students, drawing on knowledge gained during his own trips to Cuba.
One of the students, Berrick Breheny, later won a scholarship to travel to Cuba, where he spent six weeks undertaking intensive training in Cuban-style double bass.
Son Quba has since taken its music back to its source, touring Cuba in 2023 and visiting Havana, Camagüey, Cienfuegos, Bayamo and Santiago de Cuba to learn from some of the country’s finest musicians.
The band is now recording its first original songs, with Ajo Aqui set to make its debut at the September 6 event.
The monthly gatherings will combine live music with salsa, cha-cha-cha and bolero dance classes led by Bendigo-based Brazilian dance teacher Diego Pearz.
Food will be prepared by Das Kaffeehaus chef Leopoldo Ayala, with a bar also available.
Mr Breheny recently had the opportunity to record at Havana’s renowned Egrem Studios, where the Buena Vista Social Club recorded its famous album.
Son Quba hopes the monthly gatherings will draw dancers from across Victoria and create a little slice of Cuba in Castlemaine.
The September 6 event runs from 4.30pm to 8pm at the Goods Shed, Kennedy Street.
A tribute to Dolly
The Shedshaker Taproom is hosting an extra special show this Friday- a tribute to Dolly!
A late cancellation has given the Shedshaker Taproom a chance to celebrate the life of Dolly Parton one more time!
This Friday, join some of the best musos from Castlemaine and Melbourne as they enjoy just a sliver of the extraordinary 3,000 songs Dolly wrote during her life.
With Mandy Connell, Pickles, Felicity Cripps + Gus Read Hill and Jules Sheldon locked in and more to come, this will be a night to remember.
From massive hits to deep cut album tracks, it’s 100 per cent Dolly.
And it’s free- so come along and have a sing along and bathe in the glory of her music one more time.
Tribute to Dolly, 8pm, Friday September 4 at the Shedshaker Taproom, 9 Walker St Castlemaine.
Stay tuned to the Taproom’s Facebook page for more artists announcements.
Passions & Pathways
Central Victoria’s largest career exploration event saw more than 500 students from across the region step inside workplaces, explore career opportunities and connect with industry professionals as part of the annual Passions & Pathways Roadshow last Thursday.
The event celebrates its 15th year in 2026 and saw students enjoy more than 100 workplace tours at businesses and organisations across Bendigo, Castlemaine, Maryborough and Ballarat.
The 512 participating students gaining valuable insights into local industries, occupations and career pathways.
Fifty host organisations generously opened their doors to help young people better understand the future opportunities available within their own communities.
Passions & Pathways Program Manager Kristen Beever said the roadshow gives students a unique opportunity to experience workplaces firsthand and hear authentic career stories from local professionals.
“The most memorable workplace visits are those where students can see work in action and hear honest stories about career journeys, challenges, successes and the many
different pathways people take into their roles,” Mrs Beever said.
During the tours, students visited a wide range of industries. Host organisations showcased their operations, explained the variety of roles within their businesses and, where possible, provided hands-on experiences that allowed students to engage directly with activities that take place within the workplace.
The roadshow highlights the critical role local businesses play in supporting career education and workforce development locally.
“We are incredibly grateful to the businesses and organisations that generously shared their time, expertise and stories with students,” Ms Beever said.
“Their involvement can have a lasting impact on a young person’s aspirations, confidence and future career thinking.”
“Our business partners consistently tell us they value the opportunity to inspire the future local workforce. Many of the students participating in the roadshow
could return to these workplaces in the coming years for work experience, apprenticeships, traineeships or employment. Their time is an investment in the region’s future workforce,” Mrs Beever said.
Students enjoy a tour at PJs Tyres and Auto.
Celebrating books!
It’s that time of year again when the divide between parents becomes apparent – those who craft and those who do not…. Book Week.
While some parents spend the week prior covered in glue, sparkles and various crafting items, others are frantically searching for an old sports uniform or a well-worn, food stained Kmart costume to throw on their kids the morning of the school parade.
The teachers often seem more excited than the kids – celebrating the joy of reading plus a chance to dress up!
Run by the Children’s Book Council of Australia since 1945, Book Week has been a much-loved Australian tradition for more than 80 years.