Community members clad in orange (a symbol of hope and a brighter future free from violence) gathered at the Botanical Gardens on Wednesday for a community walk against violence, followed by a pub-sing-style rendition of Aretha Franklin’s iconic song Respect.
The event was the culmination of the Mount Alexander Shire Council’s 16 Days of Activism events, which included making a community banner, a gathering to share recipes, biscuits, cooking, and talk about respect, a nightly installation at the Northern Arts Hotel, and an information hub at the Castlemaine Library.
16 Days of Activism is an international initiative established by the United Nations to raise awareness and encourage communities to take action to end gender-based violence.
During the 16 days, people around the world unite to raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes, and call for improved laws and services to end genderbased violence for good.
Violence against girls and women is a global human rights emergency that must stop. We all deserve to be safe, equal, and respected. Locally, statistics from 2024 found that 75.89 per cent of all reported victim-survivors of family violence in the Mount Alexander region were female.
In 28.1 per cent of incidents attended by police (between July 2023 and June 2024), a child was present and either directly experienced or witnessed the violence.
Fortunately, the rates of reported family violence incidents in the Mount Alexander Shire are lower than the state average, as is the rate of female sexual assaults; however, the need for an end to all gendered violence and a push towards respect remains as important as ever.
Family and gender-based violence includes a range of abusive behaviours: verbal, emotional, psychological, financial, physical, sexual, and elder abuse, as well as intimidation and threats. It’s used to maintain power and control in relationships.
No matter what form it takes, violence is never acceptable.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing family violence, help is available: Call 000 if you are in immediate danger.
Safe Steps: 1800 015 188
The Orange Door – Mallee: 1800 512 359
Centre for Non-Violence: 1800 884 292
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 Men’s
Referral Service: 1300 766 491
MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
Rainbow Door: 1800 729 367 (or text 0408 017 24)
The Castlemaine Cannons Country Basketball League squad is celebrating this week after winning back to back titles in the North West Division!
The Cannons squad capped off their undefeated season with a nail-biting nine point win over the Macedon Ranges Rockies at Melton’s Cobblebank Stadium on Saturday night.
The Cannons charged out to an early lead with a 28 to 16 point effort in the opening term.
But the local squad were tested in the second period with Macedon netting 23 points and holding the Cannons to 16.
The Castlemaine side bounced back in the third term notching up 28 points to the Rockie’s 18 but the side were not done.
Cannons assist coach Aidan Brohm said to Macedon’s credit they did not roll over and just kept coming at them in the final term.
“There was a good crowd in the house, which stuck around after the Women’s game, and with many of the supporters backing Macedon this really added to the atmosphere and pressure on us.
“Early in the final term we were 20 points up and they stormed back to within three points. They tried to speed us up, throw us off our game but being an older team our experience shone out in the end and we were able to hold our nerves and composure, stick to our game plan and come out on top in the end.”
The Cannons sealing the win 90 to 81.
“Ray Turner (34 points) and Jake Lloyd (17 points) both had solid games and Jake claimed the MVP award, but it really was an all-round team effort. Everyone played their role and could have taken it out.”
Aidan said the side were elated and relieved to go back to back.
“There was a lot of pressure on us going into the match as favourites and being undefeated. We trained for every scenario and that showed on Saturday. That preparation and experience got us over the line and when that final siren blew and we were winners we couldn’t be happier.
“We look forward to returning in 2026 and aiming for a three-peat!” he said.
Aidan thanked the Cannon’s Women’s squad for their support this season.
“It was great to see a Women’s side back on the court. They did a phenomenal job and we look forward to seeing them build on that next season,” he said.
“We would like to send a big thank you to our fans and our sponsors. We couldn’t have achieved this without you!”
Thanks also to our head coach David Hogan who once again did a fantastic job this season and allowed us all to focus on our individual games.
