A business expo, held in Harcourt this week, featured a wide array of professionals available to help business owners navigate recovery.
It was revealed during the panel discussion, led by Business Mount Alexander’s Jacqueline Brodie- Hanns and featuring local state MP Maree Edwards, Mayor Toby Heydon and Coolstore Cafe owner Remy Snowman, that at least four emergency recovery positions will be created and filled by Mount Alexander Shire Council, with plans to expand the positions to eight. The positions will be filled for two years and help businesses and communities navigate recovery.
Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said the Disaster Recovery Officer position, funded by the state, will lead the process and will be on the ground, hopefully by next week.
“They will be the go-to for anyone in the shire who needs access to information and support. There are a couple of reasons for this. One is to take the pressure off the volunteers who have been doing the heavy lifting here, but also to make it more streamlined for families, households and businesses to access supports that are available.
Ms Edwards noted that the recent bushfires impacted a lot of Victoria, and there are still many assessments that need to be done.
“The variety and the geographical spread of the disasters are challenging. We are looking at the packages that might be delivered in the future, but we’re still in the phase of not knowing what the rest of the summer will bring and doing that broader assessment of what the packages might look like for each area of business, from tourism operators through to the agricultural sector,” she said.
Coolstore Cafe owner and Harcourt Progress Association member, Remy Snowman, said that up until now, whilst the community has been able to connect and access services, the business community has been left out.
“Now’s our opportunity to come together and look after ourselves and think about what the future looks like for us and how we want to grow as a town and have an impact on the long-term recovery of the region,” he said.
“I feel, personally, that I have a responsibility in the recovery. Our venue was customer facing hospitality. We were a place for people to connect, and we’re looking at how we can rebuild with that in mind. How can we create a space where people can come together and get a cup of coffee, but also be with each other and share stories and hugs?”
Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns acknowledged the extraordinary contributions of the business community and outlined multiple fundraisers that have taken place.
“But what Business Mount Alexander has done is establish a fundraising account with the Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal specifically to help with economic recovery. We currently have about $100,000 pledged, and we’re on track for $200,000,” she said.
“We will be coming out to the community, businesses and producers and asking, ‘What is the most effective use of this bucket of money to help support economic recovery?’ The sorts of things I would envisage are promotion and marketing campaigns… tourism campaigns, and potentially more events,” Jacqueline said.
“We need to start articulating what we want from the future because if we can start articulating that now, we can feed that into the funding plans, we can look at creating a dynamic precinct around the Coolstore. How can we reimagine what that looks like?
“This is not back to what we were, but where we want to be. Build back better.”
Last Sunday’s 2026 Castlemaine Gift at the Camp Reserve has been hailed an incredible success despite the inclement conditions.
Castlemaine Gift coordinator Darryl Nettleton said intermittent showers did nothing to dampen the spirits of their record 374 entrants.
The day-long competition kicked off with the youngest runners taking to the track to battle our Junior Gift events.
“We had some wonderful local talent take on some more experienced visiting runners. It was a fantastic way to kick-start the day and really showcase some of the future stars of our sport,” Darryl said.
The official program kicked off with the 70 metre Open event proudly sponsored by Mandalay Resources, Dales PaintRight, the Cumberland Hotel and Wayne Clark, which was taken out by Canberra runner and stalwart of the sport Brendan Matthews, second was Sydney’s Joshua Lotsu and third Fraser Stott.
“Brendan also backed this up with a win in our prestigious 120 metres Men’s Gift sponsored by Novo Resources and Woolworths. He is running superbly and will definitely be one to watch in this year’s Stawell Gift at Easter,” Darryl said.
In the 120 metres runner-up was Barnabas Ronto and third once again went to Fraser Stott.
“Last year’s 120 metre Women’s Gift champ Ruby Crisp claimed back to back honours in the event sponsored by Leech Earthmoving, Gunangara Estate, Woolworths and Maree Edwards MP in a photo finish with stable mate Katie Moore,” he said.
“Whilst the traditional mile Open Gordon Muir Memorial (1600 metres) sponsored by PJ’s Tyres and Zeal Chiropractic Castlemaine was taken our by one of the local runners I train and Zeal chiropractor Mitch Whitham!” a delighted Darryl said.
“Mitch has worked incredibly hard to prepare for the event I and couldn’t be more proud,” the local coach said.
The prestigious 400 metre Women’s event sponsored by McClure Earthmoving and Castlemaine Rotary honours were claimed by Ballarat’s Olivia Parnell from Warrnambool’s Grace Carter.
“This final saw Peter O’Dwyer’s Ballarat squad take our first, third, fourth and fifth placing with Olivia’s teammates Allira May, Tiana Shillito, and Halle Martin rounding out the top placegetters,” Darryl said.
“In the 400 metre Men’s DON Smallgoods ‘Donski Dash’ Joel Stapleton claimed victory ahead of Mitchell Mullens and Domonic Hoskins.
Another highlight is the Masters 300 metre event which is proudly supported by Arcare Castlemaine and Castlemaine IGA plus Liquor this was taken out by Stefan Catalano from David Tinney and John Mackay.
Runners received a wide array of fabulous trophies, sashes and prizes, including magnificent glassware by esteemed local artist Richard Morrell, and cash and prizes thanks to a raft of generous local sponsors, including local wine, fare and other gifts which celebrate our local region.
“We thank Marie and Quinn from Harcourt Valley Vineyards especially for their ongoing support, and Peter and Alice Bottomley which once again provided a fabulous spread at the kiosk,” he said.
“All in all it was a fantastic success with a great crowd and atmosphere despite the weather. We had a record gate and everyone enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy what is always an incredible spectacle featuring some of the country’s best athletes centre stage right here in Castlemaine,” Darryl said.
Tourism industry representatives from across the Mount Alexander, Macedon Ranges, Hepburn and Central Goldfields shires descended on Castlemaine’s Boomtown Winery & Bistro last Thursday evening for the official launch of new visitor brand – ‘Victoria’s Heartland’.
The unveiling marks an exciting new chapter for the region following the inception of Destination Central Victoria (DCV) last year.
Formerly known as Daylesford Macedon Tourism, the new entity now represents four shires, doubling in size and scope and now boasting a combined visitor economy worth close to $1 billion dollars.
Backed and funded by both state and local government, DCV is dedicated to leading tourism development, promotion, and collaboration across the four local government areas.
DCV unveiled the fresh new consumer brand ‘Victoria’s Heartland: Place of Plenty’ which aims to capture the spirit and heart of Central Victoria and is designed to unite communities, attract visitors and drive sustainable growth across the region.
Interim CEO for Destination Central Victoria, Paul Matthews said the new brand was developed following close consultation with the four council areas and key industry partners.
“Victoria’s Heartland was born through extensive engagement and collaboration with stakeholders. While preserving the strong brand equity already associated with Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges, our new identity aims to spotlight the region’s key brand pillars and hero destinations, reinforcing its appeal to visitors,” he said.
“This brand captures the very essence of our region – warm and authentic, welcoming to all, rich in creativity and natural beauty, and forward–thinking while honouring our past,” he said.
Alongside the new brand identity, DCV also launched its brand–new Victoria’s Heartland visitor website and a dedicated Victoria’s Heartland Visitor App – both of which have been created to enhance the experience of visitors and locals exploring the region.
The app features geocaching so visitors can tap into local experiences in their surrounding area.
The new brand will also be bolstered by social media influencers visiting all corners of the heartlands and sharing their experiences at local accommodation, eateries, stores and attractions.
“The new brand, website and app are set to strengthen Central Victoria’s position as a must–visit destination, a place with authenticity, creativity, diversity and heart,” Mr Matthews said.
Whether it’s nature, food, wine, creativity or connection, visitors can expect to leave with more than they came for.
Visit the Victoria’s Heartland website at victoriasheartland.com.au or socials to discover more.
Lifeline Loddon Mallee, deliver practical, evidence–based training programs designed to help create a more resilient, connected, and safer community.
Their mission is simple: to equip everyday people with the skills to recognise, respond, and refer those experiencing distress, poor mental health, suicidality, or domestic violence.
Their next fully-funded local SafeTALK training session will be held at Campbells Creek on Thursday March 5 from 9am-12.30pm at the Campbells Creek Community Centre at 60 Elizabeth Street. Register at https://campbells-creek-castlemaine-safetalk-workshop.raiselysite.com/
A solid field of 24 players teed it up at Castlemaine Golf Club for the Men’s Monthly Medal last Thursday.
The day belonged to Lachlan Brown (6), who produced a great nett score of 71 to claim the Monthly Medal and the top prize. Brown’s round stood out in a tightly packed leaderboard, with just two shots covering the leading contenders. Finishing runner-up was Peter Sharrock (23) with a nett 72, edging ahead on a countback. The competition was fierce behind him, with Kors Van Eyk (22) also posting nett 72 to take third on countback, while Ian Fraser (16) finished fourth with the same score. Peter Farrell claimed the Nearest the Pin on the 7th hole, while Kors Van Eyk was accurate on the 12th to take the other NTP.
The 9 B4 9 stableford competition drew 18 early starters Saturday morning. It took a countback to split winner from runner up with Dorian Fay (10) finishing in top spot with 19 points and Jan Barratt (12) settling in runner up position.
A strong field of 45 players contested the Par competition at Castlemaine Golf Club last week, with scoring conditions proving challenging but rewarding for those able to stay steady under pressure. Leading the way was Lachlan Brown, who produced an outstanding round to finish +6, a superb performance that secured both the overall win and Grade A honours.
Brown’s consistency across the card set the benchmark for the day. Matthew O’Brien followed closely in Grade A, finishing runner-up with a commendable +4.
B Grade was keenly contested, with Vin Walsh claiming top spot on +2, edging out Michael Bottomley, who finished just one point back on +1 after a solid and controlled round.
In Grade C, Marty Cross put together an impressive performance to take the win on +3, while Mick Josey
finished runner-up on +2, continuing his run of good form. The placegetters list reflected the tight nature of the competition, with several players separated only on countback. Notable efforts came from Lachlan O’Brien, Peter Mangold, Peter McCoombe and Jen Dyer, all featuring among the top ten.
Nearest-to-the-pin prizes added extra excitement on the day. Mick Josey was pinpoint accurate on the 7th hole, while Michael Kehoe claimed the prize on the 12th .
Sunday saw close to 50 players dressed in pink from Castlemaine Golf Club and visiting clubs take to the course for a Stableford round in support of breast cancer fundraising. The event was a wonderful blend of competitive golf and community spirit, with players proudly showing their support for a very worthy cause.
In the women’s section, Jenny Cato delivered an outstanding performance to claim the Una Carroll Trophy, finishing the day with an excellent 38 points. Marty Cross topped the overall leaderboard with a superb round of 39 points to take out the event honours. The day was a great success both on and off the course, with a total of $2,400 raised for breast cancer support. Organisers thanked all players, volunteers, and supporters who contributed to making the event such a memorable and meaningful occasion.
On Tuesday, 15 ladies teed off early to beat the heat in a par event. Helen McEwen (31) was the standout performer, claiming victory with an impressive +2. The runner-up spot was decided on a countback after Barb Livingstone (22) and Bronwyn Gudgeon (24) both finished on +1, with Barb eventually edging ahead. Julie Cross collected the IGA voucher for NTP on the 12th hole
Nature Art Soundscapes will hold a performance fundraiser for Red Box Wildlife Shelter at the Old Castlemaine Gaol this Saturday February 28.
Nature Art Soundscapes are musicians Hilary Blackshaw (violin, guitar and vocals), Joel Bloom (lap steel guitar), Clara Schutz (cello) and artist Jane Rusden. The quartet celebrates local woodland wildlife through weaving beautiful live art making with evocative musical soundscapes.
The current bushfire crisis has seen Red Box Wildlife Shelter inundated with wildlings on the search for food and water, as well as a constant stream of burn affected kangaroos called in by the public or transported from other rescue groups.
Help Red Box Wildlife Shelter continue to provide ongoing rehabilitation and care of kangaroos by donating today. Operating as a not for profit charity we do not receive any government funding so we rely entirely on the generosity of people just like you. Your donation will go directly to funding vital food, medicine and veterinarian treatment required to provide the best level of care.
Entry by donation, with funds going to Red Box Wildlife Shelter to help provide ongoing rehabilitation and care of kangaroos and other wildlife injured in the fires.
The performance will take place at 7pm at the Old Castlemaine Gaol, 36-48 Bowden Street,
Castlemaine. Visit natureartsoundscapes.com/ for more information.
