Facebook Instagram Twitter
Facebook Instagram Twitter

Future GPs get a taste of Goldfields lifestyle

By
Castlemaine Mail
-
The group of over 30 medical students and junior doctors took a tour of the region including health services across Kyneton, Castlemaine and Maryborough.
The group of over 30 medical students and junior doctors took a tour of the region including health services across Kyneton, Castlemaine and Maryborough.

Over thirty medical students and junior doctors recently experienced life as a goldfields GP last month for the third annual Central Victorian GP Jaunt.

The free event, hosted by Monash Rural Health’s North West Victorian Regional Training Hub and supported by the Loddon Mallee Victorian Rural Generalist Program, Rural Doctors Association of Victoria and local general practitioners, allowed young doctors in training to spend the day exploring the central Victoria region. 

The group visited a number of local health services and clinics across Kyneton, Castlemaine and Maryborough and tasted the region’s thriving food and wine culture at Johnny Bakers, Boomtown Wine, Das Caffee Haus and The Mill. The tour was led by local doctors and medical leaders, including Dr Mark Farrugia and Dr Richard Mayes from Goldfields Medical Group, Dr Sophie Ping from Castlemaine Health and Chair of the Loddon Mallee Victorian Rural Generalist Program Network and the Rural Doctors Association of Victoria President, Dr Dan Wilson. 

For Dr Frank Dunley, an intern at Bendigo Health, the day gave him a wider appreciation of what’s on offer in the region. 

“As a hospital-based intern, the opportunity to get out into smaller communities and observe how interconnected the towns’ GPs are with each other and their local health services was invaluable. I really saw that rural and regional general practice with areas of special interest focus offers an enriching career path. I learnt so much from being able to speak to rural GPs and rural generalists over lunch about the diversity of their practice.” 

The Loddon Mallee has become a highly desirable place for young doctors to live, work and train, according to Sophie Burke, North West Victorian Regional Training Hub Manager. 

“Practising in beautiful regional Victoria makes perfect sense. Come for the training and work opportunities, personalised program and supportive supervisors, stay for the incredible lifestyle on offer!” 

Castlemaine GP, Dr Mark Farrugia, enjoyed welcoming a new group of students and junior doctors to the region for the day. 

“Events like this allow our next generation of doctors to see what’s on offer here – beyond knowing the rotations and advanced skill training available to them – but really getting a feel for our towns, and local communities. Hopefully, our attendees were inspired by the life that awaits them.” 

Wararack to launch climate plan

By
Castlemaine Mail
-
Wararack members Kyla Brettle and Anitra Nelson invite the community to the Northern Arts Hotel for the launch of the Climate Transition Plan.

In response to the climate crisis, local coalition Wararack is launching a shire-wide, community-led effort to establish regenerative ways of living. 

Wararack will launch the initial version of the Mount Alexander Community Climate Transition Plan (2023–2030) as part of the monthly Castlemaine Free University gathering at Northern Arts Hotel in Barker Street Castlemaine next Monday June 5. 

The plan outlines how Wararack will hold and support this relational and regenerative transition. 

Wararack spokesperson Sharon Fraser said the transition aims to reduce carbon emitting activities; to make sure basic needs such as food and housing are available to all, and to encourage conviviality within the shire community as we adapt to an unstable climate. 

“Wararack exists to support the shire community to prioritise areas for action within the community’s scope to influence, areas deemed to have the most significant impacts on our emissions reduction target. The coalition welcomes everyone on board this transition,” Fraser said. 

Wararack encourages action to help us collectively reach zero emissions, to better prepare for climate impacts, to embrace change and to forge new ways of doing and thinking. Such activities are promoted at the Wararack website as ‘Initiatives’. 

“Wararack sees the transition as an opportunity for cultural growth within Djaara Country and to extend solidarity and sharing supporting our relations with one another as we move to stabilise the climate,” Ms Fraser said. 

The plan is holistic in terms of Djaara Country within the shire and works from our strengths – rich and unique ecological communities, and community efforts that support them. 

“This transition to regenerative living is an holistic response to the climate crisis. Wararack is tasked with holding this transition to a climate-safe future for the next generation and beyond.” 

Interested community members are invited to come along from 6.30pm to grab a drink and engage with the panel of speakers, including Mount Alexander Shire Council mayor Rosie Annear, Castlemaine Institute Co Founder and economist Warwick Smith, and Greens Candidate for Northern Victoria Dr Cate Sinclair. 

You can see and read more about Wararack and sign up for the Wararack e-newsletter at wararack.org or contact Wararack by email: wararack@gmail.com

Miller’s heartbreaking masterpiece hits the stage

By
Castlemaine Mail
-
Paul English (left) and Charlie Cousins (right) and fellow Death of a Salesman cast members bring the tragic tale to life. Photo: Jack Dixon-Gunn.

Local theatre buffs are encouraged to make the trek to the big smoke next week to catch Hearth Theatre’s highly anticipated production of Arthur Miller’s 20th century classic ‘Death of a Salesman’. 

Former local, talented actor, and co-producer of the critically acclaimed production, Maggie McCormack, told the Mail the show is of an incredibly high standard and is not to be missed. 

“The play had a hugely successful season in February last year at Fortyfive Downstairs in Melbourne. It is a powerful family story that touches the hearts and minds of audiences as well as providing great entertainment. Now we are excited that the production is having a second season at Chapel Off Chapel Theatre in Prahran from June 7-11,” Maggie said. 

The Mail had the opportunity to chat about the production with Hearth Theatre founder and artistic director Charlie Cousins, whom locals may know as Constable Charles from the Doctor Blake Murder Mysteries which was filmed locally at Ballarat and featured on the ABC. 

The actor has worked tirelessly over the past four years to bring this show to life. 

“We began working on the production in early 2021 but unfortunately covid and the lockdowns saw us forced to rehearse online for two days a week for up to seven months, Charlie told the Mail from Port Macquarie, where Hearth Theatre were staging Death of a Salesman as part of a tour to regional centres. 

“It was a long time in the making but we were thrilled to finally bring the show to Fortyfive Downstairs in 2022 and are bringing the award winning show back by popular demand,” Cousins said. 

The central character in the play, an older man Willy Loman – played by one Australia’s finest theatre actors Paul English – is struggling to keep his head above water and the impact this struggle has on himself and his family is profound. It is a story for our times exploring career and financial pressures and the importance of connection. Families and individuals will recognise more than ever the dilemmas and mental health challenges faced by the family in this moving tale. 

The Age has described the production as a ‘A tragic masterpiece. Traditionalists will love it. All the creativity gets poured into moulding fully inhabited characters through which the play’s enduring questions are explored.’ 

“Arthur Miller was really a playwright before his time. This work will appeal to older audiences with its sense of nostalgia for those times, but also carries important messages and themes which will resonate with younger audiences today and we will host a number of school groups across the Melbourne season,” Charlie said. 

The actor said the work holds special significance for him. 

“I actually read the final monologue of the play for my entry audition for WAPA which secured my place and kick started my career. Seeing wide-eyed Year 11 and 12 students in the audience experiencing the play for the first time has been a real full-circle moment,” he said. 

Hearth Theatre are kindly giving away a double pass to one of our lucky Castlemaine Mail readers for the 11am matinee performance of Death of a Salesman on Chapel Off Chapel Theatre in Prahran next Friday June 9. 

To enter the ticket giveaway simply pop your name, address and contact number on the back of an envelope marked ‘Death of a Salesman competition’ and drop it into our office at 13 Hargraves Street by 5pm next Wednesday June 7. The winner will be notified by phone. 

For tickets for this strictly limited season featuring just six shows visit https://chapeloffchapel.com.au/show/death-of-a-salesman/ 

My Maldon with Castlemaine Mail journalist Jade Jungwirth

By
Castlemaine Mail
-

Hi Jade, can you tell us a bit about your early life?

I was born in Melbourne and have lived all over Victoria – but my grandparents lived in Warrandyte most of my life, so it always felt like home to me. I studied Social Work when I left school and went on to work in Family Violence in the Western Suburbs. 

How did you come to live in Maldon?

My partner and I decided to go backpacking around Europe for a few months which was incredible. We travelled around the UK, visited Berlin and Amsterdam, but a family member became quite unwell, and we had to cut the trip short so I’m still rather desperate to travel other parts of Europe. 

When we came back my partner and I moved to Castlemaine and made the decision to take in a family member (a teenager) who needed a home, followed shortly after by her sister. I was in my mid-20s and had absolutely no idea about raising teenagers so that was….interesting. I worked as a family support worker at CHIRP for a few years before falling pregnant with my first child.

How did you become involved in journalism?

I was a stay at home mum for 10 years – I really threw myself in, learning to sew, knit, garden, bake and preserve. After a marriage breakdown I decided it was time to return to work. I knew I didn’t want a job in social work while my kids were still young so I considered buying a bookshop, pursued various writing careers, including writing a novel (unpublished but at least I can tick that off my bucket list!) and finally (purely by chance) landed myself the job of Editor of the Tarrangower Times. I loved it – but COVID meant I was working from home and home schooling the two kids which was…let’s just say less than ideal. The job at the Times was a part-time gig so when I saw a full-time job advertised with the Castlemaine Mail I jumped at the chance.

Do you have any hobbies?

Not these days. Returning to full time work with two children has been an interesting juggling act – but I would love to get back into knitting when I can.

What are you reading at the moment?

I’m reading a new book from local author Ellie Marney for an article I’m writing. Working here has been a great way to get me back into reading. In fact, the first book I read in a long time was A Brief Affair written by Alex Miller – who I got to interview. I was jumping up and down with excitement for days at getting to meet the Miles Franklin winner and telling every single person I came across!

What music do you enjoy listening to?

Everything except techno and heavy metal. Working at the Mail I’ve come across a lot of new artists that I’ve been able to interview – which is fun.

Who are your three dream dinner guests?

My aunt that passed away many years ago, my dear friend who died recently and Nelson Mandela.

What philosophies do you live life by?

I am a social worker – it’s part of who I am and always will be. I’m a strong advocate for social justice and equality and the older I get the more feminist I become.

Finally, what do you love most about the place you call home?

Everyone there is just a little bit left of centre and I love that. The people and the place are beautiful and feels like I’ve come home.

Club in mourning

By
Castlemaine Mail
-
Vale Dallas Keogh-Frankling. March 23, 2006 – May 27, 2023.
Vale Dallas Keogh-Frankling. March 23, 2006 – May 27, 2023.

Castlemaine Football Netball Club is mourning the sudden death of Under 18s footballer Dallas Keogh-Frankling on Saturday afternoon.
The 17-year-old collapsed after playing in a match at Kyneton and was rushed to hospital but could not be revived.
An outpouring of condolences and support has flowed to the club, Dallas’s family and the wider community, including messages from the Bendigo Football Netball League, other clubs and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
In a statement posted to the league’s website, the league said both it and the club were devastated.
“The club and league’s first priority is providing and facilitating support for the family, friends, teammates, and coaches of the player,” the statement read.
“The club and league will continue to work together closely and kindly request that the privacy of family, friends and teammates be respected during this incredibly difficult time.”
Premier Andrews said on behalf of all Victorians he wanted to extend his deepest sympathy to Dallas’s family.
“My prayers and best wishes to the family of the young footballer … this will be an incredibly difficult time for his family and friends, and we send our best wishes.”
In a statement released on Sunday evening, CFNC extended heartfelt sympathies to Dallas’s family.
“In particular his parents Mark and Regina, his brother Ashton, and extended family who are a significant part of our club and its history,” club officials said.
“Our club community has understandably been rocked by this tragedy and have spent time together over the past two days supporting each other, and will continue to do so over the coming weeks and months.
“Dallas loved his football, he loved his club, and he loved his teammates. It is unfathomable to us that he is gone.
“At the behest of his family, training will continue to be offered this week to honour the fact that he would never want his death to dampen our love of the game.
“Our club would like to commend the quick-thinking and thoughtful actions of the Kyneton Football Netball Club who rallied around our playing group and continue to provide their support.
“We would also like to thank the club trainers and spectators who were on the scene to assist Dallas in the change rooms, and paramedics who took over in Dallas’s care.
“Thank you also to AFL Central Victoria and the Bendigo Football Netball League who have allowed us to lean on them during this difficult time, and have gone above and beyond to provide assistance.
“To our wider football and netball community who have provided condolences, sent personal messages and posted tributes – we feel your support.
“Our focus is now on Dallas’s family, his teammates, friends and our wider club community as we process his loss and come to terms with our collective grief.”

Football community in shock

By
Castlemaine Mail
-

The Castlemaine community is hurting with the news of the tragic death of 17 year old Castlemaine footballer Dallas Keogh-Frankling on Saturday. The Castlemaine Football Netball Club and Bendigo Football Netball League have released the following statement:

The Bendigo Football Netball League & Castlemaine Football Netball Club are devastated following the tragic passing
of one of the CFNC under 18 players today.
The club and league’s first priority is providing and facilitating support for the family, friends, teammates, and coaches
of the player.
The club and league will continue to work together closely and kindly request that the privacy of family, friends and
teammates be respected during this incredibly difficult time.

Historic Chewton mine site desecrated by vandals

By
Lisa Dennis
-
Community members Glenn Braybrook, Ian Braybrook, Vin Cappy, Elaine Appleton, Rod Printz, Greg Plancke and David Bannear are calling for an end to the ongoing destruction at the local mine.

Community members and local historians are dismayed at the desecration occurring at the historic Wattle Gully Gold Mine at Chewton. 

The Mail visited the mine earlier this week with concerned community members to tour the facility which has been the target of sustained vandalism over the last few years. 

Buildings and offices have been ransacked and windows broken, graffiti emblazoned across walls, but perhaps more disturbing is what appears to have been the targeted theft of valuable infrastructure from the site such as copper wire, pipes and machinery components such as transformers. 

Community members are hopeful of raising awareness of the significance of the historic site, alerting the surrounding community that it is no longer an active mine or exploration site and urging anyone who sees or hears any suspicious activity to report it to Parks Victoria or the Castlemaine Police. 

Local archaeologist David Bannear said the mine which sits within the Castlemaine Goldfields National Heritage Park is an important piece of our goldfields history and it should be preserved, particularly in light of the current Central Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid. 

“Wattle Gully mine holds a pivotal position in the state’s quartz mining industry. The rich strike at Wattle Gully mine in 1937 helped revive the state’s gold mining industry that had been in the doldrums since the First World War,” Mr Bannear said. 

“Wattle Gully, with a yield of 350,000 ounces, was the richest mine of its era. By 1940 Wattle Gully Company had paid 207,000 poounds in dividends to its shareholders.” 

Mr Bannear said there are big penalties associated with damage and theft at such heritage sites under the Heritage Act 2017. 

“Maryborough detectives arrested a man on site in relation to theft around three years ago, but the problem continues,” he said. 

“Just two weeks ago a transformer was dug out of the ground and the components stolen,” he said. 

“We want to spread awareness that the site is not currently active, so if anyone sees something suspicious, such as machinery on site, they should report it,” he said. 

Kalamazoo Resources Limited exploration manager Luke Mortimer confirmed that while they hold the exploration tenement for the land surrounding the mine they are not conducting works at the site or in the surrounding area. 

“We have seen firsthand the relentless vandalism at the Wattle Gully mine site and like others we at Kalamazoo are both concerned and dismayed by it,” he said. 

“This has been ongoing since we became involved in this area in late 2018/early 2019. In fact, it was one of the key drivers for us “rescuing” and literally removing kilometres of diamond drill core samples from the site in early 2019 as this represented invaluable and irreplaceable geological information on the geology and gold mineralisation in this area,” Mr Mortimer said. 

“Whilst Kalamazoo hold the Exploration Licence EL6679 over the general area the Wattle Gully Gold Mine site is the sole responsibility of the previous owners Castlemaine Gold or ‘CGT’. Approximately 18 months ago it was CGT who erected the large fences you now see around the processing plant and broader site boundaries only to have them since cut and vandalised,” he said. 

Local resident Rod Printz worked for eight years underground at the mine in the 1970s and is disappointed by the thefts and destruction at the site. 

“Floors have been cut up to access copper pipe, wiring and fittings and even timbers removed from the old buildings and battery,” he said. 

Castlemaine Pioneers & Old Residents member Greg Plancke also noted that it appeared some brazen would-be thieves have also removed the bolts from the winding engine, which drove the pulley for the bucket, in preparation to potentially winch it from the building at a later date. 

“There is some really unique infrastructure here and it should be protected,” he said. 

Community members would like to see security boosted at the facility with the installation of CCTV and increased patrols by Parks Victoria and local police. 

Local resident Vin Cappy said that a successful tourist train operated at the site in the 1970s. 

“The train ran through a makeshift tunnel on the surface and local guides Ron Bulkeley and Col Campbell would detail the history of the site. I understand as many as 50,000 visitors passed through the attraction over a five-year period and it even picked up an award against the likes of Sovereign Hill. There is huge unlocked tourism potential here,” Mr Cappy said. 

Long time Chewton resident Elaine Appleton said Wattle Gully also holds important local stories from our past. 

“Seven men lost their lives here in the pursuit of gold. Their memories are honoured with a plaque dedicated by their workmates in 2004, and its unique as all the infrastructure remains here. It’s terrible to see the disrespect shown to this important piece of local history,” she said. 

Do you have a link to the former mine? Do you have photographs of the former tourist train? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Email ldennis@midnews.com.au

VIDEO: ‘Flash Mob’ brings smiles

By
Castlemaine Mail
-

Matters of Faith, By Jim Foley
Castlemaine Uniting Church and ‘Just Brass’ support player

It was a normal late afternoon scene at Castlemaine’s Maxi IGA. People rushing through their shopping and looking forward to getting home as the light faded and temperature fell. Unobtrusively, a couple of primary school students drifted in and sat on the bench under the noticeboard, resting tubas in their laps. Nothing you’d particularly notice while wondering what you’d left off the shopping list or wheeling a trolley towards the car park. 

Then the tubas started up with a steady “oompah, oompah” while other young musicians quickly joined them from doorways and other hiding places. 

Soon the entry to the supermarket was resounding to a swinging version of a catchy spiritual. 

Heads turned with people stopping in their tracks and tapping their feet as the gathered players confidently laid into their impromptu ‘flash mob’ performance. 

As quickly as it started the music stopped and, as the applause rang out, the entertainers disappeared as quietly as they had emerged. 

The ‘pop up’ showtime was presented by students of several local primary schools taking part in the national ‘Just Brass’ program run by The Salvation Army. 

Students are invited to learn a donated brass instrument with experienced musicians tutoring them at school and, once a week, gathering to practise as a band at The Salvation Army church. Some are now playing at “Salvo” services and in the Thompson Foundry and other bands. 

Music has long brought pleasure to people and the last of the psalms in the Bible, written some 3000 years ago, pays tribute to musicians playing a range of instruments; trumpets, lutes, harps, tambourines, strings and cymbals in praise of God. 

The descendants of those trumpets certainly brought smiles to faces and brightened up an ordinary day at the Maxi IGA. 

A video of the ‘flash mob’ placed on the Castlemaine Salvation Army Facebook site is also on its way to 6000 views! 

Goldfields give their all at Chewton

By
Castlemaine Mail
-
Jess Howard and the Castlemaine back-line keeping up their resilience against a strong Kyneton in a tough match up at Soldiers Memorial Park last Sunday. Photo: Max Lesser.
U16 Gold and Green share a post match photo opportunity after their game last Saturday.

It just seems every weekend is a big one at Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park as Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club head into week five of the Junior Soccer program for 2023.

Saturday saw another seven junior games with teams across the U10s, U12s, U14s and U16s all on display. The day kicked off at 9am with U12A Mixed Gold and Green taking each other on for an inter club derby and ended the same way with U16 Mixed Gold and Green also facing off.

All in all our juniors continue to shine both on and off the field representing the club in best possible way at the home of soccer in the goldfields.

Saturday May 27 will see another six of our 15 junior teams play home games across the age groups so if you or your kids have ever wondered what it might be like to join the club come down to grab a sausage from the kiosk BBQ and see our mighty Junior Mainers do their thing.

Small Sided, our programs for 5-9 year olds, continues this Friday and throughout Terms 2 and 3, with limited spots left please contact cgfcsecretary@gmail.com if you want to get involved.

Senior Report

The weekend was capped off with a three game Sunday with Senior Women, Men’s Div 7 and Men’s Div 5 teams all on the park, while the Youth squad rested up with a bye.

First on the day the Women faced Central Victorian League leaders and local rivals Kyneton. The senior women went into the game quietly confident from their three wins and two losses this season. They started strongly, solid against many fast and gutsy attacks from the young Kyneton squad.

In her first game for CGFC, seasoned keeper Lil was invaluable, making many saves and proving her experience in organising the back line to get the ball safely out of Castlemaine’s half. The back four – Lauren, Jess, Scout and Caz – worked tirelessly all game, with Eva holding a strong defensive mid, but Kyneton were still able to break through to score 3-nil at half time.

Fresh legs from the bench in the second half kept up the defence, but Castlemaine were unable to find a rhythm in attack, with Kyneton managing to put away another 5 for an 8-nil win. Despite the score, there were plenty of positives and lots to work on for the rest of the season. This Sunday sees resting up with a bye.

For the Men it was mixed fortunes. In the 1pm kick-off the Div 7 Men suffered a big defeat to top of the table Wyndham. After a strong to Doreen United in Round 4 the Maine opened the scoring and took it right up to Wyndham in the first half, trailing 3-2 at half time.

Unfortunately, it was a game of two halves, with Maine’s shape and structure falling away in the second half and Wyndham’s strong attack taking full advantage piling on 5 goals. Final score 2-8 to the visiting team.

Special mention to Joseph and Finn in midfield, along with Claudio at the back. Unfortunately there weren’t too many more winners on the day. The reserve team will look to bounce back next week when they take on Albert Park SC, looking to improve their mid table position.

In the late kick-off the Div 5 Men came away with a strong 5-2 win against RMIT FC. Undefeated, with 3 wins and a draw, after 4 rounds the Maine sit in 5th with a game in hand that would take them one point clear at the top of the ladder should they win it. This weekend they take on 6th place Brunswick Zebras FC in an 11am home kick-off. Later in the day the Youth team take on Spring Gully for what will finally be their first home game of the season.

Jess Howard and the Castlemaine back-line keeping up their resilience against a strong Kyneton in a tough match up at Soldiers Memorial Park last Sunday. Photo: Max Lesser.

Funding boost for Harcourt

By
Castlemaine Mail
-
Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards is pictured Harcourt Progress Association members Bronnie Dean, David Dean, Alison Curtis and Robyn Miller at Wednesday’s announcement at Harcourt Railway Station, which will be the home of the new Harcourt Neighbourhood House.

The future of Harcourt is looking bright with the town’s Progress Association set to receive $50,000 in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to help volunteers continue to deliver important community projects. 

For years, the HPA has brought Harcourt locals together to help make the community a fairer and better place to live, work and raise a family. 

The group have backed important local projects like the Harcourt roundabout redesign and the repurposing of the Harcourt Railway Station into a community space. 

They are currently embarking on developing a neighbourhood house for Harcourt which will further extend their connection to the community, and further strengthen community participation. 

Making the announcement at Harcourt on Wednesday, Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said she was proud to deliver funding that matters for Harcourt. 

“I congratulate the Harcourt Progress Association on securing this funding, and for their advocacy over many years to make Harcourt a better place to live,” she said. 

“Their plans to develop a neighbourhood house for Harcourt are exciting, and will provide even moreopportunities for our community to come together. 

“Volunteer groups like Harcourt Progress Association are the beating hearts of communities right across Bendigo West. We’ll always back the groups that help make our region great,” Ms Edwards said. 

President of the Harcourt Progress Association president Sha Cordingley said the association is extremely grateful to the state government for renovating the lovely old Harcourt Railway Station for community use as well as providing a $50,000 grant that will enable them to start up the long-anticipated neighbourhood house fairly quickly. 

“We are very appreciative of the continued and genuine support the Progress Association has received from our local member, Maree Edwards, who is always most 

generous with her time and advice,” Ms Cordingley said. 

‘The neighbourhood house has received a lot of interest from the local community and we are hopeful that classes and interest groups will start within the next month or so. Anyone with an interest in teaching, volunteering or participating in a community garden is encouraged to contact us via our Facebook page as soon as possible – we’d love to hear from you,” she said. 

The Victorian Budget 2023/24 delivers $550,000 in funding to community groups across the Bendigo West electorate, as well as funding in education upgrades, creative industries and health infrastructure. 

Ms Edwards said the Victorian Budget 2023/24 invests more than $5 billion for rural and regional Victoria – with fairer V/ Line fares, free kinder and creating thousands of good local jobs by bringing back the SEC. 

Local business in good hands

By
Castlemaine Mail
-
Hankook State Manager Rod Finnigan, Peter and Pat Finning, Phillipa Gray-Finning and proud husband Sean, and Hankook Business Development Executive Nick Rentzis are pictured at the AIS Awards at Crown.

Phillipa Gray-Finning of PJ’s Discount Tyre Service Castlemaine has won the ‘Employee of the Year’ award at the annual Automotive Industry Awards.

Phillipa was thrilled to claim the honours from nine finalists from across the state at the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) night of nights held at the Crown Palladium Room on May 13.

The local business was also one of the top 14 finalists in the ‘Best Small Automotive Business – Regional’ category. A terrific effort from 5000 automotive businesses across the state including everything from mechanics to panel beaters and mower shops to motorcycle retailers.

The award follows the business’ national Hankook Masters Dealer of the Year Award success in 2019.

Phillipa and her husband Sean are currently in the process of taking over the long running local family business which was proudly established by Sean’s parents Peter and Pat Finning in 1988.

After 35 years servicing the Castlemaine community the couple are looking towards retirement and say the latest award win really shows the business is in great hands moving forward.

“Phillipa and Sean have been putting in the work to learn every facet of the business and take it into the next chapter and we are really thrilled to see Phillipa’s training and hard work recognised,” the couple said.

“As office administrator, Phillipa has worked tirelessly to update and streamline the business’s bookkeeping and accounts systems.

“In addition, Phillipa has also created a new Booking Diary system which has provided a clear and concise booking process for clients and we are receiving regular customer feedback that we are doing a good job, customers feel well looked after, processes are explained well, and clear and concise advice is provided around works required to help our customers to make an informed decision,” they said.

“Phillipa has also developed a keen eye for the tyre market and is always checking to make sure PJ’s are making the most out of specials and rebates available to ensure we can pass on the best deal to our customers,” Peter said.

“Phillipa’s dedication often goes unnoticed due to the extremely busy nature of our business, but we feel this award helps us to show her just how grateful we are for all her hard work,” Pat said.

Phillipa and Sean say they have big shoes to fill but they are up to the task.

“We are grateful to mum and dad for nominating Phillipa for this award and for their support. The awards really opened up new doors and networking opportunities. We had the chance to meet some representatives from the UK on the night and we have already had some of the award sponsors reach out to see how they can support us in the future which is fantastic,” Sean said.

“We are also constantly working to ensure we are up with the latest trends. In fact, we are currently in negotiations with Hankook about sourcing their new Ion Evo AS tyres – their first tyre line designed specifically for Electric Vehicles,” Phillipa said.

“They are built to factor in the increased torque off the line and the extra battery weight these vehicles carry for up to 50 per cent better tyre life,” Sean said.

The couple officially take over the reins on July 3, whilst for Peter and Pat the next adventure begins with plans for a well-deserved overseas holiday.

Campbells Creek football sides show plenty of heart

By
Castlemaine Mail
-
Campbells Creek showed plenty of positives against the Royal Park sides. Photo: Max Lesser.

Last week saw the Campbells Creek Football Netball Club U11.5s footballers fluctuate with numbers from Thursday night to Saturday morning. 

The club thought we were only going to have 17 players, but ended up going into Saturday’s game with 20 players, and a further three out, due to sickness. This is a positive step, as we are on the right track for building our junior football numbers. 

This week we welcomed Ashleigh and Thomas to the U11.5s, and Ashleigh had a ripper for her first game, getting right in the thick of it, and Thomas helped us on the bench, hopefully in coming rounds he will be ready to have a run on the ground. The game was hard fought and we were definitely in it, to win it, but unfortunately, didn’t come away with the four points. Levi kicked two amazing goals, which were off the back of great team play, to get the ball down the ground. We will gather and reset for this week. Awards: Lachie Morgan and Thomas Chaplin.

Congratulations to Blake Taylor, who will play his 50th game of football for Campbells Creek this week against Newstead.

In the Reserves, there was plenty of optimism, as the boys knew that this game against Bushy was their first real chance of grabbing a win, and setting up for the rest of the season. The first quarter was a beauty; Cass fought hard in the middle and was rewarded with three goals in the first, as we took an 8 point lead into

quarter time. Our backline worked tirelessly, led by James Cole, in only his second game for the club, and Lachlan Picken, as Bushy found their momentum in the second quarter. Nathan Phillips played arguably his best game for the club and kicked a goal after the siren, to reduce Bushy’s lead to a goal at half time. In the

last quarter, we fought extremely hard but couldn’t reduce the margin, and Bushy ran out 10 goal winners.

Best: N. Phillips, C. Cassidy, J. Cole, A. Howard, R. Murray, L. Rae.

The Seniors shared the same optimism for this Indigenous Round game as well. The sides observing a Welcoming to Country before Mak Ganim got the first major on the board early in the first quarter. Darcy Ahern found some good form in his first game back, since an injury took him out in round one, and Hadley Bassett found the goals too. Leaping Nick O’Brien was taking the high

marks over his opponent’s heads and there were plenty of positives and highlights across the ground. Injury struck the Creekers again, and they went down to Bushy in the end, after a hard fought battle. Best: H. Bassett, T. Williams, L. Hyland, L. Bennett, N. O’Brien, J. Wootton.

The 11 and Unders continued their great form on the court, coming up with the win and remaining unbeaten for the season. Final score: 17-1. Game day awards: Sebastian Pratt and April Weston.

The 13 and Unders team started strong, winning the first quarter, but unfortunately a strong Royal Park team were able to get back in front in the second quarter, and built on their lead in every quarter from there. Final score: 18-9. Game day awards: Sylvie Henry-Hannan and Evie Mountford.

The 15s struggled to find their feet, not managing a goal in the first period, while Royal Park had their best scoring quarter. Creek defence managed to slow down the opposition’s shooting and get some reward on the scoreboard for their hard work in attack after the first but were unable to turn the scoreboard around. Final score: 34-11. Game day awards: Indi Wouda and Bella Pratt.

The 17s tried really hard, there was some excellent court play and the scoreboard definitely didn’t reflect the effort put in by the whole team. Final score: 35-12. Game day awards: Bree Jackson and Tahnee Nelson.

C Grade had a slow start in a 3-11 first quarter, but came back much more competitive in the second.

Again, losing momentum in the third period, at one point it was looking to be a bit of a blow out at 15-30, but with an amazing fourth quarter performance, the Creek girls were able to win the second half, and while it resulted in a loss, the score line was much more respectable in the end. Final score: 35-26. Best on court: Tamika Farthing and Jo Rhone.

B Grade started strong in a close quarter, and won the fourth, but unfortunately the game was out of reach for the Creekers. Final score: 47-25. Best on court: Alicia Martin and Molly Kennedy.

A Grade tried really hard while missing a couple of core players, but never dropped their heads, with a strong performance by the GS and a great effort from a previously untried defensive unit. Final score: 59-32. Best on court: Olivia Elliot and Jemma Finning.

Tomorrow Creek travel to Newstead to tackle the Roos. Campbells Creek FNC are looking forward to capping off the day with their annual ball this Saturday night May 27.

1...205206207...353Page 206 of 353

Featured

© 2025 Elliott Midland Newspapers Pty Ltd.