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My Elphinstone with Castlemaine Mail digital guru Liam Runnalls

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Hi Liam, can you tell us a bit about your early years? 

I moved to Elphinstone in early 2021 – but I am from Woodend originally, so it felt a bit like being back in my place. After high school I went to Uni in Melbourne and studied creative writing. When I was 22, I travelled to Ireland and had the whole backpacking experience. While I was there, I got quite sick and found I was sleeping during the day a lot and awake at night so I wrote a screenplay which has never seen the light of day – a romantic comedy. 

I also lived in New York for about a year. My girlfriend at the time wanted to go and I had nothing better to do so I went and bummed around. It was a good time to explore what I wanted to do. 

You write cryptic crosswords for The Age and The Saturday Paper how did that come about? 

Before I went to New York I was working as a proof reader in the puzzle department of a media company and myself and some others started creating puzzles. Going to New York which was the home of crosswords was very inspiring. 

When I came back from New York I got my old job back in the puzzle department and eventually I started making my own. 

I’d always been interested in drawing cartoons as well (I was obsessed by the Far Side cartoons as a kid) and I really got into the drawing by in 2013, but it never turned into a career. It’s sort of symbolic because I’m colour blind and I chose the black and white crosswords over cartoons. I’ve been writing the crosswords for the papers since 2012. I like amusing people and lots of people love crosswords. 

I got married in 2019 – two kids later and a move to the country. Actually, I’ve found a way to slip little personal details into my puzzles to mark life events, like when I married Helen and each of the kid’s names when they were born. And even Castlemaine has been an answer, although I haven’t used Elphinstone yet. My grandfather was a puzzle solver and I wrote a puzzle for his funeral. 

How did you end up working at the Castlemaine Mail? 

I’ve worked with a lot of newspapers and over the years became involved in web design. I started at the Castlemaine Mail in May last year to help design the paywall for the paper. 

What other hobbies do you have? 

I am a Brisbane Lions supporter. I follow AFL quite passionately. It’s a great way to vent my frustrations, I’m otherwise a pretty chill person. I also enjoy chopping wood. I live in a very old house that gets quite cold. And I play tennis in Kyneton. 

What sort of music do you enjoy listening to?

At the moment I’m listening to Jenny Hval, a Norwegian singer. She’s very poetic and has incredible lyrics. And I am a big Radiohead fan. 

What are you reading at the moment? 

I just finished Bewilderment by Richard Powers for book club. It was the best book I’ve read in a while. 

Who are your three dream dinner guests? 

Rupert Sheldrake the philosopher, Damon Albarn, the lead singer of Gorillaz and Blur and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. 

What philosophy do you live life by? 

Try not to be too cynical. 

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

I really enjoy the history of the area, both recent and ancient and I love going for bush walks. 

The countdown is on for Castlemaine Jazz Festival!

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Central Victorian faves The Seduceaphones will bring their infectious vein of Balkan brass-fusion to the festival.

It is just two weeks to go until the Castlemaine Jazz Festival swings into action! The 2023 festival kicks off on Friday June 9 with a Big Band extravaganza not to be missed at Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal. 

Three bands will take to the Royal stage on the night including the TEK TEK Ensemble, The Seduceaphones and The Seven Ups. 

TEK TEK perform virtuosic and original music inspired by tropical jungles, late night discos, 1960’s chic, and shamanistic desert rituals. 

The balance of three guys and three girls captivate audiences with exclamatory trumpet; hedonistic violins and organ; deeply pulsating drums and bass; wild psychedelic electric guitar; and a rich smearing of harmonized singing (and wailing) thrown on top. 

TEK TEK Ensemble formed in 2010 and have performed countless times around Australia and the world including Jakarta, The Pilbara, Berlin, New Caledonia, Bangkok and Paris. The band has its roots in the wildness of late-night Melbourne pub music with the sophistication of jazz and classical performance, and the danceability of tropical rhythms and hard-partying disco beats. 

Central Victorian gipsy-brass beast The Seduceaphones create grooves that move crowds in completely new and unusual ways, they pioneer an infectious vein of Balkan brass-fusion. 

Their shows at MOOMBA Festival, Lorne Falls Festival and Rainbow Serpent Festival have invariably left the crowd gasping for breath. They have also shaken the stages at the Castlemaine State Festival, Eltham Jazz Festival, Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival and the list goes on. Their debut album Muskrat was released at the Night Cat in 2019 showcasing their Balkan ‘Eurotrash’ sound. 

Seven piece heavy groove combo The Seven Ups from Melbourne will take you on an abstruse journey into the darker fringes of instrumental music, drifting from funk to spiritual jazz and through to psychedelic fuzz rock. The Seven Ups are your soundtrack to the dancefloor at the end of the world. 

The Seven Ups music has been featured in Wax Poetics (USA), album of the week (twice) on PBS fm and Beat magazine top 10 on KEXP (USA) and they continue to receive airplay on BBC Radio, KEXP, Triple J, and community radio around Australia.

Castlemaine Jazz Festival runs from June 9-11. Head to the website for tickets to this unforgettable evening at www.castlemainejazzfestival.com.au 

Sandon’s colourful history documented

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Sandon State School was relocated to a new site in 1936. Students are pictured outside the new building at the opening.

Melbourne based local historian Ken James has recently completed another of his comprehensive local history offerings this time on Sandon. 

The prolific author has now compiled about 60 to 70 history books and says the latest 400 page covid project is made of 19 chapters, 19 appendices, a surname index and lots of colourful local stories and photographs. 

Sandon is located 11 kilometres from Newstead on the Creswick–Newstead Road. Ken says the region was originally known as Green Gully. 

The book is dedicated to the memory of much loved local resident Maureen Heagney who died in late 2022. 

Ken said Maureen was a great help and was passionate about having a history written of Sandon. 

“She provided many photographs and much information and checked two drafts for accuracy,” Ken said. 

“A special feature of this particular book are nine accounts by current or former residents about their memories of Sandon,” he said. 

“Maureen arranged for the writing of seven of them, including one by her husband Maurie which really adds a richness to this offering,” the author said. 

Two buildings which would be familiar to those who have passed through Sandon are the still active St Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church and the former Primitive Methodist Church both erected in 1883. 

The St Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church is one of the few in Victoria to have a cemetery. 

The Primitive Methodist Church started its life in a tent in the 1850s before the establishment of the current building. 

In 1902, with the creation of the Methodist Church of Australasia it became the Sandon Methodist Church, functioning up to 1914. The building was purchased by the local community in 1918 and was the Sandon Public Hall up to the 1980s. 

Just across the road from the two churches are two former hotels, now private residences. 

“Sandon also had three schools – the Green Gully Catholic School (1859–1875), Sandon State School (1875–1968) and Kingsbury Reformatory School (1893–1912) which catered for Wards of the State from Melbourne,” Ken said. 

“This school was located on an orchard and boys were given practical training in farm work.” 

Local history buffs can snap up a copy of A History of Sandon at the Castlemaine Visitor Centre at the historic Market Building. 

Ken James is pictured with a copy of his new book A History of Sandon which is available at the Market Building.

Gentleman’s Ride raises $18,871 men’s health

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Adam and Evelyn set off on the ride. Photos: Max Lesser.

The Castlemaine Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride on Sunday was a roaring success with a whopping 81 riders taking part. 

The riders joined the global DGR community in coming together to celebrate in trademark dapper fashion, and the local group raised an impressive $18,871 for men’s health. 

Organiser Brian Rix said it was the second highest fundraising effort in the state after Melbourne. 

“Of the 891 rides around the world, on the fundraising stakes we came in at 142, even beating Paris!” he said. 

The huge crowd of riders gathered outside the Castlemaine RSL before setting off on the ride.

“I have to say thank you to Dr Ali Clark-Hakimi of Goldfields Medical Group who came along and spoke about how important funding for research into men’s health is, particularly prostate cancer and mental health. 

“We had bikes, scooters, electric bikes, old bikes, men dressed up in period costume and garb, and we had a few women riders come along too to support their men, which was wonderful. 

“We travelled from Castlemaine, Maldon, Newstead, Guildford, Vaughan, Fryerstown and to Campbells Creek, where Paul at the Five Flags Hotel put on a great lunch for us. 

“Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and hopefully we can do the same next year or better!” 

Brian said another big thank you was owed to the Castlemaine RSL for helping out with a PA system and support, and Castlemaine and Maldon Police for helping the ride run smoothly. 

Youngsters Hunter, Will, Ross and Kelly and Adam are pictured with Evelyn and their Vincent Motorcycle.

Budapest comes to Castlemaine!

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Excitement came to Buda Castlemaine last Sunday with Goulash, dancing, singing and cake. 

The Aranykalàsz Corio Geelong Dancing group provided a sold-out audience of 70 people, with their cooking, dancing and musical skills. 

Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Rosie Annear warmly welcomed the visiting Hungarians, including Mr Mihály (Michael) Geiger, Victoria consul to Hungry. 

Michael Geiger (head of Hungarian Consulate Victoria), Pat Grumont, Marcella Paska, Aranykalász (social and dance group), Rosie Annear, (Mount Alexander Shire Mayor) Bronwyn Rudolph (Buda president), Tania Tomaszewski, Bela Paska, Maria Besei and Erica Geiger are pictured at Sunday’s event.

The Aranykalàsz Corio Geelong Dancing group came in November 2022 and filmed a short documentary on Buda for Hungarian Television Association MHTV. shown on Channel 31. 

After this experience the group decided, they would like to bring a little of the vibrant life of Hungry to Buda, so this special event was organised by them, in their volunteer capacity, because “they love having this property as a significant part of the Hungarian community in Victoria” 

Mr Mihály (Michael) Geiger responded with high praise for the work involved in keeping a heritage property of this quality maintained and running smoothly He is delighted to have such a special place in Victoria with strong links to the Hungarian culture and he encouraged those attending to ensure that it continues. 

A pear tree was planted by the Consul, in the garden, as a symbol of this unique connection. 

Walk Safely to School Day celebrated

By
Jade Jungwirth
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Students and staff at St Mary's Castlemaine were proud to participate in National Walk Safely to School Day.
Students and staff at St Mary's Castlemaine were proud to participate in National Walk Safely to School Day.

Primary school-aged children in the Mount Alexander Shire joined children across Victoria to make those important steps towards a healthier future by participating in National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday May 19.
This year marked the 24th anniversary of National Walk Safely to School Day. Championed by the Pedestrian Council Australia, the initiative aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport, and environmental benefits that regular walking, or alternative active transport (especially to and from school) can provide for the long-term well-being of our children, not just on May 19, but every day.
The principal of St Mary’s Primary School John Doherty said the students of St Mary’s love being active.
“As a school, we know that being physically active improves health, reduces stress, and is a great way to boost your self-esteem. That’s why being active is such an important part of the day-to-day life at St Mary’s. Physical education lessons, outside ‘brain break’ times and even helping out in the school vegie patch are all an important part of day-to-day life at St Mary’s,” stated John.
“This Walk to School Day, the students of St Mary’s will be out on the street being active again. They’ll meet up with friends and family to make their way to school on Friday.
After the walk, the students will be able to celebrate with our regular breakfast of toast on arrival as well as a fruit platter selection for that natural energy renewal.”
The national initiative also promotes healthy eating and encourages schools to Host a Healthy Breakfast on the day.
Dean McLaren, Walk Safely to School Coordinator for Campbells Creek Primary School told the Mail that around 20-25 of the students walk to school with a similar number riding or scooting.
“We will be hosting a healthy breakfast on the day of the walk with fruit on hand for the student’s arrival. We run a breakfast program to ensure that students have eaten before school,” said Dean.
Parents at Campbells Creek Primary said they feel it is very important that children walk to school to get exercise and stay healthy.
“We are even occasionally increasing the distance that the children walk to school each day,” commented one of the parents.
Apart from the physical benefits, regular walking (or similar) also has a favourable impact on children’s cognitive and academic performance.
Being active every day, including walking to school, can help make a difference for many Australians. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or carer – everyone has a role to play in helping children and young people to lead active healthy lives.

My Castlemaine with Castlemaine Mail editor Lisa Dennis

By
Jade Jungwirth
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Over the years we’ve chatted to so many wonderful people and we thought it was time to put our staff in the spotlight! Kicking off the My Castlemaine Mail/Midland Express series is our wonderful Castlemaine Mail Editor Lisa Dennis.
Lisa, can you tell us a little bit about your early life?
I grew up in St Albans and moved to Castlemaine when I was 14 years old and went to school at CSC.
When did you first start writing?
I always loved books and always wanted to be a writer. My mum and dad bought me a typewriter when I was in primary school and I used to write little books and I remember meeting John Marsden at primary school. He was so inspiring. At some point, it dawned on me that unless I wrote a best seller I should do something else so I studied humanities at LaTrobe, which I enjoyed, but I still wasn’t on the right path.
What other jobs have you had over the years?
My first ever job was at the Harcourt General Store when I was 17. Then I got a job at Safeway in the seafood department at Bendigo Marketplace. I worked at Castle for two years in packing and slicing. I had applied for a cadetship at the Castlemaine Mail when I was in Year 12 and they told me to wait until I finished school. So I applied again when I was 20. I did the first 18 months of my cadetship in Kyneton and then transferred to Castlemaine. After I’d finished my three-year cadetship I studied remotely at Deakin completing my post-cadetship. It was so long ago that the work was done in hard copy and posted back.
You’re coming up on 26 years at the paper you must have seen a lot of changes during that time?
When I first started were still pasting the pages up and printing from a negative. We still had a darkroom and used film camera’s that we would take to get developed, which was always stressful, waiting to see what would come back. And the papers were still in black and white then! It was rare to have colour pages. The papers today look incredible with colour and the graphic design we have available. It’s pretty special to be a part of history – I’m only a small chapter in a long history. I’ve been the Editor for the past six years and since I started working here I’ve married a local boy and had three babies.
What are the good and bad elements of your job?
It’s a real privilege to tell people’s stories and I’m always amazed at the people that live here.
I hate covering accidents. And it can be challenging to tackle some contentious issues but we always do our best to be balanced and give everyone a voice.
Have you travelled?
I’ve been to the UK, Paris, and Asia. I’ve been to Ireland, which was always somewhere I’d wanted to visit as my ancestors are from there. I’ve seen a lot of Australia too. We’re pretty blessed to have such incredible places to visit in our own country.
What are you reading at the moment?
Inheritance by the late local doctor Kath O’Connor and Telltale by Castlemaine’s Carmel Bird. That’s one of the perks of the job, we get copies of books before they hit the shelves.
What genres of music do you listen to?
I have a wide taste. My mum and dad introduced me to a lot when I was younger and I listen to some of the modern music the kids listen to. Oh, and I love Abba.
Who would your three dream dinner guests be?
Mum and Dad and JK Rowling. I’m a big nerd at heart. And if I write a book one day it would be fantasy so I would love to chat with her about how she builds her characters and how she juggled motherhood and writing.
What philosophy do you live life by?
Believe and achieve – I even have the saying in a frame on my desk at work. When you have two deadlines a week it’s a good adage. I also think you should treat others how you’d like to be treated.
Do you have time for any hobbies?
Netflix and chill. Spending time with my family and reading.
Finally, what do you love most about the place you call home?
The community. On the whole, it is such a welcoming, friendly, and vibrant community.

Castlemaine Documentary Festival – No one has the last word

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Keep Stepping will be shown on June 17 in The Yurt on the Western Reserve Castlemaine. The film follows the parallel stories of Gabi and Patricia, two remarkably different female street dancers, as they train for the biggest street dance competition in Australia: Destructive Steps.
Keep Stepping will be shown on June 17 in The Yurt on the Western Reserve Castlemaine. The film follows the parallel stories of Gabi and Patricia, two remarkably different female street dancers, as they train for the biggest street dance competition in Australia: Destructive Steps.

Castlemaine Documentary Festival (C-Doc), now in its ninth year, will run from 16-18 June at the iconic Theatre Royal in Castlemaine, mainland Australia’s oldest continuously operating cinema.

The festival brings an outstanding selection of eight Australian and international feature-length films, along with stimulating panel discussions and conversations where viewers will have the chance to engage with filmmakers, panelists and other festival-goers. A selection of films will also be available to view online.
Several Australian films will premiere at the festival including Trained To See – 3 Women and the War, Equal the Contest, The Thief Collector and Weed & Wine.

Festival Director, Claire Jager says, “We are calling this 2023 edition of the Castlemaine Documentary Festival – No One Has The Last Word. The films in this year’s program are as entertaining as they are authoritative and generous, challenging our preconceived notions and norms, and inviting us to step into the lives of others and see their worlds.

“From the exhilarating tension, we feel as we see what’s happening deep beneath the ice caps, to the maverick Elvis-singing teacher who arms his young charges with lessons from Plato. The coming together of ancient cultures in a surprising take on our colonial past, the women trailblazers at the forefront of the birth of photojournalism, and the unravelling intrigue of secret double lives in a wildly entertaining film about a 1980s art heist.”

This year C-Doc introduces a second venue – The Yurt – a beautiful micro-cinema located within easy walking distance to the Theatre Royal. The Yurt features an alternative program of family-friendly sessions across Saturday and Sunday mornings and enticing programs for young people in the afternoons and evenings. It will also host an immersive interactive parlour game, Werewolves, for more daring festival-goers. C-Doc’s closing night will see the extraordinary early silent masterpiece, GRASS – made in 1925, accompanied by a live music score by ZÖJ – a Ballarat-based duo featuring the exquisite voice of Gelareh Pour and Persian Kamancheh, with Brian O’Dwyer on drum kit.

GRASS is testament to the sheer forces of nature and the human spirit as we witness the annual migration of the nomadic Bakhtiari tribe into Iran. Fifty thousand people and half a million animals make the perilous journey each year in search of fresh grasslands, crossing a raging river torrent nearly a kilometre wide and traversing over an impossible terrain up sheer snow-covered mountains to finally descend to their winter pasture.

To view C-Doc’s full program and to purchase tickets, visit cdocff.com.au.

Harcourt in the spotlight

By
Lisa Dennis
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Postcards‘ presenter Todd Woodbridge will be visiting Harcourt in this Sunday’s episode.
The former Australian professional tennis player and sports broadcaster with the Nine Network will be visiting Harcourt Produce and General Store, Rodilesa Nursery, and Henry of Harcourt as part of the episode filmed in the ‘Apple Centre of Victoria’ which airs this Sunday May 21 at 5.30pm on Channel 9 & 9NOW.
Woodbridge explores Harcourt (Dja Dja Wurrung Country) where his first stop is the Harcourt Produce and General Store for a delicious meal and chat with the owner, Annette Larsen.
At the Rodilesa Nursery he grabs a coffee from its cafe, the Nosh and Bevy, before taking a wander around the plants.
Todd follows up with a tasting at Henry of Harcourt, a family-run orchard specialising in traditional cider recipes and boutique varieties.
The episode ‘Wining and Dining Around Victoria’ will see Todd and the Postcards team wine and dine their way from the city to the country, showcasing more superb destinations in Victoria, including Oakwood Premier Melbourne hotel in Southbank, the Yarra Valley and Coldstream, and a culinary adventure in Armadale. Photo: Supplied.

Jim Crow Creek officially renamed

By
Jade Jungwirth
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Jim Crow Creek has been renamed in the Victoria Government Gazette and will now be known as Larni Barramal Yaluk, meaning home or habitat of the Emu Creek in the Dja Dja Wurrung language.
Following years of campaigning from Hepburn Shire Council alongside project partners Mount Alexander Shire Council, North Central Catchment Management Authority and DJAARA, Geographic Names Victoria has gazetted the renaming of Jim Crow Creek.
The name Jim Crow is a pejorative term used for people of African American descent and was used to form the racial caste system that enforced racial segregation in the southern states of America between 1877 and the mid 1960’s.
Historical sources indicate that the name Jim Crow was given to the area of Lalgambook (Mt Franklin) by Captain John Hepburn in the 1830s and was used by squatters, government representatives and miners when referring to the mountain, the Aboriginal People’s, the creek, the goldfields and the district.
Mount Alexander Shire Council Mayor Cr Rosie Annear said that changing the name is important for many reasons.
“It recognises and honours the traditional owners of our region, is inclusive, and connects us to our Aboriginal heritage,” commented Mayor Annear.
“It also reinstates Dja Dja Wurrung language into the landscape, which is an action in council’s Reconciliation Action Plan.”
After consulting with the community and local Indigenous elders, Hepburn Shire Council and Mount Alexander Shire Council both resolved to request Geographic Names Victoria to rename the creek, which runs 26 kilometres from Breakneck Gorge in Hepburn Regional Park to the Loddon River below the Guildford Plateau at Strangways, at their Ordinary Council Meetings in April 2022.
Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Cr Brian Hood said the decision by Geographic Names Victoria was most welcomed.
“The term Jim Crow has its origins in racial segregation and anti-black racism and is therefore unacceptable,” Mayor Hood said.
“This change ties in with council’s ongoing reconciliation and recognition work. We are very pleased the creek is now formally renamed.”
A historic reference to the name Jim Crow Creek will be included in the VICNAMES register and will remain a part of the region’s history.

Rotary Art Show preparation in full swing

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Juliana Hilton in her studio with a current work in progress.
Juliana Hilton in her studio with a current work in progress.

Preparations for the Rotary Club of Castlemaine’s 34th Annual Art Show on the King’s Birthday weekend, June 9-12, are in full swing.
Castlemaine Rotary Art Show committee convener Robert Cordy said they had a very strong show last year after the COVID cancellation the previous two years and are looking forward to another wonderful event.
“All the indications for the 2023 show are very encouraging,” he said.
Featured artist for 2023 is well-known Castlemaine artist Juliana Hilton.
Juliana’s first solo exhibition in 1966 paved the way for her long career. Her work is seen in both public and private galleries.
Catherine Tait is curating the show, with Sandra Knox hanging the entries.
The show will open daily from 10am across the King’s Birthday weekend, from Friday June 9 to Monday June 12, with a Gala Opening and presentation of prizes on Thursday June 8 at 7pm. Tickets will be available at the door.
Local businesses Belle Real Estate (formerly Waller Realty), Pyrenees Quarries, Gunangara, Maltby Property, Castlemaine Office Supplies and Parsons Motor & Body Shop are generously sponsoring prizes for the show.
With Rotary members and community supporters volunteering their time to stage the show, 100 per cent of proceeds are channelled into Rotary’s charity work and support for the community.
The accompanying Rotary Club of Castlemaine raffle, this year featuring limited edition artwork ‘Rubicon Valley’ by artist Jeff Makin as first prize, is being conducted once again this year. Tickets are $2 and available from Rotary members and at the Rotary table at Maxi IGA in the lead up to the June event.
Artist entries close this Sunday May 21. Artists who have entered previous Castlemaine Rotary Art Shows do not need to re-register.
New artists can find the link to register on the Castlemaine Rotary website Art Show page. Artworks to be lodged on Sunday June 4. Further enquiries can be made to artshowRCC@gmail.com

Chewton CFA flies the flag for inclusion

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Chewton CFA is flying the Progress Pride flag. L-R: (top) Bill Quirk, Jenna Tuke, (bottom) Barry Mounsey, James Godwin, Adam Ford, Jesse Boylan, Lil Waters, Astro and Robert Palmer. Photo: Steve Womersley.
Chewton CFA is flying the Progress Pride flag. L-R: (top) Bill Quirk, Jenna Tuke, (bottom) Barry Mounsey, James Godwin, Adam Ford, Jesse Boylan, Lil Waters, Astro and Robert Palmer. Photo: Steve Womersley.

The Progress Pride Flag is flying at Chewton CFA station to acknowledge IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. IDAHOBIT takes place every year on May 17.
It was established in 1990 as a day for everyone to reflect on and take a stand against LGBTQIA+ discrimination.
This local CFA brigade has taken action to demonstrate that they aim to be a welcoming and inclusive brigade to everyone in the Chewton community and beyond. This is in keeping with CFA’s commitment to respecting and embracing all members, including people of all genders and sexualities.
Recent Chewton Brigade recruit Lil Waters says she was pleased by the brigade’s decision to acknowledge IDAHOBIT.
“It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, thanks to the work that LGBTQIA+ people have put in before us,” Lil says. “It’s also a reminder that we still have a long way to go until all people are treated with kindness and respect.”
Jesse Boylan, the brigade’s incoming 2nd Lieutenant, Training Officer and Equal Opportunity Officer, agrees. “Flying the flag sends a message to LGBTIQ+ people in our community who might be thinking about joining the CFA, but are unsure if it will be a safe and welcoming place to enter.”
As a volunteer fire brigade, Chewton CFA is always looking for more members to join, either as operational firefighters or in other supporting capacities.
“While the CFA at large is still making progress to change and be more welcoming,” Jesse says, “we can all work to make individual brigades a better place to be for everyone.”
“If you are thinking about joining,” they add, “come down on a Sunday for a chat and see if you think it might be something you want to be a part of.”
Chewton CFA is located at 1 Mount Street, Chewton. The shed is open to everyone on most Sunday mornings.
You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram at @chewtonfirebrigade.

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