Gallery: Dual flags for Castlemaine and Hepburn

An elated Castlemaine United celebrate their win in A Grade. Photo: Max Lesser.

Castlemaine United Cricket Club is still celebrating this week after its A Grade side won its first Castlemaine District Cricket Association premiership in 37 years!

To cap off the weekend the C Grade (Under 16) side also claimed the honours in their grand final showdown.

The Women kicked off the weekend with a grand final battle at Hepburn on Friday night where the home side emerged victorious over a determined Newstead.

In A Reserve Taradale took the honours.

Taradale CC Captain Andrew Young said he was incredibly proud.

“It was fantastic for us to achieve this result after losing to North Castlemaine in last year’s decider, additionally for our B Grade side to reach the semi finals,” Young said.

“Taradale held its first ever junior program for Under 10s this season and will be looking for more juniors for next year as part of a club expansion for junior development. The future is bright,” he said.

In B Grade Hepburn claimed a second premiership against a spirited Mia Mia.

Highlights of the round were Hepburn B Grade batsman Nathaniel Lowe’s 115 in their win over Mia Mia, and Castlemaine United C Grader Gabriel O’Sullivan’s 4-13 with the ball to help his side to a win over Barkers/North/Harcourt.

Results were:

A GRADE

Castlemaine United Cricket Club won its first flag since 1987 after a close battle with rivals Guildford at the Camp Reserve. Guildford won the toss on Saturday and elected to bat. Guildford made 7-158 (Troy Thomas 68, Tom Reece 22, Charles Bunting 20; David George 4-33, James Chaffey 2-35). Rain overnight threatened to wash out play but the sides battled on Castlemaine United making 7-161 (David George 66 not out, Brian Brasher 30, James Chaffey 21; Cordie McKendry 3-39, Jack Casley 2-24, Matthew Manning 2-51) to claim the prize.

A RESERVE

Taradale 7-173 (Brock Fletcher 58, Steve Learmonth 30, Andrew Vance 25, Leigh Bennett 20 not out; Levi Bruce 3-18) took the honours over North Castlemaine 7-169 (Nathan Anderson 57, Jamie Allan 32, Ken Chapman 22, Karsen Beer 16; Daniel Maerz 4-35) at Wesley Hill.

B GRADE

Mia Mia 10-263 (Nathan Sims 71, Seamus McKenna 68 not out, John O’Sullivan 42, Simon Dundas 31; Nathaniel Lowe 4-63, Isaac Pedretti 2-24, Lucinda Lowe 2-44) lost to a determined Hepburn 3-267 (Nathaniel Lowe 115, Ashley Lovick 57, Corey Pedley 43 not out, Vineet Kumar 26 not out) at Mia Mia. The home side set a great target for Hepburn to chase but couldn’t follow through with the ball.

WOMEN

Hepburn 107 (Jennifer Schellekens 17 retired not out, Lucinda Lowe 10 retired not out; Fianna Gardner 2-9) were victorious over Newstead 101 (Eve Righetti 17 retired not out, Gen Butler 11 retired not out).

C GRADE (Under 16)

Barkers/North/Harcourt 5-59 (Jordan Hardy 21 not out, Levi Bruce 10; Gabriel O’Sullivan 4-13) lost to Castlemaine United Golf 9-114 (Charlie Cordy 47, Louis Parsons 37; Zachary Thompson 3-19, Benjamin Jardine 2-15, Fletcher McAinch 2-23).

Castlemaine claim grand final honours

Castlemaine’s Division Six Weekend Pennant side were thrilled to claim the grand final win.

Castlemaine Bowling Club members are celebrating after the Division 6 side defeated North Bendigo on Saturday to claim Bendigo Campaspe Goldfields Bowls Region Grand Final honours.
The match was playe...

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‘A significant step towards levelling the playing field’

L-R: Cr Toby Heydon, MP Lisa Chesters, Club President Renee Taylor, Netball Manager May Pratt, MASC CEO Darren Fuzzard and MASC Buildings and Project Coordinator Michelle Hayward in the new change facilities.

The gender-neutral change rooms at Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve have been officially opened at a celebration on Tuesday with Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters and council representatives.
The upgrades to...

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Friday, March 21, 2025

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Parkrun enthusiasm stays strong

Jane (Run Director) congratulates Elke and Leah on their parkrun milestones.

Back in January, the Castlemaine Parkrun community was delighted to see weekly numbers of up to 179 participants per week. January is a busy time for parkruns, as people set new goals and enjoy the ho...

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Out and about, Friday March 21, 2025

The horn section of the Idyll Band gets Physical! Photo: Diana Domonkos.

In this week’s social scene page we are delighted to feature more photos and highlights from the hugely successful 2025 Castlemaine Idyll at lot19 art space.

I Am Someone volunteers welcomed donation...

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What’s On Friday, March 21, 2025

Circus Latino
Be sure to catch Circus Latino before the circus wraps its Castlemaine tour this Sunday March 22!
The dynamic show is sure to thrill and captivate audiences of all ages. Featuring talent...

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Winters Flat Garage Sale fundraiser

Winters Flat Primary School students Heidi, Hermione and Harriet encourage community members to come along to their Garage Sale on March 23 and help raise funds for new readers and books.
Winters Flat Primary School students Heidi, Hermione and Harriet encourage community members to come along to their Garage Sale on March 23 and help raise funds for new readers and books.

Winters Flat Primary School is holding a Garage Sale fundraiser this Sunday March 23 and invites community members to join the fun!
The school encourages members of the wider community to book a stall for just $25 and take the opportunity to clean out that shed, playroom, or wardrobe whilst helping to raise valuable funds for the school.
The school is raising money for new decodable readers for students in the junior grades – in line with the new reading program being encouraged by the Department of Education.
They are also aiming to expand their collection of non-fiction books for self-directed/inquiry-based learning.
The garage sale fundraiser fits with the ethos of Winters Flat Primary School – reducing waste, circular economy, promoting sustainability, and building community.
The Garage Sale will kick off at 9am and run through until 1pm. There will be muffins from the school’s Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program and woodfired pizzas available for sale.
To book a stall visit https://wintersflatps.schoolzineplus.com/form/66 or call the office on 5472 1522.

Limitless possibilities

Tabletop newspaper puppetry- making good use of your Castlemaine Mail after reading it!

Limitless Possibilities Newspaper puppetry for the Castlemaine Fringe Festival is both a workshop for creating a performance and being an audience viewing the performance in the evening at the Cool Ro...

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Silent vigil against nuclear 

The first of series of silent vigils took place on Tuesday.

A silent vigil was held on the steps of Castlemaine’s historic Market Building on Tuesday afternoon was part of the ‘National Day of Action against Nuclear Power’ held across Australia.
The day marked...

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Bravo Blake!

Apprentice of the Year - Excellence in Trades Award winner Blake Retallick is proudly pictured with VR Builders project manager Luke Sinderberry.

Carpentry apprentice Blake Retallick of VR Builders Castlemaine has taken out an award at the 2025 Master Builders Victoria Regional Apprentice of the Year Awards.

The fourth year apprentice claimed the ‘Apprentice of the Year – Excellence in Trades Award’ at the Bendigo event.

Blake studied at the Bendigo Kangan Institute and his passion for carpentry and distinctive skill set stood out to this year’s awards judges. 

The judges said, ‘Blake thrives on problem-solving and finds great satisfaction in completing a project and delivering it to the client. 

His eagerness to learn and tackle challenges has helped him and his co-workers navigate difficult situations on-site. Blake looks forward to continuing to showcase his dedication while further developing his leadership skills. Described as a strong nominee by his employer, he has proven himself to be a reliable tradesman capable of managing job sites daily.’

VR Builders director and builder Ross O’Neill said Blake is incredibly motivated. 

“This makes him a very productive work-wise, but he demonstrates that he wants to learn as well. He is keen to increase his knowledge and skill-set. You can tell when an employee cares about their work. That’s Blake. He’s very conscientious, very eager to contribute to the team and a reliable colleague. He has exceptional interpersonal skills and talk to anyone, be they two or 92!

“Not only is he everything we could ask for in an apprentice, his is a genuinely great person. We are so glad he is part of the VR Builders team. He is an asset to us and the building industry!”

Blake said he was chuffed and humbled to be acknowledged.

“I really appreciate the opportunity VR Builders have given me. It’s a great environment to work in. I have felt extremely supported. I’ve learned a lot. It has just been a joy,” he said.

“The custom work we do is so varied and different it has really helped me to hone my carpentry skills. From custom homes to passive houses it is a challenge to navigate each build and work with our team to help make the client’s vision come to life,” Blake said.

“It’s exciting to see each new project take shape and put our skills to the test. It’s a real privilege and extremely rewarding,” he said. 

Taradale Mineral Springs Festival

The Mount Alexander Sustainability Group crew manning the Wash Against Waste station. Photo Jade Jungwirth

A large crowd gathered in the picturesque reserve located in the heart of Taradale for the 16th annual Mineral Springs Festival held last Sunday. 
Vying for seats in the shade to escape the scorc...

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