Castlemaine’s thriving food scene has once again proven its famous creativity, with four local businesses taking top honours in the 2026 Edgy Veg Awards in Mount Alexander Shire.
Now in its fifth year across the Macedon Ranges and second in Mount Alexander Shire, the awards saw a record-breaking 946 diners sample and vote on vegetable-focused dishes over the month-long competition. The results confirm what locals already know — Castlemaine’s chefs are redefining how vegetables are enjoyed.
Leading the charge was Shedshaker Brewing, which claimed the Restaurant, Pub and Bar category for the second consecutive year with its Pumpkin and Ricotta Ravioli. Described by voters as “Delicate, sublime flavours. Beautiful presentation. Left me wanting more!”, “Made with love – flavour all the way through!” and “It is a wow factor dish. I don’t expect such rich flavour from a veg dish!”.
Shedshaker Brewing head chef Bec Murphy said they were thrilled to claim the honours in the restaurant category for the second year running.
“It really puts the pressure on for next year!” Bec said.
“We felt like there was a lot more engagement this year, polling was definitely up.
“We don’t think vegans should miss out on flavour. It’s nice to put something out there that shows people plant based foods don’t have to be boring.
“It took a bit of tweaking to get the dish just right, but we were really pleased with the final result and obviously diners were too,” Bec said.
In the café category, a rare tie saw both Saffs Café with their Autumnal Okonomiyaki, and Togs Place Café with their Zaatar Tofu share first place.
Saffs’ rave reviews included: “I can’t believe you don’t have this exciting delicious dish on your menu. Thank you for making it for the competition. We had never been to Saff’s Cafe and were drawn by the description of this unique dish.”
Togs’ dish was described as, “Beautiful presentation! Fresh and flavourful, I would definitely recommend this and order it again.”.
Saffs Cafe chef Emily Jennings said they too were pretty excited take out the gong.
“The feedback has been really amazing,” she said.
“We have had Okonomiyaki on the menu before, but this particular dish was developed especially for the competition and we were delighted it was so well received,” Emily said.
Elissa Wilsher of Togs Cafe said it was super exciting to be recognised.
“There was a lot of interest in the competition this year and our waiters and kitchen staff really encouraged our patrons to try the dish and cast their vote.
“Our fully qualified chef is vegan and started the development process, but the whole team had input into the final offering and we are thrilled it was so warmly received.”
Meanwhile, Johnny Baker took out the bakery category with its Ginger, Carrot & Pineapple Cake, described as, “Absolutely sensational. A beautiful combination of flavours that feels decadent yet healthy” and “So yummy! I have never had this combo in a cake before and it really worked!”
Johnny Baker chef Josh Bendeich said they were surprised and elated to win the bakery category.
“The Ginger Carrot and Pineapple Cake is a staple on our menu and well-loved by our regulars.
“However, it flew off the shelves during the month long competition. We went through a lot of ginger!” he laughed.
“It really opened a lot of people’s eyes about vegan cuisine. One customer asked for it and I commented ‘the vegan cake?’ And he said ‘no way’. I pointed out it was what he had been enjoying all along!” Josh said.
The award winning cake is not going anywhere.
“It will definitely remain on our menu,” he said.
The awards, delivered by Veg Action of Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, continue to support local businesses during challenging economic times, bringing a burst of interest and increased custom from both locals and visiting Edgy Veg Awards diners.
The Edgy Veg Awards are supported by Healthy Loddon Campaspe and Mount Alexander Shire Council.
Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Toby Heydon praised the winners, noting they are “leaders in our communities,” helping to build a healthier and more sustainable local food culture.
Vegelicious stars shine
Sports upgrades in the pipeline
Homes For All – Rally and Concert
Homelessness, high rents, mortgages unavailable, government housing estates too few and poorly managed. There are so many issues making life difficult for people trying to find a home they can afford!
A group of concerned citizens of Mount Alexander Shire, on the land of the Djaara, are planning a rally and concert to address this issue.
The day will include information stalls, speakers and live music on Saturday May 23 at the St Mary’s Hall Castlemaine.
One of the organisers of the event, Peter James Wreford Dawson says in what he considers the richest country on Earth there should be no homelessness, families should be able to obtain a mortgage at a reasonable interest rate or affordable rental.
“Why are governments wasting money on beautification of streetscapes rather than building houses? How is it that $quillions are earmarked for useless
submarines and jet planes while housing, health and education are always at the bottom of the list?
“With our population aging, more and more people will need affordable accommodation especially in government estates. Apart from the financial
pressures, the stress of finding suitable accommodation is a serious factor in the detriment of mental health in our communities. Existing estates are too few and appallingly managed. Maintenance is haphazard and issues are ignored by Housing Officers,” Pete says.
Determined to make a difference Pete and friends have organised the rally and concert.
“The rally, supported by St Mary’s Catholic Church, Castlemaine is designed for those with a need for information about help that is available and
also an attempt to get government to listen!” he says.
Speakers have been invited from the Department of Families, Fairness & Housing, DJAARA Corporation, Housing groups, etc.
Speakers confirmed to appear will include Mayor Toby Heydon – Mount Alexander Shire Council; Tom Danby – Tiny Homes program; Malcolm Robins – Environmentally friendly community housing; and Dr Jamel Kaur Singh – Financial Literacy & Using Government Incentives towards Home Ownership.
Musicians to perform on the day will include Andy Dunne, Ange Lawson, Georgia Darcy, Les Thomas, Loz Lawrey, Peter Bodin, Trudy Fatnowna Edgeley, Silverfish and Scott Sanders.
The Homes For All rally will begin at 12 noon in St Mary’s Hall cnr Hargraves and Lyttleton Streets, Castlemaine with the concert following the speakers at approximately 3pm.
For more information email mujik@y7mail.com or check out the Housing In The ‘Maine Facebook page.
New building at MAAW
Camp Darwin debuts
Highly anticipated local production Camp Darwin directed by Kate Stones and written by Arjun Raina which will be making its debut with the Castlemaine Theatre Company tonight.
After a desperate year-long wait to be repatriated back to Australia from India at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, 150 Australian residents finally land in Darwin after boarding a government-assisted Qantas flight.
The play follows the experiences of six intrepid travellers who find themselves at the ‘Centre for National Resilience’ at the Howard Springs Quarantine Facility, each assigned to their own donga, they sit and wait, counting down the 14 days, ever hopeful that they never return a positive test.
Based on Gisborne-based playwright Arjun Raina’s experience at the Howard Springs Quarantine Facility during the pandemic, the play asks audiences to consider the nature of human resilience, the importance of connection and ultimately the unwavering desire to return home – wherever that may be.
The dedicated CTC cast hail from Hoppers Crossing to Bendigo and everywhere in between!
Camp Darwin will be performed at 35 Etty Street, Castlemaine, in a new and exciting space downstairs.
Performance dates May 15-31 (Fri/Sat 7.30pm and Sun 2pm).
For tickets visit www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1556179
Dapper up and join the ride
Castlemaine motorcycle riders are set to gather once again this Sunday May 17 for the annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride raising money for men’s health.
The DGR originated in Australia and is now a worldwide fund raising effort to improve men’s mental and physical health.
On the same day around the world riders get dressed ‘Dapper’, dust off their old classic or modified machines and go for a ride.
Castlemaine boys and girls have raised over $70,000 in the last three years thanks to the generosity of friends, family and our community.
This Sunday, over 50 riders will gather at the Castlemaine RSL in Mostyn Street from 10.30am. The RSL continue to support this event with morning tea.
This year’s ride will take in Castlemaine, Harcourt, Chewton, Fryerstown and conclude at the Five Flags Hotel in Campbells Creek for lunch.
Be sure to give riders a wave as they pass through your region to let them know you care.
Unique to our local DGR event, Castlemaine has a featured guest speaker. This year, psychologist Darren Eger will offer some advice on the signs to look for regarding mental health.
Darren is part of a cohort of professionals who travel to country and remote regions promoting mental wellbeing. Calling themselves ‘Psychs on Bikes’ they hope to reduce the devastating effects of mental trauma among men.
You can support the Castlemaine riders by either registering to ride or donating to a rider. Go to www.gentlemansride.com select Australia, scroll to Castlemaine and either donate to a rider or generally to the Castlemaine ride.
Thanks to the organising team of Brian Rix, Mick Morgan, Dave Petrusma and Ian Lihou for once again putting on this special event.
Home-grown Ukulele musical to premiere in Sydney
Thought-provoking panel
This National Palliative Care Week, Dhelkaya Health, in partnership with the Palliative Care Consortium, will host a free community panel discussion at the Phee Broadway Theatre, located in the Castlemaine Library foyer, on Thursday May 14 from 11 am to 12 noon.
Titled ‘Getting to the heart of it – big questions, real answers,’ the session will explore important conversations around end-of-life care in an open and supportive setting.
The panel will feature guest speaker Adam Rutnya, Voluntary Assisted Dying Navigator for the Loddon Mallee region, alongside Hayley West, a local death literacy advocate, ceremony creator and independent death worker, and Jane Furze, Team Leader of Dhelkaya Health’s Community Palliative Care Program. A local GP will also join the discussion.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the panel during a Q&A session, followed by morning tea.
The event is free to attend, and no bookings are required.
Community members seeking further information about Community Palliative Care services can phone 5471 3495 or visit the Dhelkaya Health website.
Featured artist announced for 2026 Rotary Art Show
Award-winning Castlemaine artist Rob McHaffie will be the featured artist for the 37th Annual Rotary Castlemaine Art Show at the Castlemaine Town Hall on the King’s Birthday weekend, June 5–8.
“Castlemaine Rotary is delighted to have an artist of the stature and accomplishments of Rob McHaffie as our featured artist for our 37th Art Show,” said Rotary Art Show Chair Robert Cordy.
McHaffie moved to Castlemaine in 2019, attracted by the relaxed lifestyle and the vibrant arts community of the district.
Working across a range of media, including drawing, painting and sculpture, and informed by a keen observation of his everyday surroundings, his work is an eclectic mix of colour, whimsy and humour and is held in major public and private collections. Visit https://www.robmchaffie.com/ to learn more.
“Thirty-seven annual Art Shows is a record Rotary Castlemaine is rightly proud of and we look forward to showcasing artists from around the local district, the wider state and interstate,” Cordy said.
This year’s show will be judged by La Trobe University Bendigo Visual Arts Centre’s Paul Northam.
Artist entries are open until May 18. Artists seeking to register for the show should email artshowrcc@gmail.com to request an Entry Form.
Something old, something new
Lily Tuck
After nearly four years of restoration work, the Chewton Wesleyan Church is now available to book online. Dating from 1861, the building at 205 Main Road has been through a number of phases, serving the local community as a Wesleyan and later Uniting Church, before becoming a community centre under the former Shire of Metcalfe and eventually coming into the care of Mount Alexander Shire Council. The council had considered selling the building in 2017 after it sat vacant for years but reversed the decision following strong community advocacy.
In its 2021/22 budget, the council committed funding to restore the building to a safe and usable condition, with works completed in early 2025. In August last year, the community was consulted on the preferred future use of the space. Responses pointed strongly toward a flexible, publicly accessible venue with potential for arts, wellbeing, civic and cultural activities. At the 17 March council meeting, the decision was passed to open the Church as a multi-use bookable venue, managed through the council’s online booking platform.
Among the discussion on the hiring fees, jokes between Councillor Maddock and Mayor Heydon were exchanged about the use of the space for a wedding. “Ambitious to have a wedding in under an hour,” Mayor Heydon said.
If you have the gumption, give it a try; hiring opens today. The first available date is May 15.
Hire rates are $60 per hour for commercial bookings, with a maximum daily charge of $360 for six hours.
Prospective hirers should note the building currently has no heating or cooling, and one unisex accessible toilet. Council has flagged that further facility upgrades may be considered in future budget rounds. For enquiries, contact events@mountalexander.vic.gov.au
Valda celebrates 99 years
Family and friends gathered at Aitken’s Corner Cafe (most commonly known to older residents as Rassy’s bakery) on Saturday to celebrate the 99th Birthday of Valda Rees.
The day saw them enjoy Sammi’s homecooked treats.
Many travelled great distances to join Val (as she prefers) a lovely, caring lady with an amazing memory who can share the history of her life and the folks she has connected with over her many years.
Val was born on May 6, 1927 at Newstead to Hubert Norman Ehrensberger and Daisy Slee. Her sister Dulcie and brother Harold are both deceased.
She attended Newstead Primary school and at 13 years of age went to Business College, then worked at Prestige Hosiery, initially as a junior clerk, and then secretary to the advertising manager. Her love of this area saw her move to the Argus Newspaper as an executive secretary in the promotions department.
It was during this period that she met the love of her life, Hilton James Rees, who also worked at the Argus, and they married in October 1952.
They subsequently moved to Adelaide where Hilton then worked at the Adelaide Advertiser, and welcomed two beautiful daughters, Clare in 1956, and Catherine in 1958.
Then began quite a few moves, firstly back to Melbourne in the early 60’s, then retirement in Taradale 1985, Campbells Creek, and then Castlemaine where Valda has lived for 26 years.
Hilton passed away in 2011 which left a void in Val’s life, but being surrounded by such a caring family and friends has kept her in good spirits, and her granddaughters, Rachel and Naomi, along with four great grandchildren are her treasures and visit regularly which she loves.