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Champions crowned in CDCA

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Barkers Creek's A Grade side celebrate their win at Camp Reserve. Photo: Max Lesser
Barkers Creek's A Grade side celebrate their win at Camp Reserve. Photo: Max Lesser

Castlemaine District Cricket Association grand final sides battled it out for premiership honours last weekend across the competition.
Highlights of the round were Barkers Creek A Grader Bailey Henderson’s 53 with the bat, whilst Newstead Women’s team member Eve Righetti claimed 5-7 with the ball.
Results were:
A Grade
Two Day
Barkers Creek and Muckleford faced off in the A Grade Grand Final at Camp Reserve in a two day clash. Barkers Creek won the toss and elected to bat first.
Opener Bailey Henderson started strongly with 53 before he was stumped by Jack Smith. However, fellow opener Nash Robinson fell cheaply for 4 and captain Darby Semmens stepped in with a handy 51 before he was caught by Brett Cole.
The Barkers’ middle order quickly found themselves in trouble losing seasoned campaigners Bodhi Robinson and Mark Noonan for 8 and Chris McKnight for a duck. Benjamin Leech chipped in 15 before Kalan Huntly fell for a duck.
Fortunately, Andrew Mead-Harding 27 and Brayden Yanner 19 not out were able to add a few late runs with the side all out for 10-193 putting the Maroons in a strong position to chase down the total.
Pick of the bowlers for Muckleford were John Watson 4-59, James Cole 2-24, Brandon Weatherson 2-38 and Declan Slingo 2-63.
Barkers bowlers were also quickly on top on day two dismissing Muckleford’s openers Dakota Slingo for a duck and Edward Gingell for just 7.
Daniel Peckham 53 got the run rate ticking over before he was bowled by Nash Robinson and Luke Filer made 32 before he was caught by Mark Noonan off a delivery from Darby Semmens.
Stalwarts John Watson and Declan Slingo both fell for ducks each caught by Benny Leech and bowled by Semmens. The same combination also sent Brett Cole back to the shed with 11.
Jack Smith lifted Muckleford fans’ spirits with 17 before he was bowled by Nash Robinson.
But the wickets continued to fall with Patrick Leathem and James Cole falling for ducks ending Muckleford’s hopes for a flag with a final score of 10-128.
Nash Robinson 4-16 and Darby Semmens 4-37 led the way with the ball, whilst Chris McKnight claimed 2-43.
Barkers Creek claiming the premiership honours. Darcy Semmens was named ‘Player of the Match’.

Barkers Creek bowler Nash Robinson prepares to unleash a delivery at Camp Reserve. Photo: Max Lesser.
Barkers Creek bowler Nash Robinson prepares to unleash a delivery at Camp Reserve. Photo: Max Lesser.
Elated Barkers Creek players celebrate their win as the last wicket falls. Photo: Max Lesser.


A Reserve
One Day
In the A Reserve Grand Final Newstead tackled at Heathcote at Wesley Hill. Heathcote won the toss and elected to send Newstead in to bat first.
Steaders opener Charlie Chapman quickly fell for 5 lbw to Liam Hubble. Fellow opener Kris Walter made 29 before he was caught by Tim Gleeson off a delivery by Nick Malavisi.
Cameron Hepburn contributed a quick fire 12 before he too was caught by Malavisi off a delivery from Tim Gleeson.
The Steaders then found themselves in real trouble when Koby Smith fell for 8 and Ciaran Gardner for 3 before the next three bowlers were dismissed for a duck. Late order batsman Josiah Park 15 and Leigh Walker steadied the ship to take the side to a final score of 10-92.
Nick Malavisi did the majority of the damage with 5-19.
Heathcote opener Brett Polson made 19 before he was caught by young gun William Garsed off a delivery by Gerald Chapman.
The side then lost Brad Rowe for a duck and Bradley Polson for just 2.
However, Tim Gleeson 29 not out and Cale Polson 34 not out shored up the middle and helped get the side over the line with six wickets in hand and a total of 4-96 to claim the flag. Congratulations to Nick Malavisi who was named ‘Player of the Match’.

Heathcote claimed the A Reserve honours.


B Grade
One Day
In the B Grade Grand Final Taradale hosted Hepburn at Taradale Recreation Reserve. Taradale won the toss and elected to bowl sending Hepburn to the crease. The visitors started strongly with Ashley Lovick making 57 before he was caught by Kym Szegedi off a delivery from Leigh Bennett. Daniel Bell fell for just 9, but Nathaniel Lowe made a quick fire 30. The middle order found themselves struggling against the Taradale pace attack with Tom Crosswell 4, Vineet Kumar falling for a duck, Corey Pedley 10 and Isaac Pedretti 6. Sam Quinn 15 not out added some valuable runs at the close with the side 8-144 following their 40 overs.
The wickets were shared by Taradale bowlers Steven Curnow 2-9, Leigh Bennett 2-33 and Matt Curnow 2-36.
Taradale opener Anthony White started on the right foot with 13 before being caught by Ashley Lovick off the ball of Nathaniel Lowe, but then Taradale found themselves under seige with Richard Shill dismissed for 3 before Kym Szegedi and Steven Curnow fell for ducks.
Julian Vearing 19, Andrew Vance 10, Leigh Bennett 28 and Nicholas Worthington and Russell Muir 18 not out batted admirable for Taradale to try and reel the target back in. But the damage was done and they were eventually all out 123. Heathcote claiming the 25-26 flag.
Nathaniel Lowe led the way with the ball taking 3-13 and claiming ‘Player of the Match’ honours, Daniel Bell took 2-16 and Vineet Kumar 2-26.

Hepburn won the B Grade premiership.


Women
One Day
In the Women’s Grand Final on Friday night Campbells Creek Colts hosted Newstead at Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve. Creek won the toss and elected to bowl sending Newstead in to bat first.
The Steaders opener Eve Righetti led from the front making 21 runs before retiring, Dawn McNabb also made a solid 19 before retiring not out. Newstead making 110 off their 15 over spell. Colts Jessica Cox 1-1 and Indiana McKenzie 1-19 were best with the ball.
Creek opener Louise Simpson notched up a handy 11 before retiring, Caz Walsh 9 and Johannah Maher 12 before retiring now out. The trio’s teammates dug in and tried their best to score vital runs but the side fell short of the target set making 89 off their 15 over tilt.
The Steaders Eve Righetti was on fire claiming 5-7 and Dawn McNabb took 3-10.
Newstead claiming the premiership honours.
Congratulations to Eve Righetti, awarded ‘Player of the Match’.

Newstead were thrilled to win the Women’s final.


C Grade (Under 16)
Two Day
In the C Grade (Under 16) Grand Final Muckleford hosted Castlemaine United Gold at Muckleford Recreation Reserve. The home side won the toss and elected to bat.
The Muckleford side wasted no time racking up the runs with Seth Gross making 17 before being caught and bowled by Otis Whitesmith. Jack Smith 50 retired not out, Francis Walls 50 retired not out, Abraham Isdale 13, Aihen Turner 23 and Callum McGee 28 not out with the side winding up with 4-208 off their 40 overs.
The wickets were shared between Gold bowlers Will Fitzgerald 1-11, Otis Whitesmith 1-23 and Louis Parsons 1-32.
Gold started strongly in response with Louis Parsons making 25 before he was caught by Jack Smith off a ball from Abraham Isadale and Charlie Cordy made 17 before he was caught by Isdale off a delivery from Lewis Pepper.
Otis Whitesmith 8 and Coden Coulthard chipped in essential runs, before Ted Cordy 11 and Zane Davidge 14 put together a handy partnership.
Gold then ran into strife losing their next three batsman for just five runs before Noah Trainor made a late run with 17. Despite a top effort Gold fell short with 10-135 off 33.5 overs. Elise Curran was the pick of the bowlers for Muckleford with 2-12.
Muckleford was thrilled to claim the premiership hounours. Jack Smith was awarded ‘Player of the Match’.

Muckleford won the C Grade (Under 16) premiership.

Festival turns 50!

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Hot Moves No Pressure dancers ignite the stage at the After Dark / Underground opening night event. Photo: Diana Domonkos.
Hot Moves No Pressure dancers ignite the stage at the After Dark / Underground opening night event. Photo: Diana Domonkos.

Castlemaine State Festival’s 50th anniversary event is well underway. The opening weekend delivered something genuinely memorable.
Around 2,000 people filled the streets of Castlemaine on Friday night for the free Opening Night Street Party. It began with the Nalderun Songbook Project — over 200 school children performing alongside Uncle Ron Murray, Faye White and others.
From there the evening opened up into circus, with local and international performers taking to the air, before Amaru Tribe brought the whole street together for a night of celebratory dance music.
When the street party wrapped, the underground opened up — After Dark / Underground with Millú & Pjenné drew crowds into the Maxi IGA underground carpark with Harvey Sutherland in the Theatre Royal for an EDM dance party that kept the energy going well into the night.
Across the weekend, The Goods Shed transformed into the Festival Club, with packed houses every night. The Glitterbug Club earned a review of 100 out of 5 from one audience member leaving their premiere session. The Situationist Travel Agency at the Market Building brought a different kind of energy — laughter ringing out through the space as audiences found themselves very much part of the show.
Out in Chewton, the world’s possibly smallest gallery, The Chewton Small, opened its doors. And in the churches and grand halls, full houses welcomed Parvyn & Josh, Victoria Opera, and acclaimed Russian violinist Sergej Krylov alongside pianist Konstantin Shamray.
Workshops across Buda Historic Home & Garden, Castlemaine Art Museum, Newstead Arts Hub and Castlemaine Library rounded out a weekend that truly had something for everyone.
Head to the website to see what’s on this weekend and grab any remaining tickets at castlemainefestival.com.au
The 10 day festival will wrap up this Sunday March 29 with another massive free Closing Day Garden Party from in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens from 11am to 5pm where you can enjoy entertainment by Super Mandé Percussion, Belly Savalas, Gusto Gusto, World Kitchen, Thompson’s Foundry Band, Dandyman, Castlemaine Circus, Castlemaine Fringe and more.

Dandyman will be among the acts to feature at Sunday’s free Closing Day Garden Party at the Botanical Gardens.

Levees weren’t built in a day

By
Jade Jungwirth
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Campbells Creek Trail (Credit: Penny Ryan)
Campbells Creek Trail (Credit: Penny Ryan)

When it comes to building levee banks, there are a multitude of competing factors to consider. Of course, there are the many technical elements and the necessity of significant funding, but the needs ...

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Taylors celebrates 45 years

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Castlemaine Mail
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Shane and Julie Tunn are thrilled to be celebrating Taylors Home Centre's 45th Birthday next week.
Shane and Julie Tunn are thrilled to be celebrating Taylors Home Centre's 45th Birthday next week.

Long running local family business Taylors Home Centre in Castlemaine’s Mostyn Street marks its 45th Birthday next week and is inviting the community to help them celebrate this special milestone.The ...

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The recovery effort is not over

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Tania Butterworth receives a certificate of appreciation from Lions Club District Governor Samantha Wu.
Tania Butterworth receives a certificate of appreciation from Lions Club District Governor Samantha Wu.

Lily Tuck


Rows of donated goods line the warehouse of the former Mitsubishi building on Johnson Street.
Volunteers are continuing to sort clothing onto racks ten weeks after January’s blaze. Volunteers say the recovery effort is not over.
“People have said ’surely everybody issorted by now,’ I just think you cannot be serious,” distribution centre organiser Tania Butterworth said.
The centre is seeing between 15 to 20families and individuals a day, servicing around 40 households a week. Volunteers say that the centre is still seeing people come through who have suffered great losses, reaching out for the first time since January.
“People are coming in forgetting what they need, some are just asking for one shirt and a toothbrush,” Tania said.
The centre focuses on providing a listening ear and understanding the needs of fire-affected residents. The old display area of the store now homes what Tania has dubbed ‘little David Jones.’ A space for people to browse clothing, and toys set up to look like a local op shop. Equipped with a craft room, organised extensively by the dedicated volunteers into wools, and needles, and patchworking. Piles of handmade quilts and blankets from knitting and craft have also been donated.
“We always need more,” Tania said.
Over the ten weeks, more than 150 volunteers have given their time to the centre. Now, due to many volunteers needing to return to work, as well as create a structure and a sense of normality, the centre will only be open two days a week.
Stacy Baselli and Donna McMahon are some of the dedicated volunteers who have been therefrom the start.
“People are coming away better than they came in,” Stacy said.
Volunteers say the recovery effort is taking a toll with some residents telling them, “ it feels like years.”
As winter approaches, the need for support at the centre continues, the distribution centre is calling for new donations to service the community. Some people only had “whatever shoes were on their feet” when the fires occurred, volunteers told the Mail.
Fire victims are living in sheds, in-between housing, and many families have been separated, with some people still unable to renter parts of Harcourt that were heavily burnt. Boots, and heavy-duty shoes are in high demand as rainfall increases, allowing some autonomy to return to those affected.
“People are not okay at the end of the day,” Tania Butterworth said.

Distribution Centre wish list
– Gum boots
– Warm, solid shoes (Blundestones, Steel blue)
– Wet weather gear (raincoats, windbreakers, thick jackets)
– Men’s clothes in sizes S,M,L due to an influx of XXL+ sizes
– Vouchers from local businesses
– New Air Fryers
– New Hair dryers
– Vacuums
– Bucket and mops
– Saucepans
– Hoses
– Irons
– New winter doonas
– New linen
– New electric blankets

The new hours for the Distribution Centre at 5 Johnstone St Castlemaine, are: Monday and Wednesday from 10am to 1pm.

Something for everyone at Community House

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Castlemaine Mail
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Just a few of the fabulous staff who make Castlemaine Community House such a wonderful place. Check out the term 2 program, full of varied activities and courses.
Just a few of the fabulous staff who make Castlemaine Community House such a wonderful place. Check out the term 2 program, full of varied activities and courses.

Castlemaine Community House is kicking off Term 2 this April, offering a wide range of practical, affordable, and engaging courses designed to bring people together and build valuable life skills.From...

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Celebrating queer and trans legacy

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Castlemaine Mail
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Mystiq Discotheq will perform at The Diggers Store. Photo: Laura Du Vè.
Mystiq Discotheq will perform at The Diggers Store. Photo: Laura Du Vè.

Naarm-based musician and filmmaker Naavikaran is set to embark on her first national tour in celebration of her upcoming six-track EP, titled Mystiq Discotheq.The EP is the third in the Discotheq seri...

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CGFC Women’s team advance in Nike Cup

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Castlemaine Mail
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CGFC Women’s team advance in Nike Cup
CGFC Women’s team advance in Nike Cup

The Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club’s senior women’s team advance to round two in the Nike Cup after a 6-1 win over La Trobe University.The Nike Cup is a unique knockout competition for women’s f...

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Friday, March 27, 2026

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Castlemaine Mail
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Lifeline Loddon Mallee calls for new volunteers

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Lifeline Loddon Mallee is calling on caring community members from Bendigo and surrounds to consider becoming Crisis Supporter volunteers.
They are currently holding online Volunteer Information Sessions for those keen to learn more about volunteering.
The sessions are scheduled for Tuesday March 31 at 10am and Thursday 9 April at 1pm.
The sessions are the first step in joining Lifeline’s accredited volunteer training program.
“Our volunteers are at the heart of who we are,” said Lisa Renato, CEO of Lifeline Loddon Mallee.
“Every call represents a person in distress, and our region needs more trained volunteers to ensure no one faces their darkest moments alone.”
Lifeline Loddon Mallee provides crisis support across the Loddon and Mallee regions, operating a call centre in Bendigo and a phone hub in Mildura. Volunteers complete accredited online training and join a caring, community-led team committed to supporting people experiencing emotional crisis, suicidal thoughts, family stress, or loneliness.
“These sessions are a chance for people to understand the role, ask questions, and explore whether volunteering is right for them,” Renato said.
“We welcome retirees, professionals, students, and anyone who wants to make a meaningful contribution to our community.”
Register to attend by calling 03 5406 0506, via the link on the Lifeline Loddon Mallee Facebook page or visit www.lifelinelm.com/volunteer
For crisis support at any time, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Guildford Grumpies Peter Turner Show and Shine this Sunday

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Guildford's John Powell Reserve will once again be packed with vehicles for this Sunday's major fundraiser.
Guildford's John Powell Reserve will once again be packed with vehicles for this Sunday's major fundraiser.

The annual Peter Turner Show and Shine proudly presented by Guildford Grumpies Car Club will return to Guildford’s John Powell Reserve this Sunday, March 29.
This year’s event will feature some magnificent attractions including historic vehicles from every era, including muscle and classic cars, motorbikes, and Australian made cars like we may never see again.
Prizes for various categories will be awarded later in the day.
The Rolls Royce Merlin engine which attracted a lot of attention last year is returning and will feature at various times during the day.
A large array of market stalls will be in attendance, including food and drink, a sausage sizzle, along with musical entertainment by the amazing Dave Moloney, a spinning wheel. raffles, CFA display, and plenty to entertain the family.
Cost of admission for the general public is $5 per adult and Under 16 free.
Entry fee to display your vehicle is $10 for Grumpy members and $20 non members.
This event is the major fundraiser event for Guildford Grumpies, who over a long period have provided financial and physical support for those in need, and support for the Guildford community including the local primary school where Grumpies club pay school fees for the attendees, and provide funds towards the annual Christmas Santa Run throughout most of the shire by the former Apex Club of Castlemaine.
This is an event sure to appeal to all members of the family, so make sure you get along. Gates open at 9am with the event scheduled to finish by 3pm.

The Peter Turner Show and Shine will feature a myriad of incredible vehicles all vying for 'Best in Show' like this previous award winning 1928 Packard.
The Peter Turner Show and Shine will feature a myriad of incredible vehicles all vying for ‘Best in Show’ like this previous award winning 1928 Packard.

Autopia to span two big days

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Local car enthusiasts and visitors will be showing off their custom cars and motorcycles as part of this weekend's Autopia.
Local car enthusiasts and visitors will be showing off their custom cars and motorcycles as part of this weekend's Autopia.

Excitement is building as Autoplex Castlemaine prepares to host its annual Autopia extravaganza this weekend, March 28-29.
All roads will lead to Castlemaine with this year’s event set to span two big days with an Autopia Cruise on Saturday and a Show n Shine component on Sunday March 29 as part of the Castlemaine State Festival Finale.
Autopia kicks off at 9.30am Saturday morning with a short cruise from Action Auto (cnr Barker and Forest Streets) up to Autoplex Castlemaine at 35 Etty Street (old Tech School).
The event will once again showcase a wide array of vehicles including muscle cars, street cars, hot rods and custom bikes. Even horse and carts are welcome (we might need these again soon!).
Highlights will include the highly anticipated Model Car Show with a raft of prizes to be won, a photography exhibition by local automotive photographer Darron Davies, automotive art, a motorbike display, early Hot Rod T-Shirt display, trade displays, live music, DazzIin Coffee and food vans.
Entry is just $5 for adults. The event will wrap up around 3pm.
Sunday the focus will shift to the Sunken Oval (cnr Walker and Cornish Streets) where a huge array of hot rods, classic cars, vintage cars and motorcycles will feature in the popular Autopia Show n Shine from 10am.
The event coincides with the Castlemaine State Festival Garden Party Finale just a short stroll across the nearby footbridge in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens.
The monthly Coffee Cruise will depart Autoplex Castlemaine at 35 Etty Street at 10am and will end up at the Show n Shine event. All vehicles welcome.
Sunday’s Autopia display will also include a trade alley and an SES display, iconic local trucks and even an Amphibious DUKW!
There will be also be merchandise, cold drinks and food vans available. Public entry is by gold coin donation. $10 per vehicle for the Show n Shine.
Parking will be available at Don KR and shuttle bus drop off to the oval.
To find out more check out the Autoplex Castlemaine Facebook page.

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