Hi Pam, you’ve studied and worked in a number of different fields can you tell us about them?
I have a degree in genetics and biochemistry and a postgraduate in teaching and special education.
Working in genetics there was a lot of cancer research, meaning I was working with chemicals that can cause cancer, so when I had children I completed my dip ed. It was during that time we moved to Maldon- towards the end of 1999. I worked at Latrobe teaching education and then spent 20-odd years working with gifted children and their families.
That’s quite a career change! You must have a lot of knowledge and insight into working with gifted children.
I appeared in one state government and one senate inquiry about educating gifted children and I won the Pauline Toner Award in 2008 which was a huge honour.
I still don’t think we are catering for gifted children in schools. Study units in working with gifted children should be mandated for teachers. The ideal would be for all mainstream schools to be streamed so that students can work at their own pace. Teachers are often working with children with ability ranges of eight years.
You had a major car accident in 2010 can you tell us about that?
I was driving to Bendigo on Lockwood Road, it was dark and drizzly, and I could see bright lights ahead (it turns out a truck had the bright idea to park with its high beams turned on). I was concentrating on driving straight in my lane and drove straight into a tree that had fallen across the road. The steering wheel smashed into my face and the seatbelt broke my sternum. I had a bleed in the brain and a ripped aorta and they had to sew my nose back together.
I was unconscious at this time but apparently, my car jumped the tree, slid 200 metres, and tipped upside down. That was when I came to. I undid my seatbelt and climbed out and the Maldon CERT were there, one of the CERT team was my plumber and I told him he was supposed to be at my house doing the plumbing!
I’m still not fully recovered. My sternum moved and fused and I can’t sit for any length of time. But I can walk and cycle. I had like a near-death experience. While I was unconscious in the car I remember having a conversation with some women about whether I should stay or not, I could have gone if I wanted to, but I had to stay because my two kids were in high school. I’m not frightened of death anymore.
How did you become involved in the Maldon Folk Festival?
I was on the committee before my accident, but afterward, I wasn’t able to work for 18 months so I thought I’d take over the folk festival! At the beginning of 2012 the rest of the committee resigned so I was it just me for four months! We’ve got a nice committee that’s come together and this year will be the 50th festival!
Do you have other interests?
I have a folding Brompton bike that I take on trains, trams, and buses and ride around. I’m teaching myself to draw and am trying to read all of the books on my shelf. I play piano, guitar, and mandolin. They all take more time than I can give. I’ve nearly finished this year’s folk program-I’m a bit of a tech head. Oh and I’ve been a CFA volunteer for over 25 years.
What are you reading at the moment?
A book about Australian archaeology. I studied archaeology as part of my degree and I would like to go back and do a master’s, you know- in my spare time, after practicing the piano, guitar, mandolin, and drawing. I’m going to have to live until I’m over 100!
Who are your three dream dinner guests?
My children and their partners and my friend who was a singer who died.
What philosophy do you live life by?
Just be.
This seems like a bit of a silly question, but what genre of music do you like listening to?
Hmmmm…Folk! But I like most music except heavy metal, hip hop, and rap.
And finally, what do you love most about the place you call home?
The lovely community feeling. That you can just pop down the street for something and end up chatting for ages. That welcoming community feeling is what helps make the folky such a successful community event.
My Maldon with Maldon Folk Festival’s Pam Lyons
Harcourt community calls for a thorough biodiversity audit
Residents of Harcourt are calling for Mount Alexander Shire Council to commit to a thorough assessment of the valley’s plants, animals and ecosystems.
Led by Harcourt Valley Landcare, the group wants to ensure any proposed developments of the area improves the wellbeing of its residents, including the threatened brush-tailed phascogale.
“While we have succeeded in our calls for a biodiversity audit to be a fundamental part of strategic planning, we are concerned the council may consider a recently completed ‘desktop review’ of existing databases and published literature as sufficient to make a decision,” HVL president Bonnie Humphrey said.
“That could hugely impact the quality of life for the Harcourt community and threaten an already struggling landscape.”
The group is now calling for Mount Alexander councillors to approve a proposed Stage 2 biodiversity assessment, in which ecologists would actively monitor/assess key locations to gain an understanding of what plants and animals are present in the valley.
The Harcourt region makes up part of the last Victorian strongholds for the endangered brush-tailed phascogale, a small native mammal that nests in hollows of old trees such as the box-ironbark forests and grassy woodlands found on Leanganook (Mount Alexander).
Central Victoria is one of the most cleared and fragmented landscapes in Australia, and as a result, 40 per cent of mammals originally in the region have become extinct. More than 150 plant and animal species in the region are currently considered threatened. Central Victorian not-for-profit Biolinks Alliance identifies a key cause of this.
“Most parks and reserves are isolated ‘islands’ surrounded by a sea of farmland, industry, roadways, and increasing urbanisation,” said Paul Foreman, Biolinks Alliance ecologist, who Harcourt Valley Landcare also commissioned to write an expert witness statement for Planning Victoria’s panel hearing as part of the amendment review.
“Many species will not travel between isolated habitat patches when the area in-between has been cleared.
“Protecting, restoring and reconnecting small patches of habitat is, therefore, crucial to stop species decline in central Victoria.”
Research shows that a minimum of 30 per cent habitat cover is the tipping point for declining woodland birds, which make their home in the grassy woodlands of Leanganook and nearby vegetation.
“HVL understands the need for growth to support housing for a growing population, however, the group wants to see it done in a way that benefits Harcourt residents and reduces the impacts on our local flora and fauna,” Ms Humphrey said.
“Research shows the links between biodiversity loss, climate change, and poor health outcomes yet this can be avoided by careful and progressive strategic planning.
“HVL calls for MASC to commit to a process in keeping with the desires and expectations of Harcourt residents, who value the beauty of the environment and the town’s natural setting.
“We don’t want to see just more ‘Melbourne suburbs in the bush’ but rather planning blueprints that appropriately respond to the local environmental and social settings. And for that, we need better informed strategic planning.”
Ms Humphrey said waterways like Barkers Creek and Picnic Gully Creek were increasingly important for the movement of wildlife in a warming climate.
“Harcourt has a natural beauty that is really different from our neighbouring towns and areas,” she said.
“The trees here are majestic, the soil is rich and the mountain keeps a lookout over our daily lives. It’s too beautiful not to protect.
“We call for concerned residents of Harcourt and our shire to call or write a letter to MASC demanding the protection of Harcourt’s biodiversity by approving a thorough biodiversity audit and to join our working group Naturally Harcourt to add your time and expertise to our campaign.”
Building a thriving social ecosystem
The outlook for the world looks bleak but there’s a way for us to thrive that’s within easy reach. This is the message of community organiser, musician, and executive director of the Green Institute Tim Hollo in his new book, Living Democracy.
Tim describes the book as “a manifesto for the end of the world as we know it”.
In Living Democracy, he charts the many ways communities around the world are building grassroots movements for change that allow us all to be part of decisions that affect our lives.
“People who are looking and feeling a sense of urgency about the climate crisis are asking what can I do about it.
“But it’s not about doing things on your own but doing it with others. It’s about bringing people together to make changes that might seem small but are really transformative for the world,” commented Tim.
“My book and my work are about looking at the positives, we can not only come through this but we can thrive.”
One example Tim cites is the ‘Buy Nothing’ group he started in his hometown of Canberra that snowballed to a multitude of groups covering the entire city. By sharing, swapping, and pooling tools, produce, equipment, and skills, neighbours forged connections that enriched their lives.
Grassroots groups like these have kick-started a global movement for change that puts people and the planet first.
“If we don’t work hard to make changes to the economic system that is extracting value from the ground and from us and the political system that is entirely corrupted, then we are in deep trouble,” Tim said.
“But we do have everything we need to get out of it. We have to stop waiting for something to come along and save us, we have to come together to create new systems and we will have a better life than we do now.”
Join Tim in conversation with Castlemaine facilitator Jim Buckell on Wednesday May 17 from 6.30-8.30 pm where he will read an excerpt from his book and take questions for the audience.
This is a free event – donations are welcome. The event is hosted by Dinner for Democracy and the Taproom at the Mill, 5a/9 Walker Street, Castlemaine. Tickets are available at livingdemocracycastlemaine.eventbrite.com.au
Historic Chewton school receives a makeover
Chewton Primary School has received a much needed $1.4 million refurbishment which has breathed new life into the historic local gem.
But don’t take our word for it! Chewton students themselves were full of praise for the redevelopment and modernisation of their learning spaces at the official opening on Friday.
“I love the new reading nook in our classroom,” one said.
“I really like our brand new library,” another commented.
“I love our spacious classroom!”
Chewton Primary School captains Arkie and Zac proudly led Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards and community members which included those involved in the project, parents and former students of a tour of the newly completed upgrade before Ms Edwards ‘untied’ the ribbon to declare the new look facility open.
The school marks its 153rd anniversary in 2023 and the main school building was opened in 1911.
Ms Edwards said the refurbishment included upgrades to existing classrooms including modern lighting, furniture and bi-fold doors to create more collaborative learning spaces and connection to the outdoor spaces.
Ms Edwards said the upgraded facilities have transformed the school whilst being sympathetic of its heritage features.
“Chewton Primary School is a brilliant school – and now, students and staff can enjoy facilities that they deserve,” she said.
“We’re making sure that all students at the school can meet their potential and access great education.
“I congratulate the school community, architects at Roam Architects and builders Q Constructions for their brilliant work on this project.
“It is so important that we make sure that our old school buildings are looked after as they are part of our heritage and our history,” she said.
Ms Edwards also acknowledged teacher and former student Trinity Mawson.
Trinity’s father also attended Chewton Primary School and his son now goes there seeing the family’s connection now spanning three generations.
Principal Bernadette McKenna thanked the state government for its support and everyone that had played a role in the important project.
“The project has been a long time in the making. Roam Architects came a few years ago and met with students, teachers and parents to discuss what they wanted the learning spaces to look like and have done a wonderful job of creating open and spacious learning spaces while retaining the heritage features and improving facilities with modern lighting and sustainability features such as improved insulation,” Ms McKenna said.
She also thanked the builders for their dedication to the project, staff for their patience and flexibility during the build and the support of school council and parents who helped pack up prior to the works, paint the art room and set up the new facilities including the new look library space.
Among those to attend the opening were also former students sisters Merle Jenkins and Elaine Appleton (nee Jury) which attended the school in 1939 and 1942 and Rhonda Eagle (Charman) who attended in 1952.
The trio were extremely impressed with the new look building and said the visit brought back a lot of fond memories of their time at Chewton.
The community will have the chance to take a closer look at the renovation when the school holds its belated 150th birthday celebrations in October, which have been delayed as a result of the pandemic.
Newstead Live seeks youth volunteers
Newstead Live is calling for youth volunteers who are interested in gaining experience in live performance management to assist with Fred Smith’s show Sparrows of Kabul.
Well-known Australian singer-songwriter Fred Smith and his band will appear in concert at the Newstead Community Centre on Friday June 2 followed by a songwriting workshop for young aspiring songwriters and musicians on Saturday June 3 and event organisers would love to offer local young people the opportunity to volunteer and learn vital skills in event management, promotion, performance and staging.
Newstead Live Festival Director Kelly Skinner said that it is a great opportunity for young people to learn about the entertainment industry.
“In the past we have had young people organising the Live and Local Stage for the January festival assisted by mentors to help them curate the stage and book performers,” Kelly said.
“We’re looking for people to promote this latest show which will give them experience with PR and marketing, running social media posts, taking photos and videos, stage assistant and front of house. It’s a great way to gain experience in the industry.”
Don’t miss out on a wonderful opportunity to get involved in the music industry. Newstead Live has a Live and Local Stage run by young locals, so this is a chance to start getting involved. Volunteers must be 15+ years or older.
For more information about volunteer roles, email or call Kelly Skinner at nedkelski@yahoo.com.au or 0448 234 758. Or register your interest online at newsteadlive.wixsite.com/website-22.
New gallery launches at Maldon
A core group of artists from the Maldon Artists’ Network (MANet) has created a gallery in the heart of historic Maldon. Consisting of eight local artists, the group all work using different mediums including; drawing, painting, printmaking, jewellery, sculpture, and woodwork, with each piece of work adding to the romance and joy of the small space.
Catherine Tait, one of the eight involved in the gallery, told the Mail that the local community has been very supportive of them opening the space.
“It’s great for Maldon,” Catherine said.
“It’s lovely to have a vacant shop occupied and it has been well patronised by both tourists and locals.”
The gallery has been set up as a cooperative, where each of the artists display their work and the gallery is run using a rotating roster.
“So when people come in they get to meet one of the artists,” commented Catherine.
“In fact, it’s such a friendly group, you’re likely to meet a few at any one time.”
The Maldon Artists’ Network (auspiced by the Maldon Neighbourhood Centre) began in 2012 when a group of artists began meeting to share their creative ideas and knowledge. Since then the network has continued to grow and flourish to include art walks, a biennial portrait prize, and workshops, and after a successful pop-up shop in 2022, opening a gallery space seemed like the next logical step.
The artwork on display at the MANet Arts Focus Gallery will be rotated monthly, so people can see something new and different each time they visit and there’s talk of regular champagne evenings to celebrate the new collections.
The backroom of the gallery has been earmarked for guest artists to display their work for a period of two weeks by submitting an application to maldonmanet@gmail.com or by phoning 0419 119 047.
All of the artworks are available for purchase, plus a fantastic range of cards promoting Maldon and produced by the artists.
MANet Arts Focus is open Wednesday/Friday from 11am to 4pm and Saturday/Sunday 10am to 4pm at 27 Main Street Maldon.
Music of Ennio Morricone & The Wild at the Theatre Royal
Gunslingers, bandidos, outlaws and the Wild West. The Counterfeit will perform a dynamic collection of Italian soundtracks derived from the greatest Spaghetti Western flicks of the 1960’s and 70’s at Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal this Saturday evening, May 13.
Featuring cosmic country queen Freya Josephine Hollick on vocals, the 10 piece posse interprets iconic themes including The Good, the Bad & the Ugly, Ecstasy of Gold and Django, delivering a romantic backdrop for the perfect cinematic showdown. After sold out shows at Thornbury Theatre and Brunswick Ballroom, plus a headlining set at this year’s Boogie Festival, the Melbourne posse are set to saddle up and ride out to Castlemaine for a night of gunslinging Spaghetti Western classics.
The infamous John McAll will open the evening with a set of the finest barrelhouse piano music in the country.
Doors 8pm. Tickets theatreroyalcastlemaine.oztix.com.au
Magpie Juniors tackle season 2023
The Castlemaine Football Netball Club (CFNC) juniors played their first round of football last weekend. The CFNC Juniors are located at Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve, Castlemaine.
This CFNC Juniors play in the Bendigo Junior Football League and this year are fielding seven teams – one U9 and two Under 10 Mixed teams, Under 12 and Under 14 Mixed and Under 16 Boys and Girls.
CFNC Juniors President Chris Mackenzie said it has been all systems go getting set up for the season.
“The committee has been meeting monthly since the end of the last season. It takes a huge volunteer effort to make these things happen. But it’s all for a very good cause and everyone on the committee is super motivated,” he said.
The CFNC Juniors pride themselves on creating a fun, safe, inclusive and family-friendly environment.
Club Treasurer Jason Staples said they want to create and nurture a club that makes sure families and players feel welcome and valued.
“Game days are an opportunity for parents and carers to watch their children play, but it is also an important social outlet, an opportunity to catch up and have a chat with other parents,” he said.
The club attracts committed and experienced coaches.
Under 16s coach John Watson has been coaching for several years.
John said that one of the main attractions for him is to see the players grow and develop.
“The best part of coaching is getting to see all the improvement the kids make and how that translates on game day,” Watson said.
The club will be using its brand-new digital scoreboard this coming weekend for the first time, thanks to a state government grant.
Whether your child is new to football and wants to come and learn our national game or is already experienced and keen to progress their footy in the strongest competition in our area, then the CFNC Juniors are for you.
It is worth noting that there are still places in all teams for interested young people out there in the community who want to try their hand at AFL rules football.
The CFNC Juniors would like to acknowledge the support of this year’s sponsors: Mack Trucks Australia, Castlemaine Fresh, McClure Resources, Green Goes the Grocer, The Mill, Parsons Motor and Body, Griffin Conveyancing, PCE Electrical, ASQ, Rixon Sandstone and Jellis Craig.
For further information contact 0493 295 658 or visit Castlemaine Junior Football Club’s Facebook and Instagram.
Funding boost for Castlemaine Goldfields
A research team from the University of Melbourne attended the opening junior soccer games of the Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club season on April 22 to present Junior Coordinator and Club Secretary Tony Cormack with a cheque for $3,500.
These funds were raised by 94 members of the football club who agreed to participate in a research project called Community Engagement for Disaster Risk Reduction (CEDRR).
CEDRR is a research project designed to record and analyse local perceptions of risk and risk management at the household scale, with a focus on flood risk. More specifically, CEDRR seeks to better understand the actions that locals are taking, or not taking, to mitigate risk.
“As a community focused club, we are extremely grateful to have had the chance to work with Melbourne Uni as part of CEDDR pilot scheme. Clubs like ours are typically reliant on a combination of registration fees and local community sponsorship so any chance to work with others partners to raise much needed funds brings huge benefits,” Tony Cormack said.
“The outcome of this scheme will see upgrades to training equipment for Junior and Small Sided programs. From all at CGFC a huge thanks to our members who have taken part, and to Brian and the whole CEDRR team. We wish the program every success in the future as they roll out to more community-based organisations.” he said.
Preliminary findings from the 94 survey-interviews completed by members of the football club can be found on the CEDRR website.
As the next step of this innovative community engagement research, the research team from the University of Melbourne will be reaching out to the 94 participants to seek their participation in a 10-minute follow-up interview. The aim of these follow-up engagements is to briefly reconnect with participants to see whether the initial discussion has had any impact. Each participant in the follow-ups will generate an additional $25 donation to the football club.
The research team is led by Associate Professor Brian Cook who, along with the Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club, sincerely thank the community for participating in this exciting research, which provides risk managers with a better understanding of local flood resilience perceptions and actions.
Vic Kids Eat Well award winners
The Castlemaine Football Netball Club Juniors are among 10 winners in the first Vic Kids Eat Well Awards.
The awards recognise amazing efforts by organisations to provide healthier food and drink options for kids across the state.
The judges commended the Castlemaine Football Netball Club – Juniors’ creative and significant changes to their menu and were impressed with how delicious and healthy options were promoted to young players.
Dhelkaya Health’s Health Promotion Officer Liza Shaw has worked closely with the club to implement healthy changes to the canteen for their junior players.
Ms Shaw said all kids deserve access to healthy and delicious food in places where they learn and play.
“We have been proud to be part of Vic Kids Eat Well and we’re delighted to see the club take home this award for taking a fresh approach to their food and drink options,” Ms Shaw said.
The club has refreshed their canteen fridge and changed the menu, boosting veggies and promoting healthy options for kids at games. Baked beans and tomato slices were added to wholemeal toasties. Free fresh fruit is now also offered.
Vic Kids Eat Well is supported by the state government and is delivered by Cancer Council Victoria’s Achievement Program, in partnership with Nutrition Australia’s Healthy Eating Advisory Service.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas congratulated the winners and nominees, and said it was impressive to see the positive difference that programs like Vic Kids Eat Well make at a local level.
“We want all Victorian children to enjoy a healthy, happy childhood. Programs like Vic Kids Eat Well are helping to set up our children for good health and future wellbeing,” Minister Thomas said.
Cancer Council Victoria CEO Todd Harper AM thanked all the award winners and nominees for their incredible progress since Vic Kids Eat Well was launched last year.
“We congratulate all Vic Kids Eat Well award winners and nominees for their passion, support and dedication to give kids the healthy start they deserve,” Mr Harper said.
“Step by step, organisations changed canteen, sports club or kiosk menus to introduce delicious fruit and veggie options and promote water. They encouraged kids to get involved in planning and cooking fresh produce from their community gardens or learning about different food cultures.
“With over 650 organisations that have now joined Vic Kids Eat Well, we hope to see more inspired to ‘take a bite’ towards a healthier future for all kids living in Victoria.”
Nutrition Australia CEO Lucinda Hancock added her congratulations to the winners and nominees and praised those who have been champions of change within their local areas.
“As a community we all want kids to grow up happy and eating well. Nutritious, tasty foods help kids enjoy school, their favourite sport or time with friends,” Ms Hancock said.
“It’s very encouraging to see the changes these organisations and champions have made; from involving kids in menu decisions at OSHC, prepping and cooking foods for their fellow school students or providing healthy snacks and water to help kids play sport.
“And our biggest champions are the kids who’ve embraced these food and drink swaps, which see them enjoy veggie-packed meals from their canteen menu or school lunch orders, or through fruit cups and snack packs for kids’ library story-time, using reusable water bottles and getting ‘hands-on’ using seasonal fresh produce grown from gardens.
“All the Vic Kids Eat Well award winners and nominees are our healthy heroes, who helped fuel kids’ learning, fun and activity at schools, OSHC, sports clubs and community organisations across Victoria.”
Big field for Anzac Day comp
It was another incredible week of action at Castlemaine Golf Club, with more than 150 rounds being played across three main days of competition.
We started on Anzac Day, April 25, when 66 players set out for an Ambrose competition. It was great to see so many mixed teams on the course with people of all ages and levels of experience contributing helpfully to both scores and total handicaps.
Next year we might consider an auction of any players with handicaps over 35 – there could be money to be made.
The eventual winners were the team of Nigel Wilson, Liz Wilson, Jacquie Phiddian and Marty Beck with a nett score of 53.5 – that’s 18.5 under!
Forward to Thursday, and the heavens opened up early, resulting in a truncated field of 16 hard-core players, unafraid of the elements. In a Par format, Mick Kehoe (16 & 1) came out on top, nudging out Rob Prendergast (+1 & 0) for the victory. It’s not often that someone who rolls in 7 birdies for the day is relegated to 2nd, but that’s the magic of golf.
Other solid rounds on Thursday came from Ross Bottomley (6 & 0) and Ross Stevens (14 & -1). Bottomley knocked in 4 birdies of his own, while remainders were recorded by Mick Kehoe, Gavin Lang, Matt O’Brien, Tony Olsson, Daniel Pollard (2), and Ross Stevens.
But the big occasion was of course, Saturday, when Round 2 of the Men’s Club Championships resumed. It was another perfect day for golf, and 60 players came back again for a crack at glory. Closing out the day in the last grouping was John Jefferies (6 & 71). John had an almost flawless round, going just 2 over on the last 9 to catapult into 1st place overall and in A Grade ahead of Gavin Lang (8 & 71).
In B Grade, Laurie Harding (16 & 72) took the honours over Leon Thomas (15 & 72).
Continuing a run of form, both players have found themselves near the top of the leaderboard on more than one occasion in the last few weeks.
Meanwhile, in C Grade, Tony Olsson (20 & 72) did it again, matching his handicap to slot into first position ahead of Malcolm McKellar (24 & 73).
All our winners did their chances of taking out a prize in the Championships no harm, with each slotting into the #1 or 2 position on the nett rankings.
Other great rounds recorded on the weekend went to Daniel Klimeck (9 & 72), Lachie Brown (7 & 73), Mathew O’Brien (2 & 73), Jason Thompson (6 & 73), Rob Prendergast (+1 & 73), Norm Bellis (18 & 73), Peter Verlaan (13 & 74), Peter Kepsner (18 & 74), and Ross Bottomley (6 & 75).
Birdies also dropped again for Ross Bottomley, Lachie Brown, Ash Callandar, Glenn Carroll, Ben Christmas (2), Jason Cordy (2), Greg Crowe (2), Will Dodson, John Jefferies, Klai Jermyn, Mick Kehoe, Daniel Klimeck, Gavin Lang (2), Matt O’Brien (4), Daniel Pollard (2), Rob Prendergast (3), Jason Thompson (2), Ian Vorbach, and Andrew Wilson.
Nearest the pin on the 12th went to Ash Callandar, while Kane Clack went inside the mark on the 7th.
In the Saturday nine hole competition, Mary Harris (31 & 14) got home ahead of Lynne Johnson (36 & 13). In 3rd place was Kevin Adams (17 & 13).
It has been great to see such large fields on the course, with each player giving themselves a chance to win their comp fees back. What’s there to lose? This week’s winner was Geoff Margary. $10 will be credited onto Geoff’s account.
Castlemaine celebrates ‘Pride’
The local queer community and allies turned out in force for the annual Castlemaine Pride Picnic at the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens last Saturday.
The flagship event kicked off Castlemaine Pride Week in style with hundreds of adults and children gathering in the autumn sunshine to enjoy good food, music, and of course, the all-important dog show.
The day included performances from Cath Jamison – Australia’s leading female magician and mentalist, Polly Filla the Goldfields’ own drag icon, as well as Castlemaine Pride Choir.
The week-long festival continues this weekend with song, dance, performances, and art celebrating diversity.
Dhelkaya Health’s LGBTQIA+ Wellbeing Officer Sherene Clow said it is crucial for people to have safe spaces, both for themselves and their families.
“Queer people face higher social isolation and as a result have worse health outcomes. These events are all about finding your tribe,” she said.
Boomtown Wines is hosting a dance party tonight and The Taproom will be holding its second Pride PubSing on Saturday. See the Mail for more or visit www.castlemainepride.org.au for the full program.
