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Billy cart bash to return!

By
Castlemaine Mail
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The Castlemaine Billy Cart Challenge is set to return in 2023!

The team behind the Castlemaine Billy Cart Challenge have announced that after a few years parked in the garage gathering dust, the ol’ billy cart race is ready to roll down the hill in 2023! Event organisers Camilo ‘Silverado’ Demarco and Jane ‘Fast Lane’ Goodrich have teamed up with the support of the good folk at Rotary Castlemaine to help make this classic Castlemaine event happen once again.

Yes that’s right, the race that stops a nation and brings the town together is back on! Locals are urged to save the date – Sunday October 1.

Time to get busy building those winning carts and let your friends and family know! Stay tuned to the Castlemaine Billy Cart Challenge Facebook page for updates.

Hop over to Maldon for a unique art project

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Visit Maldon from June 23-July 9 to view a unique art project featuring 17 life size kangaroos and six joeys - showcased in selected shop windows.

Maldon Inc is presenting an art installation comprising of 17 life size kangaroos and six joeys to be showcased in selected shop windows during the Maldon in Winter Festival 2023 from June 23-July 9.

Secretary of Maldon Inc Pamela Jewson said the unique Kangaroo Art Project is a first for Maldon. “We invite everyone to come to the opening on Friday June 23 at 5pm in support all of our fabulous artists.

Starting at Bank Corner, High and Main Streets, Maldon we will feature Didge Circle performing didgeridoo, Dr Mark macropod vet from Red Box Wildlife Shelter will open the installation and trail maps will be issued to spot each of these wonderful art kangaroos and meet the artists,” Pamela said.

The aim of the installation is to instill connection and respect for these sentient beings and acknowledge our volunteer wildlife rescue network.

At the end of the Maldon in Winter 2023 Festival, the art kangaroos will be auctioned with the proceeds gifted to www.redboxwildlifeshelter.com.au

Project Coordinator Felicity Howard project coordinator said they have been overwhelmed with the response of the artists, local traders and wider community around the art installation.

“There are 13 diverse artists, plus contributions from Maldon, Elphinstone and Newstead Primary Schools along with Mount Alexander Girl Guides, Castlemaine Scout Joeys and the North Melbourne Football Club (kangaroos) who are generously creating the installation,” Felicity said.

Feature artists include Trace Balla, Robyn Riley, Troy Firebrace, Eliza Tree, Rocky and June Huxley, Sally Andressen, Anne Borg, Jennifer Barnett, Stephen Phyllis, Rachel Devine and Ros Young, Carlo San Giorgio, Julie Patey and MANet Arts Focus Gallery, Kim Devenish and Castlemaine artist Eliza Tree.

Eliza has created “Spirit of Kangaroo” – in memory of Elizabeth Gould.

This important piece has thoughtful meaning and will proudly be displayed in the window of Watermark 28 Main Street, Maldon.

“My painting is reflective of the early images and records of Kangaroos and Macropods portrayed through the images and descriptions by John and Elizabeth Gould, on their visit to Australia in the 1840’s,” Eliza said.

“We now recognise and appreciate the significant contribution Elizabeth made towards these beautiful, sensitive, and accurate depictions. They represent a valuable record of the diverse range of Macropods’; Kangaroo, Wallaby, Wallaroo, Bilby, Antechinus, Dasyures etcetera – too many of which are now rare, vulnerable, endangered, or Extinct.

“I feel so happy and proud to be involved with the Maldon Kangaroo Art project, to remind our communities of their presence and importance in our unique landscapes, and their vulnerability into the future. And the important work by voluntary rescue groups like Redbox Wildlife Shelter, in caring for our injured wildlife,” commented Eliza.

“It’s all of our responsibility, to care for Country and nature, now, and into the future.”

Following on from the Art opening Maldon Inc will officially launch the 2023 Winer festivities at a free Winter Solstice bonfire to take place next to the Men’s Shed off Phoenix St Maldon, featuring music by James Rigby, pagan rituals, a BBQ and mulled wine.

Have your say on the Castlemaine Railway Precinct Master Plan

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting the community to have their say on the draft Castlemaine Railway Precinct Master Plan.

The master plan outlines a series of recommended projects to revitalise, repair, and re-purpose the precinct.

It aims to breathe new life into the space, while not detracting from its primary role as a functioning train station in a heritage setting and was created by consulting community and key stakeholders and through a dedicated reference group.

Feedback provided during consultations informed the development of the draft Castlemaine Railway Precinct Master Plan, which was guided by the three principles of stitching the precinct together, creating and enhancing destinations, and rediscovering Barkers Creek.

The plan proposes seven key projects under the three principles, which the council is asking the community for input on.

Council’s Acting Manager of Development Services, Melissa Wilson said the development of a master plan for the site ensures the precinct will continue to thrive for many years to come.

“The purpose of the master plan, and our long-term vision for the precinct is to create a thriving area that connects people and places, and fosters a sense of community,” said Ms Wilson.

“Based on what we heard during our consultations, we’ve identified seven key projects for the precinct. “They aim to improve connectivity around the area, enrich the environment, boost tourism opportunities, and much more. “Input that we receive will also guide how we prioritise each of the projects within the plan,” said Ms Johnston.

Community members are encouraged to view the draft Castlemaine Railway Precinct Master Plan and provide feedback or registering for a guided walking tour of the precinct by visiting the Shape Mount Alexander website.

There will be three drop-in sessions at the Castlemaine Bazaar, Mill Precinct on Wednesday, June 14, 11 am- 1 pm, Sunday, June 25, 11 am- 1 pm or Tuesday, June 27, 11 am – 2 pm.

There will also be a drop-in session at the Castlemaine Farmers Market, Camp Reserve Wednesday, June 14, 2.30 pm- 5 pm.

Submissions close on Friday July 7 and the council will finalise the Castlemaine Railway Precinct Master Plan later this year, with the plan scheduled to go to councillors for consideration in August or September.

For more information, contact Nathan Lord, Council’s Strategic Planner, on 5471 1700 or via email at n.lord@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

Lions donate funds to community Vet Clinic

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Castlemaine Lions Club members met with RCVC Directors to make a donation of an anaesthetic machine for the new Vet Clinic.

The Regional Community Vet Clinic (RVCV) was founded in 2021 with the belief that companion animals play a vital role in the welfare and overall well-being of residents in regional communities.

After many years of fundraising the clinic has been successful in obtaining the necessary funds to establish a facility where they can provide affordable, quality veterinary care for companion animals when their owners are experiencing social disadvantage or financial hardship in central Victoria.

Following their recent fundraising success members of the Regional Community Vet Clinic (RCVC) were pleased to receive a donation from the Castlemaine Lions Club and the Australian Lions Foundation, that will enable them to purchase a brand new anaesthetic machine.

This vital piece of equipment will assist the clinic in providing healthcare to companion animals and is designed for portability which will allow the clinic to utilise the equipment during their pop-up clinics and mobile veterinary work.

“Receiving this generous donation from Lions is a wonderful bonus for us,” cofounder Yvette Berkeley said.

“Not just for its practical use as a piece of equipment but as an endorsement from a club so deeply rooted in our local community that identifies with our mission of social welfare”.

RCVC is conducting another public information session this Sunday June 18 at the Campbells Creek Community Centre to update the community on achievements, the progress of the building, and future plans, plus opportunities to ask questions and have input into the future of RCVC and discuss volunteering opportunities.

Local MPs Maree Edwards and Georgie Purcell will be in attendance. The information session will begin at 3.30pm. All welcome.

MAIN Game hits the Camp this Sunday!

By
Castlemaine Mail
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MainFM’s annual footy match fundraiser takes place at the Camp Reserve, Castlemaine, this Sunday June 11. Players have been fine tuning their skills and improving their fitness since training started in April and are ready to take to the ground with gusto.
The MAIN Game 2022 was awarded ‘Community Event of the Year’ at the Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Australia Day Ceremony and is an event the whole family and furry friends can enjoy, with live local entertainment from the Castlemaine Highland Pipe Band to open proceedings and six-piece ensemble The Presbyterians at half time.
All your food and beverage needs will be covered with BBQ, pizzas, fresh donuts to accompany coffee and milkshakes and the MAIN Bar.
Get on down and support 94.9 MainFM to keep community radio live. Tickets are $5 for MainFM subscribers, $10 general entry, U18s free and can be purchased online via mainfm.net or at the gate.
Gates open at midday with pre-game entertainment at 1pm. Game starts at 1:30pm sharp.

Local arts talent on show

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Art Show Curator Catherine Tait and volunteer Judy Eastwood making final adjustments to one of the panels on Wednesday.

The 34th annual Rotary Club of Castlemaine Art Exhibition & Sale was officially opened with a gala event at the Castlemaine Town Hall on Thursday evening.
The night included musical interludes, canapes, art prize presentations and the opportunity to meet some of the featured artists.
The exhibition will be open daily across the King’s Birthday long weekend (June 9-12) from 10am.
Art Show committee convener Robert Cordy said arts enthusiasts from all over Victoria and beyond are expected to once again descend on Castlemaine for the highly anticipated event which features more than 450 works in a wide array of mediums.
The featured artist for 2023 is Castlemaine’s Juliana Hilton.
“Hilton’s first solo exhibition in 1966 paved the way for her long career. Her work is seen in both public and private galleries,” Cordy said.
“The show will once again be complemented by the popular annual raffle featuring a limited edition artwork ‘Rubicon Valley’ by local artist Jeff Makin and a range of other wonderful prizes,” he said.
Entry to the show is $5 Adults, Free Under 16. Raffle tickets are $2. EFTPOS facilities are available at the hall.
All proceeds support Rotary’s charity work and projects in the community.

Magpies give their all for Dallas

By
Castlemaine Mail
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The Castlemaine and Golden Square Seniors put their boots out for Dallas following Saturday’s clash at the Camp. Photo: CFNC.

The Castlemaine Magpies made the decision to return to the football field and netball court in honour of Dallas Keogh-Frankling last weekend with two big days of sporting action and tributes on Saturday and Sunday.

Players from the Castlemaine, Golden Square, Strathfieldsaye and Bendigo Thunder Women’s sides wore black arm bands, red ribbons – in recognition of Dal’s favourite colour and beloved Bombers – and many proudly inked his #8 on their arms in honour of the 17-year-old.

It was an emotional day for the young footballer’s family, friends and teammates but his Under 18 side recorded a heartfelt win in the Indigenous Round match and the A Grade, A Reserve and B Reserve netballers, Women’s footballers and Under 14 footballers also triumphed.

The family and club face another tough hurdle today as they bid Dallas farewell in a service at St Mary’s Catholic Church before he is laid to rest at the Harcourt Cemetery. Vale Dallas.

Dallas friends and Under 18 teammates Curtis McLennan, Callam De Bono, and Archie Rixon lay a #8 floral tribute in his honour. Photo: Max Lesser.
Netballers donned red ribbons in honour of Dallas. Photo: CFNC.
The Castlemaine Women’s side powered to victory over Thunder. Photo: Max Lesser

Campbells Creek teams celebrate big funding win

By
Jade Jungwirth
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Members of the Campbells Creek Football and Netball Club with Cr Driscoll, Cr McClure, Mayor Annear and MP Maree Edwards following funding announcement for new netball courts.

After years of campaigning for better facilities, the Campbells Creek Football Netball Club (CCFNC) is celebrating a win with the announcement of $250,000 in state government funding and a further $300,000 from the Mount Alexander Shire Council to build new netball courts. 

The funding for new courts is welcome news following the club’s recess in 2021. Unable to field Senior football side CCFNC spent the time furiously fundraising, lobbying and recruiting, resulting in husband and wife duo Kris and Jordan Bagley coming on as senior football and senior netball coaches. Actively recruiting through media interviews and word of mouth the club was able to recruit a number of new senior football and netball players and last year the club sided their first A Grade team since 2018 and had their first Under 11s netball team. 

Netball Manager May Pratt told the Mail that the Under 15s made finals last year, the Under 11s netball team hasn’t lost a game this year and the Under 13s and C Grade sides are sitting in the top eight in their respective grades. 

“We are definitely building momentum as a club. We have full Senior and Reserves footy sides, as well as an Under 11.5s footy team who’ve had a couple of wins,” May said. 

The proposed design for the new netball courts will feature a full-sized court, a half-court, lighting, new shelter sheds, and footpaths. While the new netball facilities are gratefully received there is still quite a way to go to improve the sub-par conditions at the 159-year-old club’s community sporting venue. 

Most notably the change facilities for netballers are still less than ideal, with club netballers changing inside toilet facilities and visiting clubs changing in old, run-down portable buildings. 

“We are so excited to get this funding. The courts that we have now are not up to code, with no room for the umpires, water pooling on the court, and players and visitors walking through the mud to access the courts,” May said. 

“We just need the facilities to match our growing success and hopefully entice even more players over to the Creek!” 

While making the funding announcement Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards noted that the CCFNC has been so passionate about getting development for the facility. 

“CCFNC has a powerful history, including a lot of ups and downs over the past 10 years,” stated Ms Edwards. 

“This is on the back of a lot of hard work from all of you. There is always a lot more to do but this is a good start.” 

Mayor Rosie Annear spoke of when she first visited the reserve and how horrified she was to think how the club had survived so long with the facilities they had. She noted how much heart and passion the club and the community have put in to achieve the upgrades. 

“Historically it feels like Campbells Creek gets forgotten about. This is the start of things falling into place and more can be done. The new netball courts, shelter, and lights are an actual game changer – to have somewhere that is safe and accessible for everyone,” commented Mayor Annear. 

Authorities act on Castlemaine tent city

By
Jade Jungwirth
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As the housing crisis worsens the visibility of homelessness is becoming more apparent and if you’ve driven along Barker Street over the last few weeks its likely you will have noticed the large encampment underneath the Street Rod Centre of Australia sign. 

A Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) spokesperson told the Mail that the council became aware of the issue relating to unsightly land and general amenity and is working with the land owner to address these concerns. 

“Council has liaised with appropriate agency providers to make contact with the individuals concerned in order to address their specific needs,” said the MASC spokesperson 

According to Castlemaine CFA Captain Terry Franklin the land on which the encampment sits belongs to Country Fire Authority. Up until recently the land was leased to another organisation, but it has since reverted back to the CFA. 

Assistant Chief Fire Officer from CFA District 2 Steve Alcock told the Mail the CFA will fence the area off this week and clean up the site whilst working with police and the council to move the individual somewhere more appropriate. 

“The situation has been going on for the last few weeks. We have made numerous attempts to engage the person so we can relocate them to somewhere more appropriate, clean up the mess and return the land to a more suitable nature,” Alcock said. 

Castlemaine Police Acting Senior Sergeant Mick Peckham said that it was his understanding that the individual living at the site has been moved from area to area. 

“It’s far from ideal but the police don’t have the resources to solve the core problem,” Peckham said. 

“Until a more permanent solution can be found, we are just going to see more and more of this and at this time of year it is very cold and wet for someone to be living in a tent on the side of the road. Police members have spoken to the individual on the site in order to try and resolve the matter.” 

Peckham said that it’s great that people in our community want to help, but it’s important to understand that every circumstance is different. 

“There can be family violence, mental health, drug and alcohol and financial concerns and we have to treat each case on it’s own merit,” commented Peckham. 

“We don’t always want to be the bad guys – we really want to help, but unfortunately there are no easy answers.” 

“If you are struggling with an issue please call the police and we will listen and try to help by putting in referrals.” 

If you are experiencing/or are worried about someone experiencing homelessness please contact Housing Victoria on 1800 825 955 or contact Dhelkaya Community Health on 5479 1000. 

Update on the redevelopment of Chewton’s Wesleyan church

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Mount Alexander Shire Council is continuing work to repair and restore the former Wesleyan Church in Chewton. 

Built in the 1850s the historic church has sat vacant since 2010. 

In 2017 the council resolved to sell the building, however, following advocacy efforts by members of the community, councillors determined in 2021 to undertake works to restore the former church. 

Works began in November 2022 and have included the removal of rotten and damaged timber and concrete flooring, roof repairs, brick repairs, and restoration. 

Stage two works proposed for 2023-2024 include the installation of an accessible entrance to the building, an accessible toilet and a kitchenette to support community use of the building once complete. 

The church will remain closed to the public over the coming year whilst works continue. 

For more information, contact Michelle Hayward, Council’s Buildings and Projects Coordinator on m.hayward@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or 5471 1700. 

Minor flooding after deluge

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Castlemaine SES crews attended three minor flooding incidents on Wednesday morning and a further call out on Wednesday night as heavy rain swept across the region. 

Castlemaine SES member Bob Pratt said they recorded 40mm of rain in the 24 hours from 9am Wednesday to 9am Thursday. 

“We also had call outs about two trees over roads Wednesday evening and a further tree down Thursday morning. 

“Fortunately the storm has not resulted in too much damage and we don’t expect too much more rain,” he said. 

The volunteer said the majority of flood damage was the result of blocked drains backing up and water coming into houses. 

“It’s a timely reminder to make sure you check your drains and gutters ahead of any forecast rain and ensure they are cleared and ready to cope,” he said. 

Castlemaine golfers vie for glory

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Helen McEwen and Julie Bottomley won the Women’s 4BBB at the annual tournament.

Castlemaine Golf Club's Annual Tournament (May 28-30) attracted 155 players, who enjoyed the buzz of all the activity over the three days. A lot of work went into the preparation of the course, and th...

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