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Small businesses performing big acts of kindness

By
Jade Jungwirth
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Patricia Cridge from Sprout Bakery has been providing free soup to people needing food and companionship every week for the last two years..
Patricia Cridge from Sprout Bakery has been providing free soup to people needing food and companionship every week for the last two years.

The pandemic brought disease, medical masks, fear and uncertainty into our small regional towns. It brought out the best and the worst in people and and for many it completely isolated them from the world. The ongoing impacts on people’s physical and mental health are still being felt across our region and the around world. With rising costs of living and a lack of affordable housing compounding peoples’s daily struggles, it’s more important than ever to treat each other with kindness and respect.
A number of individuals and small businesses in Castlemaine have been working quietly and diligently behind the scenes to provide those in need with a little extra support and relief from their hardships.
Patricia Cridge from Sprout Bakery told the Mail that as an essential business that remained open during COVID-19 the staff were seeing a lot of people who were really needing a place to come and talk.
“Then there was one of those sudden lockdowns and we were left with a lot of bread that businesses could no longer use. We offered it to the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Salvation Army and were told that on any given night there will be 17 people sleeping rough in Castlemaine. That’s how the weekly soup nights started,” said Patricia.
Since that time, Patricia and her staff have served over 5000 bowls of free soup, providing people with nourishment, a community and a listening ear.
“It’s not always people who can’t afford food, but people who are socially isolated, particularly single women and older men,” Patricia noted.
“We’re not trained, but just check in with people.
“With mortgages rising and a lack of affordable housing, we’re seeing a lot of families coming in now too,” Patricia commented.
Sprout has received a lot of community support since they began their free soup Mondays two years earlier, with donations of leftovers from Harvest Fruit and Veg, community members dropping off surplus fruit and vegetables, donations from Harcourt CWA and help from a range of volunteers.
Local artist and published author Trace Balla, who was living alone and feeling isolated during the pandemic, started coming to the soup nights and found great comfort in the company.
“It was nice to have a little family to eat with and to get to know people of all ages, a lot of whom are in similar situations,” said Trace.
Trace decided to write a song about the soup nights, using comments from the participants to inspire her lyrics. With the aid of a musician friend she put the words to a song. They then secretly practiced before performing to those gathered at Sprout for their weekly soup.
“The chorus was, ‘soup tastes sweeter when you eat it with others, sharing soup with your sisters and brothers,” Trace told the Mail.
“And soon everyone was singing along.”
Sprout are not the only business in Castlemaine quietly working behind the scenes to provide dignity to those in our community that are doing it tough.
Livio Lizzul and Carolyn Spencer, owners of Castlemaine Fitness, have been providing free showers to those in need for the past eight years.

Livio Lizzul from Castlemaine Fitness has been providing free showers for people in need for the past eight years.

“Sometimes its for people who are homeless or others who are struggling,” said Livio
“I’ve been there and done that and what goes around comes around.”
Laura Keogh, owner of Sac’O’Suds Launderette, has also partnered with Orange Sky, a volunteer organisation that helps connect people with regular laundry and shower services. People who are doing it tough, or need some positive connection can chat with the volunteers and access free washing at the local launderette.
“If you are doing it tough, or are just looking for some connection, then bring along your washing, or just yourself to one of our shifts,” Laura said.
“Volunteering with Orange Sky is super easy! You don’t need to be a pro at washing clothes, you just need to love a good yarn, be positive and non-judgement, and a great team player. I am happy to show our volunteers the ropes,” she said.
Sac’O’Suds Launderette located at 231 Barker Street provides free laundry services to those in financial hardship every Thursday from 1 pm to 3 pm.
Sprout Bakery located at the Mill 1/9 Walker Street provide free soup to those in financial hardship every Monday 4.30 pm 6 pm.
Castlemaine Fitness Centre 23A Lyttleton Street. Free shower passes can be accessed at St Vincent’s De Pauls 244 Barker Street.
For more information or to volunteer at Orange Sky visit: orangesky.org.au/.

Driver injured in Johnstone Street crash

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Castlemaine SES, CFA and police responded to a two car collision in Johnstone Street Castlemaine on Monday afternoon.
Leading Senior Constable Bannon of the Castlemaine Police said the accident occurred around 4pm.
“A white sedan has come to a stop to turn right into Maclise Street, when a black sedan collided with the rear of the vehicle,” she said.
“The driver of the offending vehicle was injured and was conveyed to hospital for treatment. The occupants of the white sedan escaped injury,” Leading Senior Constable Bannon said.
Castlemaine CFA volunteers and members of the public worked to divert traffic as SES members and CFA personnel worked to free the injured driver.
Traffic was diverted around the scene for over an hour as tow trucks were brought in and emergency crews cleared up the scene. Police are investigating the cause of the accident.

Duck casualties continue to soar

By
Lisa Dennis
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Dead, sick and injured ducks and birdlife continued to be pulled from the Bells Swamp Conservation Reserve just outside Maldon this week.
Up to 150 plus birds were recovered by volunteers up to Sunday and more than 260 in a massive Parks Victoria operation at the swamp on Tuesday.
Parks Victoria District Manager Suzanne Hughes confirmed more than 350 birds have been found dead at Bells Swamp Nature Reserve between Thursday and 4pm Tuesday, with injured or sick birds being removed for monitoring and care.
“Samples have been taken for testing and we will progressively receive results over the coming week,” she said.
“Parks Victoria have appointed an Incident Controller to manage response to this incident, with 25 personnel on site Tuesday including staff, vets and volunteers from Parks Victoria, Wildlife Victoria, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and other groups,” Ms Hughes said.
“We appreciate the support and concern of community members, but no further volunteers are required at this stage and we’re asking that people stay away from the reserve until further notice. It is important that disturbance to the birds is limited, and all activities are managed to ensure animal welfare and responder safety. Do not enter the water, do not handle sick or dead birds without authorisation, and take care that pets are kept away from the area,” she said.
The beginnings of the mass casualty event were first reported on January 29.
Local wildlife carer Sam saw a post on Castlemania where a local resident reported seeing 13 dead ducks at the site and queried what had occurred. As a bird lover he decided to head out and investigate.
Sam and two fellow wildlife rescue volunteers initially located 25 deceased wood ducks, teal ducks, pacific black ducks, purple swamp hens and dusky moorhens and sick ducks exhibiting symptoms of C. botulinum (Avian Botulism) were also recovered and taken into care.
“Initially there were fears that it may have been an act of illegal duck shooting, however on closer investigation it appears that the ducks may have died as a result of poisoning or disease,” he said.
Over the next week the wildlife rescuer and fellow volunteers visited the site daily and had retrieved close to 150 plus dead birds and 49 sick birds by last Sunday evening.
“The sick birds are a mix of pacific black, teals, wood ducks, herons, coots and a darter,” he said.
Hopefully testing will shed some light on the issue shortly so that authorities can look to combat the cause.

My Castlemaine with Young Australian of the Year Bodie Maffescioni

By
Jade Jungwirth
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Hi Bodie, congratulations on winning Young Australian of the Year! How did you feel when you found out you’d won?
They called me before the event and I didn’t know what to say! I was very surprised.
How did you come to work at Windarring as a disability support worker?
I finished high school in 2019 and I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I called a careers advisor and they asked what I was interested in and I told them I like to help people. I’ve always been passionate about mental health but didn’t feel I’d had the life experience so the advisor suggested disability support work. Two days later I signed up for the course.
I did my placement at Windarring and they hired me as soon as my course finished. I’ve been there for two and a half years now.
The people are amazing. They make me laugh every day and each day is different. I get to see the guys grow and do new things and work towards their goals. It’s so rewarding.
I see the group as my second family, I’m there pretty much every day.
It sounds like an amazing place to work! You’ve been involved in youth projects too. Tell us a little about those.
In high school, the school nurse and I started up a program called the Health Action Team or HAT. We’d promote health events, have guest speakers, and run events raising awareness of mental health. I also joined YAG- the Youth Advisory Group with Mount Alexander Shire Council in 2018. It’s a way for young people to have input around the shire and run events for young people.
You’re a huge advocate for youth mental health can you tell us how that came about?
I am really passionate about mental health. I’ve had bad mental health in the past, depression, anxiety, and social anxiety. I found that stepping out of my comfort zone and reaching out was helpful. Helping myself as well as others. COVID hit pretty hard, it’s literally been since I left school, but I’ve just booked a trip to Japan in April and I’ve been going to a bunch of concerts. I’m going to see a K-Pop group called Stray Kids in Melbourne this weekend.
That all sounds really exciting! What other interests do you have?
Music. I love sound design and I have a guitar and a keyboard. I’m into all music- everything from electronic to orchestral. Music has always been referred to as a universal language.
I’m also quite a nerd. I like video games and anime.
Are there any philosophies you live life by?
Treat people how you’d want to be treated. Everyone has their own thing going on so empathy and treating people with respect are important.
Finally, you’ve lived in Castlemaine your whole life, what do you love about living here?
It’s a nice place to grow up. Living in a small town you get to know people. Home is a place that you can always go back to and feel safe – but I do want to explore more and try living in other places.

New book on Ravenswood South offers fascinating insights into our past

By
Lisa Dennis
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Historian Ken James is pictured with his latest book on Ravenswood South.
Historian Ken James is pictured with his latest book on Ravenswood South.

Melbourne based local historian Ken James has been quietly working away behind the scenes on another local history offering this time on Ravenswood South.
Ken’s latest book is set to be launched at the Harcourt Valley Heritage and Tourist Centre at the ANA Hall in Harcourt this Sunday February 19.
The prolific author has penned numerous books on the history of townships across the Mount Alexander Shire and beyond.
Ken has a connection to the local area and fascination with its history with his great great grandparents, William and Elizabeth James, having lived at Golden Point, Chewton between 1857 and 1875.
Ken said with his latest book on Ravenswood South he was very fortunate to have access to a small booklet put together by the local Ravenswood South School committee in 1975 to celebrate the school centenary as a starting reference.
“The information it provided about the school and school families and also aspects of the district history was invaluable,” Ken said.
Ken was also very appreciative of the assistance he received from George Milford of the Harcourt Valley Heritage and Tourist Centre.
Ken said Ravenswood South School No. 1546 was unique as it was the only school in Victoria to have its own apple orchard located within the school grounds.
“Initially 20 trees were planted early in the 1930s in association with the Young Farmers branch at the school.
“The Ravenswood South students were very successful at school apple packing competitions held in conjunction with the Royal Melbourne Show, winning many trophies and a shield,” Ken said.
In 1943, a new orchard was laid out as most of the original trees had been ruined by rabbits and hares. The new orchard was situated in front of the school, the trees planted being donated by H Keck and Sons nurserymen of Bendigo.
The school eventually closed in 1982.
Ken says the history of the notorious Porcupine Inn located at the head of Bullock Creek on the road to Bendigo also makes for an interesting aspect to this latest book.
“It opened in 1846 in a wattle and daub shack that was destroyed by fire, being replaced by stone and brick premises in 1852. It served as a changeover post for Cobb and Co coaches. There were seven publicans between 1846 and 1864,” Ken said.
“The first was Samuel Hawkings otherwise know as Samuel Hawkins. He was from Cornwall and may have named the Inn after the Porcupine Inn of his birthplace, which was a prominent landmark on the Tywardreath Highway near St Austell, Cornwall.
“This Cornish Inn was named after one of the local magistrates, called Rundle, who was nicknamed “Old Pricklyback”. Nothing remains of the local Inn as it was demolished in 1971 by the Country Roads Board to make way for the Porcupine Overpass,” Ken said.
The historian said another interesting discovery was that between the years 1851 and 1855, in an attempt to keep order on the Forest Creek diggings, no liquor licences were issued. This resulted in Saw Pit Gully (Elphinstone) and the Porcupine Inn being the closest liquor supply to the goldfields and from where much sly grog was sought.
“The premises soon became quite infamous as “the harbour of vilest characters” and horrifying stories were told of diggers who entered its doors only to disappear along with their gold,” Ken said.
In late 1853 or in early 1854, the Porcupine police station also opened, situated 13 miles from Castlemaine and 12 miles from Sandhurst, and a short time later 154 acres was set aside to rest horses for the two police districts.
The district was initially referred to as Porcupine after the Inn, and when the school opened in 1865, Ken doesn’t know why it as called South Ravenswood rather than Porcupine.
“It is possibly because the name was already part of two other schools – Porcupine Flat near Maldon and Porcupine Ridge near Daylesford,” he said.
In more recent times it was determined the name of a region should be placed first with its location second – Ravenswood South – to streamline postal services and avoid confusion.
To get your hands on Ken’s latest book get along to the Harcourt launch at 2pm this Sunday, February 19 or pick up a copy at the Castlemaine Visitor Centre at the Historic Market Building after that date.

Ravenswood South School students are proudly pictured with their apple packing awards with a representative of the Department of Agriculture and their head teacher.

Castlemaine climate rally

By
Jade Jungwirth
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A number of local schoolchildren are regularly involved in striking for action on climate change. Photo courtesy Kyla Brettle.

On March 3 school students and community members will be gathering in Victory Park for a climate rally and march as part of a global movement.
People worldwide will join together to strike in hopes of putting pressure on the Australian government to do more about climate change.
According to local activist Gigi Dores, Australia is still funding tens of billions of dollars annually despite the country’s commitment to the Paris agreement.
“These are destroying First Nation’s land and worsening the climate crisis. We are not on track to meet the Paris agreement and the federal government’s continued support of fossil fuels is an enormous factor in that failure,” Gigi stated.
“Actions are being taken across the nation and the world in line with the global strike date to demand people in power take more responsibility for our future and make sure that global warming is limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius.”
School students and other concerned members of the community are inviting people to join the gathering at 1.30pm on Friday March 3 at Victory Park in Castlemaine to join the fight against a worsening climate crisis.

Woolworths supermarket build to start soon

By
Lisa Dennis
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Construction on Castlemaine’s new Woolworths supermarket is scheduled to begin around Easter 2023.
Excitement is building after signage confirming the new development went up on the former gasworks site last week.
Lascorp Investment Group National Development Manager Rob Harris told the Mail after receiving the permit for the new development in December they have been working with Mount Alexander Shire Council to meet conditions and finalise approvals from the relevant authorities, negotiate use of the road reserve and parkland, complete the design drawings needed to build and are close to appointing a builder for the project.
Mr Harris said that once negotiations and permit approvals are complete and the builder is appointed they will fence off the site, demolish the final two homes in Forest Street and then construction will begin.
“We have been working really hard behind the scenes to ensure this project would be ready to go once we finalise our permit,” he said.
Mr Harris said the feedback they have received about the new supermarket has been overwhelmingly positive and they are excited to be able to move forward with the build.
“As I have said previously Castlemaine is the only town of its size in Australia not to have access to two full-line supermarkets,” he said.
“This new supermarket will offer the local community choice and competition and will have positive flow on effects for other local businesses,” he said.
“When in town to do their shop community members and visitors might pop into a local business to buy a gift for a family member, stop for a coffee, drop into the newsagents. It will keep money local,” he said.
He noted that some community members continue to voice concerns about potential soil contamination at the former gasworks site.
“Significant clean up works were previously undertaken at the site in line with EPA requirements,” he said.
Mr Harris said the developer is also no longer required to monitor water quality in Forest Creek.
“The EPA has deemed that the water quality is at a level where testing is no longer required.
“During construction soil on the site will be dealt with according to its classification and if required will be removed and taken to disposal facilities in Melbourne,” he said.
Mr Harris said the new supermarket is the best possible outcome the local community could wish for the site.
“The new development will effectively see all surfaces sealed,” he said.
“This is a first class architecturally designed development which will not only enhance the site but also the entrance to Castlemaine,” he said.
“It (VCAT) was a challenging process but the community had its chance to have a say and provide input and we think the final design is a terrific outcome for Castlemaine.”
Mr Harris said once they break ground it is estimated that the construction of the new supermarket will take around 10 to 12 months to complete.
“We hope it will be open for business by Easter 2024 all going well,” he said.
A Woolworths spokesperson confirmed the supermarket retailer is looking forward to establishing its store in Castlemaine.
“As our customers increasingly look for convenient shopping locations close to where they live and work, we’ve had the opportunity to enter into a lease agreement for a site in Castlemaine,” the spokesperson said.
“Our new Castlemaine store will be designed to meet the needs of the local community, with a focus on quality fresh food.
“We look forward to sharing a further update as the project nears completion, which is anticipated to be next year,” the spokesperson said.

Proposed changes to local laws for tiny homes

By
Castlemaine Mail
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With the housing crisis still biting hard, residents are being encouraged to have their say on proposed changes to a local law one of which would make tiny homes on wheels (THOW) a longer-term housing option.

Mount Alexander Shire Council commenced a 28-day community consultation process last Friday on proposed amendments to Local Law 13: camping on private property. If supported, the changes would allow people to live in a tiny home on wheels (THOW) indefinitely on a property, where there is already a house, without a permit.

The current local law requires THOWs to have a permit that lasts a maximum of six months, with possible extensions of up to a maximum of two years.

My Home Network (MHN) spokesperson Kaz Neilson said,

“We feel this indefinite time frame is a step in the right direction in an integrated approach to increase the diversity of affordable housing for our community.

“We recognise THOW local law needs common sense conditions to be met. We would also like to explore how to streamline the process, other waste management options other than removing waste off-site, and the option of rental agreements for THOW.

“We have a mismatch of housing supply and demand with only two percent of housing in our shire as one-bedroom units when 33 percent of our community are one-person households.

Nearly 90 percent of local tenants cannot afford their rent and the median cost of a house in Mount Alexander Shire is $720,000. A tiny home on wheels can offer a great affordable housing solution to many.

We encourage the community to have their say, share their views etcetera by visiting www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au. The deadline for input is Friday, March 3.

If you would like to be part of the local housing solution, for more information on the MHN and the MHN tiny homes on wheels, vacant dwellings, advocacy, and home share working groups contact Ms Neilson on cneilson@castlemainehealth.org.au

My Home Network is auspiced by Dhelkaya Health and made up of passionate community members, locals with lived experience of the housing crisis, and representatives from local housing initiatives, community, and local and state government organisations.

The future of tiny homes

Mount Alexander Shire Council is asking for feedback on its plans to remove permit requirements for people seeking to put a caravan, tent, or tiny home on wheels on their property where there is a dwelling, indefinitely.

In December, Mount Alexander Shire Councillors resolved to invite the community to provide input on proposed changes to Local Law 13 – Camping on Private Property.

Currently, the local law requires property owners to apply for a permit to camp or occupy a caravan or tiny house on wheels (where there is an existing dwelling) for up to six months.

Changes under the proposal would mean that a person would be able to camp or occupy a caravan or tiny house on wheels on a property where there is an existing dwelling for an indefinite period of time and there would be no requirement for a permit. A person seeking to camp or occupy a caravan or tiny house on wheels on a property where there is no existing dwelling is still required to apply to the council for a permit through the existing process.

Regulatory conditions, such as the management of wastewater, sewerage, and domestic refuse, will still need to be properly managed by the property owner and taken off-site for appropriate legal disposal at a dump point. Penalties may apply to property owners who do not comply with these requirements.

Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Mayor, Councillor Rosie Annear said she was looking forward to hearing from the community on the issue.

“There has been a lot of discussion over the years about ways the council can support the increase of affordable housing in our community”, said Mayor Annear.

“We’re hoping that the proposed change to the existing local law will go some way towards addressing this.

“I encourage you to tell us what you think about what we’re proposing as part of this consultation. What are your concerns? What do we need to consider? Let us know because we’re listening”, said Mayor Annear.

Finding a place to call home

For Kathryn McGoldrick, living in a tiny home is the “perfect fit”.

66-year-old Kathryn McGoldrick in her tiny home.

“I know tiny homes alone aren’t the solution to the housing crisis and I know they are not suitable for everyone,” the 66-year-old said.

“But for me, a tiny home is the most viable, affordable, and sustainable solution.

“I live very simply and have minimal possessions and I am passionate about ethical living.

“My tiny home reflects my values – I absolutely love it. It is the perfect fit.”

Ms McGoldrick is just days away from moving into her first ever home of her own – a tiny home on wheels measuring 8 x 2.4 metres, quietly tucked away alongside an established home in Castlemaine.

For the former teacher, it will be the end of five long decades of having to find an affordable place to rent only to move again the following year, or a room in a suitable share house, a housesit whenever they came up, or a friend with a spare room she could stay in for a while.

Her story reflects those of other single women over the age of 55 — the fastest-growing demographic of people experiencing homelessness in Australia. A partnership breakdown,

intermittent work between raising two children as a single mother, little superannuation — along with a shrinking rental market, a blowout in public housing waiting lists and skyrocketing house prices — were converging to create a bleak future.

But thanks to frugal living and saving whenever she could over the years, Ms McGoldrick’s dream of having her own home is materialising before her eyes.

After decades of instability and upheaval, proposed changes to Mount Alexander Shire’s Local Law 13: camping on private property would give her the stability she so needs.

If supported, the changes would allow people to live in a tiny home on wheels (THOW) where there is already a house, indefinitely. Some common-sense conditions would need to be met including appropriate sustainable management of waste and all-weather access.

“It’s something I never thought was possible,” Ms McGoldrick said. 

“I’ve always been living in someone else’s home, with their things, their belongings, their values …and having to move again soon enough, never knowing where.

“It feels so incredibly grounding to have found a place that’s my place, where I can have my things in it, live out my values, do whatever I want in it.

“It’s not just a place to call home – it’s my home.”

For more information on tiny houses visit www.tinyhouse.org.au.

Town Folk Festival returns!

By
Lisa Dennis
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Castlemaine-based singer/songwriter Felicity Cripps and her band will be among the 16 acts to perform at the second annual Town Folk Festival on February 11.
Castlemaine-based singer/songwriter Felicity Cripps and her band will be among the 16 acts to perform at the second annual Town Folk Festival on February 11.

Castlemaine’s highly anticipated second annual Town Folk Festival returns Saturday February 11.
Bringing together 16 of the best contemporary artists from around Victoria and beyond to Castlemaine, Town Folk Festival celebrates diverse, compelling and exciting music under the ever-widening umbrella of folk.
The one-day festival will take place on Dja Dja Wurrung Country across four stages in three venues, The Bridge Hotel, Shedshaker Brewing and Boomtown Winery, all a short walking distance from each other and packed with an afternoon-into-evening of musical greatness, food, drinks and company.
Town Folk Festival founder, Bridge Hotel owner and Applejack Music promoter Jeremy Furze said Town Folk Festival began as an idea to get some of his favourite contemporary folk bands and musicians together in one place and celebrate music of a slower, softer persuasion.
“This kind of music is often overlooked by mainstream media and events but there’s a wonderful community around it,” Jeremy said.
“The 2023 Town Folk is shaping up to be a superb day for music lovers of Castlemaine. The sun will be out and the line-up is looking hot!” he said.
Those to feature will include local acts such as Big Scary, Felicity Cripps Band and The Maes.
Castlemaine’s Jo Syme from Big Scary looks forward to being part of Saturday’s event.
“I went along to the first one in 2022 as a punter and I look forward to performing this time around on the outdoor stage alongside the Bridge Hotel with my Melbourne bandmate Tom Iansek,” Jo said.
The Theatre Royal’s own Felicity Cripps and her band will also feature. Cripps’ unique song-writing style evokes dream-scapes and celestial imagery, yet isn’t afraid to get gritty and dark. Duelling guitars, bass and drums support colourful vocal melodies andclose-knit harmonies. The result is uplifting and joyous, especially when witnessed live.
The Maes (sisters Maggie and Elsie Rigby) grew up the children of folk musicians, immersed in folk festivals, choir rehearsals and campfire sessions and look forward to playing this newly created local festival.
The sisters have been touring the world since 2014, playing some of the world’s most prestigious roots music festivals, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in the USA, Edmonton Folk Festival in Canada and the Woodford Folk Festival and WOMADelaide in Australia. Don’t miss the chance to see them right here!
In addition to our local artists visiting artists will include Phoebe Go, Folk Bitch Trio, Jade Imagine, Maple Glider, The Rechords and Workhorse just to name a few. Tickets are selling fast so grab yours today!
For the full line-up and tickets visit www.townfolkfestival.com

Community prepares to celebrate 30 years of Fringe

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Castlemaine artist Diane Thompson with a fish mask used in the 'Walking the Fish' street parade in the 1992 Fringe Festival.
Castlemaine artist Diane Thompson with a fish mask used in the 'Walking the Fish' street parade in the 1992 Fringe Festival.

In 1992 a group of Castlemaine creatives came together to plan for a new event showcasing the local arts community.
Designed to complement the Castlemaine State Festival, the Fringe Festival celebrates local, grassroots and community lead art and artists. Featuring a street parade, a samba band, and a program of interactive arts activities the very first Castlemaine Fringe Festival was held in October 1992.
Three decades on Castlemaine Fringe is thriving, remaining vibrant and connected to its community. As part of this year’s festival, Fringe will host a retrospective exhibition celebrating 30 years of community art on the Fringe.
Have you been involved with Fringe over the years as an artist, performer, participant or supporter? Castlemaine Fringe is looking for memorabilia, paraphernalia and collectables from 30 years of festival activities. Maybe you have some old posters, photos, banners or even t-shirts from past festivals? Dig deep in your cupboards, down the back of your filing cabinets, out in the shed and you never know what rich archival gems you will discover!
For those people who remember the very first Fringe Festival back in October 1992, make sure you catch Walking the Fish: The birth of the Castlemaine Fringe a documentary film made by local film maker Michael Harkin. It features original footage, snippets from ABC coverage of the event and interviews with key players who shaped the first ever festival.
Walking the Fish will be screened as part of the Castlemaine Documentary Festival’s (C-Doc) LOCALS night at the Theatre Royal during this year’s festival.
This year’s Fringe Festival program is packed with highlights including theatre, music, exhibitions, comedy and street performances galore. The Fringe Festival’s 2023 program is being launched with a community celebration at the Castlemaine Botanical Garden Tearooms next Sunday February 19 from 5pm to 8pm. Everyone is welcome to come along, pick up a copy of the program, meet some of the event producers, and find out what’s in store.
There will be live music and circus entertainment and a licenced bar. Bring a plate to share and join the Fringe crew to celebrate three decades of Fringe.
For more information visit the Fringe on Facebook or go to their website at www.castlemainefringe.org.au.

RIP Corro Corolla

By
Jade Jungwirth
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Corro Corolla was loved by many in the community.

The much-loved Lot 19 Arts Space car Corro Corolla was stolen from its home in Castlemaine sometime last week and has since been declared undrivable.
The 1994 corolla was gifted to Mark Anstey, owner of Lot 19 in 2014. Mark, an artist, and visionary saw potential in the little green car, and with the help of mates, many cans of paint, and hours of work giving the car the appearance of corrugated iron, Corro Corolla was born.
“Corro became a mascot for the place,” Mark told the Mail.
“I kept it registered and insured so people in the community could use it when they needed.”
Last week a young person appropriated the vehicle and proceeded to remove the sign from the roof (later found at the offender’s home). The young man then carefully taped the windows before spray painting it with care, including taking the time to stencil intricate leaf patterns. The muffler was removed and a meticulously wired light was mounted to the roof.
“He really made it his own,” Mark said.
“He had a tape of Bruce Springsteen in the tape deck, a 9 1/2 Weeks soundtrack, and various belongings.”
According to Castlemaine Police Acting Sergeant Brendan McManus the vehicle was then driven around Castlemaine and driven on the golf course, tearing up the fairways.
“Police recovered the vehicle which was taken to Tingay’s Smash Repairs. The offender then broke into Tingay’s by cutting the fence. Unable to find the car, he slept in a smashed-up van overnight, before sneaking into the workshop. He was discovered by employees the following morning wearing a balaclava and gloves,” Acting Sergeant McManus explained.
Once the vehicle was returned home, Mark soon discovered that Corro Corolla had not survived the ordeal.
“It feels like a loss, a death. It really did mean a lot to a lot of people,” Mark said.
“My girlfriend’s son has recently turned 18. I’d been teaching him to drive in that car and had told him he could have it when he got his license. He was absolutely chuffed, so that’s very disappointing.
“Fortunately we do have another old car on the horizon that we will paint and restore to give back to give back to the community.”
A member of the Lot 19 community Helen Bodycomb said she had borrowed the car on occasion.
“It was very chitty chitty bang bang and friendly to drive,” Helen said.
A funeral will be held for Corro Corolla at 11am on April 15 at Lot 19 to allow those who loved Corro Corolla to have the opportunity to speak, sing or contribute art to the event.
The offender has been charged by the police and will appear before the Castlemaine Magistrates Court later this month, but Mark is hoping some form of restorative justice could be implemented.

Excitement builds for Gift

By
Jade Jungwirth
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Race to the finish line at the 70 metre open Gift final. Photo: Neil Jamieson Photography.

The Castlemaine Gift is fast approaching! Scheduled for Sunday February 26 at Camp Reserve the juniors will take off at 10am, with the professional races commencing at around 11am. Castlemaine Gift coordinator Darryl Nettleton said they are expecting 250-300 runners to descend on the shire for the event.
The athletics event will feature a variety of heats throughout the day including the prestigious men’s and women’s Gifts, the women’s 400 metres, the veteran’s event, and the invitational, with the day concluding at 6.30pm.
Any children aged between five and 13 who are interested in running can turn up on the day and will be divided into age and gender groups.
Organiser Darryl Nettleton has been involved in professional running since the age of 28 as a runner, trainer, and handicapper and is proud to have had a long association with the local race meeting.
“There are no athletic events like it in the shire,” Darryl said.
“Professional running had its beginnings on the Victorian goldfields way back in the 1800s. But the first running of the Castlemaine Gift at the Camp Reserve, run in a professional manner by the Victorian Athletic League, took place on Boxing Day in 1922,” he said.
“I first started organising the Castlemaine Gift in 1993 and after some time off decided to bring it back in 2016.”
The Mineral Council of Australia is a major sponsor of this year’s men’s and women’s Gifts, and a supporter of Youth Take Over, a group of young people getting work experience with various organisations. The Youth Take Over Team is currently working with a local web design agency, We Push Buttons, to create a website and marketing material for this year’s Castlemaine Gift.
Mineral Council of Australia CEO James Sorahan said they are pleased to support the Gift especially given the long history of running in Victoria’s gold mining history in the region.
“It’s a great local event and Darryl does a great job organising it,” James said.
Other main sponsors include; Leech Earthmoving and Maree Edwards who are contributing to the women’s Gift, Castlemaine Rotary Club and McClures Excavations – women’s 400m, The Mill -3200m race, Mount Alexander Community Enterprise (MtACE) – 125m men’s and women’s masters, Maxi IGA – 300m Masters, Castlemaine Mail- 400m restricted, Hilson Builders – women’s 600m and the veterans and My Goodness and Chewton Service Station sponsoring the 120m Invitational.
Entry to the Gift is $5 per person, ($3 for pensioners) and kids are free. There will delicious food and drink available for purchase from My Goodness and Chewton Service Station.

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