Over the years we’ve chatted to so many wonderful people and we thought it was time to put our staff in the spotlight! Kicking off the My Castlemaine Mail/Midland Express series is our wonderful Castlemaine Mail Editor Lisa Dennis.
Lisa, can you tell us a little bit about your early life?
I grew up in St Albans and moved to Castlemaine when I was 14 years old and went to school at CSC.
When did you first start writing?
I always loved books and always wanted to be a writer. My mum and dad bought me a typewriter when I was in primary school and I used to write little books and I remember meeting John Marsden at primary school. He was so inspiring. At some point, it dawned on me that unless I wrote a best seller I should do something else so I studied humanities at LaTrobe, which I enjoyed, but I still wasn’t on the right path.
What other jobs have you had over the years?
My first ever job was at the Harcourt General Store when I was 17. Then I got a job at Safeway in the seafood department at Bendigo Marketplace. I worked at Castle for two years in packing and slicing. I had applied for a cadetship at the Castlemaine Mail when I was in Year 12 and they told me to wait until I finished school. So I applied again when I was 20. I did the first 18 months of my cadetship in Kyneton and then transferred to Castlemaine. After I’d finished my three-year cadetship I studied remotely at Deakin completing my post-cadetship. It was so long ago that the work was done in hard copy and posted back.
You’re coming up on 26 years at the paper you must have seen a lot of changes during that time?
When I first started were still pasting the pages up and printing from a negative. We still had a darkroom and used film camera’s that we would take to get developed, which was always stressful, waiting to see what would come back. And the papers were still in black and white then! It was rare to have colour pages. The papers today look incredible with colour and the graphic design we have available. It’s pretty special to be a part of history – I’m only a small chapter in a long history. I’ve been the Editor for the past six years and since I started working here I’ve married a local boy and had three babies.
What are the good and bad elements of your job?
It’s a real privilege to tell people’s stories and I’m always amazed at the people that live here.
I hate covering accidents. And it can be challenging to tackle some contentious issues but we always do our best to be balanced and give everyone a voice.
Have you travelled?
I’ve been to the UK, Paris, and Asia. I’ve been to Ireland, which was always somewhere I’d wanted to visit as my ancestors are from there. I’ve seen a lot of Australia too. We’re pretty blessed to have such incredible places to visit in our own country.
What are you reading at the moment?
Inheritance by the late local doctor Kath O’Connor and Telltale by Castlemaine’s Carmel Bird. That’s one of the perks of the job, we get copies of books before they hit the shelves.
What genres of music do you listen to?
I have a wide taste. My mum and dad introduced me to a lot when I was younger and I listen to some of the modern music the kids listen to. Oh, and I love Abba.
Who would your three dream dinner guests be?
Mum and Dad and JK Rowling. I’m a big nerd at heart. And if I write a book one day it would be fantasy so I would love to chat with her about how she builds her characters and how she juggled motherhood and writing.
What philosophy do you live life by?
Believe and achieve – I even have the saying in a frame on my desk at work. When you have two deadlines a week it’s a good adage. I also think you should treat others how you’d like to be treated.
Do you have time for any hobbies?
Netflix and chill. Spending time with my family and reading.
Finally, what do you love most about the place you call home?
The community. On the whole, it is such a welcoming, friendly, and vibrant community.
My Castlemaine with Castlemaine Mail editor Lisa Dennis
Castlemaine Documentary Festival – No one has the last word
Castlemaine Documentary Festival (C-Doc), now in its ninth year, will run from 16-18 June at the iconic Theatre Royal in Castlemaine, mainland Australia’s oldest continuously operating cinema.
The festival brings an outstanding selection of eight Australian and international feature-length films, along with stimulating panel discussions and conversations where viewers will have the chance to engage with filmmakers, panelists and other festival-goers. A selection of films will also be available to view online.
Several Australian films will premiere at the festival including Trained To See – 3 Women and the War, Equal the Contest, The Thief Collector and Weed & Wine.
Festival Director, Claire Jager says, “We are calling this 2023 edition of the Castlemaine Documentary Festival – No One Has The Last Word. The films in this year’s program are as entertaining as they are authoritative and generous, challenging our preconceived notions and norms, and inviting us to step into the lives of others and see their worlds.
“From the exhilarating tension, we feel as we see what’s happening deep beneath the ice caps, to the maverick Elvis-singing teacher who arms his young charges with lessons from Plato. The coming together of ancient cultures in a surprising take on our colonial past, the women trailblazers at the forefront of the birth of photojournalism, and the unravelling intrigue of secret double lives in a wildly entertaining film about a 1980s art heist.”
This year C-Doc introduces a second venue – The Yurt – a beautiful micro-cinema located within easy walking distance to the Theatre Royal. The Yurt features an alternative program of family-friendly sessions across Saturday and Sunday mornings and enticing programs for young people in the afternoons and evenings. It will also host an immersive interactive parlour game, Werewolves, for more daring festival-goers. C-Doc’s closing night will see the extraordinary early silent masterpiece, GRASS – made in 1925, accompanied by a live music score by ZÖJ – a Ballarat-based duo featuring the exquisite voice of Gelareh Pour and Persian Kamancheh, with Brian O’Dwyer on drum kit.
GRASS is testament to the sheer forces of nature and the human spirit as we witness the annual migration of the nomadic Bakhtiari tribe into Iran. Fifty thousand people and half a million animals make the perilous journey each year in search of fresh grasslands, crossing a raging river torrent nearly a kilometre wide and traversing over an impossible terrain up sheer snow-covered mountains to finally descend to their winter pasture.
To view C-Doc’s full program and to purchase tickets, visit cdocff.com.au.
Harcourt in the spotlight
Postcards‘ presenter Todd Woodbridge will be visiting Harcourt in this Sunday’s episode.
The former Australian professional tennis player and sports broadcaster with the Nine Network will be visiting Harcourt Produce and General Store, Rodilesa Nursery, and Henry of Harcourt as part of the episode filmed in the ‘Apple Centre of Victoria’ which airs this Sunday May 21 at 5.30pm on Channel 9 & 9NOW.
Woodbridge explores Harcourt (Dja Dja Wurrung Country) where his first stop is the Harcourt Produce and General Store for a delicious meal and chat with the owner, Annette Larsen.
At the Rodilesa Nursery he grabs a coffee from its cafe, the Nosh and Bevy, before taking a wander around the plants.
Todd follows up with a tasting at Henry of Harcourt, a family-run orchard specialising in traditional cider recipes and boutique varieties.
The episode ‘Wining and Dining Around Victoria’ will see Todd and the Postcards team wine and dine their way from the city to the country, showcasing more superb destinations in Victoria, including Oakwood Premier Melbourne hotel in Southbank, the Yarra Valley and Coldstream, and a culinary adventure in Armadale. Photo: Supplied.
Jim Crow Creek officially renamed
Jim Crow Creek has been renamed in the Victoria Government Gazette and will now be known as Larni Barramal Yaluk, meaning home or habitat of the Emu Creek in the Dja Dja Wurrung language.
Following years of campaigning from Hepburn Shire Council alongside project partners Mount Alexander Shire Council, North Central Catchment Management Authority and DJAARA, Geographic Names Victoria has gazetted the renaming of Jim Crow Creek.
The name Jim Crow is a pejorative term used for people of African American descent and was used to form the racial caste system that enforced racial segregation in the southern states of America between 1877 and the mid 1960’s.
Historical sources indicate that the name Jim Crow was given to the area of Lalgambook (Mt Franklin) by Captain John Hepburn in the 1830s and was used by squatters, government representatives and miners when referring to the mountain, the Aboriginal People’s, the creek, the goldfields and the district.
Mount Alexander Shire Council Mayor Cr Rosie Annear said that changing the name is important for many reasons.
“It recognises and honours the traditional owners of our region, is inclusive, and connects us to our Aboriginal heritage,” commented Mayor Annear.
“It also reinstates Dja Dja Wurrung language into the landscape, which is an action in council’s Reconciliation Action Plan.”
After consulting with the community and local Indigenous elders, Hepburn Shire Council and Mount Alexander Shire Council both resolved to request Geographic Names Victoria to rename the creek, which runs 26 kilometres from Breakneck Gorge in Hepburn Regional Park to the Loddon River below the Guildford Plateau at Strangways, at their Ordinary Council Meetings in April 2022.
Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Cr Brian Hood said the decision by Geographic Names Victoria was most welcomed.
“The term Jim Crow has its origins in racial segregation and anti-black racism and is therefore unacceptable,” Mayor Hood said.
“This change ties in with council’s ongoing reconciliation and recognition work. We are very pleased the creek is now formally renamed.”
A historic reference to the name Jim Crow Creek will be included in the VICNAMES register and will remain a part of the region’s history.
Rotary Art Show preparation in full swing
Preparations for the Rotary Club of Castlemaine’s 34th Annual Art Show on the King’s Birthday weekend, June 9-12, are in full swing.
Castlemaine Rotary Art Show committee convener Robert Cordy said they had a very strong show last year after the COVID cancellation the previous two years and are looking forward to another wonderful event.
“All the indications for the 2023 show are very encouraging,” he said.
Featured artist for 2023 is well-known Castlemaine artist Juliana Hilton.
Juliana’s first solo exhibition in 1966 paved the way for her long career. Her work is seen in both public and private galleries.
Catherine Tait is curating the show, with Sandra Knox hanging the entries.
The show will open daily from 10am across the King’s Birthday weekend, from Friday June 9 to Monday June 12, with a Gala Opening and presentation of prizes on Thursday June 8 at 7pm. Tickets will be available at the door.
Local businesses Belle Real Estate (formerly Waller Realty), Pyrenees Quarries, Gunangara, Maltby Property, Castlemaine Office Supplies and Parsons Motor & Body Shop are generously sponsoring prizes for the show.
With Rotary members and community supporters volunteering their time to stage the show, 100 per cent of proceeds are channelled into Rotary’s charity work and support for the community.
The accompanying Rotary Club of Castlemaine raffle, this year featuring limited edition artwork ‘Rubicon Valley’ by artist Jeff Makin as first prize, is being conducted once again this year. Tickets are $2 and available from Rotary members and at the Rotary table at Maxi IGA in the lead up to the June event.
Artist entries close this Sunday May 21. Artists who have entered previous Castlemaine Rotary Art Shows do not need to re-register.
New artists can find the link to register on the Castlemaine Rotary website Art Show page. Artworks to be lodged on Sunday June 4. Further enquiries can be made to artshowRCC@gmail.com
Chewton CFA flies the flag for inclusion
The Progress Pride Flag is flying at Chewton CFA station to acknowledge IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. IDAHOBIT takes place every year on May 17.
It was established in 1990 as a day for everyone to reflect on and take a stand against LGBTQIA+ discrimination.
This local CFA brigade has taken action to demonstrate that they aim to be a welcoming and inclusive brigade to everyone in the Chewton community and beyond. This is in keeping with CFA’s commitment to respecting and embracing all members, including people of all genders and sexualities.
Recent Chewton Brigade recruit Lil Waters says she was pleased by the brigade’s decision to acknowledge IDAHOBIT.
“It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, thanks to the work that LGBTQIA+ people have put in before us,” Lil says. “It’s also a reminder that we still have a long way to go until all people are treated with kindness and respect.”
Jesse Boylan, the brigade’s incoming 2nd Lieutenant, Training Officer and Equal Opportunity Officer, agrees. “Flying the flag sends a message to LGBTIQ+ people in our community who might be thinking about joining the CFA, but are unsure if it will be a safe and welcoming place to enter.”
As a volunteer fire brigade, Chewton CFA is always looking for more members to join, either as operational firefighters or in other supporting capacities.
“While the CFA at large is still making progress to change and be more welcoming,” Jesse says, “we can all work to make individual brigades a better place to be for everyone.”
“If you are thinking about joining,” they add, “come down on a Sunday for a chat and see if you think it might be something you want to be a part of.”
Chewton CFA is located at 1 Mount Street, Chewton. The shed is open to everyone on most Sunday mornings.
You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram at @chewtonfirebrigade.
Biggest Morning Tea returns to Plaistow
Whenever people gather almost inevitably a discussion will occur about one’s health and of course that will include cancer in one of its many forms.
Each and every family will be able to relate stories of medical experiences involving drugs, surgery chemotherapy, radiation, deaths and in ever increasing numbers full recovery from this insidious foe.
In Victoria there is a fabulous organisation – the Cancer Council Victoria – which provides a diverse range of services to support anyone currently diagnosed with cancer of any form and their families.
Locals can support the important work of the Cancer Council by attending the annual Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser at the heritage listed home of Lilian and Peter Skilbeck – Plaistow Homestead – at Joyces Creek just outside Newstead on Thursday May 25.
The local couple have been proudly supporting the organisation for more than 25 years.
“The Cancer Council have online and telephone nurse support and advisory services, provide wigs and some financial support, organise respite holidays, and are proactive in providing lifestyle recommendation to promote healthier, longer disease-free lives,” Lilian said.
“The organisation also provides extensive funding for research into causes and treatments for cancer in its many forms. All of these services are provided free and all from funds raised by the community,” Peter said.
“The Cancer Council receive no government funding for their programs,” he said.
Every cent raised at the Plaistow fundraiser goes directly to the Cancer Council.
After such a wet late summer and autumn the gardens at Plaistow are looking lush so come with family and friends to enjoy some fellowship and great music, spend some cash on the stalls featuring plants, quality knitting and handcrafts, all while you enjoy an endless cup of tea or coffee and scones fresh from the oven.
The event will run from 10am until 12.30pm.
Plaistow Homestead is located at 324 Rodborough Road, Joyces Creek, approximately seven kilometres from Newstead. Follow the flags from the intersection of the Pyrenees Highway and Rodborough Road to the venue.
Volunteer help on the day would be greatly appreciated. For more information contact Lilian and Peter Skilbeck at plaistow@bigpond.com or 0419 884 710.
April named ‘Midwife of the Year’
Castlemaine midwife April Jardine was named ‘Midwife of the Year’ at the 2023 HESTA Australian Nursing & Midwifery Awards in Sydney on Tuesday evening.
April was recognised for the instrumental role she played in implementing the innovative new Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) model at Dhelkaya Health in Castlemaine.
April was proud to be one of the driving forces behind the implementation of the new model that has proven to be highly valued by women in the local Castlemaine community, improving care outcomes.
April also played a pivotal role in encouraging women to take part in studies evaluating women’s views and experiences of maternity care via personal surveys to assist the service to continue to evolve to meet the needs of their consumers and through a La Trobe University study on the new model.
April told the Mail it was wonderful to see the service receive recognition at a national level.
“I feel extremely humbled to be recognised in the 2023 HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards. This has allowed me to pause and reflect on my professional journey. To be part of reshaping a suspended rural service with community input, and successfully re-launch a local maternity service where so many have been closed, has been a very rewarding experience,” she said.
“I am really honoured that our CEO Sue Race took the time to nominate me for the award.
“It is great recognition of the support and advocacy the leadership team have for the service and our staff. I was the one standing up there receiving the award but I did so on behalf of everyone behind the scenes, especially our Midwifery Practice Group (MPG) who helped make this happen,” she said.
“It was a bit unusual for me as a midwife to be in the spotlight, we prefer to stand on the sidelines and cheer on the women in our care!” she said.
The new model sees women partnered with a MPG midwife for antenatal, intrapartum (labour and birth) and postnatal care providing continuity of care whether they birth in Castlemaine or at Bendigo Health.
“We welcomed 55 babies at the service in our first full calendar year in 2022 and have already welcomed more than that number in 2023. The service is continuing to grow,” April said.
“The new model is highly valued by the local community and is now serving as a great example to other regional and rural health services of what can be achieved,” she said.
On a personal note April says the prize money will support the completion of her Masters of Midwifery Practice.
“It will also assist with education on simulation training for water births and acupuncture techniques for continued support of women’s choices and safe midwifery practice,” she said.
Dhelkaya Health CEO Sue Race said they’re incredibly proud of what April has achieved and are delighted to see her recognised as Midwife of the Year.
“April has been instrumental in implementing our new Maternity Services operational model and the associated recommendations. She has driven the improvements in communication, culture and processes, and has established a highly engaged and committed midwifery team. This award is incredibly well-deserved,” Ms Race said.
Maldon legend Shaun Burchell celebrates 200 game milestone
Last Saturday marked a milestone for a Maldon Football Netball Club legend with Shaun Burchell pulling on the red and black for his 200th game.
His career speaks for itself. Following a promising junior career Shaun went on to forge out a equally impressive list of achievements as a senior player. He is a premiership winning captain/coach and has won multiple Club Best and Fairest awards with six at senior level, finishing runners up in the league votes in 2010 and Club Best and Fairest for Reserves in 2022.
Shaun has now taken the future of the club under his wing as coach of the Under 14.5 team that his son now plays in. The club is privileged to have Shaun be an integral part of its culture and success along with his family and congratulates him on his 200 game milestone!
In the Seniors Maldon 85 had a good win over Lexton 59. The side is happy with the small improvements they are making each week and starting to gel together as a team looking forward seeing even more improvements over next few weeks! Better players were Seb Greene, Brodie Leonard Shannon, Matty Gray and Josh Pascoe in what was a very even team effort!
In the Reserves Maldon 108 defeated Lexton 17 in a dominant performance from start to finish against an opponent who is likely to play finals. Our best first quarter of the year allowed us to control things from the first bounce. An excellent example of solid team football. Special Mention – Shaun, his son Ryan and brother Wayne Burchell playing together in Shaun’s 200th game. Best: L. Josey, S. Burchell, L. Davey, B. Brown, B. Kitchingman, N. Webb.
In the 17.5s Maldon 130 dominated the whole game leaving Lexton scoreless. Best: Noah Thompson, Flynn Rowbottom, Ryan Burchell, Callum Buchanan, Harry Cossens and Brodie Doyle. Noah Thompson kicking 5 goals.
The 14.5s had the bye.
In the 11.5s Maldon 26 defeated Lexton 1. An all-round team effort against a speedy, impressive and well-trained Lexton team. It was a fast moving game with 16 per side, no wings and no bench. With consistent pressure at the contest Oscar won the team tackle trophy. Best: Will Govier, Lucas Pascoe, Heath Powell, Dean Wilson, Jasta Muller, Archer Pascoe.
Netball
Maldon A Grade 32 defeated by Lexton 55. The final score of this game didn’t reflect the game play of our team. Best: Taige Weir.
B Grade 27 defeated by Lexton 47. Lexton had a big jump on us from the start, we then had to play catch up netball. Big thank you to Lou Clarke stepping up into goal for us. Best: Ash Forster.
C Grade 27 defeated by Lexton 41. The team all stepped up this week showing a different hunger for the ball and that will to work hard for the win. Best: Jodie Bell.
Under 17s 25 defeat by Lexton 28. The defence and pressure of Lexton was tough, and the Maldon team put up a good challenge. Best: Mia Blake
Under 15s 19 defeated by Lexton 32. The team showed just how much resilience and skill they have by making up an 8 goal turn around in the 2nd quarter. Some excellent play and great teamwork throughout the game. Best: Eva Gross
Under 13s 22 defeated by Lexton 39. The scores didn’t show how incredible the team played, with a few different position swaps all the side fought to the end and had a fantastic game. Best: Charlie and Alice.
Under 11s 13 defeated by Lexton 26. Immense improvement was observed by all and even commented on by the opposition umpire. Best: Martha and Maci.
This weekend the Maldon sides make the trek to Avoca.
New chapter in local footy history
A little bit of local AFL history played out in Castlemaine last Sunday when the Castlemaine Magpies Under 16 Girls football side faced off against the Sandhurst Dragons in Bendigo Junior Football League action.
Among the Sandhurst line-up for the Castlemaine fixture at the Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve was promising young footballer Ava Bibby.
Ava is a direct descendent of William Charles Bibby who was Captain of the first Foundry Football team – one of our early local AFL sides – back in the 1870s.
Ava plays in the centre for the Dragons and shows as much promise as her ancestor.
Ava’s proud grandfather, Victor Bibby, the author of the book William’s Story which details the life of his influential local ancestor was proud to be in Castlemaine for the latest chapter in their family history.
“Ava has recently been scouted and played in the AFL Futures round in Melbourne that took place last month,” Victor said.
The young footballer was fascinated to learn about the local connection.
“It was a tough day for the Magpies which were undermanned but they were valiant in a match played in good spirits,” Victor said.
Castlemaine Goldfields sides kicking goals
Another big weekend at Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park on Saturday saw six of the Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club’s 15 teams drawn at home, including all three of their Under 16 teams.
This made for a big day of action across the age groups kicking off with our Under 10 Greens and finishing with a local Under 16 derby vs Kyneton for the Under 16 Golds. A strong win for the Under 16s saw them remain unbeaten for the season and back up the Under 16 Girls who came away with their most convincing result of the season versus Spring Gully Warriors.
A big thanks to Club President Aaron Shooter for wearing all the hats across the day from ground set up through to coach and finally referee after recently completing the Green Shirt Refs Course for 2023.
This Saturday we go big again with seven home fixtures between 9am and 2.30pm, including a couple of inter club games for Under 12 Gold and Green and Under 16 Gold and Green. If you can come down and support the kids and grab some food and coffee from the kiosk.
Seniors
Sunday was a bit of a mixed bag in the end. Originally Mother’s Day was to see three games hosted at Soldiers Memorial Park, but with the Div 7 Men and Youth games cancelled and the away game for the Div 5 men postponed only the Women got back out on the park.
Supported by families and friends for Mothers’ Day as well as a crew from the Senior Men and Youth squads, who gathered for a scratch match later in the day, the Senior Women took on Epsom in Round 5 of Central Victorian League 2.
Castlemaine were on 2 wins and 2 losses from their opening 4 games and were keen to take the points after their previous loss to La Trobe in Round 4.
Playing with confidence and the sun on their backs, a strong first half saw some elegant passing and a one-goal lead at half time. The strong determined play then continued, resulting in 2 more goals and a comfortable 3-0 scoreline to take the 3 points.
Goalscorers were Jordan, Bridget and Violet – with one each – in a season that has so far seen 11 different goal scorers.
The day kicked on with scratch matches and a Mothers’ Day BBQ to round out another big soccer weekend for CGFC.
This weekend sees another bumper Sunday at Chewton with the Women taking on Kyneton at home at 11am, Div 7 Men taking on Wyndham FC at 1pm and Div 5 Men facing RMIT FC to round out the day at 3pm. The Youth team sit out a bye in round 7 of the Central Victorian Youth competition.
Calling all sleuths – enter our Trivia Trail competition and win!
Entries are now closed for the Trivia Trail competition. Thanks to all who entered.
This innovative shop local campaign encouraged our loyal Mail readers and digital subscribers to hunt for local trivia clues throughout the Mount Alexander Shire over the 10 week promotion, submit their weekly entry form and be in the running to win vouchers to spend at our 19 fantastic participating businesses.
Each week the Castlemaine Mail gave away $100 to the correct winner of that week’s clue.
At the end of the 10 week competition our 10 lucky winners went into the draw to win a $1,000 voucher to be spent at participating businesses.
All remaining entries also went into the draw to win one of four $250 vouchers to be spent at participating businesses.
The businesses featured in this year’s promotion included: Beehave, Hot ‘n’ Crusty, Maldon Newsagency, Extremity Castlemaine, Mulberrys Delicatessen, PETStock Castlemaine, Maine Shoes & Accessories, Wesley Hill Bakery, Greenaway Bins, Midland Pet Supplies, Clifford Quality Cuts, Mensland Castlemaine, PJ’s Tyres, Top End Technology, Cumberland Hotel, Castlemaine IGA, Lyal Eales Stores, Chapman’s Framing and Photography and Stocks Gifts & Gallery/Ivy & Grace.
Castlemaine Mail manager and sales manager Lynda Brew said the new promotion aims to be a fun and inactive way to connect our local businesses and readers.
“The new promotion celebrates our local region with the 10 clues over the 10 weeks on various aspects of our shire, and sees us giving away $3000 in prizemoney to spend at our wonderful local businesses encouraging community members to shop local and support our thriving local businesses,” she said.
