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Castlemaine Goldfields sides kicking goals

By
Castlemaine Mail
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The Castlemaine Goldfields Senior Women, their friends and family kicked-off Mother's Day with a sunny match at Chewton. Photo: Castlemaine Goldfields GC.
The Castlemaine Goldfields Senior Women, their friends and family kicked-off Mother's Day with a sunny match at Chewton. Photo: Castlemaine Goldfields GC.

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.

Wilson Springate slotting straight back in with CGFC Under 16 Gold after returning to the club from his time at Bendigo City FC in the Junior NPL. Photo: Max Lesser.

Calling all sleuths – enter our Trivia Trail competition and win!

By
Castlemaine Mail
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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. 

Castlemaine Mail manager and sales manager Lynda Brew and advertising representative Tammy Harman encourage readers to join our Trivia Trail promotion.

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. 

CTC to present classic Shakespeare tale

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Orvokki Britton as Juliet and Will Marney as Romeo are pictured in rehearsal for the upcoming 2023 CTC production. Photo: Stephen Mitchell.
Orvokki Britton as Juliet and Will Marney as Romeo are pictured in rehearsal for the upcoming 2023 CTC production. Photo: Stephen Mitchell.

So you think you’ve seen the most famous play in history? You may have seen Leo DiCaprio flirting through a fish tank in Baz Luhrmann’s film version, and you probably read some of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy at school, but you haven’t really seen Romeo & Juliet until you’ve experienced it live on stage.
From May 19, local audiences can see the Castlemaine Theatre Company’s production of this famous love tragedy live at the Phee Broadway Theatre.
CTC director Rob Jorritsma feels the story of Romeo & Juliet is incredibly relevant for our times.
“It’s about people not getting along with each other and destroying the future.”
The CTC is thrilled to present this timeless story that gallops headlong from love and romance to heartbreak and death.
CTC’s 2023 production of Romeo & Juliet is unique; set in the tough, gritty laneways of 21st century Melbourne.
“I want to place it in our world, Australia, so it has the backdrop of Melbourne,” says Rob. “And that’s what Shakespeare did; he told stories for the people of his world, his time.”
Prior to auditions, the CTC held a day-long Shakespeare workshop for young people in Castlemaine, many of whom have joined the cast.
“Most of those that auditioned got a part,” Rob says. “Now they’re having a great time and supporting each other.”
This diverse cast is brimming with energy and brings fresh passion to this timeless epic.
Two star-crossed lovers navigate the seedy underworld of warring, powerful families in a haze of love, hope and tragedy. Don’t miss this contemporary take on Romeo & Juliet presented by a cast of talented young local performers.
CTC’s production of Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare opens on Friday May 19 and runs until Sunday June 4 at the Phee Broadway Theatre, Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine.
Ticket bookings are available online (recommended) or at the door. Drinks and snacks will be available during interval at bar prices. Cash or card accepted.
For tickets visit castlemainetheatrecompany.com

Local runner on top of the world!

By
Lisa Dennis
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Castlemaine's Pete Reynolds is all smiles after his successful climb and is pictured with fellow climber who dressed up for the event. Photo: Supplied.
Castlemaine's Pete Reynolds is all smiles after his successful climb and is pictured with fellow climber who dressed up for the event. Photo: Supplied.

Castlemaine’s Pete Reynolds is celebrating this week after coming third in the Australia 108 Stair Challenge in Melbourne last Sunday May 7.
The 44-year-old Castlemaine Secondary College maths and science teacher scaled the tallest residential building in the Southern Hemisphere – Australia 108 in Melbourne’s Southbank precinct – running up 1700 stairs (96 floors) in 9 minutes, 37 seconds; finishing just behind World Number Two Japan’s Ryoji Watanabe and World Number One Malaysian Wai Ching Soh.
The keen runner, rock climber and father of two said he was thrilled to claim bronze against the world’s best.
Without skyscrapers or tall buildings to practice in during the lead up to the event, Reynolds resorted to a couple of early morning sprints up the Mt Tarrengower fire tower at Maldon.
“I did 50-60 circuits of the Maldon fire tower each time, which has about 60 stairs,” Pete said.
“I combined this with runs around Castlemaine, focusing on the hills. I found some really steep hills in the bush and these are great training when you repeatedly run up them over and over!”
The challenge raises money for Giant Steps Melbourne, which operates a school and adult services program specifically for children and adults with autism.
The local teacher raised more than $500 for the cause.
“As a teacher, I teach lots of kids who are neurodiverse so this feels like a really worthy cause to support,” Pete said.
Reynolds’ first experience of stair climbing was in 2015 when a friend convinced him to tackle the 88 floors of Melbourne’s Eureka Tower.
“I surprised myself by coming 9th on that occasion and then placed 3rd in 2016 and 2nd in 2017.
It has been six years since he last competed so Reynolds wasn’t sure how he’d perform on Sunday.
“I’ve been busy with work and fatherhood, but I’ve also had a few injuries over the past couple of years. I’ve been more focused on road running. During the covid years, many stair climbing events were also cancelled or postponed,” he said.
“I was really delighted with my efforts against two sponsored world-class stair runners who travel the world competing in the most prestigious events such as the Empire State Building run-up,” he said.
So what’s next for the athlete?
“I’m training for a half marathon later this year as well as some other stair climb events, such as Sydney and potentially Brisbane,” he said.
“I’ve never competed overseas, but I like the Empire State event because it’s so different – the competitors all start together rather than spaced out and it’s a bit chaotic at the start, which I imagine adds to the excitement!” the runner said.
What do his students think of his bronze medal success?
“The kids at school weren’t aware of my efforts and I’m not sure if they’re proud – I think they probably think it’s a bit of a weird pursuit and I guess they wonder why I didn’t just get the lift to the top!”
Local residents can still get behind Pete by making a donation to this worthy cause at https://www.giantsteps.net.au/donate-melbourne/

Renfrey celebrates 300th parkrun milestone

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Shane Renfrey celebrating his 300th parkrun.
Shane Renfrey celebrating his 300th parkrun.

Castlemaine Parkrun love to celebrate ‘Milestones’ and on Saturday we had an incredible milestone to celebrate.
Shane Renfrey completed his 300th event. The vast majority of these have been on his home course, Shane estimates over 280, and he is able to boast of being a participant in our very first ever parkrun.
He was welcomed on the day with the traditional run-through of our ‘Tunnel of Love’ before setting of on his 300th – which he knocked off in the great time of 32:02.
The whole Castlemaine Parkrun community extends its warmest regards to Shane on what is, by any measure, a great achievement.
Our numbers were down fractionally on Saturday with a lot of people running in an event in another town. Even so, we had 83 people run, walk or stroll our beautiful botanic gardens course and quite a few of these were able to boast PBs at the end.
First across was Fil Wos in his first run at Castlemaine. He finished in 18:31 and was followed four seconds later by Thomas Read with Johnny Horrocks third in 20:31.
The first of our female runners was Lauren Barker in 24:13 with Jodi Oakman next on 25:58 and Tracy Marsh in only her third event and her first ever on our course finishing the three laps in 27:19.
We were pleased to greet four new parkrunners on the day. Micah Hamilton completed the course in 26:28 with Lyla Muir at 32:59, Annika Kearton 42:29, and Sophie Leversha 42:30 – hopefully we’ll see lots more of this quartet of new parkrunners in future.
Our volunteer contingent performed brilliantly as usual. Saturday’s crew was comprised of Karina Taylor as Run Director, Michael Constable completed the required course inspection, before heading off to complete his parkrun, Peter Reade, Glen Taylor, Mandy Foyster, Robyn English, Kerrye Rogers, and Jane Harding doubling as volunteer coordinator and photographer. Our thanks to the team for their terrific efforts add for keeping everything ticking over so smoothly.
If you’d like to join us for parkrun, all you need to do is register online and print a barcode. Then simply turn up on Saturday at the BBQ carpark at the Botanical Gardens a bit before our 8am briefing. We’d love to see you.

Forster Cup contested at Maldon Petanque Club

By
Castlemaine Mail
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George Forster (left) and Janet Forster (right) are pictured with the winners of the Forster Cup from Mt Macedon.
George Forster (left) and Janet Forster (right) are pictured with the winners of the Forster Cup from Mt Macedon.

n the summer we settled down to a Fosters
On Saturday we played for the Forsters
Last Saturday May 6, the Maldon Petanque Club held the second annual Forster Cup, a tournament for mixed triples on our home pistes at St Brigid’s. There were 72 players entered meaning 24 teams would compete over five rounds, an all-day exercise.
The weather forecast did not look good, showers most of the day. When the locals turned up at 8am to set up the facilities it did not look bad, no rain in sight but very cold. By the time play commenced at 9.30am the skies were clear but still cold. Players soon warmed up to the task and played quality pétanque, there were to be five rounds of 50 minutes to be played.
After three rounds we stopped for lunch, we had to stop because the smell of the sausages and onions being barbecued by the Maldon Men’s Shed was just too much.
The weather held for the two rounds after lunch, which meant there were no excuses, the pistes had completely dried out it was still cold but the fire was still providing some good heat. At the end of the fifth round, everyone gathered for the results, as it was going to take some time even with the computer, the raffle prizes, which included a lovely painting of Mt
Alexander by our own Steve Phillis were drawn. All the prize winners were out-of-towners.
Then it was time to find out who the Forster Cup winners were, it turned out a team of players from the Mt Macedon Club, Terry and June Hunter and Danny Green were the team of the day. They received the winner’s cheque of $600 from Community Bank Maldon & District presented by their Chairman Ross Egleton. Further prizes for placegetters were presented.
All in all it was a very successful day, the club would like to thank its sponsors, Community Bank Maldon & District, Chaperon Wines, Boules Australia and Steve Phillis plus the Maldon Men’s Shed for their BBQ.
Our next games on the St Brigid’s pistes will be this Sunday May 14 commencing at 11am or 1.30pm for those only wanting to play two games.

Small-sided comp kicks off and women shine

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Total focus on the ball from Jordan in last Sunday's Women's match at Chewton. Photo: Max Lesser.
Total focus on the ball from Jordan in last Sunday's Women's match at Chewton. Photo: Max Lesser.

On Friday Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club’s Small Sided Soccer program got underway with a record 120 kids registered for week one of the very popular program for kids aged 4/5 through to 9.
While the evening might have been damp the spirits were anything but with kids and families all excited to be kicking off their season once again. There were plenty of laughs and smiles all capped off with sausages and hot drinks from the kiosk. The club sends a big thanks to everyone who makes this program the success that it has become over many years.
On Saturday Goldfields had another packed Saturday of games at Chewton with the excitement high for two inter-club matches for the U12B Mixed White and Black teams and later the U14 Matildas Gold and Green. Both games ended up with well deserved draws and plenty of skill and determination on display for the supporters looking on. The girls games were a real testament to growth of the female game with 29 girls on field across the two squads showing off their talents.
Elsewhere across the weekend there were strong wins for the U14B Mixed squad and the U16A Mixed who so far are taking the U16 Mixed comp by storm.
Seniors and Youth
At home the Senior Women had a big win in the Cup on a cold morning that turned into a beautiful sunny day for Swan Hill’s trip to Castlemaine. It was a strong attacking display from Castlemaine against a well-structured defence and excellent goal keeping from Swan Hill. Overall a great team effort from both sides.
Castlemaine scored 7 goals to nil with seven players on the scoresheet. The first half saw a penalty each for Bridget and Sonia (both cool under pressure), and one goal from open play for player/coach Kasey. The second half saw Ana, Jordan, Eva and Caz score. Many more shots did not quite get there.
The game also saw a debut for Ziggy, who put on a great display in the first half in attack, a special thanks also to Noora in goals who did all the right things.
Younger squad members Eva and Bridget stepped up admirably to the responsibility of leading the backline. Cup games with Epsom and Kyneton are next up, with Castlemaine looking strong in the cup pool. This Sunday the Women take on Epsom in the League in the early 11am kick-off ahead of the Youth and Men’s Reserves later in the day.
This week the Youth squad suffered disappointing a loss on the road to Epsom. Despite CGFC having chances across the game, Epsom were clinical and took the points. The ‘Prospects’ will be hoping to get back to winning ways this weekend for their first home game of the season vs Tatura in a 1pm kick-off at Soldiers Memorial Park.
For the Men it was mixed fortunes. At home and under the spotlight from Football Chaos who filmed the game for YouTube the Div 5 boys took on Hoppers Crossing, coming away with a deserved 1-0 win. On a cold and changeable day the Maine started strong, with several great chances, and took the lead with a well taken Ollie Gunter goal.
Maine continued to dominate, but Hoppers hung in there and made the game a good contest. Towards the end they could have pinched a late equaliser, but Maine hung on keep their unbeaten run going.
Away the Div 7 boys couldn’t manage to make it three wins from three for our seniors on the weekend. Travelling to Spotswood to take on Melbourne City they too were looking to extend their unbeaten start to the season.
Fresh of a bye in round two and scoring seven goals in their opener, Melbourne City were spoiling for the challenge. Castlemaine were without a couple of key players and found the going tough early.
Melbourne City were organised and went forward with purpose. Maine’s defence remained strong but eventually were broken down. Striker Barnabas Tomu was ever present and was able to get on the end of several chances. However, unfortunately it wasn’t to be Castlemaine’s day, going down 4-1. Barnabas scoring a goal. Special mentions also to Pattson in defence and Camilo working hard throughout in the middle of the park.
For week four the Reserves are back home at Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park where they will host Doreen United at 3pm Sunday. Meanwhile the first team will travel down to Altona North.

Scionti to celebrate launch of ‘Jukebox Racket’ at Shedshaker

By
Jade Jungwirth
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Anna Scionti is currently working on her fourth album due to launch later this year. Photo courtesy of Bernie Bickerton Photography.
Anna Scionti is currently working on her fourth album due to launch later this year. Photo courtesy of Bernie Bickerton Photography.

Anna Scionti will be performing at Shedshaker Brewery on Sunday, May 21 featuring songs from her latest album Junkbox Racket. Recorded in 2020, the album includes ten songs played on six uniquely hand-crafted cigar box guitars and her 1960s Gibson Melody Maker. Anna’s music is rebellious and raw and will give you a reason to get up and dance!
“I play a lot of handmade Cigar Box guitars from a few different makers, and each instrument inspires a different song.
“I’ve only made one myself, a diddly bow I made in a class. It’s a one-string box guitar that I call ‘Three’,” commented Anna.
“I feel very honoured to sing my own tunes in front of a crowd.”
Her other releases include her 2019 album Orphan Diary and her 2017 self-titled EP. Orphan Diary debuted at No.4 on the Australian Blues and Roots Airplay Charts, spending seven months in the top 20, and was a nominee for Best Blues Album at the 2019 Music Victoria Awards.
Born and raised in East Gippsland having lost both her parents as a teenager, Scionti turned to music as an outlet. Her original songs tell stories of love, loss, and longing and are uninhibited, raw, and unapologetic in their honesty. They are songs from the heart.
Anna is currently working on her latest album after returning to East Gippsland last year. The single will be released in June and she is hoping to release the album later in the year.
“Moving home has been really good for my songwriting journey and has provided a lot of inspiration, as well as helping recharge my batteries,” said Anna.
Performing on Sunday, May 21 from 5 pm- 7 pm at the Shedshaker Brewery, at the Mill- 9 Walker St, Castlemaine.

My Maldon with Maldon Folk Festival’s Pam Lyons

By
Jade Jungwirth
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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.

Harcourt community calls for a thorough biodiversity audit

By
Jade Jungwirth
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Members of Harcourt Valley Landcare want the council to conduct a thorough biodiversity assessment of the area as part of the council's strategic planning for the area.
Members of Harcourt Valley Landcare want the council to conduct a thorough biodiversity assessment of the area as part of the council's strategic planning for the area.

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

By
Jade Jungwirth
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Author of Living Democracy: An ecological manifesto for the end of the world as we know it, Tim Hollo will be appearing at the Taproom on May 17. Photo supplied.
Author of Living Democracy: An ecological manifesto for the end of the world as we know it, Tim Hollo will be appearing at the Taproom on May 17. Photo supplied.

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

By
Lisa Dennis
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Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards unties the ribbon to official open the new look school with Principal Bernadette McKenna, School Council president Megan Butler and school captains Arkie and Zac.
Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards unties the ribbon to official open the new look school with Principal Bernadette McKenna, School Council president Megan Butler and school captains Arkie and Zac.

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.

Some of Chewton’s Prep, One and Two students and school captains Zac and Arkie are pictured with Ms Edwards and principal Bernadette McKenna enjoying one of the new reading nooks.
Former Chewton Primary School students Merle Jenkins, Rhonda Eagle and Elaine Appleton were thrilled to tour the rejuvenated school building.
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