Community support for the ‘Yes’ campaign for the upcoming referendum on the First Peoples Voice to Federal Parliament is gaining momentum.
One local ‘Yes’ group of 30 gathered at the Phee Broadway foyer on Saturday, July 8 to hold an initial meeting and open the conversation about the campaign and how local residents would like to show their support.
The second gathering at the same location last Saturday, July 15 saw 45 locals turn out and commit to a range of initiatives such as coordinating media and social media campaigns, kitchen table conversations, street stalls, and listening posts.
The Mail understands there are several active ‘Yes’ groups in Castlemaine and also groups of supporters that have popped up at Maldon, Newstead, and Campbells Creek.
Local Reconciliation Victoria and Australians for Native Title (ANTAR) representative Vic Say said their goal is to spread information about the referendum so community members can make an informed choice.
“All opinions are welcome and not everyone will be in support. But it is important that people are able to make their decision based on facts and not on some of the nonsense which we see being circulated, particularly on social media,” Mr Say said.
A local advocate Mr Say is a passionate supporter of the Voice because there are a wide array of groups that support the interests of Australians such as the Farmers Federation, the Australian Business Council of Australia, and the Australian Council of Trade Unions, but First Nations Peoples don’t have such representation and therefore are often left out of important conversations on decisions and legislation which impacts them.
“Previous governments have selected trusted representatives of the First Nations community to speak on their behalf and this is positive. But these people don’t represent all Indigenous Australians. The Voice would represent First Nations people from all states and territories and regional and rural Australia,” he said.
The group’s next gathering will be at the Phee Broadway Foyer in Mechanics Lane Castlemaine on Saturday, July 29 at 12 noon. All are welcome. For more on the Yes campaign visit yes23.com.au
Unfortunately home games at Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park were postponed on Saturday July 8 due to standing water making the ground unplayable for the six Castlemaine Goldfields FC junior fixtures scheduled. Both Bendigo Amateur Soccer League (BASL) and the club will be working together to ensure those games can go ahead at a future time, with both catch-up rounds and midweek games to be considered. The club is hoping that the recent continued wet weather will be starting ease in the coming weeks and the second half of the season goes ahead without further postponements.
Around the grounds across Bendigo though things were a little muddy games went ahead including a great double victory in the U16 mid-season Knock Out Cup for U16 Gold.
Seniors and Youth
Thankfully the rain eased before Sunday and three games managed to take place with our Women, Div 7 and Div 5 Men all taking out wins as well as our our Youth Team who were away to Golden City. Goals to Tame, Silas and an Golden City own goal saw a solid win for the ‘Prospects’ on the road.
In the early kick-off a short numbered Women’s squad took on an even more depleted bottom of the table Golden City. With only eight players from City taking to the field the Maine played with nine and a bench of two still putting in a massively dominant performance to come away 12-0 winners. Six different scores on the day saw hat tricks for V and Eva backed up with goals from Jess, Sarah, Ana and Bridget.
Next up Castlemaine Div 5 Men’s teams looked to put two disappointing results behind them hosting fellow league winning hopefuls West Point.
To say it started badly would be the understatement of the season, as an early mistake from kick off saw West Point take the lead. Maine looked to respond, spreading the ball around, trying to tire their older, more experienced opponents. Chances were created, but no goals. Late in the half, Maine won a penalty for deliberate hand ball with the ball destined for the back of the net. Although the penalty and follow up were well saved, Maine further increased pressure on a stretched West Point, who held on till half time.
The second half was a similar story, with Maine pressing and harrassing in defence, while creating and probing in attack trying to make the most of their extra player. Finally the breakthrough came in the 78th minute, when Kyan scored in the top corner from the right side of the box. With the dogged defensive line finally breached, it was only a few minutes later when Dennick put Maine ahead 2-1.
West Point were not going to lie down though, and gave one final press for a hard won corner, with even the keeper up. Fortunately, the ball fell to Lemuel, who ran 60 metres and slotted home into an empty net, setting off celebrations from the Maine players.
An exceptional performance from all envolved, with James and Dave Gunter returning from long term injuries, Jerome and Brody providing excellent control in midfield, and Dennick and Lemuel showing some much needed composure in front of goal.
In the final game of the day the Div 7s got back to winning ways enjoying a hard fought victory at Chewton on Sunday beating 4th placed Reservoir 1-0.
The team played some great football and had the majority of possession and shots on goal throughout the match. Despite creating many chances they just couldn’t put the ball away, going in 0-0 at half time. Coach Terry Attwood reminded them to stick to the game plan, be patient and a goal would come. However the second half continued much like the 1st half, until the 70th minute when the Mainers finally scored a tap-in from a corner. A huge team effort and a great game to watch seeing a well earned 3 points.
