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Update on the redevelopment of Chewton’s Wesleyan church

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minor flooding after deluge

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

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

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

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

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

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

Castlemaine golfers vie for glory

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

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

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My Castlemaine Mail with manager Lynda Brew

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Hi Lynda, you grew up in Castlemaine didn’t you? Can you tell us about your early years? 

I was born at the Castlemaine Hospital in Halford Street. My family are from Yapeen, but I grew up in Castlemaine. I went to kinder at Etty Street and was at Winters Flat Primary in the 70s and 80s and went to Castlemaine Tech. My first job was at the Campbell Street Motor Lodge when I was 15 and then I started working at Hot and Crusty too. I started working in classys at the Castlemaine Mail when I was about 19 or 20 just casually- so I was working three jobs, but that’s just what we did back then. I got into uni but decided not to go – I wanted to get down to Melbourne and get into the hotel industry. 

What hotels did you work in? 

I started out at a hotel in Carlton (which was part of the Flag Choice Hotel Group) when I was 21 and was there for eight and a half years. I’ve always loved the industry and wanted to work my way up. Leaving there was a hard decision because they’d become like family, but I was poached by a building corporation to open the Panch Hospital site on Bell Street. I worked as the sales and marketing manager and I pretty much lived there 24/7 while turning it into an 86-room four-star hotel and 350+ student accommodation rooms. 

It was eventually taken over by Rydges Hotels and I worked in the management team in Preston, Carlton, and North Melbourne. 

You are a very family-orientated person; can you tell us a bit about them? 

My husband Coryn and I were childhood sweethearts. We dated on and off since the age of 15 and finally got married when we were 31. After we had our first child, Caitlyn I really wanted to come back home so we moved in with mum and dad for 10 and half months. We started to look for a house to buy but couldn’t find anything in Castlemaine so we bought nearby. Three years later we had our son Will. 

How did you end up working back at the Castlemaine Mail? 

I worked as a relief hotel/motel manager in Bendigo for a while and then I got a phone call from the Castlemaine Mail manager who told me there was a position available and invited me to apply. I was successful and returned to the team and the rest is history.

Do you have any time for hobbies? 

I follow the kids around for hockey. I love spending time with family and friends and I love travel. When I was 16 years old we travelled around the world for three months and in 1999 went to Israel, Turkey and Egypt and in 2005 we went to the UK and Ireland for our honeymoon. I enjoy long walks in the bush with my two Jack Russells Boizey and Vader. 

What sort of music do you enjoy listening to? 

I like Icehouse, Matchbox 20. 80s and 90s stuff mostly, but living with teenagers I like a lot of new stuff like Harry Styles and Taylor Swift. 

Who are you three dream dinner guests? 

Ryan Gosling, my amazing mother in law who left us suddenly and my nana and pa to ask the things I wished I’d asked them. 

What philosophies do you live life by? 

Living every day to the fullest and it’s important to be nice. I believe in having balance- but I’m far from having balance. 

What do you like about the place you call home? 

I have so many beautiful memories in this town. Castlemaine is home to me. Growing up here in the 80s and 90s going to the Theatre Royal and walking home and having pizza at 3am at Capones. I have so many amazing friends from my childhood. We’ve been friends for over 40 years and they live all over Australia now but when we meet up, it’s like we have never been apart. 

Rain fails to dampen Goldfields spirits

By
Castlemaine Mail
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A tough afternoon for CGFC Youth ‘Prospects’ saw visiting Shepparton United leave with all three points. Photo: Max Lesser.

It was a very wet Saturday at Chewton for Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club’s juniors as players, coaches all braved the damp weather to put on a show for the supporters on the sidelines.

From our U10s to our U16s the rain wasn’t able to dampen the spirits with players giving their all in the challenging conditions before heading home for a well-earned warm shower.

Away from Chewton around the grounds the weather was a bit more favourable, none more so than for the U14 Matildas Gold and U16 Gold who both enjoyed a balmy sunny 21 degree day at Swan Hill. For the U16 Gold the match up saw them face second placed Swan Hill who were also undefeated for the season heading into the game. A proper ‘six pointer’ saw the Maine come away with a hard fought 1-0 win to move three points clear at the top of the ladder in the U16 Pre-Qualifying Comp.

This weekend sees Regional Juniors and all Bendigo Amateur Soccer League (BASL) teams take a break as those players involved with their rep squads head to Ballarat for the Country Champs. Good luck to all CGFC players and coaches representing BASL at the comp as well as any of our local referees officiating on the weekend.

Seniors and Youth

It was another mixed weekend for our Senior and Youth squads. The Women and Men’s First team both took out solid wins. In the Women’s League 2, League Cup Round 2 the Women took out a 3-0 win away to Epsom. 

Goals came in the first half to Eva Thacker, after one minute, Ziggy Williams and Noora Niasari. Epsom put on a solid display second half to keep the score line at 3 goals.

In Div 5 the Men overran Point Cook 9-1. Like the Women once again it was three goals in the first half for the Maine, but the second half saw a real blow out as the Men turned in another 6 goals to Point Cook’s 1. Scorers on the day were Ashley Taisau (4), Tom Slater, Ollie Gunter, Dotahn Henderson and Michael Jones. The win sees the Div 5 squad head into a top of the table clash vs Spring Hills this Sunday at Chewton in an 11am kick-off.

The Youth and Div 7 Men were both on the wrong end of the results. At home to Shepparton United, on a sticky Chewton pitch the Youth squad went down 3-0 to Shep in a pretty heated game that saw 10 yellow cards and red for a second yellow to a Shep player. From 1-0 down at half time and even with a one player advantage ‘The Prospects’ were unable to get a hold in the game to stage a comeback instead conceding a penalty in the 66th minute and a third goal in the 69th.

Castlemaine Goldfields’ Reserves team were on the road again this week and unfortunately the tough run continued, this time going down 2-0 to RMIT.

On a narrow pitch that restricted us from playing some of the football from the week before, Maine struggled to get into any rhythm for most of the first half, conceding a sloppy goal just 10 mins in. Most of the first half continued to be very difficult for Goldfields, who lacked composure and were outplayed for large parts of it.

At half time there were some strong words from the coach and amongst each other, focused on finding improvement and settling on the ball. Largely it was a different side that came out after halftime, playing a better game of football and using the ball in a much better fashion. In the final third there was not the composure that was required and RMIT defended well. As Maine pushed for the equaliser they again conceded a goal which took the game away from them.

Claudio was solid at the back all day and deserves a mention, and a huge improvement in the second half, but there were few other winners on a frustrating day down in Melbourne. This week the Reserves are back at home and will try and absorb some of the winning ways of the First team, who are flying in their game against third placed Melbourne Uni at 1pm.

Maldon and Newstead meet under lights

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Maldon Seniors were defeated by Newstead 49-67 but the Reserves took out a win defeating Newstead by 41 points.

Saturday’s games took us to Newstead, under lights, for our night game of the season. It was a memorable occasion for both Clubs with not only coming together to play the sport we love but a ceremony and minute silence held to commemorate the life of Dallas Keogh-Frankling, a Castlemaine Football Netball Club Under 18 Player who tragically lost his life, and to pay respects the family, friends and community that mourn the loss of Dallas – coming together to support each other is what community is all about and this is a great community sport.

This week we also have a cohort of junior footballers and netballers participating in the interleague. The experience and skill of the teams and players they came up against was certainly exceptional and all the girls were able to put in brilliant games for the tournament. The teams will play Horsham District as Navarra on June 18 for the next game as an interleague. The MFNC U15 and U18 interleague teams didn’t come away with any wins, but get a second chance for our next scheduled games on Sunday 18/6 at Navarre Recreation Reserve. Football Under 13’s interleague training is on Wednesday night. A practice match will be held at Newstead at 6 pm.

This coming weekend we have a BYE and then we take on Carisbrook at home.

Football

Seniors: Maldon 49 Def by Newstead 67. Very disappointed to lose on the weekend, on what was a big night for Newstead full Credit to them they just wanted to win a bit more than us. Better players: Seb Greene, Alex Farrow, Cody Gunn and Pat Long.

Reserves: Maldon 65 Def Newstead 24. After an even first quarter, we were able to assert our dominance and take control of the game. A good team performance. Best: T. Rowe, B. Rowbottom, S. Burchell, I. Hartley, B. Kitchingman, L. Brennan.

17.5s: Maldon 45 Def Avoca 7 (Newstead no team). The U17.5s travelled to Trentham for their second clash in 3 weeks against Avoca. Maldon had many attempts at goals but only came away with 5. Our back line was strong in defense only letting Avoca score a total of 7 points. Best: Blayne Cananzi, Flynn Rowbottom, Noah Thompson, Tadgh Cananzi, Ryan Burchell, Callum Buchanan.

14.5s: NO GAME

11.5s: Maldon 0 Def by Newstead 46. Newstead got the jump on us in the first quarter and was hard to catch, but our legends never gave up. Best: Chloe Jennings, Oliver Merlo, Yoshi Turner, Will Govier, Nash Jennings, Darcy Robertson.

Netball

A Grade: Maldon 36 Def by Newstead 39. The Team had a solid start to the game, our defensive end once again stood up and was able to force errors. A few unforced errors allowed Newstead to get a jump on us in the last few minutes of the game and had them take the win. Best on: Mackenzie Shepherd.

B Grade: Maldon 25 Draw 25 Newstead. The game was once again an end-to-end situation. At the final siren, a draw was had with a score of 25 all. Best on: Ashlee Forster.

C Grade: Maldon 20 Def by Newstead 31.With the score level at halftime, it saw Newstead really fight back in the second half to take the win! Best: Tay Doyle.

Under 17s: NO GAME

Under 15s: Maldon 14 Def Newstead 13. The U15s were again victorious on the weekend with Newstead certainly bringing their game on the weekend. The team is really starting to find its rhythm and has come up against some higher sides on the ladder proving they can match it with the best. Best Player; Maggie Walmsley.

Under 13s: Maldon 10 Def by Newstead 22. The under 13s took the court in a twilight match and took the court with big smiles and determination, unfortunately not coming away with the win but executing what they have been working on at training incredibly well. Best: Holly Williams and Wren Beckett 

Under 11s: Maldon 7 Def by Newstead 13. We were able to challenge Newstead at times creating many moments of solid consistent play. Best: Elsa

The Hard-Ons Ripper ‘23 tour is coming to Castlemaine

By
Castlemaine Mail
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One of the most popular and enduring bands on the Australian independent scene, the Hard-Ons, are coming to Castlemaine this June.

The Hard-Ons are bringing their Ripper ’23 tour to the Bridge Hotel this June following the release of their 14th studio album – the first made from start to finish with the band’s newest member, front-man for You Am I, and solo artist Tim Rogers.

Tim told the Mail that he has been a fan of the Hard-Ons since his teens and they were the first band he travelled to see in his teens.

“They were my heroes then and continue to be,” commented Tim.

“It was a massive surprise when they asked me to join them. They are admirable people and very gracious to their fans.

“I don’t think I’ve got a punk bone in my body but they have consistently been one of my favourites. The guys from the band are some of the smartest people I know. I enjoy their wonderfully adolescent perverse sense of humour. Just because something is silly doesn’t mean it’s dumb. We share a lot in common, musical tastes and sense of humour. The rest sorts itself out,” said Tim.

“Performing at 53 is more fun, you’ve got nothing to lose. I’m closer to the grave than the cradle. The band is very high energy – it doesn’t make medical sense in your ’50s but if you love what you do it gives you oxygen.”

Now residing in central Victoria, Tim continues to advance his solo career, performs with You Am I, and appears in more than 100 shows each year. Dealing with panic attacks is an ongoing issue for the performer and he talked to the Mail about the importance of dealing with them in a calm way.

“On stage is the safest place to be and doing something physical like that really helps. I’m good at recognising when I’m in the zone, not looking after the noggin and pushing myself too hard.”

The band have just returned from their European tour following the success of their last album I’m Sorry Sir, That Riff’s Been Taken, where Tim was joined by his 22-year-old daughter Ruby.

“She sold merch with the Hard-Ons while we were touring. It was wonderful being on the road with her and she’s very good at it. She’s an excellent musician herself so she’s very adept at it.

“The audience from the Europe tour was a real mix, some had first seen the band in the late 80s and others were kids. The Australian tour last year was the same.”

The Hard-Ons specialising in fast, loud, and tuneful punk rock with strong melodic hooks that balanced out their fondness for rude adolescent humour, often rooted in sex and bodily functions (They once described their approach as ‘Motörhead playing the Beach Boys’) will be appearing at the Bridge Hotel, 21 Walker Street Castlemaine on Sunday, June 25 supported by Boom Boom Kids. Tickets are available at: thebridgehotel.oztix.com.au.

Extraordinary masterpiece to screen

By
Castlemaine Mail
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GRASS is cited as one of the greatest documentaries of all time.

The extraordinary early silent masterpiece made in 1925, GRASS, will be screened at the Castlemaine Documentary Festival accompanied by a live-music performance. 

GRASS is testament to the sheer forces of nature and the human spirit as we witness the annual migration of the nomadic Bakhtiari tribe across Iran with half a million animals. 

This classic adventure film by the makers of King Kong is cited as one of the greatest documentaries of all time. 

In 1924, filmmakers Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack hooked up with journalist and sometime spy Marguerite Harrison and set off to film an adventure. 

They found excitement, danger and unparalleled drama in the migration of the Bakhtiari tribe of Persia (now Iran). 

Twice a year, more than fifty thousand people and half a million animals surmounted seemingly impossible obstacles to take their herds to pasture. 

The filmmakers captured unforgettable images of courage and determination as the Bakhtiari braved the raging and icy waters of the 800 metres wide Karun River. 

Cooper and Schoedsack almost froze when they filmed the breathtaking, almost unbelievable, sight of an endless river of men, women and children – their feet bare or wrapped in rags – winding up the side of the sheer, snow-covered rock face of the 4500-metre-high Zardeh Kuh mountain. 

Few people have actually ever seen this legendary silent masterpiece that is sure to astonish today’s audiences with its beautiful photography and heart-stopping adventure. 

It will be accompanied by a live music score by ZÖJ – a Ballarat-based duo featuring the exquisite voice of Gelareh Pour, playing the Persian kamancheh, and Brian O’Dwyer on drum-kit. 

Details and tickets at cdocff.com.au.

Jazz Festival kicks off tonight!

By
Lisa Dennis
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The 2023 Castlemaine Jazz Festival kicks off this evening with an opening night party featuring the TEK TEK Ensemble, The Seduceaphones and The Seven Ups at Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal. 

The three day festival over the King’s Birthday long weekend (June 9-11) will see 30 bands and hundreds of musicians feature in live shows across multiple local venues including the Royal, Phee Broadway Theatre, Castlemaine Bowling Club, Boomtown Wines, The Coolroom @ Northern Arts Hotel, and several performances at the Castlemaine Town Hall to coincide with the Rotary Art Show. 

A host of big bands will be descending on Castlemaine for the event offering everything from that revered traditional jazz sound through to more contemporary numbers. 

Castlemaine Jazz Festival vice president Harry Coulson said the big bands deliver that iconic traditional sound from the 1920s to 1940s. 

“We will be welcoming Estee Big Band which has that real traditional focus, Red Sand Big Band, Maryborough Big Band and High Society Jazz Orchestra. These bands will be playing music from composers the likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman and golden oldies from singers such as Ella Fitzgerald,” he said. 

“The Low Down Big Band and Estee Big Band will also deliver some more contemporary numbers from the 60s and 70s by icons such as Maynard Ferguson and Charles Mingus and may even break out a bit of swing. 

“The Low Down Big Band will also play some more advanced innovative sound by composers still active today including Gordon Goodwin and Maria Schneider,” Coulson said. 

“We will also be hosting the Melba Big Band – an all female group packed with talent and led by Justine Jones. This band has a really diverse repertoire,” he said. 

“Melbourne based group Big Band Frequency will be bringing their funky, fiery, and soulful sound, and will have you swinging off your seats and onto the dancefloor!” 

And, of course, Castlemaine’s very own Thompson’s Foundry Band which will be heading up the line-up at the Theatre Royal on Saturday evening from 5pm opening what will be a night not to be missed for big band enthusiasts. 

“I love a big band. I love listening to them and I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to play with them. 

“It’s a real credit to the leaders of these bands to bring these artists to together, schedule regular rehearsals and get them out and sharing their music with the community. It’s a huge amount of work and we get to reap the benefits!” Coulson said. 

Night, day and weekend passes to this weekend’s festival are still available. To secure your ticket www.castlemainejazzfestival.com.au 

Lions Club life membership for Ross Williams

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Lions Life Member Ross Williams is proudly pictured with his daughter Katharine Williams and Castlemaine Lions Treasurer Yvonne McKimmie after the recent presentation.

Former local resident and longtime Castlemaine Lions Club member Ross Williams was recently presented a life membership of the club.

Ross was a valued member of the local service club for more than 20 years contributing countless hours to numerous local community projects.

He was previously an English teacher at both the Castlemaine High School and later at the Castlemaine Secondary College during the 1980s and 1990s.

Ross now lives in the Blue Cross Aged Care Home in Ivanhoe, Melbourne, only a stone’s throw from his daughter and former CSC student Katharine Williams.

Poodle Art on show at The Mill

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Arrow Black and Hippy Shake enjoying Arrow’s photographic poodle exhibition in the Drying Shed at the Mill.

A photographic poodle exhibition showcasing the style and design surrounding the breed and their placement in unusual and quirky scenarios is currently on display at the Drying Shed at The Mill in Castlemaine. 

Community members contributed photos of their beloved pets for the Poodle Art exhibition.

Last month’s exhibition launch saw the small artist’s space overflowing with poodle enthusiasts and their pooches as they enjoyed a poodle wool spinning demonstration by textile artist Janine Clark and the excitement of a poodle tracking demonstration from Margaret Wright and her poodle Fleur. Artist and professional poodle groomer Arrow Black has a display of colourful, woolly poodles, alongside over 120 photos contributed by community members and fellow poodle enthusiasts. 

“Poodle people love meeting other poodle people,” Arrow told the Mail.

“I organised this exhibition in order to promote the breed. These days everyone owns an Oodle, but Poodles are so versatile. There’s nothing an Oodle can do that a Poodle can’t.”

Arrow Black and Hippy Shake enjoying Arrow’s photographic poodle exhibition in the Drying Shed at the Mill.

Arrow has worked as a professional pet groomer for 27 years, but after adopting an old retired breeding poodle six years ago, her passion for the breed began to grow, leading her to specialise in curly-haired dogs.

Her business The Poodle Groomer, based in Yapeen, sees clients and their pooches travelling from all over to get a cut and colour from Arrow’s expert hands. An average visit will run for two hours but can go for as long as five – depending on the complexity of the request. Services include show grooming, warm bubble bath’s, nail trimming, and fluff drying as well as a range of creative grooming services which can include; coloured body designs (think butterflies, leopard print and even a luck dragon!), Mohawks, hair banding and even koala ears. Pooches can get their nails painted and a choice of bows and accessories. One of Arrow’s passions is running workshops teaching poodle owners essential grooming techniques such as conditioning treatments, brushing and combing, styling techniques and using bows and bling.


Tammen enjoying the art exhibition launch last month.

“Poodles are amazing,” commented Arrow.

“They work in schools as therapy dogs, visit hospital nursing homes, and compete in trick trials. They could do pretty much anything, although I’m not sure they’d be great at security work.”

Arrow also runs poodle playdates out in Guildford every few months, creating a space for poodle lovers to meet and talk about their curly-haired pooches. Check out her Facebook page- The Poodle Groomer for information on upcoming playdates.

The Poodle Art Exhibition will be on display until June 20 at The Drying Shed Arts Space at The Mill, 9 Walker Street Castlemaine open Friday to Monday 11 am- 3 pm.

Something to sing about!

By
Castlemaine Mail
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The Castlemaine Singers recently celebrated 30 years of friendship and song.

The Castlemaine Singers celebrated their 30th anniversary with a special event at the Castlemaine Anglican Church Hall on Saturday May 27.

Past and present singers joined in the celebration and an afternoon tea together.

The local group was established in 1993 under the direction of the late Keith Bottomley. CEO Judith Ewing placed an advertisement in the local paper inviting “women who would like to sing for fun” to join the new group. 

Fifty-one ladies turned up for the first rehearsal! In 2009, Michael Bottomley took over the reins and led the choir through the next 10 years until covid struck. 

Emma Wade has been conducting the Singers since May 2021. Four of the original members still sing with the choir. For more information about the choir email judithewing@bigpond.com.

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