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Injection of funds for affordable vet clinic

By
Castlemaine Mail
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RCVC directors Robyn Slattery, Dr Yvette Berkeley and James Mack are celebrating achieving their fundraising target to build their new clinic. Photo credit: Ian Slattery.

With a lot of hard work and dedication from a team of locals, the Regional Community Vet Clinic have successfully secured the funding for the construction of a dedicated veterinary clinic in Mount Alexander Shire- providing services to those in dire financial circumstances to care for their pets. 

Thanks to funding announced in the 2023 Victorian budget, the group has achieved its funding goal of $500,000 for the construction of its purpose-built, not-for-profit veterinary clinic. 

“We’re unbelievably happy with the result of the budget, to see our cause crossing political lines and getting funding from two parties really goes to reaffirm that our services are needed and important to the regional Victorian community,” said co-founder Yvette Berkely. 

“We’ve been running outreach programs and pop-up clinics for the past year and seeing the support from our community has been truly heartening.” 

Funding for the clinic has been raised by RCVC through a mixture of grant awards, government funding, philanthropic grants, and donations from local businesses and the community with significant funding milestones coming from Animal Welfare Victoria, The Victorian Labor Party, The Animal Justice Party, The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and The Albert & Barbara Tucker Foundation. 

With their fundraising target secured, RCVC is now able to commence the build for the clinic which is being purpose-built by a Bendigo-based modular builder using a design that is portable and meets the region’s sustainability and environmental goals. 

“We have a site in mind for the clinic – Mt Alexander Shire has offered us space on the grounds of the Campbells Creek Community Centre and that would be perfect for us,” explained co-founder Robyn Slattery. 

“The reason we invested in a portable rather than a fixed site is that it allows both us and the shire flexibility if the site needs to change in the future, but we hope that we could be a long-standing fixture in the area.” 

The goal of the clinic is not to compete with or to disrupt local veterinary practices in the region, but to support them by servicing clients and their companion animals where their owners are experiencing social disadvantage or financial hardship in central Victoria. This relieves both emotional and financial pressure for commercial clinics, who often end up servicing these clients for free or providing payment plans that rarely end up being fulfilled. 

With funding secured and building contracts under negotiation, the next step for the team at RCVC is to finalise the site details with Mt Alexander Shire Council, who are currently assessing the planning permission. The goal of RCVC was always to have a clinic operational and staffed at least one day a week by December 2023 and this still seems achievable at this time. 

For those in the local community interested to learn more, the team at RCVC is planning to hold a public meeting at Campbells Creek Community Centre on Sunday, June 18. Members of the public will be able to ask questions, get updates on progress and learn more about supporting and volunteering with RCVC. 

For those interested in contributing, their fundraising campaign can be found at rcvc.org.au/donate/ with all donations over $2 are fully tax deductible. 

Organisations interested in corporate giving (or sponsorship) or any aspiring volunteers should contact RCVC by email at: info@rcvc.org.au, phoning: 0493 447 394, or visiting www.rcvc.org.au. 

Local arts talent on show

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Art Show Curator Catherine Tait and volunteer Judy Eastwood making final adjustments to one of the panels on Wednesday.

The 34th annual Rotary Club of Castlemaine Art Exhibition & Sale was officially opened with a gala event at the Castlemaine Town Hall on Thursday evening. 

The night included musical interludes, canapes, art prize presentations and the opportunity to meet some of the featured artists. 

The exhibition will be open daily across the King’s Birthday long weekend (June 9-12) from 10am. 

Art Show committee convener Robert Cordy said arts enthusiasts from all over Victoria and beyond are expected to once again descend on Castlemaine for the highly anticipated event which features more than 450 works in a wide array of mediums. 

The featured artist for 2023 is Castlemaine’s Juliana Hilton. 

“Hilton’s first solo exhibition in 1966 paved the way for her long career. Her work is seen in both public and private galleries,” Cordy said. 

“The show will once again be complemented by the popular annual raffle featuring a limited edition artwork ‘Rubicon Valley’ by local artist Jeff Makin and a range of other wonderful prizes,” he said. 

Entry to the show is $5 Adults, Free Under 16. Raffle tickets are $2. EFTPOS facilities are available at the hall. 

All proceeds support Rotary’s charity work and projects in the community. 

Community walks for Reconciliation

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Chewton Primary School students, fellow local students and community members are pictured at Me-Mandook Galk - the Grandmother Tree.

More than 290 community members joined the Chewton Primary School’s second annual ‘Reconciliation Walk’ held over two days last week (June 1 and 2) from Chewton to Me-Mandook Galk, the Grandmother Tree. 

This year Chewton Primary students were joined by students from Elphinstone, Newstead and Castlemaine Primary Schools and Castlemaine Secondary College, along with lots of people from the community. 

There were video clips and storyboards showcasing the students’ learning about Reconciliation, Yoorook, Voice, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have been a voice for change for generations and the Uluru Statement from the Heart. 

Walkers finished at Me Mandook Galk where they made a commitment to be a voice for positive change in their local community. Chewton Primary send a big thankyou to Kath Coff from Nalderun and Aunty Kerri Douglas which supported the school in this work. 

Boorp Boorp Boondyil exhibition wins award

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Council is proud to share the news that Boorp Boorp Boondyil, a permanent exhibition in Castlemaine dedicated to sharing Jaara stories and teachings, and been recognised with a Reconciliation Victoria award.

The Boorp Boorp Boondyil (passing knowledge on to our children) exhibition at the Market Building in Castlemaine dedicated to sharing Jaara stories and teachings has been recognised with a Reconciliation Victoria award. 

The exhibition featuring a range of stunning artworks designed to offer an immersive and interactive insight into Jaara culture, Country and community, was selected as one of the inaugural winners of the 2023 Maggolee Awards, which celebrates and recognises strong partnerships between Victorian local governments and First Nations Peoples. 

Uncle Rick Nelson who lead the development of the exhibition said he was thrilled to see the exhibition acknowledged in the awards. 

“I couldn’t be more over the moon,” Uncle Rick said. 

“This is a project that was inspired by my father, Uncle Brien Nelson, who spent his life sharing cultural knowledge to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. 

“To be able to continue the work he started – and for it to be creating waves and winning awards – it is just amazing.” 

Mount Alexander Shire Council’s mayor Cr Rosie Annear said she was proud to see the exhibition recognised and celebrated. 

“Everyone who’s visited Boorp Boorp Boondyil knows it’s a really special exhibition and it’s fantastic to see the work that the council has done in partnership with Uncle Rick get the wider recognition it deserves,” Mayor Annear said. 

Boorp Boorp Boondyil is open every day from 9am to 5pm at 44 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine. For more information visit www.maldoncastlemaine.com.au. 

Surgeon by day, punk rocker by night

By
Lisa Dennis
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Local surgeon night Dr Alex Cameron is pictured at Dhelkaya Health (Castlemaine Health) this week.

Ravenswood reconstructive plastic surgeon and Aussie punk rocker Dr Alex Cameron and his band Bad//Dreems have just dropped a new album HOO HA! 

The album hit number three on the Australian charts in its first week and 10 on the Aria chart. 

Chatting to the Mail during a break during his busy day surgery schedule at Dhelkaya Health (Castlemaine Health) on Tuesday the local surgeon and muso said he feels incredibly fortunate to be able to balance both his passions. 

“I grew up in a small town of around 1000 people, Minlaton, on the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia watching my dad play an important role in the local community as a GP. 

“I followed in his footsteps studying medicine at Melbourne University before returning to Adelaide and Darwin for my training as a plastic surgeon.” 

Alex said music has also been a longtime passion. 

“Our drummer Miles Wilson’s dad was the music teacher at my school and our other band members Ali Wells (rhythm guitar) and Ben Marwe (vocals) hail from the same region. Over the last decade our music has enabled us to travel the world and play with the likes of Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel and American indie rock band Pavement. It’s been an incredible journey,” he said. 

“In fact, we were in the middle of an overseas tour for our third album when covid struck. 

“We were forced to cancel the remaining dates and return home.” 

While covid brought Alex’s music career to a standstill for a time, his surgical career has taken off. 

“I was really lucky to be invited to join Dr Broughton Snell on the plastic surgery team at Bendigo Health working with public and private patients. Dr Snell has been a trailblazer here for the last five years. We have since welcomed on board two young registrars which has enabled us to support more clients right across regional Victoria and also create a bit more flexibility to pursue outside interests. 

Bad//Dreems featuring local Dr Alex Cameron (third from the left) have just dropped a new album titled HOO HA! Photo: Dougal Gorman.

Alex specialises in complex hand surgery and breast reduction and reconstruction. 

He said it is crucial for regional patients to be able to access treatment and follow up care close to home. 

“Only around 20 per cent of rural breast cancer patients are currently opting to have the elective surgery so it’s vital options and choice is available. It’s also great for those with young families or elderly farmers for example to be able to access the care they need in the regions without having to travel long distances to the city for multiple follow up appointments. 

Alex says moving to the country has enabled him to create an enviable work/life balance. 

“Surgery and music are two very different beasts. Over the years I have pondered why I am drawn intensely to such incongruous disciplines. The answer is that both provide privileged and powerful connections with people. It is a privilege to have people entrust you with their care. It is also a privilege to have people show interest in the art that you have created. I find both of these connections fulfilling and inspiring,” Alex said. 

Rising from humble origins in an Adelaide whitegoods warehouse in 2012, the latest album release sees a triumphant Bad//Dreems return post pandemic at the top of their game. 

The talented guitarist pens most of the lyrics for their music says they aim to capture the experience of the everyday person but find within it with the romance of the lost highways the Never-Never, the terrifying vastness of the outback, the sordid colonial origins of Australia and the dystopian future that awaits. 

The first side of ‘HOO HA!’ contains some of the most strident cultural critique the band has laid to record, as they tackle the whitewashing of Australia’s history. Nowhere is this more evident than the acerbic anthem ‘Jack’ where Cameron and Marwe take aim at their forebears for the sanitisation of Australian history. 

Alex said they were fortunate to visit Arnhem Land in August/ September 2022. 

“It was a really magical experience to tap into 60,000 years of First Nations culture and try and encompass some of that in our new music,” he said. 

To celebrate ‘HOO HA!’ during its release week (May 19-25) Alex Cameron and bandmate Ben Marwe went into duo mode for a run of very special acoustic performances at indie music stores around Australia with events in Melbourne, Adelaide, Wollongong, Sydney, Newcastle, Byron Bay and Brisbane. 

This whets the appetite for the Bad//Dreems ‘HOO HA!’ Tour which kicks off with a hometown show at Hindley Street Music Hall in Adelaide on June 23 and Melbourne’s Corner Hotel on Saturday June 24. 

The band will then tour the new album in Europe and the UK in August and September. 

Alex hopes to bring the show to Castlemaine later in the year. 

“We have such a great live music scene here in Castlemaine with The Bridge and the Theatre Royal. I am a regular. I enjoy catching shows with my good friend local sound engineer and producer Casey Rice. I’d definitely love to perform here,” he said. 

To get your hands on the new album or for tickets visit https://bad-dreems.lnk.to/hoohaalbum

Outpouring of love for Dallas

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Vale Dallas Keogh-Frankling. March 23, 2006 – May 27, 2023.
Vale Dallas Keogh-Frankling. March 23, 2006 – May 27, 2023.

The local community has wrapped its arms around the family and friends of Dallas Keogh-Frankling and the Castlemaine Football Netball Club in the wake of the sudden death of the local Under 18 footballer. 

The 17-year-old collapsed after playing in a match at Kyneton last Saturday and was rushed to hospital but could not be revived. 

An outpouring of condolences and support has flowed to Dallas’s family, the club and the wider community, including messages from Kyneton Football Netball Club, Bendigo Football Netball League, other clubs and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. 

Dallas has been remembered as a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin, a talented footballer and cricketer, and a loyal friend with an infectious smile. 

CFNC members and the wider community gathered at the clubrooms at Camp Reserve on Saturday night and Sunday to comfort and support each other in the face of the unimaginable tragedy. 

A further gathering was held on Thursday evening where representatives from Sport Chaplaincy Australia ran an initial debrief before those in attendance enjoyed a comforting meal. 

A spokesperson for the club said they were deeply moved by the outpouring of support. 

“Our club would like to give our sincere thanks to everyone who has provided their condolences, written tributes, and sent messages over the past few days since we lost Dal. It has been encouraging to know that our wider sporting community is walking next to us every step of the way. Not to mention our local community, including businesses and individuals,” the spokesperson said. 

“Our committee has been working hard to support our people. We are learning that the true impact of this tragedy is far reaching and that individual experiences of grief and trauma are diverse. Our mantra is ‘leave no one behind’ as we begin to formulate a way to support our community moving forward.” 

Dallas’s grandparents Margaret and Keiran Keogh also expressed their heartbreak at the loss of their beloved grandson on Wednesday. 

“Just 17 years. Our very precious, loved and adored grandson. Life will never be the same without you. What beautiful memories you have left us with for all your family and friends. Keep kicking goals with all those competitive angels. I’m sure they will wrap their wings around you and keep you safe forever. Never ending love from Nan and Poppy Keogh,” they said. 

Mayor Rosie Annear also expressed her sadness at the death of the young footballer in a statement released on Monday. 

‘I was deeply saddened to hear about the death of Dallas Keogh- Frankling on Saturday. 

Dallas was a local 17-year-old, who attended Castlemaine Secondary College, played Under 18s football for Castlemaine Football Netball Club, and cricket for Harcourt Cricket Club. 

I am sure that there is so much more to know about Dallas than just these things, just as I know that his sudden death, after a football match against Kyneton on Saturday, is affecting many people in our community. 

On behalf of myself, my fellow councillors, and all of us at Mount Alexander Shire Council, I convey our great sorrow at the loss of Dallas, and send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and all who are grieving him. 

We are only a relatively small community, here in Castlemaine and the shire, but we are incredibly connected, and incredibly good at coming together to support and care for each other when we need to. 

So, even though my heart is hurting for Dallas, and all those grieving his loss, I have already witnessed such kindness, connection, and strength occurring in the wake of this tragedy – and know that there is plenty more to come. 

Please, continue to be kind to each other and look after each other. And please reach out for help, if you need it – you do not need to carry grief alone. 

Talking to someone, whether a friend or family member, or a professional can really help (see some helpful resources below).’ – Rosie. 

Griefline 

Griefline provides a national toll-free helpline from 8.00 am to 8.00pm, Monday to Friday (AEST). 

Call: 1300 845 745

They also have a free Book a Call service allowing help-seekers the option to schedule a grief support call from a specially trained Griefline telephone support person. 

Grief Australia 

Grief Australia provides bereavement counselling and support services. 

Call: 9265 2100 or 1800 642 066 

Lifeline 

Lifeline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Call: 13 11 14. 

Kids Helpline 

Kids Helpline is a free, confidential counselling service available any time of the day or night by phone or webchat, for those aged between 12 and 25. Call: 1800 55 1800. 

Headspace 

Headspace is an online and telephone support service that helps young people who don’t feel ready to attend a headspace centre or who prefer to talk about their problems via online chat, email or on the phone. 

Call: 1800 650 890. 

OPINION: Leadership needed to protect Wattle Gully Gold Mine

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Community members Glenn Braybrook, Ian Braybrook, Vin Cappy, Elaine Appleton, Rod Printz, Greg Plancke and David Bannear are calling for an end to the ongoing destruction at the local mine.

I refer to your front page article on the desecration of the Wattle Gully Gold Mine site (Mail, May 26). 

I was shocked and annoyed when I visited the site last week. I had no idea that this valuable historic relic and potential tourist attraction had been allowed to fall into such a neglected state. 

It seems that nobody is actually responsible for its care and maintenance even though it sits within the area of the Heritage Park. Surely it is a potential focal point for the Heritage Park, not to mention the bid for World Heritage listing for the entire area. 

So where do we go from here? Obviously the mine site needs a considerable sum of money to be spent on it – and quickly if it is to be relatively easy and inexpensive to restore. But who is responsible? Is it Castlemaine Gold GGT? And do they have any plans for the mine’s future? Will it ever be profitable again? Or is it the responsibility of Parks Victoria? They appear to have no money to spare. 

It is probably up to the community to apply pressure for action. We must ensure that Wattle Gully remains a part of the area’s assets. But on whom is the pressure applied? Castlemaine Gold GGT? Parks Victoria? MASC? State or Federal Government? 

In recent years a considerable sum has been spent on the arts and sundry other items in the name of tourism. I venture to say that Wattle Gully Gold Mine is equally a tourist attraction, if not more so. 

Maybe an established community group or organisation can step up and take the preservation and care of the mine under their wings as a worthwhile project? I am no longer able to take a lead but I can help. Any takers? 

Quilters celebrate 30 years

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Life Members Lynn Jenkins, Sue Grimes, Margaret Mew and Kaye Smith.

The Goldfields Quilters held their 30th anniversary celebration at the Castlemaine Golf Club on Sunday May 21. 

A subcommittee of five current members from the group got together to start planning for the day at the beginning of the year. Two current members had gone through a lot of newsletters and minutes of meetings to find who had been on committees and names of members over the years. They estimate there has been approximately 180 members over the 30 years, currently there are 35 members. 

Trying to contact past members from the past 30 years was difficult as 30 years ago very few members had email addresses or mobile phone numbers. The organisers contacted as many past and present members as they could and 40 came on the afternoon to enjoy the celebrations. 

There was memorabilia for everyone to enjoy, including eight quilts on display, those being the First President Sandra Melen, current President Pattie Ritchie, the four Life Members Kay Smith, Lynn Jenkins, Margaret Mew and Sue Grimes, the Best of Show 2022 Brenda Bidgood and Corliss Searcey. 

A raffle was also held with all products being sourced regionally. The tables were decorated with old sewing machines and autumn foliage along with vases of autumn foliage, the clubrooms looked spectacular. 

Pattie welcomed everyone to the day and spoke about her quilting journey, what activities the group has been involved in and how much the group means to her and to all of the members. 

Founding President Sandra Melen and Current President Pattie Ritchie are pictured with the 30th anniversary cake.

Corliss spoke about how she came to move to Castlemaine and started ‘Threadbear’ Quilt Shop in Hargraves Street and how the Goldfields Quilters Group began. Corliss also showed those present her quilts she had made during her quilting journey. 

Part of the formalities was the presentation of badges to the four Life Members Kay, Lynn, Margaret and Sue and their small quilts with the group’s badge on it. The girls were very honoured to be the first life members of the group. 

An afternoon tea provided by the golf club was enjoyed and there was lots of reminiscing, friendships rekindled. Past and present members all together with the common denominator being quilting, such a wonderful afternoon had by all in attendance. To find out more about the group call Pattie on 0439 490 416. 

Goldfields sides shine in the wet

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Castlemaine spray it around in a dominant performance taking all 3 points against the Zebras at Soldiers Memorial Park. Photo: Max Lesser.

Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park saw Female Football Week come to a close with three great performances with the Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club’s U12, U14 and U16 Matildas all taking out exciting wins. This weekend sees a slightly quieter home schedule with only four games, kicking off with an U10 inter club game between CGFC U10 Green and Gold at 9am and finishing up with U16 Green taking on Strathdale at midday. 

Seniors 

The Women rested up with a bye in Round 7 of the Central Victorian League 2, but will resume this weekend away to Epsom in Round 2 of League Cup where they will be looking to cement their hold on a top 2 spot in Pool 1 

Sunday saw our two homes game for Metro Div 5 Men and Central Victorian Youth squads observing a minute’s remembrance in wake of the sad news of the loss of Dallas Keogh-Frankling the previous day. Like so many across the community those at our club were rocked by the news and extend our deepest condolences to Dallas’s family, friends and the wider Football Netball Club community. 

In the 11am kick-off the Div 5 men continued their excellent start to the season with a solid 4-0 win over a young Brunswick Zebras side. A first half goal by Denick Bio, was followed up in the second half by a brace from Ollie Gunter and one from Michael Jones. The win sees the Maine in 4th (joint second) on the ladder with 13 points but a game in hand over those around them and looking to climb to top spot in the coming rounds. This week they are away to 5th place Point Cook. 

In the second game of the day at Soldiers Memorial Park the Youth squad were looking to put on a positive performance after an up and down start to their season. Against a Spring Gully side one point ahead of the ‘Prospects’ going in to the game, it was always likely to be a tight game. In the end a goal to Castlemaine’s Ruben Christie secured the 3 points with a much improved game for the young Mainers. The win moves them up to 3rd on the ladder. This week they take on 4th place Shepparton United SC in what looks to be another tight game on paper. 

In Metro Div 7 the Reserves travelled down to Albert Park, who had been one of the more consistent teams in the competition, so far. 

Looking to bounce back from last week’s heavy loss, Maine were determined to play well and took it to Albert Park from the beginning. Unfortunately against the run of play the ‘Parkers’ opened the scoring. Castlemaine looked likely throughout most of the first half, creating many chances and exploiting their lack of pace at the back. A couple of one v one chances missed and hitting the crossbar twice, Maine couldn’t break through. 1-0 down at the half. 

The second half started well for Maine again, with more chances created. Surely, a matter of time, and indeed winger, Gianluca finally broke through shortly after half time to level. For the next 20 minutes Maine continued to dominate. This was our best game yet, going forward, with some exciting football being played. 

Unfortunately it is the defensive side which continues to need the work and in the space of 10 minutes and after some sloppy defending, Maine were punished, with two Albert Park goals. 

And so it would finish with a 3-1 loss. Special mentions to Liam who was threatening most of the day, Ollie who fought hard at the back and captain for the day, Camilo, who helped keep our shape, in the middle. 

This week sees the Reserve team on the road again, away to RMIT. 

Showdown between Bombers and Swans

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Maldon FNC C Grade defeated Natte Bealiba 32 to 29

This weekend we hosted Natte Bealiba. Natte are always a strong contest and they came prepared as always. The Reserves came away with a smashing win to hold 4th position on the ladder and the under 14.5’s had a killer win. On the court, Maldon really showed Natte, top-rated teams, that we are really warming up against the top sides with B grade only going down by 4 against Natte who sit 2nd on the ladder and C grade coming out with a great win. As for Junior Netball, Under 17s and 15s played brilliantly and won their games. Off the field and court, the Club also hosted its Western Themed night which went off with great delight. It was great to see lots of faces and everyone having a ball. Next weekend for Round 8 we head to Newstead for a night game with games starting at 12.55pm at the Newstead Rec Reserve. Newstead will be putting on some food and live music so come along and support two local Clubs.

Football

Seniors: Maldon 54 Def by Natte 55. It was a tough game against Natte on the weekend, but the efforts were there and it was disappointing to go down by one point. Moving forward into the season this game will give us great confidence. Better players were Pat Long at full-back, Alex Farrow on ball along with Matty Gray, Noah Thompson and Tanner Bishop were all strong contributors.

Reserves: Maldon 127 Def Natte 51. Another fantastic performance against a side we will be fighting with for a top 4 finish. After an even first quarter, our superior work rate and physicality allowed us to get on top and completely dominate the remainder of the game. Our mid-season recruits have fitted in perfectly and made a strong side even stronger 

Best: T. Rowe, B. Kitchingman, M. Colston, J. Knight, B. Brown, C. Cross.

17.5s: NO GAME 

14.5s: Maldon 97 Def Natte 7. Maldon played some outstanding football to come out big winners over Natte Bealiba. Best- Tom Hamilton, Aihen Turner, Tadgh Cananzi, Levi Mason, Francis Walls, Riley Davey. 

11.5s: Maldon 1 Def by Natte 46. With 4 players out and playing one of the top teams, we were against the odds. We held Natte to a pretty low score by their standards – thanks to our little legends never giving up. Our team tackle trophy went to one of our first-year players – Archer – for a thundering, bear hug tackle on the biggest player on the ground!

Best: Zavier Turner, Seth Gross, Dean Wilson, Nash Jennings, Darcy Robertson, Lucas Pascoe

Netball

A Grade: Maldon 36 Def by Natte 46. What a great effort by each and every player out on the court. Natte sure didn’t have it easy. It was one of the best starts we have had. Going into the quarter break only 2 goal’s down. We continued to push Natte. A strong defensive end made Natte change. Best On: Taige Weir

B Grade: Maldon 34 Def by Natte 38. The Team had a great start to the game, showing 2nd on the ladder that they could match them. All players out on the court gave 100%. The game was a goal-for-goal situation. A few positional changes in defence and goal still kept us in the hunt for a win. Unfortunately, a few umpiring decisions in the last quarter allowed Natte to keep the lead. Best: Claire Hamilton

C Grade: Maldon 32 Def Natte 29. Natte ended our final’s campaign in season 2021, so this game meant a lot to us to make sure we got it across the line and that’s exactly what the Team did! It was a fantastic showcase of teamwork and determination from all players Best: Jess Flavel.

Under 17s: Maldon 31 Def 30 Natte. The U17’s started very well on the weekend with Natte placed well on the ladder, it was going to be a tough game with many U15’s girls doing a stellar job stepping up. The Maldon team was able to certainly take it right up to the Natte team and were able to maintain top of the ladder with a thrilling win. Best: Eva Gross for her exceptional defence and excellent intercepts.

Under 15s: Maldon 21 Def Natte 15. The U15’s were again victorious on the weekend, with Natte certainly bringing their game on the weekend. We were able to settle well and again recorded a good victory against a third place Natte. Best: Jess Davies who was very accurate at goal and able to steer the team home for a captain victory

Under 13s: Maldon 9 Def by Natte 35. With a tough game ahead and quite a few different position changes, the under 13s kept their heads high and fort to the end, the defence down the court made it hard for Natte to bring the ball down. Best: Holly Willams and Grace Smith

Under 11s: Maldon 2 Def by Natte 12. It was another tough day at the office the passionate U11s. With limited numbers due to illness, the team worked hard to overcome the skillful Natte. Intercepts happened for us as we attacked every ball and we worked hard on our focus game goals. Our team also proved that we have flexibility as we were able to move our players around and goals were still met. Best: Martha and Scarlett.

Creekers take on Newstead

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Newstead outclassed a determined Campbells Creek side. Photo: Max Lesser.

Round 7 saw the Creekers head down the road to Newstead. Our U11.5s went with their strongest team yet, 23 players, and 2 emergencies that ran water for us. We started off a bit slow, and the first quarter saw Newstead score a few consecutive goals. After the first quarter, and a little more encouragement, the kids turned it on and really started playing well as a team. We kept them to minimal scores in the quarters thereafter. We saw 2 goals kicked off which were great team plays and connections from the backline to the forward line, where both Evie M and Mehkai B both got the results on the board. We saw players step up and try new positions, and we also had a few milestones. One was Thomas C, who played his first 2 quarters of footy ever and had a blast, and we also saw Blake T play his 50th club game. Congratulations again for a great achievement. Awards: Ashleigh Goulding and Thomas Chaplin.

Tough day at the office for the Reserves, as Newstead put the foot down in the first quarter and kicked 11 unanswered goals. After a rev-up at quarter time, the boys responded and were much harder at the ball, and it was really pleasing to see the boys linking up and taking some control of the game back. The first ten minutes of the third quarter, was arguably our best for the game, with repeat efforts and we rattled Newstead a little. Every player fought extremely hard right till the end, and came off the ground absolutely spent. Better players: River Murray, Jackson Rewell, Alex Pagano, James Cole, Jesse Callaghan, Paddy Taylor-Potter.

The intensity around the ball was evident as the seniors came out all guns blazing in the first quarter, the pressure and attack on the ball was pleasing to see. Ben Carson took a chance early and got us on the board, and Newstead took a 2-point lead into quarter time. As the game progressed, our pressure got harder, and we fought right till the end. We couldn’t be any prouder of the effort and endeavour that was shown. Better players: Mitch Stevens, Joel Wootton, Michael Dettmer, Sean Moss, Hadley Bassett, Harley Muscat.

A super close and well-fought game by both teams in the U11 match, had everyone on the edge of their seats, right down to the last minute of the game. Going into Saturday’s game, both teams were undefeated, and our little Creekers managed to keep the undefeated title, winning the match by a single goal! Final score: Creek 6 – Newstead 5. Awards: Kaelyn Jenkin & Sebastian Pratt.

The U13s played really well and it was a close game all the way through. Newstead managed to pull away in the last quarter, and took the win by 5. Final score: 20-15. Awards: Daisy Rowe and Amelia Brown.

Our 15 and under team tried really hard against a clean Newstead outfit, and while the score line looked lopsided, you wouldn’t have known it watching the game. There was lots of great play all down the court and a huge amount of effort from every single player on court. Final score: 29-9. Awards: Indi Wouda and Lucy Nugent.

C Grade’s final result also didn’t reflect the game they played. There was some great defensive play with some turnovers and impressive intercepts, all down the court, and also strong attack work. Unfortunately, our goal opportunities were narrow, and a strong Newstead attack line did the job well for them. Final score: 37-17. Best on court: Alison Picken and Marissa Johnson.

B Grade came out strong and went into the first break with a narrow lead. They were goal for goal in the second, and started the second half down by one goal. An 8-4 quarter for Newstead ended up winning the game in the so-called “premiership quarter.” Although the Creek girls put in an excellent final quarter, which they won by a goal, the final score line was Newstead by that 4-goal advantage they got in the third. Final score: 33-29. Best on court: Alicia Martin and Montanna Stevens.

The A Grade match was a great game to watch. Some lovely netball by both teams. A lot of the game was goal for goal, with Creek going into the main break with a 5 goal lead. Unfortunately, a 31-21 second half, saw the margin reversed at the final siren, and Newstead got the win by 5. Final score: 51-46. Best on court: Taneisha Wrigley and Jess Rhone.

The Campbells Creek FNC wishes to pass on our greatest condolences, strength and support to all the family, friends, teammates, and the wider community of the Castlemaine FNC. We are all devastated for you, and with you, in this difficult time.

All that jazz: The TEK TEK ensemble coming to Castlemaine

By
Castlemaine Mail
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The TEK TEK ensemble will be among the bands to feature in the Castlemaine Jazz Festival’s opening night extravaganza at Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal next Friday evening June 9.

It is only seven more sleeps until the 2023 instalment of the Castlemaine Jazz Festival (June 9-11).

The festival celebrates its eighth anniversary this year and will feature 30 bands comprising hundreds of musicians across four fantastic local venues.

The party commences next Friday June 9 with a ‘Big Band’ opening night performance at Castlemaine’s iconic Theatre Royal.

Three bands will kick off the celebrations including the virtuosic and original music of the TEK TEK Ensemble, the Balkan brass-fusion sound of Central Victorian faves The Seduceaphones and Melbourne seven piece heavy groove combo The Seven Ups.

TEK TEK Ensemble formed in 2010 and have performed countless times around Australia and the world including Jakarta, The Pilbara, Berlin, New Caledonia, Bangkok and Paris. The band has its roots in the wildness of late-night Melbourne pub music with the sophistication of jazz and classical performance, and the danceability of tropical rhythms and hard-partying disco beats.

Central Victorian gipsy-brass beast The Seduceaphones create grooves that move crowds in completely new and unusual ways, they pioneer an infectious vein of Balkan brass-fusion.

Seven piece heavy groove combo The Seven Ups from Melbourne will take you on an abstruse journey into the darker fringes of instrumental music, drifting from funk to spiritual jazz and through to psychedelic fuzz rock. The Seven Ups are your soundtrack to the dancefloor at the end of the world.

Harry Coulsons Blue Dogs are thrilled to announce that they have been honoured with the task of closing the festival at the Theatre Royal on Sunday June 11.

“We will be joined on stage by a plethora of special guests drawn from the many outstanding ensembles featured throughout the festival weekend,” Coulson told the Mail. 

For tickets visit www.castlemainejazzfestival.com.au

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