Castlemaine Football Netball Club Senior Women’s Football Team premiership player Tia Davidge has been selected to play for Essendon in the Victorian Football League Women’s competition in 2023!
The on-baller is thrilled to take the next step in her football career and pull on the boots on for the Bombers side.
Tia said she after training and playing with the Bendigo Pioneers representative squad in 2022 she was invited to attend a tryout with the Bombers late last year and was then invited to train with the side.
“I wasn’t able to hit the training ground until the start of this year as late last year I represented the Vic Country Under 19 Women’s cricket side at the National Cricket Championships in Perth,” Tia said.
“We made the final against New South Wales at the WACA but unfortunately we were able to come away with a win. Despite that it was an incredible experience,” Tia said.
She has travelled to Melbourne for regular training sessions with the Bombers since the beginning of 2023 and was thrilled when VFLW manager Georgia Harvey and Bombers coach Travis Cloke sat her down to tell her she had made the Essendon list.
“I was really thrilled. I missed a lot of representative football with the Bendigo Pioneers due to my cricket commitments and two broken fingers on the footy and cricket field in 2022. However, the opportunities I did get with the Pioneers led me down this pathway and I hope to eventually take the next step up into the AFLW in the future,” Tia said.
Tia, who is most at home in the centre of the action, is hopeful she will get the call up to the Bombers side in their first match of the 2023 season on March 26.
However, local Magpie fans may still get the chance to see Davidge in action for the Castlemaine Magpie Women’s side as they strive to defend their AFL Central Vic Women’s 2022 premiership title when she is not required to play for the Bombers.
Tia’s star has been on a positive trajectory for some years now claiming Under 18 Girls Best and Fairest honours at her former junior club Strathfieldsaye Storm in 2021 and joint Best and Fairest honours in the Bendigo Junior Football League Under 18 Girls competition that same year.
In her spare time Tia continues to enjoy her local cricket representing the Barkers Creek A Grade side in the 2022-2023 season and working to support the Outdoor Ed team at Castlemaine Secondary College.
Tia selected for the VFLW Bombers
Tom and Alby Cups contested
Castlemaine Rifle Club members recently contested the ‘Tom and Alby Cups’. The shoot honours two of rifle shooting’s champions, Alby Jackson and Tom Holinger. Both commenced shooting at Williamstown Rifle Range, but after the closure of the range, Tom and Alby, along with other members of the Melbourne Rifle Club moved to Castlemaine. They introduced 300 metre shooting to Castlemaine. It is a very unique event as it is shot over 300 yards, then 300 metres with 10 shots to count at each distance. There is a perpetual trophy for ‘Target Fire’ and two for ‘F Class’ with the winners receiving medallions.
The day was very well attended with shooters from the Bendigo and South Bendigo Rifle Clubs participating.
At the first range 300 yards, Chris Jolme and Richard Ruddick both scored 45.2 in Target Rifle. Greg Brown led in F Class with 59.2 from Glenda Keel with 54.2. Tony Skinner had the best score in F Open being 57.5, ahead of Mick Goritchan with 57.2. For the visitors, John Keifer from Bendigo Rifle Club shot the only ‘possible’ for the day being 50.6.
Moving back about 30 yards to the 300 metre mark conditions were similar to 300 yards. In Target Rifle Richard Ruddick shot 96.1 to lead Phil Smith 98.5 followed by James Dolphin with 96.2. Tony Skinner again led in F Open with 99.6, followed by Mick Goritchan with 98.5. Rod Mahon from South Bendigo also shot a very good 99.6 in F Open.
To determine the winners handicaps were added to the day’s scores. In Target Rifle the winner was Richard Ruddick from Phil Smith with Chris Jolme third. The scores were exceptionally close in F Class! Greg Brown was the winner from James Dolphin and Glenda Keel. Only small percentages separated the three shooters with Greg winning for the second year in a row.
It was a great day of competition and a fitting tribute to two gentleman who contributed so much to the shooting movement.
Farewell to summer
In the absence of any milestones this week, there was still much to celebrate at Castlemaine Parkrun #346 with many personal best times recorded, a number of visitors from near and far, and a large group of first timers to welcome.
It is also worth noting that, of the114 participants this week, there were 10 recorded as ‘unknown’, which means that they didn’t have a barcode to enable their time to be recorded. Getting a barcode is a simple task achieved by logging onto the parkrun.com.au webpage and selecting the ‘register’ tab. It is free and you only need to register once regardless of how many different events you visit and whether you walk, jog or run. Your unique barcode can be uploaded to your phone or printed out, or you can order a number of different products such as wristbands, and key ring tags so you will always have your barcode with you for scanning at the end of the event.
Castlemaine Parkrun welcomed visitors from Queensland, Melbourne, Port Macquarie, Sale and Campaspe this week, and it was one of these visitors who took out line honours – congratulations Patrick Kelly, whose home parkrun is New Farm in Brisbane.
There were also eight first time parkrunners, so we extend a warm welcome to Ryan Hale, Freya James, Shomari Rosalska, Kate Smallacombe, Desma Talamo, Claire Thomas, Noel Thomas and Leigh Kinsman, we look forward to seeing you all again next week!
Ten amazing people recorded personal best times, which is what parkrun is all about – challenging yourself at your own pace. We are pleased to acknowledge Reece Hodge (21:59), Aaron Schmidt (22:58), Trent McGregor (24:50), Kate Freston (25:07), Alice Taylor (25:13), Lucan McGauran (25:36), Rohan Singh (25:55), Luca Say (26:05), George Stevens (29:08) and Dhi Singh (33:07) for their new PBs.
Many thanks to the volunteers who keep this show on the road. This week, the cheerful volunteer
team consisted of the following people: Ronder Clayton (77), Michael Constable (47), Bessie Faircloth (18), Geoff Faircloth (52), Henry Faircloth (6), Jane Harding (87), Karina Taylor (82) and Robin Murdoch (47). The number in brackets is not their age, but the number of times each have volunteered at parkrun. Remember volunteering is open to anyone, just go to
https://www.parkrun.com.au/castlemaine/volunteer/ to take your turn, learn some new skills and have some fun.
Castlemaine Parkrun organisers look forward to seeing you on Saturday morning in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens playground/bbq shelter at 8am.
Prelude – a Concert in Harcourt
The granite church in Harcourt is an ideal venue for the mix of classical and well-loved music to be presented on Sunday afternoon. Performers include Just Brass students, Fay White singer-songwriter, Sue Proeve singer, Mannie Maund cellist, Jennifer Lehmann recorder player, B’rockWerk (Solway Nutting, John Tungyep, Mannie Maund) playing a baroque sonata, and last and loudest Brasslemaine.
Afternoon tea will follow the musical feast. Donations will go towards the Asylum Seekers Welcome Centre, part of ‘Lentara’ Uniting.
The concert begins at 2.30pm this Sunday March 5 at Harcourt Uniting Church, Buckley Street, Harcourt.
Countdown on until Castlemaine Idyll
Castlemaine Idyll returns to Castlemaine’s Lot 19 art precinct on Saturday March 18 to once again give aspiring stars their moment to shine.
A beloved fixture on the calendar, Castlemaine Idyll (affectionately known as Idyll) features performances from local legends, and legends in the making. Each contestant has a professional band to back them and a crowd full of enthusiastic supporters cheering them on.
The man behind the event, Mark Anstey, said Idyll is a competition like no other.
“Castlemaine Idyll is an uplifting, collaborative event which brings joy and connection to a wide cross section of our community. Performer places are in high demand – and this year they were filled in record time!” Mark said.
Community member and previous performer Denise Button is a devout Idyll enthusiast.
“Castlemaine Idyll is the highlight of my social calendar. To me, it is an event which captures so much of what I love about the Castlemaine community. Idyll embraces all ages and abilities and is a joyous event that leaves me smiling for days,” Denise said.
“I am a repeat performer, and this year my daughter is performing for the first time, which is very exciting. I love the bravery and creativity of the performers; the genuine support and encouragement from the audience; and the entertaining comments from the judges,” Denise said.
The guest judges are a mainstay of the Idyll fun, and this year the judges are comedian Casey Bennetto, performer and musician Aurora Kurth, and broadcaster and Idyll stalwart Gus Read-Hill.
Held at Lot 19 In Langslow Street, a not-for-profit creative space and events venue committed to supporting local talent and community, Castlemaine Idyll is a true community event, supported generously by a plethora of local businesses and organisations.
“We are grateful to all of the local businesses who continue to support Idyll with great food, a well-stocked bar and other support behind the scenes. Together we will keep your gang, whether it’s family or mates, entertained for hours,” Mark said.
Tickets for the 2023 event have already sold out! But you can tune in and listen live on MainFM 94.9.
My Castlemaine Laura Keogh
Hi Laura. You own and run the beautiful community launderette on Barker Street, how did that come about?
My husband and I thought it would be a good business, plus somewhere I can have a little writing office. We’ve had Sac’O’Suds for almost 18 months and I really enjoy it.
As a writer you can be in your own head, so it’s a nice way to have contact with people. It’s a great business that focuses on the local community.
We’ve also partnered with Orange Sky, an organisation that helps connect people with regular laundry services. Every Thursday from 1pm to 3pm people who are doing it tough, or need some positive connection, can chat with the volunteers and access free washing at our launderette. It’s a great way to connect with people.
What an amazing thing to do for people! Have you lived in Castlemaine very long?
We moved to Castlemaine when my youngest was a baby and he’ll be 20 this year. It’s such a great place to raise kids.
What other careers have you worked in?
I studied journalism at RMIT in the early 90s and had lots of different jobs but never really found my feet. When the kids were all at school I went to work at the hospital in Castlemaine; I started off on a health project and then worked on and off in different departments before finishing up in public relations and fundraising.
I started a little publishing company a few years ago, which I love. I wrote and published a children’s book called Australia is Our Home. I’m currently working on a second children’s book.
Do you have time for any other interests?
I finish work at the launderette at 1pm so they’re pretty dignified hours. Then I can read, write, garden or spend time with the family… I like to potter!
Have you travelled much?
A little bit. I’m from Melbourne originally, but we moved a lot when I was growing up. We spent quite a few years in Hong Kong which was good fun. I came back to Melbourne for University. We’ve done a few good family trips more recently and are hoping for a few more.
What are you reading at the moment?
I’ve just started Alex Miller’s new book A Brief Affair.
What genre of music do you prefer?
Lately it’s been a bit of 80s and R&B but I like lots of different music depending on the mood I’m in.
What philosophies do you live life by?
I don’t think I really have a life philosophy. Maybe it’s: try to be nice.
What do you love most about the place you call home?
The Castlemaine community is incredibly generous and full of interesting people.
Unveiling the truth of Central Victoria’s past
US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, Consul General Kathleen Lively, and filmmaker, historian, and journalist Santilla Chingaipe, were in Bendigo on Monday to unveil a plaque to acknowledge the life of John Joseph, an African-American leader of the Eureka Rebellion.
John Joseph was arrested for protesting government licensing fees during the Eureka Stockade and was tried for high treason before being acquitted by a jury. He was carried shoulder-high through a cheering crowd of thousands outside the courtroom.
After he died in 1858, John was placed in an unmarked grave at White Hills Cemetery in Bendigo. During this week’s celebrations, an American Oak was planted to honour his significance in history and as a part of the United States commitment to racial equity and recognition of historical justice.
Ambassador Kennedy asked those gathered to think of the people missing from today’s narrative and to take responsibility to include them.
“We can be inspired by the courage of the miners and renew our commitment to justice for those who have been left out and left behind. We can take heart from the recognition that great progress has occurred while recognising that there is much more to do. We can hold our governments accountable to their democratic promises and we can hold ourselves accountable for creating a more just and honest world,” Ambassador Kennedy said.
Former Kansas State Senator Donald Betts told the Mail that Ambassador Kennedy is leading by example.
“This is a real power move which will hopefully lead to more unmarked graves being revealed,” Mr Betts said.
John’s lack of recognition in our country’s long and colourful history is, unfortunately, a common occurrence amongst our First Nations, Chinese, African-American, and female descendants.
Working to bring these stories to the fore is Castlemaine production company Chemical Media, who last year produced a documentary featuring Santilla and her work to recognise significant African-Americans in Australia’s gold rush history in the SBS film ‘Our African Roots’.
Santilla said she feels humbled to pay tribute to John Joseph.
“It’s a shame it took a foreign government to acknowledge John’s contribution to Australia,” Santilla commented.
“His life was marred by injustice, so this is a bittersweet moment that speaks to how far behind we still are in these conversations. We’re still not there yet.”
Santilla has been researching African American people in Australia’s history and is currently working on a book entitled ‘Black Convicts: How Slavery Shaped Colonised Australia’, due to be released next year.
“When I started my research, I found that there were 100s and 100s of these stories that began to unravel, with African American settlers in their thousands,” Santilla said.
“So I had to focus on those who had made a significant contribution.
One of the lives featured in Santilla’s documentary, ‘Our African Roots’ was Fanny Finch, a Castlemaine businesswoman of African heritage, who is the first known woman to cast a vote in an Australian election in 1856.
Chemical Media Executive Producer Tony Jackson told the Mail that it’s not often that he gets to produce films that have a clear, tangible outcome.
“History was written by white men and while the other people’s stories were not necessarily hidden,” said Tony. “They haven’t been told yet either.”
Festival director announces departure
Castlemaine State Festival (CSF) director Glyn Roberts has announced that the 2023 iteration of the premiere arts event will be his last in the director’s chair.
After six years, he will be stepping down in April 2023.
Known for his work across the Australian and international creative industries, Roberts joined CSF in 2017 and led the Castlemaine State Festival through two hugely successful editions of the biennial event, the 2019 edition of the festival was the most attended festival in its history, and his third and final edition, to open soon in late March looking to be the biggest yet.
Also, to his credit has been leading a highly successful multi-stage capital expenditure project through the development of the Castlemaine Goods Shed site as a multi-use arts and cultural space and HQ for the organisation.
Roberts’s passion, drive, and commitment to supporting the many disciplines under the arts umbrella made his time at the Castlemaine State Festival one of growth. Under his guidance, the evergreen arts event became one of the first at-scale productions in early 2021 to successfully emerge from the challenges of covid and associated restrictions.
Of his time at Castlemaine State Festival, the upcoming 2023 program, and toward a new chapter, Roberts today told patrons and stakeholders, it has been a great privilege to lead the Castlemaine State Festival for these past six years.
“I feel very lucky to have been able to call Castlemaine my home and to have had the opportunity to work alongside the amazing team and board here at CSF, the artists, audiences, stakeholders, and community members,” Roberts said.
“Since day one my task has been to ensure the renown of the Castlemaine State Festival as the leading arts festival of regional Victoria and Australia. I am particularly proud of securing $6 million to invest in the future development of the Castlemaine Goods Shed and with the team leading the organisation through the pandemic crisis period,” he said.
“The future is bright for the Castlemaine State Festival and I am thrilled for whoever fills the role of Festival Director and CEO next. I hope to see you all at the 2023 Castlemaine State Festival!” Roberts said.
Castlemaine State Festival Board Chair Dennis Goldner AM expressed the board’s gratitude for Robert’s achievements during his time as director.
“Glyn will be leaving the Festival in great shape, having injected the necessary sparkle into it to ensure its vitality, while navigating us through the pandemic and getting the Goods Shed going as our home and future cultural hub for Castlemaine,” Goldner said.
“Glyn is a young and talented arts leader whom we knew would be moving up to an exciting new role at the right time. That’s precisely what’s happening and the board, team and I wish him every good thing for what’s next and say a big thank you,’ the board chair said.
Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards thanked Roberts for his contribution to CSF and congratulated him on all he has achieved.
“Glyn is a well-established leader in the creative and arts space, and during his time with the Castlemaine State Festival has taken it to the next level,” Ms Edwards said.
“The combination of performance, music, literature, visual arts and film has helped the festival to have an extraordinary impact on the social, cultural and creative fabric of our community, building on its rich history.
“During Glyn’s tenure, he led the organisation through the pandemic, including designing a longer-format festival in 2021. This contributed to the economic recovery of our region,” she said.
“In partnership with the Board, Glyn’s leadership has also ensured the future of Australia’s longest-running regional multi-arts festival is strong. This has included securing $6 million in funding from the Victorian Government for the redevelopment of the festival’s home, the Castlemaine Goods Shed, as well as ongoing operational funding from Creative Victoria. This success is testament to Glyn’s significant engagement within the Castlemaine and Victorian communities, as well as his deep knowledge of arts and culture,” Edwards said.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Glyn over many years, particularly to advocate for continued funding for the festival from the state government, and I wish him and his family all the very best,” the local MP said.
After the upcoming instalment of the 2023 Castlemaine State Festival, Roberts plans to take on a position in North Queensland driving projects to support the thriving arts community in Townsville.
For more information about the 2023 Castlemaine State Festival which kicks off on March 24 and runs until April 9 visit castlemainefestival.com.au
A permanent place for Safe Space
Castlemaine’s Safe Space (CSS) is going from strength to strength, helping over 130 individuals since it first opened its doors last July, and with the possibility of a permanent site now on the horizon.
The premise behind Safe Spaces is to provide a safe and welcoming place for people experiencing emotional distress, loneliness, or suicidal thoughts to drop in, have a cup of coffee, and chat with trained volunteers who have lived experiences of suicide.
At present CSS operates Tuesdays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Senior Citizen’s rooms near the library and Saturdays from 1.30pm to 4pm at the Salvation Army Hall on Kennedy Street. Both spaces require a significant amount of additional work for volunteers, moving furniture around and making the spaces welcoming.
Having a permanent, centrally located home, would make the space more accessible and enable the possibility of expanding services. The proposed building is a centrally located former retail space, that could potentially be co-leased to other businesses such as musicians, and art therapists, which would aid in creating awareness of CSS.
CSS Project and Peer Volunteer Coordinator Amy Sonsie told the Mail that while they currently have 30 volunteers, more are always needed as each volunteer only works two shifts a month.
“Having more volunteers would enable CSS to consider expanding the number of sessions provided to the community,” Amy said.
“We have a great group – we are like a family and there is lots of ongoing support for volunteers.”
Amy noted that on average, the volunteers have been supporting three to four guests per session, with some guests enjoying group interaction including games, music, and puzzles and other guests who prefer one-to-one support.
“We have one gentleman who catches the train up from Melbourne regularly to visit us. He says he feels comfortable here. He travels up, has something to eat and drink, sits for a while and travels back to Melbourne.
“Isolation and loneliness are a big concern for many people and we are finding that roughly 80 per cent of our guests are over 50 years old and 95 per cent of them are male. Sadly, over the past three months there have been a number of older males in our community that have committed suicide,” Amy said.
CSS is currently in the process of creating a resource folder which can be accessed by sporting clubs, community organisations or those who are reluctant to reach out for support. These resources will be available at www.castlemainesafespace.org/ in the near future. If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer email: castlemainesafespace@gmail.com
“So disappointing”: Big swing stolen from popular playground
UPDATE: A replacement swing has been installed!
Youngsters from across the region were left disappointed last week after the basket swing was stolen from the Harcourt Play Space in Stanley Park North.
Castlemaine Police are investigating and would love to hear from anyone who may have information about the theft.
Mount Alexander Shire Council has ordered a new basket swing and aims to install the new swing as soon as possible. Council thanks community members for their patience and understanding in the interim.
Community members expressed outrage at the theft on local social media site Hardcore Harcourt late last week.
“So disappointing, my grandies love the swing!” one community member said.
HALT heads to parliament house
Castlemaine grass-roots suicide prevention charity HALT (Hope Assistance Local Tradies) had a fantastic morning at Parliament House last Wednesday February 22 delivering a HALT talk to the tradies working on site, the maintenance team, politicians and staff.
HALT events provide tradies and apprentices with the tools to start having conversations about mental health and encourage tradies to support their mates when they’re going through tough times.
Bendigo West MP and Legislative Assembly speaker Maree Edwards facilitated and organised the event which enabled HALT founder Jeremy Forbes and the HALT team to make a presentation to around 70 politicians, tradies, maintenance staff and other parliament staff about mental health and suicide prevention.
“It was wonderful to have the whole HALT team at Spring Street for the event,” Forbes said.
“There were lots of positive and supportive conversations amongst the tradies and politicians after the event and HALT has already organised upcoming meetings with politicians who are keen to support HALT and see it grow across the state, and with Building and Construction representatives who were there and would like HALT to come out to their work sites to talk with their teams,” he said.
“HALT especially thanks Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards who has been a long-term supporter of HALT and led the charge to get HALT down to Parliament,” Forbes said.
Ms Edwards said the event was “inspiring”.
“HALT was founded back in 2013 by Castlemaine’s Jeremy Forbes, and their talks remind tradies about mental health and suicide prevention supports available. Thousands around the state have been moved and empowered by their talks,” Ms Edwards said.
“I was proud to host one of their famous Save Your Bacon brekkies (without the bacon!) for our parliamentary tradies as well as MPs.
“I’ve known Jeremy for a decade, and the visit by his team was as incredible as ever.
“Thanks to the HALT team for making the trip – and thank you to so many of my colleagues and the parliamentary tradies for coming along!” she said.
Digging into the science behind mining
Last Thursday a group of Castlemaine Secondary College students visited Fosterville Gold Mine for a careers field trip, learning all about mine operations and meeting a wide variety of industry experts.
17 Castlemaine Vocational Educational Training (VET) students from years 10, 11, and 12 met up with 22 students from Echuca College at Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville Gold Mine, where they meet engineers, environmental scientists, geologists, and trades professionals to learn about the science behind mining.
Castlemaine Secondary School teacher Anthony van Emmerik said the experience was excellent.
“The young people really enjoyed it and one student who is studying to be an electrician is now interested in pursuing a job at one of the mines in the future.”Part of my curriculum is to take the students to see different industries. We’ve been out to the Grand Prix and are hoping to go and see where the Bushmasters are made later in the year.
“It’s such good exposure for the students,” said Anthony.
“Taking the students to see different workplaces gives them something to look forward to and shows them what jobs look like in the real world.”
“At Fosterville we spoke to environmental experts and geologists and had a look at the automotive light vehicles and rock crushing. There’s such a broad spectrum of roles at the mine,” Anthony commented.
The careers field trips, organised by the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), are designed to provide an understanding of the skills required in the mining industry and to learn about the varied careers available.
James Sorahan Executive Director of Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) Victoria said the mining careers field trips give students a unique opportunity to visit a modern operating mine and learn about jobs they can aspire to in mining.
“Local jobs in mining include; diesel mechanics, electricians, engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, and office roles in finance, safety, and human resources,” said James.
“A mine is like a mini-city, students are surprised by the diverse range of jobs. Whatever you are interested in there is a role in mining for them.”
The field trips first began last year with 14 schools from Horsham to Echuca taking part. Castlemaine Secondary College was the first school to take up the program in 2023; the rest of the year is filling fast.
“Mining is not just about Victoria’s gold rush past, it is a big industry now which will only be a more important part of Victoria’s future as we need more minerals essential to modern life,” said James.
‘Regional Victoria needs more pathways to mining at local TAFEs to point local kids to. Hopefully, TAFE and the Victorian Government will do more to deliver training to locals interested in mining.”
For more information on the program visit: minerals.org.au/careers, call 8614 1851 or email info.vic@minerals.org.au.