Over the past seven years Red Box Wildlife Shelter has provided a safe haven for hundreds of injured kangaroos while building and enhancing their facility to include; a fully operational vet clinic (complete with X-Ray machine), a dedicated ICU equipped with monitoring cameras, a convalescent cabin and rehabilitation pens and facilities designed to assist these noble creatures to heal and recuperate before being released back into the wild.
Nikki Medwell and her husband Scott have always been passionate about wildlife rescue and after buying the 60 acre property in Elphinstone and meeting the local inhabitants, their fate was sealed.
“Seven years later and our entire lives revolve around them,” said Nikki who works full time at the shelter.
Nikki fondly recalls her first rescue ‘Mr Boo’ who’s mum had been shot and killed leaving the tiny, helpless joey alone. When he was old enough Mr Boo was released into the wild, taking off with a mob for six months before returning to his first home. Mr Boo and Nikki have an incredible bond and he makes sure to make an appearance from time to time and make sure Nikki’s doing okay.
With no government funding the shelter relies on public donation and the assistance of volunteers. The team at Red Box consists of six volunteers, a dedicated vet ‘Dr Mark’ who travels to the clinic once a month, Nikki who is up at 4am every morning and working 18 hour days and her husband Scott who works full time and builds the shelter infrastructure.
For the past four years the shelter has been providing free assistance kits to people in the shire to help empower them to stop if they see injured wildlife.
“I started the kits after a woman messaged me telling me she was on her way to work and hit a roo,” said Nikki.
“She didn’t know what to do, she was dressed for work and running late and had driven many kilometres while she was thinking about how to respond. All day long she was eaten up with guilt and the idea of making the kits were born from her story.”
The simple packs are designed to give people confidence and knowledge to stop and help injured animals and consist of two pillow cases to safely carry joeys, an information sheet with instructions and phone numbers, and a nifty red and white stripped banner and a piece of string to assist wildlife rescuers to find the animal if you need to leave.
The free packs are now available at the Castlemaine Mail office at 13 Hargraves Street so hop in today and grab yourself some peace of mind.
Packs are also available at Mount Alexander Animal Welfare (MAAW), the Salvos, and Good Op Shop, Elphinstone and Chewton post offices, all Maldon and Community Bank branches and Hip Pocket.
These useful resources require a lot of pillow cases, so if you have any lying around that you’d like to donate, or you’re interested in volunteering please email the shelter at: elroos3448@gmail.com.
For more information www.redboxwildlifeshelter.com.au
A safe haven for our injured roos
Scars of Beauty exhibition explores birth trauma
Community members are invited to explore the topic of birth and birth trauma as part of an emotive new Central Victoria art exhibition ‘Scars of Beauty’. The exhibition at Dudley House in Bendigo represents the beauty that can arise from birth trauma and highlighting stories of post traumatic growth.
Scars of Beauty is a community art exhibition displaying the works of more than 25 artists, many first time exhibitors.
It is a place that people can connect, have conversations and gain more awareness of birth trauma. There can be light after dark, it may be a sense of resilience and strength, or the ability to be open and vulnerable.
It’s likely you’ll know someone who has experienced birth trauma as it can happen during any part of the journey that is bringing life into this world. It affects one in three women and is experienced by partners and health professionals too. Scars of Beauty is a way to celebrate the beauty that has arisen from these scars.
The exhibition will be officially opened with a special event on Thursday February 2 from 6pm-8pm and will feature an art auction and talks from the CEO of the Australasian Birth Trauma Association, Real Life Midwife Helen Nightingale and podcaster Dr Kara Thompson.
On Sunday February 5 there will be a family fun day with a circus skills workshop, clay and play, drawing and rock painting.
Refreshments will be provided at both events by local sponsors!
The exhibit will be from 10am to 4pm from February 3 to 5 at at Dudley House, 60 View Street Bendigo.
Come along and celebrate the bravery of the individuals and families!
Harcourt bowlers on a roll
It was a mixed bag of results for Harcourt Weekend Pennant last Saturday: Division 7 just went down by three points at home to Bendigo East; Division 6 enjoyed a four point win over South Bendigo and Division 2 were no match for Golden Square.
Last Monday Midweek Pennant Division 2 were lucky to hold their top spot after a hard day on the green at Woodbury. Despite a gutsy effort, Division 4 were no match for White Hills on their green.
Champion of Champions
Next Sunday Harcourt Singles Champions Carrol Frost and Phil Clarke will compete in the District Champion of Champions at Eaglehawk. We wish them both good bowling and good luck.
Barefoot Bowls
A successful night of Barefoot Bowls and Barbecue was held last Friday with over 50 bowlers of all ages in attendance. Another night will be held at a future date to be advised.
Weekend Pennant results for Round 10 were as follows:
Division 2 Harcourt 56 lost to Golden Square 89. Scores were Barry Marsh (s) 18/26, Daryl Gale, Carrol Frost, Darrell Normington. Steven Douglas(s) 11/23, John Kays, Grahame Hill, Terry Chisholm. Brian Smith (s) 8/24, Brett Jenkinson, Seth Bird, Phil Clarke. Rod Harris (s) 19/16, Brian Leech, Kaye Grant, Mary-Anne Doyle.
Division 6 Harcourt 80 defeated South Bendigo 76. Darren Cunningham (s) 18/20, Damian Bird, Ron Douglas, Diane Marsh. Russell Maltby (s) 22/19, Wayne Walsh, Rick Williams, Alf Manallack. Ken Tribe (s) 22/16, Chris McAuliffe, Tim Carr, Wendy Chaplin. Terry Robinson (s)18/21, John Grant, Les Harding, John Starbuck.
Division 7 Harcourt 66 lost to Bendigo East 69. Col Foster (s)15/28, Libby Harris, Gary Selwood, Geoff Ace. Heather Braid (s) 28/16, Kathy Harding, Mark Swain, Iain McGibbon
Brian Nunn (s) 23/25, Fran Corstorphan, Rod Watson, Ian Mc Millan.
Tomorrow January 28 Division 2 will host Bendigo East, Division 6 will travel to Woodbury, Division 7 will travel to North Bendigo.
Midweek Pennant results Round 11 were:
Division 2 Harcourt 39 lost to Woodbury 58. Carrol Frost(s) 10/21, Ken Tribe, Chris Anderson, Pam MacGregor. Diane Marsh(s) 15/13, Phil Clarke, Mary-Anne Doyle, Darrell Normington. Barry Marsh(s)14/24, Judi Miles, Judy Ewing, Kathy Harding.
Division 4 Harcourt 27 lost to White Hills 76. Chris McAuliffe(s) 6/25, Kaye Grant, Vinka Maltby, Moira Straw. Les Harding (s) 10/25, Kay Francis, Ron Douglas, Frances Collins.
Heather Braid (s) 11/26, Fran Corstorphan, Fairlie Harman, Sheila Oxley.
Next Monday January 30 Division 2 will host Castlemaine and Division 4 will host Calivil/Serpentine.
Castlemaine State Festival program set for launch!
Now in its 47th year, Australia’s flagship regional arts event the Castlemaine State Festival is launching its 2023 season with a preview event at Castlemaine Goods Shed Saturday January 28 at 11am.
The launch, which is open to the public will feature festival director Glyn Roberts presenting this year’s generous program which includes a vast range of free and ticketed events and the establishment of a new Festival Precinct that will bring Castlemaine alive with contemporary and classical music, performance, dialogues, cabaret, circus, comedy and DJs to entertain while audiences enjoy the best food and beverage options the region has to offer. The program launch will also include a live performance by Castlemaine’s own Eliza Hull!
2023 Festival Tickets also go live tomorrow! Make sure you grab your free copy of the Castlemaine State Festival program in next Tuesday’s January 31 edition of our sister paper the Midland Express.
Install CCTV now
Susan Bassett, Castlemaine
Since the last edition of the Mail (Graffiti Response Ramps Up, January 20) the Forest Street rail overpass has again been vandalised. Unlike some graffiti which can be beautiful, decorative and articulate, the Forest Street rail overpass vandals continue to scrawl derogatory hate speech against women.
This vandalism goes beyond ‘negatively impacting community members’. The language is abusive, violent and obscene, and a real indication of the tolerance of violence towards women in our community. The words linger on the overpass, a daily reminder of hate towards women.
Why isn’t the shire council pro-active, installing a security camera to provide evidence of this vandalism? Not after the next rounds of cleaning and waiting for more hate speech, but now. Please.
The Scientists to make their return
Before Nirvana. Before Mudhoney, Before the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion…there were – The Scientists.
Formed in Perth in 1978, the punk pop hooks of ‘Frantic Romantic’ and ‘Last Night’ removed them from their hometown to wider acclaim, re-emerging in Sydney with a darker, primitive concoction similar to that of The Stooges, Suicide, Cramps, Gun Club, Sonic Youth and The Birthday Party. What followed were a string of swamp rock classics such as ‘Atom Bomb Baby’, ‘Swampland’, ‘We Had Love’ and ‘Human Jukebox’ and a relocation to London before imploding in 1987.
For 20 years the band appeared dormant, until they re-emerged in 2006 for All Tomorrow’s Parties reforming for various tours including the Don’t Look Back Australian tour along with Sonic Youth performing Blood Red River and Daydream Nation respectively.
In 2021, two years after being inducted into the Western Australian Music Hall of Fame, they released their first studio album in 34 years, ‘Negativity’ making it onto most “top albums for the year” lists.
And now – finally, The Scientists are back – ready to tour that album plus play selections from their back catalogue.
‘The Scientists’ powerful brand of deranged swamp-rock will be returning to live stages around Australia in early 2023 for their ‘Negativity’ tour including our very own Theatre Royal on Saturday February 11. To secure you ticket for this must see show visit theatreroyalcastlemaine.oztix.com.au
My Campbells Creek with Town Folk Festival founder Jeremy Furze
Hi Jeremy, you co-own the Bridge Hotel, how did that come about?
My brother Pat and I used to run a little bar in Clifton Hill called Some Velvet Morning. We took over the Bridge in 2017 and have just bought the freehold for the building last year, which gives us security in the long term.
We love this clunky old country pub, were not striving for a high class gastro experience. We love running gigs outside when we can and we have lovely understanding neighbours.
I sometimes say having a pub is like having another kid, it’s noisy, messy and keeps you up at night.
Pat is the hospo guy; he’s into wine, the running of the kitchen and managing the staff and I’m the real business guy. Actually I find it strange to do an interview, I’ve always been the behind the scenes guy.
You also have a lot of other hats around town what are they?
I launched the Town Folk Festival with Shedshaker and Boomtown Wine last year and it went so well we’re running it again this year. It’s a big task, closing off Cornish Street and putting up the stage and if you ask anyone that knows your not going to make much doing gigs with 16 bands, but there are a lot of young folk musicians that need a place to be seen and it’s such a good feeling amongst the artists and the community and I just love being involved with live gigs.
Also for the past six years I’ve also managed bands, The Tesky Brothers are my main project.
Oh and I’m on the board of MainFM. I’d love to do a show but there’s just no time!
That is a lot of hats! Do you have time for any other interests?
Nicole and I moved to an 18 acre property, so were trying to set up a garden there and grow lots of vegetables, although the weather lately hasn’t helped.
And I like to play music myself, I play drums. Me and two other guys in Castlemaine set up Wafflepad, a recording studio at the Salvage Yard. It’s just a little rehearsal space for artists and sometimes we go and tinker.
What music do you enjoy listening to?
A new The Tesky Brothers album which will be coming out soon and a Melbourne artist Phoebe Go. Oh and Big Scary which is a Castlemaine duo and have a beautiful new album.
Are you reading anything at the moment?
A sci-fi I picked up on a whim at Stoneman’s Bookroom called Project Hail Mary about a guy who wakes up from a coma on a spaceship.
Are there any philosophies you live life by?
While music, gigs, festivals and bands are very exciting, valuing the family side of things is what matters.
What do you love most about the place you call home?
I love living here, we’ve built up friends and so have the kids. My wife Nicole grew up in Donald and I’m a Melbourne boy so Castlemaine seemed like a happy middle ground. Since moving here a lot of our siblings have moved here too.
And we’re lucky enough get to sit and eat breakfast every morning watching the neighbours’ horses wander around in the paddock next door.
An accident waiting to happen
Lindsay Milton, Chewton
I am intrigued by the number of cyclists who offer themselves up as potential road kill, by cycling east from Castlemaine to Chewton between 5am and 8am; where motorists cannot see their puny taillights against the glare of the rising sun.
Why do they not ride north to Harcourt or south to Daylesford; where they can be more readily seen?
Construction ceases at new tourist destination
Jade Jungwirth
Construction at Porcupine Village in Maldon has been forced to a standstill due to breaches of permit application conditions and a lack of approved planning permits (with the exception of the restaurant and managers’ accommodation).
Taking to Facebook Porcupine Village management expressed their sadness and frustration at the continued lengthy delays in the opening of the village.
“As the project is rather complex, the time frame for review from all of the stakeholders is lengthy,” the post states.
“We have followed the instructions of the council for nearly two years, but we have breached a couple of permit application conditions, based on advice given to us from a private consultant.
“They are not game-ending breaches, but they mean we have to cease works until such time as they are resolved, and permits are issued.
“Of course, the worst part of this is the laying off of 13 local contractors and employees that have put their heart and soul into this magical place for the last two years.”
Councillor for Tarrengower Ward Stephen Gardner also took to Facebook stating that works have ceased due to a lot of work being undertaken without approval.
“The Porcupine Village is a major development and will have a significant impact environmentally, heritage, water flows, major construction with large scale events. Obviously, this brings economic advantages.
“For all planning applications, there is a process and everyone needs to follow it, regardless of who you think you are and what you think you are doing for Maldon.”
Local residents told the Mail that they don’t have an issue with the village or restaurant re-opening but rather the scale of the project. Their concerns are largely due to the ramifications on the natural environment, increased noise in a residential area, and traffic and bushfire risks.
“The original village was in operation when we first moved here,” said one resident. “And when it was sold, we thought, oh that’s good, it’ll fire up again.
“It’s the overdevelopment of the site with glamping facilities, caravan park, swimming pool, and marquee, catering for 500 people on a five-acre block.
“Most people don’t realise the number of things being included on the site. It’s like another little town on the edge of Maldon and the ramifications are significant.”
“We have great faith in the planning process, which is carefully written and is there for a reason.
“We live somewhere special. We’re so lucky, and no one wants to see that ruined.”
The issue has become quite divisive in the township and has unfortunately resulted in residents and staff being verbally abused.
“The planning process allows for people to put information forward and now we’re being vilified for it. It all just feels like a bad dream,” said one resident.
Cr Gardener publicly stated that people are allowed to object and should not be bullied and victimised.
“Applicants should try and work with them to address their concerns as much as possible. Victim blaming and publicly blaming people is wrong and disturbing. Particularly when they have done nothing wrong.
“Once all information has been submitted there will be an applicant/objector meeting where everyone gets to present directly to the council before a decision is made.
“I urge all involved and to people generally to not direct anger at people who are just raising legitimate concerns.”
Porcupine Village was created and run as a replica historic mining town in 1993 and consisted of 40 historic buildings including a pub, bowling alley, general store, blacksmith’s workshop, and undertaker’s office. The tourist destination closed its doors in 2007 and has sat vacant until it was purchased by Melbourne businessman Frank Hutchinson in December 2020. In June 2022 the village received a $1.7 million investment towards the project from the state government and the Golden Nugget Restaurant successfully opened its doors to the public in September 2022.
Managers of Porcupine Village confirmed that the restaurant is operating as usual and they still hope to open the village and motel as soon as possible and commence works on stage two of the project which will include a caravan park, glamping facilities, a swimming pool, and playground.
Local girls cricket side shines at tournament
A team of girls from Castlemaine this week represented the region in the Western Victoria Girls Shield January 17 to 19. The team was entered in the Under 16 competition against a range of Western Victorian regions, including rep teams from Ballarat and Geelong.
The competition is an all girls competition run in Hamilton and involves five 20/20 matches over the three days. The girls stayed on site at Monivae College with access to the wonderful facilities of the college including a six lane indoor cricket centre.
Tuesday saw some extreme heat for the first two matches of the tournament.
Round 1 saw Castlemaine post a score of 4-116 of their 20 overs against Wimmera Girls. Sammy Brasher made 48 with the bat and well supported by Eve Righetti with 35 not out and the score looked competitive. The Wimmera innings hinged on their opener and despite tight bowling from the Castlemaine girls, Wimmera won on the second last ball of the match recording 6-120. Best bowling figures were Tori Van Egmond 2/21 and Shameka Grero, Chloe Butcher and Sammy Brasher all picked up one wicket each.
In Round 2 Castlemaine played Geelong on turf in the baking afternoon heat and recorded 8-69 in their allocated overs. Best batting performances were Chloe Butcher who batted from ball one to the final delivery, making 31 and Shameka Grero with 15 runs. Ice and cold water were the focus for the day as many of the players were impacted by the heat. Geelong got off to a good start but the tight Castlemaine bowling reigned them back in. Unfortunately, the Geelong Girls were too strong and passed the total at the end of the 16th oval. The wickets were shared with 1 to Shameka Grero, Eve Righetti, Tori Van Egmond and Chloe Butcher.
In Round 3 on Wednesday there was a delayed start to the first game against Colac due to rain. This was another cliffhanger. Castlemaine won the toss and batted first, making 7-83 on a very slow and wet outfield. Shameka Grero make a steady 27 not out and held the innings together. In response, Colac lost early wickets and Castlemaine looked in with a chance. In the middle overs, a number of missed opportunities for run outs would prove to cost Castlemaine dearly in the end. The game swung to and fro and in the end, Colac won with two balls to spare. Notable bowling performances were from Castlemaine 11 year olds Grace Smith and Everson Kneebone, both snagging a wicket each. The reliable openers Shameka Grero and Torii Van Egmond also took one wicket each.
Round 4 on Wednesday saw Castlemaine play Warrnambool. Warrnambool won the toss and batted first, making 4-73. A vastly improved effort in the field with two run outs and wicket takers were Tori Van Egmond and Sammy Brasher with one each. Castlemaine were hopeful of recording their first victory and their openers got them off to a bright start. Chloe Butcher and Sammy Brasher reaching 0-26 in the seventh before Chloe was bowled. The following overs saw Castlemaine lose Sammy Brasher and Eve Righetti to fall to 3-39 at the half way point. Then a great partnership between Evie Nuttal and Shameka Grero took the side’s score to 62 and within striking distance of the winning score. Shameka Grero then worked through with Laura Smolak and Tori Van Egmond to get Castlemaine over the line with three balls to spare in a great result!
The girls’ final game was scheduled to be against Sunraysia on Thursday morning and they were hopeful of continuing their continuing their good form for the final game.
CDCA’s Brian Brasher said the girls have been so keen, having two hour training sessions in the indoor facilities each of the three nights they have been at Monivae.
“Their enthusiasm for the game, their determination to improve and their support of each other has been wonderful. A team our Castlemaine community can be very proud of,” he said.
Castlemaine Rifle Club stalwart honoured
Castlemaine Rifle Club members contested the fifth stage of the Club Championship on Saturday. The club also had special medals struck to commemorate life member Stan Smith’s 90th birthday.
It was a hot day with a mild breeze and some mirage. The day consisted of shooting over the ‘short’ ranges of 300, 500 and 600 yards with seven scoring shots at each distance giving a total score from 21 shots.
At the first range Max Elson scoring 34.3 got off to a good start followed by Richard Ruddick with 32.2. In ‘F Class’ Greg Brown scored 41.4 to lead from Darren Trevena with 41.3. In ‘F Open’ the top score was Jamie Griffin with 41.3 followed by Mick Goritchan with 40.1.
Shooters then moved back to 500 yards with the wind and mirage increasing. Max Elson shot a possible, being 35.3, the only one for the day, with Richard Ruddick scoring 32.2 to be next in target rifle. Darren Trevena scored 39.1 to lead Greg Brown with 39.1 in ‘F Class’. In ‘F Open’ Mick Goritchan scored 37.2 to lead Phil Smith 37.1
It was still hot for the 600 yard range. Max Elson again stop scored in ‘Target Rifle’ with 35.2, followed by Chris Jolme and Richard Ruddick both with 32.2.
Tom Christie was the best shooter in ‘F Class’ with 38.2 followed by Sam Swagemakers with 37.1. Dan McColl scored 37.1 to lead in ‘F Open’ from Mick Goritchan with 35.1.
Final results saw Max Elson win Target Rifle with 102.7 from Richard Ruddick with 96.6. Richard won the handicap from Chris Jolme. Greg Brown won ‘F Class’ with 112.5 narrowly from Darren Trevena with 112.4. James Dolphin won the handicap from Tom Christie. The winner in ‘F Open’ was Mick Goritchan with 112.4. Jamie Griffin with 109.3. Jamie won the handicap from Dan McColl.
The next presentation was the medals for Stan Smith’s 90th birthday celebrations. The clubhouse was filled to capacity with Stan’s wife Mal, their sons David and Colin and four generations of their family in attendance. There were a lot of Stan’s Castlemaine clubmates, and friends from Kyneton and Bendigo Rifle Clubs.
Stan commenced his shooting career in 1984 at the Williamston Rifle Range. After retiring and moving to Welshman’s Reef he started shooting with Castlemaine.
In 1995 Stan became president of Castlemaine Rifle Club, helping to build it into one of the biggest and strongest clubs in Australia.
After stepping down as president in 2018 Stan became an honorary vice president, a position he still holds.
Stan is one of only two life members at Castlemaine. Stan and Mal are both still actively involved in the club with Stan helping with scoring and running shoots at Castlemaine. Members presented Stan with a suitably engraved pewter tankard to mark the occasion.
The winners of the very unique medals were Max Elson in Target Rifle, with Richard Ruddick winning handicap. Greg Brown won the ‘F Class’ medal with James Dolphin winning the handicap. The ‘F Open’ medal was won by Mick Goritchan and the handicap medal went to Jamie Griffin. The winners were very proud to receive the impressive medals which were a fitting tribute to Stan who has achieved so much in rifle shooting as a marksman and administrator. A gentleman of the sport and a true legend.
This Saturday a practice will be held starting at 1pm. For more on this sport call the captain on 5474 2552 or see Max at Castlemaine Fresh.
Nathan clocks up 250 run milestone at Castlemaine Parkrun
It was a very warm morning for runners at Castlemaine Parkrun event #340 on Saturday, and everyone was grateful for the shade our beautiful gardens offer in summer.
The warm weather didn’t stop Patrick Smith however, who was first across the line in 18:40, followed closely by Kyan McGill with a new PB of 19:30. Karina Taylor was the first female finisher in a time of 25:14.
Parkrunner, Nathan Rice, who tried to sneak in late to avoid notice, was caught in the act, and awarded his 250 milestone ‘stone’. He then had to run through the tunnel of love in recognition of this great achievement. Nathan has been a Parkrunner since January 2016, so it has taken him just seven years to reach his semiquincentennial. 246 of his runs have been at Castlemaine, the others being at Goldfields Reservoir, Kennington Reservoir, Campaspe and Torquay – I’m sensing a water theme here!
In addition to his commitment to running, Nathan has also managed to volunteer on 21 occasions. All in all, a fantastic effort. Well done, Nathan.
Joining Nathan in the tunnel of love was junior parkrunner, Sebastian Collie who celebrated his tenth parkrun, also a great achievement. It was the week for personal bests as well, so congratulations go to Glen Sheppard (26:19), Brianna Jury (31:59), Greg Taylor (32:47), Liza Shaw (36:05), Lachlan Morgan (36:17), Emma Morgan (40:19) and Parker Williams (47:35) who all achieved PBs despite the hot conditions.
No matter what the weather, the welcome is always warm at Castlemaine, and we extended that warm welcome to visitors from Lilydale, Canberra and Rosebud, and also to first timers David Scott, Lainie Sutton, Judd Pratt, Alexandra Squires and Libby Pratt. As always grateful thanks go to the volunteers who make the event happen each week. This week’s volunteers were: Run Director, Michael Constable, ably assisted by Ronder Clayton, Dianne Cox, Jane Harding, Peter Hill, Stephen Walls, John Willis and Robin Murdoch.
You can see just how many jobs need to be done to keep parkrun ‘running’ each week, so please come along and offer your support by popping your name on the roster, or register to run/jog/walk the gorgeous 5km course by logging on to www.parkrun.com.au/register and collecting your unique barcode, so you can join us every Saturday morning in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens at 8am.