Castlemaine Golf Club hosted a stableford competition last Thursday with 21 taking to the fairways. Four players ended with 35 points each, but Greg Crowe (9) clinched the top spot on a countback, narrowly beating Les Prendergast (11). Only five birdies were recorded during the competition, with Norm Bellis and Wayne Toohey hitting 2 and one by Matine Rahmani. Megan Carroll claimed the Nearest the Pin prize on the 12th hole with her impressive drive, while Wayne Toohey secured the 7th.
Thursday also saw the 4BBB Stableford competition run concurrently with the individual competition. Wayne Toohey and Harald Domanski emerged as the winners with a team score of 43 points, just one ahead of Ross Stevens and Les
Prendergast, who scored 42 points on a countback.
On Friday, the ladies hosted a successful Milford Salver Three Person Stableford event.
A total of 11 visiting teams had a wonderful round of golf followed by a delightful lunch. The winners were a visiting team from Axedale.
On Saturday a total of 46 players enjoyed ideal weather as they vied for the October Monthly Medal. Ian Gilmore (10) claimed the prestigious medal with an outstanding performance, carding an impressive 72 points. He narrowly edged out Dave Stephens (30) by just one point.
In A Grade Ian’s score secured him the victory, with a two-stroke lead over Ross Bottomley (6) who posted a score of 74. Neil Webster (13) delivered a standout performance in B Grade, accumulating 74 points. He secured a tight victory over Rod Entwistle (18) by a mere one-point margin.
The competition in C Grade was equally fierce, with Dave Stephens (30) and Glenn Carroll (19) going head-to-head. Dave scored 73, while Glenn was close behind with 74 points.
The Saturday morning nine hole competition attracted seven players who headed out early. Kevin Adams (18) score of 16 points secured him the win, one point ahead of Peter Greswell (20&15).
The Tuesday ladies were blessed with perfect golfing weather as they teed off for their October Monthly Medal. Sixteen ladies vied for the prestigious prize, but it was Swee Ho (30) who shone the brightest, carding an impressive 72 to secure her first ever Monthly Medal. In the fiercely competitive A Grade, Rosalie Roberts (24) put up an admirable fight, finishing as the runner-up with a score of 74. Meanwhile, B Grade witnessed an intense battle ending in a tie, with the winner and runner-up posting 74 points. Trish Sharrock (34) emerged as the victor, narrowly edging out Dee Sansom (33) by the slimmest of margins. Dee Sansom’s performance also earned her the distinction of having the fewest putts, a remarkable 28, and she was rewarded with the IGA voucher for her efforts.
Castlemaine golfers hit the fairways
Campbells Creek bowlers celebrate season opener
Opinion: Voice to Parliament will continue journey to justice
Former Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation members Dr Jackie Huggins, AM Sir Gustav Nossal AC, Ray Martin AM, Aden Ridgeway, Margaret Reynolds AC, and Dimity Fifer.
In 1991, Federal Parliament created the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation for a ten year term. The Council mobilised a people’s movement, and in 2000, one million Australians walked across bridges in support of our First Nations people. As Council Members, we were there amongst the crowds. It felt unstoppable.
In December 2000, Council handed its Final Report to Parliament. We knew that while ‘many steps have been taken, many steps remain’ to heal the wrongs, the wounds, and the injustices of our history.
We know that measurable progress comes from listening and responding to the lived experience of communities, yet since then many structures created to provide knowledge and advice from our First Nations people have been halted or sidelined.
On October 14, 2023, we have another moment of collective action. We can do this. We can ensure our First Nations people are acknowledged in Australia’s Constitution and create a lasting way for their voices to be heard where laws are made, and policies are created. Empowered by the Constitution, the Voice will be a long term pathway for advising the Federal Parliament and creating positive change.
In 2000, we showed up and walked. On October 14, 2023 we will stand up and be counted. We are voting Yes.
Catch author Ros Ben-Moshe at Castlemaine Library
Learn to tap into the lighter side of life and awaken both your inner and outer smile this Mental Health Month with internationally recognised wellness and positivity expert Ros Ben-Moshe.
Ros will be visiting Castlemaine Library next Thursday October 19 to discuss her latest book, The Laughter Effect, sharing the science of laughter and the practical ways to include it in our lives.
Ros offers a new dimension to self-care, elevating mindfulness, gratitude and self-compassion. She will show you how to use the energy of laughter and joy to counter stress hormones and stimulate a daily dose of positive wellbeing with ‘happy hormones’.
Goldfields Libraries Programs and Events Manager Tammy Higgs said in a world where stress and anxiety are becoming more prevalent, The Laughter Effect provides the perfect antidote.
“We can all do with a little more laughter and humour in our lives, so come along and see where it takes you.”
The event will run from 2pm-3pm with a second session at Bendigo Library from 5.30-6.30pm.
Tickets are free, and book sales and signings will be available at each session. Bookings are recommended via goldfieldslibraries.com.
The Laughter Effect is available to borrow through the library catalogue as a book or eAudiobook.
Singalongs with the Foundry Band return

The band will present lots of songs including the Beatles, Neil Diamond, Queen and other ageless standards. With an eye on Oktoberfest, an interlude of German drinking songs will be included.
Once upon a time Castlemaine people loved singalongs with the Thompson’s Foundry Band.
Now it’s all happening again in the Theatre Royal’s garden in Hargreaves St on Sunday October 8 between 4 and 6pm.
There will be a surprise guest as well.
All ages and voices are welcome. Entry is by gold coin donation and no bookings are required.
The band and theatre are part of Castlemaine’s story, both going back to the 19th century.

Get along to the Emergency Expo

Cumby pays it forward

School’s “Wellbeing Garden” officially opened

Youth offer free tech help for seniors
Do you need some friendly help with your phone, tablet or laptop? Well Mount Alexander’s Youth Advisory Group (YAG) is here to help!
On Wednesday October 18, 4-5.30pm, Castlemaine Library will be hosting a drop-in session connecting seniors that need a bit of help with the young people that can help them, as part of Get Online Week 2023.
It can be anything from individual support to taking part in some of our fun online activities. The aim of the session is to encourage everyone to try something that may be new or different – and there will be prizes for those who do!
Castlemaine Library Manager, Jess Saunders, says that while the current rate of Australians who are digitally excluded is quite shocking at one in four, this rate is even higher for older people.
“Being digitally included means having access to the internet and the skills and confidence to use it safely. If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s how vital this is for staying connected with loved ones, and for our health and wellbeing,” said Jess.
Digital Inclusion Officer for Mount Alexander Shire Council, Lesley Payne, agrees.
“We’re trying to reduce the barriers that seniors often feel around using technology. The young people from YAG are patient and non-judgemental, and hope to encourage everyone to just give something a try!” She adds that as the new season of the successful TV series Old People’s Home for Teenagers kicks off, it’s great to extend the same concept to the library.Come along for a cuppa and afternoon tea, and try one new thing – it may be the start of something big! BYO devices if you can – we will have some to use, too.
This is a free event, run in partnership with Mount Alexander Shire Council and Castlemaine Library for Get Online Week 2023. Bookings are not required; for more information call the Library on 5472 1458.







