Residents of Barker and Bagshaw Streets in Harcourt are urging Mount Alexander Shire Council to seal the unmade roads in order to reduce the detrimental impact of dust and increasing traffic on local residents.
Barker Street resident Vera Hemkes recently contacted the Mail to voice her frustration at council’s lack of action on the issue.
Ms Hemkes has been campaigning council to address the matter for the last three years.
“I have gone to extreme lengths to get action. I’ve interviewed most of the residents on the two roads and put together a petition to council. In 2021, there was some idle promise that council would develop design plans in that year and possibly, yes possibly seal the roads but despite repeated attempts to contact council and get an update on the issue I keep hitting brick walls,” she said.
Ms Hemkes recently wrote to councillors and the Minister for Local Government querying where plans were at for the roads.
Ms Hemkes says there has been a lot of new development in the area since the petition was submitted and up to three more developments are reportedly planned for the surrounding area, but the roads remain unmade.
“It’s (Barker Street) the only unmade road of any significance within the town centre. Barker Street is the most densely populated road in the town gird. The dust levels, corrugations and potholes are not conducive to healthy living. It’s also becoming increasingly dangerous for pedestrians with no footpaths. Council has a duty of care to residents to address these issues,” she said.
A Mount Alexander Shire Council spokesperson told the Mail that subject to budget approval, Barker and Bagshaw Streets will be included on the list of roads forming the road design program for the financial year 2023/2024.
“In preparation, traffic counts are being conducted to provide additional data for consideration of the roads requested,” the spokesperson said.
“Once the design works for the road are complete, the project will then be submitted through the budget process for construction, pending the allocation of funding.”
At this stage, construction works for Barker Street are unfunded. Any proposals for new road maintenance and improvement works are required to go through council’s annual bid proposal process. For more information about roads within the shire, visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Roads.
Harcourt residents call for action on unsealed roads
Castlemaine golfers go pink to honour Una
Castlemaine Golf Club is once again hosting its Una Carroll Anti-Cancer Fund Raising Day this Sunday February 19.
Una Carroll was an active member of the Castlemaine club for more than 20 years and treasurer for many. She passed away in 1992. As a memorial to her, the Una Carroll Anti-Cancer Fund Raising Day was established as an annual event the year she passed away and has been held ever since.
Money raised goes to the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) to support its work across Victoria.
In between when you woke up this morning and when you go to sleep tonight, 57 Australians will be told they have breast cancer. The same will happen tomorrow, and the next day too, making breast cancer the most common cancer affecting Australian women.
BCNA is Australia’s leading breast cancer consumer organisation. They have worked tirelessly to ensure that all Australians who are affected by breast cancer receive the very best care, treatment and support.
This year’s golf event is being proudly supported by Leech Earthmoving Contracting Castlemaine, Glen and Megan Carroll and CGC golf coach Paul Powell.
Event coordinator Peggy Ronnau said the fund raiser is a great tribute to Una and a celebration of partnerships within the local community, whilst raising funds for a very important cause.
“We wanted to fill up part of one of our large dams and Leech Earthmoving were undertaking construction works on the new Arcare Aged Care facility at the time and needed a place to unload clean fill. They kindly brought it down and filled part of the dam and this area will now be landscaped and enhanced. Now they have gotten on board sponsoring this special event,” Peggy said.
Leech Earthmoving’s Darren Rice said they were proud to support this important event.
“It’s a terrific cause and a great way of raising awareness and funds to tackle this disease,” he said.
Castlemaine Golf Club greenkeeper Glenn Carroll said that it is wonderful to see his mum’s memory and contribution to the club still being celebrated 31 years after her death.
“Dad started the initial event and the club has carried it on after his passing. It’s a really great way of honouring mum’s memory and raising awareness,” Glenn said.
An individual stableford will be played and visitors are welcome. Start time: 10am for a 10.30am shotgun start. Entry fee $20.
The Una Carroll Trophy will be awarded to the Best Female Castlemaine golfer, plus $600 worth of prizes will be awarded for Straightest Drive, Nearest the pin on Par 3, Best Male Golfer, Best Female Visitor Golfer, Best Pink Outfit and Best Pink Tattoo placement.
To book to be part of the fundraiser text Peggy 0409 232 919, Garry 0414 684 201 or Ross 0419 091 154.
Castlemaine cyclists get back on track
Castlemaine Cycling Club members headed over to Ballarat on Saturday February 11 to take part in the Ballarat Sebastopol Cycling Club road/track event. It was great to see so many members heading over to support our fellow cycling clubs.
Local track racing is on Tuesdays and Saturdays at the Castlemaine Cycling Club’s headquarters at Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve. For updates on racing please join their Facebook page by searching for Castlemaine Cycling Club.
New members are always welcome with track bikes available to come and try.
Castlemaine Parkrun celebrates eighth year of running milestones
Parkrun Castlemaine is settling into its eighth year and completed 344 parkruns this week.
Saturday saw 117 participants welcomed to the Botanical Gardens course including 14 visitors from across Victoria, Queensland and NSW. Castlemaine Parkrun members especially welcomed regular overseas visitors Helen Storrar (295 parkruns) from Pegwell Bay Kent, and Susan Farmer (95 parkruns ) from Comber, Ireland both who have family in Castlemaine. Members hope they are here long enough to achieve their next milestones in Castlemaine. Welcome to seven first ever parkrunners Flynn Hart, Tom Manderson, Grant Hickey, Hadley Cole, Frankie Chapman, Mary Vieceli, and Dhi Singh.
Going faster isn’t necessary but can be a bonus to just getting around the 5k. Special congratulations to Reece Hodge who achieved a PB of 1 minute whilst pushing two infants around in their pram. They looked very comfortable! Andrew Kraulis, a committed athlete and parkrunner of four years is still running faster and can now run now well under 20 mins for the 5k. Well done also to Laurie Vigor, Travis Leversha, Trent McGregor, Lucy Medley and Sam Gearing all who will have stories to tell about their fastest run ever at Castlemaine Parkrun. Well done to Kerry Calkraft for smiling all the way and also to walkers Sharon Hughes, Nikki Alvery and Hannah White who came to Castlemaine for the weekend and managed to get the 5k walk in together. A significant milestone this week was for Clovis Mpundu for 50 parkruns. Clovis has been a regular Castlemaine participant for three years and has maintained his form the whole time. First women this week were Claire Brien, Piper Marshall and Jodi Oakman. First men were Andronis Ndihokubwayo, Jarred Combe and Andrew Kraulis. Best age graders were David Reidie and Helen Storrar both over 80% of their age group. Volunteers this week were Ronder Clayton, Michael Constable, Dianne Cox,
Bessie Faircloth, Geoff Faircloth, Henry Faircloth, Jane Harding, Pam Joseph, Jodi Oakman and Dave Petrusma. See you all next week.
Castlemaine Parkrun is a weekly, free, timed event held in the Botanical Gardens commencing 8am. It is a participation event for fitness and fun. You can come to walk, run or jog or volunteer. See https://www.parkrun.com.au/castlemaine/ to register and get your barcode.
– Di Cox.
Busy week for Castlemaine bowlers
The Castlemaine Bowling Club congratulates Jack Taylor on reaching the Semi Final in the State Novice Singles.
Jack was the representative for Bendigo Campaspe Region after winning his way through the preliminary games in Bendigo.
A large contingent of bowlers from Castlemaine travelled to Mulgrave Country Club to support Jack in this prestigious event.
In the first game Jack played Paul Lockman (Clayton) representing Sandbelt, winning 21/13.
In the second game Jack defeated Daniel Earl (Traralgon -RSL) Strezlecki won that 21/14.
In the Semi Finals Jack played Joel Clark (City Oval) Ballarat Highlands, this was a very exciting and close game which could have gone either way with both bowlers sitting on the Jack most ends. Unfortunately, Jack went down 18/21. A great effort Jack! Castlemaine and Bendigo Campaspe are very proud of you.
Pennant results
Saturday Pennant saw Division Four win well with all rinks up, this moves them up to fourth position on the ladder, needing to win last game next Saturday to hold their spot. Results were as follows:
Division 1 Premier Castlemaine 54 lost to Kangaroo Flat 111. Scores were Peter Brain 14/29, Greg Brain 19/23, Lachy Darroch 6/29, Rod Phillips 24/17.
Division 4 Castlemaine 111 defeated South Bendigo 56. Mal Stevens 27/17, Maureen Fletcher 28/11, Steve McCoombe 32/11, Rosalie Roberts 24/17.
Division 5 Castlemaine 70 lost at Campbells Creek 79. Peter McKnight 14/19, David Carlin and team won 26/20, Pam Fraser 14/23, Tricia O’Shea 16/17.
Monday Midweek Pennant results were:
Division 2 lost at Woodbury 50/56. Maureen Fletcher 16/23, Pam Hunter 15/15, Steve McCoombe 19/18. Division 2 finished second on the ladder and now have a double chance in the finals.
Division 3 Castlemaine had a good win defeating Woodbury at Castlemaine 68/58. Bruce Miller 26/17, Nina Hufer 23/24, Kathy Parsons 19/17. Division 3 finished third on the ladder. A good result to have both Divisions in the finals.
Pennant teams
Weekend Pennant teams for Saturday, February 18 are:
Division One Castlemaine play Moama at home. Chris Brain, J Taylor, Kevin Shuttleworth, Peter Brain (skip). J Smith, M Diprose, Neil Bouch, Greg Brain (s). B. McConnell, Klai Jermyn, Dallas Klemke, Rod Phillips (s). T Walsh, Kevin Earl, Paul Darroch, Lachy Darroch (s).
Division 4 Castlemaine play Bendigo East away. Don Ross, Alan Nichols, Chris Crossley, Mal Stevens (s). Russell Chapman, H Fleury, B Miller, Maureen Fletcher (s). L Carlin, Alicia Beauchamp, Pam Hunter, Steve McCoombe (s). Alene Jolme, Rod Fletcher, Graham Fraser, C Madgin (s).
Division 5 Castlemaine play Calivil at home. Sandra Grant, Sandra Phillips, W Walsh, P McKnight (s). D Barnett, G McClure, I Devereaux, David Carlin (s). R Fleury, J Hunter, B Chester, P Fraser (s). R Lynas, D Steet, L McClure, T O’Shea (s).
Midweek Pennant teams for the Semi Finals on Monday February 20 are:
Division 2 Castlemaine play Woodbury at Woodbury. Jack Taylor, Rod Fletcher, Chris Crossley, Maureen Fletcher (s). Alene Jolme, Alicia Beauchamp, Rosalie Roberts, Pam Hunter (s). Pat Devereaux, Graham Fraser, Tricia O’Shea, Steve McCoombe (s).
Division 3 Castlemaine play Golden Square at Castlemaine. Sandra Grant, Don Steet, Pam Fraser, Bruce Miller (s). Sandra Phillips, Regina Saville, Charles Madgin, Nina Hufer (s).
Lyndal McClure, Peter Rotteveel, Alan Nicholls, Kathy Parsons (s).
Club News
Castlemaine bowlers have been doing very well in District Tournaments. Kerang held their Classic Triples Tournament on Monday and Tuesday last week, Rod Phillips, Kevin Shuttleworth and Rick Parr were runners-up, a good effort with 120 premier bowlers playing over the two days.
On Sunday Castlemaine had two teams competing at Diggers Rest Bowling Club, Greg Brain, Kevin Shuttleworth, Klai Jermyn and Peter Williams were the winners. Second place went to Peter Brain and son Chris Brain, Paul Darroch and his son Lachy Darroch. A special day with two fathers and their boys runners-up.
Girls on the Green also enjoyed the lovely balmy weather Thursday evening with approximately 30 ladies bowling and catching up with friends in a social atmosphere. Four more weeks to go, Phone Maureen 0417 321 048.
Vigil for Southern Turkey and Northern Syria earthquake victims
The Anglican Parish invites members of the local community to attend a Prayer Vigil for Southern Turkey and Northern Syria this Saturday morning, February 18.
The vigil will be held at 9am at the Anglican Church Labyrinth, cnr Forest and Kennedy Streets, Castlemaine. All are welcome to come and pray for those affected by the devastation of the recent earthquakes.
Donations towards recovery are also welcomed which will be sent to assist those impacted via the Anglican Board of Mission or you can donate directly via www.abmission.org
Tune in to Radio88fm for 150 ‘Oldies and Goodies’
Youth radio station Triple J recently had a hugely popular top 100 day. Not to be outdone our local Seniors radio station, Radio88fm is about to go one better. On Wednesday February 22 they will present their top 150 songs for 2022.
Presenter Ian Braybrook says it is coincidentally in line with the first ever radio show he presented in Central Victoria in 1981. It was a trial program lasting a half hour and broadcast on 3CV
Maryborough.
“I can’t believe it is 42 years ago. At the time we were working to establish pioneer station 3CCC in Castlemaine and a few of us were involved in presenting a half hour show in the downtime late evening slot once a week. We recorded them in a makeshift studio in the old Technical School building. All pretty primitive. The Manager of 3CV was very generous in allowing a potential rival to use their airwaves,” Ian said.
3CCC was the forerunner of all the community radio stations in Central Victoria and it began broadcasting on Anzac Day 1982.
“From those beginnings we now have four community radio stations in the region, KLFM, Phoenixfm, Freshfm and Mainfm, the latter a direct descendent of the 3CCC pioneers beginning as WMAfm in 2006. 3CCC was delicensed following a move to Bendigo some years ago,” Ian said.
“This will be the longest stint I have ever done in my forty plus years of broadcasting – approximately nine hours all up. It will be back to back music from the past, mostly 1950 to 1990, with
no advertising or other promotions. Wall to wall great music interspersed with identifying remarks and little else. We invite people to tune in and we would appreciate their feedback,” Ian said.
Make sure you tune in from 9.05am next Wednesday February 22 at catch the Top 150 on Radio88fm!
Small businesses performing big acts of kindness
The pandemic brought disease, medical masks, fear and uncertainty into our small regional towns. It brought out the best and the worst in people and and for many it completely isolated them from the world. The ongoing impacts on people’s physical and mental health are still being felt across our region and the around world. With rising costs of living and a lack of affordable housing compounding peoples’s daily struggles, it’s more important than ever to treat each other with kindness and respect.
A number of individuals and small businesses in Castlemaine have been working quietly and diligently behind the scenes to provide those in need with a little extra support and relief from their hardships.
Patricia Cridge from Sprout Bakery told the Mail that as an essential business that remained open during COVID-19 the staff were seeing a lot of people who were really needing a place to come and talk.
“Then there was one of those sudden lockdowns and we were left with a lot of bread that businesses could no longer use. We offered it to the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Salvation Army and were told that on any given night there will be 17 people sleeping rough in Castlemaine. That’s how the weekly soup nights started,” said Patricia.
Since that time, Patricia and her staff have served over 5000 bowls of free soup, providing people with nourishment, a community and a listening ear.
“It’s not always people who can’t afford food, but people who are socially isolated, particularly single women and older men,” Patricia noted.
“We’re not trained, but just check in with people.
“With mortgages rising and a lack of affordable housing, we’re seeing a lot of families coming in now too,” Patricia commented.
Sprout has received a lot of community support since they began their free soup Mondays two years earlier, with donations of leftovers from Harvest Fruit and Veg, community members dropping off surplus fruit and vegetables, donations from Harcourt CWA and help from a range of volunteers.
Local artist and published author Trace Balla, who was living alone and feeling isolated during the pandemic, started coming to the soup nights and found great comfort in the company.
“It was nice to have a little family to eat with and to get to know people of all ages, a lot of whom are in similar situations,” said Trace.
Trace decided to write a song about the soup nights, using comments from the participants to inspire her lyrics. With the aid of a musician friend she put the words to a song. They then secretly practiced before performing to those gathered at Sprout for their weekly soup.
“The chorus was, ‘soup tastes sweeter when you eat it with others, sharing soup with your sisters and brothers,” Trace told the Mail.
“And soon everyone was singing along.”
Sprout are not the only business in Castlemaine quietly working behind the scenes to provide dignity to those in our community that are doing it tough.
Livio Lizzul and Carolyn Spencer, owners of Castlemaine Fitness, have been providing free showers to those in need for the past eight years.
“Sometimes its for people who are homeless or others who are struggling,” said Livio
“I’ve been there and done that and what goes around comes around.”
Laura Keogh, owner of Sac’O’Suds Launderette, has also partnered with Orange Sky, a volunteer organisation that helps connect people with regular laundry and shower services. People who are doing it tough, or need some positive connection can chat with the volunteers and access free washing at the local launderette.
“If you are doing it tough, or are just looking for some connection, then bring along your washing, or just yourself to one of our shifts,” Laura said.
“Volunteering with Orange Sky is super easy! You don’t need to be a pro at washing clothes, you just need to love a good yarn, be positive and non-judgement, and a great team player. I am happy to show our volunteers the ropes,” she said.
Sac’O’Suds Launderette located at 231 Barker Street provides free laundry services to those in financial hardship every Thursday from 1 pm to 3 pm.
Sprout Bakery located at the Mill 1/9 Walker Street provide free soup to those in financial hardship every Monday 4.30 pm 6 pm.
Castlemaine Fitness Centre 23A Lyttleton Street. Free shower passes can be accessed at St Vincent’s De Pauls 244 Barker Street.
For more information or to volunteer at Orange Sky visit: orangesky.org.au/.
Driver injured in Johnstone Street crash
Castlemaine SES, CFA and police responded to a two car collision in Johnstone Street Castlemaine on Monday afternoon.
Leading Senior Constable Bannon of the Castlemaine Police said the accident occurred around 4pm.
“A white sedan has come to a stop to turn right into Maclise Street, when a black sedan collided with the rear of the vehicle,” she said.
“The driver of the offending vehicle was injured and was conveyed to hospital for treatment. The occupants of the white sedan escaped injury,” Leading Senior Constable Bannon said.
Castlemaine CFA volunteers and members of the public worked to divert traffic as SES members and CFA personnel worked to free the injured driver.
Traffic was diverted around the scene for over an hour as tow trucks were brought in and emergency crews cleared up the scene. Police are investigating the cause of the accident.
Duck casualties continue to soar
Dead, sick and injured ducks and birdlife continued to be pulled from the Bells Swamp Conservation Reserve just outside Maldon this week.
Up to 150 plus birds were recovered by volunteers up to Sunday and more than 260 in a massive Parks Victoria operation at the swamp on Tuesday.
Parks Victoria District Manager Suzanne Hughes confirmed more than 350 birds have been found dead at Bells Swamp Nature Reserve between Thursday and 4pm Tuesday, with injured or sick birds being removed for monitoring and care.
“Samples have been taken for testing and we will progressively receive results over the coming week,” she said.
“Parks Victoria have appointed an Incident Controller to manage response to this incident, with 25 personnel on site Tuesday including staff, vets and volunteers from Parks Victoria, Wildlife Victoria, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and other groups,” Ms Hughes said.
“We appreciate the support and concern of community members, but no further volunteers are required at this stage and we’re asking that people stay away from the reserve until further notice. It is important that disturbance to the birds is limited, and all activities are managed to ensure animal welfare and responder safety. Do not enter the water, do not handle sick or dead birds without authorisation, and take care that pets are kept away from the area,” she said.
The beginnings of the mass casualty event were first reported on January 29.
Local wildlife carer Sam saw a post on Castlemania where a local resident reported seeing 13 dead ducks at the site and queried what had occurred. As a bird lover he decided to head out and investigate.
Sam and two fellow wildlife rescue volunteers initially located 25 deceased wood ducks, teal ducks, pacific black ducks, purple swamp hens and dusky moorhens and sick ducks exhibiting symptoms of C. botulinum (Avian Botulism) were also recovered and taken into care.
“Initially there were fears that it may have been an act of illegal duck shooting, however on closer investigation it appears that the ducks may have died as a result of poisoning or disease,” he said.
Over the next week the wildlife rescuer and fellow volunteers visited the site daily and had retrieved close to 150 plus dead birds and 49 sick birds by last Sunday evening.
“The sick birds are a mix of pacific black, teals, wood ducks, herons, coots and a darter,” he said.
Hopefully testing will shed some light on the issue shortly so that authorities can look to combat the cause.
My Castlemaine with Young Australian of the Year Bodie Maffescioni
Hi Bodie, congratulations on winning Young Australian of the Year! How did you feel when you found out you’d won?
They called me before the event and I didn’t know what to say! I was very surprised.
How did you come to work at Windarring as a disability support worker?
I finished high school in 2019 and I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I called a careers advisor and they asked what I was interested in and I told them I like to help people. I’ve always been passionate about mental health but didn’t feel I’d had the life experience so the advisor suggested disability support work. Two days later I signed up for the course.
I did my placement at Windarring and they hired me as soon as my course finished. I’ve been there for two and a half years now.
The people are amazing. They make me laugh every day and each day is different. I get to see the guys grow and do new things and work towards their goals. It’s so rewarding.
I see the group as my second family, I’m there pretty much every day.
It sounds like an amazing place to work! You’ve been involved in youth projects too. Tell us a little about those.
In high school, the school nurse and I started up a program called the Health Action Team or HAT. We’d promote health events, have guest speakers, and run events raising awareness of mental health. I also joined YAG- the Youth Advisory Group with Mount Alexander Shire Council in 2018. It’s a way for young people to have input around the shire and run events for young people.
You’re a huge advocate for youth mental health can you tell us how that came about?
I am really passionate about mental health. I’ve had bad mental health in the past, depression, anxiety, and social anxiety. I found that stepping out of my comfort zone and reaching out was helpful. Helping myself as well as others. COVID hit pretty hard, it’s literally been since I left school, but I’ve just booked a trip to Japan in April and I’ve been going to a bunch of concerts. I’m going to see a K-Pop group called Stray Kids in Melbourne this weekend.
That all sounds really exciting! What other interests do you have?
Music. I love sound design and I have a guitar and a keyboard. I’m into all music- everything from electronic to orchestral. Music has always been referred to as a universal language.
I’m also quite a nerd. I like video games and anime.
Are there any philosophies you live life by?
Treat people how you’d want to be treated. Everyone has their own thing going on so empathy and treating people with respect are important.
Finally, you’ve lived in Castlemaine your whole life, what do you love about living here?
It’s a nice place to grow up. Living in a small town you get to know people. Home is a place that you can always go back to and feel safe – but I do want to explore more and try living in other places.
New book on Ravenswood South offers fascinating insights into our past
Melbourne based local historian Ken James has been quietly working away behind the scenes on another local history offering this time on Ravenswood South.
Ken’s latest book is set to be launched at the Harcourt Valley Heritage and Tourist Centre at the ANA Hall in Harcourt this Sunday February 19.
The prolific author has penned numerous books on the history of townships across the Mount Alexander Shire and beyond.
Ken has a connection to the local area and fascination with its history with his great great grandparents, William and Elizabeth James, having lived at Golden Point, Chewton between 1857 and 1875.
Ken said with his latest book on Ravenswood South he was very fortunate to have access to a small booklet put together by the local Ravenswood South School committee in 1975 to celebrate the school centenary as a starting reference.
“The information it provided about the school and school families and also aspects of the district history was invaluable,” Ken said.
Ken was also very appreciative of the assistance he received from George Milford of the Harcourt Valley Heritage and Tourist Centre.
Ken said Ravenswood South School No. 1546 was unique as it was the only school in Victoria to have its own apple orchard located within the school grounds.
“Initially 20 trees were planted early in the 1930s in association with the Young Farmers branch at the school.
“The Ravenswood South students were very successful at school apple packing competitions held in conjunction with the Royal Melbourne Show, winning many trophies and a shield,” Ken said.
In 1943, a new orchard was laid out as most of the original trees had been ruined by rabbits and hares. The new orchard was situated in front of the school, the trees planted being donated by H Keck and Sons nurserymen of Bendigo.
The school eventually closed in 1982.
Ken says the history of the notorious Porcupine Inn located at the head of Bullock Creek on the road to Bendigo also makes for an interesting aspect to this latest book.
“It opened in 1846 in a wattle and daub shack that was destroyed by fire, being replaced by stone and brick premises in 1852. It served as a changeover post for Cobb and Co coaches. There were seven publicans between 1846 and 1864,” Ken said.
“The first was Samuel Hawkings otherwise know as Samuel Hawkins. He was from Cornwall and may have named the Inn after the Porcupine Inn of his birthplace, which was a prominent landmark on the Tywardreath Highway near St Austell, Cornwall.
“This Cornish Inn was named after one of the local magistrates, called Rundle, who was nicknamed “Old Pricklyback”. Nothing remains of the local Inn as it was demolished in 1971 by the Country Roads Board to make way for the Porcupine Overpass,” Ken said.
The historian said another interesting discovery was that between the years 1851 and 1855, in an attempt to keep order on the Forest Creek diggings, no liquor licences were issued. This resulted in Saw Pit Gully (Elphinstone) and the Porcupine Inn being the closest liquor supply to the goldfields and from where much sly grog was sought.
“The premises soon became quite infamous as “the harbour of vilest characters” and horrifying stories were told of diggers who entered its doors only to disappear along with their gold,” Ken said.
In late 1853 or in early 1854, the Porcupine police station also opened, situated 13 miles from Castlemaine and 12 miles from Sandhurst, and a short time later 154 acres was set aside to rest horses for the two police districts.
The district was initially referred to as Porcupine after the Inn, and when the school opened in 1865, Ken doesn’t know why it as called South Ravenswood rather than Porcupine.
“It is possibly because the name was already part of two other schools – Porcupine Flat near Maldon and Porcupine Ridge near Daylesford,” he said.
In more recent times it was determined the name of a region should be placed first with its location second – Ravenswood South – to streamline postal services and avoid confusion.
To get your hands on Ken’s latest book get along to the Harcourt launch at 2pm this Sunday, February 19 or pick up a copy at the Castlemaine Visitor Centre at the Historic Market Building after that date.
