Castlemaine’s Dorothy Scholten celebrated her 100th Birthday milestone with an intimate gathering of family members on Wednesday.
Dorothy is set to enjoy a larger celebration with her extended family and friends this weekend.
Dorothy (nee Juniper) was born at the Castlemaine Hospital on January 11, 1923 and was raised at Chewton.
The centenarian attended Chewton Primary School and later the Castlemaine Technical College.
Dorothy has always had a love of music and remembers playing the piano at family sing-a-longs as a child.
She also loved dancing and would attend the annual Mayoral Balls.
One of Dorothy’s first jobs was working for Castlemaine Art Furnishings in Templeton Street selling furniture and carpets.
“It was operated by EV Clark,” she said.
During the war Dorothy worked at the Broadmeadows Barracks as a secretary for Captain Pearce in the Transport Division. She later worked in the basement at Myer in Melbourne selling hats.
She met her future husband Harold Scholten through mutual friends and they married and made a home in Castlemaine and welcomed three daughters Helen, Julie and Linda.
The girls said their mum has been a dedicated community member who was always willing to put up her hand and help.
“Whether it was at school or in the wider community she was always there,” Julie said.
“She was involved in the Castlemaine CWA and later the Harcourt CWA, Guides and Brownies and in later years Legacy.”
“I used to drive out to Harcourt CWA to attend meetings,” Dorothy recalls. “They are a great bunch.”
Dorothy was renowned for her garden, floral arrangements and baking and would make flowers for the CWA and other groups and cakes for weddings and special events.
“You were always guaranteed fresh scones or Neenish Tarts if you paid a visit to Mum’s place,” Julie recalls.
Dorothy and Harold were also avid bowlers with Dorothy playing pennant for many years at Castlemaine Bowling Club.
“I was president and treasurer of the club and played up until I was 92. I am proud to be a Life Member,” Dorothy said.
Dorothy is also a proud grandmother to 10 grandchildren and ‘Dot Dot’ as she is affectionately known to her 16 great grandchildren.
Dorothy now resides at Penhall at Dhelkaya Health (formerly Castlemaine Health) where she is well cared for by the beautiful staff and was overwhelmed with well wishes and congratulations on Wednesday.
Dorothy was also moved to tears by a surprise visit from her niece and nephew from Queensland and her flowergirl to mark the occasion.
Dorothy’s granddaughter also made a beautiful floral arrangement and her great grandson made a treasure chest from a cardboard box complete with a tiara so she could be a ‘Queen for a Day’.
Dorothy was also chuffed to receive letters of congratulations from King Charles, the Governor and the Premier.
Dorothy said the secret to her long and happy life has been keeping her family together.
“Family is everything. And a good cup of tea. Lots of cups of tea!” she laughed.
Local identity Dorothy Scholten turns 100!
Castlemaine State Festival Youth Media opportunity
Calling all young folks aged 13-25. Do you have an interest in media? Do you care about culture? Want to express your opinion whilst gaining valuable skills in camera work, interview technique and word-smithing?
If so you will be excited to learn that the Castlemaine State Festival (CSF) is running a Youth Media Summer School program next Wednesday January 18 and Thursday January 19 and is inviting enthusiast young people to get involved.
Join CSF’s Creative Learning Producer Kate Stones, and local media professionals Elly Varrenti and Leonie Van Eyk for two amazing days of digital media discovery.
The Youth Media Summer School will prepare participants to be part of the CSF Youth Media Team during this year’s Castlemaine State Festival which runs from March 24-April 9, 2023.
The team has opportunities to create promotional content, interview artists, review events and create a conversation about culture from their unique perspective.
Stones said on day one they will explore the 2023 Festival Program, learn interview techniques, develop our opinions and express them in written and/or spoken words.
“Day two includes hands-on experience with camera, lights and sound equipment, creating content that will be used to promote the Youth Media,” she said.
The CSF Youth Media Summer School will run from 10am – 3pm each day at festival’s home base at the The Goods Shed in Kennedy Street. BYO lunch and drink. Snack provided. The Summer School is cost $30, the rest of the Youth Media Team experience is free.
CSF Youth Media Team members aged 18+ receive a per diem of $50 during the Festival. To book your place on the Youth Media Summer School, email kate@castlemainefestival.com.au
Dialogues 2022 Youth Media Team member Mavis encourages local youth to get involved in the program.
“My confidence has definitely grown. At the beginning I did not like being on camera, but I’ve done three interviews now, and I’m going to introduce one of the panels,” Mavis said.
A significant part of our heritage
Chewton resident, keen historian and Chewton Domain Society’s Monster Meeting commemoration coordinator Patricia Healy has responded to the article in last Friday’s Castlemaine Mail and questions raised by writer and former barrister Brian Walters AM SC on the current World Heritage bid for the Central Victorian Goldfields.
Ms Healy said questioning the appropriateness of 13 local councils’ World Heritage bid for the Central Victorian Goldfields, Brian Walters raises important questions about why and how we should remember significant historical events that form a central part of our heritage. However, Ms Healy says his suggestion that the 19th century gold rush is not an important heritage event is a failure to understand the role it has in the development of our nation.
“Inevitably most of Australia’s significant historical events such as the gold rush are variously remembered (if at all) as worthy of celebration, as a shameful stain on our history or as cause for continuing anger and protest – with ongoing debate about which it is. But however remembered they are for better or worse a part of our shared Australian heritage and played a vital role in shaping the cultural, social and economic fabric of our nation,” Ms Healy said.
“The 19th century Victorian gold rushes brought transformational change to the new colony of Victoria and ultimately Australia, with long lasting effects. The demography of Victoria was transformed as thousands of migrants flooded in establishing towns, building new industries, and train lines that remain today. And as millions of ounces of gold flowed out to the English banks to underpin the gold standard, the economy too was transformed in ways we still see now,” she said.
“Many prospered from these changes but ever more widespread and destructive mining methods devastated the land and waterways of the Dja Dja Wurrung, who had left the gold lying unwanted in the ground for thousands of years, and continued the destruction of their culture begun by the squatters as they invaded with their sheep. This is the great tragedy of the gold rushes that still blights our land today and rightly remains the reason for the shame that Brian and others feel,” Ms Healy said.
“The other great and long lasting impact of the gold rushes was the political change wrought by the gold Diggers that kick-started the march to the parliamentary democracy we have today. As historian Marjorie Theobald writes in her history of the first 10 years of the central Victorian gold rushes (Mount Alexander Mountain of Gold 1851-1861), there was “no aristocracy, no established church and only a thin crust of self-appointed gentry” in the Australian colonies and it was inevitable that a new order would emerge despite colonial government attempts to recreate a class based British model in the antipodes. And it was in the central Victorian goldfields that the inevitable confrontation occurred between those who did not want change and those who wanted something better,” she said.
“The gold rushes brought thousands of mostly young working people to the goldfields to find the riches that would enable them to build a better life than could be found toiling in the workplaces of their masters where they were bound by the 19th century British Masters and Servants Act designed to discipline workers and repress trade unions. They could not vote and they had little in the way of civil rights but they were not deterred by the military government’s attempts to stop them joining the rush that was already overturning Governor La Trobe’s plans for gradual development of the new colony. Plans that did not include more civil rights and the vote for working people – he was no democrat,” Healy says.
“When La Trobe threatened to double the already exorbitant cost of their licence to search for gold, a great meeting of 15,000 Diggers at Forest Creek (now Chewton) gathered for Australia’s first mass anti-government protest meeting in December 1851. They peacefully declared that they would not pay any more and La Trobe, fearing insurrection, backed down. “The Diggers’ victory ignited a popular protest movement that spread across the Victorian goldfields, orchestrated by leaders who made the link between the ambition of those ordinary miners who followed them and the broader political context of the times. The protest movement spread to Bendigo where the Diggers’ Red Ribbon Rebellion in August 1853 forced the government to draft the long delayed first Victorian constitution, the most democratic one at the time, and culminated three years later in December 1854 at Ballarat, when the bloodshed at the Eureka Stockade in December 1854 finally spelled the end of the old order,” Ms Healy said.
“The Diggers’ three years of organised protests in the central Victorian goldfields was the catalyst for the political change that brought the first Victorian constitution into being, extended the popular franchise, opened the land locked up in the squatters runs, ended the gold licence system and saw off the old order across the goldfields. It was a pivotal event in our political history and an important part of our national heritage which deserves to be recognised,” she said.
For more letters on this issue see today’s Opinions section.
Local advocate to head Elder Rights Advocacy
Castlemaine resident Debra Nicholl has been appointed as the new CEO of Elder Rights Advocacy (ERA).
Established in 1991, Elder Rights Advocacy provides information and support to older people, their families and representatives in Victoria address issues related to Commonwealth funded aged care services. The service is free, independent and confidential.
Debra has worked with older Australians since the age of 16.
Debra told the Mail she initially started working in the kitchen of an aged care facility her mum managed in Queensland.
“I later picked up some cleaning shifts and then after completing my schooling I moved into care and it just progressed from there,” she said.
Debra has lived and worked all over Australia but always seemed to come back to working in the aged care sector.
“When I settled in Victoria I really asked myself what would be the most rewarding thing I could do and that led me to take on an intake advocate role at Elder Rights Advocacy.”
During her career with Elder Rights Advocacy spanning 17 years, Debra has worked in a range of roles including advocate, senior educator, advocacy manager, programs manager and more recently Deputy CEO.
“I was just one of three advocates when I started. Elder Rights Advocacy now has 30 advocates across Victoria working in their local communities to give older people a voice,” she said.
Debra said it seemed a natural progression to take the next step given her extensive knowledge of the organisation.
As the new CEO, Debra said her focus for Elder Rights Advocacy is clear.
“We are committed to continuing our important work of supporting the human rights of older Victorians and advocating for quality aged care services that are delivered by a professional workforce. We also want to continue to put a spotlight on ageism and the detrimental effect it has on how we value and care for older people,” she said.
Debra said it is an exciting time to be taking the reins with a new Aged Care Act being drafted, steps being taken by the Federal Government to implement the 148 recommendations from the Aged Care Royal Commission, and an independent Inspector General appointed to oversee the implementation of these recommendations and keep the government on track.
“As an independent human rights focused organisation its crucial that the role of the Elder Rights Advocacy as advocate is part of the new act moving forward,” she said.
Elder Rights Advocacy want to see ratios and outcomes improved for those receiving care in the private and not-for-profit centres and those working in the industry encouraged to continue to further their skills.
“Caring for our elderly is such an important job. We need to look after their clinical, emotional, psychological, cultural and spiritual needs and we should be encouraging those with the compassion and skills needed to consider a career in Personal Care or Aged Care,” she said.
Debra said there are a number of issues impacting older people in the local region from affordable housing options, accessible health and aged care services as well as transport.
“We have older people on our social support wait list who we cannot match with a Community Visitor Service (CVS) volunteer because they live on properties outside of town and volunteers can’t afford the petrol to allow for regular access,” Debra said.
“Not every older person owns their own home or if they do can afford the upkeep on retirement but there are no affordable downsize or public housing options that allow for older people to stay in community. Castlemaine is growing with housing estates being developed on what was once farmland and there has been no apparent planning that considers the needs of older community members to live in the township and benefit from supported independent living and continued social connection,” she said.
“I am strongly committed to supporting and driving the voices of older people in Victoria by creating services, programs and advocacy work that really matters. With the support from our dedicated team and board, we are committed to expanding aged care advocacy services across Victoria in order to reach more older people, their carers families and representatives,’ she said.
Debra’s advice for older people and their families is to reach out to Elder Rights Advocacy for support at the start of their care journey.
“Don’t wait until you are in crisis, we are here to help advocate for you and guide you on that journey and assist older people to get what they need from their aged care service or Home Care Package to ensure they can live their best life,” she said.
My Chewton with lifelong resident and historian Elaine Appleton
Elaine I understand you have lived in Eureka Street, Chewton your whole life?
Yes. I was the third of seven children born to Owen and Lorna Jury (Jacobsen). We lived in a house a bit further up the street. My husband Len bought some land off my father next door and built our first home, a weatherboard. His uncle Vic Star helped build part of the house. We later built our second home, a brick house, next door and then a third new home which I still reside in today. Across the road from my current home was the Juniper and Madigan’s Sluice Works. There was a big long pipe running through the paddock which we used to walk along as kids.
I have lots of fond memories growing up in Eureka Street with my siblings. One day we all walked along the top of the rail bridge, except Merley. She was the sensible one. We used to get our grocery order from Wickie Schreck, our meat from George Archer and bread from Mr Minihan. We could take our milk billy down to meet Mr Knoblock the milkman at the end of Eureka Street. He would sometimes take us for a ride down to Steele Street on his horse drawn cart. Mum also kept a cow for milk and sometimes she would make scalding cream which was delicious with jam on bread.
I particularly remember Christmas time when we would all hang our socks above the fireplace and my mother would make steamed pudding.
We also had bonfire nights with the Schultzs. We would collect wood for months in preparation.
Did you attend school locally?
Yes I attended Chewton Primary School. We used to walk to school rain, hail or shine. I remember in the colder months we would crack ice which had formed in the puddles. Ms Bennet lived at the end of the street and she had a bulldog which would go mad whenever we walked by. We were terrified that one day it would escape and my sister Merley told us if that ever happened we should stand still so it wouldn’t bite you. The inevitable happened and one day it got loose. We all ran, except Merley but I can’t recall if it bit her.
I attended from 1942-48. The Headmaster was Mr Gebbie. I recall that we started out with pencils in the early years and later graduated to pen and ink. We also learnt knitting. I have happy memories of playing games like hopscotch, tunnel ball, drop the hanky, marbles, jack bones, quoits and hookey. I was proud when I made it to Grade 6 as you got to ring the bell and I felt very important. I also attended the Sunday School at the Congregational Church Chewton and when older attended Church. Mr Docking and Mrs Williamson were organists. I also attended Ladies Guild at the Church.
Did your Dad serve in the war?
Yes but he had an accident so he was unable to fight overseas. He was a cook and served in a number of places. When he came home to visit we would all run along as the train pulled into the Chewton Railway Station. He would bring us lollies. I recall there was an air raid siren on top of Dave Symes Garage opposite the Chewton Oval and if this sounded while we were at school we had to practice seeking shelter. Many kids would run down into the gully but we sought refuge at my Aunty’s down the road. My Dad actually built an air raid shelter at our house. I was eight when the war ended.
What was your first job?
I got a job at the Woollen Mill in Castlemaine. I started on a Monday and was only there for three hours when they realised I didn’t turn 15 until the Thursday so they sent me home until then. After Len and I welcomed our girls Maryanne and Wendy I returned and did short shifts on the winding machine but I hated it. The line was always snapping. I later worked at the Castle Motel and waitressed in their restaurant and then I worked part time for Castlemaine Taxis for 32 years.
You have collated a huge amount of video, photographic and archival material on Chewton and townships across the shire and beyond. Did you always have a passion for history?
No. It wasn’t until I attended a ‘Back to Chewton’ event in 1984 that my interest in history was sparked. I went on to film more than 30 people on 40 subjects and created the ‘History of Chewton’ collection. I then collected more than 600 photographs from those various contributors to begin a People and Places Collection and then started compiling history on Chewton and then it just kept expanding from there.
What keeps you busy at the moment?
I am always researching and compiling material. I also enjoy working in my garden in which I am incorporating the local history including a Mia Mia shelter representing the Dja Dja Wurrung, a bark settlers hut and a poppet head (pictured). I also volunteer at the People and Places collection at Chewton Town Hall on the first two Sunday’s of each month from 1pm to 4pm.
What music do you like?
It depends what mood I am in. Sometimes its County, sometimes Classical, sometimes Folk.
What are you reading?
History books! I also love following Facebook history sites.
If you could have three dream dinner guests who would they be?
They all have a link to history and storytelling Australian artist ST Gill, photographer Adolphus Verey and Slim Dusty.
What do you love most about where you live?
I love living in Eureka Street Chewton because further up Eureka Street my forebears the Huckels lived. William John Huckel Senior migrated from Richmond, Surrey, London in 1854. He first resided in Steeles Gully and then moved to Eureka Street where six generations from the Huckels lived. William and his son, also William John, sluiced out Steeles Gully. I feel connected to them by living in Eureka Street.
BABBA is set to return to Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal
BABBA is set to return to Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal on Saturday January 21.
For 24 years, BABBA have been thrilling audiences with their superb re-creation of 70’s super group ABBA and the legacy of hits they gave us.
With glitz and glamour served up with Swedish accents and enough musical memories to fill you to overflowing, BABBA will take you on a journey through time to when satin was King and Dancing Queens ruled. Benny, Bjorn, Agnetha and Frida can be yours once again and all you have to do is believe.
This enticing mix of sights and sounds allows the authenticity of the music to flow through the audience as the unmistakable harmonies of the girls sits comfortably alongside the driving rhythm section and classic Bjorn guitar riffs that we all love so much.
BABBA is the ultimate fun time; no matter how old or how young you may be, the show, just like the music, is timeless.
Audiences know when they have seen the best and been a part of something very special and they just want more; that is why BABBA audiences keep coming back, time after time after time. For tickets visit theatreroyalcastlemaine.oztix.com.au
Take a look back at the Five Flags Store
Circa 1883
This image is from the collection of G and L Barry and would appear to date specifically from the period 1882 – 1884 because this is the only time that the name of J. Jennings appears in association with the store in any advertisements or news articles in the local paper. He is also listed at this time as a merchant and as an agent for The Colonial Mutual Fire Insurance Company. The buildings at this time appear to be in very good condition with the store located on the right, probably the residence in the centre behind the white fence and the lattice work, and a yard and a storage shed on the left of the image. In the foreground the gutter appears to be quite deep and there are cross overs in front of the store and at the entrance to the yard.
2023
There has been little change to the structure of the buildings since the earlier time, with the store on the right, the old residence in the centre and the yard and shed on the left. However, the buildings are now showing their age. The Five Flags Store has its origins back in the early gold rush days and has been in business on and off for most of the time up until the present. For many years during the twentieth century the Sheehan family ran the business, and at times during the depression of the early 1930s accepted gold as payment for goods. The name of the new business is now; Five Flags, Merchants, established 1853, Cafe and General Store. Information and images were kindly supplied by Ken McKimmie.
Parkrun double header to welcome in the new year
Castlemaine Parkrun has established a tradition of running their normal Saturday event, and backing that up with another on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day too.
In 2022 the special days fell on a Sunday, so on both these weekends the organisation ran two parkruns. As reported in Tuesday’s Midland Express the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day events were very well attended and there was once again a terrific attendance for the final parkrun of 2022 on New Year’s Eve and the first one of 2023 on New Year’s Day with a total of over 130 participants taking part over the two events.
Glen Taylor, not content with Kyan McGill beating him over the line on Saturday, capped off an excellent weekend and saw in the new year in style by coming across in first place on New Year’s Day.
Sandra Browne in her first run at Castlemaine had been the first female to complete the 5km course on Saturday and Sophie Elsworth, a parkrun veteran, was the first female runner over the line on Sunday.
Congratulations to all of the first place finishers – but congratulations also to everyone who turned out to run, walk or stroll the course, no matter what time they achieved.
Over the two events there were, once again, plenty of Personal Bests: always a gratifying conclusion for the individual involved.
Saturdays PBs went to Dean Podger, Emily Maher, Brad Mcdowell, Carmel Lind, and Stuart Lind.
Importantly, and in keeping with the parkrun ethos, not all of these PBs were from the fastest runners, many of them were achieved by people who run more modest times – all of them are equally important though and parkrun celebrates them equally.
There was a brace of PBs on Sunday too; impressive given the smaller turnout. Dean Podger followed up his PB of the day earlier with another one; back-to-back personal bests has to be hard to beat! And Craig Mackenzie also managed a PB for the day. ‘Well Done’ to all of them.
We welcomed Brianna Jury, and Parker Williams to the Castlemaine Parkrun community on their first ever events – hopefully we will see lots more of them over the coming months.
Of course there was a big volunteer contingent given we ran on successive days. Ronder Clayton, Dianne Cox, Donna Faircloth, Jane Harding, Judy Hill, Peter Hill, Colin Moore, Anna Scott, Bonnie Scott, Harry Scott, Michelle Scott, and Karina Taylor managed the event for Saturday and Ronder Clayton, Geoff Faircloth, Jane Harding, Steve Harris, Judy Hill, Alan Hollensen, Nicole Mcivor, Anna Scott, Bonnie Scott, Harry Scott, Michelle Scott, and Karina Taylor got the show on the road on Sunday.
Ronder, Judy, and Karina turned out on both days to assist, with Jane working her magic as volunteer wrangler to make sure everything ran smoothly. It did, as always. A special mention to the Scott family for their great work over both runs – ‘Thanks!’
Thanks to this small army of people who give up their own chance for a run/walk in the park to assist the rest of us. Your efforts were appreciated over the two days.
If you’d like to join the crew at Castlemaine Parkrun simply register online and print off a barcode, then turn up for the briefing a bit before 8am at the larger carpark at the Botanical Gardens for the briefing. It is completely free of charge, and we’d love to welcome you.
Close contests in CDNA Twilight finals
After another great season of twilight netball, the Castlemaine District Netball Association capped off 2022 with some really close grand final action just prior to Christmas.
The successful season would not have been possible without the committee and the support of everyone involved. Thank you to Angela Carland who takes photos of every game and the Fletcher family for manning the BBQ each week.
11 Under
In the 11 Under final Castlemaine Warriors 13 defeated Campbells Creek 12 in an absolute nailbiter. Thanks to umpires Marie McCallum and Tegan Maddern.
13 Under
Another game that went goal for goal was the 13 Under Grand Final between Lions and Steaders. With a huge crowd watching the players lifted and showed huge improvement as the game went on. Thank you to Life Member Sandra Grant for umpiring this match. Special mention to Bede Lord who decided one grand final campaign wasn’t enough when he joined the Lions mid-season. Bede also played in the 11 Under Castlemaine Warriors team. Watch out Bede the men’s Diamonds team will be chasing you. At the final whilst Lions 13 just outplayed the Steaders 11.
15 Under
The final of the 15 Under section between Emeralds and The Redbacks went into overtime with Emeralds coming out victorious in the end. Thank you to Tegan Maddern and Emma Jackson for umpiring this fast-paced game. The crowd support for all matches was something we haven’t seen since prior to covid and made the atmosphere buzz with excitement.
Final scores were Emeralds 21 to The Redbacks 20.
Open
Whilst the open grand final wasn’t close this fast-paced game still had umpires Emma Jackson and Carly Haddock on their toes. This season saw 10 teams entered into the Open division, hopefully a sign that netball is coming out of the Covid fog. Thanks to Leonie Clifford for again arranging the trophies, Ellissia Campbell for streamlining our registration/payment system and Ken Maddern for putting up with our troublesome PA every week. Bring on Twilight 2023!
In the Open final The Main Mob 34 defeated Ride or Dye 11.
Wooden Spooners
The committee decided to hold a wooden spoon final for those teams who hold up the ladder every season and encompass what Twilight Netball is about – fun with family and friends. Thank you to umpires Sandra Grant and Carly Haddock.
In the Open Wooden Spooners final The Green Machines 22 def Pink Panthers 19. Special mention to the Pink Panthers who still took the court even though they only had five players and never gave up.
In other netball news the CDNA were finally able to hold a full umpires training session. Thanks to Marie McCallum and Tegan Maddern for assisting with this. Unfortunately, due to clashes with their games Bella Pratt and Sylvie Henry-Hannan didn’t get a chance to umpire but all other participants did. We look forward to working with this group to further their umpiring skills. Our next session will start in February 2023. Congratulations to Ellie Clifford who was awarded the Helen Archer Perpetual Umpires Award.
Nordic New Year
Bookings are now open for Dhelkaya Health’s weekly Nordic Pole Walking classes in 2023.
The classes will be held on Monday morning and Thursday evening in Castlemaine, on Tuesday evenings in Harcourt and Wednesday evenings in Maldon.
Trained volunteers, described by participants as ‘patient and encouraging’ lead the groups, and teach participants Nordic Pole Walking skills during the school terms.
Previous participants have noted the health benefits of Nordic Pole Walking, with one saying that he can “now enjoy long walks without aggravating my foot pain”.
“I knew I needed to do regular walking for my fitness, but never enjoyed it due to my health issues. Using Nordic Poles has made all the difference and I now enjoy walking,” said previous participant Phil.
Another participant described Nordic Pole Walking as fun and relaxing.
“Newly retired, it was through Dhelkaya Health that I discovered Nordic Pole Walking. It’s fun and a great way to relax, plus it’s beneficial for my health and mental wellbeing. Thank you!”
Nordic poles are available for use in classes for the duration of the course, and volunteers can assist participants to purchase their own discounted poles if they choose to continue.
Limited spaces are available as classes are kept purposefully small to ensure safety and adequate support for participants.
The free Nordic Pole Walking classes start when school returns, but bookings are essential and interested participants are encouraged to sign up now.
For further information and bookings, please call 5479 1000.
My Harcourt with long time resident and Castlemaine Theatre Company member Yen Kong
Yen Kong
Yen I understand you were originally from Malaysia. When did you come to Australia?
I came to Australia in 1982 with $400 and a suitcase from a city in Malaysia called Batu Pahat (stone and chisel). Legend was that the city was “carved from stones”.
In the year 1982, Australia was in recession. I walked the length of Chapel Street (Prahran) and all side roads, knocking on doors asking if there was any job available!
A friend and I walked for eight hours that day and every door we knocked on we got the same answer “No job”. We finally got to Dandenong Road, exhausted and dejected. My friend yelled out “this is the last factory”. We knocked on the door expecting the same answer. A huge man of German background opened the door. He was actually not happy to see us. He said he would call me the next day. I waited till about 3pm and was just about to head out when the phone rang. He asked if I still wanted the job at $5 an hour!
Did you eventually find secure employment?
I went on to study Electronics at RMIT and got a job at Verbatim. I started as a production worker and was later promoted to Technician. I then went and worked for Ericsson.
My wife at that time wanted to move back to the country, we looked around Castlemaine and when we had a look at Harcourt, I knew this is where I wanted to be. I call Harcourt the “Toorak of country towns”.
How long have you lived in Harcourt now?
I think I am the longest resident (33 years) living on this street as some have moved, and some have passed. What I love about Harcourt is it is central, 10 minutes to Castlemaine, 20 minutes to Kangaroo Flat, and only 1.5 hours to Melbourne. I felt awkward in those days as there were not many Asians living in the district. I have been asked a few times if I work in a Chinese restaurant. Harcourt is a town I will stay in till my time is up.
What did you do for work after making your tree change?
My first job since moving up this way was working at the Garage Art Foundry and I enjoyed the work there as I got to work with many sculptors and artists. The miners at the Castlemaine roundabout were actually welded and finished by me.
Do you have any other passions?
I studied a Diploma in Drug and Alcohol at the University of Ballarat when I was working as a youth worker and also as a Multicultural worker. The course normally takes three years but I completed it in six months. I ran many programs as a cultural worker and one of them I enjoyed most was organising rock concerts as I got to go up and play (guitar). It’s amazing that there are many talented young people in our region.
What keeps you busy at the moment?
These days I spend most of my time tending my collections of Succulents and growing mushrooms ( my new hobby). My pet cats, dogs and fish. I am called the kitchen Bi#$%%^h as I enjoy cooking. I also enjoy writing poetry. I try to keep myself fit and healthy by working out daily. It is a way of life for me.
I understand you’ve also dabbled in theatre with the Castlemaine Theatre Company?
Yes, if there are parts in the Castlemaine Theatre Company I can play, I will join in. I have played the Monkey King in ‘Monkey and The Monk’ and appeared as Bromden/Tiger Lily in the recent ‘Peter Panto’ production.
If you could have three dream dinner guests who would they be?
I only have one person I would like to have dinner with and that would be Dr Fred Hollows, if he was still alive, as he is an inspiration for his generosity with his time and gift.
Do you have any philosophies by which you like to live life?
My motto in life is simple, be kind, be generous and live life to my fullest as best as I can.
Mount Alexander community invited to celebrate
Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting the community to come together this Australia Day – Survival Day for a free, family-friendly event on Thursday January 26.
Held at Castlemaine’s Victory Park from 10am to 2pm, the event will include a Welcome to Country, citizenship ceremony, and the presentation of the Mount Alexander Shire Australia Day Awards.
The event will also include a Survival Day concert – programmed and emceed by Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson.
“Council and the Dja Dja Wurrung community have a long history of working together towards reconciliation,” Uncle Rick Nelson said.
“Last year’s Survival Day concert saw musicians like D’Arcy Spiller, and Tjima and Natji Possum perform, along with didgeridoo players Jason Kerr and Alvin Briggs,” he said.
“We had some really positive feedback about the gig, and I’m excited that we’re able to do it all again,” the local Elder said.
In 2018, under the leadership of Dja Dja Wurrung Elders, council decided to formally dual name events held on January 26 as Australia Day – Survival Day, to recognise how celebrations on this day impact the First Nations community.
This decision was made to create an event where all community members are represented, included and celebrated – as well as to create a platform for education and healing through truth-telling.
Mount Alexander Shire Council mayor Cr Rosie Annear said she is really proud of our council for leading the way and dual naming our community event held on January 26.
“It honours our partnership and collaborative history with our Dja Dja Wurrung Elders, and the First Nations Community,” Cr Annear said.
“We all live here together, so let’s celebrate together. Not only Australia Day, but that Aboriginal nations have survived.”
For more information visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/AustraliaDay.