The Community Christmas Lunch being coordinated by Castlemaine Community House and supporters at the Castlemaine Town Hall is now fully booked with 200 people and a host of volunteers set to enjoy the Christmas Day event. This week students from Castlemaine North Primary School dropped off a load of decorations they have made to brighten the hall for the celebration including paper chains, crowns, paper Christmas trees for centrepieces on the tables and placemats featuring Christmas themed drawings by the local students. Castlemaine North students Clem and Kenzie are proudly pictured with their haul of decorations.
85 years of magic and memories
Santa and his helpers from the former Apex Club of Castlemaine will be out and about again this Christmas Day visiting the young and young at heart across the region.
This year marks the 85th anniversary of the beloved annual Santa Run which has cemented its place in the hearts and minds of locals over the past eight decades.
Past Apexian Stephen Cooper said they are proud to have kept the long running tradition alive thanks to the dedication of their volunteers and the support of the local community.
“It actually began during the depression in 1937 and saw Apexians handing out apples donated by local orchards and hams from Castlemaine Bacon Company,” Stephen said.
These days the volunteers visit streets and towns across the shire handing out lollies and icy poles to celebrate the festive season.
Donations from the community have helped to keep the 85 year tradition alive despite the club disbanding back in 2002.
“Many local families throw us a few dollars as we travel around and this has helped to keep things ticking over to ensure the tradition can be enjoyed by the next generation,” he said.
And of course the run wouldn’t be possible without their wonderful pool of volunteers.
“We have had volunteers come and go over the years but everyone is determined to see the run continue and we always have people prepared to give up their time on Christmas Day to help spread a little Christmas magic,” he said.
Cooper recalls fellow volunteer Doug Sharpe visiting his home as the big man in red when he was a child.
“I am really proud to now be part of that legacy and in recent years my children have also come on board,” Stephen said.
Chewton locals Bill and John Sikora have also been long time volunteers.
John first volunteered on the run in 1985 and Bill joined him the following year with the pair looking forward to their 36 consecutive run in 2022.
“We are proud to be a small part of this very special community initiative. The smiles on the kids’ faces keep us coming back, year after year,” Bill said.
The Guildford Grumpies Car Club Inc have once again chipped in a donation to support the work of the former Apex Club of Castlemaine and its annual Santa Run ensuring they can continue to spread Christmas cheer across an ever growing Castlemaine and surrounding communities.
Guildford Grumpies secretary Steve Cole said many of their members fondly remember the Santa Run from when they were children.
“I would visit my grandparents home at Chewton every Christmas and the Apex Santa Run was a real highlight. They whole town would turn out to greet Santa,” Steve recalled.
In 2022 Santa and his helpers will undertake five runs across the region.
Volunteers will gather from 6.30am and hit the road from around 7-7.30am on runs throughout Castlemaine and Campbells Creek, out to Chewton and Elphinstone and Guildford.
With housing estates across the region growing in size they may be a little later than usual as they get around to everyone. Look for signage in your town for times or listen for the bells, horns and Ho, Ho, Hos!
My Sutton Grange with Vivien Pells
You grew up in South Africa in Johannesburg and Zimbabwe (known as Southern Rhodesia), when did you move to Australia?
I left Africa when I was 22. It was hard to get employment in Johannesburg unless you were bi-lingual (which I wasn’t). It was 1972 and I came to Australia on a working holiday. I made a friend on the ship (Rose) and we travelled to Brisbane where I worked as a secretary then travelled further north where we met the man who would become Rose’s husband. We travelled to Normanton and hitch-hiked to the Mt Isa Rodeo, sitting in the back on the ute with no seat belts, dust flying everywhere. What an exciting thing! It was difficult getting to Tennant Creek, there were no buses, no trains. We approached a road train driver who took us to Alice Springs. It was a phenomenal trip. We couldn’t get out of central Australia because of the floods. We met two others, a Queensland couple stuck in Coober Pedy and we drove to Adelaide. Rose and I came to Melbourne where I worked as a secretary.
I went back to South Africa because my father was ill and came back to Australia in 1977. I started doing yoga for my nervous system and became a teacher. I opened a yoga studio in 1984 and trained as a masseur and as a Maya Therapist.
You are a very talented artist. How did that progress for you?
I’ve always been a bit of a sketcher, although I never trained at school. One day my partner Chris Moule and I went on a jaunt to Olinda to an art gallery displaying Gerard Mutsaers. Chris and I organised lessons with him and I ended up studying with Gerard for 10 years.
How did you and Chris meet?
Chris was divorced when we met. I was a girl who had grave difficulties with relationships. We both attended the Ken Miller Institute which runs courses for people who are divorced or widowed. One of my clients recommended I go. It was a very good course. Chris and I knew each other for two years before we went out. He was always late to our dates and by the time he’d turn up I’d be gone.
The idea of Ken Miller was to develop common interests because often what went wrong in your marriage was you had fallen in love with someone you don’t share interests with. Chris and I had photography and bush walking in common.
What are you reading at the moment?
Nothing since COVID, just a few art books.
What genre of music do you enjoy?
I prefer classical – not highbrow classical. To be honest, when I’m here on my own I love silence. I do enjoy the 60s, 70s, 80s and country and western.
Have you got any other interests?
I love going out painting and photography.
What philosophy do you live life by?
Honesty will get you everywhere. Always question the truth about everything in life. Nothing happens without you being able to learn something.
What do you love most about the place you call home?
Us living here was absolutely fated. We had come to look at the place and thought wow. We rang the agent and they said sorry it’s sold. I asked if they could call me if it went back on the market but they didn’t. We saw the property had been relisted and here we are.
250 run milestone for Michael
Castlemaine has now held 334 parkruns since its inception seven years ago. Three regular parkrunners have completed over 250 parkruns. We can now add our fourth local parkrunner, Michael Constable to the over 250 club. Michael is very active in the parkrun universe. He is a current Run Director, has completed 175 runs at Castlemaine and a staggering 50 at other places including, Perth, Darwin, and Ballina NSW.
Michael is also a Parkrun Pirate, having completed 7 parkruns at events starting with C and one with an R. Parkrun has provided Michael access to a running community and a stepping stone to some epic events, including high country trail runs, 100 k ultra runs, marathons and many, many fun runs. With Molly the dog at his side there is nowhere Michael
cannot run.
78 people participated last Saturday including first ever timer Liza Shaw, and 12 visitors including the Gaertner family from Germany, Sarah Langley and family from Shepparton and long-time park runner and regular visitor Alan Mitchell from Westerfolds parkrun.
Many of us enjoyed the sunshine this week, whilst there were many significant efforts. David Readie remains the top age grader consistently coming in the 85% for his age grade, Kyan Mill finished first with a Personal Best, Ray Radford achieved a new PB at age 75 and Lucy Medely took another minute off her time.
Castlemaine have held 49 parkruns this year and will have completed 52 by the last Saturday in December. With only one week off due to the flood, it has been a very steady year providing people with a regular opportunity to get outside and get active every Saturday.
Parkrun will be held four times in the festive season – Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. We look forward to seeing you at one or all of those parkruns and all of next year as well. Now is the time to get active for your healthier future.
Thankyou to the volunteers, Dianne Cox, Geoff Faircloth, Jane Harding, Judy Hill, Pam Joseph, Patricia Barrett, Paul Martin, Ronder Clayton and Steve Harris.
Parkrun is held every Saturday at 8am in the Botanical Gardens. Register https://www.parkrun.com.au/castlemaine/ or just come along and find out all about it.
A new year celebration like no other
There aren’t too many events in Australia that can claim to have thrived and survived for over 150 years and after a two-year hiatus, the Maryborough Highland Gathering is back for its 160th instalment this New Year’s Day.
Maryborough’s Highland Gathering was originally formed by Scottish squatters and businessmen in an attempt to recreate the New Year celebrations of their native home.
Today, the Highland Gathering attracts people from all across the country – athletes, dancers, musicians, and those who just want to soak up the incredible atmosphere of piped bands and traditional Scottish culture.
The program has something for everyone. A piped band street parade, all-day athletics, highland dancing on two stages all day, Highland games and a traditional strongmen event.
Track events on the day range from 70-metre sprints to middle-distance races over 1500 metres. There are events for both men and women, including veterans.
The athletics program culminates with the running of the $15,000 Max Martin Memorial Maryborough Gift, contested over 120 metres; now one of the country’s most prestigious footraces.
Anyone who’s attended the event over the past 35 years will have a lasting memory of the ‘Girl on the Drum’ spectacular that has become a highlight of the New Year celebrations.
It features a highland dancer atop a base drum, lifted to the shoulders of three burly Scots. Flanked by a full piped band and other traditional dancers, it really is a sight and sound spectacular not to be missed.
There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained too, with games, sideshows and rides happening throughout the day.
The day concludes with a free evening concert and fireworks display – a great way to celebrate the new year.
Entry to the event at Princes Park, Maryborough is $16 for adults, $8 for seniors, with children Under 16 free. For more information call 5461 1480 or visit www.highlandsociety.com.au
Solomon Islanders welcomed with picnic
The Castlemaine Botanical Gardens resounded with wonderful singing two weeks ago when locals welcomed the Solomon Islanders who have come to our shire to work at Don KR Castlemaine as part of the Australian Government Pacific Australia Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Approximately 70 Solomon Islanders and a similar number of local community members attended the picnic that started with a beautiful Solomon Islander prayer, singing and Somoan dance.
Locals reciprocated with an Acknowledgment of Country, welcome by Mayor Councillor Rosie Annear and then singing led by James Rigby. Everyone then enjoyed and connected over a picnic feast.
The local attendees included representatives from the local churches, Castlemaine Community House, Castlemaine Fringe Festival, Loddon Campaspe Multi Cultural Services, Castlemaine Safe Space, Mount Alexander Shire Council, local choirs, Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club, Labour Solutions Australia (LSA) and Don KR Castlemaine.
The Solomon Islander singing continued throughout the afternoon and hopefully will continue in different forums in our community. In fact, several members of the group even made an appearance at Friday night’s ‘Rotary Carols in the Park’.
As one picnic attendee said “It was such a lovely, heart warming afternoon, full of good will and joy – the Solomon Islander singing was beautiful”.
Local community members hope to hold similar events on a monthly or bi-monthly basis to ensure the Solomon Islanders feel welcomed, valued, supported and connected. Watch this space.
Christmas spirit alive and well
The Castlemaine district community turned out in force for the annual Rotary Carols in the Park event in Victory Park last Friday evening.
Participants enjoyed a host of carols performed by Thompson’s Foundry Band, Castlemaine Pride Choir led by Scott Buchanan, Macapella, the budding young musicians from Just Brass, young singers Gen Alpha led by Scott Sanderson, a group of Solomon Island singers, and local soloists including Meg Corson.
Sound engineer Calum McClure even got in on the act sharing a rendition of one of his grandfather’s favourite carols – ‘It’s Beginning to look a lot like Christmas’.
The Castlemaine Lions Club were on hand with a barbecue to keep help carolers warm up on what was a chilly evening, and the man in the red suit made an appearance and was swamped by eager youngsters.
Thanks to the success of their recent Truck Show and earlier Art Show, the Rotary Club of Castlemaine were pleased to present $31,200 in donations on the night to a number of community groups to ensure they have a ‘Merry Christmas’ and can continue their good work into 2023.
Among those to receive support were: Thompsons Foundry Band $1000, Castlemaine SES $1000, St Vinnies $2000, The Salvation Army $2000, Pride Choir $500, Castlemaine CFA $1000, Castlemaine Safe Space $1000, Campbells Creek Grounds Committee/ Campbells Creek FNC/ Campbells Creek Trotting Club $4599, Castlemaine 1st Pioneer Scouts $600, Newstead Men’s Shed $500, Castlemaine Men’s shed $500, Campbells Creek Fire Brigade $1500, Campbells Creek Primary School $500, South Castlemaine Kinder $500, Castlemaine State Festival $3000, Castlemaine Gift $2000, Community House Christmas Lunch $500, Castlemaine Jazz Festival $3000, Castlemaine Art Museum $5000, and Chewton Fire Brigade $500.
The gift giving continued with representatives from the Mount Alexander Community Enterprise (MtACE) also on hand to distribute grants to local organisations.
The Mt ACE Community Grants Program is funded by our local Castlemaine branch of Bendigo Bank. When you bank with any branch of the Bendigo Bank anywhere in Australia, you can nominate to have your accounts linked to one of the Community Grants programs. In Castlemaine there are two programs, both auspiced by Mt Alexander Community Enterprise.
For many years, Mt ACE funds were primarily funnelled in to the Wesley Hill Sports Complex. Over $100,000 was contributed by Bendigo Bank though Mt Alexander Community Grants to that project!
The other major project of Mt ACE is the Castlemaine Hot Rod Centre which is in the process of repurposing part of the old Etty St Campus of Castlemaine Secondary School.
If you are a Bendigo Bank customer and wish to further support our community just ask the friendly staff at your Bendigo Bank to link you accounts to the Mt ACE Project Number of your choice.
The following Mt ACE grants were distributed on the night: Castlemaine Gift $1000, Castlemaine Heath L2P Project $1000, Castlemaine Community House – Christmas Lunch and Community Lunch Program $1000, Salvation Army Castlemaine Corps – Christmas Hampers $2000, and St Vincent de Paul Society Castlemaine $1000.
Community celebrates bridge decision
The decision to rehabilitate and strengthen the single-lane Froomes Road Bridge was met with applause by community members attending this week’s Mount Alexander Shire Council meeting.
“It was so good to see that a community group, the Froomes Road Action Group, (FRAG) can succeed,” said Ian Edwards member of FRAG.
“By determined, reasoned, but polite argument we mobilised widespread local support and persuaded a responsive council. It is a victory for Castlemaine community, heritage, local government, and of course the Powerful Owl.”
Councillor’s opted not to vote on the council officer’s recommendations to approve building a two-lane bridge, rather Cr Bill Maltby presented a motion to maintain the bridge for pedestrian-only access allowing necessary funds to be utilised elsewhere in the community. This motion did not win support.
Cr Matthew Driscoll presented an alternate motion for the rehabilitation and strengthening of the current one-lane bridge for vehicle use stating, “Unlike some councillors, I’m actually listening to people and it’s clear to my mind that they want to rehabilitate and strengthen the bridge.”
After some debate, the motion to maintain the current single-lane bridge, and to introduce a new footpath linking the bridge with the Botanical Gardens and Flora and Fauna Reserve, was passed unanimously. The motion also included a list of pedestrian and road safety measures including a request to the Department of Transport for a reduction in speed limit to 50 kilometres an hour on Froomes Road and Mary Street, the introduction of an additional curve delineation at the east end of Mary Street, and raised pavement treatment at Burnett and Froomes Road intersection, among others.
Tamasine Dale a member of FRAG told the Mail that the overwhelming response has been relief.
“Great leadership from Cr Driscoll who moved the motion to retain the single-lane bridge!” Tamasine said.
“Many in the community had lost faith in the democratic process of the council. I think that this decision will go a long way towards restoring some goodwill towards the council that the community was listened to.”
Basketball action aplenty
Castlemaine Cannons Basketball Association sides have been enjoying a spirited competition in the lead up to Christmas. It is great to see players of all ages back in action on the local courts at the War Memorial Stadium at Wesley Hill.
It was a big week of basketball action with the Castlemaine Cannons Country Basketball League (CBL) squad also playing their final home game. Unfortunately, the Cannons lost their bout against Mildura by three points knocking them out of the finals race. It was a great game but the local side just fell short. Congratulations Mildura on a great win and getting into the big dance. Best of luck.
The Cannons thank all their supporters, friends and family and all the people behind the scenes for assisting them throughout the season.
They will be back next season ready for revenge!
My Sutton Grange with artist Chris Moule
Hi Chris. You always look dapper in your suits. Do you always wear them?
I was born in London and my family was evacuated from London to a little village called Harpole. All we had with us were little gas masks and a small case with pajamas. That was it, that’s all we had.
When we arrived there were 47 other children who had evacuated London. People would come and look at the children and say, “she’s pretty, she’ll be good in the kitchen, he looks strong, I’ll take him.”
By 1 am we were still there and someone came over and asked why we hadn’t left. I was always quite outspoken and I replied, “we’re not pretty enough or strong enough so no one wants us”.
I was given a suit by a rich family, before that everything I owned had holes in them.
I was granted a scholarship to a grammar school and to Wellingborough Boarding School and we wore suits there too. I had wanted to become a doctor but ended up going directly into the army. Again a suit.
After leaving the army I worked as a cinema manager, where once again I was required to wear a suit. My job was to paint the windows to promote the shows, which I was quite good at. I ended up working at the Savoy, which was a much bigger cinema (six and a half thousand seats). I was approached by the Vauxhall Motor Motor Company to work as an entertainment manager so I gave notice at the The Rank Organisation. When I arrived at Vauxhall Motors, there were pickets. They had just laid off 10,000 men and I had to limp home. It was 1957, everyone had lost their jobs.
I ended up talking my way into a job at a local shop by offering to work for free for two weeks and in return, I would double the takings, which I did. We ended up moving to bigger premises with multiple levels. I remember one day there was a lady with a baby and a basket struggling to get to the register and I thought, ‘we need something like a double pram where you can put the baby and the shopping. I had a friend help me to design it. It’s the same design they use today.
When did you move to Australia?
I was headhunted by Woolworths to manage Big W and came to Australia with my wife and children in 1969. Nothing came of the management role so I worked at Nancarrows in Burwood and eventually went into real estate, selling blocks of land to people in Australia and overseas.
What an interesting and varied career. Did you have time to pursue any other interests?
Singing, painting, and photography. I started my singing career while I was an evacuee. I joined the Baptist Church choir. They put a dress on me, I looked like Lady Diana, I couldn’t read, couldn’t read music, I learned from listening to the others.
My partner Viv and I also started Hoppers Gallery in Maldon which we open on Wednesdays and weekends. We’re both artists and wanted a place to share local artists’ works.
What are you reading at the moment?
Art books and Biggles Flies to Work.
What genre of music do you enjoy?
Anything from rock and roll to grand opera, but I can appreciate all music (except heavy metal).
What philosophy do you live life by?
As an evacuee, I was taught to stand on my own two feet. I’m a giver, not a taker, always out to help other people. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. There’s no such thing as can’t.
What do you love most about the place you call home?
This place was a highly guarded secret until we moved here in 2004. We were living in Melbourne and saw a nice little dirt road with a little house for sale with a beautiful view.
Supermarket gets the green light
The Victorian Civil Administration Tribunal (VCAT) released its long awaited decision on the proposed supermarket for Castlemaine’s former gasworks site on Tuesday.
The authority has set aside Mount Alexander Shire Council’s decision in relation to the amended permit for the larger supermarket, paving the way for developer Lascorp Investment Group Pty Ltd to move ahead with plans to build the new supermarket subject to conditions.
The outcome has been met with mixed reactions from the community with some elated to see more competition in the market and others disappointed by the decision which will alter the landscape of Castlemaine forever.
VCAT members stated “we find that the proposed supermarket and two specialty shops are an as-of-right use in this location and that the design response is acceptable in terms of neighbourhood character, layout, built form, scale, traffic, carparking and landscaping.”
Further the members said “We accept that the introduction of a large supermarket will likely have trading impacts for a small number of existing retail stores, particularly supermarkets, in the region. However, we consider that these impacts would not threaten the viability of any existing retail stores and would be offset by the net community benefit resulting from: improvement in the range of retail facilities available to the residents; improvement of choice and price competition; retention of spending currently being directed at other large supermarkets outside of Castlemaine; and employment opportunities during construction and its ongoing operation”.
Lascorp has previously confirmed the proposed supermarket would be a Woolworths.
Mount Alexander Shire Council had originally granted a permit for a smaller 1,500m2 supermarket development which was originally intended to be an Aldi and two speciality shops at the site in April 2018. However, the developer then submitted plans for a larger 3300m2 supermarket after Aldi pulled out of the project.
The developer took the amended permit to VCAT when the council did not make a determination on the permit in the prescribed time.
Mount Alexander Shire Council later voted against supporting the amended permit for the larger supermarket and took this stance to the tribunal hearing earlier this year.
In response to Tuesday’s decision a council spokesperson said the issue of this supermarket has been of great interest to the community for some time.
“Here at council we have made a concerted effort to listen to the diverse concerns of our residents. It’s important to note that councillors had not made any decisions on the permit in question. Rather this approval comes directly from VCAT. We are satisfied, however, that VCAT’s decision incorporates several of the conditions council suggested, reflective of the deep and broad consultation we have undertaken for several years,” the spokesperson said.
Local objector group Size Matters were among those to make representations to the tribunal hearing held over various dates in March, July and August and the group has worked hard to keep the community informed throughout the extensive process via their Facebook page.
Size Matters spokesperson Kaye Swanton said Size Matters did everything it could to ensure the best possible outcome for residents.
“The group, and other resident respondents who appeared at the VCAT hearing, argued for a more viable stormwater management plan, preservation of existing trees, enhanced
building design and landscaping features and easier traffic flow through the designated carparking area. Concerns about these elements have been somewhat addressed through
the conditions placed on the development,” she said.
“Size Matters welcomes the 73 conditions VCAT has imposed on the development. In particular, the requirement that the original architect and landscape architect be retained
during the construction phase of the development to ensure what was presented in the planning is what is delivered to the community, and maintained over time.
“Without this condition, the risk is that any landscaping will fall short of planned expectations, as is too often common for similar developments, and over time becomes neglected and fills with dead plants, weeds and litter”. Readers can find Size Matters full response on our website.
Lascorp Investment Group National Development Manager Rob Harris told the Mail that they are thrilled with the decision.
He thanked council officers for their support of the project and everyone who contributed to the process for their input.
“I think that what we have now is a far better outcome for the community. A better integrated development and a design which will be very attractive,” he said.
Mr Harris said the development will also enable Woolworths to offer a full line supermarket ensuring locals can access their full range of products.
“This will also be a far better outcome for Castlemaine, it will stop escape expenditure, enable people to purchase the basics that need, and also create 100-200 full and part-time jobs,” he said.
Mr Harris said he feels it will be great for the town as it will also encourage competition, encourage other the supermarkets to develop and improve and keep shopping local.
“People will no longer have to make the 60 kilometre round trip and leave their town to shop. It will keep money local,” he said.
Mr Harris said they hope to begin construction on the new supermarket as soon as possible.
“We have some work to do with council and some work to do on the site environmentally before construction can start. However, we are close to securing a builder and once construction begins the build itself should only take nine to 10 months,” he said.
Chewton wildlife sanctuary opens its gates
Jirrahlinga Dingo Conservation and Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the heart of the Chewton bushland, is a wonderfully engaging experience for people of all ages, right on our very own doorstep.
Follow the trail of arrows marked alongside the winding dirt track and you will find yourself at the top of a steep incline. Walking down into the historic goldfields gully, you will be met with the high howls of 150 dingos as they respond to the alpha dingo’s call.
Jirrahlinga (meaning to seek a home for a kangaroo) initially began in 1975 at Barwon Heads and was founded by Tehree Gordon and her husband Hamish, who took over the Dingo Farm at Chewton in 2005. The property was run down and required a significant amount of work, including rounding up and sorting a number of dingo packs that were loose and running wild in the valley.
Since then the couple, and a small group of dedicated volunteers and employees, have spent countless hours revegetating the property, building enclosures for the multiple varieties of native animals, relocating animals from their former Barwon Heads Sanctuary and are currently in the process of setting up an on-site cafe.
The space is now unrecognisable, with beautiful bush landscape, a large dam with swans and ducks floating on the surface, numerous quaint areas to sit and relax and an incredible range of native animals to visit and learn about. Plus, a surprisingly large number of dinosaurs scattered around the park for the kids to enjoy.
Head Keeper Rowan Mordy runs daily tours around the sanctuary, giving informative talks on the 300-plus animals and providing visitors with hands-on experiences and photo opportunities. There are snakes to be held, blue tongue lizards, a remarkably friendly wombat to pat, emus to feed, and hand-reared dingos to enjoy.
A large number of the animals at the park are unwanted pets – cockatoos that have become too noisy for their owners, who have realised that the birds can live to 100.
If you’re lucky you might get a chance to meet the owner of the park Tehree who has spent most of her life-saving animals and helping people in need. Over the course of her life she has taken in over 56 kids, teenagers and those in their later years. She has won countless awards and has been awarded the Order of Australia Medal.
During the recent floods, staff at Jirrahlinga have taken a wombat, koala and a few reptiles to flood-affected communities in Bendigo and Echuca and Tehree is hoping in the future to organise external visits to nursing homes and schools.
The sanctuary is currently looking for volunteers so if you’re passionate about Australian wildlife give them a call on 0493 387 144 or via email at: enquiries@jirrahlinga.com.au. Training is provided and they only require a few hours a week.
Jirrahlinga is open to the public Wednesday – Sunday with tours running 10.30am-12 pm and 1.30pm and a Junior Ranger Program running every school holidays. It’s sure to become a popular destination so make sure to check it out at www.jirrahlinga.com.au