The current housing market is becoming untenable for many; particularly low-income earners, young people, and ageing members of our community. As a consequence, councils, government, and interest groups like My Home Network, are discussing innovative solutions such as tiny houses, air rights to council-owned buildings, and an increase in share housing and co-ops. One group of innovative older women have recently spent a little over $2 million on a five-acre property in Castlemaine to build a small village consisting of 30 units and a common house.
Older Women in Cohousing Inc (WINC) formed in 2017, consists of 35 members aged between 52 and 78. Originally looking for property in the Daylesford region the group was unable to find anything suitable and began exploring elsewhere. Largely due to its proximity to public transport and its lively and active community that has a thriving music and arts scene and embraces lesbian culture the group decided on the Castlemaine area. Another positive for the group was a community that strives to achieve affordable housing and sustainability, plus the gold rush history and the architecture of the region.
WINC member Mary-Faeth Chenery told the Mail they have been working on the project for five and a half years, but found it difficult to find land.
“We found a property in Castlemaine and it’s a wonderful piece of land, close to town and large enough for the units plus the common house, which will be a place where the women are able to eat and cook together when they want. It will be a place to gather together for music or movies or to be booked for parties.
“Everything has been designed to increase incidentally running into your neighbours, such as a shared laundry and car parking, things that help prevent isolation.”
The common house will include an exercise space and two guest rooms that can be booked by residents when having friends or family coming to stay. The design will include inclusive access for wheelchairs and walking frames and have handrails throughout.
“There will be around 15 homes for buy-in, four for social housing, and ten for what we call ‘middle women’, those with some assets but not enough to buy a property, using a creative approach such as a shared equity or investment partner,” Mary-Faeth said.
“We’ve already had a lot of enquiries from people and expect to have a waitlist once the building is completed.”
Members will be required to sign an agreement to sell their houses to another member of WINC in the event of their death or decision to sell, so the asset can remain within the cohousing model.
The group is hoping to have planning completed in six to eight months and to have a design and builder lined up by the end of the year. WINC is anticipating building will commence next year and members will be moved in 18 months after that.
“We’re not only developing our own community but also developing a model that can be used by others,” Mary-Faeth said.
Another group considering alternative housing models for ageing members of the community is Last Home Partners Inc, a not-for-profit exploring the possibility of long-term rentals for senior residents who are receiving government benefits.
Last Home Partners founder Clif Edwards is hopeful that recent changes in leasing and tenancy laws will allow for a new model of housing that involves a partnership between landowners and renters.
“Our difference is we want a decent home for people to live in, not a retirement village home scenario or a limit of 40 or 60 square metre home, but real homes with living spaces, workshops, and studios,” Clif said.
“Our model uses the income generated from government pensions and rent assistance to fund the building of the home. Ideally, we’d love to find people on rural and farming properties to partner with.
“There are a lot of people in our region that are past retirement age and are looking for secure housing. We’re still very much in the formulation phase but we’ve had positive feedback from peak bodies so far,” he said.
Creative housing solutions for the older generations
Aged care reforms looming
Last year the federal government passed the Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response) Act 2022 which establishes new requirements for aged care providers through nine measures that respond to the royal commission. The changes being implemented by the federal government come into effect from July 1, 2024, and will drastically alter residential aged care service provision across the region.
For Mount Alexander Shire Council to continue providing community aged care services in the future, it will have to compete for available funding, as residents will be able to choose from a range of different service providers. The council will also need to retain and attract clients, in order to maintain the viability of the service.
A number of local residents and personal care workers have expressed concerns about the future of council-managed aged care services, noting that many councils in other local government areas are walking away from service provision as the reforms loom
Federal MP Lisa Chesters told the Mail that the final reform arrangements will be settled in early 2023 after taking into consideration feedback from the people who use and deliver the services.
“I’ve had a few discussions with different representatives from Mount Alexander Shire about the importance of these services and the council’s ongoing commitment to delivering them,” Ms Chesters said.
“Council has been proactive in consultation with government around what future delivery looks like.
“I want to see local councils continuing these services. It’s an important service for local residents and provides good local jobs.”
Mount Alexander Shire Council communications have expressed that there will need to be changes to the current management and provision of community aged care services in order to meet the new regulatory requirements and to remain feasible in a new market environment. The council is considering how to respond to future arrangements to best meet the needs of its older residents and ageing community by undertaking a review in partnership with Central Goldfields Shire Council at a cost of $25,000 for each local government area.
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s manager of Community Wellbeing Rosalie Rogers said the council currently provides aged care services to more than 800 residents across the shire, with approximately 40 staff members delivering services including personal care, home care, respite, and social support programs.
“In light of the federal government’s reforms to the aged care sector, the council is undertaking a thorough review of the services we provide,” Ms Rogers said.
“We know reforms in the sector are coming, and right now, we need to hear from our community before we consider any decisions on the future of those services.
“Input provided as part of this consultation will help us better understand community views, needs, and experiences around in-home and other aged-care services.”
Ms Rogers said she understands there may be concerns in the community about the continuation of the council-delivered aged care services into the future and that there are many considerations the council needs to address regarding the future delivery of services.
“We will continue to listen to our community about what they need regarding aged care services, now and into the future. We will also report back to the community on what they’ve told us during this consultation.”
Shedshaker joins FebFast fundraising initiative for youth
A brewery may be the last type of business you would expect to join the FebFast challenge but that’s exactly what Castlemaine’s Shedshaker Brewing is doing next month.
Shedshaker Brewing director Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns said Shedshaker has long promoted socially sustainable living and FebFast, which raises money for youth in need, is a great initiative for the brewery to support.
“A brewery promoting a break from drinking might seem a strange thing but FebFast is much more than that – it’s a reminder to live a healthy life while raising money for a great cause,” Ms Brodie-Hanns said.
“Some of us will be giving up alcohol for 28 days, others may choose to give up a different vice like sugar or smoking or you can sign up to be FebFit and work on getting more active,” she said.
“I’m planning on doing ‘FebFab’ where I will customise my own challenge!” Brodie-Hanns said.
To launch Shedshaker’s fundraising campaign, the Taproom will host a special Books in the Brewery event in conjunction with Northern Books with the launch of Jill Stark’s new book Higher Sobriety next Thursday February 2.
“Jill will be in conversation with one of our favourites, local author Jenny Valentish, to talk about Jill’s journey over the past 10 years since she wrote her first book about going sober, High Sobriety,” Ms Brodie-Hanns said.
“To further promote FebFast throughout the month, our Taproom will stock an extensive range of non-alcoholic drinks for not only those people who are giving up booze for a month, but those who already don’t drink.
“There is a real movement away from alcohol and people choosing to live a life of sobriety. We cater for vegans and for gluten free customers and this is just another way we can provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all,” she said.
“Of course, for those who have decided to give up another vice, our hand-crafted beers will be available for your enjoyment.
“We will be encouraging our patrons to donate to FebFast and are hoping to raise more than $1000 for the cause,” Brodie-Hanns said.
FebFast is an annual campaign to raise money for Youth Support + Advocacy Services (YSAS), who help disadvantaged young people deal with addiction.
Ms Brodie-Hanns said there is more to FebFast than just not drinking or taking on the fitness challenge.
“We have a young workforce here at Shedshaker and see ourselves the challenges many young people face.
“FebFast is a chance to help raise money for a really good cause while also promoting sensible life choices.”
To book a seat or table for Jill Stark’s Books at the Brewery event, visit: https://www.northernbooks.com.au/jill-stark
To donate to FebFast, visit https://febfast.org.au/s-brewing and help Shedshaker reach its $1000 goal.
OAM honour for local Landcare volunteer
Long time Landcare volunteer and Faraday resident Christine Brooke has been recognised in the 2023 Australia Day Honours list with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the environment and the community.
Christine told the Mail she was surprised but deeply honoured to be recognised.
“I had no idea until I received the letter from the Governor General’s office,” Christine said.
“It is lovely that your peers think enough of your efforts just to nominate you, let alone all those who stepped forward and took the time to add their support to the application,” she said.
Christine has worked in administration and volunteer administration roles for much of her life.
When Christine and husband John made their treechange to Pyramid Hill in the mid 1990s they joined the Loddon Vale Landcare Network with Christine going on to hold the role of secretary.
“There was a lot of work to be done on our 500 acre property and the surrounding region. There were hardly any trees on our farm when we arrived. We planted hundreds and it just grew from there,” Christine said.
In later years her involvement with Landcare expanded to the board of Landcare Victoria, a committee representative position with Australian Landcare International, and the North Central Catchment Management Authority where she was Deputy Chair from 2011-2013.
Christine also played an active role in local government as a councillor for the Loddon Shire Council from 2005-2012 and mayor from 2007-2009.
Christine said each professional and volunteer role she has taken on has expanded her skills and enabled her to bring valuable knowledge to the table to assist the local organisations she was passionate about.
“I even took on the role of Loddon Valley Netball League president for a time as there was no-one else to take on the job. I’ve never played netball but the girls needed me,” she laughs.
After downsizing and moving to a smaller 90-acre property at Faraday 10 years ago, Christine wasted no time getting involved in the Sutton Grange Landcare group, Connecting Country and joining the committee of the Faraday Community Association which hosts regular community events at Dunstans Flat to maintain community engagement and connectedness.
Christine said while it is lovely to be acknowledged for her role in all these wonderful organisations many volunteers have been part of making all those projects a success along the way.
“This is an award for all those incredible volunteers. It wouldn’t have been possible without them,” she said.
Christine also thanked her husband John for his tremendous support.
“He is always there encouraging me to have a go and do what we can to make a difference. He has also done a huge amount of work. In light of the issues, we face with climate change and other factors caring for our environment has never been so important,” she said.
“We are proud to be part of this grassroots movement managing environmental issues in the local community and also working to support farmers and private landowners to make a difference,” she said.
Christine encourages those considering a volunteer role to give it a go.
“It doesn’t matter how big or small your contribution is every little bit helps. Whether you can help behind the scenes or on the ground planting trees. Every role is important and valued,” she said.
A safe haven for our injured roos
Over the past seven years Red Box Wildlife Shelter has provided a safe haven for hundreds of injured kangaroos while building and enhancing their facility to include; a fully operational vet clinic (complete with X-Ray machine), a dedicated ICU equipped with monitoring cameras, a convalescent cabin and rehabilitation pens and facilities designed to assist these noble creatures to heal and recuperate before being released back into the wild.
Nikki Medwell and her husband Scott have always been passionate about wildlife rescue and after buying the 60 acre property in Elphinstone and meeting the local inhabitants, their fate was sealed.
“Seven years later and our entire lives revolve around them,” said Nikki who works full time at the shelter.
Nikki fondly recalls her first rescue ‘Mr Boo’ who’s mum had been shot and killed leaving the tiny, helpless joey alone. When he was old enough Mr Boo was released into the wild, taking off with a mob for six months before returning to his first home. Mr Boo and Nikki have an incredible bond and he makes sure to make an appearance from time to time and make sure Nikki’s doing okay.
With no government funding the shelter relies on public donation and the assistance of volunteers. The team at Red Box consists of six volunteers, a dedicated vet ‘Dr Mark’ who travels to the clinic once a month, Nikki who is up at 4am every morning and working 18 hour days and her husband Scott who works full time and builds the shelter infrastructure.
For the past four years the shelter has been providing free assistance kits to people in the shire to help empower them to stop if they see injured wildlife.
“I started the kits after a woman messaged me telling me she was on her way to work and hit a roo,” said Nikki.
“She didn’t know what to do, she was dressed for work and running late and had driven many kilometres while she was thinking about how to respond. All day long she was eaten up with guilt and the idea of making the kits were born from her story.”
The simple packs are designed to give people confidence and knowledge to stop and help injured animals and consist of two pillow cases to safely carry joeys, an information sheet with instructions and phone numbers, and a nifty red and white stripped banner and a piece of string to assist wildlife rescuers to find the animal if you need to leave.
The free packs are now available at the Castlemaine Mail office at 13 Hargraves Street so hop in today and grab yourself some peace of mind.
Packs are also available at Mount Alexander Animal Welfare (MAAW), the Salvos, and Good Op Shop, Elphinstone and Chewton post offices, all Maldon and Community Bank branches and Hip Pocket.
These useful resources require a lot of pillow cases, so if you have any lying around that you’d like to donate, or you’re interested in volunteering please email the shelter at: elroos3448@gmail.com.
For more information www.redboxwildlifeshelter.com.au
Scars of Beauty exhibition explores birth trauma
Community members are invited to explore the topic of birth and birth trauma as part of an emotive new Central Victoria art exhibition ‘Scars of Beauty’. The exhibition at Dudley House in Bendigo represents the beauty that can arise from birth trauma and highlighting stories of post traumatic growth.
Scars of Beauty is a community art exhibition displaying the works of more than 25 artists, many first time exhibitors.
It is a place that people can connect, have conversations and gain more awareness of birth trauma. There can be light after dark, it may be a sense of resilience and strength, or the ability to be open and vulnerable.
It’s likely you’ll know someone who has experienced birth trauma as it can happen during any part of the journey that is bringing life into this world. It affects one in three women and is experienced by partners and health professionals too. Scars of Beauty is a way to celebrate the beauty that has arisen from these scars.
The exhibition will be officially opened with a special event on Thursday February 2 from 6pm-8pm and will feature an art auction and talks from the CEO of the Australasian Birth Trauma Association, Real Life Midwife Helen Nightingale and podcaster Dr Kara Thompson.
On Sunday February 5 there will be a family fun day with a circus skills workshop, clay and play, drawing and rock painting.
Refreshments will be provided at both events by local sponsors!
The exhibit will be from 10am to 4pm from February 3 to 5 at at Dudley House, 60 View Street Bendigo.
Come along and celebrate the bravery of the individuals and families!
Harcourt bowlers on a roll
It was a mixed bag of results for Harcourt Weekend Pennant last Saturday: Division 7 just went down by three points at home to Bendigo East; Division 6 enjoyed a four point win over South Bendigo and Division 2 were no match for Golden Square.
Last Monday Midweek Pennant Division 2 were lucky to hold their top spot after a hard day on the green at Woodbury. Despite a gutsy effort, Division 4 were no match for White Hills on their green.
Champion of Champions
Next Sunday Harcourt Singles Champions Carrol Frost and Phil Clarke will compete in the District Champion of Champions at Eaglehawk. We wish them both good bowling and good luck.
Barefoot Bowls
A successful night of Barefoot Bowls and Barbecue was held last Friday with over 50 bowlers of all ages in attendance. Another night will be held at a future date to be advised.
Weekend Pennant results for Round 10 were as follows:
Division 2 Harcourt 56 lost to Golden Square 89. Scores were Barry Marsh (s) 18/26, Daryl Gale, Carrol Frost, Darrell Normington. Steven Douglas(s) 11/23, John Kays, Grahame Hill, Terry Chisholm. Brian Smith (s) 8/24, Brett Jenkinson, Seth Bird, Phil Clarke. Rod Harris (s) 19/16, Brian Leech, Kaye Grant, Mary-Anne Doyle.
Division 6 Harcourt 80 defeated South Bendigo 76. Darren Cunningham (s) 18/20, Damian Bird, Ron Douglas, Diane Marsh. Russell Maltby (s) 22/19, Wayne Walsh, Rick Williams, Alf Manallack. Ken Tribe (s) 22/16, Chris McAuliffe, Tim Carr, Wendy Chaplin. Terry Robinson (s)18/21, John Grant, Les Harding, John Starbuck.
Division 7 Harcourt 66 lost to Bendigo East 69. Col Foster (s)15/28, Libby Harris, Gary Selwood, Geoff Ace. Heather Braid (s) 28/16, Kathy Harding, Mark Swain, Iain McGibbon
Brian Nunn (s) 23/25, Fran Corstorphan, Rod Watson, Ian Mc Millan.
Tomorrow January 28 Division 2 will host Bendigo East, Division 6 will travel to Woodbury, Division 7 will travel to North Bendigo.
Midweek Pennant results Round 11 were:
Division 2 Harcourt 39 lost to Woodbury 58. Carrol Frost(s) 10/21, Ken Tribe, Chris Anderson, Pam MacGregor. Diane Marsh(s) 15/13, Phil Clarke, Mary-Anne Doyle, Darrell Normington. Barry Marsh(s)14/24, Judi Miles, Judy Ewing, Kathy Harding.
Division 4 Harcourt 27 lost to White Hills 76. Chris McAuliffe(s) 6/25, Kaye Grant, Vinka Maltby, Moira Straw. Les Harding (s) 10/25, Kay Francis, Ron Douglas, Frances Collins.
Heather Braid (s) 11/26, Fran Corstorphan, Fairlie Harman, Sheila Oxley.
Next Monday January 30 Division 2 will host Castlemaine and Division 4 will host Calivil/Serpentine.
Castlemaine State Festival program set for launch!
Now in its 47th year, Australia’s flagship regional arts event the Castlemaine State Festival is launching its 2023 season with a preview event at Castlemaine Goods Shed Saturday January 28 at 11am.
The launch, which is open to the public will feature festival director Glyn Roberts presenting this year’s generous program which includes a vast range of free and ticketed events and the establishment of a new Festival Precinct that will bring Castlemaine alive with contemporary and classical music, performance, dialogues, cabaret, circus, comedy and DJs to entertain while audiences enjoy the best food and beverage options the region has to offer. The program launch will also include a live performance by Castlemaine’s own Eliza Hull!
2023 Festival Tickets also go live tomorrow! Make sure you grab your free copy of the Castlemaine State Festival program in next Tuesday’s January 31 edition of our sister paper the Midland Express.
Install CCTV now
Susan Bassett, Castlemaine
Since the last edition of the Mail (Graffiti Response Ramps Up, January 20) the Forest Street rail overpass has again been vandalised. Unlike some graffiti which can be beautiful, decorative and articulate, the Forest Street rail overpass vandals continue to scrawl derogatory hate speech against women.
This vandalism goes beyond ‘negatively impacting community members’. The language is abusive, violent and obscene, and a real indication of the tolerance of violence towards women in our community. The words linger on the overpass, a daily reminder of hate towards women.
Why isn’t the shire council pro-active, installing a security camera to provide evidence of this vandalism? Not after the next rounds of cleaning and waiting for more hate speech, but now. Please.
The Scientists to make their return
Before Nirvana. Before Mudhoney, Before the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion…there were – The Scientists.
Formed in Perth in 1978, the punk pop hooks of ‘Frantic Romantic’ and ‘Last Night’ removed them from their hometown to wider acclaim, re-emerging in Sydney with a darker, primitive concoction similar to that of The Stooges, Suicide, Cramps, Gun Club, Sonic Youth and The Birthday Party. What followed were a string of swamp rock classics such as ‘Atom Bomb Baby’, ‘Swampland’, ‘We Had Love’ and ‘Human Jukebox’ and a relocation to London before imploding in 1987.
For 20 years the band appeared dormant, until they re-emerged in 2006 for All Tomorrow’s Parties reforming for various tours including the Don’t Look Back Australian tour along with Sonic Youth performing Blood Red River and Daydream Nation respectively.
In 2021, two years after being inducted into the Western Australian Music Hall of Fame, they released their first studio album in 34 years, ‘Negativity’ making it onto most “top albums for the year” lists.
And now – finally, The Scientists are back – ready to tour that album plus play selections from their back catalogue.
‘The Scientists’ powerful brand of deranged swamp-rock will be returning to live stages around Australia in early 2023 for their ‘Negativity’ tour including our very own Theatre Royal on Saturday February 11. To secure you ticket for this must see show visit theatreroyalcastlemaine.oztix.com.au
My Campbells Creek with Town Folk Festival founder Jeremy Furze
Hi Jeremy, you co-own the Bridge Hotel, how did that come about?
My brother Pat and I used to run a little bar in Clifton Hill called Some Velvet Morning. We took over the Bridge in 2017 and have just bought the freehold for the building last year, which gives us security in the long term.
We love this clunky old country pub, were not striving for a high class gastro experience. We love running gigs outside when we can and we have lovely understanding neighbours.
I sometimes say having a pub is like having another kid, it’s noisy, messy and keeps you up at night.
Pat is the hospo guy; he’s into wine, the running of the kitchen and managing the staff and I’m the real business guy. Actually I find it strange to do an interview, I’ve always been the behind the scenes guy.
You also have a lot of other hats around town what are they?
I launched the Town Folk Festival with Shedshaker and Boomtown Wine last year and it went so well we’re running it again this year. It’s a big task, closing off Cornish Street and putting up the stage and if you ask anyone that knows your not going to make much doing gigs with 16 bands, but there are a lot of young folk musicians that need a place to be seen and it’s such a good feeling amongst the artists and the community and I just love being involved with live gigs.
Also for the past six years I’ve also managed bands, The Tesky Brothers are my main project.
Oh and I’m on the board of MainFM. I’d love to do a show but there’s just no time!
That is a lot of hats! Do you have time for any other interests?
Nicole and I moved to an 18 acre property, so were trying to set up a garden there and grow lots of vegetables, although the weather lately hasn’t helped.
And I like to play music myself, I play drums. Me and two other guys in Castlemaine set up Wafflepad, a recording studio at the Salvage Yard. It’s just a little rehearsal space for artists and sometimes we go and tinker.
What music do you enjoy listening to?
A new The Tesky Brothers album which will be coming out soon and a Melbourne artist Phoebe Go. Oh and Big Scary which is a Castlemaine duo and have a beautiful new album.
Are you reading anything at the moment?
A sci-fi I picked up on a whim at Stoneman’s Bookroom called Project Hail Mary about a guy who wakes up from a coma on a spaceship.
Are there any philosophies you live life by?
While music, gigs, festivals and bands are very exciting, valuing the family side of things is what matters.
What do you love most about the place you call home?
I love living here, we’ve built up friends and so have the kids. My wife Nicole grew up in Donald and I’m a Melbourne boy so Castlemaine seemed like a happy middle ground. Since moving here a lot of our siblings have moved here too.
And we’re lucky enough get to sit and eat breakfast every morning watching the neighbours’ horses wander around in the paddock next door.
An accident waiting to happen
Lindsay Milton, Chewton
I am intrigued by the number of cyclists who offer themselves up as potential road kill, by cycling east from Castlemaine to Chewton between 5am and 8am; where motorists cannot see their puny taillights against the glare of the rising sun.
Why do they not ride north to Harcourt or south to Daylesford; where they can be more readily seen?