Hi Denis. With the surname Cox you must be related to a few people in Maldon?
Although I have lived in Castlemaine and Campbells Creek for most of my life I consider myself a Maldonite, having been born at the Maldon Hospital in 1947 moving when I was 20.
My grandparents moved from Tarnagulla to Maldon and had 14 children. My dad was the youngest. If he was still alive he’d be 101. Maldon used to be nearly all Cox’s back in the day.
Tell us a bit about your life in Maldon?
I joined the Maldon Brass Band as an eight-year-old following in the footsteps of my father who played trombone in the band until he was in his 90s. I started on a cornet and later played euphonium. I later became bandmaster, a position I held for over 25 years, retiring in 2010, after 55 years.
Over the years I played with other bands but my biggest thrill was being a part of a Maldon brass band quartet, led by renowned musician Stan Doran, who won a Victorian Championship.
When I was about 13 I was offered a weekend job at the Ampol Servo on the corner of Main and High Streets, which started an interest in cars. This involved serving petrol, washing taxis, and repairing punctures (which I believed were saved up for my Saturday duties). I worked there until well in my 20s, servicing vehicles as I became more experienced, and then also driving taxis.
After I finished work at 1pm on Saturday I was off to play football for Maldon. My football career started as a 13-year-old when then President, Jim Taylor was driving around looking for players to play in the U18’s one Saturday. I played my first senior game at the age of 15 in a final against Talbot at Maryborough. I played in the first Maldon team in the Castlemaine Junior League at the age of 15, and because of my experience expected to be a star, however, Campbells Creek’s “Mooka” Beer made me look like a novice.
At around 14 I worked from 10pm until 7am on the manual night exchange at the Maldon Post Office for a few years. This included sleeping beside the switchboard and answering calls as they came in. At 7am it was pack up the bed, head home and prepare for high school, which at times was hard if we had a stormy night and the phone shutters kept falling, and no sleep.
You’d already worked a number of jobs when you were young. What led you to work in newspapers?
My full-time working career commenced at the Tarrangower Times in Maldon as a 15-year-old. The proprietor (Mr Smith) saw a painting of mine at the Maldon Show. They felt I had an eye for design and approached my father to see if I wanted a job, and there commenced my newspaper career as an apprentice hand and machine compositor, which included melting lead for the linotype (it was all hot metal in the printing industry those days) and I also operated the printing press.
Mr Smith was unwell and passed away later in that year which led to me joining the Castlemaine Mail to complete my apprenticeship under the management of Charlie Almond and the start of a 51-year career with the Elliot Group of Newspapers, a family company, still operating today.
I later moved to Kyneton as foreman, back to Castlemaine as branch manager, and then became general manager of Kyneton and Castlemaine in 1989. It was a fulfilling career, working with some brilliant people, and very supportive bosses and our papers were recognised for journalism, photography, and newspaper presentation awards from Victorian Country Press Association.
What other interests do you have?
When I retired I joined the Castlemaine group of Bendigo Legacy, a group of people I was always in awe of for their care of the widows of returned soldiers and their children. I am the current chairman and get enormous pleasure working with this group of dedicated people. My wife Gail keeps close contact with the five ladies in the group to ensure they are not forgotten.
These days I am trying to live a relaxing life around the house and love to spend time playing with my cars. In my retirement I joined Castlemaine Historic Car Club, attending classic car events, and going on coffee cruises with Castlemaine Hot Rod Club.
Who are your three dream dinner guests?
My son Brendan. He died when he was 25. I’d give anything to just have five minutes with him. Peta Credlin, a policy adviser to the Howard government, and my primary school teacher, Jack Daniher.
What are your pet peeves?
I hate spelling errors in newspapers.
Favourite musician
Eric Clapton.
What are you reading at the moment?
I like reading car magazines.
Finally Denis, what do you enjoy most about the place you call home?
We just love the outdoor areas and sitting out the front looking over the hills and having an ale.
My Campbells Creek: Denis Cox
Council appoints young female mayor
Councillor Rosie Annear, a representative of Castlemaine Ward, was unanimously voted in as the new mayor of Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) during Tuesday evening’s council meeting.
The 31-year-old is the youngest mayor to be appointed since the amalgamation of the shires. She is following in the footsteps of the departing mayor, Cr Bill Maltby who, at the age of just 26, was the youngest mayor of Castlemaine.
Elected to the council only two years earlier Mayor Annear has earnt the trust and respect of her fellow councillors with her dedicated and earnest approach.
“It’s such a huge honour to be the mayor of Mount Alexander Shire,” she said.
“I ran for council two years ago for two reasons. One; because I wanted people to know that anyone could do it, that you don’t need to be anything other than what you are to have your voice heard. And two; because I wanted to give back to the community, that held me at my best and worst, in the place I’ve called home almost my entire life,” Mayor Annear said.
“I’m excited and ready for the next year. Thank you for putting your faith in me and giving me the chance to be mayor in our premiership quarter. Let’s kick some goals together.”
Cr Gary McClure expressed his confidence that Mayor Annear would do a great job, with her youth bringing a lot to the table.
Cr Stephen Gardner wiped tears from his eyes as he congratulated Mayor Annear, stating that she will be a great role model.
“It’s really good to see you in the chair,” Cr Christine Henderson said. “It’s terrific that we’ve got someone under the age of 50, never mind 40. We’re really lucky to have you, especially with your life experience. It’s good to have a woman in the seat again. I look forward to your leadership.”
Representative of the Loddon River Ward, Cr Matthew Driscoll, was appointed as deputy mayor after a unanimous vote and a motion was passed for a one-year Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral term.
“I want to say thanks to the people that voted for me a few years ago. I’m doing the best I can,” Cr Driscoll said.
MASC CEO Darren Fuzzard told the Mail that he wants to encourage more young people to join the council, and with an election in two years’ time, he suggests people start thinking about it now.
“You don’t need to be retired to join the council; people of all ages can join,” Mr Fuzzard said.
During her speech Mayor Annear said the council can get a bad rap at times, but that she had only seen amazing, passionate people doing their best for the community.
“I’m going to continue to work hard to be the best mayor that I can be. It might look a little different on me, but I am a little different, so that’s okay. Now, more than ever, diversity and representation matter and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that diversity, even a bit.”
Buda Historic Home & Garden celebrates the Traditional Arts
It’s back! Buda Historic Home and Garden brings the Traditional Arts Fair to Castlemaine this Sunday November 20.
Buda will showcase traditional arts, cooking and gardening in as many and varied forms as possible, in the spirit of the Leviny daughters.
Embroidery, book binding, tinsmithing, weaving, knitting, knife making, lacemaking, felting, painting, metalwork, jewellery, cooking,
handmade body products, basket weaving and much more! Handcrafted icecream, coffee, Buda special gourmet BBQ, Devonshire teas, light lunches, Shedshaker bar, music and children’s activities will all make for a fantastic day. Three stages will be running with free demonstrations all
day, along with individual demonstrations on each stall and a special guest artist in residence.
New this year is Gold Panning! Adults and kids can come and learn to pan for gold from experts from Miner’s Den Bendigo. The panning dirt is guaranteed to have gold in it. Will you find it?
Honouring our European connection, the Belly Dance Goddess troupe will be showcasing gypsy tribal dance at various times during the day. Don’t miss their colourful, fun dance display.
The fair will be hosting a make and take table on the day. Sit down with Andrea and learn to make some very funky jewellery, or Christmas decorations. There are a few sessions to choose from and you will take home a completed item. Book at the booking table on the day.
There are also magnificent items up for raffle including a basket of artist made goodies, a Catherine Pilgrim lithograph and a basket of Buda’s famous home made produce.
To top it all off, Buda’s tour guides will be conducting guided tours at a discounted price for one day only.
Please visit Buda’s website for further information. The fair at Buda Historic Home & Garden, 42 Hunter St Castlemaine will run from 10am till 4pm.
Hannah honoured by CDNA
The Castlemaine District Netball Association (CDNA) held its annual Cystic Fibrosis fundraising event in honour of former CDNA junior member Hannah Thompson last week.
The main feature match was played between two 11 & Under teams, Go-ers v Steaders. It was a great game with Steaders coming away with the win. Best on court was awarded to Aika Crossman from Steaders. It was wonderful to have Hannah’s younger sister Abby play in this round with Go-ers and to see everyone who came out in support. Donations can be made in honour of Hannah to Bendigo Cystic Fibrosis Support Group.
Parkrun participation pays off
The Castlemaine locals seem to have adjusted to the still slightly wet track in the Botanical Gardens, as Parkrun #329 on Saturday November 12, saw 10 PBs recorded – all by local runners – out of a field of 90. Most notable was the Morgan family, who all ran PBs for the second week in a row, young Imogen also celebrating her 10-run milestone with a sprint through the tunnel of love at the beginning of the event.
Congratulations on an impressive set of personal best times logged by Samuel Scott (23:33), Terry Willis (26:09), Mitch Nivalis (27:41), Sonny Willis (34:26), Heather Drysdale (36:25), Imogen, Lachlan and Chris Morgan (36:29), James Mack (36:55) and Emma Morgan (45:23). It is great to see so many new parkrunners and junior runners in this list.
There were visitors from near and far, including various parts of Melbourne, Canberra, Western Australia and the U.K. All received a warm Castlemaine welcome, both in terms of the ambient temperature and the friendliness.
Although ‘parkwalk’ month was officially October we encourage people to come and walk with us at any time. In fact, everyone is always welcome at parkrun, no matter what your level of fitness or pace. You will never be last; that’s the tailwalker’s job!
So why don’t you come along and see what this friendly, fun community is all about. You can find us at the BBQ shelter in the Botanical Gardens every Saturday morning just before 8am. If you don’t want to run or walk 5kms there are always plenty of enjoyable volunteer positions to be filled, so whether you are young, old or something in between; a parkrun newby or a parkrun veteran, we have something to offer you.
Register at https://www.parkrun.com.au/register and bring your barcode, if you want to walk or run the 5km loop with us, or just turn up with a willingness to help out, if you think volunteering is for you. The event can’t go ahead without people like, Jane Harding, Jason Hull, Ross Jarvis, Colin Moore, Jodi Oakman, Freya Readsmith, Raewyn Rice, Tyrone Rice, Warwick Smith and Robin Walls, who made up the volunteer team this week.
Cricket returns
Castlemaine United Blue and North Castlemaine/Guildford were among the local C Grade (Under 16) cricket sides to return to the pitch for the start of a two day fixture at the Western Reserve last Saturday. North made a bright start making 5-214 with Max Matheson top scoring with 50 (retired), Rainz Webster 34 and Zachery Hinck 33. Photo: Max Lesser.
Circus Mania hits Castlemaine as festival opens!
Circus Mania has struck Castlemaine with the inaugural circus festival kicking off with a massive opening night extravaganza last night and continuing through until this Sunday November 20.With ‘Big Tops and Tiny Tots’ for the youngsters, ‘Suitcase Circus’ for families and international offering ‘Rouge’ for the adults.
Circus Mania co-organiser and Suitcase Circus member Caz Walsh, Rouge performers Paul Westbrook and Jessie McKibbin and Suitcase Circus performer Maddy Burleigh urge the community to get along to enjoy the festivities which will feature local, national and international talent. For tickets visit circusmania.com.au
Locals scoop Music Victoria nominations
Nominations for the public-voted categories of the Music Victoria Awards were announced last week with talent from Castlemaine and surrounds featuring heavily.
The Taproom and the Theatre Royal were both nominated in the Best Established Regional Venue/Presenter category, with local musicians DEAD and Jess Parker nominated for Best Regional Act.
The Theatre Royal Castlemaine has won three Music Victoria Awards in the past, but this has not dampened their excitement.
“It’s a great feeling to be recognised by the wider music community in Victoria for our efforts,” said Felicity Cripps, co-owner of the Theatre Royal.
“Coming out of Covid has been the hardest battle of them all, so this nomination is a reminder that we’re doing great and how lucky we are to be hosting such world-class artists in our little corner of the world,” she said.
Jess Parker, who celebrated the release of her most recent album Bread & Butter last month, was bowled away by the nomination.
“It is such an honour to be nominated. I got the email and then cried for about an hour,” Jess said.
“It was a big, big moment for this humble picker from Campbells Creek.”
Jem Moloney, from Castlemaine two-piece band DEAD, felt equally honoured.
“Castlemaine and Central Victoria has a really strong representation in these nominations, which is a reflection of how much talent we have in our community,” Jem said.
“On a personal level it’s nice for us, because we have a huge amount of respect and admiration for Jess, The Taproom and the Theatre Royal. Given the sort of music we play, we’re usually consigned to the ‘heavy’ category, so it’s really great to be sitting in amongst such a diverse group of artists,” he said.
Doug Falconer from The Taproom said that it felt great to be in such fine company.
“Supporting live music is the integral to what we do here at The Taproom. It’s part of the lifeblood of our town.”
The Music Victoria Awards are an annual awards program celebrating Victorian music, established in 2005. The Public-Voted categories include Best Album, Best Song, Best Group, Best Solo Artist, Best Metro and Regional Festivals and much more.
Other local nominees include CresFest (Best Regional Festival) and the Palais-Hepburn (Best Established Regional Venue/Presenter), along with the Golden Vine Hotel in Bendigo and The Daylesford Hotel (Best Regional Venue/Presenter, Under 50 gigs).
Voting for the awards is open until November 21 so be sure to cast your vote for your local faves at www.musicvictoria.com.au
Lions Club to celebrate 50 years
Castlemaine Lions Club will celebrate its 50th Anniversary this Sunday November 20 at a gathering at the Lions clubhouse in Kennedy Street, Castlemaine.
All past and present members and partners are invited to attend the afternoon tea which begins at 2pm, have a tour of the present facility, view the club’s collected history and celebrate 50 years of service to Castlemaine and district.
Lion Ken McKimmie said they are delighted to be welcoming five of their original 21 Charter Members to Sunday’s celebration.
“It should be a really special event as we look back at all we have achieved in Castlemaine and district over the last 50 years,” he said.
The Lions Club of Castlemaine was officially chartered on March 4, 1972. Members of the Kyneton Club assisted in sponsoring the move. The first president was Tom Dunne manager of the ANZ Bank.
In 1973 the Lions hosted their first exchange student from Japan,
In 1975 the club held their first major appeal and raised $1000 for an intensive care bed for Castlemaine Hospital.
In 1977 a colour television was donated to Kaliana School in Bendigo.
In 1978 the club assisted with the emergency alarm and light system at Castlemaine and Chewton.
In 1979 the club helped with the formation of the Newstead Lions and in 1984 the Harcourt Lions Club.
In the 80s the club also installed coin operated barbecues in Victory Park, conducted free hearing tests for local children, welcomed a visit from aspiring Prime Minister Bob Hawke, hosted a snooker championship, and purchased a set of jaws of life for the local SES just to name a few milestones.
One of the biggest achievements of the Lions Club has been the establishment of its major fundraiser the Castlemaine Swap Meet which has now been running for 36 years and attracts visitors from across Victoria and beyond to the annual April fixture.
Funds raised have supported countless community projects in the intervening years including more exchange student visits, the Lions Youth of the Year’ initiative and of course their vital support in the establishment of the Mount Alexander Accommodation and Respite Group’s (MASARG) Lions McDonald Hill Respite House at McKenzie Hill.
In the last few months the Lions donated a dishwasher to the Castlemaine RSL and have also been busy assisting to complete the training for the first local Australian Lions Hearing Dog presented to local resident Helen Williams – ‘Buster’ – to assist Helen to lead a full and happy life both at home and when out and about in our local community and further afield.
The Lions will also be lending their friends at the Rotary Club of Castlemaine a hand at next weekend’s Truck Show.
Congratulations to the Castlemaine Lions Club on 50 wonderful years of community service and best wishes to the club on the next 50. We can’t wait to see what they will achieve!
To RSVP for the event or to learn more about becoming a Lions member please contact Ken on 0428 721 809.
Local candidates go head to head
Local group Democracy for Dinner hosted their ‘Meet the Candidates’ event at The Taproom at Shedshaker Brewing on Tuesday evening.
Housing, health, climate and how to support Aboriginal recognition and self-determination were among the key issues discussed on the evening.
Is nuclear cheaper than renewables? Should we prioritise public housing or home ownership? Can legalising cannabis fund our priorities? And importantly, what matters most in our community?
The venue was packed for the event which gave local residents an opportunity to hear from local candidates standing for Bendigo West at the upcoming November 26 election.
Six candidates were in attendance including incumbent Labor MP Maree Edwards, Greens candidate James Searle, Liberal Party candidate Ken Price, Legalise Cannabis Victoria Party representative Wayne Taylor and Independent candidates Matt Bansemer and Marilyn Nuske. Three other candidates were invited but unable to attend on the night – Animal Justice Party candidate Victoria Maxwell, Family First Victoria candidate Steve Serpell and Freedom Party of Victoria candidate Richard Wooley.
As local candidates and community members arrived for the session the venue was rocking to the sounds of garage-infused country music by international act Jenny Don’t and the Spurs all the way from Portland, Oregon.
Democracy for Dinner mediator Bryn Davies thanked the band for travelling all the way from the US to ‘open’ the night and The Taproom for hosting the community event.
He pointed out the evening was also live-streamed for community members who wanted to tune in from home. Those who missed the livestream can find the link on the Democracy for Dinner website.
Mr Davies said Democracy for Dinner is a local grassroots initiative that aims to share some of the burden of democracy by supporting and facilitating engagement in democratic processes so community members can make an informed choice when going to the polls.
To open the event each candidate was given the opportunity to briefly introduce themselves and outline their priorities should they be elected. Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said she had been honoured to represent the local region for 12 years and had achieved a lot in the local shire since 2010 but there was still a lot more to do. She said continuing to support the Creative Industries, the expansion of the local Tafe, housing and continuing to invest in local schools were a priority.
“I am proud to have delivered the new Castlemaine Secondary College and various upgrades at other schools in the shire,” she said.
Greens candidate James Searle said priorities were public housing and health including more GPs.
Legalise Cannabis representative Wayne Taylor said legalising cannabis was a priority to create more funds to support people.
Liberal candidate Ken Price said he had lived in the region all his life and works as a gardener. He said many of the people he works for need support not just with their gardens but more broadly with issues such as housing affordability, access to statewide health with many on waiting lists and public transport.
Independent candidate Matt Basemer said he didn’t like the authoritarian tone of the current government and was focused on state education, health and energy.
Independent candidate Marilyn Nuske saidher priorities were welfare and wildlife.
Mediator Bryn Davies pointed out at both Matt Bansemer and Marilyn Nuske had candidates for the Liberal/Democrats and Animal Justice Party in the last election and asked them why they were running as independents this time around. Bansemer indicated it was due to a proposed new tax and Nuske said that she had subsequently discovered some of her views on some issues were at odds with her former party.
Candidates were then asked a series of questions sourced via the Democracy for Dinner email and Facebook page. Several questions were also invited from the gallery and to wrap up candidates were asked what their vision was for Mount Alexander Shire.
Questions covered included climate, housing, energy, equality and gender diversity and many more issues.
Candidates were also asked for a show of hands if they would support the Treaty process moving forward and a referendum on a First Nations Voice to parliament with the majority pledging their support for both.
Finally participants were asked to share their vision for Mount Alexander Shire.
Independent Marilyn Nuske said more housing and protections for our wildlife.
“I’d move to ban duck shooting if elected and 1080,” she said.
Independent Matt Bansemer said power was a priority for him and exploring cheap nuclear alternatives to expensive renewable energy projects.
Liberal candidate Ken Price said re-prioritising funds out of big city projects to be shared across regional Victoria.
“We are a state not just one city,” he said.
Legalise Cannabis candidate Wayne Taylor said legalising cannabis so it could be regulated, taxed and create income and employment.
“It could be the saviour of our economy,” he said.
Greens candidate James Searle said improving access to public dental care, ending native forest logging and removing the tax on electric vehicles were priorities. Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said she would be working towards a new health hub bringing Castlemaine Health, Community Health and shire health services under one roof.
In closing Mr Davies thanked the candidates for standing in the election and for working hard to “earn our support and trust”.
“Make your informed vote count on November 26,” he told the audience.
Catch Lucy Foster’s “Self-Timer” exhibit at CASPA
Castlemaine-born lens-based artist, Lucy Foster, is featuring her work ‘Self-Timer’, as part of PHOTO 2022 International Festival of Photography at Blindside’s group exhibition ‘The Portrait’, curated by Karl Halliday and Josephine Meade.
Locals catch Lucy’s work in an exhibition now on at Castlemaine Contemporary Art Space (CASPA).
In her video, Lucy captures a series of 10 self-portraits on two devices (an analogue film camera and a digital camera) dressed in different clothing and posing in different scenes.
The clothes worn by Lucy belong to her late mother Judy, who died a few months prior to the start of the project, and the scenes are captured in her home where she spent the final years, weeks, and days.
Judy was an avid op-shopper, sewer, and assembler of quirky things.
“She expressed herself through clothes, cooking, and decorating the home; there was no particular style, trend, or a recipe she followed,” Lucy said.
“My understanding of her expression was to be driven by emotion. A spontaneous response to the present moment.
“Amidst all the things she left behind, I found a letter she had written to her Mum (my Nonna) not long after she had passed away. It read:
Dear Mum, thought about you again today. Hope it’s fun being in Heaven. I miss you and just wanted to say that since you have gone I have had terrible trouble trying to find something to wear.”
Self-Timer will be on display at Castlemaine Contemporary Art Space (CASPA) Hargraves Street Castlemaine (above Stonemans Bookroom) until November 26.
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Adventure awaits as Castlemaine Theatre Company’s latest show opens
Castlemaine Theatre Company’s first full-stage production since COVID-19 – ‘Peter Panto: Or One Flew Over the Second Star on the Right’ officially opened at the Phee Broadway Theatre last weekend.
The entertaining production is a swashbuckling adventure for the whole family and has received wonderful reviews for its opening weekend performances.
Eight year old Melody was impressed!
“I could watch it 100 times a day and never get bored,” she said.
“It was sooooo entertaining,” said audience member Michelle.
“What do 25 plus locals of all ages and backgrounds, a wild script, huge dedication and killer performances equal? A great show! Good stuff y’all” commented Cath.
“Cheeky, rambunctious and utterly charming, this show is just a delight!” says theatre goer Stephen.
CTC members say their latest production is Peter Pan as you’ve never seen before! It’s a proper panto, so plenty of booing and hissing and ‘Behind you!’ moments.
Nurse Ratched is a cross-dressing Dame looking for love, the Lost Boys want to be a Boy Band, Tiger Lily is a martial arts expert (and Skipper of the Castlemaine Magpies footy team) and Nana is a Freudian analyst.
An irreverent mash-up with One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, the story begins in Castlemaine Health’s Youth Psych Ward…and it’s medication time…
CTC director Kate Stones was inspired to bring this adaptation to life after rewatching the 1975 film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, featuring Jack Nicholson.
“I was struck by the similarities. McMurphy is such a Peter Pan character – he’s arrogant, a born leader, and definitely averse to being a sensible grown-up, and he ends up with his own band of lost boys in the ward, whom he takes on various crazy adventures,” Stones says.
This is a pantomime sure to entertain with popular songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s to bop and sing along to!
Peter Panto: Or One Flew Over the Second Star on the Right will be performed at the Phee Broadway Theatre from November 4-20. Tickets are available from Maine Shoes and Accessories, 174 Barker St, Castlemaine or on Trybooking.