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Historic Taradale Methodist church for sale

By
Jade Jungwirth
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Carmel and Jim are selling their home of 31 years, purchased by the Norris’ in 1982 for $18,000.

Former Mount Alexander Shire mayor Jim Norris and his wife Carmel a former secondary school teacher, are selling their home; a beautifully restored Methodist Church built in 1865.

The Norris’ (Jim, his parents, and his brother) bought the deteriorating church at auction in 1982 for $18,000 to use as a holiday home.

“It was a dump that no one else wanted, only a bit better than a tent,” Jim said.

31-years-ago, Carmel, Jim, and their two year old and three month old daughters, made the move from Melbourne to Taradale and the couple began the arduous task of bringing the old church back to life. 

The interior of the church was baby blue, the ceiling pink, and the beautiful wooden trusses and windows a white gloss. There was green slime running down one wall, a section of the floor had been burnt out and there were termites eating the floorboards. As work began on the building, the family of four lived on the ground floor with hessian bags for walls.

The first Taradale Methodist Church was erected on Talbot Hill in 1857, before being rebuilt in its current location in 1865.

Jim, who once studied architecture, designed the breathtaking transformation, which features an open-plan mezzanine bedroom and a church tower with views spreading across the valley to the historic railway bridge.

“It’s taken a lot of work. I worked with master carpenter John Parker and Neil Tait did all the steelwork in the place,” Jim said. 

In the intervening years the couple welcomed a third daughter and the family made the revamped church their home.

“Les Hough, a local stonemason built the dry stone wall. He used to travel over from Fryerstown on his horse and cart, sometimes giving our three girls a ride, which they loved.”

“People who turn churches into homes try and put too much in and lose the feeling of a church. Putting in a mezzanine keeps the church open and shows you the full expanse, while also giving you the space underneath for those necessary closed-off spaces like the bathroom,” Jim said.

“We finished the structure about 15 years ago when we built the church tower on the back. The rest was the finicky stuff.

“There are 400 privately owned churches in the state and our house is only one of four with a church tower.”

Now in the later years of life and with their children grown, Jim and Carmel have decided to sell their home and are now building a modern house in Castlemaine.

“We will miss the house,” Carmel said. “Although it takes a lot of love and attention, especially the garden. It’s someone else’s turn here now.”

View the property listing here

Challenging day for Castlemaine bowlers

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Last Saturday saw some challenging competition on the local green. Photo: Max Lesser.

Last Saturday November 5 was not such a good day for Castlemaine Bowling Club with all three divisions going down in pennant competition.

Premier Division 1 were disappointed after their good win the week before losing to Eaglehawk, Greg Brain and team the only winning rink.

Division 4 lost at Woodbury and Division 5 lost to Strathfieldsaye. Results as follows: 

Premier Division 1 Castlemaine 77 lost to Eaglehawk 95. Scores were Peter Brain 19/24, Greg Brain 20/19, Lachy Darroch 18/22, Rod Phillips 20/22.

Division 4 Castlemaine 64 lost to Woodbury 96. Mal Stevens 28/9, Maureen Fletcher 8/32, Steve McCoombe 11/28, Rosalie Roberts 17/27.

Division 5 Castlemaine 63 lost to Strathfieldsaye 98. Nina Hufer 22/18, David Carlin 6/31, Wendy Walsh 17/21, Tricia O’Shea 18/28.

Pennant teams

Next Saturday Premier Division 1 Castlemaine play at Golden Square. Christopher Brain, Robin Lynas, Kevin Shuttleworth, Peter Brain ( skip). Michael Diprose, Lee Bastin, Paul Darroch, Greg Brain (s). Bernie McConnell, Kevin Earl, Darren Taylor, Lachy Darroch (s). Taylor Walsh, Klai Jermyn, Neil Bouch, Rod Phillips (s).

Division 4 Castlemaine play Marong at Castlemaine. Don Ross, Peter McKnight, Chris Crossley, Mal Stevens (s). Russell Chapman, Jack Taylor, Bruce Miller, Maureen Fletcher (s). Sandra Grant, Alicia Beauchamp, Pam Hunter, Steve McCoombe (s). Alene Jolme, Rod Fletcher, Graham Fraser, Rosalie Roberts (s).

Division 5 Castlemaine play at Marong. Lyndal McClure, Joe Smith, Alan Nicholls, Nina Hufer (s). Kathy Hayward, Harry Fleury, Ian Devereaux, David Carlin (s). Robyn Fleury, Peter Rotteveel, Wendy Walsh, Pam Fraser (s). Gary McClure, Don Steet, Sandra Phillips, Tricia O ‘Shea (s).

Midweek Monday November 14.

Division 2 Castlemaine play at Heathcote. Jack Taylor, Rod Fletcher, Chris Crossley, Maureen Fletcher (skip). Alene Jolme, Alicia Beauchamp, Rosalie Roberts, Pam Hunter (s). Pat Devereaux, Graham Fraser, Charles Madgin, Tricia O’Shea (s).

Division 3 Castlemaine play Strathfieldsaye at Castlemaine. Sandra Grant, Don Steet, Pam Fraser, Bruce Miller (s). Sandra Phillips, Regina Saville, Angie Hill, Nina Hufer (s). Florence Stevens, Peter Rotteveel, Alan Nicholls, Kathy Parsons (s).

Club events are all well on the way. Check the noticeboard in clubrooms.

‘Girls on the Green’ started Thursday November 10 and will go through each Thursday till December 8. All ladies welcome. Names to Maureen 0417 321 048.

The wisdom of King Canute

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Mavis Price, Castlemaine

There has been a lot of talk recently about using renewables for power generation instead of fossil fuels. This is depicted as a moral battle between the good and the evil respectively. There was a time when to ‘save the planet’ we changed from paper bags to plastic bags to save trees; now we are told to use paper and bamboo so that we don’t use fossil fuels! So which is it?

On Landline in 2007 Professor Tim Flannery (who has a PhD in paleontology) predicted that we wouldn’t have rain in the future, saying, “even the rain that falls isn’t actually going to fill our dams and river systems.” Well, he got that wrong. People make mistakes, however there are consequences. 

That prediction was the argument for building the expensive desalination plant (which has never been used, costs to maintain and needs power to run), and for not building new dams. “Dams don’t bring the rain”, Daniel Andrews said. Well, the rain came anyway.

The water in Forest Creek flooded to the corner of Forest St and Barker St on New Year’s Day 1889. (Photo on page 29 of the Castlemaine Pioneers and Old Residents Association book, A Glimpse of Yesterday in the United Shire of Mount Alexander). I guess we will forever have “droughts and flooding rains” (My Country, by Dorothea Mackellar) despite man’s predictions and puny efforts to control the climate. 

King Canute knew that he was not able to stop the incoming tide, only God can. Humans will never control the climate, whatever is legislated by those in government!

Labor promises funding for Maldon Museum if re-elected

By
Castlemaine Mail
-
Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards is pictured with Maldon Vintage Machinery and Museum volunteers at Wednesday’s announcement.

A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will support the Maldon Vintage Machinery and Museum, so they can continue to celebrate the rich history of Maldon and the surrounding region. 

Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards is pictured with Maldon Vintage Machinery and Museum volunteers at Wednesday’s announcement.

Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards visited the museum on Wednesday and announced that a re-elected Andrews Government will provide a $100,000 grant to help the organisation continue to tell the story of Maldon’s historical significance to tourists and the local community.

Since 1972, the museum has supported the local area in sharing the history of a once bustling gold mining town. 

The museum has continued to evolve into a unique display of the community’s history, showing how life was once lived – from hand tools and horsepower to the industrial revolution with engines and electricity, to solar power.

Ms Edwards said the funding will make sure they are well-equipped to continue sharing Maldon’s history.

“This investment will see Maldon Vintage Machinery and Museum get the support they need to inform tourists and community members about the rich history of our area.

“We’re proud to ensure hard working volunteers can keep doing what they do best – telling the story of Maldon.”

Council provides funding to boost local events

By
Castlemaine Mail
-
The inaugural 2022 Castlemaine Town Folk Festival was well received.

Mount Alexander Shire Council is pleased to announce that 15 groups will share in $34,000 in grants to activate events across the shire. 

The Events Grants program supports local groups who are running public and community-oriented events. 

Events funded this round include a broad range of interests such as music, sport, antiques, art and nature. 

The inaugural 2022 Castlemaine Town Folk Festival was well received.

This round of funding supports projects such as the Campbells Creek Collectables Fair – a fantastic weekend for antique-enthusiasts; the Easter Engine Rally – a family day out hosted by the Maldon Easter Fair; and the MAIN Game – a fun football event that raises funds for Castlemaine’s local radio station, MainFM. 

Other highlights include a myriad of much-loved festivals: Taradale Mineral Springs Festival, Harcourt Applefest, Newstead Live Music Festival, Castlemaine Jazz Festival and Castlemaine Town Folk Festival. 

Mount Alexander Shire Council mayor Bill Maltby is excited to see what events unfold over the coming months. 

“Our shire is such a creative and inclusive community, and the diverse range of events on offer really bring everyone together,” Mayor Maltby said. 

“These grants are a great way for council to support both the community and the events industry, and to help local businesses thrive.” 

See the full list of funded events at www.mountalexander.vic. gov.au/Grants. 

The next round opens on Monday February 20, 2023, for events held in the second half of 2023. 

For more information, contact the Venues and Events team on 5471 1700 or email events@mountalexander.vic.gov.au. 

All day cricket carnival a hit for local students

By
Jade Jungwirth
-
Students at Newstead Primary School had a fantastic time at the cricket clinic with Coach Ron Rooney last week.
Students at Newstead Primary School had a fantastic time at the cricket clinic with Coach Ron Rooney last week.

Living through a pandemic for the past few years has had a dramatic impact on everyone in our community, particularly our children and young people.
The discontinuation of group sports has left a void in our children’s ability to interact with their peers while having fun and learning new skills.
Cricket Coach Ron Rooney has come out of retirement to re-introduce primary school children to the fun and excitement of cricket with introductory clinics held at five schools across the shire.
“We’ve found there has been a real lag in getting back to team sports since COVID,” said Ron. “By hosting these clinics and the carnival at Wesley Hill, we’re hoping to connect kids with their local clubs.”
Over the past few weeks, Ron has run introductory cricket clinics at Castlemaine, Maldon, Chewton, Newstead, and Winters Flat Primary Schools, culminating in today’s carnival at Wesley Hill, in the hopes of highlighting the importance of the sport.
Newstead Primary School Principal Kathy Callander told the Mail that this is the first normal year the kids have had in a long time.
“Academically they’re all doing well, but socially it’s difficult and this is in all schools,” said Kathy. “Getting them back into team sports is helping kids re-learn how to interact, and instills skills that will help them in real life with team activities.”
A former North Melbourne Premier Coach, Ron was instrumental in running the Milo program through Cricket Australia. He is passionate about giving kids opportunities to thrive and is working to provide coaching education for coaches in the region.
For more information on how to join a team visit: play.cricket.com.au/

Historic wallpaper exhibition to feature local samples

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Former Castlemaine resident Phillis Murphy AM with Hobsons Bay Mayor Cr Peter Hemphill.

A curation of rare wallpaper samples from the personal collection of nationally acclaimed architect and former Castlemaine resident Phyllis Murphy AM will be exhibited in Melbourne next month.

The designs, some dating back to the mid-19th century, will resonate with people interested in design, the arts, architecture, form, interiors, history, and lifestyles.

Ms Murphy began her collection while living in Castlemaine and many of the first items came from houses in the area. She published a book, Historic Wallpapers in Australia, 1850-1920 with the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum in 1996. 

Ms Murphy worked with Hobsons Bay City Council to curate the exhibition, which will provide a unique opportunity for people to experience a significant collection. The exhibits will be on display at the Chamber at the Williamstown Town Hall for just three days. The collection will be housed permanently at the Living Museum of Sydney next year.

Phyllis Murphy was a trailblazer in Australian architecture. She was one of only two women to graduate in her field from the University of Melbourne in 1949.

Phyllis and her husband John Murphy started an architectural practice in 1950, becoming known for their Modernist designs. They worked on many major projects together, including the Melbourne Olympic Swimming Stadium, which still stands today on the corner of Olympic Boulevard and Batman Avenue. Ms Murphy was also instrumental in helping establish the National Trust of Australia in 1958.

As part of their business, Phyllis and John undertook significant conservation work, and it was seeing how people lived and what their houses looked like that started Ms Murphy’s interest in wallpaper. Her passion grew from there over more than 40 years. She is now recognised for her expertise in Victorian-era wallpaper. Ms Murphy was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen’s Birthday honours this year for her significant service to architecture and to built heritage conservation.

“Phyllis’s collection is an incredible step back in time that tells us so much about the people that have come before us – their personalities, how they lived, and the trends and style of the eras they lived in,” said Hobsons Bay mayor Cr Peter Hemphill. 

“These are bold, beautiful pieces of art. The opportunity to see this exhibition is unique so I encourage everyone from Castlemaine and central Victoria to come down and experience it.”

The exhibition will be available to view free of charge on December 2-3 from 2 pm-7 pm and December 4 from 11 am-3 pm.

Che Guevara eat your heart out

By
Castlemaine Mail
-

Tom Allen, Welshmans Reef

Just a little note to the ‘climate change activists’ who left your ‘pastel scrawl’ messages outside the National Bank a few days ago. 

Wow! What do you do for an encore? What’s the matter? Didn’t you get enough motorists to beep your ‘climate action now’ message so, like petulant fifteen-year-olds, you had to vandalistically scrawl it on the sidewalk? Why didn’t you use paint (more long-lasting).This just all too obviously reveals the truly sad and sorry state that the ‘broad global left’ represents in presenting any form of strong, coherent functional, and focussed response to rising (and rising) global capitalist excess. 

Talk about a headless chicken that seriously needs to grow a head.

To persons interested in a clear, coherent focused, and sensible essay upon the climate debate I would strongly suggest South Australian Geologist Ian Plimer’s work ‘Heaven and Earth: Global Warming, the Missing Science.’ It is something of an eye-opener. 

Shooters on target at Invitational Prize Meeting

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards is pictured with the day’s winners.

The Castlemaine Rifle Club held its annual ‘Invitational Prize Meeting’ last Saturday November 5. 

Members report it was good to be able to settle back into the routine of shooting without having to change dates and having working bees to repair their flood damage. 

The day was pleasant with just enough wind and a little mirage to test shooters’ abilities. The club was happy with the number of competitors, being the same as the last couple of years but not as high as the pre-covid days. 

Shooting was over the mid-range distances of 500 and 600 yards. The 600 yard mound was concreted last Saturday so this was the first time it had been used. 

As expected, with the high calibre of shooters competing some excellent scores were recorded. At each range two sighters were fired followed by 10 shots to count. 

At the first 500 yard range Kyneton’s Peter Pearce scored 50.6 to lead Bendigo’s Greg Tomorad with 50.4 in Target Rifle A Grade. 

Target Rifle B Grade was won by Robert Pearce from Kyneton with 50.5 followed by teammate from Kyneton Adam McLennan with 50.5. 

C Grade went to Castlemaine’s Greg Brown with 47.3 followed by Lucy Pearce from Kyneton with 44.1. 

In F Class A Darren Trevena scored 58.3 to lead Castlemaine club member James Dolphin with 52.2. In F Class B Sam Swagemakers from Castlemaine scores 58.4 to lead Kyneton’s Bob Pearce with 52.1. Rod Mahon from South Bendigo shot 60.3 to lead F Open from Castlemaine’s newest member Tony Skinner who scored 58.2 in his first ever competition. 

The next round shooting was again from the 500 yard mound. In Target Rifle A Kyneton Peter Pearce Scored 50.7 with Bendigo’s Greg Tomorad next with 50.4. 

Target Rifle B went to Castlemaine’s Richard Ruddick with 48.4 ahead of Kyneton’s Adam McLennan with 48.3. Greg Brown from Castlemaine led Target Rifle C with 46.3 from Lucy Pearce from Kyneton with 35.0. Darren Trevena had his second win in F Class A with 54.2 from James Dolphin with 54.1. Castlemaine’s Rob Softley won F Class B with 53.1 from Bob Pearce of Kyneton with 53.1. 

In F Open Castlemaine’s Mick Goritchan won with 60.4 from Rod Mahon from South Bendigo with 57.2. 

A short break for lunch was held with shooters then moving to 600 yards for the final shoot. The wind and mirage both increased in strength catching some shooters and causing lost shots. 

Bendigo’s Greg Tomorad led Target Rifle A with 50.6 from Maryborough’s Doug Ratcliff with 50.4. Castlemaine’s Chris Jolme led in Target Rifle B with 46.1 followed by teammate Richard Ruddick with 45.2. 

Greg Brown had another win in Target Rifle C with 43.1 from Lucy Pearce with 38.2. Darren Trevena had another win in F Class A with 55.3. Followed by clubmate James Dolphin with 54.3. Rob Softley from Castlemaine top scored in F Class B with 52.0 from teammate Andrew Christie with 47.3. This was a great effort by Andrew as it was his first ever competition. 

Castlemaine’s Mick Goritchan led in F Open scoring 57.4 from Rod Mahon of South Bendigo with 57.2. 

The club was again very pleased to welcome patron Maree Edwards State Member for Bendigo West to present the trophies and medals to the winners. 

The winner in Target Rifle A was Bendigo’s Greg Tomorad with a very impressive score of 150.14 followed by Peter Pearce from Kyneton 149.17 and Bendigo’s Geoff Grenfell third with 148.14. 

Target Rifle B was won by Adam McLennan from Kyneton with 142.8 and second went to Robert Pearce also from Kyneton with 140.8 and in third place Castlemaine’s Richard Ruddick with 139.9. 

Target Rifle C was won by Castlemaine’s Greg Brown with 136.6 from Lucy Pearce from Kyneton with 117.3 second. 

F Class A went to Castlemaine’s Darren Trevena with 167.8 and second place to Castlemaine’s James Dolphin with 160.6. 

F Class B was won Rob Softley from Castlemaine with 154.2 followed by Bob Pearce in second place with 150.2 from Kyneton and third place went to Sam Swagemakers from Castlemaine with 149.4 

The winner in F Open was Rod Mahon from South Bendigo with 174.7 and in second was Castlemaine shooter Mick Goritchan with 170.10 and third place to Bendigo’s John Hollis with 165.6. 

In the teams events the prestigious ‘Don KR Cup’ was won by the Bendigo Rifle Club with second place also going to the Bendigo Rifle and Kyneton Rifle Club in third place. 

The F Class Cup was won by Castlemaine and also second place. 

Castlemaine also won the F Open Cup from Bendigo Rifle Club second and third place went to Castlemaine. 

It was a very successful event with thanks going to major sponsors Don KR Castlemaine, Maxi IGA, Leaton Building Supplies, Douglass Excavations, Lyal Eales Castlemaine, Castlemaine Fresh, Thompson Family Funerals, Bakers Delight, The Holinger Family, Mal and Stan Smith, Glenda Keel and Chris Jolme. 

This Saturday is the third stage of the Club Championship to be shot over 600 and 700 yards commencing at 1pm. 

Best wishes to club members who will be competing in Canberra next week at the first National Precision Service Rifle Championships. 

For more on the sport of big bore rifle shooting call the Captain on 5474 2552 or see Max at Castlemaine Fresh. 

Council ranger’s vehicle involved in accident

By
Castlemaine Mail
-

Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Ranger’s vehicle was involved in a collision on October 26, resulting in damage that is currently in the process of being repaired. 

Council has one ranger vehicle in its fleet that is used for the safe collection of animals. While the ranger vehicle is off the road for the moment, the council has been working in collaboration with MAAW, the shire’s animal welfare shelter, to assist to collect any animals reported to them.

“We appreciate the assistance of MAAW at this time, and continue to encourage residents who find an animal wandering to report it to council on 5471 1700,” said Georgina Hope, Manager of Development Services, Mount Alexander Shire Council.

“We are looking forward to having our ranger’s vehicle back on the road as soon as it is safe and practicable.”

Local resident into the semi-finals of the Doug Moran Portrait Prize

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Local artist Allis Hamilton who suffered a brain haemorrhage when she was 34 is now a semi-finalist for the Doug Moran Prize.

By Melanie Barnes

Local resident Allis Hamilton is a semi-finalist for the 2022 Doug Moran National Portrait Prize with her painting ‘Where the Old Horse Wanders on the Crest of the Hill’.

The Mail caught up with Allis to talk about her life and work. Allis feels at her best when she is in nature. She paints, writes music and poetry, and creates visual art.

Allis fell in love with the area 20 years ago on her way to pick apples and remembers turning off the highway and driving along the forest-lined road into Chewton which instantly resonated with her love of nature. At the time Allis didn’t know she would end up living in the area. 


‘Where the old horse wanders on the crest of the hill’, is a self-portrait with an old 
horse friend of Allis’.

“I love that Castlemaine is a town nestled among forests with abundant waterways scattered within and around her. I love the moss, the wildflowers, the multitude of native creatures that I am blessed to share my days alongside, like sugar gliders, powerful owls, choughs,” Allis said. 

Spending time overseas, her first trip to the UK with her grandmother who was 87 at the time “was a dream trip” Allis said. 

“The waters, moss, the poetic culture of the UK – the lands of most of my ancestors I find utterly inspirational. Ireland, Scotland, and England – the old Celtic cultures hold poetry and the arts in high esteem. It felt so good for me to be in a place that has respect for these things, for creativity,” Allis said.

During her travels exploring her creative side in England, she spent time playing music and participating in a poetry residential. Being a poet in Australia, Allis finds people are cynical but has found in older cultures, creativity has always been considered a vital part of life, enriching the community and that continues. She is appalled to see the arts being removed from school curriculums. 

“Music, if you learn to play it, is a friend for life: an outlet for emotions, a form of expression, a way to channel energy in a very constructive manner. A way to create beauty. I feel that the imagination, the creative realm is a vital component of life. We are creative beings. To me, creativity is a fundamental aspect of life.

My Campbells Creek with local resident Steve Adamson

By
Castlemaine Mail
-

Hi Steve. You’re a well-known Campbells Creek resident. Were you born locally? 

No, I am a twin and my sister and I were actually born at the Bendigo Hospital. I weighed 2 pounds 13 ounces and Karen weighed 3 pounds 14 ounces. We weren’t expected to live and spent our first three months in a plastic humidicrib. I grew up in Castlemaine. I started school at the South School and later attended Winters Flat and Castlemaine High School. 

How long have you lived in Campbells Creek? 

My wife Kerrie and I settled in Campbells Creek about 27 years ago and raised our two sons there. 

What was your first job? 

I first worked as a Telegram boy for Australia Post Castlemaine. I started in 1977 and the bike they gave me was 1950s vintage! I recall I had a new outfit for my first day as you did not get a uniform for a few months. One of my first jobs was a deliver an ‘Urgent’ telegram which were placed in a red envelope to a local lady. When I arrived at the house I could hear water running and when I knocked on the door she emerged in a towel. Given the situation she asked me to read the telegram out to her. As I read the telegram which read ‘Unfortunately, your mother passed away this morning’ she dropped her towel in shock. It was the first time I’d seen a naked woman. I took off so fast I got my pants caught in my chain and got grease all over them. Later that afternoon I had to deliver a parcel and when I arrived at that address I came across two naked men sunbathing in their garden. What a day! (Laughs). 

How long did you work for Australia Post? 

I eventually became a postie riding motorbikes and then I worked my way up to Post Master of Delivery in Bendigo. All up I worked for Australia Post for 20 years. 

What did you do after that? 

My wife and I ran the mixed business that was the Five Flags General Store for three years. It was previously operated by my wife’s parents Eddie and Marj Farthing in the 1970s. We slept in the same room as her parents did and our boys slept in the room she grew up in. 

I later managed the former BP and Castlemaine Tyre Service Centre in Barker Street (where PJs Tyres is now) for 18 months before I followed in the footsteps of my Dad and became a prison officer at Loddon Prison. He attained his 20 year service medal. I am close to receiving mine. My eldest son will receive Pop’s medal and my youngest will receive mine. 

You’ve also had a long association with football in the region? 

Yes I was involved with the Harcourt Football Netball Club for 16 years, Campbells Creek Junior Football Club for 10 years and then moved on to the Campbells Creek Football Netball Club for 22 years. My Dad played in the last premiership side there in 1953. I believe I may be the only local person to hold four Life Memberships for football with Harcourt FNC, Campbells Creek JFC, Campbells Creek FNC and the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League. My sons both played for Campbells Creek and a few years back they were the first brothers in the club history to take out the Senior and Reserves Best and Fairest honours in the same year. It was a proud moment. 

You are known for your role raising funds for Motor Neurone Disease through the annual MND Up the Creek Ice Bucket Challenge. 

Yes we held four very successful events and raised a total of $63,000 for this really important cause. I was also honoured to have the opportunity to participate in the Daniher Drive in 2018 with Neale himself. It was one of the best trips of my life. 

OK, any other community involvement in this part of the world? 

One of my proudest moments was a fundraiser we held for local mum Maggie and her children. Maggie was suffering from cancer and we held the fundraiser to raise funds to support her family. It was the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen at the Campbells Creek Community Centre and I wore a pink suit provided by Mensland Castlemaine to MC the event. 

What’s next for you? 

I have a bit of a vision in the pipeline to create a local initiative to enable people with disabilities to try a range of sports for the first time. We have more than 30 local sporting organisations in the region and I would love to pave the way for those with disabilities to be able to try their hand at various sports and help them discover their passion. 

Sounds amazing, any philosophies by which you like to lead life? 

Never judge a book by its cover. It’s what’s inside that counts. 

Nice one! Three dream dinner guests? 

Neale Daniher, Kevin Bloody Wilson and Nathan Buckley. I am a Collingwood supporter. 

Do you have any Pet Peeves? 

People who drive too slow! 

Who is your favourite musician? 

John Denver. 

What are you reading at the moment? 

I don’t read books. At high school we were forced to read Macbeth and then see a play about it! I only read newspapers – the Herald Sun, Midland Express and of course the Castlemaine Mail. 

Just finally then Steve, what do you enjoy most about the place you call home? 

I really love where we are living now. We are minutes from town but surrounded by the bush. I love spending time outdoors. I am always in the garden and mowing the lawn. We also enjoy visiting our two gorgeous grandchildren in Queensland. 

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