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Message from the Mayor

By
Lisa Dennis
-

Easter message from Mayor Christine Henderson …

Hello. This is a strange and difficult time for all of us. Facing a global health pandemic is something I never imagined. Not many of us have. 

We’ve all had to make big changes as we live by new hygiene and physical distancing standards. 

For many people Easter is usually a time for gathering with family and friends, or going camping for the long weekend. 

This year I urge you to stay at home. I know it will be hard but it’s something we must all to do to save lives. 

Luckily most of us can connect with family and friends via phone or online chat. We can send a text, or we can even take some time to write an old-fashioned letter. 

We’re at the start of the marathon. 

While the civic centre doors are closed, please be assured council staff are very much still at work. Our customer service staff are taking calls and responding to requests so please get in touch if you need anything. 

Council is continuing essential services like maternal and child health, immunisations, meals on wheels and supporting our vulnerable clients. 

Road maintenance, bin collection and planning services are running, and our parks and gardens staff maintain our beautiful open spaces that we enjoy during our daily exercise. Being outdoors is an important part of nurturing our wellbeing. 

Staff are working with local business, community groups and food markets to develop new ways of doing things under strict public health standards. This work is essential to keep our local food supply, relief and the local economy going. 

We know we are in it for the long haul, and have announced some early measures on rate relief. Staff and councillors are also looking at how we can support the community and deliver services in creative ways, alongside local health services, emergency services, community groups and volunteers. 

Alongside the efforts of federal, state and local governments, I see inspiring work being done by our community. People are helping and supporting each other through social media pages and other online forums. Neighbours are checking on those living alone to make sure they have some form of connection and support. Thanks to all who are involved in these initiatives. Working together is how we’ll get through this. 

Thank you for continuing to look after yourself and each other at this time. 

To stay up-to-date on Council services during the pandemic visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.

Keep fit in lockdown

By
Eve Lamb
-

Maintaining a regular exercise routine – and not letting it all slip in the face of current coronavirus restrictions is key to maintaining your fitness local trainer Lachy Steen says.
“I think a lot of people are feeling out of routine to be honest,” says the Castlemaine-based personal and group fitness trainer.
Lachy, like many fitness trainers is now turning to the online environment to help others maintain their regular fitness regimes and motivation levels through the current lockdowns. See the Mail for more. Out now.

Businesses battle on

By
Lisa Dennis
-

The Castlemaine Mail Golden Ticket promotion is steaming along with the sixth piece of the puzzle to be found in today’s paper.
We thank the 22 amazing local businesses that are our Golden Ticket partners for their continued support of the buy local promotion at this very difficult time. Buying local has never been more important! This week we chatted to Geraldine Rye of Castlemaine’s renowned Hot & Crusty Country Bakery and The Barker Street Cafe.
Busy businesswoman Geraldine Rye said that while things are a little quieter than normal they are continuing to offer takeaway options at both venues.
“Hot & Crusty has been serving the community for a long time. It’s an honour to be at the helm now. We continue to offer all the baked goods and staples the business has become synonymous for and we have also added to the range of sweet treats which is a plus for local sweet tooths!” Geraldine said.
Hot & Crusty also have a beautiful range of Easter Egg and Easter Bunny cookies sure to bring a smile to the face of the young and young at heart this Easter.
The business will be open right across the Easter long weekend from 8-3 Friday and Saturday, 10-3 Sunday and 8-3 Easter Monday. See the Mail for the full story.

CSC project on track

By
Lisa Dennis
-

Life as we know it may have all but ground to a standstill but progress on the Castlemaine Secondary College (CSC) redevelopment project continues to track ahead of schedule.
The $11.75M final stages will see the completion of the extension of the school’s Performer’s Precinct and the construction of a brand new Artisans Precinct and separate
Administration building which will feature a spacious new library.
The completed Administration, Artisans, Performers and Engineers buildings will frame and interact with an internal, landscaped piazza. The north-eastern staff carpark will also be modified.
CSC principal Paul Frye said so far the coronavirus pandemic has not affected the works and they are delighted with the progress to date.
“We were having fortnightly onsite meetings and those have now moved online but fortunately work continues,” he said. See the Mail for the full story.

Land offer for Castlemaine retirement vision

By
Eve Lamb
-
Castlemaine's Ian Braybrook at the land parcel that has been offered for development as affordable local retirement living. Photo: Eve Lamb


Moves to establish an affordable retirement lifestyle village for Castlemaine are gaining pace after an anonymous local landholder offered to donate a significant parcel of local land toward the vision.
A working group has now formed to progress what’s now hoped will become an affordable lifestyle village for retirement living on the outskirts of Castlemaine – near the Castlemaine Golf Club at Muckleford.
Members of the new working group include Castlemaine’s Ian Braybrook and Marilyn Bennett, Leon Thomas, Brendan Bassett, Yvonne and Neville Purchase, Peter Thompson and former local councillors Tony Bell and Robin Taylor.
“A well known local farming family has offered the land on the basis that we develop it as a retirement village,” said Mr Braybrook who, together with partner Marilyn Bennett, had earlier publicly decried the lack of affordable retirement living options for Castlemaine.
Mr Braybrook says the land parcel that’s been offered must now be rezoned and he and other working group members are calling on the council to expedite the process – something he notes is currently also being delayed by the coronavirus restrictions.

How does your garden grow?

By
Lisa Dennis
-

What a start to autumn! With the threat of COVID-19 still looming and the Victorian Government urging us all to stay at home, now is as better time as any to get out in your garden. Catch our two page Gardening feature with our friends at ASQ Garden and Landscape in this week’s Castlemaine Mail. Gardening is proven to boost your mood, and at times like this that is just what we all need. 
The mornings have started getting cooler and it won’t be long before the Central Victorian frost makes its return, so it’s important to start preparing your garden for the winter. Some gardeners prefer to wait until spring to begin planting, but with plenty of time on our hands at the moment there really is no better time. Plus, planting in autumn will ensure they are well established for when the warmer weather returns. 
So, take some time to plan your garden and the new additions you would like to plant, and don’t forget to take advantage of ASQ Skydancers free delivery on orders over $100! From plants to pots, fertiliser, potting mix, bagged product, gardening tools and more, we will deliver your order anywhere within 30km of our site in Harcourt. To place an order, call our friendly team on 03 5474 3800.

Easter tradition continues

By
Lisa Dennis
-
A beacon for all. The lighting of the tower on Mount Tarrengower has been a long running tradition.

The Maldon Easter Fair committee has worked hard to put together some special online and interactive events for its 143rd annual fair to ensure community members and local families can still celebrate Easter despite the current restrictions.
Maldon Easter Fair president Peter Thompson said the event is Australia’s only continuously running Easter Fair.
“We have managed to last through two wars and the great depression so we are not going to let this latest obstacle stop us now!” Mr Thompson said. 
The traditional lighting of the tower on top of Mount Tarrengower will proceed next Thursday April 9 at 7.30pm to officially launch the fair, but the torch light procession will not go ahead.
The Good Friday open air service at Maldon’s renowned Beehive Chimney will be replaced with a combined church service which will be streamed on Facebook for locals to enjoy from the comfort of their homes from 10.30am.
In order to continue to support local businesses every local who visits the Maldon Historic Bakery on Good Friday will also receive two free Hot Cross Buns compliments of the fair committee.
“We always ask the bakery to provide 25 dozen Hot Cross Buns for the community to enjoy after the Good Friday service so this is a way we can continue to show them our support,” Mr Thompson said.
There will also be a monster Easter Raffle including a wheelbarrow of wines, a travel voucher and a picnic hamper up for grabs for just $2 a ticket. Tickets are available at Maldon Hotel takeaway and Maldon Newsagency and online at https://maldon-easter-fair-inc.myshopify.com/
Proceeds raised will go to local community organisations including: Maldon Hospital, Maldon Brass Band, Maldon Men’s Shed, Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum and Maldon Fire Brigade. If you win any of the three prizes, they will deliver these for free anywhere within Victoria.
Last but not least the committee is coordinating a 143rd Grand Procession like no other! It will be a virtual online parade. Locals are encouraged to photograph or make a 10 second video of their entries in the various categories and email them to peter@chf.net.au to be in the running to win a prize, including cash and Easter Eggs, and a chance to be featured in the online presentation which will air at 10.30am Easter Monday to correspond with the time the parade was scheduled to take place.
Major categories include Best Commercial Entry, Best Private Entry and Best Community Group Entry.
For Children: Best Dressed Teddy Bear, Best Easter Bonnet, Best Cupcake Creation, Best Easter Egg Decoration, Best Easter Drawing/Painting, Best Decorated Toy/ Bike/ Billy Cart/ Pet, Best LEGO Master and Best Costume.
For Adults: Best Cupcake Creation, Best Car/Truck/Tractor Photo, Best Decorated Float/Scooter, Best Costume, Best Easter Bonnet, Best Photographed Pet – Cat/Dog/Horse/Cow/Goat/Sheep etc. 
So get creating and get your entries in by Saturday April 11 at 12 noon! Good luck and Happy Easter!

Courage and flu shots

By
Lisa Dennis
-

James Taylor, Castlemaine

Saturday morning, March 27, my wife and I kept an appointment at Lyttleton Street Clinic to have our annual flu shots. Not knowing what to expect in these troubled times we arrived ahead of our scheduled time to find about 20 people waiting with about another 10 inside the clinic receiving their shots. Despite the required spacing (roughly 1.5. in this case) there was a lot of quiet chatter with the occasional burst of laughter. I was impressed with the behaviour of the queue, moving forward without any histrionics to have their names checked off a list and disappearing inside the clinic to emerge a short time later.
When I came out of the clinic, I was surprised to see the queue snaking all the way to Hargraves Street and around the corner.
There was no scuffling for position, no queue jumping, no angry words. I am reminded of those WW2 movies of British citizens quietly making their way to air raid shelters, aware of others and willing to help where needed.
I am so proud of my fellow Castlemanians-with a special mention going to the staff of the Lyttleton Street Clinic. Well done all! 

Keeping fit in the face of the virus

By
Eve Lamb
-

With gyms forced to shut and many group fitness classes put on hold in the wake of the coronavirus restrictions, local fitness trainers are finding new and innovative ways to keep themselves – and others – in good shape.
Among them is Castlemaine fitness coach David Tobin who also specialises in providing massage for pain relief.
“I’m a bit of a fitness junkie myself and I’m pretty concerned about the mental welfare of people who usually go to the gym because a lot of people go to the gym for their mental well-being,” said David when contacted by the Mail to see how he’s handling the coronavirus restrictions.
“So I’m setting up an on-line fitness class for people using Zoom. See the Mail for the full story.

Market measures

By
Lisa Dennis
-
Social distancing was not an issue at the Wesley Hill Market last Saturday. Photo: Max Lesser.

This Sunday’s Castlemaine Farmers Market was scheduled to go ahead at the time of going to press despite Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns.
The popular Wesley Hill Saturday Market also planned to proceed with food stalls only.
Mount Alexander Shire Council has indicated while it accepts that there are community members both for and against the markets proceeding, they are permitted to operate at this time.
Castlemaine Farmers Market (CFM) manager Chris Hain said they still have approval from council and the state government to proceed with the monthly market this Sunday April 5 (9 am to 1 pm) and its CFM Weekly markets on Wednesdays (3.30 to 6.30pm). 
However both markets will, until further notice, be held at the Western Oval, allowing for greater distance between stalls. 
Mr Hain said to further ensure the safety of everyone who attends, the market is also applying some stringent health and safety practices and protocols including: enforcing the 1.5 distancing rule, regular reminders on the PA, requiring stallholders to have hand sanitiser and wear disposable gloves to handle food, providing handwashing stations and encouraging contactless payment where possible. See the Mail for the full story. Out now.

Golden Ticket reaches halfway point

By
Lisa Dennis
-
School holidays is normally the busiest time for VGR but you can lend your support by buying a gift voucher.
School holidays is normally the busiest time for VGR but you can lend your support by buying a gift voucher.

The Castlemaine Mail Golden Ticket promotion has reached the halfway point with the fifth piece of the puzzle to be found on page 10 of this week’s paper.
If you missed out on a ticket or one of the edition’s of the Mail to collect your puzzle piece don’t despair it is not too late to get a ticket and catch up! Just give us a call or drop us an email at ldennis@midnews.com.au and we can sort this for you.
While our office is currently closed to the public you can pick up your copy of the Mail and get your all important puzzle piece enclosed from our friends and at Castlemaine News and Lotto in Mostyn Street, Castlemaine IGA in Barker Street and local milkbars and stores. Otherwise you can also organise to have the Mail delivered through Castlemaine News and Lotto or our postal subscription service.
It has been a challenging few weeks for local businesses and indeed businesses across Australia and abroad but we have been truly grateful to our local businesses for their ongoing support of the Golden Ticket buy local promotion and our newspapers the Castlemaine Mail and Midland Express at what is a very difficult time. We also thank our loyal readers for their messages of encouragement and support.
While some of our Golden Ticket businesses have had to close their doors for now due to the current restrictions many continue to do what they can to service the community through takeaway, delivery and online shopping options. You can support some local businesses simply by buying a gift voucher for a future visit or appointment or booking in an appointment or job for the future when this terrible time is behind us. Check out their advertisements throughout today’s paper and the papers over the coming weeks to see what’s happening and get behind them. It’s been truly impressive to see our local businesses be so innovative and versatile in the face of such trying circumstances.
The importance of supporting our local businesses has never been more crucial. We want to see every local business reopen their doors when this is over.
So if you need something and are self isolating just pick up the phone. Local businesses are going above and beyond to help their customers out. We are in this together.
To win some money to spend at our 22 Golden Ticket businesses all you need to do is collect the nine original puzzle pieces in Mail over the nine weeks of the buy local promotion and paste them to the back of your ‘Golden Ticket’ to be in the running to share in $5000 in prizes! See our website for more details.

Mental health amid pandemic

By
Eve Lamb
-
Woman in Isolation Quarantine Coronavirus

While our community comes to terms with the abrupt new reality that is life in the Coronavirus pandemic, behind the doors of our homes our individual experiences are all extremely varied.
This is one of the many early observations of Castlemaine psychologist Dr Susie Burke who is continuing to see clients – only now it’s online.
“What I’m certainly seeing is everybody trying to develop psychological flexibility,” Dr Burke says.
“We’re absolutely being called upon to develop those inner strength muscles right now and just anecdotally the people that I have been working with have been totally up for that challenge.  See the Mail for the full story. Out now.

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