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Take a look back at John Smith Store Yapeen

By
Castlemaine Mail
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Circa 1890s
John Smith’s store was located on the Yapeen-Vaughan road on a sharp corner about 300 metres from the Guildford-Castlemaine Road. According to the local paper, he inaugurated his new premises in October 1864 with a banquet and invited 40 friends. The General Store indeed provided a comprehensive range of goods and services. Signage on the buildings indicates that it was a post office, it sold boots and shoes, and the ‘bar’ sign on the window under the verandah confirms it was also a hotel. He was also a local agent for the Colonial Mutual Fire Insurance Company. On the right, John Smith’s timberyard offered virtually everything that a modern day hardware store would sell including timber, steel, paint, galvanised iron, fencing wire, doors, glass and wallpaper. The hay and corn section of the business suffered a destructive fire in 1884 but fortunately did not spread to the general store and residence. John Smith died in 1898 and the business passed to his son, C.J. Smith.

2022
This is the exact same scene in the modern day and all the buildings shown in the earlier image can easily be identified with the former timber store on the right, the old general store in the centre and a timber structure on the left with a tall chimney behind the electricity pole. John Smith’s name is emblazoned on the front of the former general store in a similar location to the larger sign shown in the earlier photograph. Information and images courtesy of Ken McKimmie.

My Castlemaine with Amy Sattler

By
Jade Jungwirth
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Amy Sattler

Hi Amy. You’ve lived in Castlemaine on and off for 20 years, what brought you here?
My parents bought a B&B when we were living in Melbourne and moved up here while I was in high school. I organised to board with people in Thornbury to finish school, but worked in Castlemaine on the weekends. Once I finished school I moved up here. I’ve always felt more connected to rural towns. We lived in Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory when I was in primary school. It was a remote desert town, I never wore shoes and was always out riding my bike. When we moved back to Melbourne I went to a girls school in the city, which was an adjustment.
You would be a familiar face to regulars at Saffs. How did you come to work there? What other careers have you had over the years?
I studied Early Childhood Education and worked with kinder aged kids in Castlemaine for 10 years. I still recognise their little faces – like they’re still three years old. The parents say to them, ‘do you remember Amy?’ and some of them look blank, but others remember.
I’ve always worked in hospo, even while I was teaching. I love food, I love making food. I’ve always felt there was a sense of community, particularly at Saffs. I first started working there 19 years ago in 2003. They were very formative years. I made a lot of friendships that I still have today.
What other work have you done?
I had always thought I would work in early education forever but one year my contract wasn’t renewed. Apparently that year there were low birth rates across the state. I was just sort of in shock.
I ended up getting a job in a food education program in Footscray for a homelessness and family violence service. I worked there for five years, developing a program working with traumatised women. It was an amazing program. I worked with Gardening Australia to design a rooftop garden and had a commercial kitchen. 25 women lived on site, from many different cultural backgrounds. Most of my work was building safety and connection to use skills they already had. It was a lot of fun. I played music and we would laugh, sing and dance.
But my son Oscar and I both yearned for Castlemaine. I loved Footscray, loved my friends and the work, but this was our home so we moved back here.
I worked at Bendigo Foodshare as a Community Services Coordinator for 12 months before coming back to Saffs. The owner had been asking me to come back for 10 years and I’d always said no. We worked out a role for me as general manager, he said, ‘I know you’re going to come here and try and save the world in some way so let’s build that into your role’. I’ve been back since August.
That sounds like an incredibly busy life! Do you have time for other interests?
I didn’t. I worked in jobs that were my interest, with social connection, creativity, food and culture. But I recently did a six month carpentry workshop at Castlemaine Community House. I’m constantly renovating. I like to make things, moisturisers, earrings, Christmas wreaths. And since I’ve come back I’ve started doing African Dance. I always try to do things with Oscar that are pretty wild adventures – we do a lot of camping.
What genre of music do you like?
I love so many different genres. I always make time to go and see live music. The most recent tickets I’ve bought have been: Nick Cave, The Waifs, Xavier Rudd and Baker Boy.
Are there any philosophies you live life by?
I believe in continuing to learn and having adventures. I also access humour in situations people wouldn’t normally which has got me through so much.
What do you love most about the place you call home?
The people. I’ve lived in other places that are beautiful to look at like the Macedon Ranges, which is beautiful and green. But I love the red earth, the rocks. I raised Oscar as a young child outside of Fryerstown where there was a red dam and I’d be saying, ‘don’t fall down the mine shaft’. I missed that.
The community here are really unique and if you get sick there will be five meals on your doorstep.
It’s real connections to people, I feel aligned to them, their philosophies and way of life.
I guess it’s the combo of landscape and people. The place is alive and you can dip in and out of it as you need to, but you can have quiet times too, just jump in the Res whenever I want.

Honouring the Queen

By
Lisa Dennis
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As the school year recently wound to a close, Castlemaine Secondary College (CSC) students, staff and School Council representatives gathered with community leaders for an official ceremony to commemorate the trees planted in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee.
CSC received a $10,000 grant towards the project which celebrated the late Queen Elizabeth II’s incredible 70 year reign.
Funding for the project was made possible thanks to the former Morrison Government’s ‘Planting Trees for The Queen’s Jubilee Program’ and a plaque will be installed as a lasting reminder of Queen Elizabeth’s legacy.
CSC School Council president Beth Mellick welcomed everyone in attendance including Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters and Mount Alexander Shire Council mayor Rosie Annear and thanked Ms Chesters for her support and encouragement of CSC in applying for the grant program.
Ms Mellick said the project faced a lot of obstacles with numerous delays and their proposed contractor falling ill.
“In the end we enlisted the help of parents and students to get the trees in the ground,” Ms Mellick said.
Mayor Annear said the trees planted in two locations will offer much needed shade during the hot summer months, but they also connect native vegetation from surrounding bushland into the school grounds.
“I’m told future plans include additional plantings of understorey vegetation and then a First Nations ceremonial circle. This is a wonderful inclusion considering the work this school does in creating a culturally safe space,” Ms Annear said.
Ms Chesters said a lot had happened since the grants were announced with the passing of the Queen and the election of a new government.
The local member said the project represented a moment in our history. “It’s very fitting to have two parts of our history here – our connection to the monarchy and our First Nations heritage,” she said.
Ms Chesters also announced the school had been successful in attaining a further $10,000 from the newly elected Albanese Federal Government to continue enhancing outdoor learning spaces and plantings at the redeveloped campus.

Don KR Castlemaine solar farm on the horizon

By
Jade Jungwirth
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Mount Alexander Shire Council has approved Don KR Castlemaine’s application to build and install 9,400 solar panels on 26.977 hectares of farmland adjoining the factory.
The council received six objections relating to native vegetation removal, the use of farming-zoned land for industry, the use of barbed wire fencing, and noise concerns.
While plans have been altered to reduce tree removal, the development will still require the removal of five large and 12 small trees.
A Flora and Fauna survey, commissioned by Don KR, considered the vegetation to be in poor condition based on a high ratio of exotic species (13) compared to native species (19) found on site.
As part of the proposal Don KR is required to undertake seed collection from trees to be removed, propagate seeds, undertake replanting works on site, and install nest boxes for Powerful and Barking Owls, Honeyeaters/ Parrot, and Brush-Tailed Phascogale.
Once the facility has been constructed the land surrounding the panels will continue being utilised for grazing, no longer requiring barbed wire fences.
The solar panels will generate 3.5MW and are estimated to supply approximately 25 per cent of the site’s power.
At last week’s meeting of council Cr Gary McClure stated that the proposal will be good for Castlemaine, despite the removal of vegetation, particularly with work undertaken by Don KR and their consultants to reconfigure the proposal in order to reduce tree loss.
“It’s going to be a good outcome for the climate change emergency,” Cr McClure said.
Cr Tony Cordy agreed the project would be fantastic, particularly given the number of jobs dependent on the facility.
“Okay, there’s some native vegetation going to be lost,” Cr Cordy said.
“But on balance, the project is very much an environmental project with substantial investment by the company.”

Read the latest edition of Tourist News

By
Castlemaine Mail
-

Click here to read the January/February edition.

Castlemaine Community Christmas Lunch

By
Castlemaine Mail
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The Community Christmas Lunch being coordinated by Castlemaine Community House and supporters at the Castlemaine Town Hall is now fully booked with 200 people and a host of volunteers set to enjoy the Christmas Day event. This week students from Castlemaine North Primary School dropped off a load of decorations they have made to brighten the hall for the celebration including paper chains, crowns, paper Christmas trees for centrepieces on the tables and placemats featuring Christmas themed drawings by the local students. Castlemaine North students Clem and Kenzie are proudly pictured with their haul of decorations.

85 years of magic and memories

By
Lisa Dennis
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Santa and his helpers will be hitting the road again this Christmas Day. Bill and John Sikora are among a host of local volunteers which have worked hard to keep the long running tradition alive.

Santa and his helpers from the former Apex Club of Castlemaine will be out and about again this Christmas Day visiting the young and young at heart across the region.
This year marks the 85th anniversary of the beloved annual Santa Run which has cemented its place in the hearts and minds of locals over the past eight decades.
Past Apexian Stephen Cooper said they are proud to have kept the long running tradition alive thanks to the dedication of their volunteers and the support of the local community.
“It actually began during the depression in 1937 and saw Apexians handing out apples donated by local orchards and hams from Castlemaine Bacon Company,” Stephen said.
These days the volunteers visit streets and towns across the shire handing out lollies and icy poles to celebrate the festive season.
Donations from the community have helped to keep the 85 year tradition alive despite the club disbanding back in 2002.
“Many local families throw us a few dollars as we travel around and this has helped to keep things ticking over to ensure the tradition can be enjoyed by the next generation,” he said.
And of course the run wouldn’t be possible without their wonderful pool of volunteers.
“We have had volunteers come and go over the years but everyone is determined to see the run continue and we always have people prepared to give up their time on Christmas Day to help spread a little Christmas magic,” he said.
Cooper recalls fellow volunteer Doug Sharpe visiting his home as the big man in red when he was a child.
“I am really proud to now be part of that legacy and in recent years my children have also come on board,” Stephen said.
Chewton locals Bill and John Sikora have also been long time volunteers.
John first volunteered on the run in 1985 and Bill joined him the following year with the pair looking forward to their 36 consecutive run in 2022.
“We are proud to be a small part of this very special community initiative. The smiles on the kids’ faces keep us coming back, year after year,” Bill said.
The Guildford Grumpies Car Club Inc have once again chipped in a donation to support the work of the former Apex Club of Castlemaine and its annual Santa Run ensuring they can continue to spread Christmas cheer across an ever growing Castlemaine and surrounding communities.
Guildford Grumpies secretary Steve Cole said many of their members fondly remember the Santa Run from when they were children.
“I would visit my grandparents home at Chewton every Christmas and the Apex Santa Run was a real highlight. They whole town would turn out to greet Santa,” Steve recalled.
In 2022 Santa and his helpers will undertake five runs across the region.
Volunteers will gather from 6.30am and hit the road from around 7-7.30am on runs throughout Castlemaine and Campbells Creek, out to Chewton and Elphinstone and Guildford.
With housing estates across the region growing in size they may be a little later than usual as they get around to everyone. Look for signage in your town for times or listen for the bells, horns and Ho, Ho, Hos!

My Sutton Grange with Vivien Pells

By
Jade Jungwirth
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You grew up in South Africa in Johannesburg and Zimbabwe (known as Southern Rhodesia), when did you move to Australia?
I left Africa when I was 22. It was hard to get employment in Johannesburg unless you were bi-lingual (which I wasn’t). It was 1972 and I came to Australia on a working holiday. I made a friend on the ship (Rose) and we travelled to Brisbane where I worked as a secretary then travelled further north where we met the man who would become Rose’s husband. We travelled to Normanton and hitch-hiked to the Mt Isa Rodeo, sitting in the back on the ute with no seat belts, dust flying everywhere. What an exciting thing! It was difficult getting to Tennant Creek, there were no buses, no trains. We approached a road train driver who took us to Alice Springs. It was a phenomenal trip. We couldn’t get out of central Australia because of the floods. We met two others, a Queensland couple stuck in Coober Pedy and we drove to Adelaide. Rose and I came to Melbourne where I worked as a secretary.
I went back to South Africa because my father was ill and came back to Australia in 1977. I started doing yoga for my nervous system and became a teacher. I opened a yoga studio in 1984 and trained as a masseur and as a Maya Therapist.
You are a very talented artist. How did that progress for you?
I’ve always been a bit of a sketcher, although I never trained at school. One day my partner Chris Moule and I went on a jaunt to Olinda to an art gallery displaying Gerard Mutsaers. Chris and I organised lessons with him and I ended up studying with Gerard for 10 years.
How did you and Chris meet?
Chris was divorced when we met. I was a girl who had grave difficulties with relationships. We both attended the Ken Miller Institute which runs courses for people who are divorced or widowed. One of my clients recommended I go. It was a very good course. Chris and I knew each other for two years before we went out. He was always late to our dates and by the time he’d turn up I’d be gone.
The idea of Ken Miller was to develop common interests because often what went wrong in your marriage was you had fallen in love with someone you don’t share interests with. Chris and I had photography and bush walking in common.
What are you reading at the moment?
Nothing since COVID, just a few art books.
What genre of music do you enjoy?
I prefer classical – not highbrow classical. To be honest, when I’m here on my own I love silence. I do enjoy the 60s, 70s, 80s and country and western.
Have you got any other interests?
I love going out painting and photography.
What philosophy do you live life by?
Honesty will get you everywhere. Always question the truth about everything in life. Nothing happens without you being able to learn something.
What do you love most about the place you call home?
Us living here was absolutely fated. We had come to look at the place and thought wow. We rang the agent and they said sorry it’s sold. I asked if they could call me if it went back on the market but they didn’t. We saw the property had been relisted and here we are.

250 run milestone for Michael

By
Jade Jungwirth
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Parkrunners Murray, Lyn, and Sarah visited from Shepparton and Cobram.

Castlemaine has now held 334 parkruns since its inception seven years ago. Three regular parkrunners have completed over 250 parkruns. We can now add our fourth local parkrunner, Michael Constable to the over 250 club. Michael is very active in the parkrun universe. He is a current Run Director, has completed 175 runs at Castlemaine and a staggering 50 at other places including, Perth, Darwin, and Ballina NSW.
Michael is also a Parkrun Pirate, having completed 7 parkruns at events starting with C and one with an R. Parkrun has provided Michael access to a running community and a stepping stone to some epic events, including high country trail runs, 100 k ultra runs, marathons and many, many fun runs. With Molly the dog at his side there is nowhere Michael
cannot run.
78 people participated last Saturday including first ever timer Liza Shaw, and 12 visitors including the Gaertner family from Germany, Sarah Langley and family from Shepparton and long-time park runner and regular visitor Alan Mitchell from Westerfolds parkrun.
Many of us enjoyed the sunshine this week, whilst there were many significant efforts. David Readie remains the top age grader consistently coming in the 85% for his age grade, Kyan Mill finished first with a Personal Best, Ray Radford achieved a new PB at age 75 and Lucy Medely took another minute off her time.
Castlemaine have held 49 parkruns this year and will have completed 52 by the last Saturday in December. With only one week off due to the flood, it has been a very steady year providing people with a regular opportunity to get outside and get active every Saturday.
Parkrun will be held four times in the festive season – Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. We look forward to seeing you at one or all of those parkruns and all of next year as well. Now is the time to get active for your healthier future.
Thankyou to the volunteers, Dianne Cox, Geoff Faircloth, Jane Harding, Judy Hill, Pam Joseph, Patricia Barrett, Paul Martin, Ronder Clayton and Steve Harris.
Parkrun is held every Saturday at 8am in the Botanical Gardens. Register https://www.parkrun.com.au/castlemaine/ or just come along and find out all about it.

A new year celebration like no other

By
Jade Jungwirth
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There aren’t too many events in Australia that can claim to have thrived and survived for over 150 years and after a two-year hiatus, the Maryborough Highland Gathering is back for its 160th instalment this New Year’s Day.
Maryborough’s Highland Gathering was originally formed by Scottish squatters and businessmen in an attempt to recreate the New Year celebrations of their native home.
Today, the Highland Gathering attracts people from all across the country – athletes, dancers, musicians, and those who just want to soak up the incredible atmosphere of piped bands and traditional Scottish culture.
The program has something for everyone. A piped band street parade, all-day athletics, highland dancing on two stages all day, Highland games and a traditional strongmen event.
Track events on the day range from 70-metre sprints to middle-distance races over 1500 metres. There are events for both men and women, including veterans.
The athletics program culminates with the running of the $15,000 Max Martin Memorial Maryborough Gift, contested over 120 metres; now one of the country’s most prestigious footraces.
Anyone who’s attended the event over the past 35 years will have a lasting memory of the ‘Girl on the Drum’ spectacular that has become a highlight of the New Year celebrations.
It features a highland dancer atop a base drum, lifted to the shoulders of three burly Scots. Flanked by a full piped band and other traditional dancers, it really is a sight and sound spectacular not to be missed.
There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained too, with games, sideshows and rides happening throughout the day.
The day concludes with a free evening concert and fireworks display – a great way to celebrate the new year.
Entry to the event at Princes Park, Maryborough is $16 for adults, $8 for seniors, with children Under 16 free. For more information call 5461 1480 or visit www.highlandsociety.com.au

Solomon Islanders welcomed with picnic

By
Jade Jungwirth
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Members of the Solomon Islands group and community members are pictured at the recent picnic.

The Castlemaine Botanical Gardens resounded with wonderful singing two weeks ago when locals welcomed the Solomon Islanders who have come to our shire to work at Don KR Castlemaine as part of the Australian Government Pacific Australia Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Approximately 70 Solomon Islanders and a similar number of local community members attended the picnic that started with a beautiful Solomon Islander prayer, singing and Somoan dance.
Locals reciprocated with an Acknowledgment of Country, welcome by Mayor Councillor Rosie Annear and then singing led by James Rigby. Everyone then enjoyed and connected over a picnic feast.
The local attendees included representatives from the local churches, Castlemaine Community House, Castlemaine Fringe Festival, Loddon Campaspe Multi Cultural Services, Castlemaine Safe Space, Mount Alexander Shire Council, local choirs, Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club, Labour Solutions Australia (LSA) and Don KR Castlemaine.
The Solomon Islander singing continued throughout the afternoon and hopefully will continue in different forums in our community. In fact, several members of the group even made an appearance at Friday night’s ‘Rotary Carols in the Park’.
As one picnic attendee said “It was such a lovely, heart warming afternoon, full of good will and joy – the Solomon Islander singing was beautiful”.
Local community members hope to hold similar events on a monthly or bi-monthly basis to ensure the Solomon Islanders feel welcomed, valued, supported and connected. Watch this space.

Christmas spirit alive and well

By
Lisa Dennis
-
Macapella once again were a highlight at the annual event. Photos: Max Lesser.

The Castlemaine district community turned out in force for the annual Rotary Carols in the Park event in Victory Park last Friday evening.
Participants enjoyed a host of carols performed by Thompson’s Foundry Band, Castlemaine Pride Choir led by Scott Buchanan, Macapella, the budding young musicians from Just Brass, young singers Gen Alpha led by Scott Sanderson, a group of Solomon Island singers, and local soloists including Meg Corson.
Sound engineer Calum McClure even got in on the act sharing a rendition of one of his grandfather’s favourite carols – ‘It’s Beginning to look a lot like Christmas’.
The Castlemaine Lions Club were on hand with a barbecue to keep help carolers warm up on what was a chilly evening, and the man in the red suit made an appearance and was swamped by eager youngsters.
Thanks to the success of their recent Truck Show and earlier Art Show, the Rotary Club of Castlemaine were pleased to present $31,200 in donations on the night to a number of community groups to ensure they have a ‘Merry Christmas’ and can continue their good work into 2023.
Among those to receive support were: Thompsons Foundry Band $1000, Castlemaine SES $1000, St Vinnies $2000, The Salvation Army $2000, Pride Choir $500, Castlemaine CFA $1000, Castlemaine Safe Space $1000, Campbells Creek Grounds Committee/ Campbells Creek FNC/ Campbells Creek Trotting Club $4599, Castlemaine 1st Pioneer Scouts $600, Newstead Men’s Shed $500, Castlemaine Men’s shed $500, Campbells Creek Fire Brigade $1500, Campbells Creek Primary School $500, South Castlemaine Kinder $500, Castlemaine State Festival $3000, Castlemaine Gift $2000, Community House Christmas Lunch $500, Castlemaine Jazz Festival $3000, Castlemaine Art Museum $5000, and Chewton Fire Brigade $500.
The gift giving continued with representatives from the Mount Alexander Community Enterprise (MtACE) also on hand to distribute grants to local organisations.
The Mt ACE Community Grants Program is funded by our local Castlemaine branch of Bendigo Bank. When you bank with any branch of the Bendigo Bank anywhere in Australia, you can nominate to have your accounts linked to one of the Community Grants programs. In Castlemaine there are two programs, both auspiced by Mt Alexander Community Enterprise.
For many years, Mt ACE funds were primarily funnelled in to the Wesley Hill Sports Complex. Over $100,000 was contributed by Bendigo Bank though Mt Alexander Community Grants to that project!
The other major project of Mt ACE is the Castlemaine Hot Rod Centre which is in the process of repurposing part of the old Etty St Campus of Castlemaine Secondary School.
If you are a Bendigo Bank customer and wish to further support our community just ask the friendly staff at your Bendigo Bank to link you accounts to the Mt ACE Project Number of your choice.
The following Mt ACE grants were distributed on the night: Castlemaine Gift $1000, Castlemaine Heath L2P Project $1000, Castlemaine Community House – Christmas Lunch and Community Lunch Program $1000, Salvation Army Castlemaine Corps – Christmas Hampers $2000, and St Vincent de Paul Society Castlemaine $1000.

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