The seventh annual Castlemaine Mail/DON KR Castlemaine Newshounds awards were held at the Castlemaine Library foyer last Saturday December 11.
With the generous support of DON KR Castlemaine the Castlemaine Mail featured 15 Newshounds pages created by student Newshounds teams from schools across Mount Alexander Shire in 2022.
Saturday’s awards celebrated the achievements of each school and culminated with the announcement of ‘Best Overall News Coverage’ and ‘People’s Choice Award’ – voted on by visitors to the Newshounds display in the library.
The awards were presented by Mail editor Lisa Dennis, Don Smallgoods representative David ‘Harry’ Harris and mascot Elliott Newshound.
Editor Lisa Dennis thanked all the teachers and students for their incredible efforts creating the pages.
“It’s great to have an insight into what’s been happening in each school, what makes each school unique, and to hear the student voice shine through,” she said.
Don KR Castlemaine Salami, Smallgoods & Snacking General Manager David Harris said the company was extremely proud to have supported the initiative since its inception.
“It’s wonderful to see the finished pages and share them with our staff. Having gone to Winters Flat Primary myself its wonderful to hear what’s happening at our local schools,” David said.
Mr Harris said Don KR Castlemaine would be proudly supporting the initiative again in 2023.
The Mail would like to acknowledge all the schools on a fabulous effort and celebrate our 2022 award winners which were as follows:
Best Sports Story: Campbells Creek Primary School for ‘Colour Fun Run’.
Best Coverage of a National News Story: Chewton Primary School for ‘Chewton Walks for Reconciliation’.
Best Feature Story: Langley Primary School for ‘Wildlife Haven’.
Best Vox Pop: Harcourt Valley Primary School
Best News Story: St Mary’s Primary School for ‘Learning at St Mary’s’.
Best Short Story: Castlemaine North Primary School for ‘What a map can tell us’.
Best Sustainability Feature: Winters Flat Primary School.
Best Artwork: Castlemaine Steiner School
Best Feature Photograph: Olivet Christian College for ‘Dream City Excursion’.
Best News Photograph: Newstead Primary School ‘Rebuild Project Gets Underway’.
Best Science Story: Maldon Primary School for ‘Little Scientists put science into action’.
Best Outdoor Ed Piece: Castlemaine Secondary College ‘Eureka Reef Trip’.
Most Diverse Content: Castlemaine Primary School.
Best Overall Design: Elphinstone Primary School.
Best Student Voice Piece: Taradale Primary School for ‘Cubby Fundraiser’.
The Mail highlighted three pages which really impressed the judges in making our decision on the ‘Best Overall News Coverage’.
Third place: Elphinstone Primary School – 2021 winner Elphinstone Primary once again did a great job and created an eye catching and informative page which really captured the school community and what is important to them.
Second Place: Castlemaine Primary School. Castlemaine’s page was a standout. They worked hard to capture lots of different aspects of school life and student voice.
Winner: Campbells Creek Primary School. The judges were impressed with Campbells Creek’s page from first glance. It really draws the reader in with sharp headlines, great pictures and interesting reads. Well done Campbells Creek.
Finally, the People’s Choice award – as voted by the public at the display located at the Castlemaine Library – went to Winters Flat Primary School.
Congratulations to all our award winners. We look forward to continuing the program in 2023!
Our Castlemaine Mail/ Don Newshounds celebrated
Celebrating 20 years
A small but hardy group of community members turned out to join Chewton Domain Society and Parks Victoria in celebrating the 20th birthday of Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park and commemorating the Diggers’ 1851 Monster Meeting last Sunday.
The young and young at heart enjoyed some gold panning with Parks Victoria rangers, before Uncle Rick Nelson welcomed everyone to country with a smoking ceremony.
Master of Ceremonies Cr Christine Henderson urged those in attendance to think for a moment about what the landscape looked like before the goldrush, when it was under the care of First Nations people.
Local thespian Gus Read Hill then recited the Diggers’ words of defiance as they rallied for justice against Governor La Trobe’s plans to hike the miners licence from 30 shillings to three pounds a month which was met by cheers from the crowd.
Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards spoke about the importance of the event in helping to shape democracy and multiculturalism in Victoria.
“If you can imagine this area near Forest Creek was covered with 15,000 people, men and women, protesting against what Governor La Trobe had decided to do,” Ms Edwards said.
“Most of those diggers didn’t have that kind of money. When you think about La Trobe and where he came from and his privilege. He had no idea. The people that came here to Forest Creek and Victoria to mine for gold came from across the world, it was a multicultural and significant event and we are very fortunate to bear the fruits of that wonderful multicultural society here in Victoria today,” she said.
Parks Victoria manager of heritage services, Paul Roser, spoke about the park’s significance as one of only six national heritage parks across Australia and specifically in terms of its goldfields heritage and geology.
He also spoke about the installation of new signage created in collaboration with the Dja Dja Wurrung to share this knowledge, and the efforts to attain World Heritage listing.
Finally local group Brasselmaine shared a couple of musical numbers which were played by the band which led the 15,000 diggers from the goldfields to the Monster Meeting site on December 15, 1851.
To cap off the day those in attendance joined in singing ‘Happy Birthday’ and cut the ‘gold themed’ cake created by Jenny Howe of Chewton CWA Phoenix to celebrate the park’s 20th birthday.
Castlemaine Woolies gets the green light
The Victorian Civil Administration Tribunal (VCAT) has released its long awaited decision in relation to the proposed supermarket for Castlemaine’s former gasworks site.
The authority has set aside Mount Alexander Shire Council’s decision in relation to the amended permit for the larger supermarket, paving the way for developer Lascorp Investment Group Pty Ltd to move ahead with plans to build the new supermarket subject to conditions.
VCAT members stated “we find that the proposed supermarket and two specialty shops are an as-of-right use in this location and that the design response is acceptable in terms of neighbourhood character, layout, built form, scale, traffic, carparking and landscaping.”
Lascorp has previously confirmed the proposed supermarket would be a Woolworths.
Mount Alexander Shire Council had originally granted a permit for a smaller 1,500m2 supermarket development and two speciality shops at the site in April 2018. However, the developer then submitted plans for a larger 3300m2 supermarket.
The developer took the matter to VCAT when the council did not make a determination on the permit in the prescribed time.
Mount Alexander Shire Council later voted against supporting the amended permit for the larger supermarket and took this stance to the tribunal hearing earlier this year. Local advocacy group Size Matters were among the community groups to make representations to the tribunal hearing held over various dates in March, July and August and have worked hard to keep the community informed throughout the extensive process.
Posting a statement earlier today the group said “we finally have a decision; not the one that many of us were hoping for”.
The group thanked everyone involved in this very protracted matter. “It is our sincere hope that with the granting of the permit to build the larger supermarket that the developer will now do the right thing by the community and begin construction as soon as possible. As we argued all the way through the VCAT hearing, this decision will change the nature and character of Castlemaine forever. We can only hope now that, when the supermarket is constructed, it will deliver the convenience, competition and price relief that so many are hoping for,” they said.
Bumper fortnight on the fairways
Castlemaine Golf Club members contested the Bud Annand 4BBB Trophy on Saturday November 26.
After a few false starts due to 2022’s record rainfalls, 25 teams finally took to the pitch.
Thankfully, bleary eyes from staying up too late watching the FIFA World Cup caused little concern for John Jeffries (6) and Kerin Lourey (18) who combined brilliantly in front of goal to score 46 points, taking out first place in this Gold Letter event and holding the cup aloft.
A massive 24 points on the front nine set them up to put the ball in the back of the net on way home. Their card included 3 birdies and no doubles in a model of consistency.
Second place went to Wayne Toohey (23) and Harald Domanski (15) who finished with 43 points.
On November 22 eleven ladies took to the course for a stroke game which was played concurrently with the Medallist of the Year for 2022. Jo Ralston (34) ruled supreme winning the day with a nett 80 which also crowned her Medallist of the Year. Runner up was Bronwyn Gudgeon (26) with a nett 82 on countback from Marj Lang. Nearest the pin with a beautiful shot was Mary Harris.
The conditions were near perfect last Thursday for the stableford competition. Kane Clack backed up his win in the previous week’s Thursday competition by doing it again in December. Playing off 10, he was among just two players in a healthy field of 34 to match handicap, scoring 36 points and taking out A Grade and the day in a round that featured 3 birdies on the front nine alongside 2 wipes – it was a rollercoaster. Second place in A Grade was claimed by Jeremey Bottomley (9 & 33).
In B Grade it was Kevin Gardner (16) who was Kane’s compatriot with 36 points. Going 19 & 17 front and back, Kevin claimed victory by just one shot over Ross Stevens (17 & 35).
In addition to Kane Clack’s three birdies, they also dropped for Ross Stevens and Rod Phillips.
Nearest the pin honours went to Nigel Wilson on the 7th, while Peter McCoombe zeroed in on the 12th.
Saturday’s Monthly Medal was played in glorious sunshine with the temperature nudging 30 degrees. Ross Stevens (16) kept his cool shooting a nett 64 and taking out the
Monthly Medal for December. Len Watson (11) was hot on his heels also coming in with a nett 64, and taking out the A Grade win, well done gentlemen. Runner-up for A Grade was Daniel Klimeck (12 & 68) while Wayne Toohey (23 & 69) was runner-up to Ross for B Grade. Twenty-six birdies were achieved on the day, nearest the pin on the 7th was Len Watson and on the 12th Laurie Smith.
A strong field of 14 ladies were up bright and early for the first early tee off this Summer on Tuesday. The ladies played their December monthly medal. Shooting a great score of 72 was Marj Lang (19), runner up in A Grade was Rosalie Roberts (22 & 79). Swee Ho (28), first game back from injury, took out the B Grade comp with nett 78, the runner-up was Jo Ralston (34 & 80). The least number of putts on the day, 28, went to the new Lady Captain, Julie Bottomley.
Ladies are reminded that next Tuesday will be the Christmas lunch and fun day of golf.
Congratulations and a big thankyou to the six very brave golfers, Harvey Zepnick, Marty Beck, Anthony Hammel, Matthey Germanchis, Nigel Wilson and Jason Thompson, who took to the course early on Sunday to raise much needed funds for the Cancer Council, playing 72 holes in ‘The Longest Day.’
More than $6100 was raised for Cancer Research.
Great effort boys!
Beautiful true love story from 1949 wins Theatre Royal prize
Fifth generation local resident Merle Jenkins has won the Theatre Royal’s ‘Win A Seat’ competition with a moving tribute to her late husband Les.
The pair met at the local theatre back in 1949 and shared a love story spanning more than six decades.
Theatre Royal co-owners Felicity Cripps and Tim Heath said that as part of their continuing quest to fully refurbish all the original art-deco cinema seats they recently decided to run the ‘Win A Seat’ competition.
Felicity said entrants were asked to submit a personal story from their experiences at the theatre and what they would choose to be engraved on a seat plaque and why.
The competition came to a close at midnight on November 30. Felicity and husband Tim were kept busy receiving and reading entries right up until 10pm that evening.
“The stories were moving and funny, there were historical anecdotes, devious tales of the 80s and 90s, and beautiful stories from more recent times. Every entrant had a unique and interesting tale to tell and many moved me to tears,” Felicity told the Mail.
“The people who hold memories of time spent within these grand old walls are the people who have helped make the Theatre Royal so special and so significant to our beautiful town and beyond over generations,” Felicity said.
“We wanted to celebrate that and one day we hope to collate all these wonderful anecdotes into a publication, so these stories aren’t lost.”
Merle said that on November 2, 1949 she was at the theatre to see a film when a young man, Les Jenkins, asked if he could sit beside her.
“His mates were saying ‘Look Jenks is sitting with a girl!’ she laughed.
“He said he couldn’t take me home – I lived in Chewton, he was in Campbells Creek and it was a wet night. That was the start of it all – we kept going to the pictures every Friday night on a permanent booking downstairs. Sometimes if there was a cancellation upstairs we could go up there – we thought that was so good!” Merle said.
“I was very spoiled as he bought me a box of scorched almonds every week. One week I recall Les saying ‘I can’t remember the picture we saw!'” recalls Merle.
They only had eyes for each other.
Merle said in the early days of their courtship she would ride her bike from Chewton and Les would ride from Campbells Creek and they would meet at the theatre.
“One evening a man leapt out from behind a tree at Wesley Hill and scared the life out of me. Fortunately, I didn’t fall off my bicycle and I flew all the way into Castlemaine. I didn’t look back!” Merle said.
“After that Les wouldn’t let me ride into town. He insisted on riding to Chewton rail, hail or shine so we could catch the bus into Castlemaine together,” Merle said.
“We were married two years later. We were married for 64 years until Les passed away in 2015,” she said.
“So, you can see why the Theatre Royal is such a sentimental memory for me. I am very pleased to be a Loyal Royal member and sincerely pray that the TR keeps on going for many more years to come. Thank you, Felicity and Tim, for all your hard work in keeping this grand old theatre alive and well,” she said.
Merle’s story has won her a gold plaque on a refurbished cinema seat in honour of her first date with Les.
“I said if I was lucky enough to win I would like the plaque to read: ‘Les and Merle Jenkins – Our First Date 2/11/1949 – Merle Jenkins – aged 88 years’,” she said.
Big4 unveils luxurious new accessible villa
As the community celebrated the International Day of People with Disability last week, award-winning BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park unveiled a new accessible accommodation option – a specially modified three-bedroom luxury villa.
The fully self-contained villa features an over-size master bedroom suite with extra wide entry for easy wheelchair or mobility aid access, a king-size bed and a huge bathroom featuring a walk-in or roll-in shower with handrails and grabrails for support.
There is also level access from the parking bay to the doors of the villa and space within the living area and on the deck to comfortably manoeuvre and turn a wheelchair or other mobility aids.
BIG4 Castlemaine owner Claire Height said the new villa has been specifically designed to make it a little easier for a mobility-impaired guest to enjoy their holiday.
“There are often barriers to travelling and holidaying for people with a disability and there are limited options in the region. The new villa is an important step in improving access to BIG4 Castlemaine for people with limited mobility and I’m looking at further possibilities for the future,” Ms Height said.
The park also has a large dedicated family and wheelchair and special needs-friendly bathroom for use by guests as required, and accessible bathroom cubicles within its main male and female amenity blocks.
Staff also assist mobility-impaired guests with special requirements, arranging a suitable site and proximity to amenities.
People with a disability spend $8 billion a year on Australian tourism accounting for 11 per cent of total tourism expenditure, according to Tourism Victoria’s Accessible Tourism report.
“It’s an important market tourism operators could do more to better cater for,” Ms Height said.
Mt Alexander Shire Disability Advocacy Group recently visited BIG4 Castlemaine to view the new villa and to provide suggestions for further actions to improve access at the park.
“The group’s insights and recommendations were invaluable,” Ms Height said.
“I know modifying a business to improve accessibility can seem daunting but I have learned there are numerous simple, low-cost tools and options that make a huge difference to a business being more welcoming to people using a wheelchair or a walking frame. I would encourage every business in the area to draw on the wealth of information and knowledge that is available to see what they can do.”
Among Ms Height’s next projects is the development of a sensory garden for the enjoyment of all guests, including those with a disability.
“BIG4 Castlemaine is especially loved for its beautiful parkland setting,” Ms Height said.
“But of course, like much of Castlemaine, it’s a hilly area. I want to create an accessible and level area that stimulates the senses, showcases the scope of indigenous plants, and that is simply a beautiful place for guests to be in, including mobility-impaired guests.”
BIG4 Castlemaine was recently named best Tourist/ Mixed Use Caravan Park of the Year at the 2022 VicParks Caravan Park Awards.
Earlier this year, it won Gold in the Caravan and Holiday Parks Category in the Victorian Tourism Awards, and was highly commended in the category in the National Tourism Awards.
“We’re proud and delighted with our achievements this year and the recognition we’ve gained,” Ms Height said.
“Our new accessible villa and future planned additions ensure we will continue to build on this, leading the way in providing a unique and memorable holiday experience for all in this region.”
Happy Guildford Grumpies gain official recognition
The Guildford Grumpies have been acknowledged for their outstanding community support work with their Tuesday Men’s Group being recognised by the Victorian Men’s Shed Association with official membership to the Men’s Shed network.
The Guildford Grumpies were established around 10 years ago with a social club being first developed. The Grumpies have continued to grow since that time with the establishment of the Guildford Grumpies Car Club Incorporated, the Grumpies Men’s Shed program and the continuance of the club’s popular social club activities.
The club now boasts well in excess of 100 registered members and a further 200 registered followers and supporters.
The Grumpies are proud of the way the club has evolved and members of the club are actively involved in a number of fundraising activities and events, along with providing manpower and assistance to local community members and local groups who are in need.
In the five years since the 2017/2018 financial year, the Guildford Grumpies Men’s Shed has provided almost $40,000 in financial and practical assistance to, not only local residents and organisations, the club has also supported causes such as Blazeaid Bushfire Relief, Sunraysia Drought Relief, Animals Australia, Castlemaine RSL and various cancer appeals and flood relief projects.
Club President Greg Edward said they are thrilled to have their Tuesday Grumpies recognised for their outstanding contributions to the wellbeing of so many people and organisations.
“Our founding father Peter Turner would be amazed at how the club has developed over these past few years, with originally just 12 men meeting up for a Friday evening after work get-together 10 years ago, to something that has grown into a much respected and active group of people, working for and on behalf of their local community,” Mr Edward said.
This Christmas the Grumpies will again assist the former Apex Club of Castlemaine and their long running Father Christmas visits to the smaller local communities in Mount Alexander Shire on Christmas Day, with committed annual financial assistance to ensure this long running community event continues.
Club members have also provided expertise for handicapped members of the community, deliveries of firewood to those in need, and special financial assistance for the reopening of the Guildford Primary School.
The Grumpies Tuesday Men’s Shed program also provides support to its members through fellowship and a way of moral and physical support to one and other, particularly for the older male members of the group.
The next major fundraising event for Grumpies will be the Peter Turner Car Show and Family Day on Sunday March 26, 2023, where the club expects a huge turn out of historic and vintage vehicles on the picturesque, John Powell Reserve Guildford.
The club’s moto ‘Deeds Not Words’ can certainly be seen via their actions in support of their community.
Further information about the Guildford Grumpies and how to get involved can be found via their Facebook page or you can contact Grumpies direct via email at grumpyhq@gmail.com
The club’s website is currently being revamped and will be back up in time for Christmas. You can find it at www.guildfordgrumpies.com
Legacy spreads Christmas cheer
Castlemaine Legacy hosted an afternoon tea for its Legacy Ladies, dedicated Legatees and former Legatee volunteers at the Castlemaine RSL Hall in Mostyn Street on Wednesday.
Castlemaine Legacy chairman Denis Cox said it was wonderful to be able to gather again after two years of covid restrictions.
Legacy has been working to care for veterans families since 1923 and celebrates its centenary in 2023. There are over 4,000 volunteers around Australia who work directly with Legacy families to provide support and friendship to ensure Legacy’s promise to care for the families of deceased or seriously injured veterans is kept.
The Castlemaine Legacy volunteers care for 44 local Legacy ladies across the shire and also makes regular visits to local aged care facilities to check in on their Legacy Ladies who are now in care.
The afternoon tea was a chance to spread a little Christmas cheer. Legacy member Jane Anderson and a group of Legacy volunteers and RSL ladies organised and catered the lovely afternoon tea and Legacy presented each of the ladies with a Christmas card and gift including a pen, some beautiful Legacy cards and a Christmas pudding donated by Rotary Castlemaine.
Let’s take a look back at the Beehave shop building
Circa late 1800s:
This sketch of the Barkla – Jeweller & Watchmaker, Market Square, Castlemaine was kindly supplied to us by our friends at the Castlemaine Historical Society – Exploring Our Past.
Charles Barkla’s Jeweller’s shop was situated where Beehave is now located and so over 100 years later, jewellery is still being sold from these premises. Over the years, this building, CHSI believe, has been variously used as a bookseller, boot dealer, tobacconist, grocer and stationer, as well as a jeweller.
We don’t know much about Charles other than that he died in 1901. He was quite philanthropic, donating prizes to the Thompson & Co’s Castlemaine Foundry Annual Picnic held in Elphinstone in the first week of March each year. A special train left Castlemaine at 8.50am and returned from Elphinstone at 7pm. Fares Adults – 1s 3d. Children under 15 – 6d.
There was an amazing array of races with the prizes donated by various businesses in the town. In 1893, C. Barkla donated a gold brooch, in 1894, a ladies handbag and in 1896, a clock valued at 30s. On New Year’s Day, 1889, a devastating flood occurred in Castlemaine and surrounds, creating widespread damage and destroying bridges, ruining houses and the furniture within and the water was up to the top of the bar at Coopey’s Railway Hotel.
Due to so many cases of hardship and destitution, the Town Clerk called a public meeting with the aim of providing practical and monetary assistance. C. Barkla donated 1Pd 1s to this cause.
2022:
Today the former Barkla – Jeweller & Watchmaker Store is home to Beehave. Beehave proprietor Robyn Hansford has been at the helm of the popular local ladies fashion, footwear and accessories store for around 14 years now.
Prior to that she was a staff member of the store which has been operating since the year 2000. Beehave stock a beautiful range of shoes and boots, clothing and scarves. Some of their popular footwear brands include Django and Juliette, Sala, Zeta and Top End.
They also have a gorgeous array of handbags including Cosgrove and Beasley and Modapelle. Beehave also have a massive array of earrings and accessories to suit all styles and tastes.
My Castlemaine with Lot19 founder Mark Anstey
Hi Mark. Tell us a bit about your early life and how you came to own Lot19.
I studied nursing, which was such a privilege. I did some work in communities up north. I also studied prosthetics after a friend lost a leg. Back then prosthetics were very different and I learnt a lot about making things.
I finished nursing after I hurt my back and I started making furniture and timber boats. I still make furniture, mostly high end fit outs.
All the best decisions I’ve ever made were made in the shed. It’s like another room in your brain. Moving and doing stuff triggers priorities and is a direct line to sanity.
My folks moved here when I was in my early 20s and eventually I decided to come and look after my folks. And they’ve looked after me really well since!” Mark laughs.
I’m a ministers son, so I’ve always wanted to save the world, and Lot19 seemed like a great way to do that – providing a nurturing place for music and art. Plus I’ve always been a musician and my friends are all musicians.
I bought the place in 2001. It was just a bare paddock with a rundown old house on it and now there are 22 artists permanently working here.
At the moment I’m in the process of setting up a company for this place, which will essentially give it back to the community.
You’ve achieved a lot over the years, how have you managed to fit so much in?
I remember when I was 11 years old, thinking we miss out on so much being lazy, so I started making beds. I learnt the trumpet and spent a lot of time doing mono’s on my bike.
Not drinking helps too, it buys you time and clarity.
I’m learning French at the moment, watching the news while using duo lingo- it’s like mental gymnastics. I’m loving gardening at the moment too. I kind of think, ‘why do you want to stop at the end of the day? It’s so amazing to be alive at all’.
You’ve travelled a lot over the years. What’s that looked like for you?
I started travelling as soon as I could, before I was in my 20s. The first place I went was South Korea, where I taught English for three months while saving money to travel more.
I’m currently travelling around Africa (Sierra Leone, Uganda and Kenia) regularly, with a volunteer agency called ‘I Am Someone’. We work with the most vulnerable kids (the one’s that are completely on their own). We provide housing, clothing, healthcare and get to know them. When I first went there 10 years ago I had low expectations, but those expectations were blown. It’s just amazing. We’ve just clocked over 10,000 kids we’ve helped. These kids are taken from the tip face to studying surgical degrees. Its amazing seeing these broken four year old faces and watching them change into the person they become. The kids are getting older now and a lot of them are involved in helping run the charity. That’s really where my heart is. We (Australians) don’t realise how fortunate we are and how blind we are to that fortune.
I’m going back in May, we haven’t been to for a long time due to COVID, so it’s pretty scary and unknown.
Then we’re going back with a group of eight friends which means we’ll get a lot done. They’re builders, musicians and artists.
What are you reading at the moment?
Us by an American psychiatrist Terrence Real. It’s about redefining relationships in a much less individualistic way.
What music do you enjoy?
Classic FM is the only thing that stands in the way between me and road rage. And I just found my old MP3 player, listening to Enya and Esquivel (who reinvented music). The most amazing musicians we’ve had (at Lot19) recently were King Stingray. It was great to have those ancient voices on this land.
What are your pet peeves?
Selfishness.
What do you love about the place you call home?
The community. There’s all sorts here, with different ideas that we can talk about without too much judgment.
Historic stone crusher reinvented as an art gallery
A unique art space housed in a converted stone crusher site, Hoppers Gallery is located in the heart of Maldon at the end of a long winding driveway.
Industrial in appearance the gallery is set on the side of a hill overlooking a small lake; the result of the owners (Hannelore and Werner Lau) vision.
Artist Promoters Vivien Pells and Chris Moule promote and sell works produced by mainly goldfields artists. The pair originally intended to use the space for a temporary exhibit in 2021 but they enjoyed it so much they decided to stay on.
Vivien and Chris have a variety of artwork at any one time and choose artists that use different mediums and different approaches to their creations which produces an interesting and inspiring experience.
“We like to make every visit an adventure,” said Vivien.
There are currently 11 artists on display at the gallery including Lyn Cooke’s brightly coloured work, Birds of Perfection, and Leonie Auhl’s hand-coloured prints using linocuts, monotypes, and collagraph’s.
There is a large body of work from Serge Daeffler, who began painting in 1970, working as a full-time artist since 2009, and sadly passing away in July.
“We promised him on his deathbed that we would make sure his work made its way to houses where it will be loved,” said Chris.
Another spectacular, albeit smaller, display at the gallery features Mal Gilmour’s intricately painted miniatures. Mal left his career as a flight service officer at Melbourne Airport to pursue his career as an artist, spending the past 50 years painting Australian landscapes on large canvas’ but during lockdowns in 2021, Mal directed his creativity towards miniature paintings.
Joe Jakitsch’s brilliant landscapes in acrylic and gouache show the freedom in his hand are worth visiting and Chris and Vivien have their own works on display; landscapes in oil and watercolour.
Hoppers Gallery is located at 8 Vincents Road Maldon. Open Wednesdays 10 am-4 pm, Saturdays 10 am-4 pm, Sundays 12 pm-4 pm.
Monster celebration at historic site this Sunday
Chewton Domain Society and Parks Victoria invite the community to a double celebration to mark the 20th birthday of Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park and to commemorate the Diggers’ 1851 Monster Meeting this Sunday December 11.
The event will be held on the Monster Meeting site in Golden Point Road, Chewton with Parks Victoria Rangers leading the kids in gold panning activities from 1.30pm as part of the Junior Rangers program, followed by the official proceedings at 3pm.
The event will mark 20 years since the park was granted national heritage status and remember the 15,000 gold diggers who held their Monster Meeting there on the banks of Forest Creek in 1851.
Chewton Domain Society member Patricia Healy said the park was granted national heritage status because it is the only place where we can still see the landscape of the great gold rush that began there in 1851 and started the transformation of Australia from an agricultural economy to a modern nation.
“The Diggers’ 1851 Monster Meeting played a crucial role in that transformation. When the gold diggers met at Forest Creek to defy the quasi-military government of Governor La Trobe, they ignited a social and political protest movement that spread across the goldfields and kick-started the march to the Eureka Stockade and finally to parliamentary democracy in Victoria,” she said.
“In the park we can still walk through the landscape of that Diggers’ Meeting and see the impact left by the thousands from all over the world who tramped to Mount Alexander to pan and dig on the richest shallow alluvial gold field ever discovered. They are still here in spirit,” Pat said.
The December 11 celebration will begin with a Welcome to Country from the traditional owners the Dja Dja Wurrung.
Participants will then hear Gus Read Hill again declare the Diggers’ words of defiance and listen to the Castlemaine Brasslemaine Brass Band play their music.
Maree Edwards will tell the Diggers’ story and from Parks Victoria and Mount Alexander Shire Council we will hear the story of the park and its part in our local community.
Parks Victoria representatives will also share details about their project to improve signage and trails throughout the park and they will lead participants on a guided walk of the nearby creek.
And what is a birthday without a cake? The members of the Chewton Phoenix CWA are making a glitzy gold themed 20th birthday cake and will present it to the Park Rangers with the music of Happy Birthday from Brasslemaine Brass Band.
There will be marquees with displays on site and a port-a-loo will be available but in true diggers’ style it’s BYO water, hat and chair (or sit on the grass).