I fully agree with Trevor Butcher that upgrades to the Camp Reserve sporting facilities are long overdue (Mail September 23) but disagree that the Master Plan was ‘settled’ in 2020. Yes, the council did endorse this plan in September 2020, and has since funded planning for the pavilion and netball courts. However, I feel the plans are contestable owing to the lack of community consultation during development of the Master Plan and since. Consultation by council has been almost exclusively with the Camp Reserve committee, which represents the sporting clubs, the Show Society, and the Lions Club. When the community was consulted, the council chose to reject their feedback, along with recommendations from the council officers, the independent heritage consultant, and the council’s Heritage and Urban Design Officer, to instead adopt the ‘committee-preferred’ plan. The committee does not represent all users of this public reserve or the Castlemaine community. Other users include all who use the reserve for informal recreation, who walk their dogs there, who transit the reserve, who look across the reserve from their homes, who walk or drive past the reserve, or who value our unique gold rush and town heritage. The Camp Reserve was first proposed as a reserve for public use in the 1860s and gazetted for public recreation in 1895. It remains an integral part of the ‘Camp Reserve and Environs’ heritage precinct and planning overlay, which includes the original 1850s buildings nearby. MASC planning guidelines for this overlay discourage developments of a ‘suburban’ character and require ‘the appearance and environmental qualities of the Barker’s Creek and Camp Reserve’ be protected. A plan to bury the unique history and aesthetic significance of the Camp Reserve beneath a suburban-style sports pavilion and netball courts needs to be contested.
Members of The Goldfields Quilters Merlyn Pritchard and Christine Christie ahead of next weekend's quilt exhibition at Castlemaine Town Hall. Photo: Eve Lamb
Pattie Richie, President Goldfields Quilters
Goldfields Quilters held a very successful 30th anniversary exhibition in the Castlemaine Town Hall on September 17 and 18 and wish to acknowledge the wonderful support of the following businesses – Castlemaine Floristry, Beehave, Maine Shoes, Desa Shoes, Ivy & Grace, Taylors Home Centre and Graffiti Publications. Additionally, the assistance of Steve Pentreath, the State Emergency Services and Campbells Creek Fire Brigade Volunteers in setting up the display stands and the Castlemaine Mail for their great publicity of the event. Also to our members well done!
20 years ago: September 27, 2002 One of the largest crowds in years was on hand to witness Harcourt claim victory over Talbot in the 2002 Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League (MCDFNL) grand final at Princes Park, Maryborough. Ashley Hervatin is proudly pictured with the cup. In other news Maldon, Newstead and Baringhup were set to lose their mobile library services and Castlemaine Library was set to suffer a staff reduction unless a solution could be found for a funding crisis, and council had resolved to write to VicRoads over deep concerns regarding Calder plans at Harcourt. 15 years ago: September 14, 2007 If you had deep pockets and an unlimited cheque book, you could have spent a million or more buying the 300-odd 1932 Fords which visited Castlemaine for the 75th anniversary of the marque at Hadfields Hot Rods at Chewton. Fears were expressed at the council meeting that a six-month trial, which restricted parking for both the Curves Fitness Centre in Barker Street and nearby residents, may be a precursor for the introduction of resident parking permits.10 years ago: September 7, 2012 In celebration of Castlemaine Market Building’s 150th anniversary, the Castlemaine Farmers Market was held in the historic market building. Stallholders and visitors enjoyed an old world feel, seeing people dressed in 1860s period costume and hearing town criers. The coalition announced long awaited funding for the notorious Skew Bridge at the entrance to Castlemaine. Castlemaine District Cricket Association was forced into recess when they were unable to secure a secretary.5 years ago: September 22, 2017 A motion to support marriage equality moved by Cr John Nieman was voted down at the Mount Alexander Shire Council meeting. Emotion was palpable as the public gallery overflowed with supporters petitioning to fly the rainbow flag for the upcoming postal marriage survey. Mayor Sharon Telford and councillors Tony Cordy, Robin Taylor and Tony Bell’s position was that it wasn’t council’s place to take a stand on a federal issue, while Crs Christine Henderson, Bronwen Machin and John Nieman voted in support of the motion. The majority of Australian’s later voted to support marriage equality and the act was updated on December 9, 2017.
The Harcourt Seniors celebrate their victory. Photo: Lisa Dennis.
The Harcourt Senior footballers are kings of the jungle after winning the Maryborough Castlemaine District FNL grand final by eight points against Carisbrook in their first grand final in 15 years.
The Lions showed their trademark relentless pressure in trying conditions at Princes Park.
After Carisbrook kicked the opening goal of the game, Harcourt controlled most of the first quarter with goals coming off the boots of Semmens, Code and Kerr. The Lions had a 12 point lead heading into the first change.
Jed Rodda booted the first major of the second quarter but Carisbrook got on top of the midfield battle and gave their powerful forward plenty of opportunities to score. They kicked the next three before Kristian Bruce worked some magic, snapping one across his shoulder just before the main break and reducing the margin to one point.
After an enthralling speech from Coaches Wridgway and Code, Harcourt came out firing with their midfield led by the veteran Paul Chaplin, captain Kayne Davidson and Tom Walters working their opponents over. Jed Rodda marked strongly and kicked truly after some crafty work from Ben Leech and exquisite foot skills by Mark Noonan.
Coach Code banged home his second, which was followed by a Bryce Frost major. Frost nearly got lost finding himself up the wrong end of the ground but managed to put it home. Going into the final term, Harcourt held an 18 point lead.
Carisbrook have been renowned for their strong finishes and this was no different with the Redbacks throwing everything at the Lions. They reduced the margin to two points after Zelencich kicked his third and fourth majors and the Harcourt faithful were nervous.
The ball went deep into the Redbacks forward line, but the evergreen Jeffrey McMurtrie, 38, the only Lion to have played in the previous grand final, repelled this entry and Bryce Frost found himself lining up for goal. He was called to play on by the umpire and a rushed kick forward which was marked by Sam Kerr with a minute on the clock. He managed to sneak it home to give Harcourt an unassailable eight point lead.
Berry Powell medallist Brayden Frost capped off a remarkable season, winning the Best on Ground medal and Tom Walters won the AFL Victoria Country medal. A strength of Harcourt’s game this year has been their depth and they had 22 great contributors on the day.
Take a stroll down memory lane and read about Harcourt’s 2002 grand final victory here
C Grade After a terrific season, despite their best efforts, our C Grade side went down by a mere six goals to Avoca. After trailing by nine goals at three quarter time, our defenders didn’t give up and blitzed the last quarter with 10 goals to 7. While Gemma Papadimos was incredibly accurate at goal. 15 & Under Netball The Harcourt 15 and Under netball team had a convincing win over Maldon to take out the 2022 MCDFNL 15/U Premiership 33-10. Harcourt led from the start, up 6-1 at quarter time, and continued to build their lead throughout the game. Despite some challenging weather conditions, Harcourt put on a wonderful display of netball, showcasing their strong team work which has been a highlight of their success this season. Their full court defensive pressure was again a key aspect of their win, keeping Maldon to just five goals for the first three quarters. Rosie Jarvis and Madeline Springate read the play brilliantly, combining to take many defensive intercepts, making it hard for Maldon to penetrate the attacking goal circle. Alana Fletcher was a strong presence throughout the court, turning the ball over many times and providing a strong attacking drive down the court, feeding the goalers beautifully. Tegan McKay presented and moved well throughout the game, shooting very accurately and was awarded ‘Best on Court’ by the umpires. Congratulations to all three sides on an incredible season.
Chris McLean and co-coach Alex Code with the premiership cup.The Harcourt 15 & Under netballers were thrilled with their win.
Castlemaine Goldfields U14 Gold Double Winners taking out both the U14A Championship and Super Cup with a 100% win record in 2022.
Last Saturday September 17 saw the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League (BASL) junior season come to and end with wet and windy Grand Final games at Epsom Huntly Reserve. Of the eight teams from Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club who made the post Championship Super Cup – three arrived at the Grand Finals last weekend. In the first kick off of the day for Castlemaine Goldfields FC U14 Girls Matildas Gold faced off against Championship winners Spring Gully Renegades in a 1st v 2nd match-up. Having already faced off in the qualifying final, won by Gully, this was always going to be a tough game against the stand out team of the Championship season, but the Maine girls had the experience of a victory in Round 7, Gully’s only defeat of the season, to draw strength from. In the end a spirited display saw Matildas Gold come up short as Gully took the win 4-1. This group have had a massive season under coach Liam Lynch and even in the face of defeat their spirit shone through in celebrating Kirra Soraghan’s late second half goal with a team cheer that could be heard all around Epsom Huntly Reserve. Well done on taking home both the runners-up spots in the League Championship and Super Cup! CGFCs second game of the day saw U12 Matildas Green face off against Epsom. Again the GF was a 1st v 2nd match up with the ‘Green Beans’ Championship having sown up the Championship undefeated with a 100% home record including two wins versus opponents Epsom. The girls went in to the game after a confident win the previous week, but also very aware of how Epsom, playing at home would be keen to finally get a result in their third game, of the season. A tight and competitive game saw Epsom take a narrow 1 nil lead from a deflection in the first half. The second half saw Castlemaine’s Mia Bishop denied by the post before Epsom scored a second breakaway goal with the ‘Green Beans’ pushing hard for an equaliser. Both teams have had amazing seasons as the two stand out teams in the U12 Girls comp and it was fitting that the teams shared the spoils after their third meeting this season. Congratulations to coaches Tony Cormack and Calum Brydon in guiding the girls to winning Championship and the Super Cup runners-up spot in their first competitive season. The last of CGFC’s games to kick-off saw U14 Gold face off against Spring Gully Ranges in yet another 1st v 2nd match up. Gold headed into the game off the back of a 100% win record in the Championship. However a spirited second half display from Spring Gully saw the U14s record their narrowest win of the season to triumphantly take out the Championship and Cup double with a 3-2 win. First half goals from Morgan McClure, Joaquin Demaria O’Sullivan and Finn Girbon were enough to secure the flag and a 100% record for the whole 2022 season. Well done to coach Ween Reid and the whole squad on their Championship and Cup double and the ‘Invincibles’ 100% record for the season. Congratulations finally to Joaquin Demaria-O’Sullivan who was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ medal. All three teams should be immensely proud to have made Grand Finals with players, coaches, managers and supporters doing the club proud on the day. Thanks to Epsom FC, for hosting the finals and Bendigo Amateur Soccer League for such a great season. Thanks again to everyone who has played a part in this the biggest junior season in the club’s history, we can’t wait to see you all back in 2023! #GoTheMaine
Castlemaine Goldfields U12 Matildas Gold celebrating wining the U12 Girls Championship and taking out the Runners-Up spot in the Super Cup.
The Maldon 17 & Under side celebrate their MCDFNL win. Photos: Shelly LC and Casey Bell.
What a way to finish the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football League season off with some Grand Final action! It was a very wet and miserable day at Princes Park but that didn’t stop the Maldon Under 17s Netball Team, and coach Kim Williams, taking home the glory and the trophy! The game started slow but was soon warmed up with a nail bitter against Royal Park. The Royal Park team had defence that was strong and the goalers were accurate but the pressure and agility in the conditions from the Maldon team prevailed and the brought home a spectacular, well earned win! Sadly, we didn’t get the Maldon Under 14.5s Football or the Under 15s Netball over the line, but both matches were well played and the spot in the Grand Finals dually earned. As a club to have any teams in a Grand Final is incredible and why we work so hard all season. Our club is so proud to have been represented by three outstanding junior teams and we want to convey our deepest gratitude and congratulations to the players and coaches for their efforts – it is well earned, well deserved and we are very proud. Although the 2022 season has now come to an end, the work for 2023 starts. The committee would like to express its thanks to our players, coaches, officials, supporters, sponsors and all other stakeholders that were here for our 2022 season, it is with you that our club thrives and we appreciate the commitment and passion you all bring. We look forward to seeing you all return for many more seasons to come and welcome anyone who would like to be a part of the Maldon Football Netball Club. To conclude our season officially we have our Brownlow Club Vote Count Saturday October 1 at the Maldon FNC Clubrooms to crown our Best and Fairest Players are award achievements for the season that was. Team report wrap ups were as follows: Football Unfortunately, the Maldon Under 14.5s football team fell short 21 to Talbot 31. It wasn’t through lack of effort. We loss the toss and that proved to be the telling factor at the end. Talbot kicked the first four goals in the first quarter. There was a strong breeze and Talbot took advantage of it. The Maldon team were a little untidy given three of the goals were from free kicks. But to their credit they kept fighting and won the next three quarters, keeping Talbot goalless for those three quarters. Some costly mistakes in front of goal and injuries seeing the side fall short. A massive thanks to Brian Kelly for getting Izaak Mason up to play as he had dislocated his growth plate and couldn’t walk 10 days earlier, unfortunately Izaak had to come off the ground with a quarter to play it’s a credit to Izaak for playing three quarters and playing well. Thank you to all the supporters that turned up apparently, we had the best cheer squad in the stands. Big thank you to Anita Mason who worked tirelessly throughout the season, your efforts did not go unnoticed we were so lucky to have you as a team manager. Thanks also goes to Shaun Burchell and Ben Doyle. The team will be back bigger and stronger next year. Netball The Maldon 17 and Under netballers hit the court running in the first quarter with goals hard to come by as the Rovers and Maldon team were well matched the score at the first change was Maldon 4 – Rovers 3. The second quarter saw Maldon come out firing and they were able to capitalise on their intercepts holding Rovers goalless in the second quarter to take a lead at the half time break 8- 3. The last couple of quarters were evenly matched with the teams going goal for goal. The last couple of minutes of the game Rovers were able to get some great intercepts but as they had all game the defence for Maldon held strong. The end result Maldon 17 def Rovers 15 to be the premiers for 2022. With a Best on Court from Claire Hamilton it capped off an extremely rewarding year for the U17 team who only had four players at the start of the 2022 season. To become the winners bringing home the cup for Maldon Football Netball Club was an outstanding and unbelievable result. The Maldon 15 and Under netball team took to the court on Saturday in their grand final with conditions treacherous with the wind blowing, rain sheeting in and the temperature bitterly cold it was not ideal for the junior girls. The team were able to take the first centre and were able to put a score on the board straight away. With the conditions deteriorating the team struggled from there to put another score on the board for the first quarter and the ball sailed up and down the court with both teams having their challenges with the weather. The Harcourt team were able to convert their centres and the Maldon young ladies battled on in the wet and cold conditions. The end result Harcourt 33 defeated Maldon 10. However, the score did not reflect the closeness of the game as the team tried right to final whistle. An excellent year for a team newly formed and with all girls never playing in finals let alone a grand final they did the club proud.
The Maldon 14.5s were proud to be grand final contenders.The Maldon 15 & Under netballers braved chilly wet conditions to battle Harcourt.The club celebrated the Under 14.5s grand final with a special banner.
I was excited to see an alternative plan for Camp Reserve in our local paper. It’s always good to have options to test what will make the best fit for everybody. For me the scheme has several pluses. The two ways viewing from the top of the pavilion from court to oval is a win win – two for the price of one. The landscape bleachers on Scotchman’s Hill gives outdoor viewing for all manner of possibilities, sport, dog trials, wood chops and swap meets. The masterstroke is a safer place for netball particularly night practice during winter built around the watchful eyes from the activity around the hotel, the railway station and carpark. A few extra trees here wouldn’t hurt either. Well done to those who conceived this option. I look forward to other possibilities on how we might get the best bang for buck
MainFM What's Golden presenters Alex Playsted and Alex Parsons with Jess Parker in her kitchen discussing her new album Bread and Butter.
Local artist Jess Parker launches her much anticipated solo album this weekend at The Diggers Store in Campbells Creek and local community radio station MainFM are thrilled to have been able to play a small part. In 2021, Jess Parker won MainFM’s major prize during their annual Radiothon, a full day of recording at Sound Recordings studio with tape stock. With this prize she has been able to record her new album titled ‘Bread and Butter’. “It was a gift, winning the recording prize from last year’s radiothon. I don’t think I would have had the opportunity to put these songs to tape otherwise. I am incredibly grateful to MainFM for making this possible. I’m really proud of this record,” Jess said. “Recording at my favourite studio is always a treat – the space conjures up a real warmth, you can hear the old timber and the fire crackling on the record. Alex is an analogue alchemist and true joy to work with,” Jess said. Sound Recordings are a sponsor of MainFM and put up one of the major prizes each year during Radiothon. “We are so grateful for the support from Alex Bennett at Sound Recordings, and all our sponsors, and are totally thrilled that our Radiothon prize has gone to a local artist and led to this release,” MainFM station manager Steph Riddel said. “We aim to support local artists and are just so delighted to know that we have been able to help Jess’s creative vision come to life,” Steph said. Jess’s album launch of Bread and Butter is happening tomorrow evening, Saturday September 24 at 7pm at The Diggers Store in Castlemaine, you can expect storytelling, sweet songs and intimacy, with the incredible Charlotte Le Lievre and Jas Bell as support.
Myf Warhurst will launch her new book at the Gold Sounds conference.
From October 13-16, Central Victoria’s biggest music conference returns for its second year, bringing together Victoria’s regional and Melbourne music communities for a host of panels, workshops, networking events, and a youth program. Held on Djaara Country right here in Castlemaine, the conference sessions will cover a myriad of topics and play host to an extraordinary array of music industry professionals including artist managers, booking agents, musicians, academics, activists and more. The conference kicks off in style on Thursday October 13 with a launch of television and radio broadcaster Myf Warhurst’s book ‘The Time of My Life’. Tickets for this event sold out straight away so Gold Sounds have moved the Phee Broadway Theatre to meet demand, but tickets are selling fast! Join Myf in conversation with Gold Sounds director Fionna Allan, as she shares funny, fabulous and occasionally fraught tales. Friday October 14 conference programming will feature sessions on mental health wellness, music and activism, regional festival and venue programming, opportunities and tips when applying for grants and funding, a session on creative collaboration and the regional launch of Green Music Australia’s Sound Country resources with a live performance from Carissa Nyalu. On Saturday October 15, the focus turns to songwriting copyright and licensing, community radio, marketing and PR and youth-focussed events programmed in direct response to young people. Saturday will also feature a special Yarning Strong panel from Support Act, focussing on breaking down barriers for First Nations artists, including guests Mitch Tambo and Dallas Woods. And just announced for the Theatre Royal on Saturday October 15, Laura Jean will play her first show in Castlemaine for three and a half years, previewing her forthcoming album Amateurs. “The conference panels are a great opportunity to hear about the journeys of a diverse group of industry legends, from the lessons they have learnt over the years to where they are heading,” Ms Allan said. On Sunday October 16, songwriting clinics featuring Cash Savage will be held by APRA AMCOS. “Having esteemed songwriters like Cash Savage share their knowledge and sit with our local musicians to create something together brings us back to the heart of what we do – producing great music. These sessions are supportive, inspiring and a great springboard for budding songwriters to take that next step,” Ms Allan said. Tickets are on sale now via the Gold Sounds website at www.goldsounds.com.au
Hundreds of runners take to the trails in and around Castlemaine today as the town hosts fund-raising favourite, Run The Maine. Featuring three different runs over 5km, 10km and 21.1 km, the action starts this afternoon with 21.1km half marathon runners catching the Victorian Goldfields Railway steam train out to their Maldon start line, while the 10km run features a loop through Walmer Forest and the 5km walk/run takes participants up Gingell Street and through the botanical gardens. The event finishes under lights at Camp Reserve. Pictured are some of the keen committee members. Photo: Eve Lamb
Councillors have endorsed design plans featuring LED oval lighting and a new all-gender pavilion as part of a $1 million plus upgrade slated for Maldon’s Bill Woodfull Reserve. After receiving community feedback, councillors at Tuesday evening’s Mount Alexander Shire Council meeting were tasked with deciding whether to endorse a recommended design for four – 24m light poles and a design for the much-mooted all gender pavilion. “Throughout several rounds of community consultation officers have attempted to resolve design related concerns raised by residents,” Tarrengower ward councillor, Maldon’s Cr Steven Gardner said. Cr Gardner noted a number of residents residing near the oval have ongoing objections, but also said support for the project was “overwhelming”. “Some living near the oval would like the oval to be moved… but that’s not likely to happen. While some aren’t in favour, Overwhelmingly the community is,” Cr Gardner said. Councillors heard that the cost of the all gender pavilion is $1.755 million with the project expected to be funded through a Sports and Recreation Victoria grant of $1 million for which the council has applied, and a council contribution of $755,287 – already an inclusion in the council’s 22-23 budget. But two residents remain strongly opposed to the lighting upgrade project with one writing to local MPs and the state sports ministers’ office, resulting in SRV placing a hold on determining the outcome of the council’s funding application pending further community consultation. Tuesday evening’s council meeting heard the council has been working for a number of years to come up with a design for a new all gender pavilion adjacent to the reserve’s netball court and had endorsed the project with the adoption of its recent 22-23 council budget. Last December the council submitted an application to Sport and Recreation Victoria for new sports lighting at the oval and netball court. The outcome of this funding application has yet to be determined as the funding body has advised of some concerns they have received from two local residents. Council officers were asked to consider alternative designs for the oval lighting with the overall aim to reduce the height of the poles while further community consultation was also conducted. At Tuesday evenings’ meeting councillors unanimously endorsed the officers’ recommendation for a lighting solution featuring four 24 metre high poles as well as the design for the all gender pavilion which will now be subject to state planning approval. The estimated capital cost of replacing the oval’s existing four 19 metre high poles with four new 24 metre high poles featuring LED luminaries is $309,190. “This is going to be a tremendous project for the community providing first class facilities,” Cr Tony Cordy said.
The Harcourt Valley Landcare will celebrate 25 years with a special event, brochure and action plan launch this Sunday September 25. The new membership brochure features member Vanessa Chiang. Photo: Richard Baxter.
Harcourt Valley Landcare will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a special event this Sunday September 25 at Leanganook Campground at Mount Alexander. The group which was founded in 1997 will celebrate their longevity and success with the launch of a promotional membership brochure and an Action Plan which sets out the group’s goals for the next five years. Well known local identity, George Milford will speak about Ballantinia, Banksias and Blue-banded Bees and 25 years of inspired rehabilitation work in the Harcourt Valley, and members who have served more than 10 years will also be presented with a Life Membership Certificate. The formal proceedings will be capped off with a delicious morning tea. Since its inception, Harcourt Valley Landcare has completed more than 50 projects and activities which have focused on preserving and improving Harcourt’s environment. Harcourt Valley Landcare member Terry Willis said the group remains as passionate today as it was on day one, but would love to welcome some more enthusiastic new members. “We really welcome anyone interested in working to preserve and improve our environment to join us. Look out for the flyers at local stores and organisations or check out our latest updates via our social media,” Terry said. Terry and wife Bron Willis have played in an integral role in the creation of the new flyer and action plan. “Our membership has been a bit stagnant the last few years and covid didn’t help. With the group celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2022 and with the population growing in Harcourt we felt it was the perfect time to coordinate a big membership drive to engage more people, including youth, to ensure we survive and thrive for many more years to come,” Terry said. “The action plan has been developed with an inclusive direction in mind. It sets out our aims and objectives for the next five years with strategic practical timelines. It is a great way for newcomers to gauge what sort of projects we have coming up and where they might like to get involved,” he said. Sunday’s event will run from 10am-12pm. To RSVP or for more information about the group email info@harcourtvalleylandcare.org
