Buda Historic Home and Garden and Northern Books are joining forces to host a ‘Spring Literary Festival’ at Buda Castlemaine this weekend, October 1 and 2.
Northern Books Kristin and Graham Gill are thrilled to welcome four extraordinary writers to Castlemaine, three of whom – Neela Janakiramanan, Jock Serong, Alice Pung – will be talking about their new books as part of massive event on Saturday, and one, Lee Kofman, who will be hosting a writers workshop on Sunday.
The pair said it is wonderful to once again be able to host face to face events.
“It was really challenging during covid but we really appreciated the support we continued to receive from the local community,” Graham said.
“We are thrilled to have been inundated with opportunities to bring writers to the local region and enable to to engage with local audiences,” he said.
Saturday’s event will kick off at 10am with Dr Neela Janakiramanan author of The Registrar in conversation with Kirstin Gill.
Dr Janakiramanan is a reconstructive plastic surgeon with particular expertise in complex hand and wrist surgery.
The Registrar offers a rare insight into the world of a surgeon-in-the-making from one who has survived it. Told with compassion, skill and emotional heart, this gripping and moving novel goes behind the headlines to reveal the human experience of being both doctor and patient in a medical system at breaking point.
This will be followed at 1pm by Jock Serong author of The Settlement in conversation with local writer and poet Andy Jackson.
In The Settlement, Serong reimagines in urgent, compelling prose the ill-fated exploits of George Augustus Robinson at the settlement of Wybalenna – a venture whose blinkered, self-interested cruelty might stand for the colonial enterprise itself.
Saturday afternoon enjoy cocktail hour with a glass of wine and canapes from 4.30pm as Alice Pung author of One Hundred Days, which was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award, appears in conversation with good friend and local author Sally Rippin.
The book tells the story of sixteen-year-old Karuna who falls pregnant. Not on purpose, but not entirely by accident, either. Incensed, Karuna’s mother, already over-protective, confines her to their fourteenth-storey housing-commission flat.
“Included in the ticket price are food, drinks and of course, fabulous conversation while we will also have a pop-up bookstore fully stocked with the authors’ books and a range of new releases for those keen to make a start on their Christmas shopping,” Kristin said.
Sunday budding writers can enjoy a writers workshop with The Writer Laid Bare author Lee Kofman from 11am-1pm.
In the short sharp session Kofman will seek to help writers master emotional honesty and fine tune their writer’s voice.
Kristin said they have a busy few months ahead with Northern Books also set to welcome Myf Warhurst as part of the Gold Sounds Festival and host events with Tricia Stringer and Alex Miller.
To book your tickets for this weekend’s event visit https://www.northernbooks.com.au/event-2
Spring into literature at Buda this weekend
It’s time for new facilities at Camp Reserve
Robert Evans, Castlemaine
As a newcomer to Castlemaine I was very surprised to see how bad the facilities are at the Camp Reserve. I know of many towns much smaller than Castlemaine that have much better facilities. What is there now should be an embarrassment to the council and the people of Castlemaine. There should be no debate about the need to build new facilities and to commence them as quickly as possible. I was disappointed to read that a group of residents wish to impose their own plan for the reserve even without any apparent consultation with the bodies that are the main users of the reserve.
This group proposes a two storey pavilion as the centrepiece and after many years in sporting clubs, and just recently coming from a club with two storey facilities I can tell you that they just do not work unless you are catering for large crowds. They add significantly to the construction and ongoing running costs. They are not suitable unless there is a lift for elderly, disabled and stockists. They require a doubling up, of kitchens, bars and toilets. Two levels also requires more volunteers to operate efficiently and like in all clubs they do so much already.
This is Castlemaine’s major sporting complex, which this group seems to treat as of secondary importance, and the main users being sporting clubs have specific requirements. Buildings for Sporting Clubs need to be purpose built. The council has a plan that meets the needs of the sporting clubs that has taken a long time to prepare, and has given everyone plenty of opportunity to review and comment. It is ready to start.
The council plan provides for great spectator viewing, plenty of parking, new netball courts and facilities for all participants that will be a pleasure to use. Also to correct just one part of the exaggeration of this group the council plan provides for the removal of just four trees and the planting of 28. It is time Castlemaine had sporting facilities that the town can be proud of.
The circus is coming to town this November!
The ‘Circus Mania’ Circus Festival is finally set to hit Castlemaine this November!
The long awaited event will be staged over four big days and nights and is the brainchild of talented local circus performers Caz Walsh and Mason West.
The festival was to be held in 2020 but was sidelined due to covid.
However, the event has been locked in for November 17-20 and will feature in the couple’s own 300 seat big top – The May Wirth – named in honour of Australian female circus pioneer May Wirth (1894-1978) famous for her ability to do somersaults forwards and backwards on a running horse.
The big top will be erected at 74-80 Forest Street (opposite the Western Reserve) for the four day extravaganza.
“Brendan Blake has kindly made his block available to us to stage the festival,” Caz Walsh said.
“We are delighted to be welcoming world class acts from our original 2020 line-up to Castlemaine for the event including headline act saucy cabaret ‘Rouge’ which received five star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
“We will also be welcoming ‘Big Tops and Tiny Tots’ for the pre-school audience and our very own locally based ‘Suitcase Circus’ will offer a family-friendly show.
“We have worked hard to create a program which offers something for every age group,” Caz said.
“Members of our very own Castlemaine Circus, where I am a trainer, will also be part of our all ages show,” Caz said.
And on the Saturday and Sunday Castlemaine Circus will also be offering a free opportunity for locals of all ages to come down and try their hand at some circus skills.
“There be three shows each day as well as live music, food trucks, a Garden Bar thanks to support from Shedshaker Brewing and other festivities taking place each day,” she said.
“We aim to create a real community atmosphere with something for everyone,” Caz said.
Early bird tickets are now on sale, with tickets starting at just $15. The venue will be wheelchair accessible.
For tickets visit circusmania.com.au
Emergency Response Expo set to return to Castlemaine
The Castlemaine Emergency Response Expo is set to return to the Western Reserve on Saturday October 8 and will be bigger than ever with close to 30 organisations attending.
The expo presents a unique opportunity to meet with first responders and emergency workers to learn how to prepare your home and family for floods, bushfires, storms and other emergencies.
SES Castlemaine Deputy Controller Daniel Bone said Central Victoria is currently experiencing similar weather conditions to 2010 and 2016 which led to thousands of Victorian homes being impacted by widespread flooding.
“Dams in our area are close to full and catchment areas are saturated, so even small amounts of rainfall during Spring could cause localised flooding,” he said.
“The expo gives the community of Central Victoria a unique opportunity to learn about the risks where they live and work, and to talk with the experts about creating an emergency plan based on local risk factors,” he said.
“The expo will be especially helpful for people who have moved to the area since the last major floods,” Daniel said.
At the Expo you will be able to learn about local risks from the SES, CFA, Police, Ambulance Victoria and Council and refresh your emergency plans with experts from the Red Cross.
You can also learn practical skills such as CPR, sandbagging, fire safety and wildlife rescue skills.
The expo will also include a BBQ provided by the Lions Club, coffee cart, talks from first responders, demonstrations – including the SES cutting up a car, displays of the latest vehicles and equipment emergency services use in the field, and activities for children including petting animals, a toy truck, face painting, lawn games, balloon art and more.
“The Emergency Response Expo is a fun time for the whole family and an amazing opportunity to learn more about how to best prepare for flooding, bushfires, and storms, as well as speaking with emergency service volunteers and professionals,” Daniel said.
The expo will run from 11am to 3pm. Entry is free. However, a gold coin donations to the local CFA and SES is welcome.
Breakout box (Please shade)
Expo exhibitors
Exhibitors will include: SES, CFA, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Fire Rescue Victoria (Station 73), DELWP/ Forest Fire Management Victoria, Coast Guard (Lake Eppalock),Victorian Council of Churches Emergencies Ministry, ESTA / Triple Zero Victoria, Red Cross, Disaster Legal Help Victoria, St John Ambulance, CSIRO-RMIT Evacuation Risk Modelling Project, Mount Alexander Shire Council, Mount Alexander Shire Disability Advocacy Group, Amber Community (formerly Road Trauma Support Services Victoria), Wildlife Victoria, Wildlife Rescue and Information Network (WRIN), Mount Alexander Animal Welfare Shelter, Powercor, Coliban Water, North Central Catchment Management Authority, NBN Local, Salvation Army, Everyone First Aid, Rewells Mower Service, and Bendigo Amateur Radio and Electronics Club (BAREC).
Wildlife advocates urge Mount Alexander Shire Council to act
A contingent of passionate wildlife advocates recently made a presentation to Mount Alexander Shire Council on the harmful impacts of commercial kangaroo killing.
The delegation included local wildlife rescuer Ian Slattery, documentary film maker Peter Hylands, regional tourism operator Jane Gibb, and wildlife carer and director of Kangaroos Alive Greg Keightley.
The group compiled a detailed document on the subject to present to council, along with several other pertinent documents on the issue including a study commissioned by the Animal Justice Party on the Human Harms of Kangaroo Killing.
Mr Slattery said the presentation was a first for the group which are calling on Mount Alexander Shire Council to play a leadership role and seek a ban on commercial kangaroo killing in the shire and put pressure on the state government to review the practice as a whole.
The group says targets set by the state government are unsustainable and will decimate kangaroo populations across the state.
“Kangaroos are being killed faster than they can reproduce,” Mr Slattery said.
The group outlined that for the period January to end June 2022 the quota was 63,925 Greg Kangaroos, the commercial kill against was 39,919 Grey Kangaroos, of which 13,652 were female. Only 62 per cent of the kill quota could be met. The group says this illustrates that so many kangaroos have been killed in Victoria that there simply isn’t enough kangaroos left to kill. They say is also evidence that the government’s claimed population numbers are over-inflated.
The group say the industry has wiped out kangaroo populations in New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland and it now has a foothold in Victoria. They say numbers in the north of the state have also been severely impacted and now shooters have set their sights on the Central Shooting Zone of which Mount Alexander Shire is part.
There are currently 65 registered commercial shooters in our region, many from interstate, whilst the vast Mallee Shooting Zone has just five shooters.
Jane Gibb shared the devastating impacts the industry has had on her yoga retreat and other tourism businesses in the Dunkeld region.
Local wildlife rescuer Ian Slattery detailed the carnage he has dealt with first hand.
“When I tell people these injuries are the result of the commercial kangaroo killing industry they don’t believe me. It happens under the cover of darkness and many people aren’t aware of it,” he said.
“It is not just about the cruelty, but also the impact on residential amenity. People have been woken to high powered rifles being fired at night, spotlights shining in their windows and waking to the carnage left behind.
“The revenue from the industry is minuscule in comparison to the millions of dollars generated by the tourism industry. We should be showcasing our wildlife not killing it,” he said.
The group is urging council to act to protect our wildlife.
“Let’s not wait until we are the brink of a catastrophe like we did with our koala population before we do something about the problem,” Slattery said.
Lack of consultation in Camp Reserve upgrade plan
John Lewis, Castlemaine
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.
A vote of thanks from Goldfields Quilters
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!
Front pages from the archives: Revisiting Harcourt’s 2002 premiership
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.
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.
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.
Harcourt Lions kings of the jungle after MCDFNL Grand Final triumph
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.
Castlemaine Goldfields FC celebrate Super Cup success
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
Maldon 17 & Under netballers claim MCDFNL flag
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.
Excited by Camp Reserve alternative
Bryon Cunningham, Castlemaine
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