After another great season of twilight netball, the Castlemaine District Netball Association capped off 2022 with some really close grand final action just prior to Christmas.
The successful season would not have been possible without the committee and the support of everyone involved. Thank you to Angela Carland who takes photos of every game and the Fletcher family for manning the BBQ each week.
11 Under
In the 11 Under final Castlemaine Warriors 13 defeated Campbells Creek 12 in an absolute nailbiter. Thanks to umpires Marie McCallum and Tegan Maddern.
13 Under
Another game that went goal for goal was the 13 Under Grand Final between Lions and Steaders. With a huge crowd watching the players lifted and showed huge improvement as the game went on. Thank you to Life Member Sandra Grant for umpiring this match. Special mention to Bede Lord who decided one grand final campaign wasn’t enough when he joined the Lions mid-season. Bede also played in the 11 Under Castlemaine Warriors team. Watch out Bede the men’s Diamonds team will be chasing you. At the final whilst Lions 13 just outplayed the Steaders 11.
15 Under
The final of the 15 Under section between Emeralds and The Redbacks went into overtime with Emeralds coming out victorious in the end. Thank you to Tegan Maddern and Emma Jackson for umpiring this fast-paced game. The crowd support for all matches was something we haven’t seen since prior to covid and made the atmosphere buzz with excitement.
Final scores were Emeralds 21 to The Redbacks 20.
Open
Whilst the open grand final wasn’t close this fast-paced game still had umpires Emma Jackson and Carly Haddock on their toes. This season saw 10 teams entered into the Open division, hopefully a sign that netball is coming out of the Covid fog. Thanks to Leonie Clifford for again arranging the trophies, Ellissia Campbell for streamlining our registration/payment system and Ken Maddern for putting up with our troublesome PA every week. Bring on Twilight 2023!
In the Open final The Main Mob 34 defeated Ride or Dye 11.
Wooden Spooners
The committee decided to hold a wooden spoon final for those teams who hold up the ladder every season and encompass what Twilight Netball is about – fun with family and friends. Thank you to umpires Sandra Grant and Carly Haddock.
In the Open Wooden Spooners final The Green Machines 22 def Pink Panthers 19. Special mention to the Pink Panthers who still took the court even though they only had five players and never gave up.
In other netball news the CDNA were finally able to hold a full umpires training session. Thanks to Marie McCallum and Tegan Maddern for assisting with this. Unfortunately, due to clashes with their games Bella Pratt and Sylvie Henry-Hannan didn’t get a chance to umpire but all other participants did. We look forward to working with this group to further their umpiring skills. Our next session will start in February 2023. Congratulations to Ellie Clifford who was awarded the Helen Archer Perpetual Umpires Award.
Close contests in CDNA Twilight finals
Nordic New Year
Bookings are now open for Dhelkaya Health’s weekly Nordic Pole Walking classes in 2023.
The classes will be held on Monday morning and Thursday evening in Castlemaine, on Tuesday evenings in Harcourt and Wednesday evenings in Maldon.
Trained volunteers, described by participants as ‘patient and encouraging’ lead the groups, and teach participants Nordic Pole Walking skills during the school terms.
Previous participants have noted the health benefits of Nordic Pole Walking, with one saying that he can “now enjoy long walks without aggravating my foot pain”.
“I knew I needed to do regular walking for my fitness, but never enjoyed it due to my health issues. Using Nordic Poles has made all the difference and I now enjoy walking,” said previous participant Phil.
Another participant described Nordic Pole Walking as fun and relaxing.
“Newly retired, it was through Dhelkaya Health that I discovered Nordic Pole Walking. It’s fun and a great way to relax, plus it’s beneficial for my health and mental wellbeing. Thank you!”
Nordic poles are available for use in classes for the duration of the course, and volunteers can assist participants to purchase their own discounted poles if they choose to continue.
Limited spaces are available as classes are kept purposefully small to ensure safety and adequate support for participants.
The free Nordic Pole Walking classes start when school returns, but bookings are essential and interested participants are encouraged to sign up now.
For further information and bookings, please call 5479 1000.
My Harcourt with long time resident and Castlemaine Theatre Company member Yen Kong
Yen Kong
Yen I understand you were originally from Malaysia. When did you come to Australia?
I came to Australia in 1982 with $400 and a suitcase from a city in Malaysia called Batu Pahat (stone and chisel). Legend was that the city was “carved from stones”.
In the year 1982, Australia was in recession. I walked the length of Chapel Street (Prahran) and all side roads, knocking on doors asking if there was any job available!
A friend and I walked for eight hours that day and every door we knocked on we got the same answer “No job”. We finally got to Dandenong Road, exhausted and dejected. My friend yelled out “this is the last factory”. We knocked on the door expecting the same answer. A huge man of German background opened the door. He was actually not happy to see us. He said he would call me the next day. I waited till about 3pm and was just about to head out when the phone rang. He asked if I still wanted the job at $5 an hour!
Did you eventually find secure employment?
I went on to study Electronics at RMIT and got a job at Verbatim. I started as a production worker and was later promoted to Technician. I then went and worked for Ericsson.
My wife at that time wanted to move back to the country, we looked around Castlemaine and when we had a look at Harcourt, I knew this is where I wanted to be. I call Harcourt the “Toorak of country towns”.
How long have you lived in Harcourt now?
I think I am the longest resident (33 years) living on this street as some have moved, and some have passed. What I love about Harcourt is it is central, 10 minutes to Castlemaine, 20 minutes to Kangaroo Flat, and only 1.5 hours to Melbourne. I felt awkward in those days as there were not many Asians living in the district. I have been asked a few times if I work in a Chinese restaurant. Harcourt is a town I will stay in till my time is up.
What did you do for work after making your tree change?
My first job since moving up this way was working at the Garage Art Foundry and I enjoyed the work there as I got to work with many sculptors and artists. The miners at the Castlemaine roundabout were actually welded and finished by me.
Do you have any other passions?
I studied a Diploma in Drug and Alcohol at the University of Ballarat when I was working as a youth worker and also as a Multicultural worker. The course normally takes three years but I completed it in six months. I ran many programs as a cultural worker and one of them I enjoyed most was organising rock concerts as I got to go up and play (guitar). It’s amazing that there are many talented young people in our region.
What keeps you busy at the moment?
These days I spend most of my time tending my collections of Succulents and growing mushrooms ( my new hobby). My pet cats, dogs and fish. I am called the kitchen Bi#$%%^h as I enjoy cooking. I also enjoy writing poetry. I try to keep myself fit and healthy by working out daily. It is a way of life for me.
I understand you’ve also dabbled in theatre with the Castlemaine Theatre Company?
Yes, if there are parts in the Castlemaine Theatre Company I can play, I will join in. I have played the Monkey King in ‘Monkey and The Monk’ and appeared as Bromden/Tiger Lily in the recent ‘Peter Panto’ production.
If you could have three dream dinner guests who would they be?
I only have one person I would like to have dinner with and that would be Dr Fred Hollows, if he was still alive, as he is an inspiration for his generosity with his time and gift.
Do you have any philosophies by which you like to live life?
My motto in life is simple, be kind, be generous and live life to my fullest as best as I can.
Mount Alexander community invited to celebrate
Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting the community to come together this Australia Day – Survival Day for a free, family-friendly event on Thursday January 26.
Held at Castlemaine’s Victory Park from 10am to 2pm, the event will include a Welcome to Country, citizenship ceremony, and the presentation of the Mount Alexander Shire Australia Day Awards.
The event will also include a Survival Day concert – programmed and emceed by Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson.
“Council and the Dja Dja Wurrung community have a long history of working together towards reconciliation,” Uncle Rick Nelson said.
“Last year’s Survival Day concert saw musicians like D’Arcy Spiller, and Tjima and Natji Possum perform, along with didgeridoo players Jason Kerr and Alvin Briggs,” he said.
“We had some really positive feedback about the gig, and I’m excited that we’re able to do it all again,” the local Elder said.
In 2018, under the leadership of Dja Dja Wurrung Elders, council decided to formally dual name events held on January 26 as Australia Day – Survival Day, to recognise how celebrations on this day impact the First Nations community.
This decision was made to create an event where all community members are represented, included and celebrated – as well as to create a platform for education and healing through truth-telling.
Mount Alexander Shire Council mayor Cr Rosie Annear said she is really proud of our council for leading the way and dual naming our community event held on January 26.
“It honours our partnership and collaborative history with our Dja Dja Wurrung Elders, and the First Nations Community,” Cr Annear said.
“We all live here together, so let’s celebrate together. Not only Australia Day, but that Aboriginal nations have survived.”
For more information visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/AustraliaDay.
Country Week side bound for final
Country Week 2022/23 has been full of surprises for the Castlemaine and District Cricket Association (CDCA).
The U13 team has had a successful start to the campaign. Competing in Pool A against the top age Ballarat and Gisborne sides as well as the Grampians. In both round 1 and 2 they have recorded wins to put themselves in contention for the final for the first time in many years.
Round 1
Tuesday saw a nail biting win over Gisborne. After being asked to bat first, the CDCA got off to a strong start reaching 1-105 in the 22nd over. Great batting from Dec Brasher (43) and Jack Archer (24) built great momentum for the innings, however, a great collapse ensued. Charlie Cordy was the only other batsman to reach 10 and the team was dismissed for 136.Gisborne started in a very positive manner making the most of some wayward bowling reaching 2-76 by the 22nd over. Castlemaine struggled to take consecutive wickets and Gisborne continued to build partnerships and with 10 overs to go, Gisborne only needed 43 to win with seven wickets in hand. Great second spells from Jack Smith (0/11 off 6) and Dec Brasher (2/12 off 6) helped to bring the game down to the last ball where a run out from Abe Isdale resulted in a one run win to Castlemaine.
Round 2
Castlemaine travelled to Stawell Wednesday to play the Grampians. Grampians won the toss and batted first and were held well early with the first seven overs bringing only 7 runs and some missed catches. From this point, the Grampians accelerated as Castlemaine missed chances in the field. Throughout the remainder of the innings, the runs came at about 4 per over and the Grampians reached 133 before being dismissed. In the best performances it was a special day for Will Garsed in his first Country Week match. A late inclusion into the team, Will took 4/20 with his leg spin as well as a catch. Other performances of note were Ted Cordy also picking up 2/16 and a catch, Fletcher McAinch 1/9, Rufus Bester 1/10 and Dec Brasher three catches.The run chase got off to a shaky start with the loss of both openers leaving Castlemaine 2-10. There was an excellent rebuild of the innings by Jack Archer and Charlie Cordy as Castlemaine saw off the early accurate bowling and then accelerated as the loose balls began to flow. When Jack Archer retired on 43 we had 36 runs to win with ten overs remaining. Cullen Foreman joined Charlie Cordy and after a period of time settling in, the pair closed out the match with five overs to spare. Charlie hit 39 not out and Cullen made 23 not out.
Heading into Thursday’s match, Castlemaine were scheduled to face Ballarat in round 3 at Muckleford and then again in the final in Ballarat on Friday. It will be the first time in many years where CDCA will compete in the main final in U13 Junior Country Week and the association looks forward to seeing what our players can do.
A juxtaposition of life in Lviv Oblast Ukraine
Castlemaine Art Museum’s (CAM) latest ‘Summer Terrace Projection’ installation features a photographic series by talented local photographer Piper Albrecht from the artist’s time in Lviv Oblast, Ukraine, in May and August of 2022.
The 21 year old said the images tell a story about the juxtaposition of life going on in a city amidst constant reminders of war.
“My photos are not about war-torn Ukraine, but a snippet of life in the city furthest from the front which is, nonetheless, deeply affected by the war,” Piper said.
The artist discovered a love of photography whilst studying locally at Castlemaine Steiner School and later the Castlemaine Secondary College Steiner Stream, before pursuing a career in elite mountain bike racing which has seen him compete on the international stage at World Cup events across Europe. Despite his passion for the sport he always had his trusty camera in hand capturing mountain bike action, landscapes, wildlife and more on his travels.
Piper said that he found himself at a crossroads in 2021.
“In August of that year, as Kabul was falling to the Taliban, I, alongside the rest of the world, watched helplessly at the scenes of despair being played out across our many screens. Seeing that triggered something in me to try to do some good in the world, and among other reasons helped me make the decision to retire from bike racing,” he said.
“Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 reignited a war ongoing since 2014. Within months of making that initial decision to quit racing, I had an opportunity to put my photography skills to use for some good. Out of that came my first collection of documentary images, from my time in Lviv Oblast, Ukraine.”
Piper said that he found passage into Lviv Oblast after a chance meeting with a clown.
“He was travelling across the border with a Spanish foundation, which has been supporting the people of Ukraine for 30 years, to do a circus performance for children which were among 170 refugees living there.
“I went along to photograph his performance and stayed with the foundation and in my two trips to the Ukraine have made many friends and connections, including a group of mountain bike riders which I enjoyed rides with,” he said.
Piper said he chose to capture his images with an analogue camera as those that have done before, shooting on 35mm Kodak Portra 160 and 400 film, these images are recent, yet still reminiscent of conflicts decades ago. Despite the advances in technology and the terrible lessons learned from our past, history continues to repeat itself.
“This series grapples with the conflicts and social issues we have brought with us into the future. Wherever you look in Lviv Oblast there are street performers, bustling cafes, Ukrainian flags, posters, banners and ribbons, with crowds singing along to songs of the resistance. The mood is lively, but with a worried tension underpinning daily life,” Piper said.
“There is a heightened military presence, bordered windows, protected monuments, sandbags and air raid sirens. In the four weeks I spent in the Ukraine, five missiles landed in Lviv Oblast, less than 80km from the European Union. But life in the city goes on amidst these perils. This series offers insight into Lviv Oblast – a busy city with cosy cafes and streets like any other, alongside vivid reminders of war.”
Piper said many people question why the residents don’t just flee their home.
“They all know someone fighting for their freedom in the war and they feel that if they leave, what is the point, what are their loved ones fighting for?” Piper said.
“People don’t want to leave everything they have ever known behind for a life of uncertainty.
“They told me the conflict highlights what’s important. Spending time with friends and family and making the most of every day,” he said.
So what’s next for Piper?
The artist is currently focused on working as a professional sports photographer in the mountain bike sphere and in his spare time aims to keep using his art to bring focus to social issues across the globe.
“I’m yet to figure out the intricacies of creating powerful images to motivate change, but this is all part of a journey I’m on and I’m not stopping anytime soon!” he said.
Using the medium of light, CAM is bringing contemporary images and ideas to the streets of Castlemaine in this new series of exhibitions and commissions with local and national artists.
You can catch the Lviv Oblast projection nightly from 9pm on the façade of the Castlemaine Art Museum in Lyttleton Street until February 2.
For more on the exhibition and the artist visit castlemaineartmuseum.org.au
The Goldfields: World Heritage, or a Legacy of Shame?
Two former premiers are the face of a World Heritage bid for the Central Victorian Goldfields. All 13 local councils have supported the bid, including Mount Alexander Shire Council.
However, local writer and former barrister Brian Walters AM SC says the push raises important questions about our history and how we value it.
Previously a prominent Melbourne QC, Brian Walters regularly appeared in high profile court cases. In his speaking, writing and court room work, he has become known for his advocacy of public interest causes, including conducting landmark human rights litigation before the United Nations.
Brian is committed to a better community, formerly serving as President of Liberty Victoria, as Vice President of Free Speech Victoria, and he was a founder of the Greens in Victoria. A keen bushwalker, in 1981 he co-founded ‘Wild’ – Australia’s most respected wilderness adventure magazine.
The environmental advocate says World Heritage status is generally reserved for places of ‘outstanding universal value to humanity‘.
Australian places inscribed on the World Heritage list include the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru-Kata Tjuta, and the Sydney Opera House.
Are the goldfields in this category? Do we want to celebrate what was done in the mid-nineteenth century, which caused so much lasting damage? Walters says it is a question of what we value.
“Heritage and history should not be confused. The Victorian gold rush is a fact of history. It brought some good things – including fine buildings of that era. It brought population and
wealth to the fledgling colony of Victoria. It produced the Eureka stockade that helped shape our democracy,” Mr Walters says.
“But it also brought massive environmental and cultural devastation. The damage done by the gold rush is still with us – almost the whole of central Victoria was dug up, often to a
depth of several metres, and turned over. This created what is often called ‘upside down country’ – with hydrology deranged, the topsoil gone, and depauperated soil unable to
retain moisture and hosting only a fraction of the biodiversity that once flourished here,” he says.
Central Victoria was home to Box-Ironbark woodlands. According to the 2001 Victorian Environment Assessment Council study into Box-Ironbark: ‘Old growth forest, as defined in most other Victorian forests, is virtually absent from Box-lronbark forests, because of their history of clearing and heavy use in the gold rushes, followed by intensive selective harvesting.’
“One and a half centuries on, we are seeing the disappearance of species once common across the area, while others, such as the swift parrot, the squirrel glider and the tuan, are
just hanging on. It is a dire legacy,” Mr Walters says.
“Although a mere flicker in the long history of this region, there is no doubting the significance of the gold rush. But chapters in history can be significant without amounting to
heritage: the White Australia Policy was significant, but who would elevate it to the status of heritage?
“Castlemaine was briefly the most productive gold-producing region in the world. The damage is still obvious, with denuded soils, mullock heaps and mine shafts, and old junk left
by miners,” he says.
“Community groups are working to restore Box-Ironbark. This requires repair of water retention features, and management to allow the woodland to regrow. On public land, each
step requires consultation and permission. Prioritising gold mining historic values will retard this work, imposing a further layer of restriction,” he says.
“The bid trumpets its (questionable) value to tourism, but tourism values and heritage values are distinct.
“Publicity material lists other values in the bid, including First Nations values, but inevitably the bid will prioritise gold rush history over other values.
“For me, living near Castlemaine, the legacy of the gold rush is a matter of shame. So much was lost for such ephemeral gains. There are many features of this area which would justify
World Heritage status – but not the tragic legacy of the gold rush. We should never include those values as part of any bid for World Heritage.”
Brian’s latest book ‘Treason’ on the German resistance to the Nazis is to be launched at The Taproom at Shedshaker Brewing as part of the Northern Books ‘Books at the Brewery’ series next Tuesday evening, January 10 at 6pm.
Kevin Costner’s travel app launched in Australia
Visitors to Castlemaine and surrounds can now discover more about the region’s past from the comfort of their car thanks to a new app – Autio.
Autio was co-founded in the US by actor Kevin Costner in a bid to share local history and stories.
“I love stories, I am the guy that stops at the historical markers along the highway, usually bringing moans from everyone in the car,” Costner said.
“But it was this continuing curiosity that I began to think Autio could satisfy without anyone having to leave the car,” the actor said.
Autio has announced its Australian launch, in partnership with the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, initially focusing on Victoria in the region between Castlemaine, Bendigo and Echuca.
Autio is a mobile audio entertainment app for travel that uses geolocation technology to automatically play stories of landmarks, cities and towns nearby. Headquartered in California with a mission to deliver a compelling story at the right time, wherever you may be; the app features over 10,000 stories in the United States and now hundreds in Australia.
The app won the Webby for ‘Best Travel App’ and has been featured as ‘App of the Day’ by Apple.
Autio Australia production director Daryl Missen said it is exciting to capture the wonderful stories of Australia, starting in regional Victoria.
“We are loving learning more and more about our amazing country on this journey, and bringing the stories to life,” he said.
“Every place has a story, now every story has a place. With over 200 stories and growing that are free to listen to, from Castlemaine, Bendigo, Echuca, Heathcote, Daylesford, Kyabram and more, Autio provides an entertaining, informative, and important record of these incredible Australian places,” Missen said.
Autio Australia Content Director Dan Bradley said some of the local stories to feature include content on the origins of Castlemaine, when it was originally named Forest Creek – and the influence of gold on the region, when John Worley who announced the discovery of gold in the area. It also includes content on local footy legend Ron Barrassi; the launch of the Theatre Royal and the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens; the story of Brownlow Medallist Dustin Martin growing up in Yapeen; the renaming of a stretch of the old Calder to Harmony Way after Henry Harmony Nelson of the Dja Dja Wurrung clan; and the origins of Maldon.
“We are adding to the content all the time. Each piece runs for two to four minutes,” Bradley said.
The Autio app is now available for download free from the Apple App Store.
Japanese art to feature at Lot 19
Lot 19 Art Precinct in Langslow Street is excited to launch its first exhibition of 2023 this weekend, Isabelle Kawai Vincent’s It’s too Black and White.
Growing up the first second generation Japanese Australian in Castlemaine Isabelle Kawai Vincent was surrounded by Japanese images from books, magazines, posters, kimonos, Japanese ornaments and music.
Whilst completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts, she embraced the innate Japanese influence that was becoming evident in her art, and initiated her own study of Japanese art as it was almost non-existent in Australia at that time.
The exhibition focuses on art Isabelle created whilst living and studying Kodaimoji, the ancient form of Kanji, Japanese Sumi-e Ink painting, in Japan for five years.
Isabelle will do a live painting performance, accompanied by live music on Saturday January 21. See the Lot 19 website for details.
Lot 19 are looking forward to a wonderful year, with the first quarter of 2023 seeing the venue hosting exhibitions from Cate Kennedy and Bill Gregory, as well as Open Studios during the Castlemaine State Festival, and their popular annual event Castlemaine Idyll during the Castlemaine Fringe Festival.
High octane speed boat racing at Lake Eppalock
The Victorian Speed Boat Club is hosting the annual Eppalock Gold Cup boat race this Saturday January 7.
The race meeting is a round of the Australian Power Boat Championship series and the Eppalock Cup itself is a Perpetual Trophy that dates back to 1958.
This high-octane event will feature some of the finest power boat racing in Australia.
It will feature many classes of racing boats, from 15 Hp Junior boats raced by kids through to 2000 HP monsters capable of speeds in excess of 270Kmh.
The GP Hydroplanes will be racing. They are the fastest, loudest, most exciting boats on the water. It’s loud, it’s spectacular, and it’s very, very exciting.
Other attractions on the day will be a Hot Rod car show, Vintage boat display and remote control model boat display.
Come Feel The Noise at the Victorian Speed Boat Club on the shores of Lake Eppalock, Speed Boat Road Derrinal.
The action starts from 9.30 am Saturday morning. This event allows families and friends to enjoy a fun day out of fast-charged racing action and exhibitions. Food and drink are available throughout the day, and kids under 10 are permitted free. Part proceeds will be donated to the Victorian Flood Appeal.
From our archives – looking back at the stories that made headlines
The Castlemaine Mail looks back at pages from our archives in this monthly column.
20 years ago
December 13, 2002
Castlemaine legal firm HSW Lawson and Co celebrated its 150 anniversary with a re-enactment of the opening of the first Supreme Court on the goldfields, placement of a time capsule, the planting of trees and a dinner. A former Castlemaine man was charged with armed robberies at Harcourt Post Office and Winters Flat Store, and local emergency services were called out to a truck rollover at Guildford. Fortunately the driver only incurred minor injuries in the crash.
15 years ago
December 7, 2007
The 75th anniversary of post World War One project – the Great Ocean Road – was celebrated. Castlemaine had a connection to both the project and celebrations. The first charge to begin the huge project was set off on November 19, 1919 by then Premier of Victoria Castlemaine’s HSW Lawson. To mark the celebrations the Castlemaine connection was kept alive with two local vehicles, Felix Cappy’s 1928 Delarge and Roger Rayson’s 1932 Invicta, part of the convoy which marked the anniversary. In other news Swan Hill tuned up for Bendigo Country Week with a hit out against Castlemaine.
10 years ago
December 28, 2012
Local men Jed McDonald and Mat Taft were honoured to receive Bravery Awards for their efforts to rescue a woman from floodwaters in 2010. Deirdre McDonough was driving home when her car was washed off the Pyrenees Hwy and into the flooded Muckleford Creek about 9.30pm. Jed waded out and freed the woman from her submerged vehicle but the pair were unable to make it back to safety, clinging to a tree. Arriving on the scene Mat called for assistance from emergency services before managing to pull the woman to safety using a rope and lifejacket. An SES volunteer managed to rescue Jed using the same method.
5 years ago
December 22, 2017
Taradale resident Michelle Guest and her husband were fortunate to escape injury after a massive tree crashed through their loungeroom. Michelle told the Mail if the pair hadn’t gone to check on their animals during the storm, they might have been in the path of the tree.
Taradale was among the hardest hit areas during the storm which lashed the region around 7pm on Tuesday December 19, 2017 bringing down trees and powerlines. Ninety year old Joe Hancock lost a significant part of his roof and said it was the worst storm he’d seen since he settled in Taradale in 1961.
Take a look back at John Smith Store Yapeen
Circa 1890s
John Smith’s store was located on the Yapeen-Vaughan road on a sharp corner about 300 metres from the Guildford-Castlemaine Road. According to the local paper, he inaugurated his new premises in October 1864 with a banquet and invited 40 friends. The General Store indeed provided a comprehensive range of goods and services. Signage on the buildings indicates that it was a post office, it sold boots and shoes, and the ‘bar’ sign on the window under the verandah confirms it was also a hotel. He was also a local agent for the Colonial Mutual Fire Insurance Company. On the right, John Smith’s timberyard offered virtually everything that a modern day hardware store would sell including timber, steel, paint, galvanised iron, fencing wire, doors, glass and wallpaper. The hay and corn section of the business suffered a destructive fire in 1884 but fortunately did not spread to the general store and residence. John Smith died in 1898 and the business passed to his son, C.J. Smith.
2022
This is the exact same scene in the modern day and all the buildings shown in the earlier image can easily be identified with the former timber store on the right, the old general store in the centre and a timber structure on the left with a tall chimney behind the electricity pole. John Smith’s name is emblazoned on the front of the former general store in a similar location to the larger sign shown in the earlier photograph. Information and images courtesy of Ken McKimmie.